District 2 Newsletter (September 09, 2021)

Barbara Shanklin

COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN


(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202

Dr. Barbara Shanklin
District 2 Councilwoman
601 West Jefferson Street
City Hall, 1st Floor
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1102
Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov


Caleb Howard
Legislative Assistant
(502) 574-2787
Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov


On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM when we meet with LMPD, and 6:30PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.

JOIN US ON ZOOM THIS MONTH TO MEET WITH LMPD AND COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN:

LMPD:

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Team KY

 

 

COVID-19: Data in Kentucky

Current as of September 09, 2021

Kentucky Coronavirus Monitoring

Number Tested: 8,269,979 (PCR:  6,386,592  -  Serology:  372,695  -  Antigen:  1,334,879)*
Positive: 609,924 (Probable:  161,141  -  Lab Confirmed:  448,783)

Deaths: 7,935 (Probable: 834 - Lab Confirmed: 7,101)

Positivity Rate: 14.16%**

*PCR is test for COVID, Serology is antibodies test

**Based on a 7-day rolling average; Switched on 10/19/2020 to electronic laboratory reports as the sole source of data for the positivity rate. Learn more about how KDPH determines the Statewide Positivity Rate.  Note:  Data includes cases of COVID-19 reported to KDPH.

Jefferson County Coronavirus Monitoring:

As of September 9th, we have confirmed 101,591 cases, 1,427 deaths, and 44,867 recovered in Jefferson County. Here’s the link to the Louisville Metro COVID-19 dashboard: https://covid-19-in-jefferson-county-ky-lojic.hub.arcgis.com/

The city’s COVID-19 data dashboard, a complete list of COVID-19 testing sites, vaccine information, prevention and contact tracing can be found at www.louisville.gov/covid19. The LOU HEALTH COVID19 Helpline is also available: 502- 912-8598

covid plan mar 2021
confirmed cases sept 2021 1
Red counties recommendations

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Gov Beshear

Latest News from Gov. Beshear and the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Gov. Beshear Reports Record-High Week for New COVID-19 Cases

FRANKFORT, KY (Sept. 7, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentucky has recorded more than 13,000 new COVID-19 cases in just four days. The Governor also reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases in one week, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, with 30,680 cases, topping the previous record-high week reported the week before.

“We continue to see more cases than is safe by any means,” said Gov. Beshear. “The bad news is we had the worst week ever last week. Our hospitals continue to be pushed to the brink. If we have one bad week, we can very quickly run out of ICU beds.”

On Sunday, Gov. Beshear announced the arrival of a National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) team at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead to assist the hospital in the current surge of COVID-19 cases. The Governor has also used the Kentucky National Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Medical Services strike teams and nursing students to help at strained health care facilities across the commonwealth. For more information, read the full release.

Officials at St. Claire Regional Medical Center discussed via video message the help they’ve received during the current surge of COVID-19 thanks to the requests made by the Governor. Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) operate under the NDMS as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The assistance of the assignment of the Kentucky National Guard, the request from the Governor for the HHS-DMAT team and the additional assistance from the nurses from the Galen College of Nursing students have been a godsend,” said Donald Lloyd II, president and chief executive officer.

“The DMAT team being here means that we’ve got a little bit of relief this time. I can’t stress how important that is. They’re providing relief to an already tight staff who are just exhausted. The DMAT team is able to take patients and that allows our team to rest a little bit while still working,” said Lerae Wilson, DNP and chief nursing officer.

“We have been overwhelmed for a while. Their arrival has helped us recoup, regroup and get better care. We completely are thankful to them and have great gratitude for their arrival,” said Dr. William Melahn, chief medical officer.

“It means so much to have that additional help. We have been burning at all ends, our staff, our entire team has just been working so hard. It’s just a relief and a little bit of light to have this trained group of people to come in to help us relieve some of that pressure from us,” said Courtney Hollingsworth, MSN, RN and associate chief nursing officer.

Mark Wade, principal of Boyle County High School, also shared his story of battling COVID-19 via video message and encouraged all Kentuckians to get vaccinated.

“I never thought I would be hospitalized. I was just 41 years old with no pre-existing conditions. I was pretty healthy. The virus is no joke. It doesn’t discriminate,” said Wade. “The vaccine was not available before I was hospitalized and became ill with COVID, but it is now. I trust that the vaccine will help me. Do it for yourself, do it for your family, get the vaccine. It just makes sense.”

Gov. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Coleman Join Mental Health Advocates to Highlight Suicide Prevention, Increase Awareness

Governor proclaims National Suicide Prevention Week at UofL Health – Peace Hospital

LOUISVILLE, KY (Sept. 7, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined mental health advocates and leaders from UofL Health – Peace Hospital to raise awareness and proclaim this National Suicide Prevention Week in the commonwealth, encouraging Kentuckians to take action if they know someone in crisis.

Tragically, last year 756 Kentuckians died by suicide, making it the state’s 11th leading cause of death and 2nd among those ages 10-34.

“With the mental health challenges many people have faced during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to be supportive, to make sure they realize they are not alone, for us to know the signs and to take immediate action to help those in crisis,” said Gov. Beshear. “Through the remainder of this pandemic and as we emerge, we must look out for our fellow Kentuckians and protect one another to prevent us from losing more beloved family members, friends and neighbors to suicide.”

The Governor also said it is vital to reduce the stigma around mental health so more Kentuckians will seek help.

At UofL Health – Peace Hospital, the Governor signed the proclamation designating this National Suicide Prevention Week in the commonwealth. Hospital leaders and mental health advocates joined the Governor as he signed the proclamation. 

Peace Hospital is among the largest behavioral health facilities in the nation, providing care for children, adolescents and adults. The hospital offers 24/7 no-charge assessments and support for all ages.

“The isolation and uncertainty caused by a global pandemic is unavoidable. But we must acknowledge how it has greatly affected the mental health of our students,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15% of Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period. We must all work together to solve this epidemic. I applaud UofL Health – Peace Hospital for being a vital partner in this work.”

