District 9 eNews - Thursday, July 13, 2017

 
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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


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In this issue...


D9 Community Conversation – July 20

CSX Train

Join us on Thursday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Family & Career Center, 2821 Klempner Way for our bi-monthly D9 Community Conversation. The topic for conversation will be the access road at the end of Claremont Avenue for Reservoir Park and Village Manor residents.

Access to Reservoir Park and Village Manor when a train is blocking Fenley and Blackburn Avenues has been a long-standing issue.  I am happy to report that we have now secured legal agreements and funding to construct a new emergency access road.

Emergency vehicles (police, fire and ambulances) have always been able to use a gate near the end of Claremont Avenue to access the neighborhoods when trains are blocking the tracks.  The plan we have pursued and will put into place will allow use of a new gate and road at the end of Claremont by any vehicles or pedestrians when both roads are blocked by trains.  That is an expansion of an earlier easement.  A legal agreement making that change has been signed and will be effective when a new road is constructed.   An agreement between Metro and the Louisville Water Company to use a small section of road between the new access road and the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center parking lot was signed by Louisville Water last month.  We have also secured funds in the Metro budget to build that new road and gate.  When that is done in the near future, there will be several ways to get the gate opened, for use by all vehicles and pedestrians, when the roads are blocked. 

As with all D9 Community Conversations, I will be available to talk with constituents about any questions, comments or concerns.  Mark your calendar - and bring along a friend or neighbor. 

Photo: Courier-Journal


Heroin Hurts Louisville

With an opioid epidemic gripping much of the country, including Louisville, and deaths from overdoses far exceeding both any other cause of accidental death and homicides, there's a new education effort underway- and you are invited to participate. 

The new, free class is designed to help parents, grandparents and caregivers talk to their adolescents about drug use and abuse and what to do if they suspect their child or other loved ones are at risk.  The class is called “Heroin Hurts Louisville:  What we can do about it."  

The first session is Tuesday, July 18 at the Main Library.  Call 574-1623 to reserve your spot. 

Heroin training

Sustainability Story: Compost Bin Sale

Compost bins

Compost bins offer a way to turn organic waste into valuable compost for use in gardens. Metro’s Solid Waste Division has a limited supply of Earth Machine compost bins available for sale at $45 each. They're available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Solid Waste Management office, 600 Meriwether Street, whiles supplies last. Payment must be made by check or money order. No cash or credit cards will be accepted.

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


Traffic Changes Coming to Mellwood

Clifton Heights CSO

Work continues on MSD’s Clifton Heights Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) basin located between Mellwood and Drescher Bridge Avenues. As part of that work, beginning on Monday, July 17, Mellwood Avenue will be closed between the Mellwood Arts Entrance (just west of Delmont Ave), and 200 feet west of Muncie Avenue. All traffic will be detoured during these times.

The closure is expected to last through November 1. During the events occurring on September 8-10, September 23-24, and September 30- October 1, the Contractor will not be working, and will make sure the lanes will be open to be used during the events.

Click here for a map of the construction area and for a project overview flyer.

Questions, please contact the Project Manager, Meskerem Eshetu at meskerem.eshetu@louisvillemsd.org


Chief Mayer to Retire from St. Matthews Police

Chief Mayer

The chief of the St. Matthews Police Department is retiring, after serving that department for 29 years.  Col. Norm Mayer announced his retirement in a St. Matthews City Council meeting Tuesday.  Mayer was appointed to the position in 1988, after serving in the Louisville Division of Police for 27 years.   

The City of St. Matthews website notes that Chief Mayer was honored in 2011 by the Kentucky Bureau of the FBI, in recognition of his contributions to crime prevention and education. Following this award, Chief Mayer was bestowed a personal honor from the Director of the FBI, Robert S. Mueller III,  in a national ceremony at the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. The national award recognizes the achievements of individuals and organizations whose efforts in the crime, drug, gang, and violence prevention or education fields have had an exemplary impact on the community. More information about Chief Mayer is here: http://www.stmatthewsky.gov/police-chief/.

Thank you for your service, Chief Mayer. 


Notice of Planning & Design Public Meetings

For basic details for below case/s please visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/PlanningDesign/Click on “Search Case Information” link on the left navigation bar.  Then select the “home” tab and select the type of case and enter the above case number.  For specific case information please call or email the listed case manager.  If you have any questions please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.

