Louisville Water has begin the renovation of the 48-inch transmission main under Eastern Parkway. 

Work started at I-65 and Crittenden Drive. Eastern Parkway will operate as a two-lane road, with existing westbound lanes closed, from I-65 to Concord Drive. The southbound right turn lane from Crittenden Drive to Eastern Parkway will be closed during this phase. This phase of construction is expected to last until December 5.  We will not work in the Poplar Level Road/Beargrass Creek area until March. 

Throughout the project, Louisville Water will continue to update customers on the impact of our work through emails, twitter, a dedicated web page at LouisvilleWater.com/EasternPkwyProject and frequent media updates.

The University of Louisville and Bellarmine University host the NCAA Division I, Division II, and Division III Field Hockey National Championships this weekend. 

For a complete schedule of games, special events and more, click here. 

South East Associated Ministries (SEAM) is looking for help in raising $5,250 in order to provide 352 needy families with Thanksgiving dinner. They only need $2,110 to reach that goal.

Every year, the group puts together Thanksgiving baskets for "those in the community who have the ability to cook food, but don't have the financial resources to purchase the food," said SEAM Executive Director, Michael Ashabraner

People in the community can help with cash donations by visiting http://seamlouisville.org/wp/donate. Donations of items such as turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, canned fruit, Mac & Cheese, pumpkin pie, sugar, canned greens, fresh white potatoes and jello are also being accepted. 

Those interested in collecting any of the above items or sending monetary donations should contact Glenda Hatfield by Nov 15 at 502-499-2059 or by email at seamexdir@gmail.com. Checks can also be mailed to SEAM, 6500 Six Mile Lane, Louisville, KY., 40218. 

http://seamlouisville.org

https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/350-thanksgiving-dinners

The Schnitzelburg Community Farmers Market, at 1481 South Shelby Street, will be open this Saturday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For details, visit the facebook page here. 

The Jim King MUSCL Senior Wellness Center at Schnitzelburg is in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church at 1016 East Burnett Avenue.

Regular activities include aerobics, directed exercise, chair volleyball, Pinochle, bingo, crochet, and watercolor painting. The Center has gym equipment, a sewing room, and library, and they are still seeking the donation of a commercial grade treadmill. If you're interested in donating, please contact Tip, Karen, or Rachael at the MUSCL Senior Center office at 502-634-3221.  

For the full calendar of events, visit  www.facebook.com/musclseniorcenter/

LNC's Holly and Ivy

If you're looking for a unique idea for your group's holiday party, consider Holly and Ivy at the Louisville Nature Center. 

The center is in the city, yet on the edge of a 41-acre nature preserve and the perfect setting to create your choice of a swag, wreath or table decoration from live greenery. Nature Center instructors will be on hand to assist.

The cost of renting the space is $125 for four hours or less plus $20 per swag, wreath or table decoration. Hot coffee and cocoa will be served, and groups may bring their own food and beverages. Liquor is allowed if you use a licensed bartender and provide copies of the bartender's license prior to the event. The space comfortably holds 65 people. For more information, call 458-1328. 

For more information on the center, go to www.louisvillenaturecenter.org.

The Cyril Allgeier Community Center offers youth, adult, and senior citizen programs in the Camp Taylor Neighborhood. 

Senior citizen programs include men’s 50+ basketball half court pick-up games, Pickle Ball (combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis) and walking club. 

For adults, the center offers aerobics, yoga, karate, and open gym for basketball. Youth activities include flag football and karate. 

The community center's full size basketball court is also available for rent, as is a large meeting room that is available for community meetings or to rent. For more information about programs, camps, or rental opportunities call 456-3261 or visit the center's facebook page. 

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that Kentuckians who have been victims of fraud induced wire transfers involving Western Union need to begin filing claims as part of a global settlement reached January with the company. 

An estimated 7,000 Kentuckians are eligible for roughly $6.7 million in claims.

Kentuckians who reported to Western Union, the Federal Trade Commission or Beshear’s office that they had been the victim of a scam using Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 19, 2017, should receive a claim form in the mail.

Beshear said anyone who was the victim of fraud who sent funds to scammers using Western Union is eligible to receive compensation if they file a claim form. 

If Kentuckians believe they may have an eligible claim and do not receive a claim form in the mail they should visit http://www.westernunionremission.com or call 844-319-2124 for more information on how to file a claim.

All completed claims forms must be mailed back to the settlement administrator by Feb. 12, 2018.

Nationally, more than 3 million consumers were conned out of $765 million in 2015. Seniors lose nearly $37 billion a year to elder financial abuse.

Examples of fraud induced wire transfers may involve con artists contacting Kentuckians and falsely posing as family members or friends in distress or in dire financial need, or promising sweepstakes or lottery prizes, and even offers of job opportunities. The con artists direct a victim to send money through Western Union to help a relative or to claim a prize.

