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Mayor Greenberg Provides Weekly Update
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 18, 2024) – For his Weekly Louisville Update at the Berrytown Community Center, Mayor Greenberg discussed the current weather outlook and some potentially lifesaving tips for staying cool in extreme heat, the donation of more than 80 pieces of cardio and strength equipment from Planet Fitness to eight local community centers across Louisville, and the creation of the Mayorthon: a new four-part annual race series that will launch in September.
Extreme heat safety
Mayor Greenberg and Samantha Michlowitz from the National Weather Service advised citizens on how to stay safe during extreme temperatures.
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Cooling centers: Eight Neighborhood Place locations throughout Louisville will be serving as cooling relief centers during their normal business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) for those needing to get out of the heat. To find the nearest location, call Metro311 or 574-5000 or visit louisvilleky.gov/NeighborhoodPlace/
- Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation’s 14 community centers will be open as cooling centers during regular operating hours. Some community centers also partner with Dare to Care Food Bank for the Kids Café Program to offer free evening meals to children 18 and under.
- The Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program operates 14 congregate sites for seniors 60 and older that provide a nutritious lunchtime meal and activities at air-conditioned facilities.
- Louisville Metro RCS still has fans available for those who are 60 or older, or who have a documented disability.
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White Flag: The Coalition for the Homeless coordinates the Operation White Flag program to ensure that individuals experiencing houselessness can find shelter during severe weather.
- Operation White Flag goes into effect when the temperature or heat index is 95 degrees or higher. A white flag flies outside each participating shelter to show that Operation White Flag is in effect.
- Persons needing shelter can stay at the participating Operation White Flag shelter while weather conditions persist.
- Wayside Christian Mission (accepts cats and dogs)
- St. Vincent de Paul (for men only)
- Salvation Army Center (day shelter only)
- Day Shelter space is available at the Salvation Army and Wayside Christian Mission, as well as shelters dedicated for men, women and youth.
- When Operation White Flag is in effect, TARC waives fares for individuals who need transportation to one of the participating shelters. The passenger should alert the driver when boarding and can ride to the nearest shelter fare-free.
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Pet safety: Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) asks residents to limit outdoor time for pets.
- Residents are urged to call 9-1-1 if they see animals in distress that have been left in parked vehicles.
- When animals are outdoors, people are asked to provide shade and plenty of water.
- Pet owners can visit the shelter at 3528 Newburg Road Monday – Saturday between noon – 6 p.m. for pet food assistance, while supplies last.
- LMAS also advises residents to leave their pets at home rather than taking them to stores and on other errands.
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Pools, Spraygrounds and Spraypads: The Fairdale Pool and Sun Valley Pool are both open from noon – 5 p.m. this week. Hours vary throughout the summer.
- Louisville Parks and Recreation operates 30+ spraygrounds and spraypads throughout the city. All spraygrounds and spraypads operate daily from dawn to dusk.
Planet Fitness Equipment Donations
Mayor Craig Greenberg and Metro Council President Markus Winkler were also joined by Ben Johnson, assistant director of Louisville Parks and Recreation to announce a new partnership with Planet Fitness, which has donated more than 80 pieces of cardio and strength equipment to the following community centers: Beechmont, Southwick, Sun Valley, Park Hill, California, Wilderness Road, Berrytown, Portland, and Douglass.
“I have no doubt that this donation will positively impact the health and wellness of our citizens all across Louisville, which has always been a priority of my administration,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I want to thank Rick and David Keuber and the Planet Fitness team for their partnership and generosity to our Louisville Parks and Recreation. We will put this equipment to good use and make it readily available to the public at community centers all across our city.”
“Part of Planet Fitness’ mission is described as ‘Fitness for All,’” said Rick Kueber, who along with his brother David, leads the franchise group owning and operating all Louisville-area Planet Fitness clubs. “Providing these well-deserving community centers with equipment as well as sponsoring the Mayorthon series gives us the opportunity to bring fitness to many more Louisvillians. We appreciate Mayor Greenberg and his team putting health and wellness front and center for the city.”
“I am grateful to Planet Fitness for these additions to the Berrytown Recreation Center combined with recent improvements by Louisville Metro to neighboring Berrytown Park, I am excited to see the progress we’re making to ensure every part of our city has access to equipment and spaces that promote health and fitness,” added Metro Council President Markus Winkler of District 17.
To learn more about Louisville Parks and Recreation community centers, click here.
Planet Fitness Mayorthon Race Series
The Mayor also announced Tuesday the Planet Fitness Mayorthon Race Series, an annual, four-part race series that will begin in 2024. Planet Fitness Mayorthon is an exciting, new concept that encourages an active lifestyle within our community and supports runners and walkers with consistent race opportunities throughout the year. In partnership with the Louisville Sports Commission, the race series will consist of four total races including two new races, The Bourbon and Beyond 5K and Race the Runway 5.02K and two existing races, Norton Sports Health 4-Miler and Pure Tap 5K.
The Planet Fitness Mayorthon Race Series is sponsored by Planet Fitness. Anyone who signs up for the races will be offered a free classic Planet Fitness membership through the date of the race.
The Louisville Pure Tap 5k will be held September 7th at the Louisville Water Tower on River Road at Zorn Avenue. The Bourbon and Beyond 5K will take place on Saturday, September 21st, at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center. During the race, runners will have the opportunity to run through the Fairgrounds, while enjoying some special surprises along the way.
The Norton Sports Health 4-Miler will take place September 30th at Iroquois Park and finally, Race the Runway 5.02K will be a unique run or walk that takes place at Louisville’s Historic Bowman Field on November 16th. During the race participants get a chance to run on the runway to complete the final event of the series.
