Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 04/08/2022 03:30 PM EDT
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 to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
JOIN US IN-PERSON THIS MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
**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.
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
PLEASE NOTE:
IF YOU NEED A COVID VACCINE OR BOOSTER, VISIT: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine.
If you need assistance with scheduling an appointment, please call 855-598-2246.
Text your zip code to GETVAX - 438829 to receive three vaccine locations near you. Text VACUNA - 822862 for Spanish.
IF YOU NEED A COVID TEST, VISIT: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-testing
The websites above will direct you to the nearest testing/vaccine provider based upon your ZIP code. The vaccine site also offers transportation assistance for those needing help getting to their nearest vaccine provider.
Latest News from Mayor Fischer and the City of Louisville
City’s Future of Work Initiative, Microsoft offering free, online data analytics training to local businesses
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 7, 2022) – Louisville’s Future of Work Initiative, a partnership between Louisville Metro Government and Microsoft, is offering local businesses a series of free online data analytics trainings this spring. The courses will help employees learn to clean, visualize, and apply data to their decision-making at work.
“Our partnership with Microsoft and our equity investments in tech training are positioning Louisville for the future by growing and diversifying our tech-enabled workforce,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “This free training will give employees at Louisville businesses the tools to drive better decision-making and help our local businesses continue to succeed. We hope many businesses will take advantage of this fantastic opportunity!”
The five-course series will train participants to use Microsoft Excel and Power BI to organize and analyze data, as well as the fundamentals of Microsoft Power Platform. This program is designed to be progressive from one class to another and does not require any prior experience with data.
The courses will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates:
Louisville’s Future of Work Initiative is focused on increasing economic opportunity and equity by enabling Louisville to become a regional hub and center for excellence in Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Data Science. The initiative is creating a living resource directory and community calendar that supports the entire data ecosystem in Louisville and tells the story of Louisville's data innovation community. Learn more about the Future of Work Initiative at www.futurelou.com.
Future of Work is just one example of Mayor Fischer’s commitment to radically expand the city’s tech talent pipeline to meet changing workforce demands and to compete in the economy of the future. The city also is growing that pipeline through continued support for KentuckianaWorks’ proven tech training program Code Louisville and the launch of equity-focused initiatives in partnership with companies such as Microsoft, Humana, General Assembly and Interapt, aimed at increasing the number of women and Black Louisvillians in the tech industry.
Since 2011, the city has added nearly 3,500 tech jobs, a 10% increase, and our tech business ecosystem has grown by 32%. CBRE listed Louisville as a "Next 25" Tech Talent market for three years in a row, and the city was ranked in top 10 most tech-ready cities and top 10 affordable cities for living and working in digital jobs by telecommunications company Suddenlink in 2021.
Louisville Metro selected for federal pilot to develop equity-focused clean energy programs
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 4, 2022) – Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is one of 22 communities recently selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP) Pilot. As part of the pilot, the city will receive technical assistance around designing sustainability programs that are accessible to and directly benefit low-income and historically disadvantaged residents.
LMG partnered on its pilot program application with the nonprofit Metropolitan Housing Coalition and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, which will serve as advisors and community connectors throughout the process.
“Our low-income and marginalized communities face higher rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other serious illnesses, as well as higher energy costs, all because of the disproportionate impact of climate change. Louisville Metro Government, along with many great community partners, have been working for years to mitigate the impacts of climate change through tracking and reducing our carbon emissions, growing our tree canopy, and investing in infrastructure,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “With this assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, we will be able to continue our efforts in new ways as we move toward our goal of alleviating residents’ higher energy burdens and improve their overall health and wellbeing. Thank you to the Metropolitan Housing Coalition and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth for their partnership in this work!”
Like cities across the nation, Louisville has experienced environmental injustice since its earliest days. Public health issues caused by the booming coal industry in the late 1800s and the subsequent concentration of oil, plastic, chemical, and rubber industries in west Louisville have impacted residents’ lives for generations. These issues were exacerbated by historic redlining of communities of color that followed and have led to disparities based on race and income – including the fact that people who live ZIP codes in west Louisville have a life expectancy that is 12 years less than those in eastern Louisville.