The hospital’s leaders emphasized that suicide prevention demands immediate action. If someone says they are thinking about suicide, Kentuckians should:

  • Take them seriously;
  • Listen;
  • Don’t leave them alone; and
  • Help them get to a professional for evaluation and treatment.

“More than 10 million Americans will have thoughts about suicide every year. We lost a heartbreaking 756 Kentuckians last year. One is too many,” said Martha Mather, chief administrative officer of UofL Health – Peace Hospital. “It is important we talk about suicide and mental health. The more we talk about it, it reduces the stigma. And the more we know about it, the better prepared we are to step in to help.”

In partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Louisville and the Louisville Health Advisory Board, Peace Hospital supports the goal of training 2,021 people in free suicide prevention (QPR) training. Register here for free QPR training in Jefferson County.

QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer – are the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis. The mission of QPR trainers is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing one of the most effective and widely taught suicide prevention skillsets.

Seeking Help
If you find yourself having suicidal thoughts, dial 911 immediately, go to a nearby hospital or:

  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK
  • Find crisis lines by county here
  • Visit Peace Hospital’s Assessment and Referral Center for 24/7 no charge assessments:
         In Louisville: 502-451-3333
         In Lexington and Eastern Kentucky: 859-313-3515

Gov. Beshear has taken numerous actions to provide mental health services and resources for Kentuckians. In May, Kentucky received a $340,000 grant to build capacity for the upcoming transition to a nationwide 988 hotline, which will replace the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 800-273-8255.

Through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Gov. Beshear has invested federal funding into Community Mental Health Centers to expand their crisis service capacity, with 10 of 14 now with the accreditation to provide crisis line services. CHFS has also trained rural clinicians in the Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk program, which has prepared 40 new QPR trainers who interact directly with rural Kentuckians, farmers and their families. As part of the Kentucky Emergency Response to Suicide Prevention Initiative, Kentucky is working with hospitals to provide Peer Support Specialists, who have lived experience with suicide attempts, to work with patients after an emergency room visit for a suicide attempt.

In 2020, Gov. Beshear announced a $2 million grant to treat Kentuckians suffering from mental health issues and substance-use disorders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and a $4 million grant to enhance outpatient treatment services. Thanks to the Governor’s Challenge Team, Kentucky is one of 27 states with a designated team that is developing and implementing statewide suicide prevention best practices for military service members, veterans and their families.

Lt. Gov. Coleman and the Education & Workforce Development Cabinet are also prioritizing the mental health of young people with a statewide series of roundtables in Kentucky schools to discuss student mental health.


Mayor Fischer

Latest News from Mayor Fischer and the City of Louisville

Property tax rates drop in Louisville Metro

LOUISVILLE, KY (September 3, 2021) – Property tax rates are dropping slightly for all Louisville residents, according to Metro Government’s Office of Management and Budget.

“Despite the impact of COVID-19, our economy is continuing its pre-virus momentum,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “A decrease in property tax rates is a tangible benefit for our citizens.”

This year, the countywide Metro real property tax rate will go from 13 cents per $100 assessed value to 12.89 cents, according to a property tax ordinance filed today with Metro Council. That change amounts to a $1.10 savings for every $100,000 of assessed property value.

The Urban Service District real property tax rate will move from 36.71 cents per $100 of AV to 35.46 cents per $100 of AV.  This equates to a decrease of $12.50 per $100,000 of property value.

“Ongoing growth in our local economy and the continued demand for real estate results in the growth in property values are the factors contributing to the downward movement in our property tax rates,” said Metro Chief Financial Officer Monica Harmon.

Property taxes fund approximately 25 percent of the city’s budget.

The proposed real property rate changes represent the allowable 4% growth on the existing property tax base under state House Bill 44 and do not require a general vote by the public.

The proposed rates are consistent with the FY22 budget adopted by the Metro Council in June, which increased the property tax revenue estimate from $157,030,000 to $163,350,000.

Metro residents have an opportunity to comment on the proposed property tax rates during a public hearing at noon on Thursday, Sept. 23 in room 106 at Metro Hall.

Once Metro Council approves the ordinance, the rates take effect on property tax bills released by the Sheriff in early November.

City announces launch of three pilot programs to improve staffing levels at Louisville Metro Corrections

Programs offer financial incentives to recruit and retain Corrections staff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 31, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC) Director Dwayne Clark today announced three pilot projects designed to boost recruitment and retention of LMDC sworn staff.

“While public safety staffing in general is a challenge right now, staffing at Corrections is especially challenging.  We must address this problem with urgency,” the Mayor said. “I appreciate LMDC leadership and the unions working together on this innovative approach to increase our staffing. The dedication of the men and women who serve the community as civilian and sworn staff at Corrections cannot be overstated.”

The three pilot projects were developed in partnership with unions representing LMDC civilian and sworn staff, represented by FOP Corrections Union Lodge 77 and AFSCME Local 2629:

  • The first pilot project will provide financial incentives to LMDC employees who refer a candidate for sworn staff employment at Corrections. The incentives will be staggered as the recruit moves from training to swearing in, with a potential total of $1,050.00. The staggered method, with incentives increasing as the candidate moves through the process, is also designed to encourage staff to mentor their recruits and to be invested in the recruit’s success.
  • The second pilot project provides a hiring incentive to new recruits of $2,000.00, with successful candidates receiving $1,000.00 when they are sworn in and another $1,000.00 when they complete a probationary period.
  • The third pilot project aims to improve retention among sworn and civilian LMDC staff. Eligible employees who continue their employment with Corrections can receive up to $2,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2022, which began July 1.  Eligible employees working today on Sept. 1, 2021, will receive $1,000.00.  All of those eligible employees who are still working on June 1, 2022, will receive an additional $1,000.00.

“These incentives are meant to acknowledge the difficult job our highly dedicated staff is doing at a challenging time,” said Director Clark, “while also giving them the ability to further invest in Corrections’ future, by bringing us good candidates who will be mentored for success.  We’re very excited about this.”

FOP President Daniel Johnson said: “FOP Lodge 77 is excited to announce these three new hiring and retention incentives, created in collaboration with the Mayor’s office.  We are hopeful this will be the first of many initiatives to address staffing at Louisville Metro Corrections.” 