All participants will receive a commemorative medal for the Bourbon and Beyond 5K & Race the Runway 5.02K, and upon participation and completion of all four races, participants will receive an Official Planet Fitness Mayorthon Challenge Coin.
“As mayor, I’m working to make our city safer, stronger, and healthier. I’m excited to launch the Planet Fitness Mayorthon Race Series to give more Louisvillians the opportunity to experience the joy of running, and the health benefits and the community connection that running provides,” said Mayor Greenberg.
"We're excited to partner with Mayor Greenberg and J Wagner Group on the production of the Planet Fitness Mayorthon Series," said Louisville Sports Commission President & CEO Greg Fante. "This new race series will provide runners and walkers with four very different venues and offer great running experiences. Having more fall running options is one way to encourage everyone in our community to be more active."
To learn more about the Planet Fitness Mayorthon Series and to register, visit http://www.mayorthon502.com/
Louisvillian doing good
Mayor Greenberg also recognized Firefighter Juan Pablo Saavedra, who was on his way home on June 7th when he noticed a car fully engulfed in flames against a building at 2nd and Oak. He immediately stopped, called 911, and alerted the nearest firehouse. Unable to approach the car due to multiple explosions, and despite the low visibility and smoky conditions he entered the burning restaurant, making sure everyone had safely evacuated the building. He also checked the other businesses and apartments after the fire and smoke had spread, to confirm that everyone was safe. Firefighter Saavedra then assisted with firefighting operations until the fire was under control. Mayor Greenberg presented Saavedra with a special proclamation to recognize him for his heroic efforts on June 7th.
SHAWNEE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING @ 6:30pm 3rd Tuesday of the Month, Port Shaw Bldg. 3713 West Market St.
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PORTLAND NOW MEETING
@ 6;30p 1ST Tuesday of the Month. 6P SOCIAL TIME, MEETING WILL START AT 6:30P, 1801 PORTLAND AVE. CHURCH OF THE PROMISE ENTRANCE ON THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING.
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If your community is having any neighborhood meetings, please email the office and we will add you to the distribution list. Contact: alfred.johnson@louisvilleky.gov
CHICKASAW NEIGHBORHOOD FEDERATION MEETING
SHAWNEE BRANCH LIBRIARY
6PM-8PM
DATE'S TBD
Join Councilwoman Dr. McCraney for Kentucky Opera’s “Amplify Songs of Justice” concert
This free event is scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2024, at 7 PM
Louisville (June 6, 2024) – The Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration is set to begin on June 8, 2024, with a series of five community events leading up to Juneteenth on June 19, 2024. As part of this year’s celebration, the Kentucky Opera will host “Amplify Songs of Justice” for the second consecutive year.
“Amplify Songs of Justice” is a free concert featuring original commissioned songs about the Civil Rights movements. The evening will showcase five compositions by American operatic baritone Jorell Williams, with lyrics by Louisville Metro Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney (D-7).
“This is the second year these songs will be featured during the Juneteenth celebration, and I am deeply honored to be a part of such a significant celebration in Louisville. I hope you hear and understand the meanings behind the music, which reflect the hardships and struggles our community have faced,” said Councilwoman Dr. McCraney.
Councilwoman Dr. McCraney, who thoughtfully selected the song titles, explains their significance:
“I composed these songs with the intent to be sung along with piano or with many voices. The U.S. Civil Rights Era of the 1960s produced a canon of songs that are still largely part of our culture today. This inspired me to craft this musical score to uplift the voices of Kentuckians through the lens of three topics: faith, justice, and conviction. My hope is that many of these songs become our inspiration in revisiting this historic time that still remains potent and meaningful today, with the hope that social change, respect, and diversification will eventually be at the forefront of America.
The titles of the five commissioned songs are “Whispers in My Ear”, “On This Porch”, “Louder Than Words”, “Judge Not”, and “Faith”. Each song title tells the story of the inspiration behind the lyrics. As I began to think about the messages I wanted to convey through song, I kept thinking about the 2020 protests and some of the calls and emails I received during that time from people who look like the majority of members of the Kentucky Opera. I used creative privilege to consider what White people may feel about today’s civil unrest and the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, attempts to ban books, and frequent cries for justice.
For example, “Whispers in My Ear” is about a person conflicted about civil unrest and who is hearing whispers in their ear about standing up and getting involved. “On the Porch” is about a person sitting on their porch watching protestors walk by, thinking out loud and speaking to God, wondering why they continue to sit on the porch, knowing that they have no hate in them, yet they have no courage to get off the porch and are afraid that their voice may be too little or too late. “Louder Than Words” is similar to the previous songs because it suggests that with cries for justice and equality, our actions, or lack thereof, speak louder than our words. “Judge Not” and “Faith” are convicting to those who understand that, as the popular Sam Cooke song says, “A change is gonna come.”
A part of me wanted to write these songs so that White people could see themselves within today’s civil rights movement and hopefully feel comfortable knowing that they don’t have to feel guilty, beat themselves up, or look the other way. Instead, they can reflect on what is happening all around them and get involved in some shape, form, or fashion. The overarching message in the five songs is that we are all in this together.”
Voices from across Louisville, including churches and college choirs, will join members of the Kentucky Opera Juneteenth Jubilee Choir for a concert celebrating African American culture and music.
The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health, located at 708 Magazine Street. This is a free event, but tickets are required. You may sign up for free tickets online at: https://secure.kyopera.org/amplify-songs-of-justice-2024.
For a full schedule of events, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/juneteenth. |
