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The Office of Councilman Dan Seum, Jr. wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The office of District 13 office will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. |
 Fairdale is proudly unveiling a new archway sign that reads “Gateway to the Forest,” symbolizing the community’s close connection to nature and its role as a welcoming entry point to Jefferson Memorial Forest, the nation’s largest municipally owned forest. This beautifully crafted sign stands as a landmark on Mitchell Hill Road, offering a natural and warm greeting to residents and visitors alike. With the introduction of this archway, we hope that it serves as a testament to Fairdale’s commitment of its outdoor heritage while embracing growth and progress. Thank you to Louisville Tourism and Rueff signs for their collaboration in making this project come to life!
 Students part of Fairdale High School’s choir recently brought joy and cheer to the seniors at the Playtorium with a wonderful Christmas performance. In a touching display of community spirit, the choir members sang a selection of festive songs, filling the room with sweet melodies and spreading warmth during this holiday season. The concert served as a reminder of the joy of music and the importance of connection across generations.
A highlight from the performance can be found HERE.
At the Fairdale Playtorium, nursing students and special education students came together for a great day of service and connection. After lunch, the nursing students took the opportunity to check the seniors’ blood pressure, offering them free health screenings while providing valuable care and attention. Meanwhile, the special education students worked alongside the seniors, decorating cookies in a fun and festive activity that brought forth connectivity and camaraderie.
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 The original text from the Courier-Journal Magazine is as follows:
The Courier-Journal Magazine
June 5, 1949
Fairdale Rolled Up Its Sleeves
Now it has its Playtorium, ready to provide recreation facilities for the community year around
By DEAN EAGLE
The distinction between work and play is not in the actual occupation but in the mind psychologists say. The energetic community of Fairdale has found this to be true. Its citizens have rolled up their sleeves, gritted their teeth and had fun building a $100,000 Playtorium.
Recreation officials say the all-purpose, year-around center is the first of its kind in the United States. The concrete-block structure, located at the rear of Fairdale High School, is 85 by 120 feet. Rich in recreation assets, it has:
- A roller-skating rink 76 by 108 feet which through the use of a portable stage, can be transformed into an auditorium seating 2,000;
- A roomy balcony with pool and miniature tennis tables;
- A modern, well-equipped workshop where men and women can repair a broken chair or a baby buggy;
- A comfortable lounging room with television and music facilities;
- A handicraft room, and space for shuffleboard and other games;
- A big kitchen equipped with two modern electric stoves, refrigeration system, sinks, dishes and utensils;
- And modern toilet and showers-bath facilities for men and women
For years Fairdale had been aware of its short-coming, but it dreamed of nothing like this. The community just didn’t realize the strength of its own civic-mindedness. Birthday of the gigantic project was February 11, 1948. On that date Nelson Hornbeck, president of the Fairdale Community Club, and Charles W. Blake, principal of Fairdale High School, went to the office of the Jefferson County Playground and Recreation Board and asked help in building a “small workshop and skating rink.”
Fairdale had a problem common to most rural areas. There was no place for its kids – or grownups – to play. And it seemed that with such limited resources a very small structure was all that could be accomplished. The board, headed by Rev. L.M. Sanders, followed its nationally known practice of asking the Fairdale representatives what the community would be willing to do for itself. At the time Charlie Vettiner, director of Jefferson County recreation explained the board’s policy of requiring communities to earn the right to play. Hornbeck replied that manually Fairdale would give everything , and that financially the town had raised $5,000 which would be put into the project. He added that the sum probably could be raised to $10,000 in a year or so. The Jefferson County board agreed to match dollar for dollar. Fairdale went to work. Its citizenry talked and joked of the day’s trials and tribulations at the office as they worked far into the night. What ordinarily is grim drudgery became merriment as the group hammered and sawed and painted. Hornbeck experienced in construction work, supervised the job. James Chowning, sold on the county recreation program through a young son, put up the steel. An electrician, W. M. Hutchinson, who wanted a place for his daughter to play, wired the building. And right on down the line, where there was a job to do Fairdale had a man to do it.
