District 9 eNews - Thursday, February 19, 2015

 

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Bill Hollander

Councilman Bill Hollander
601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1109
Email Bill

 

kyle ethridge

Kyle Ethridge
Legislative Assistant
(502) 574-3908
Email Kyle


Links

Visit the District 9 Website

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See NDF/CIF Spending

In this issue...


D9 Community Conversation – POSTPONED to March 2

Community Conversation

Due to record cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, our next Community Conversation is postponed from tonight (February 19) to Monday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State Street in Clifton. We’ll hear a short report from Kroger regarding the upcoming renovations at the Clifton Kroger on Brownsboro Road and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions to Kroger representatives. But most of the time and focus at the meeting will be on you.  We are hoping for unscripted, open conversations about your vision for D9 and the City. Please mark your calendar and join us – and bring along a friend or neighbor!


Louisville Water Asks You to Leave a Water Drip and "Tag It'

LWC tag it

Do you know the location of the water shut-off valve that controls the flow of water in and out of your home? If not, now is a good time to find the valve and “tag it.” The private water shut-off valve controls the flow of water coming inside a home. If a water pipe inside the home bursts, knowing the location of your shut-off valve and how to turn it off can save valuable time and minimize water damage.

Find it & Tag It

Louisville Water is offering free hangers that attach to the water shut-off valve.  Customers can request a hanger through Louisville Water’s Facebook and Twitter channels or pick up one at the downtown office, 550 South Third Street.  Or - - use a bright colored ribbon to tag the valve, something that won’t be destroyed if it gets wet.

Need help finding the valve and turning if off?  Watch a video at LouisvilleWater.com

Knowing the location of the private water shut-off valve is important not only in cold weather but also when you plan to be away for an extended amount of time.

Tagging the shut-off valve is just one way to minimize damage in your home from a burst water pipe.

Here are additional steps that can prevent frozen water pipes:

Wrap up for winter

Wrap exposed pipes with insulating material.  Pipes under kitchen sinks, in crawl spaces, near windows or in unheated basements are areas susceptible to freezing.

Make sure you have it covered

If your house has a crawl space, cover the outside vents to prevent winter winds form entering and freezing pipes.  Keep the garage door closed if you have a slab foundation since some water pipes are located under concrete floors in the garage.

A cold, small drip

 

If a faucet has a tendency to freeze, it’s okay to let a small flow of water run from the faucet during extreme cold weather, like we have coming over the next few days.  Use the cold water faucet and the stream of water should be the size of a pencil lead.   Doing so will not greatly impact your water bill, adding a penny or less to your overall bill, and could prevent very costly damages and repairs!


Winter Driving Tips

winter driving

We encourage everyone to be cautious in winter weather.

Here are a few simple steps to help keep you on the road and less stressed:

 

  • Avoid travel unless necessary when winter weather is in our area.
  • Slow down.
  • Always wear your seat belt.
  • Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays.
  • Increase distance between vehicles – it takes 4-10 times longer to stop on snow covered or icy roadways. For every 10mph you're traveling, you should give yourself 4 car lengths of space. 
  • If you feel your tires start to slip, do not panic and slam on the brakes -- this removes traction from your tires and takes away the ability to control your vehicle. If braking is required and your vehicle comes with an anti-lock brake system, brake with steady, even pressure. If your car doesn't have ABS, you should pump the brakes by quickly braking again and again. 
  • If you are approaching a snow-covered corner, you should begin a steady braking as you approach the turn. Once in the corner, ease off the brakes and use the car's remaining traction to steer through the turn. 
  • Don't stop if you can avoid it. If you have enough space to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do so. 
  • Turn on your vehicle’s headlamps. Remove any dirt, mud or snow.
  • Use caution on bridges and overpasses as they are susceptible to freezing before roadways.
  • Avoid using cruise control – cruise can cause the vehicle’s wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased.
  • Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended period of time.
  • Charge your cellular phone prior to departure.
  • Take a blanket.
  • Notify a family member or a friend of your travel plans prior to departure – if your travel is interrupted, someone will know.