All three pilot efforts are designed to work in conjunction with one another. For now, the year-long pilot projects will operate only at Corrections. If successful, they could serve as models for other Metro Government public service agencies. 

“One of our priorities is ensuring a qualified, quality and fairly compensated public safety team in our city,” the Mayor said. “We want Corrections employees to ‘sign on, stay on, and bring on’ quality candidates to better our Corrections team. Starting these pilot efforts within Corrections makes sense, given the critical staffing challenges there, but we’ll be monitoring the programs as we go, and if successful, will work to expand to other public safety agencies.”

If you would like to apply for a job with LMDC, please visit the department website at Louisville Corrections Careers | LouisvilleKY.gov.


louisville metro council

Louisville Metro Council News

Council Seeks Public Input on FOP Contract

Schedules Two Public Hearings to Receive Comments

LOUISVILLE, KY (Sept. 8, 2021) – The Metro Council’s Labor and Economic Development Committee will hear public comments on two successive Tuesdays regarding the River City FOP collective bargaining agreement.  The first public comment meeting will be held Tuesday, September 14that 3 p.m.  Registration will open on Monday, September 13th at 2 p.m. and is limited to the first 25 speakers who register on the Metro Council Clerk’s website  https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk.   

"As chair of the Labor & Economic Development Committee, I want to ensure the public's ability to be heard during such a crucial moment, as we discuss the FOP's tentative agreement with the Mayoral Administration," said Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3).

On the following Tuesday, September 20th the Committee will host another public meeting beginning at 4 p.m.  Registration will open on September 19th at 3 p.m. and is limited to the first 40 speakers who register on the Metro Council Clerk’s website https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk.   

Council President David James (D-6) said, "I encourage all of our citizens to let their voices be heard as it relates to the new tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement between FOP 614 and the Mayor."

The public can speak in person at City Hall or virtually join via WebEx Events.  Each registered speaker will have three (3) minutes to speak.  More information and guidelines can be found here:  https://louisvilleky.gov/metro-council/document/guidance-public-addresses-public-hearing-fop.

Ad Hoc Committee on Redistricting set to redraw boundary lines for all 26 Metro Council Districts based on 2020 US Census Data

Committee invites the public to follow its work in the coming months

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Ad Hoc Committee on Redistricting is moving forward with its goal of redrawing boundary lines for all 26 Metro Council Districts based on 2020 US Census data. State law requires the Metro Council to act after the census is completed.

At its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, the Ad Hoc Committee announced a schedule of meetings to complete its work in time for new districts to be in place for the 2022 election cycle..

“The late arrival of Census data will dramatically compress the timeline for redistricting this year. Despite that challenge, we are committed to conducting the process fairly and openly and look forward to getting public input throughout,” said Councilman Markus Winkler (D-17), Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee.        

Pursuant to state statutes, Metro Council boundaries shall be drawn so that the districts are compact, contiguous and the population of each district shall be as nearly equal as is reasonably possible.  Whenever possible, each district shall respect existing neighborhood, community, and city boundaries. Boundaries must also satisfy federal constitutional requirements.

“In the past, the process for drawing our Metro Council districts has been one that is based on best serving the people of Louisville by placing a high value on maximizing representation, compactness and equity in each district’s makeup. I am hopeful that we will be able to continue that focus and build on those successes during this redistricting process,” said Councilman Anthony Piagentini (R-19), Vice-Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee.

Joining Winkler and Piagentini on the committee are the following council members: Jessica Green (D-1), Keisha Dorsey (D-3), Cassie Chambers Armstrong (D-8), Rick Blackwell (D-12), and James Peden (R-23).

The Ad Hoc Committee has announced the following meeting schedule. All meetings will be held beginning at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers on the following dates:

August 11

August 25

September 8

September 22

October 13

October 27

November 10

December 1

A special web page has been created on the Metro Council’s home page at Louisvilleky.gov to allow the public to follow the Ad Hoc Committee’s work. The page will provide updated information on meetings, how the public can comment, and future public hearings. To see the page, go to: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/redistricting-information.

All the Ad Hoc Committee’s meetings will be carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99.

All meetings of the Metro Council are streamed live. Go to the Metro Council Home page at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council and click on the Metro Council Agendas link.


Office of Resilience and Community Services logo

ORCS News

City providing additional funding for its COVID-19 Utility Relief Fund

First $2.5 million will go to help LG&E customers

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 19, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that the city is making additional funding available for its COVID-19 Utility Relief Program, starting with $2.5 million to help residents who have fallen behind on Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) bills as a result of COVID-19.

The funds are designed to assist residents with a past-due amount on an active LG&E account. The outstanding balance must have occurred since March 16, 2020, and customers will need to attest they have had a financial hardship during the pandemic.

Customers with outstanding balances could receive a one-time credit for up to $1,000 on LG&E bills.

An additional $2.5 million will be shared with Louisville Water Co. in the coming weeks; details on that spending are not yet finalized.

Funding for the Utility Relief Program comes from the first round of Louisville’s Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), which have been approved to address the city’s most urgent needs. The LG&E funds will be distributed by the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) via the Neighborhood Place network.

“We know financial hardships related to COVID-19 created a high demand for utility assistance, and we have worked with our partners to get people back on track,” said Fischer. “As Louisville continues to recover from the impact of COVID, many households continue to face hardships. We are grateful to utilize this first round of money from the Federal American Rescue Plan to help stabilize our most vulnerable households.”

Earlier in 2021, Louisville assisted more than 11,400 LG&E customers with outstanding balances with $6 million in utility assistance. In addition, Louisville Water Co. was able to provide $4 million in relief to 11,765 residential customers utilizing a new Louisville Metro COVID Relief Portal. Funding for these programs was made possible through general fund dollars freed up by Federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) Act funding in other areas. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented number of households to fall behind on their utility bills due to the widespread loss of employment and diminished pay for many Louisvillians. To demonstrate the current level of need, LG&E reported 21,000 residential customers were eligible for disconnections as of the end of June 2021.