On Tuesday, Moody’s Investors Service announced the KFC YUM Center upgraded bond status from junk to investor grade for the $400 million bond refining project. All of the partners, Louisville Metro Government, Louisville Arena Authority, University of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky approved a new financial agreement to set the KFC YUM Center on better financial footing.

“Moody's assigns initial Baa3 to KEDFA's $400 million Louisville Arena Project Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2017A and 2017B; outlook stable,” according to a news release from Moody’s on Tuesday.

The Metro Council began the effort by passing an unanimous Resolution last December, asking all parties to come together for a renegotiation of the bond agreement.

The complete news release is here. 

The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), an alliance of more than 900 locally owned and independent businesses, has launched its 10th Annual Buy Local, Win $1000 hoLOUdays Contest. Shoppers can submit receipts from any LIBA member business and enter to win a $1,000 LIBA gift card, valid at more than 70 local businesses. Each receipt counts as one entry, no limit on the number of entries. Receipts can be submitted by mail, email, text, online, or in person at any Feeder's Supply or Heine Brothers' Coffee location. Entry forms and official contest rules are available at keeplouisvilleweird.com.

Another way to enter the contest is to purchase a LIBA eGift card at keeplouisvilleweird.com, which is valid at more than 70 local businesses. EGift card buyers can feel good because their purchases are keeping more money in our community and supporting the businesses that make our town unique.

LIBA will also celebrate Small Business Saturday by hosting a media event with Mayor Greg Fischer on November 25 at 10 a.m. at Feeder's Supply, 4600 Shelbyville Road. Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. In 2016, an estimated 112 million consumers reported shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday.          

"The Small Business Saturday campaign and the hoLOUdays Contest are aimed at contrasting the typical Black Friday shopping frenzy with a neighborly, community-minded approach to thoughtful gift giving," said Jennifer Rubenstein, Director of LIBA. "Buying from locally-owned independents is a gift to the community because it helps build a strong economy, creates jobs, and supports the businesses that make our town unique."

A recent study of Louisville-area businesses shows that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned, independent business, $55 is reinvested locally, whereas only $14 is reinvested when that same money is spent at a national chain. By shopping local, consumers also help to preserve the unique community character of the Metro Louisville area.

The hoLOUdays contest winner will be drawn live on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at noon on WAVE Country with Dawne Gee. LIBA's Buy Local Win $1,000 hoLOUdays Contest is sponsored by Feeders Supply, Heine Brothers' Coffee, Louisville Magazine and LEO Weekly.

About the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA)

LIBA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the unique community character of the Metro Louisville area by promoting locally-owned businesses and to educate citizens on the value of buying locally. For more information, visit www.keeplouisvilleweird.com. 

About Small Business Saturday

November 25 marks the eighth annual Small Business Saturday, a day designated to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners' most pressing need: more customers. 

From Natalie Reteneller, the new Operations Manager for SummerWorks: "It is my life's passion to support young people and the adults around them," Reteneller said. "We have a great team ready to support you this year and Reggie Smith and I are excited and honored to be working with such amazing partners as we prepare and place youth into meaningful summer jobs! " 

1) Register Them for 2018 SummerWorks

Encourage youth and young adults (age 16 to 21 years as of June 1, 2018) to register for the 2018 SummerWorks program here: https://www.summerworks.org/sign-up/

Reggie and I are your partners in making this happen.  Call or e-mail us (contact info below) to make arrangements for us to attend an event to orient and register youth for this important program!

2) Hire a Young Person

Are you a nonprofit or public employer that wants to employ youth over the summer? Based on available funding we will provide wages and on-the-job coaching for youth during this seven week program. Please contact Natalie to receive more information or to update your job descriptions from last summer.

3) Apply for one or both of the funding opportunities below.  More details to both are provided in the linked PDFs and subsequent links on that page. Please contact Natalie for more information and REGISTER HERE for the Technical Assistance on Nov. 27.

Work-Learn Subsidy

Deadline: Dec 22, 2017

Grant Technical Assistance will be Monday, Nov. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 4:00 p.m. at YMCA Safe Place Services - 2400 Crittenden Drive

Apply to Coordinate a Work-Learn Team to fund a Job Coach position for training 10+ youth in the SummerWorks 2018 program. We are selecting up to five partners to coordinate teams of youth as they design and implement a project benefiting the community; Job Coach position salary and youth wages are provided in this subsidy.

Career Preparation Grant

Deadline: Dec 22, 2017

Grant Technical Assistance will be Monday, Nov. 27 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. at YMCA Safe Place Services - 2400 Crittenden Drive

We are offering mini-grants ($2,000) to up to five community partners interested in expanding or creating work readiness services for youth.