Winter Weather Tips

snow flake
  • Stay indoors during the storm.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
  • Drink warm, sweet beverages. Alcoholic or caffeinated beverages cause your body to lose heat more rapidly. 
  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Click here for more information. 
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible. Click here for more information. 
  • Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
  • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF

Tax Preparation Appointments Available

tax prep

My office is partnering with the Louisville Asset Building Coalition to provide FREE tax preparation services again. The service is FREE if you earned $58,000 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or less in 2014 or if you quality for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Call the office today to see if you qualify and make your appointment – 574-1109! Appointments are available on Friday, March 6 and 20 between 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 S. State Street. 


Alcohol Beverage Control Notifications

ABC

Attached please find a New Location memo and Courier Journal Legal advertisement for an NQ Retail Malt Beverage by the Package and NQ4 Retail Malt Beverage by the Drink License(s) being applied for, located at 1813 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY. 40206.  The ad ran in The Courier Journal Friday, February 13, 2015.

Attached please find a New Location memo and Courier Journal Legal advertisement for an ABC Caterer's License being applied for, located at 2900 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY. 40206.  The ad ran in The Courier Journal Saturday, February 7, 2015.


APH's Larry Skutchan Honored as "Citizen Scientist"

Larry Skutchan

The technology project leader at D9's American Printing House for the Blind was recognized as a "citizen scientist" at the national Summit on Government Performance and Innovation in Louisville last week.   Under Skutchan’s lead, the APH developed Nearby Explorer™, an app that narrates walking maps and transit data for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Skutchan, who is blind, created a technology incubator group within the APH.  This weekend, the group will be pairing with the Civic Data Alliance for a Code for America civic hackathon where they’ll try to maximize the city’s open data to improve the Nearby Explorer™ app and coders are needed (see below).

Congratulations to Larry Skutchan and APH! 


Civic Hacking Event at APH: Coders Needed

aph

Louisville is one of dozens of cities hosting Code for America's Civic Hacking Weekend for 2015, called CodeAcross.  Civic Data Alliance and American Printing House for the Blind (APH) are seeking those interested in coding and Open Data to come to APH February 21 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and use their expertise to work on enhancing an app for people who are blind.  Those who participate can expect a day of programming, design, mapping, and collaboration. They will learn how to mass import buildings and addresses into Open Street Map, and do it.

Data gathered that day will be used to improve Nearby Explorer™, an Android app designed by APH. The app empowers users who are blind or visually impaired to independently explore, discover, and enjoy their neighborhoods, in Louisville and other cities throughout the nation-- and beyond-- with poise and confidence.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so only the first 50 people to register may attend.  Please sign up by noon on Thursday, February 19 so they can make sure they have enough resources (and food) on hand to make the day flow smoothly. Sign up at

http://www.meetup.com/Louisville-Civic-Data-Alliance/events/219829803/. The American Printing House for the Blind is located at 1839 Frankfort Avenue.


LIBA Celebrates a Decade of Keeping Louisville Weird

Keeping Louisville Weird

The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) was officially formed in 2005. Former owner of Ear X-tacy and LIBA's Founder John Timmons and a handful of fellow business owners created the organization after the community's intrigued reaction to his Bardstown Road billboard that read "Keep Louisville Weird." Ten years later, LIBA now represents nearly 700 independently owned businesses who support its message about the importance of buying local.

To celebrate 10 Years of Keeping Louisville Weird, LIBA will host a Weird Birthday Bash, presented by Quest Outdoors, on Friday, February 27th from 7:00pm-11:00pm at Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road. The event will include music by Hay DJ and Tony and the Tan Lines, a cash bar, prizes, and party games such as "Pin the Mustache on the Mayor." Attendees will also get to taste several birthday cakes and vote for their favorite in the "Weird Birthday Cake Contest" where local bakeries will submit their unique creations made especially for this event. Tickets are available for $10 at Better Days Records, Headliners box office, or online at www.keeplouisvilleweird.com


Save the Date for CycLOUvia on Frankfort Ave

Cyclouvia will transform the street into a paved park where people of all ages and backgrounds can walk, bike, dance, skate, or participate in any other physical activity on public spaces that are always there but are normally reserved for automobiles. The street will be closed to motorized traffic from Stilz Avenue to Pope Street with cross traffic allowed at Ewing Avenue under traffic control officer supervision between 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19th. Cyclouvia will promote healthy lifestyles and alternative modes of transportation. This event is FREE and open to the public. 