“Throughout the pandemic, in addition to safety, our primary focus has been communicating with our customers, making sure they have the latest information, and know that we are ready and willing to assist them,” said LG&E and KU Vice President-Customer Services, Eileen Saunders. “While we resumed disconnects due to non-payment in mid-June, after suspending them for more than a year and half, we want our customers to know that we’re here to work with them and to help them prevent a loss of service.”

How to apply for the LG&E assistance:

Schedule a drop off appointment in advance at one of four Neighborhood Place Drop Boxes. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-977-6636 or online at LGEHelp.itfrontdesk.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Eligibility for the Metro LG&E Relief Program:

  • Jefferson County residency
  • Experienced a COVID-related economic hardship
  • Have a past due/delinquent LG&E electric or gas bill since March 16, 2020
  • There are no income restrictions to receive this utility assistance, however, income documentation is required to gain entry into the LG&E program.

Documentation may include:

  • Photo ID for adult(s) in the household
  • Social Security card(s) or official documentation with Social Security numbers for everyone living in the household (or permanence residence/green card)
  • Current bill with a past due balance, or a brown, disconnect notice from LG&E. (The past due amount must have occurred since March 16, 2020)
  • LG&E Utility Assistance application form can be downloaded here or found at your nearest Neighborhood Place office drop boxes that include the income documentation form.

These Metro COVID-19 Relief Program funds for LG&E will operate until funding is depleted. Funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

LG&E would like to remind customers who are behind on their bill that they can set up a payment plan that best fits their situation and spreads out their past due balance over installments. Once a disconnection notice is received, customers can sign up for a payment plan through any of the following options:

  • LG&E and KU mobile app – available in the App Store and Google Play Store
  • MyAccount – available through the LG&E and KU website, lge-ku.com
  • LG&E and KU automated phone system – press 1-2-2-1 at any time

Customers can also visit an LG&E business office in person or speak to a Customer Care representative by phone.

LIHEAP summer cooling assistance enrollment open

Automated appointment line now open to schedule appointments in advance

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 12, 2021) - Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) joins with Community Action Agencies across the state today to begin accepting applications for the 2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program. This federally-funded programs is designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures. Applications will be accepted now through October 31, 2021, or until funds are depleted.

The LIHEAP Summer Cooling Program is separated into two components, Subsidy and Crisis, to assist with electric cost. Eligible households can apply for one or both components and participation in prior LIHEAP programs will not affect a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, with a household income at or below 150% of the Kentucky median income.

The Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $100 to $400 depending on income levels and housing category. The Crisis component is available to eligible households who demonstrate a home energy crisis situation. Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis not to exceed $600. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation until they reached their maximum benefit.

“Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) is proud to serve as part of the Community Action Kentucky network, and we’re so grateful this assistance is available to help our residents, said Tameka Laird, director of Louisville Metro RCS.  “We want Louisvillians and all of our state’s residents to remain healthy, especially when dangerously high temperatures can make homes unsafe.”

How to apply?

Schedule a drop off appointment in advance at one of the seven LIHEAP Drop Boxes. 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.

Applicants will be assessed for both the Subsidy and Crisis programs and may receive benefits from both programs if eligible.

LIHEAP required documentation, along with the downloadable LIHEAP Family Profile form and the LIHEAP Application should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, on the day of your appointment (download forms at louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP or pick up at Drop Boxes).

Applicants will then be contacted by LIHEAP staff within 72 hours (3 business days) of the appointment time.

Required documentation to drop off includes:

  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month. All individuals 18 or over in the household with no income -- and no way to document that status such as a Food Stamp Award letter -- must have a Proof of No Income Form completed prior to applying for benefits. These forms are available at the LIHEAP Drop Box locations or online at louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP.
  • Most current electric bill, or statement from your landlord if electric expenses are included in your rent.  

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

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web: loiusvilleky.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.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More information about LIHEAP and a listing of LIHEAP outreach offices can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

ORCS Hiring Sept 2021

OSHN horizontal

OSHN News

Free Suicide Prevention Trainings

FREE QPR trainings are still available for Jefferson County residents! Question, Persuade and Refer are three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. Join the Louisville Health Advisory Board and the National Alliance on Mental Illness in reaching their goal of 1,500 new Jefferson County residents trained in the QPR model. Sign up for the free, monthly training here.

The Louisville Youth Network is Live

The Louisville Youth Network (LYN) is now live!  Through a collaboration between the Office of Youth Development, CSYA, Goodwill Industries, Louisville Urban League, and YouthBuild Louisville, the LYN is ready to act as a free, one-stop shop for Louisville youth aged 16-24.  While the network is catered for youth who are not in school or working, any young adult who needs support can benefit.  Some of the resources include education, workforce development, childcare, food assistance, mental health supports, and more.  Access the network by visiting louisvilleyouthnetwork.org or calling (502) 230-2028.

COVID-19 Relief for Internet Bills

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is part of the federal government's emergency COVID-19 response. It provides a direct payment  for internet bills of up to $50 (or $75 on Tribal Lands) per month for eligible households. The program will last for several months until the $3.2 billion fund runs out. See if you are eligible here.

Jobcorps Seeking to Bolster Caseloads

The past year has exacerbated  the need for housing and education supports, and Jobcorps is ready to meet demand. The Whitney M. Young Center can provide free housing and education supports for young adults aged 16-24 looking to expand their education including earning their high school diploma, GED, or attending community college classes.  Additionally, Jobcorps offers training in several competitive trades including manufacturing, construction, culinary arts, hospitality, and more. While their housing supports are often a much-needed resource, it is not a requirement and participants are welcome to commute to the center daily.   For more info about Jobcorps, or to begin the admissions process, contact Sotkiewicz.Sarah@jobcorps.org.

Little Free Pantry Project

The Ambassador Workgroup has been meeting regularly for almost a year to discuss ways to implement violence prevention strategies in their own community.  The workgroup's most recent project involved tackling food scarcity with the installation of three Little Free Pantries around town.  The Little Free Pantries are a spin on the Little Free Library concept, but provides canned goods, nonperishable foods, and hygiene items that can be accessed easily and discretely for anybody in need.  The goal is for nearby residents to both be able to share their excess resources as well as take when needed. As an added bonus, the pantries were constructed using up-cycled plywood taken from downtown business windows.  See how this project came to life in this short video from Metro TV here.