4) Host a Soft Skills Workshop at your site

SummerWorks is partnering with different industry groups this year to bring work readiness workshops and job search services into the community. If you are interested in hosting a workshop or scheduling a speaker please email Natalie for more information.

We look forward to partnering with you and making 2018 even better!

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Natalie Reteneller, Operations Manager,  natalie.reteneller@summerworks.org, (502) 574-4183 or (502) 724-4683 (cell)

Reggie Smith, Youth Services Coordinator, reggie.smith@summerworks.org, (502) 574-4195

Now is the time to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act:

To help people understand their options and enroll, in-person help is also available from unbiased, trained and certified application assistors provided by Family Health Centers, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) the Park DuValle Community Health Center; and the Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center. To find an assistor go to Getcoveredlou.org.

People can also enroll at  HealthCare.gov or at 1-800- 318-2596.

The 2018 Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1, 2017 to December 15, 2017.
Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2018.

Plant for the Planet Grant applications are now being accepted through our new online grant portal through Dec. 1. All applications and corresponding documentation must be submitted electronically through the portal. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

Submit Application

The Plant for the Planet program is modeled after the United Nations Environment Program's (UNEP) Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign. The purpose of UNEP's tree-planting effort is to bring individuals, communities and businesses together to collectively plant over one billion trees worldwide each year. 

Similarly, LG&E and KU's program is designed to encourage nonprofit organizations and local government agencies with a record of successful tree planting to continue their efforts. The company has designated up to $75,000 each year toward this initiative. LG&E and KU offer one-year grants of $500 to $5000 for urban, suburban or rural projects in forests and parks, along parkways or roadways that meet program objectives. 

The Subsidy Phase of LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, began Nov. 6. Applicants must be Jefferson County residents within 130% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Appointments are required in advance. Call 502-991-8391 or visit louisvilleky.casheduler.com.

Individuals who are unable to apply for this program in person may send a representative on their behalf with a note including the applicant’s signature and phone number. Residents who are homebound and who are unable to send a representative may call 502/780-7937.

Callers who require more information can contact MetroCall 311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s On Line Customer Service or Live Chat at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

Calvin is hoping a forever family will adopt him in time for the holidays. The two-year-old Chihuahua gets along well with other dogs. Calvin also warms up quickly to strangers and children. Although quite sociable, Calvin will do best in a calm home with plenty of cuddle sessions. Calvin’s adoption fee is $100, which goes to our Pay It Forward free adoptions program. He’s been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. If you are interested in adopting Calvin, visit Animal House Adoption Center at 3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information about Calvin, email animalservicesadotion@louisvilleky.gov or call 473-PETS.

Gigi is a two-year-old domestic long hair cat waiting patiently for her forever home Gigi is friendly and great with small children She’s affectionate, yet independent. Gigi would love nothing more than a special place for her to relax and catnap, when she needs me-ow time. There is no adoption fee for Gigi, thanks to the Pay It Forward program. She’s up to date on vaccinations, spayed and microchipped. For more information about Gigi, please email animalservicesadotion@louisvilleky.gov or call 473-PETS. To meet Gigi, visit Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road. We’re open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Louisville Metro residents not mulching autumn leaves into their lawns or putting them out in reusable or compostable containers for curbside collection will have the option to dispose of them at one of three drop-off sites..
Metro Public Works is offering a free leaf drop-off service through December 2, with the exception of November 23 and 24 Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.

Leaf drop off sites:

• Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane), Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Public Works East District Operations Center, 595 Hubbards Lane, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Public Works Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue, Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday:  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lead is a major health problem in areas with a high concentration of homes built before 1978 and has been found in homes in almost all areas of Metro Louisville. Even exposure to low levels of lead can permanently affect children. Lead poisoning can cause nervous system and kidney damage, learning disabilities, speech problems, behavioral problems, hearing damage, decreased muscle and bone growth, seizures and even death (with extended exposure to lead and  high  blood  lead levels). High lead levels in adults can cause high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, memory and concentration problems, fertility problems and harm to a fetus.

Lead dust, which is invisible to the eye, can be found in window troughs and sills, on baseboards, doors and door jambs, floors, and bare spots in the yard. If you would like to talk with a member of the Lead Safe Louisville Program team to see if you qualify for a FREE home inspection for lead hazards, please call 574-5850.     

Today, the city’s Drive Clean Louisville Team is using the 2017 Sustainability Summit to launch an online survey of electric vehicle ownership and/or use in metropolitan Louisville. Drive Clean Louisville – a collaboration of the Mayor’s Office, the Metro Office of Sustainability, the Air Pollution Control District, and the Metro Office of Performance Improvement & Innovation — will use the data to help make Louisville an easier place to own and use an electric vehicle (EV) as the technology becomes more and more widespread. 

