Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.

This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health — advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence.

How can YOU take charge of YOUR health at every age?

• Stay up to date on preventive care and screenings.
• Build and maintain social connections that support emotional well-being.
• Choose nutritious, minimally processed foods.
• Incorporate regular physical activity to maintain strength and mobility.
• Practice daily habits that support mental health and resilience.

For more information on Older Americans Month, Click HERE

CASA of the River Region provides trained volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, giving them a consistent voice in Family Court.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Many of the children CASA serves have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—such as abuse, neglect, parental substance misuse, or domestic violence—which can impact health, learning, and long-term outcomes. Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), like having a CASA Volunteer Advocate, can help build resilience and hope.

You can make a difference this month:

• Post our attached imagein your community’s communications.
• Show your supportby displaying a CASA yard sign, hosting a table or presentation, or distributing brochures.

To coordinate these opportunities, contact Peyton Rhea at peyton@casarr.org or (502)595-4911 x 209.

Thank you for giving children a voice and helping them thrive!

For the second year in a row, Jefferson County has seen a historic decline in fatal overdoses—dropping faster than both state and national trends.

According to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy’s 2025 Overdose Fatality Report, 237 Jefferson County residents died from overdose in 2025, a 32% decrease from the 351 deaths in 2024. This follows a 30% reduction between 2023 and 2024.

Across Kentucky, fatal overdoses declined by 23% in 2025 and 29% in 2024. Current rates have returned to pre‑pandemic levels and are the lowest in a decade.

“This historic decrease is the result of a whole‑of‑government public health response,” said Connie Mendel, Director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW). “Investments in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and basic needs like housing and social services are saving lives.”

How We’re Making a Difference

Strategic Investment in Prevention and Recovery

• Nearly $20 million in opioid settlement funds invested in 2024–2025.
• Services reached 20,000+ people, including treatment, mental health care, case management, transportation, legal aid, youth prevention, housing support, and employment and education services.
• $1.6 million dedicated to school based primary prevention programs launching later this year.

Expanded Naloxone Access

• In partnership with several Louisville Metro agencies including Fire, EMS, the Offices of Social Services and Violence Prevention, and Corrections, as well as countless community partners, LMPHW oversaw record naloxone distribution in both years: 
  • 23,643 units in 2024
  • 23,816 units in 2025
• That’s a 70% increase since 2023 and more than 200% growth since 2022.
• Free naloxone is available across Jefferson County—find locations at ky.gov.

Rapid Response After Overdose

• Louisville Metro’s Quick Response Team (QRT) connects people to care within 72 hours of an overdose.
• Since QRT launched in 2021, the team has
  • Received 9,829 referrals of people who experienced overdose
  • Connected with 2,411 patients and their families
  • Distributed 3,974 naloxone kits
  • Connected 455 people to treatment for substance use disorder
  • Connected 519 people to community social services such as housing and food

Harm Reduction Saves Lives

• Evidence‑based clinical harm reduction services are offered six days a week at eight community sites.
• Services include HIV and hepatitis C testing, wound care, treatment referrals, naloxone distribution, overdose prevention education, safe syringe disposal, and connections to medical, mental health, and other community services.

“Together, these efforts are saving lives—and moving us toward a healthier, safer future,” Mendel said.

Louisville, KY (May 13, 2026)  –  Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are celebrating the birth of a colobus monkey at the Zoo.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, May 7, 6-year-old female “Ate” (pronounced “ah-tay”) gave birth to a healthy boy. The father is 13-year-old “Dr. Sheldon Cooper.” Both mother and baby are thriving. In addition to his parents, the new addition will receive nurturing support from “aunties” Nali and Phyllis. Colobus monkeys have an impressive social structure where other troop females help raise the offspring. 

“What an exciting week it’s been as we’ve welcomed a baby giraffe and now a baby monkey to our Louisville Zoo,” said Mayor Greenberg.  “This is a perfect time to get your membership or make a visit to meet our newest additions to the Louisville Zoo family.”