Aside from many hours at night, Arthur Shacklette devoted a week of his vacation to the project – excavating, painting, woodworking and filling in here and there where help was needed. W. T. Schultz usually gets about $2.50 an hour for laying tile floor but did a neat job on the Playtorium lounge for the future’s sake. Blake divided his time between administration and painting. There were the usual delays in construction. Materials failed to arrive on schedule, and weather hampered the community’s efforts. But the aggressive Hornbeck was always back of the project and pushed it to completion nearly as quick as if it had been done under contract. By the time the project was finished the Jefferson County Playground and Recreation Board had contributed $27,500 in cash. The farsighted people of Fairdale had matched that with $10,000 in cash and $17,500 in labor. Simple addition of $27,500 and $27,500 doesn’t make $100,000. However, much of the material was donated, and leaders shopped around for wholesale prices on what had to be purchased. Of course, labor alone did not a Playtorium build. There had to be that most important item, CASH. Fairdale has been more than a decade saving up $10,000. That’s an average of $5 a person for the town of 2,000. If a city the size of Louisville would attempt to raise in such a ration, the total would be more than $2,000,000.
The Fairdale Community Faird produced the bulk of the money. Nearly every man, woman and child pooled his efforts to make these events a success. A news story on how the money was raised: “The Fairdale Community turned out some 5,000 strong last night at the opening of the 17th annual fair to raise funds for a community recreational center…The old and young alike chipped in to make the opening a big success. There were carnival attractions for the children, variety and horror shows presented by Fairdale High School students for teenagers and exhibits of farm produce and canned fruits and vegetables for the adults.”
“Fairdale community activities will revolve around the building,” Hornbeck predicts. “The Fairdale Community Fair will be held there along with teenage dances, nightly roller skating, fish fries, and many other events.”
Vettiner voiced the hope that other rural communities would take a lesson from the Fairdale achievement. The county will furnish two full-time trained supervisors for the building. They will be assisted by members of the Fairdale Community Club. Much credit is due the women of the community whose cooking and baking help put these dollar-raising shindigs across. And as a reward the men agreed to cook the first meal in the new kitchen and let the women sit idly by and criticize. Fairdale hopes to get a lot out of the Playtorium. It puts its heart into it. The Playtorium’s doors were thrown open last Sunday. The project is dedicated to the men who died in the war.
 School is almost out for winter break and the Louisville Free Public Library is ready to help keep families engaged and entertained, without putting a dent in your budget. All LFPL branches offer free activities for children, teens, and caregivers throughout the winter break (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day), including a variety of craft and maker workshops, dance parties, hands-on learning, movie screenings, teen challenges, and more!
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Vie for the title of puzzle master at a Teen Jigsaw Puzzle Race (Dec. 21, 2-3:30 p.m. @ Main), or try to escape not one, but three rooms at Northeast’s Teen Escape Room Challenge (Jan. 2, 1-5 p.m. @ Northeast Regional Library)
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The whole family can relax and create together at special Mindfulness Storytimes at Western Library (Dec. 23 & 30, 6 p.m., for kids ages 0-10 and their families), or drop-in to make winter crafts over hot cocoa at Shively Library (Jan. 2, 2:30-4:30 p.m., ages 0-10).
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Dress to get messy at a Slime Party at Main (Dec. 30, 2 p.m.), or get creative with glue and paint at Crescent Hill’s Winter Crafts & Games (Dec. 23, 2-4 p.m., ages 4-10).
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Young book fans can read to a dog (Jan. 2, 3 p.m. @ St. Matthews Library, ages 5-10 & Jan. 4, 2-3:30 p.m. @ Northeast Regional Library), get cozy with snacks and a good book at Silent Book Club (Dec. 28, 2 p.m. @ South Central Regional Library, ages 8-12), and meet new friends at the Little Bookworms Book Club (Jan. 2, 1:30 p.m. @ Iroquois, ages 6-11.
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Celebrate New Year’s Eve early with a NYE Storytime (Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m. @ Northeast Regional Library), NYE Dance Party (Dec. 31, 11 a.m. @ Iroquois Library), NYE Around the World (Dec. 31, 2 p.m. @ Main Library), and a Noon Year’s Eve Party (Dec. 31, 11 a.m. @ South Central Regional Library).
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Our youngest patrons are invited to try out percussion instruments while their parents chat at a Musical Baby Play Group (Jan. 4, 10:30am @ Middletown Library, ages 0-2), or take in a storytime at any Library branch.
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Kids & teens are invited to the Shawnee Library to learn the basics of cooking (Jan. 2, 3 p.m.) and discover their green thumb at an indoor plant session (Jan. 3, 3 p.m.).
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Learn how to play loteria in both Spanish and English / Acompáñenos a jugar lotería Vamos a jugar de forma bilingüe Española e Ingles. (Jan. 2, 6 p.m. @ Iroquois Library)
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Teens can get out of the house and meet up at an indoor snowball fight (Jan. 2, 2-3:30 p.m. @ Main Library), or grab snacks and a movie at a teens-only Holiday Party (Dec. 23, 2-4 p.m. @ Shawnee).