These communities are already at a greater risk for respiratory diseases, increased stress and economic hardship and often lack access to clean energy. With help from the Department of Energy, Louisville Metro aims to create and expand programs to help make energy bills affordable for families and clean energy investments like solar, more attainable in their homes.
"Our entire economy is in transition, and we need a people-centered approach to clean energy, one that centers the needs and ingenuity of people most affected by high bills, high rates of asthma due to air pollution, and high impacts from climate disasters and extreme heat. Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) is pleased to partner with the city of Louisville and U.S. Department of Energy on this effort to put racial and economic justice at the center of our city's energy transition,” said Cassia Herron, KFTC spokesperson and immediate-past chair of the KFTC board.
Tony Curtis, Director of the Metropolitan Housing Coalition said, “The Metropolitan Housing Coalition has a long history of working on energy affordability, accessibility, and equity issues for low- and fixed-income households, as utility costs are a key driver of accessible and attainable housing. The need for creating sustainable energy programs targeting economically disadvantaged households is essential to solving the attainable housing crisis in Louisville. The Coalition is proud to be a partner in this work.”
Mayor Fischer created the Office of Sustainability (now the Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability) in 2012 to focus on investing in green and clean energy and making sustainability more accessible. To date, Louisville Metro Government has incentivized nearly 1 million square feet of certified cool roofs through the city’s Cool Roof Incentive Program, which helps combat Louisville’s Heat Island Effect. Metro Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, and 15, which have been identified as high-heat districts and which also include some of Louisville’s lowest-income neighborhoods, are prioritized through this program.
Since 2016, Louisville Metro has leveraged over $2.7 million in private capital toward energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through its Energy Project Assessment District (EPAD) Program, which allows commercial property owners to secure more favorable financing terms, making it more cost effective to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technology.
Louisville Metro also recently launched the Solar Over Louisville solarize campaign to give residents and small businesses in the greater Louisville region the opportunity to go solar and support the city’s 100% clean energy goals. The campaign will give participants bulk-purchasing power to obtain discounted wholesale rates for solar installation. To extend the energy cost savings benefits of Solar Over Louisville to low-moderate income residents, Louisville Metro is currently offering limited Solar Grant funds to assist income-qualified property owners in Louisville-Jefferson County by covering the cost of solar installation.
In 2021, Louisville Metro hired its first energy manager and reduced its energy consumption by 15%, saved over $700,000 and avoided 2,200 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. The work to reduce the city’s emissions and energy consumption is part of Louisville Metro’s goals of 100% renewable electricity for Metro operations by 2030, 100% clean energy for Metro operations by 2035, and 100% clean energy community-wide by 2040.
Fan Fair annual fan collection underway for local seniors, people with disabilities
Monetary donations accepted through May 27, Fan giveaway event held on June 11
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 4, 2022) - Louisville Metro Office for Aging & Disabled Citizens (OADC) and KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living are seeking donations to help purchase electric box fans to be distributed to those in need as the weather gets warmer. The fans will be distributed at a Fan Fair resource event in Louisville on June 11, and to qualified individuals within the KIPDA region including Bullitt, Henry, Shelby, Oldham, Spencer, Trimble, and Jefferson counties.
The annual Fan Fair drive was first created in 2016 by staff members with OADC and KIPDA in response to numerous calls they received requesting heat relief. Seniors and/or individuals with physical disabilities who live in homes without air conditioning or circulating air often face a greater risk of heat-related illnesses.
Residents, businesses, faith-based organizations, and other groups wanting to make monetary contributions can donate safely and quickly online at louisvilleky.gov/FanFair. Check and money orders are also accepted, made payable to KIPDA, Attn: Fan Fair, mailed to the address on Commonwealth Drive listed below, and postmarked by May 27.
Donations of new box fans are also welcome at one of the locations below through June 9.
Drop off times for all three sites are Monday - Friday (except holidays), 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Fan Fair resource event will be held on Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. at the Edison Center located at 701 W. Ormsby Ave. to distribute the collected fans to seniors 60 and older, as well as to individuals with physical disabilities, on a first-come, first-served basis. Weather permitting, the event will be held outdoors, or moved indoors allowing for social distancing.
Multiple vendors and activities will be available, including an opportunity to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs properly and safely. In addition to the fan giveaway, KIPDA will coordinate with agencies serving older adults and people with disabilities in their seven counties service area.