This is just the second colobus monkey birth in the Zoo’s 47-year history. The first-ever birth was celebrated in 2025 with the arrival of male primate, Kayin George.

“Every new birth at the Zoo is special, and seeing this troop welcome and care for a new infant has been incredible to watch,” said Dan Maloney, Louisville Zoo director. “This youngster is already surrounded by a strong family group, and we’re excited for our guests to follow his journey as it grows. With a giraffe calf born and an Steller’s sea eaglet hatched in the last month, we’re excited to share more of what the season brings.”

Facts and Family Dynamics

Colobus monkeys, native to the African rainforest canopy, are highly arboreal and rarely come down from the trees. One of their most remarkable behaviors is alloparenting, where females share in babysitting duties from the moment an infant is born.

Infants play a vital role in colobus troop life, fostering unity and interaction among all members. This collaborative care system not only helps young monkeys thrive but also enriches the lives of the entire group.

From Snowflake White to Black-and-White

Colobus babies are born with a snowy white coat — a striking difference from the black-and-white coloration of adults. By six months, the baby’s coat will match the adult pattern.

Colobus babies are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and physically capable soon after birth. Within just a couple of months, they begin to explore their environment, navigating the treetops with increasing agility.

These primates have hook-like fingers but without thumbs, which makes leaping and climbing more efficient. They also enjoy a primarily leaf-based diet and are known for their distinct vocalizations used to communicate across the canopy.

Plan Your Visit

Now is an especially exciting time to visit the Louisville Zoo. Guests may spot the newborn monkey in both the indoor and outdoor areas of Colobus Crossing, where the troop’s playful interactions and cooperative care are on full display. Guests should look for a white head tucked under the arm of mom and other troop members. Visitors to the Zoo may also see the latest Steller’s sea eagle hatching on the live camera in Glacier Run. In addition, the newest Masai giraffe addition will be available for viewing in the coming days. Stay tuned for more exciting arrivals coming in 2026!

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Spring/summer hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit louisvillezoo.org.

May is National Bike Month, and that can only mean one thing — Bike to Work Day is back! Mark your calendars for Friday, May 15, 2026, and get ready to ride.

Bike Louisville will host five group rides starting at 7:30 a.m. from parks and locations across the region, including Iroquois Park, Seneca Park, Shawnee Park, George Rogers Clark Park, and the Big Four Station in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Each ride will be led by experienced volunteer ride captains and will end downtown at The Plaza on Fourth (222 S. 4th St.).

Riders will be welcomed downtown with coffee, donuts, and prizes — a well-earned reward for helping celebrate active, sustainable transportation in Louisville Metro.

Don’t have a bike? No problem. Lime will be deploying e-bikes at each Meet & Ride location and offering free rides into downtown. Participants can reserve an e-bike through the registration form.

Bike to Work Day is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and experience the benefits of biking as a healthy and sustainable way to get around the city.

Be sure to register in advance and view route maps for each ride by following the link below.

To see what Bike to Work Day was all about last year, watch this video! 

Let’s hit the streets and celebrate Bike Month together! REGISTER HERE!

Our next Pop‑Up Drop‑Off event is just around the corner! Join us on Saturday, May 16, at Shawnee Park for a convenient opportunity to responsibly dispose of hard‑to‑manage items and give gently used items a second life.

This year, we're excited to partner with Goodwill Kentucky, making it easier than ever to donate while you clean out. Residents may bring gently used houseware and textiles for donation. Items collected by Goodwill will be sold to support job training and community programs.

Pop‑Up Drop‑Off events are designed to make recycling, donation, and proper disposal easier for residents by bringing services directly into the neighborhood. Whether you’re tackling spring cleaning or clearing out items you’ve been holding onto, this event offers a simple and convenient way to do the right thing.

These events not only keep reusable and recyclable materials out of the landfill, but by participating, you’re doing your part to support a cleaner, healthier Louisville.

