Your News and Notes - May 2009

Compiled by The Highlander  

 

Taylor Beisler coined a phrase that she lives by: “If you can’t find a good book to curl up with, then write one!” And that’s exactly what the Highlands 17-year-old did. Her debut novel, “Arint Saratir: Warrior’s Light,” is filled with adventure, conflict, mystery and death. Set in the “middle ages” of the earth, the story follows a young man who is destined for greatness, but only wants to fit in. His fate collides with that of another young man and they are forced to make grave choices to survive in the dark and evil world. 

“I have always loved writing stories,” says Beisler, who is an avid reader of fantasy-fiction. She adds, “I never thought it would actually be published when I began.” After filling countless notebooks but never finishing a story, Beisler wrote  the novel in a month, then worked on it for two years before seeing it published. “That’s a long time,” says the young author, adding, “but, it is so worth seeing all of that hard work come to a confluent end in the tangible book.”

Beisler is a junior at Christian Academy of Louisville and lives in the Douglass Boulevard area with parents Joseph and Stacey Beisler. She enjoys playing soccer, drawing and the outdoors. “That’s kind of eclectic, I would imagine. I’m currently in Honors Physics and Art III, so that’s two different sides of the same spectrum for you.”

More information about the book and the author can be found at www.taylorbeisler.com.

 

Walkers, cancer survivors, team captains and hard workers are all needed to make the American Cancer Society Relay For Life a success in the St. Matthews/Highlands community. Relay for Life is a family-oriented event that mobilizes communities to celebrate survivorship, remember those lost to cancer, and raise money for the fight against cancer. This year’s event will begin on Friday, June 5, 7 p.m., at Waggener High School.  

“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” says Jackie Smith, development representative of the American Cancer Society. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this event – as a volunteer or participant – have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer.”

Funds raised at Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families. Funds also support critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer. 

To join the Relay For Life of St. Matthews/Highlands as a volunteer or team participant, contact Jackie Smith with the American Cancer Society at (502) 560-6005 or visit www.RelayForLife.org/stmatthews. For cancer information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The Graffiti Buster is a program supported by Metro Councilman Tom Owen and the Highland Commerce Guild to remove graffiti on public property. Donations of money and paint – whether full or partial containers – are always welcome. Report graffiti, join this community service, and get more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Metro Parks has developed a new survey meant to give citizens the chance to offer input on programming and events at Douglass Community Center, located in the Highlands-Douglass neighborhood.

“We’re looking for ways to enhance the programming we offer at Douglass,” says BJ Levis, recreation administrator for Metro Parks. “We’ll welcome any suggestion, and look forward to seeing the results.”

Participants may complete the survey online by visiting www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/communitycenters/douglass.htm. Participants are invited to share their thoughts on what types of programming, classes and special events they would like to see at Douglass, as well as offer input on current activities. Paper copies are available at the community center for those who don’t have Internet access.

Douglass Community Center hosts a full range of activities geared toward the young and old, and is the home of Metro Parks’ Adapted Leisure Activities program, which offers recreational activities to individuals with physical and mental disabilities, and their families. The center is located at 2305 Douglass Boulevard. For more information, call (502) 456-8120.

 

Registration is underway for summer camps at Metro Parks community centers across Louisville. The camps will feature safe, fun and educational programs that allow children to experience sports, arts and nature in a wholesome environment. Camps begin on June 8 and continue through July 31.

“Metro Parks gives families an affordable alternative that keeps children busy, teaches them the value of teamwork, and lets them make new friends,” says Mike Heitz, director of Metro Parks. Most camps are geared toward children ages 6-12. Baxter Community Center is hosting a camp for teens, ages 13-15.  

Camps are affordably priced, in the $35 to $45 range, and none exceed $90 per week for the 8-week period. Parents who are unsure if they can afford the fees are encouraged to apply for a reduced rate, available at most locations for those who demonstrate a financial need. A non-refundable $20 registration fee (to cover processing and T-shirt expenses) is due at the time of registration. 

Approximately 900 Louisville children attended the summer camps last year. This year, Metro Parks is emphasizing two themes – environmental education, as part of the City of Parks initiative, and healthy lifestyles, as part of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement. Additionally, all children participating in summer camps will receive information on skin cancer prevention, through the Play it Safe in the Sun campaign.

For more information on the camps, contact the community center of your choice, or visit www.metro-parks.org.

Other Metro Parks summer camp opportunities during June and July:

• Locust Grove – woodworking, archaeology, canvas painting and pioneer camps for ages 7-14. Call (502) 897-9845, or visit www.locustgrove.org.

• Louisville Tennis Center – beginner camps for ages 5-14. Call (502) 456-8140, or visit www.metro-parks.org/outdoors/louisvilletenniscenter.

• Jefferson Memorial Forest – nature and adventure camps for ages 5-15. Call (502) 368-5404, or visit www.memorialforest.com.

• Golf Courses – many Metro Parks golf courses are offering summer programs for children. Call (502) 456-8134, or visit www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/golf/.