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Pedestrian Safety at Crosswalks

Crosswalks

One of the things Louisville motorists don’t do very well is respect the rights of pedestrians. That’s a particular problem in walkable areas like District 9. This is a reminder to yield to pedestrians.

The law provides that drivers must yield to pedestrians under the following conditions:

  • When pedestrians are at a marked or unmarked crosswalk and there is no traffic light.
  • When turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing with the light.
  • In any situation that could threaten the pedestrian’s safety.

Slow down and look out for pedestrians on our streets!


Railroad Safety Reminder

railroad safety

District 9 is known for the rail line that runs through the center of the district, from Irish Hill to Richlawn.  Most of us encounter trains regularly, without much thought to the dangers we face unless we act safely. 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has issued a reminder to be careful when driving through railroad crossings. Last year, Kentucky ranked twelfth nationally in the number of railroad crossing collisions. As a result, seven people were killed and 23 people were injured. Compounding the tragedy is the fact that every one of those incidents was preventable. Never race a train to the crossing – even if it’s a tie, you lose. The average locomotive weighs 200 tons. A train hitting a car is comparable to a car hitting a soda can. And trains can’t stop quickly enough to avoid a collision. It takes the average freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile to stop. An oncoming train is always closer and moving faster than you think. So don’t ever drive around an activated railroad crossing gate. Remember, if you see tracks…think train!

The KYTC Minute video with these tips is here:  https://youtu.be/aAmh_2wjUjw.  Share it with others in D9 – and be careful out there!


Volunteer at United Crescent Hill Ministries

UCHM

Volunteer at UCHM this year! Volunteers are needed for the following activities:

  • Receptionist during daytime hours.
  • Help in preparing the communal meal offered to persons age 60 and older on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Assist in distributing donated Dare-to-Care food including fresh produce from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m.
  • Assist in distributing donated food from member congregations (10 member churches from D9 neighborhoods).  

The center will be seeking school supplies starting soon (look for more information about school supply donation at UCHM and St. Matthews Area Ministries in an upcoming eNews). Supplies include children’s backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, erasers, etc.

In mid-August, when school starts, UCHM will be seeking tutors for enrichment programs and to help children with their homework. Some of the enrichment includes art, weekly yoga class, and peace education. Ideally, the tutor might be high school age student earning service points for his or her Beta Club program at high school.

To volunteer, please call UCHM directly at 893-0346.


Free Summer Tax Preparation Assistance

tax prep

Although the 2016 tax filing season has ended, there is still free help available in preparing past due and amended tax returns.  Now through October, the Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA, will provide federal and state income tax assistance to income eligible residents who need help filing prior returns.

It is also still possible to receive a refund for returns from the years 2014 to 2016 for those who qualify.

Taxpayers earning $64,000 can make an appointment with a VITA team member by calling 814-2715 to make an appointment. For more information on LABC service, please visit www.labcservices.org.

The IRS lists the following reasons for filing past due returns:

  • Avoid interest and penalties
    File your past due return and pay now to limit interest charges and late payment penalties.
  • Claim a Refund
    You risk losing your refund if you do not file your return. If you are due a refund for withholding or estimated taxes, you must file your return to claim it within three years of the return due date. The same rule applies to a right to claim tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit.
  • Protect Social Security Benefits
    If you are self-employed and do not file your federal income tax return, any self-employment income you earned will not be reported to the Social Security Administration and you will not receive credits toward Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
  • Avoid Issues Obtaining Loans
    Loan approvals may be delayed if you do not file your return. Copies of filed tax returns must be submitted to financial institutions, mortgage lenders/brokers, etc., whenever you want to buy or refinance a home, get a loan for a business, or apply for federal aid for higher education.
  • If You Owe More Than You Can Pay
    If you cannot pay what you owe, you can request an additional 60-120 days to pay your account in full through the Online Payment Agreement application or by calling 800-829-1040; no user fee will be charged. If you need more time to pay, you can request an installment agreement or you may qualify for an offer in compromise.

Amended tax returns may be necessary if you excluded a source of income when filing your original return, and are required by the IRS to add the additional document. Also taxpayers are often not aware of the credits that they are eligible when they file their original return and in these cases the VITA team can assist them in filing for these credits.  For example, many taxpayers are not aware that educational expenses can be used as a credit in many cases.