Accepted items:

• Gently used textiles and household items (donated to Goodwill Kentucky)
• Gently used shoes will be collected for WaterStep - every three pairs of shoes collected provides safe water for one person for life!
• Up to three electronic items (recycled)
• Metal and appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
• Up to four passenger tires (recycled)
• Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
• Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
• Documents for shredding (recycled)
• Large household items (landfilled)
• Prescription medication (disposed properly)

These items are NOT accepted at Pop-Up Drop-Off events:

• Garbage, loose debris (use curbside garbage collection or take to landfill)
• Concrete, bricks, rocks
• Construction debris (take to Waste Reduction Center, fees apply)
• Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or items containing Freon (take to Waste Reduction Centeror 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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With Derby season behind us, summer is just around the corner—and that means Louisville Parks and Recreation is gearing up to open its pools and water parks for another season of family fun! In just a few weeks, you can enjoy these amenities at Nelson Hornbeck Park, Sun Valley Park, Algonquin Park, and—new this year—Camp Taylor Park.

To support programming and special events at these locations, Parks and Recreation is launching a new sponsorship banner program. For $400, businesses and organizations can sponsor the entire summer by displaying a 2' x 7' or 3' x 6' vinyl banner featuring their logo and contact information. Banners will be displayed on the interior of the pool areas by Parks staff, offering great visibility while supporting a worthwhile cause.

We encourage your participation and ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with businesses and organizations in your district. While sponsors are asked to work directly with a local vendor to create their banner, assistance is available during this inaugural year to help streamline the process.

All proceeds from the program will directly support the aquatics fund—benefiting swim lessons, programming, facility amenities, and more. It’s a great way to gain exposure while giving back to the community.

Hi Music Lovers,

Thank you for making our recent Music for a Purpose concert series supporting the Louisville Urban League such a success!

Our weekend began with a private event on Friday featuring a program of all Black composers, followed by live concerts on Saturday and Sunday featuring the fantastic Kevin Harris Project. Chris Lee and Hassan Sabree joined in for an unforgettable experience!! For those who couldn't join us, we have put together a highlight reel HERE.

We are proud to share that we raised $5,500 for the Louisville Urban League. We are still accepting contributions at this link for those who would like to support their mission of fostering economic equity through housing, education, and job security.

Additionally, WAVE 3 News covered our education series performances at the West End School this past Monday. You can view that clip here: [WAVE 3 features MFP].

Please join us for our next concert series benefiting Kentucky Refugee Ministries on May 22, 23, and 24. This is an issue close to many in our community, and we look forward to supporting Louisville’s thriving international culture together!

Kick off Summer Reading and Cultural Pass at Waterfront Park Festival Plaza on May 30 from 10 AM–1 PM! Enjoy hands-on fun, live performances by the Louisville Leopards Percussionists, and explore this year’s “Wild About Reading” theme with partners like Actors Theatre and the Kentucky Science Center.

Summer Reading pre-registration is now open! Visit LFPL.org/SummerReading for details. Summer Reading officially begins May 30 and runs through August 1.

For the 11th year in a row, KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, and the Louisville Metro Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens are teaming up to provide fans for older adults and persons with disabilities to help offer relief from the sweltering summer heat.  Working with community organizations, churches, businesses, private citizens and the local media, we hope to generate monetary donations to purchase new fans.  Persons or businesses interested in sponsoring fans will be able to make tangible or monetary donations to this effort until May 22nd, 2026 

Fan Fair Event | June 6th, 2026 9:00am-11:00am

Edison Center 701 W. Ormsby Ave Louisville KY 40203

If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring, please contact Alli at 502.574.5092 or allison.woosley@louisvilleky.gov

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 | 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. PETERSON-DUMESNIL HOUSE - 301 S. PETERSON AVENUE

The Crescent Hill Garden Club is excited to be hosting our 32nd anniversary garden tour! With your ticket purchase, gain access to private gardens in the Crescent Hill neighborhood PLUS the grounds of the historic Peterson-Dumesnil House. We are planning lots of fun activities to celebrate our anniversary, including a local vendor fair, free door prizes, tours of the Peterson-Dumesnil House, music, breakfast treats and more!