Qualifications to receive a free fan at the event include:
Person 60 years or older
OR documentation verified by a physician of a physical disability
Must be a resident of Jefferson County (proof of address and age will we required)
One fan per household
Household must not have functioning central air units
“The past couple of years have been a challenging time for many Louisville citizens due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual Fan Fair is a simple reminder that even during a difficult time, a small action can make a large impact in someone’s life. I am excited to be a part of Fan Fair so that some of our most at-risk citizens can receive some much-needed relief,” said Alli Woosley with Louisville Metro OADC.
“It is always the goal of KIPDA, as the local Area on Aging and Independent Living, to bring visibility to issues that seniors and disabled citizens face. Cooling homes in the summer months is one of those issues. KIPDA is excited to be partnering with Louisville Metro Office of Aging & Disabled Citizens again this year, helping older adults and persons with disabilities stay comfortable during the summer months,” stated Brittney Baines, The Aging and Disability Resource Center Coordinator of the KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living. “I am proud of all of the community partners who come together to support this effort and help to make it happen.“
WLKY is the proud media sponsor of this year’s Fan Fair.
Organizations interested in participating in the Fan Fair event, or individuals needing more information on making a donation, can contact Alli Woosley with OADC at (502) 574-5092, or Brittney Baines with KIPDA (502) 266-5571. More details can also be found at www.louisvilleky.gov/fanfair or www.KIPDA.org.
Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods News
Metro Council Diaper Drive
Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong (D-8) and Councilwoman Paula McCraney (D-7), who co-chair the Metro Council Women’s Caucus, announced that the Caucus would be hosting a diaper drive during the month of March.
Louisville’s Office for Women states that one in three families lack adequate resources to buy diapers, and it is often an overwhelming burden that lands on women. There will be a red bin in the First Floor Lobby of City Hall, where anyone can drop off packages of new diapers. To learn more, click here.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is Seeking Mentors
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana (BBBSKY) BBBSKY is recruiting Bigs to serve as mentors for children in all of Louisville’s neighborhoods!
You have a BIG opportunity in front of you— to not only impact a child’s life today— but to transform their potential for tomorrow.
IT TAKES TWO! 2 people- the mentor and the child, 1 year commitment, 2 outings per month, 2 total hours per month!
For more information on how to become a Big, click here to visit us at our website.
Boys & Girls Haven: Independence Readiness
The Boys and Girls Haven has an exciting opportunity for young adults 18-24 in the Jefferson County Region. Life and career exploration assessments and intensive case management are offered to guide their transition to independence. Services include access to housing and employment networks.
Clients will have direct access to a funnel of internships, apprenticeships, and permanent employment opportunities.
Free GED and English classes are available morning, afternoon, and evening with additional options for instructor-facilitated virtual classes and self-paced online options.
You will have access to: leveled classes, facilitated labs, experienced instructors, college and career navigators, parenting classes, children enrichment classes and online resources!
If you or someone you know needs to earn the GED credential or improve English language skills, please contact us at (502) 485-3400 or complete the enrollment form found at www.ged4u.com.
Whitney M. Young Job Corps' Doors Are Open
Job Corps is a government-funded program aimed to help eligible individuals 16-24 obtain their high school diploma or GED, if needed, along with a career certification for free.
The work-based learning program provides students with opportunities to link their career technical training with practical, on-the-job activities. Careers range from advanced manufacturing to healthcare.
To learn more on how you can enroll or help a young person you may know enroll, click here to learn more or call us at 502-774-1886.
Kentucky Career Center Manufacturing Training Scholarships
The Kentucky Career Center is offering training scholarships in Manufacturing. Scholarships are available for machinist, welder, engineering technician, boilermaker, assembler and more.
Louisville Metro has approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.
Kentucky is opening Driver Licensing Regional Offices across the state to make new REAL ID-compliant driving and identity credentials (as well as standard credentials) available to Kentuckians who prefer to use them for air travel and federal access benefits once enforcement begins May 3, 2023. Other federally approved documents, like a valid passport or passport card, are accepted for U.S. air travel.
- Online and mail-in license renewal are now available. Visit our compare my options tool to determine which option best fits your needs.