The Ambassador Workgroup meets on the first Thursday of every month.  If you are interested in joining an upcoming meeting, please contact joseph.newland@louisvilleky.gov.  Or, to suggest a new project for the workgroup to tackle, complete the Project Proposal Form here.


sustain louisville enewsletter

Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability News

Churchill Downs Recognized as Top Leader in Energy Efficiency

The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) presented awards to eight local organizations as part of its annual Kilowatt Crackdown challenge, with the top honor of Kilowatt Cup going to Churchill Downs Racetrack for superior energy achievements. 

Churchill Downs’ efforts began in 2019 with two key initiatives: investments in upgrading their aging building automation systems and bringing a full-time energy manager on board. They also began an aggressive plan to convert over to LED lighting technology throughout the facility, updated chilled water equipment in the central plant and educated staff on how to best reduce energy consumption through daily operations. The racetrack's reductions are equivalent to keeping 493 vehicles off the road for a year.

“Just like Louisville Metro Government, Churchill Downs has led by example through hiring a full-time energy manager to find opportunities for energy savings," Mayor Fischer said. "I encourage all organizations, companies and residents to invest in energy-saving efforts because they will see a reduction in operating costs while also helping Louisville reach our city-wide 100% clean energy goals.”

Additional winners are as follows:

  • K-12 Facility – Lanesville Schools
  • Office Facility – Underwriters Group and NTS 500 North Building
  • Specialty Healthcare Facility – UofL Health Peace Hospital
  • Medical Office Facility – Norton Healthcare Building 224
  • Hospital Facility – Baptist Hospital LaGrange
  • Religious Facility – Southeast Christian Church LaGrange
  • Environmental Stewardship – Louisville Nature Center

The LEA is offering free assistance to building owners who want to begin tracking and reducing their energy use. The next 3-part training series kicks off September 24; registration is at https://tinyurl.com/PMTrainingLEA.

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Kilowatt Crackdown Awards. Learn more and submit your building at www.louisvilleenergyalliance.org/kilowatt-crackdown.html.

Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale for the Louisville Sustainability Summit

Early Bird Tickets are now on sale for the 8th annual Louisville Sustainability Summit on November 10, 2021, hosted by the Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC).

Building on the LSC's mission to connect communities and create change, the Louisville Sustainability Council presents Powering the Movement: Building Community to Fight Climate Change. This event will explore the intersections between climate change, social equity, and community resilience. As the sustainability movement continues to gain momentum through renewed national attention, communities are calling for innovative ideas and immediate action. Join to discuss climate justice, advocacy, and community building to discover your role in creating meaningful change.

Discounted tickets available to LSC members. Click here to learn more and buy tickets.

Upcoming Events

PLANT 5K Run & Walk for Louisville Grows

The PLANT 5K Run & Walk is Louisville Grows' annual fundraiser to support their mission to grow greener, healthier neighborhoods by planting 5,000 trees by 2025. On Saturday, September 18, it will be hybrid event, offering runners and walkers the opportunity to participate in-person or virtually. The race features unique medals, sustainable swag and best practices for an eco-friendly environment. Learn more and register here.

Citizen Forester 101 Training

Help restore and maintain Louisville's urban tree canopy by becoming a Citizen Forester! At Citizen Forester 101 Training hosted by Louisville Grows on Saturday, September 25, participants are taught basic tree anatomy and physiology, environmental stewardship, tree planting skills and how to lead other volunteers in proper planting and caring for trees. Learn more and sign up here.

2021 Louisville Earth Walk

Registration is officially open for the 5th Annual Louisville Earth Walk on Saturday, October 23. There are two free registration options: in-person at Cherokee Park and a virtual option that allows you to participate from wherever you are. Register and donate at LouisvilleEarthWalk.org. Celebrate Earth and support the organizations that work on her behalf!


abandoned house 2

How to purchase vacant or abandoned property in Louisville

Have you ever thought about buying a vacant or abandoned property in Louisville? The city has many vacant or abandoned lots and buildings for sale at all times. If you’re a contractor or fixer-upper, you might consider buying an abandoned home to rehab. Once you fix it up, you could live in it or sell it for a profit. Or you may want to buy a vacant lot or a property in need of demolition, and build a new home. Other properties are suitable for starting a community garden or other agricultural project.

To manage the sale of vacant or abandoned properties, the city has a program called The Landbank Authority. The program’s goal is to put these properties back into productive use. The Landbank currently has about 500 properties available for sale and some are available for as little as $1. But in order to purchase properties, you must be able to prove to the Landbank that you can pay to refurbish or demolish the property, and you must complete the project within a set deadline. To see what’s available, visit the Landbank website. https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/purchase-vacant-property-landbank. You’ll see two links, one for Lots and one for Structures. Choose Lots to view empty lots for sale and an explanation of the types of programs, including “Adjacent Side Yard”; “Cut It, Keep It”; “New Construction”; and “Agricultural Projects”. Choose Structures to see a list of vacant houses and other buildings for sale. Landbank has two categories for the sale of structures: “Save the Structure” and “Demo for Deed”. To save a structure, you must prove you have funds to rehab it and you must complete renovations within six months for exterior and 18 months for interior renovations. To buy a "Demo for Deed," you must simply prove you have funds to demolish the property.

Both the Lots and Structures pages have links and instructions to apply for purchase when you’re ready. Speaking of funds, that’s where we come in. At LHOME, we can’t help you purchase a property but we can help you renovate one. Qualified property owners can borrow up to $30,000 for 12 months, paying only interest on the loan. After the year is up, you can sell your renovated property or refinance it.

To learn more, please visit lhomeky.org or give us a call at 502-882-8091. One last tip: The city has a great tool called Lojic (lojic.org). Lojic lets you search by address for a specific property you want to know more about. Just type the address in the search bar and you’ll get reports about the property owner, the assessed value, zoning, voting district and more. Happy hunting!


311 logo

Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community?  Contact 311!