Peterson-Dumesnil Tour Schedule:

• Peterson-Dumesnil House Tours will be available at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm.
• Peterson-Dumesnil Grounds Tours will be available at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.

TICKETS You can purchase tickets the day of the tour at the Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Avenue, where the tour begins or in advance on our website: https://www.crescenthillgardenclub.org/tour-tickets.html

Tickets are $20. 

YOUR TICKET PURCHASE SUPPORTS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS Funds from the tour are used to support local community organizations, such as United Crescent Hill Ministries, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, Louisville Free Public Library, and others. Your ticket purchase also funds garden projects throughout the Crescent Hill area and our annual Appalachian Redbud Tree Giveaway Project.

To learn more, visit www.crescenthillgardenclub.org.

Kentucky Shakespeare, the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth, presents the annual FREE Shakespeare in the Parks tour of THE TEMPEST, touring to a record 46 parks this spring.

“O brave new world, that has such people in’t!” 

Shakespeare’s final play is a testament to the redeeming power of love and forgiveness – featuring fools, spirits, monsters, shipwrecks, and magical spells. This one-act magical comedy is performed with five actors in neighborhood parks across the region this spring.

• These are FREE, Family-friendly performances for the community and do not require reservations or tickets.
• The show is approximately 80 minutes long without an intermission.
• Please bring your own chairs, blankets, or other sitables that are most comfortable for you, for most venues.
• In case of inclement weather, most locations have alternate in-door spaces, still currently being determined below. All location changes will be shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
• Our artists utilize a sound system with speakers.
• If there are physical accessibility questions related to a specific location, please contact us for recommendations.
• At every performance, we have sensory tools and noise-cancelling headphones for both adults and youth available for use.

Exciting progress continues at The Dot Experience, and each week brings more visible changes. Along Frankfort Avenue, the newly installed horizontal sunshades now stretch across the main gallery windows, giving the exterior a polished, modern look. Upstairs, the top-floor boardroom is coming together with the addition of its glass storefront enclosure. Inside, work continues on the lobby and the classroom located just off the lobby. Materials and equipment are in place in each area and ready for installation.

Image description: The front of The Dot Experience. The sunshades stretch across the main gallery windows.

Image description: A view of the lobby with various construction materials on the floor.

Image description: A view of the classroom with various construction materials on the floor.

Our adoption event (Hammer's Lou Adopts) was a great success- 39 pets adopted from #YourCityShelter!

We've got Ham Shamwitch for you today; this beautiful girl has spent time in a foster home flourishing & is very ready for a family of her own. 

Meet Ham Shamwich, the elderdog rockstar who completely refuses to act her age. She has the pep of a teen, the heart of a professional cuddler, and one feature that makes her completely unforgettable: The Snaggle.

One bottom canine tooth that permanently pushes her lip up into a flawless Elvis sneer. Looks tough, but actually just wants to melt into your lap. World class Work from Home assistant (specializes in snoring during Zoom calls). Leads enthusiastic walks where she trots like a champion. Will follow you everywhere just to be your snuggle buddy.

Hammy is in a foster home; email MASFoster@Louisvilleky.gov to schedule your backstage meet & greet!! 

All adoption fees are sponsored by Bissell Pet Foundation through May 17^th

Upcoming Events in May: 

• Sunday, May 17th- Drive Thru Microchip Clinic 1pm-3pm at 3528 Newburg Rd Register online https://LMASschedule.as.me/microchipclinicPayment due at time of service
• Sunday, May 17th- Support LMAS at Le Moo, up to 10% proceeds 5pm-9pm 
• Saturday, May 23^rdMeet Me at the Mall Macy's Adoption Event Adoption fees sponsored by Friends of Metro Animal Services 

We’re excited to share that the Pee Wee Reese shared use path project is almost complete. The Louisville Metro Department of Transportation (DOT) is working with contractors to install the final project elements that will help improve safety, visibility, and comfort for everyone using the corridor.