- Popup Driver Licensing Program locations will be available in select counties statewide throughout 2022. This traveling service brings all the services offered in Driver Licensing Regional Offices to local communities that don't have a regional office. Applicants must schedule an appointment below. Click here to learn more about the program.
- Avoid a repeat trip by arriving prepared. Learn what documents you need to bring by taking the IDocument Guide quiz or review a list of acceptable documents.
- Masks must be worn while inside a Driver Licensing Regional Office, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your assistance. Documented medical conditions that prohibit an individual from wearing a mask will be granted an exception.
- Driver Licensing Regional Offices are open to in-person visits from any Kentucky resident.
- Appointments are highly suggested, as limited space for walk-ins differs from site to site.
Louisville - Nia Center 2900 W. Broadway Louisville, KY 40211
502-564-1257
Louisville Vacant and Abandoned Property News
Louisville Metro is seeking bids for property maintenance on vacant buildings and land in Louisville Jefferson County.
The work performed is continuous throughout the year, and the objective is to keep Metro- and Landbank-owned real estate safe, secure and accessible. Bids are being accepted in four separate areas of property maintenance: (1) Metro-owned properties, (2) Landbank-owned vacant property maintenance services, (3) Landbank-owned vacant property lawn maintenance, and (4) Landbank-owned vacant property debris removal. Interested applicants may submit bids for one or more areas. Each area requires its own submittal. If your company has experience in property maintenance, especially in our western neighborhoods, please check out the links below:
Landbank-owned Vacant Property Maintenance Services - Link
Landbank-owned Vacant Property Lawn Maintenance - Link
Landbank-owned Vacant Property Debris Removal - Link
Please note each bid requires a separate submittal.
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!
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
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.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!
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).
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
Louisville Zoo News
Throo the Zoo — Save the Date!
Walkers and runners will want to save the date for the wildest 5K in town — Throo the Zoo presented by Norton Audubon Hospital — now a fall run favorite occurring Nov. 12, 2022. Registration begins June 7, 2022. Please check the Zoo’s website at louisvillezoo.org/throo for updates.
Additional Activities
April 9, 16, 23, 30 - Celebrate the Earth Saturdays: Join the Zoo for virtual fun on social media. They’ll be sharing great videos from their eco-partners, including Louisville Metro Public Works, about ways you can help protect our planet!
April 9, 16, 23, 30 - ZooPoopyDoo Compost Sales: Get your garden ready for spring with the Zoo’s unique, high-quality ZooPoopyDoo compost.
April 11, 18, 25 - Funday Mondays: Enjoy $5.25 Zoo admission courtesy of LG&E and KU Foundation.
Sunday, April 24 - Earth Day at the Zoo ($8.25 general admission): Enjoy $8.25 Zoo admission PLUS free parking courtesy of LG&E and KU Foundation. There will be community eco-partner displays. Join the fun and learn what you can do to help save our planet!
Wednesday, April 27, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. - Conservation and Conversations: A virtual panel discussion with National Land Trust, WestRock Recycling and LG&E and KU representatives on sustainability best practices.
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).
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Fall/winter hours continue through March 18, 2022, 10 a.m. ─ 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.). Zoo entry hours from March 19 ─ Sept. 18, 2022 are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (enjoy the Zoo until 6 p.m.) The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Brightside News
Southend Beautification Campaign Tree Planting
Brightside and Louisville Grows need YOU to join our tree planting team! We will be planting trees and cleaning up South Louisville on Saturday, April 9th from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. No experience is necessary, everyone is welcome. Trained Louisville Grows Citizen Foresters will be there to lead you in becoming a proper tree planter!
Interested volunteers may register at https://tinyurl.com/PlantSouthend2022. Day of check in and team assignments will begin at 8:30 A.M., there will be a short press conference then planting will begin immediately after. We will also be offering supplies for a neighborhood cleanup if you are unable to participate in the actual planting of trees--you can join the beautification effort by helping to pick up litter in the area.
A huge THANK YOU to our Southend Beautification Tree Planting Campaign corporate partners and sponsors: Metro Council Districts 21 and 25, MSD, Universal Woods, UPS, Humana, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Benchmark Physical Therapy, Southwest Dream Team, and Catholic Charities.