Metro311 Service Request Information

  • Submit a Service Request in the new system.
  • Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the new system.  If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
  • Anything submitted in the old reporting system (prior to June 19, 2019) will not show in the new system.  It is still being processed however. Please call Metro311 for status.
  • To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue with Metro 311 by following this link.
  • Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
  • The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
  • If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311. 

dumping

Waste Management News

The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Pop-Up Drop-Off Waste Disposal Events

Pop-Up Drop-Offs are free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.

Next event:

Saturday, September 25, 2021
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sun Valley Ball Field, 10401 Lower River Road/Ashby Lane Baptist Church, 6617 Ashby Lane

**Document shredding, prescription medication disposal, and electronics recycling will be in the parking lot of Ashby Lane Baptist Church, 6617 Ashby Lane**

Accepted Items: 

  • Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
  • Metal & appliances, no refrigerators or any items containing coolant (recycled) 
  • Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
  • Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
  • Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
  • Large household items (landfilled) 
  • Documents for shredding (recycled)
  • Prescription medication (disposed properly)

Items must already be separated into categories for easy off-loading so as much can be recycled as possible.

Not Accepted:

  • Garbage, loose debris (use curbside garbage collection or take to landfill)
  • Concrete, bricks, rocks
  • Construction materials (take to Waste Reduction Center, fees apply)
  • Refrigerators or items containing coolant (take to Waste Reduction Center, or metal recycling facility)
  • Latex paint (disposal information)
  • Batteries, light bulbs, oil-based paint, varnishes, stains, and other household hazardous waste (take to Haz Bin)
  • Tree trunks  
  • Boats, hot tubs
  • Items from businesses
  • Trailers greater than 10 feet in length (larger loads can be taken to the Waste Reduction Center)

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Help Stop Illegal Dumping!

  • To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
  • If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
  • Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for! 
  • Don't contribute to the problem!
    • If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.) 
    • Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information. 
  • Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
    • Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
    • Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping. 
    • Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.

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  • Choose not to litter. Make a commitment to always dispose of your trash properly and set an example for others.
  • Report litter concerns to Metro311. Report online, call 311 or 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, or tweet @LouMetro311.
  • Understand litter laws in Louisville Metro. Share this information with others.
  • If you see litter, pick it up! People tend to litter more in already littered areas.
  • Report a litterer online now.
  • Organize a neighborhood cleanup. Brightside offers resources for your group. 
  • Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
  • Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it. 
  • Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
  • If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form
  • If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
  • Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
  • Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County. 

Street Light

Report Street Light Outages to LG&E

If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.


LMPD logo

LMPD News

LMPD reminder:  Please secure your property and stay vigilant!

The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year.  Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!

Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS.  This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!

- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them!
- Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open.
- Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.


Louisville Metro Seal

Metro Emergency Repair Program

Eligibility criteria:

  •    Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
  •    Not available on rental property.
  •    Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
  •    May receive assistance once in a five year period.
  •    Louisville-Jefferson County only.

Types of repairs:

  • Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
  • A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
  • Electrical repairs/upgrades.
  • Water line repairs/replacement.
  • Sewer line repairs/replacement.
  • Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).   
  • Gas line leaks.

For further information contact Office of Housing at 574-5850 or homerepair@louisvilleky.gov.


Food Pantry

'Dare to Care' Food Pantry open in District 2

Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm

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  • Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
  • First Come, First Served Basis
  • Picture ID & proof of residency required!

Sponsored By: 

Peace Presbyterian Church

4210 East Indian Trail

Louisville, KY  40213


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Louisville Free Public Library News

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Louisville Free Public Library to host exhibit, panel discussion marking 20th anniversary of September 11 attacks
Exhibit opens September 9 at the Main Library, 301 York Street

LOUISVILLE, KY (August 20, 2021) –  Following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, New Yorkers did something rather unexpected, they took photographs – lots of them. What began as a single photo hung in the window of a SoHo storefront became perhaps the most important crowdsourcing photo exhibition of our time. The resulting collection, here is new york: the september 11 photographs, returns to the Main branch of the Louisville Free Public Library to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.

The exhibition features 500 photographs taken the day of and in the aftermath of the September 11 attack, by professional photographers and amateurs alike.  The images are presented without titles or commentary.  The result is both a vivid reminder of the horror of that day, and a celebration of the human spirit and strong determination of New Yorkers and Americans in general.

here is new york will be on display at the Main Library (301 York Street), September 9 - November 14 as part of the Louisville Photo Biennial. An opening reception and panel discussion, United We Stood: Memories of 9/11, will be held at the Main Library on September 9 at 6:30 p.m.  Moderator Melissa Swan and panelists Elizabeth Kramer (former employee in the Peace Corps’ New York office at the World Trade Center), Pete Longton (photojournalist who covered Ground Zero for WHAS-11), and Charles Traub (photographer/educator, co-founder of here is new york) will recall their first-hand experiences during and following the attacks.

The Louisville Public Library's collection of the here is new york photographs was a gift of Charles Traub and his family to the Library. Charles Traub was one of the original founding organizers of the exhibition in New York, and managed it with colleagues through the course of its exhibitions from 2001 to 2003. Mary Cadden Traub and Aaron Traub were part of a core group who maintained the organization's activities throughout those same years. The Traubs are natives of Louisville, Kentucky. 

The panel discussion and exhibition are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit LFPL.org/Exhibits.

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Other Free Programs & Activities

LFPL has lots of free programs, storytimes, and other activities for kids and teens this summer. Learn more at www.LFPL.org/events.


Louisville Parks and Rec

Louisville Metro Parks News

#GiveForGoodLou

Get ready to #GiveForGoodLou on September 17 between midnight and 11:59 PM at www.giveforgoodlouisville.org. Give for Good Louisville is an unprecedented day of unity in the name of philanthropy. You can help support our non-profit partners by donating!

Give to Parks Alliance of Louisville

Give to Louisville Olmsted Parks

Give to Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen

Give to Wilderness Louisville, Inc

16th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival Returns to Jefferson Memorial Forest this Month

A spectacular day of Bluegrass music, food and beverages, craft vendors, and youth activities in a scenic environment awaits those who visit Jefferson Memorial Forest’s 16th annual Forest Fest on Saturday, September 18th.