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READ! There is always a good book to check out at your local library branch.
The Louisville Zoo is spreading holiday cheer this December with a month-long lineup of festive activities for the whole family. From animal-themed holiday enrichment to a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Key Highlights for December:
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Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday (Weekends: Dec. 7–8, 14–15, 21–22) Join Qannik, the Zoo’s beloved polar bear, and her animal companions as they enjoy special holiday-themed enrichment activities. Sponsored by Great Clips, this festive event runs select weekends in December.
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Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit (Dec. 21–22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) The power couple of the season will make a stop at the Louisville Zoo for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with guests. Families can also enjoy sweet treats like cookie decorating and s’mores during this special weekend.
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Holiday Scavenger Hunt (All Month) Guests can embark on a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt for all ages. Scan the QR code at the Zoo entrance to join the adventure and complete challenges for a chance to win Zoo-themed prizes.
Additional Details: Holiday programming is included with general Zoo admission or membership. Visitors can also take advantage of discounted admission during Wild Winter Days, presented by Kroger, running through February 28, 2025. Guests who bring at least one non-perishable food item per person for Dare to Care Food Bank can purchase tickets at the Zoo for $10.50 per adult and $7.50 per child/senior.
For a complete schedule of events and activities, visit louisvillezoo.org/bearyhappy.
Zoo Hours The Zoo is open daily year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
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Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window. |
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Starting January 1, 2025, all Kentuckians must undergo a vision screening to renew their driver’s license. Multiple states have adopted mandatory vision screenings to ensure drivers have the visual acuity required to operate a vehicle safely.
This new requirement, enacted during the 2021 General Assembly, aims to promote highway safety by ensuring that all drivers maintain good vision throughout their driving career. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is responsible for administering the vision requirement law for drivers seeking to renew their license. Drivers have two options for vision screenings when renewing their license. Click on the link below for additional details. https://drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Documents/KCTC_fact%20sheet_public_.pdf
Property Address: Commerce Crossings Apartments, 5141 Commerce Crossings DR
Case Number: 24-DDP-0083
A revised detailed district development plan application to add gated entrances and adjust road widening length to an already approved apartment development on 22 acres in the R6 and OR3 zoning districts.
For more information, please click HERE.
Property Address: Fox Smith Minor Plat, 10413 Fox Ave.
Case Number: 24-MPLAT-0150
A minor subdivision plat application to create two tracts from one on 9.3953 acres in the R4 zoning district.
For more information, please click HERE.
To View the Full Report, Please Click HERE.
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 Opening Weekend - A Christmas Carol at Highview Arts Center
A Classic Retelling: "A Christmas Carol" , Adapted by Kathy Preher Reynolds
Get ready to embark on a heartwarming journey of redemption and transformation as Highview Arts Center proudly presents its second show of the season, "A Christmas Carol," adapted by Kathy Preher Reynolds. This timeless tale of compassion and self-discovery will come to life on stage this December, captivating audiences of all ages with its enchanting storytelling and innovative adaptation.
Kathy Preher Reynolds, a local theatre professional who currently resides within the Highview Community, has masterfully breathed new life into Charles Dickens' classic story. With a unique blend of traditional charm and contemporary resonance, Reynolds' adaptation promises to deliver a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and themes that have made "A Christmas Carol" a holiday favorite for generations.
The production will feature an exceptional cast of local community actors, each meticulously chosen to capture the essence of Dickens' characters and Reynolds' reimagined vision. From the curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge to the endearing Tiny Tim, audiences can expect a performance that will tug at their heartstrings and inspire a renewed appreciation for the true spirit of Christmas
EACH PERFORMANCE SOLD OUT LAST YEAR Advanced Tickets On Sale Now!
DATES December 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30pm December 8, 15, 22 at 2:30pm
TICKETS $15 General Admission / $13 students and seniors.
Purchase Advanced Tickets
**due to popularity, ordering tickets in advance is strongly advised. Walk-in ticket sales are not guaranteed.
The Highview Arts Center is located at 7406 Fegenbush Lane.
Visit them online at: highviewartscenter.com facebook.com/highviewarts
 Registration is now open for 2024 Winter Break Camps at Louisville Parks and Recreation Community Centers! These camps are for ages 5-12 and include a field trip.
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There are 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.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.
To learn more please visit Boards and Commission
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