The free services are available at several locations (although not at United Crescent Hill Ministries, as previously reported). For more information, visit https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/filing-past-due-tax-returns.


Pay it Forward – Free Pet Adoptions

pet adoptions

Louisville Metro Animal Services Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, is offering free pet adoptions. All cats (6 months and older) and large dogs (40 lbs. or more) are free to approved adopters. The free adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and microchipping. 

The Pay It Forward free adoptions got underway after the non-profit organization, Friends of Metro Animal Services, donated $1,000. It’s continued by voluntary contributions from adopters. Adopt a pet – and Pay It Forward!


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, July 13: St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, to host Getting Started with Ebooks at 9:00 a.m. This class is an introduction on how to download library ebooks to your tablet and/or smartphone. An active LFPL library card will be required and remember to bring the device you wish to download ebooks to. Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1771.

Thursday, July 13: St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, to host scrabble club at 2:30 p.m. Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1771.

Thursday, July 13: Happy Hour Irish Hill Park Spruce-up at 5:15 p.m. Help neighbors clean up weeds, pick up trash, and spruce the park up. Bring your favorite tool. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Afterwards, the group will head to a local pub for some socializing.

Thursday, July 13: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, to host movie showing of The Sting at 6:00 p.m. Set in 1930s Chicago, a young con man seeking revenge for his murdered partner teams up with an old pro to win a fortune from the ruthless crime boss responsible. Starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Rated PG. Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1793.

Thursday, July 13: Meet Eric Burnette author “Parks for the People” at 6:30 p.m. at Rainbow Blossom, 3738 Lexington Road. Join Olmsted Parks Conservancy as Eric discusses his engrossing history of Louisville’s Olmsted Parks and how Frederick Law Olmsted came to Louisville to design a world-class park system. It’s a tale of artistry and ecology, wealth and power, dirty politics and public service. Books will be available for purchase. For more information call 456-8125.

Saturday, July 15: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, to host an adult book discussion on The Unfortunates by Sophie McManus at 10:30 a.m. Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1793.

Saturday, July 15: American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, to host Braille for the Sighted at 10:30 a.m. To understand more about the written language used by most blind people, you can learn Louis Braille’s tactile alphabet and practice writing on a Braille slate and a Braillewriter. Best for adults and children ages 6 and up. To register, contact rsnider@aph.org or call 899-2357.

Saturday, July 15: Animal Wellness Coalition of Louisville to host a Pets4Life fundraiser from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Apocalypse Brew Works, 1612 Mellwood Avenue. Bring your dog, listen to music, and tour the vet mobile. Pets4Life increase pet retention and improve the health and welfare of companion animals by providing wellness resources to pet owners in under-served communities. More information online: http://pets4lifelou.com/

Saturday, July 15: Enjoy FREE movies at Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Schedule is subject to change – concessions will be available. Questions please call 368-5865 or visit www.iroquoisamphitheater.com/. July 15th’s movie is Zootopia, rated PG.

Monday, July 17: Enjoy FREE movies at Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Schedule is subject to change – concessions will be available. Questions please call 368-5865 or visit www.iroquoisamphitheater.com/. July 17th’s movie is Jungle Book, rated PG.

Tuesday, July 18: St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, to host a movie discussion group on Ratatouille at 2:30 p.m. Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1771.

Tuesday, July 18: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, to host a local author event with Carolyn Furdek at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a presentation from Carolyn Furdek, author of Locked-In: A Soldier and Civilian’s Struggle with Invisible Wounds. Carolyn is a West Point graduate, former Army Captain, combat heavy engineer with multiple deployments abroad. She is a Bellarmine Alumni that practices as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Carolyn is a mental health advocate both for veterans and civilians in the community and seeks to help people who struggle and care for those with invisible wounds. She is donating a percent of the book proceeds to Athena’s Sisters, an organization that promotes healing and visibility for veteran women. Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1793.

Tuesday, July 18: Clifton Heights Community Council quarterly meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Mellwood Arts Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue. Guest speaker, John Swintosky with Metro Parks to talk about caring for trees.

Thursday, July 20: District 9 Community Conversation at 6:30 p.m. at Jewish Family & Career Center, 2821 Klempner Way. The focus of discussion this month is new access to Reservoir Park and Village Manor when trains block Blackburn and Fenley Avenues. Please mark your calendar and join us – and bring along a friend or neighbor!


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