Forest Fest has been known for providing a great variety of bluegrass music; this year’s event expands on that tradition with four musical acts in the lineup. The music starts at 1 p.m. in the forest’s Horine Section, 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road.

The lineup starts off with Kaintuck, followed by Britton Patrick Morgan and Kentucky RevivalThe Song Sparrows, and Scolan Ramblers to round out the evening. 

The event is free, but parking is $10 per carload. Bring a blanket or chair. Food and beverages from Shack in the Back Barbeque, Apex Catering, Brooks Hill Winery, West Sixth Brewing, Make and Muddle among others will be available for purchase along with items from various crafters. Bringing personal alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and must be on a leash at all times; owners are asked to be considerate of other patrons.

For more information on Forest Fest 2021, click here.

Jefferson Memorial Forest also announces music series at Fairdale Village Green

To celebrate the grand opening of Fairdale Village Green (located adjacent to the roundabout in Fairdale), Jefferson Memorial Forest will also be hosting a new Village Green Music Series, starting September 11.

Entertainment will be provided by local bands, and restaurants located around Fairdale Village Green will be open for refreshments. All in attendance are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the performances.

** Jefferson Memorial Forest is committed to creating both an enjoyable and safe environment for our staff, volunteers and guests during Forest Fest and the Village Green Music Series. We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and STRONGLY encourage wearing a mask, practicing proper hand hygiene and social distancing, when possible.**

Village Green Music Series First Concert
September 11
3 – 7 p.m.
Ode 2 the Gnu
Johnstone Band
Jeff Donohue Combo

Village Green Music Series Concert #2
September 25
4 – 7 p.m.
Johnny Berry and the Outliers

Village Green Music Series Concert #3
October 9
4 – 7 p.m.
Jordan Wilson Coalition

Taking place September 30 - October 31, the annual Jack O' Lantern Spectacular, presented by Thorton's, will return as a walk-thru this year.

The 2021 theme is, "Changing the Channel: A Timeline of Television History".

All tickets purchased directly supports the non-profit, Parks Alliance of Louisville, and the community-driven projects they support in Louisville's 120+ public parks and community centers.


Brightside Logo

Brightside News

Upcoming Events

Sweep & Sip Event

Come to Ten20 on Sunday, Sept. 12th from 11:30 A.M. to 1P.M. for our next Sweep & Sip Cleanup! This event series was launched in August to get more people and local businesses involved in Brightside's community cleanup initiative. After the cleanup, local breweries offer participants a free beer or pint glass. 

Location: 1020 E. Washington Street Louisville, KY 40206

Give For Good

Hosted by the Community Foundation of Louisville, Give for Good Louisville is an unprecedented day of unity in the name of philanthropy. Communities from across Kentucky and Southern Indiana join forces to give vital support to 500+ participating organizations creating positive change for thousands of individuals in need. The Community Foundation invites everyone to unite for good when this year's giving day returns on Friday, September 17, 2021! Please consider donating to Brightside during this wonderful day of giving.

Brightside Bash presented by the Republic Bank Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Brightside Bash presented by the Republic Bank Foundation will be held Wednesday evening, September 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the beautiful Waterfront Botanical Gardens. Tickets are $50 each.

We have assembled some incredible Wheel of Chance raffle packages and will only be selling 20 tickets for EACH of those items giving you fantastic odds! With items ranging from a week-long visit to a lakeside cabin in Nolin Lake, Ky, to four Lexus Diamond Club tickets to a 2022 Cincinnati Reds home game, a Bourbon Basket full of amazing bourbon selections, and even tickets to a LouCity or Louisville racing Soccer game - there is something for everyone! Keep an eye out on our Facebook page as we will be featuring items each day leading up to the event but don't wait, with only 20 chances to win each package you don't want to miss your chance to purchase a ticket! Drawings for the Brightside Bash Virtual Fundraiser presented by the Republic Bank Foundation will be held at the live event on Wednesday, September 29th, you do not need to be present to win.

Purchase your tickets to the 2021 Brightside Bash presented by the Republic Bank Foundation here!

Community-Wide Cleanup

Our next Community-Wide Cleanup is happening Saturday, October 23rd! Be a part of this city-wide event to keep Louisville looking bright and beautiful by signing up here. Registration begins September 1st.

We encourage all residents make a difference by taking part in our Community-Wide Cleanup-- it is a great service opportunity for boy/girl scouts, sports teams, faith groups, community organizations, and corporate teams. 

Cleanups are an integral part of Brightside's mission and without the help of volunteer groups, and many other volunteers throughout the year, Brightside could not achieve our goals of a cleaner, greener Louisville.

We hope to see everyone out an about this October 23rd to help make Louisville cleaner and greener for everyone!

Get Involved

There are many ways you can contribute to Brightside's beautification initiatives. Consider adding yourself, your family, and your friends to our volunteer network of over 30,000 people!


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Louisville Zoo News

“Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” Celebrates 40 Years; tickets on Sale September 1 for This Popular Event

Families can social distance and celebrate Halloween festivities at the Zoo

This year, the Louisville Zoo celebrates 40 years of merry – not scary – fun at its annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer. Tickets go on sale September 1 at 10 a.m. for the Halloween event that takes place October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30 (Thursday – Sunday nights, October 1-30).

Children can dress up in their wildest costumes for the event that turns the Zoo into a living storybook, complete with favorite characters brought to life, music, socially-distanced photo opportunities around every corner and, of course, a safe place to trick-or-treat for kids 11 and under.

Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer will have reduced nightly capacity to allow for ease of traffic flow and social distancing.

Tickets

Tickets for Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer are $12.50 for non-members (both adults and children 3 and older) and $6 for members (both adults and children 3 and older). Children 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket. To minimize contact points, tickets are all-inclusive, covering the cost of Boo at the Zoo admission, parking, Spooktacular Carousel, “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow attraction. 

Members and guests can purchase tickets online at LouisvilleZoo.org, with their chosen date and arrival time. Tickets are limited each night and some nights may sell out quickly.

Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer is a rain or shine event.

A limited amount of Meijer anytime tickets can be purchased at participating Meijer stores for $10.50 beginning September 26.  Visit LouisvilleZoo.org/meijer for a list of stores.

