As work on the Ohio River Bridges Downtown Crossing continues, a major change is coming to D9.  The ramp from Story Avenue to I-64 West is scheduled to close Monday, August 31. The length of the closure has not been determined, but this could be a long-term closure. The ramp is closing for maintenance of traffic issues and construction in the area. A signed detour will be in place, directing drivers to Grinstead Drive to access I-64 West.        

Metro Council’s Sustainability Committee, on which I serve, has been looking at solar in Louisville and hearing from Metro officials and others about current operations and new opportunities.  The D9 eNews has featured the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center’s solar installation, which heats the pool water most of the year, and several residences powered by solar.    

Last week, I visited the Air Pollution Control District’s monitoring station just off Cannons Lane in D9.  The station and an adjacent Metro building are powered by twenty-four solar panels installed in 2010.  The installation was funded in part by a renewable energy grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.  The solar array was designed to produce approximately 6,336 kWh per year. It currently supplies about one-third of the electricity needed to operate the monitoring station and the building.  (Next week’s eNews will feature information about air quality in Louisville, the D9 station’s activities, ways you can access data from the station and tips for reducing pollution on Air Quality Alert days.)

I am the co-sponsor of a resolution encouraging more use of solar throughout Louisville.  It urges all Metro Agencies and Departments to support the vigorous growth of solar energy in Louisville and to aggressively pursue strategies designed to meet this goal.   The resolution lists some specific strategies that should be considered, including a city-wide education program, streamlining permitting, integrating solar into public infrastructure and streetlights, and others.  It also notes the economic and environmental benefits of solar installation.  

The resolution has been approved by the Sustainability Committee and will be considered by the full Metro Council tonight, August 27.   You can read it by clicking here, then selecting "text".   

We’d like to feature your sustainability story - a resident or business doing good things for the environment.  Riding the bus, bicycling, walking, gardening and more - our eNews will feature practices which can benefit all of us.  Send your story to Bill Hollander or Kyle Ethridge. 

Red Hog cafe and butcher shop received final approval August 24 for construction at 2622 Frankfort Avenue, when the Metro Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a variance and three waivers to allow an addition to the back of the building and four additional parking spaces on the side.  I spoke in favor of the project, noting that the fenced-off property had become an eyesore.  A number of neighbors and the Frankfort Avenue Business Association also voiced their support.

Last week’s eNews featured Mike Hayman, Whitehall’s Volunteer Landscape Director, who has gone from knowing nothing about trees 27 years ago to planting well over 1,000 since. 

I am happy to report that Mike’s efforts have now been recognized with the Sixth Annual Joan Riehm Memorial Environmental Leadership Award.  Mayor Fisher presented the award to Mike on August 19.

The award honors the memory of Joan Riehm, a dedicated public servant, lifelong advocate of living “green” and public partnership visionary. It recognizes an individual who leads environmental sustainability efforts in the community

Congratulations, Mike!  

On Monday, August 31st, United Crescent Hill Ministries (UCHM) will begin an After-School program for the 2015-16 school year. Hours will be Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. to allow time for both middle and elementary school youth to participate (1st - 9th Graders). UCHM has operated a youth program for quite a few years, but wants to make its program even better – so that each youth who spends time there has an enjoyable and positive experience.

They plan to:

• Work on important school “stuff” (homework assignments & tutoring)
• Allow the kids to learn from each other
• Eat healthy snacks
• Balance work with play – in our game room or outdoors
• Encourage creative thinking
• Offer opportunities for expression through arts & crafts projects
• Maintain a safe space with qualified supervision
• Work with each child and his/her family to best meet individual needs

For additional information, to enroll your child, to volunteer, or to learn other ways you can participate, please contact UCHM’s Youth Program Coordinator, Gayle Collins, at 893-0346, ext. 102. Please enroll your child(ren) as soon as possible so UCHM can plan staffing and programs more effectively.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with:

•  Homework assistance
•  Tutoring (primarily reading & math)
•  Crafts
•  Recreation
...Plus other areas that would add value & enrichment to the lives of the youth who participate 

Please plan to attend a FREE preview screening of Louisville’s Olmsted Parks Documentary on Tuesday, September 1 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. at Iroquois Park Amphitheatre, 5216 New Cut Road, Parkside Studio. District 9 is fortunate to have two Olmsted Parks, Seneca and Bingham Park. RSVP by calling 589-3538 or emailing soneil@ket.org. 

The Women’s Infant Children (WIC) program has a new exciting opportunity for moms offered by New Roots.  New Roots offers local food by local farmers for local families! Mothers on WIC can show your WIC card to receive half off a “share” of delicious fruits and vegetables from the African American farmers and others for only $6.00. Questions please visit newrootsproduce.org or call 509-6770. More information is in the attached brochure, click here.

Here are more tips while you are out at the fair:

Don’t give your information out to everyone who asks. There will be plenty of opportunities to enter your name and contact information into drawings for a number of prizes. By giving the promoter your name, phone number, and address, you could receive unwanted credit cards in the mail as well as unwanted phone calls from telemarketers.

When you sign up to win a prize, you are establishing a business relationship with the company promoting the prize. The business may then contact you regardless of the no call list registration, due to that relationship. The business may also sell their contact lists to third parties warranting even more annoying calls, emails, and mail.

Beware of new products on display. You may see the item on display as “the next best thing,” but be smart. Ask questions about the product, and the company selling it. BBB suggests asking the following questions:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the exhibitor have a telephone number and address where they can be reached should the product be defective?
• Is there a warranty or guarantee covering the product?
• How long is the product covered?
• If the product is defective, can the consumer get their money back or do they have to trade the damaged product for a new one?
• Can you get the refund or exchange policy in writing?
• Does the company have a good rating with BBB?

Guarantees may give consumers a false sense of security, as a guarantee is often only as good as the company that stands behind the guarantee.

Before consumers buy, they should check the product itself. Consumers need to make certain the materials and construction are up to the actual product's reputation. Also check the packaging. Does the item inside the packaging resemble what’s on the outside? The printing on the packaging or the actual construction for counterfeit products is often of poor quality and is a telltale sign the product contained is counterfeit. And remember, if the deal seems “too-good-to-be-true,” it probably is. 

For more information, go to bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

The 3rd annual "CQ Jam for WaterStep" will be held at Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille, 5700 Captain's Quarters Road beginning at 3:00pm. The event will feature a waterfront stage where bands will perform, allowing the local boating community to beach or anchor and enjoy the festivities. The $20 suggested cover charge, as well as a portion of the evening's food and beverage sales, will benefit WaterStep, a Louisville-based organization that works to save lives around the world with safe water. Special VIP ticket upgrades, which include food and beverage perks and special seating, are also available. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Captains Quarters Restaurant.

Live music for all ages begins at 3:00pm with performances by The Stilry Row Band, Wayne Young and the New Legends, The Decades Show Band, and Old School.

Attendees are asked to bring their gently used shoes to the event to donate to WaterStep. WaterStep's shoe program not only generates funds for the organization, but it also keeps tons of waste out of landfills by repurposing the shoes. Any size, style, and condition of shoes is accepted.

For more information, call (502) 568-6342 or visit www.waterstep.org.