Track Snow Removal

snow removal

The Louisville Metro Snow Team is made up of nearly 300 employees from four agencies. The Snow Team uses 160 pieces of equipment to clear 1,362 miles of road in Louisville. The total two-lane miles covered by crews on designated snow routes equals 2,721. 

Louisville's snow routes focus on major roads, school and TARC bus routes, arteries to local employers and hospital and emergency routes.

We know the crews are working hard to keep the roadways safe for everyone. Please click here to view a map of the snow removal progress. 


2015 Doing Our Part from the Heart

Doing our Part for the Heart

It’s time for Doing Our Part from the Heart! Over the next eight weeks, Councilwoman Madonna Flood, with the help of the community, will collect toiletries, snacks and other items to send to our military. Simple items such as hand sanitizer, eye drops, bug repellent, candy and other personal items make a huge impact for troops serving in remote locations around the world.

These are items we take for granted but to service men and women stationed in a remote desert or outpost these items lift spirits and make life easier.

To learn what you can do to help, see a list of items to donate and the drop off locations go to the Doing Our Part from the Heart Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doing-Our-Part-From-the-Heart/284790326110


District 9 Calendar Events

Below are some Ninth District calendar events!  To view a full listing of events please visit the District 9 Blog at http://district9news.wordpress.com/.  If you would like to submit events to be considered for the blog calendar please email Kyle Ethridge or call 574-1109.

Thursday, February 19: St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, to host adult book discussion at 2:30 p.m. Questions please call 574-1771.

Friday, February 20: Did you earn $58,000 or less in Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2014?  If the answer is yes, you qualify for FREE tax preparation!  The 9th District has partnered again with the Louisville Asset Building Coalition to provide FREE VITA tax preparation to anyone making $58,000 or less.  To make an appointment or for more information please call the 9th District office at 574-1109.  Appointments are available between 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at United Crescent Hill Ministries, located at 150 S State Street.

Friday, February 20: St. Leonard, 440 Zorn, Fish Fry begins on February 20 and continues every Friday until March 27 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. or until they run out of fish. Diners can order baked or fried fish, oysters, cheese pizza. Also there are two sides, dessert coffee or tea. Sides: mac & cheese, green beans, fries, baked potato, slaw; or fish sandwich. Kids’ Meals include fish nuggets, fries, dessert.

Friday, February 20: The Clifton Center and Theatre [502] present Mr. Burns a post-electric play at 8:00 p.m. at the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street. Performances also on Feb 21, 23, 27 and 28. To purchase tickets or for more information please click here.

Saturday, February 21: Louisville’s Civic Data Alliance to hold Civic Hacking Event at American Printing House for the Blind: Coders Needed. Civic Data Alliance and American Printing House for the Blind (APH) are seeking those interested in coding and Open Data to come to APH, 1839 Frankfort Avenue from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and use their expertise to work on enhancing an app for people who are blind.  Those who participate can expect a day of programming, design, mapping, and collaboration. They will learn how to mass import buildings and addresses into Open Street Map, and do it. Admission is free, but space is limited, so only the first 50 people to register may attend.  Sign up by noon on Thursday, February 19. Sign up at http://www.meetup.com/Louisville-Civic-Data-Alliance/events/219829803/

Monday, February 23: The Academy Wind Quintet from the US Military Academy’s West Point Band will be performing for veterans at the Louisville VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Avenue. They will perform Army Division Songs as well as other patriotic music in support of those who have given so much to the nation. This event will take place at 11:00 am.

Monday, February 23: St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, to host winter playdate session at 2:30 p.m. for parents and children ages 3-5. Questions please call 574-1771.

Wednesday, February 25: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, to host booked for lunch at 1:00 p.m. Questions please call 574-1793.

Wednesday, February 25: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, to host Great Decisions 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Questions please call 574-1793 to register.

Wednesday, February 25: The Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street, will host a concert by musicians Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus, two of the country’s most respected masters of old-time music, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 each and are available at Carmichael’s Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, or online at cliftoncenter.org. For more information, please call (502) 896-8480.  To purchase tickets please click here.


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