Event Hours/Special Dates

On Boo at the Zoo event days:

  • The Zoo will close early for regular daytime visitors. Gates will close at 3 p.m. with guests being allowed to visit until 4 p.m.
  • Halloween guests can begin entering the Zoo at their selected times, starting at 5 p.m. The trick-or-treat route closes, and all guests must exit by 10 p.m.
  • Allergy Friendly night is Thursday, October 21 and will feature peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, pencils and more. Children with allergies can request an allergy-friendly option at each of the booths. 

Costumes

The Zoo encourages all visitors to wear costumes and ask that they be family friendly. Adults may not wear full costume masks that cover the entire face.     

To learn more about the event and Boo at the Zoopresented by Meijer activities, visit louisvillezoo.org/boo.

Boo at the Zoo is presented by Meijer and sponsored by Ford Motor Company, Great Clips and PNC Grow Up Great with additional support from Councilman Pat Mulvihill & District 10 residents, Kid’s Dentistree, Ky Saves 529, Norton Children’s, Philpot Hay Company, T-Mobile, UPS and USA Image. Special thanks to Kosair Charities and Nu-Yale. 

For updates to health policies and possible mask requirements before your chosen Boo night, please visit louisvillezoo.org/together.        

Animals:  While guests may catch a glimpse of a few, many animals will not be on exhibit in the evenings so they can rest and follow their regular fall schedules. There are no promises, but guests are most likely to see maned wolves, jaguars, bongos, and rhinoceros.

Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer provides critical support every year to the Zoo’s animal care programs, visitor experience and conservation education.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).


science center

Kentucky Science Center News

School's Out Pay by Day Camps Now Available

The next JCPS day off will be here before you know it! Don't delay - make plans now for your child continue their learning at Kentucky Science Center's Pay by Day campsOur camp encourages all campers to play, tinker, and investigate the world around them with cool science demonstrations and plenty of time to explore their favorite science center.

With low staff-camper ratios, small class sizes to maximize social-distancing, and great Day Camp themes, Kentucky Science Center is a favorite of parents and kids alike. Check out all the available 2021/22 dates and secure your spot here!

Upcoming Pay by Day Camp dates:

  • September 29-October 1
  • October 11
  • November 12

Give the Gift of Science

At Kentucky Science Center, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to Do Science. But we also know that for some families already struggling to cover the rent or keep food on the table, the cost of admission to places that offer high-quality, educational science content is an insurmountable barrier. 

Without that access, we know that families are missing out. Supporting and developing a child’s natural curiosity is an important first step in ensuring they become a lifelong learner, and the hands-on, interactive exhibits at Kentucky Science Center are designed to provide that support. That’s why we began our Community Access Membership (CAM) program, providing a free yearly membership to Kentucky Science Center for families currently participating in SNAP/WIC.

We hope you'll consider helping us make science more accessible for these families by donating to Kentucky Science Center through Give for Good on Friday, September 17th. Head to our Give for Good fundraising page to learn more about this year's campaign.


CAN image

GLI’s Career Acceleration Network Connects Job Seekers with Careers Paths

Greater Louisville, Inc. (GLI) has created an innovative partnership with employers, workforce partners, and training institutions to help place people into a career path that will provide a livable wage and mobility. If you are interested in a job and growing your career, this program is for you.

GLI has brought together entry-level and secondary employers (from $11/hour to $31+/hour) to create pathways for you to access jobs while also pursuing upskilling or reskilling to get you ready for the next phase. Intentional connections have been made between 15 employers in five different career tracts:

-          Business services

-          Health care

-          Hospitality

-          Manufacturing

-          Technology

Participants in the CAN who enter the network are connected with training programs and support services to overcome workforce barriers and help move from low wage, low skilled positions to higher wage, higher skilled positions.

If you are interested in participating in CAN and growing your skills and wages, get connected here.

EMPLOYERS: GLI is also currently evaluating adding new employers into the CAN. If you are an employer who is interested in participating, please click here.


Sista Strut 2021

Sista Strut 3k Breast Cancer walk presented by Baptist Health Cancer Care returns Saturday, October 16th at Louisville Slugger Field!

Real 93.1 and 98.9 KISS FM are excited to return this fall for the Annual Sista Strut Breast Cancer 3k presented by Baptist Health Cancer Care! Sista Strut's mission is to increase awareness about breast cancer and provide information on community resources in the area. A portion of the proceeds from the Sista Strut 3k presented by Baptist Health Cancer Care will benefit Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer.

Day Schedule:

8:00 AM - Registration Opens

10:00 AM - Walk Begins

12:00 PM - Event Ends

Due to COVID-19 safety pre-cautions, refunds will be issued on a case by case basis up until 7 days prior to the event. Should the event cancel, purchasers will receive base ticket price refunds less services & processing fees.

Contact HannahCherryholmes@iheartmedia.com or 502-671-3443 with questions or concerns.


LouieConnect

LouieConnect

Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more.  Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.


Louisville Metro Seal

***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***

  • Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
  • Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
  • Brightside: (502) 574-2613
  • Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
  • Congressman John Yarmuth: (502) 582-5129
  • IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
  • Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
  • LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
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  • LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
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  • LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
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  • TARC: (502) 585-1234
  • Vacant & Public Property Administration: (502) 574-4016
  • Your State Representative or State Senatorhttp://www.lrc.ky.gov 

Spaghetti aglio

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Today's recipe comes from allrecipes.com and can be found here.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

No two spaghetti aglio e olio recipes are alike, but this one is pretty true to the classic method. The key is slowly toasting the garlic slices to a perfect golden-brown in the olive oil. If it's too light, you don't get the full flavor and if it's too dark it gets bitter. My advice? Do it perfectly.

Prep/Cook Time: 32 mins
Yield:  4 servings
Ingredient Checklist
Instructions Checklist
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and transfer to a pasta bowl.

  • Combine garlic and olive oil in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat to slowly toast garlic, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low when olive oil begins to bubble. Cook and stir until garlic is golden brown, about another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

  • Stir red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt into the pasta. Pour in olive oil and garlic, and sprinkle on Italian parsley and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; stir until combined.

  • Serve pasta topped with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.