The project adds nearly 5,000 linear feet of new pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure between the two parks.

Remaining work includes:

• Adding green bike crossings at all intersections
• Installing additional pavement markings to clearly show the two-way bike facility
• Placing new delineator posts at each intersection to help prevent motorists from entering the path
• Adding edge line striping along both sides of the travel lanes
• Removing outdated signage, and installing new signs.

Once these final improvements are in place, the project will officially be complete, creating a safer, more accessible, and more comfortable connection between Seneca and Cherokee Parks for people of all ages and abilities.

Louisville Metro DOT is managing the project with the support of Louisville Parks and Recreation.

After investigating the sewer and stormwater drainage lines on N. Galt Avenue, MSD has found several blockages that will be fixed through point repairs and pipe rehabilitation. The work is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of summer. 

Here’s the latest news:

•  Recently, a manhole was installed at 109 N. Galt Avenue, which will allow an MSD contractor to continue making point repairs along the street. Traffic will go down to one lane near the work. Street parking may be reduced near the work. 
•  Work has recently been paused because of the Kentucky Derby and to make space for a neighbor to complete a housing move. Work is expected to resume this week. 

After all point repairs are complete, Robinson Pipe Cleaning will line the storm and sanitary sewers with Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP), which is a quick and trench-less process that will add 50 to 100 years to the lifespan of the pipes. Before the contractor leaves, restorative ground and asphalt work will be done. 

Street sweeping routes and schedules have recently been updated. Because of these changes, you may be receiving alerts for the wrong route — or not receiving alerts when you should.

To ensure you get accurate notifications, you may need to unsubscribe and then resubscribe to alerts.

First unsubscribe from current alerts:

1. Visit the Manage Alerts page and enter the email address and/or phone number you used to sign up.
2. Check all Street Sweeping areas and routes that you are currently subscribed to, and click Submit to delete.
3. Repeat for each email address or phone number as needed.

Then resubscribe to alerts:

1. Visit LouisvilleKY.gov and click on "Address Lookup."
2. Enter your address and choose it from the dropdown.
3. Click on Street Sweeping Reminders to be notified by email or text.

STREET SWEEPING

With warmer weather now firmly in place, paving operations are back underway across Louisville Metro. Crews are out improving streets and continuing roadway projects throughout the city.

Louisville Metro repaves streets each year to preserve roadway conditions, extend the life of existing pavement, and provide safer, smoother travel for everyone. Regular paving helps prevent more costly repairs in the future and protects the city’s infrastructure investment.

To see which streets are currently scheduled for paving, visit the "Paving" page at louisvilleky.gov. Please note that all listed projects are weather permitting and subject to change.

United Learning Summer Camp is Back! ☀️

☀️ June 1–5 @ 9:30 AM–2:30 PM – Join us for UCHM Summer Camp for rising 1st–5th graders! Enjoy a week of STEM activities, hands-on learning, field day fun, and daily breakfast & lunch.

🤝 Volunteers Needed – Food Pantry Support - Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM –12:30/1:00 PM – We’re looking for caring volunteers to help stock our food pantry and support families in our community. Your time makes a meaningful difference!

👉 Apply at: https://www.uchmlouky.org/volunteer/

UCHM 60+ Program – May Highlights

Join us this month for engaging activities, wellness opportunities, and live music at United Crescent Hill Ministries

🎤 Thursday, May 21 @ 10:30 AM – Join us for Blue Moon Karaoke, a fun-filled morning of music, laughter, and community with our 60+ Program!

📅 Full Monthly Calendar For a complete list of activities and events, please contact Monique at 502-893-0346.

UCHM Community Event

Check out our Facebook page to RSVP or just come by!