As part of the survey, respondents will be asked to suggest spots where they’d like to see more electric-vehicle charging stations placed in the community.

You can take the survey at the APCD’s website – https://louisvilleky.gov/government/air-pollution-control-district/drive-clean-louisville-electric-vehicle-survey – beginning today through the end of this year. 

MetroCall 311 

If you wish to make a MetroCall 311 request, please use the following contacts. You'll receive a service request number that will help the District 10 office assist you.

 You can contact MetroCall 311:

 - Email metrocall@louisvilleky.gov

- Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall where you can

• chat live with Metrocall
• fill out an online form for a 311 service request
• download the free mobile 311 application

 - Tweet @LouMetro311

 - Call 3-1-1 or 502-574-5000 

Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program sites: 

• Inside the Louisville Metro Public Department of Health & Wellness, 400 E. Gray St.; 

Look for the RV at: 

• Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3640 River Park Drive (37th and River Park), Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; 
• 1455 Bicknell Ave. (corner of Bicknell and Taylor), Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 
• Behind the Lake Dreamland Fire Station, 4603 Cane Run Rd., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Portland Family Health Center parking lot, 2215 Portland Ave., Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For details, click here.

Permanent drug drop-off location: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, 531 Court Place. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional information dial 311.

Nar-Anon: Hope for Families (program for people who love someone with an addiction) meets at Mosaic UMC, 8008 St. Andrews Church Road, Mondays at 8 p.m. 

YMCA Safe Place provides referrals to kids, including those affected by a family overdose. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 502-635-5233. 

Volunteers of America offers expanded addiction recovery services to help battle the opioid crisis. VOA offers residential, outpatient services and transitional housing to men, women, and pregnant or parenting women. Call 502-635-4530 or go to www.voamid.org/addiction. 

Citizens may provide an anonymous tip: 

• By phone call to 574-LMPD (5673)
• By text to the 274637, or CRIMES. Just type LMPD, plus your tip
• Online by clicking here

Cell phone numbers are encrypted before they get to police, making tips virtually impossible to track. The anonymous texting feature allows people with tips to communicate with police in near-real time. Text tipsters can also collect rewards for significant information: it's done with the cooperation of banks that hand over the cash -- no questions asked -- to people who present a code issued by police.

Streetlight out? Here's how to report it

You can report streetlights to LG&E/KU by following this link: 

https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight

Business planning and advice for starting, relocating and expanding a business and access to financing opportunities, training and workforce development assistance are all available from Louisville Forward Economic Development by clicking here: 

This single entry point allows you to inquire about the resources you need for your business and be connected with experts to assist you.

You can receive free business plan assistance through a number of professional business assistance providers, as well as mentors with corporate and business ownership experience closely matched to your needs. You also may be eligible for alternative lending programs through a variety of organizations, depending on the location of your business and your access to capital.

Louisville Forward Small Business Development’s https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/services/small-business-development team of managers will help guide you to the resources and partner organizations that will best fit your needs. 

Kentuckiana Builds can prepare you for a quality profession like electrician, carpenter, fiber optic installer, welder and many more. Not only can we equip you with the hands-on skills you'll need for the job -- we can put you in contact with local employers who need those skills and are hiring.

Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., and having a valid driver's license and high school diploma or GED. 

Ready to take the next step to a brighter future and a better career? Then attend the next information session at Louisville Urban League, 1535 W Broadway. Remaining dates are Wednesday, October 25, at 5:30 p.m., and Monday, October 30, at 5:30 p.m.

Questions? Call 502.566.3371 or go to KentuckianaBuilds.org.

Kentuckiana Builds is a partnership between the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, the Louisville Urban League, and KentuckianaWorks.

Louisville Metro Solid Waste and Habitat for Humanity's ReStore accept partial cans of residential latex paint for recycling. The collected paint is reblended for sale in Habitat ReStore locations in Louisville, and money raised is reinvested in our community to create affordable home ownership opportunities. 

Note: paint must be latex only, and in usable condition. If the paint can is rusted shut, or if it doesn’t have a label, it will be declined.

Drop off latex paint during business hours at the following locations: 

Louisville Metro Staffed Recycling Centers, open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at: 595 Hubbards Lane, 7219 Dixie Highway and 7201 Outer Loop. 

Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations at 2777 S. Floyd Street, 4044 Taylorsville Road, and 1631 Rowan Street. For hours, visit louisvillerestore.com/. 

Note: any paint that is oil based or requiring paint thinner for cleanup is considered a hazardous material and should be taken to the HAZ BIN at 7501 Grade Lane, which is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Even if you don't live in a floodplain, you can still be at risk. More than 20 percent of all National Flood Insurance Program flood insurance claims are from areas outside the mapped high-risk areas. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Protect yourself and your home by calling your insurance agent to learn more about flood insurance or by going to www.floodsmart.gov.