Community-Wide Cleanup
Our Spring Community-Wide Cleanup is happening Saturday, April 16th! Be a part of this city-wide event to keep Louisville looking bright and beautiful by finding more information here. Registration will open February 28th.
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.
Neighborhoods can hold their own cleanups at any point throughout the year and we can provide gloves and bags for each Neighborhood Cleanup. We will work with Solid Waste Management to have the collected litter bags picked up. Give us a call at (502) 574-2613 or register online about two weeks prior to your event to schedule your cleanup and for information about getting supplies.
Earth Day Cleanup on Sand Island
On Friday, April 22nd from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M., join in for an Earth Day celebration of “Our Ohio River” through paddle craft exploring and cleaning up the Islands of the Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area. Participants can register to paddle in a Voyageur Canoe with River City Paddle Sports and Metro Parks Natural Area’s Big Canoes, with a capacity of about 50 paddlers. Participants in the event can also use their own boat and gear. The Sand Island Earth Day Event is a celebration of the Ohio River, the biodiversity of its islands, and the organizations dedicated to Our River and The Falls of the Ohio. Keeping our rivers and creeks clean is a community-wide effort. The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to register please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Vnez717Rr-a3Nsh1Cq75pca50Stc4BTF8b6fPiI95L3b4A/viewform
Brightside & KY Derby Festival Post-Thunder Cleanup
Every Louisvillian loves Thunder, but we don't love to see all the litter that accumulates during the event! On Sunday, April 24th, come support clean, green spaces with us and our partner, the KY Derby Festival, to clean up the areas surrounding Thunder Over Louisville. Watch for future newsletters and Brightside's social media posts about further details for this event.
Sweep & Sip Event - May
We will meet again the first Sunday of the month for our brewery-hosted cleanup event at Gallant Fox. Come out on May 1st at 11:30 A.M. to clean up the Clifton area and see our Brightsite located nearby! Thank you to our May volunteer partner GE Appliances!
All month long in April you can make a difference in our community through Give a Day, the Mayor' Celebration of Service! This program partners with Metro United Way who works every day to lift our community by mobilizing people and maximizing our community’s resources to advance equity and share opportunities for all.
Check out all the opportunities to volunteer and register for service here! Some volunteer opportunities include giving fresh paint to community buildings, clean-up and landscaping of our shared outdoor spaces, clothing drives for children and babies, food deliveries to those in need, and so much more.
Any act of service helps! If you are unable to register for a physical act of service but would still love to contribute, donations to the Mayor's Give a Day are accepted here. Your donation will help to keep Give a Day going and provide supplies needed to help the community!
Let us know how you're going to volunteer or share pics and use #MGAD2022
This Friday in Downtown New Albany, enjoy this free family-friendly event celebrating the best parts of the Kentucky Derby Festival! There will be inflatables, mini golf and bed races, face painting and more! First 1,000 attendees to arrive will receive a custom Event Pin.
Check out other great activities like meeting the 2022 Royal Court, coloring & crafts, food trucks, and pup visits with the Humane Society!
For parking, there will be free street parking in Downtown New Albany, as well as access to surrounding lots. There will be signage at the event helping guide attendees to the right spot!
It’s a collectors mecca convention located in beautiful Louisville, KY. The LouisvilleCon strives to be Kentucky’s best and truest comic con featuring fandoms of multiple genres! Hosted at the Triple Crown Pavilion, the show will have exhibitors that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests including comic books, magazines, toys, gaming, video games, movies, and much more!
There will be lots of special guests including Patricia Patts the Voice Actor of Peppermint Patty from the Peanuts, the 501st Legion Star Wars Characters, Cosplay Guests RGB Foxie & RGB Wolfie, and many more! There will also be fun activities like a Super Smash Bros. tournament, tabletop board game room, and cosplay competition!
Tickets are $20 (kids under 11 years old get in free), tickets can be purchased here.
The Fillies Derby Ball is the Black Tie Ball of the season! Featuring the crowning of the Royal Court, dinner, music and dancing.
Enjoy a magical evening at the Galt House for the Fillies Derby "Spring in the Bluegrass" Ball! The evenings schedule will consist of:
6:00 p.m. - Cocktails 7:00 p.m. - Call to Post 7:30 p.m. - Coronation of the Queen 8:00 p.m. - Dinner 9:00 p.m. - Dancing to Midnight Featuring "The Crashers"
Experience an evening of dinner, dancing and live entertainment by The Crashers and more. A portion of proceeds benefits the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation.
Galt House Grand Ballroom; 140 N. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202
Shakespeare in the Park is back for 2022 and kicking off with the free, 90 minute performance of Julius Caesar! This Saturday's evening performance will be held at Tyler Park. In the chance of rain, the performance will move to inside the tunnel at Tyler Park.
To see all other show times at other Louisville-area parks visit their website.
Grab your friends and family and get to the German-American Club this Saturday for the April Biergarten! This family-friendly event will feature German beer & food (food served from 6 to 8 p.m.), as well as live music playing till 10 p.m.!
From 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., partake in Happy Hour with $5 German pints and $3 wines!
Hop on the Belle of Louisville and celebrate the return of Spring with Paint With Color. Enjoy a riverboat charter cruise, brunch and mimosas, complimentary wine tasting, and live entertainment featuring national recording artist Ric Sexton, 90's Throwback Soundtrack by DJ Sean Solomon and DJ Bravo. There will also be prizes, dancing, a vendor marketplace, and more!
This is the first and only Riverboat Paint & Sip Concert where you can create a beautiful Spring-inspired personal masterpiece painting while enjoying scenic river vibes.
Tickets are $75 a person and includes admission, brunch & mimosas, wine tasting, painting and all supplies. Purchase your tickets here!
Join Falls City Brewing Co. all next week for 90s Week! There will be lots of fun to be had, including surprise beer and merch drops all week long! The schedule of special events for the week is:
On Birthday Bash day, they will have 90’s Saturday Morning Cartoons, a Mario Kart tournament, 90’s video games, axe throwing from Flying Axes, a pop up from What The Lou, and a special show featuring 90’s hits by Vinyl Richie that night plus their Birthday Bash 2022 release!
If you have been looking to experience a beautiful event at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, then you are in luck! You are invited to watch as models will be showcasing gorgeous and unique fascinator designs by floral artist and designer, Kelly Burgess from Apero Seasons.
Burgess uses live, in-season florals, sourced from Tennessee and Kentucky area farmers and small business owners to create living works of art. Guests will enjoy lunch provided by Wiltshire Pantry while Shannon Cogan serves as emcee for the event.
Tickets are $75 a person can be purchased here, or by calling 502-276-5404.
Mix, mingle and enjoy Bourbon Specialty Drinks at Republic Bank BourbonVille. Taste signature drinks from some of Kentucky’s top Bourbon distilleries, enjoy Bourbon-inspired cuisine and meet the Master Distillers!
This year’s event will be held at the Frazier History Museum – the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
General Admission tickets include:
- Signature drinks and tastings from Kentucky’s Bourbon distilleries - Bourbon-inspired cuisine - Free commemorative glass and Swag Bag - Access to Frazier Museum Exhibits, see current exhibits at fraziermuseum.org
VIP tickets include the above, plus:
- One-hour early entrance to event, starting at 5 p.m. - Access to VIP Lounge sponsored by Bardstown Bourbon - Exclusive Bardstown Bourbon Tasting Experience
Menu includes: Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers, Pimento Mac & Cheese Fritters with Remoulade, BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on pretzel buns, All beef meatballs with Henry Baines, mini Hot Brown Crostini, Fresh Fruit Board, Fresh Vegetable Board with Buttermilk Ranch Dip.
Tickets start at $50, and can be purchased here. This is a 21+ event only. Please present valid ID upon entry.
Anyone from beginners to scratch golfers can take a shot. If no one gets the million, they can still walk away with a terrific First Prize of $5,000!
Preliminaries are held for 9 days. This year’s challenge begins Thursday, April 14, and runs through Sunday, April 24. The Hole-In-One is open daily and each golf ball is only $1.00! Get 10 free golf balls with the purchase of a $7 Pegasus Pin at the event.
Please note: CLOSED April 17 for Easter and April 23 for Thunder
Seneca Golf Course Driving Range
2300 Pee Wee Reese Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
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.
***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
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
