Wellspring is pleased to partner with Louisville Metro Housing Authority in the rollout of newly available federal funds through the HUD 811 Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program. The vouchers provide new subsidies for Affordable Housing to people at-risk of homelessness or institutionalization. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $98.5 million to 285 local housing authorities, and Louisville is one of the recipient locations and started with 89 vouchers.

The Program provides funding to housing agencies to assist non-elderly people with disabilities who are:

• transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings;
• at serious risk of institutionalization;
• homeless; or
• at-risk of becoming homeless.

Wellspring is a Louisville non-profit promoting mental health recovery and supports individuals in building healthy and hopeful lives through housing and psychiatric rehabilitative services.

Wellspring will provide case management and peer support as needed to eligible participants. Wellspring also offers Crisis Stabilization Programs, extensive Supportive Housing, an Affordable Housing Program with 120 units of deeply subsidized rental housing and a Supportive Employment Program that helps clients find meaningful employment. These programs support clients along their individual paths to recovery. Wellspring facilitates community integration by reducing stigma and strengthening personal and neighborhood connections.

To apply for Affordable Housing if there is a diagnosis of serious mental illness, contact Sara Brewer at 637-4361.

As the cost of living keeps on going up, paychecks stay the same or go down. Hard working families find it difficult to make ends meet. Share the joy and blessing of Thanksgiving with 400 families in your neighborhood today by:

• Collecting the food items below
• Donating money to go towards food 
• Sharing with others that want to end the suffering of hunger in our community

Fruit, cranberry sauce, dressing, mac and cheese, sugar, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, Jello, rolls, margarine, pie (non-frozen), fresh white potatoes, and onions.

Food donations may be delivered to SEAM weekdays between 9 a.m. and noon, and Saturday, November 17 from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Deliveries of large donations may schedule with seamexdir@gmail.com or by calling 500-6697.

Volunteer opportunities are available in the food room, front office, special events, fundraisers and more. Contact the executive director at the above email or phone number to volunteer.

Center for Neighborhoods announces its 2018 Neighborhood Summit taking place Saturday, November 17 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bellarmine University’s
Frazier Hall, 2001 Newburg Road.

The Summit will include various educational participatory workshops, facilitated discussions of next steps, a vendor and information fair, and inspiring general sessions with expert speakers to gain new skills, make new connections, and to reenergize the work of building a stronger community one neighborhood leader and one community effort at a time. Early registration for $15 is available now at www.CenterforNeighborhoods.org. (Late registration is $20)

The Neighborhood Summit provides neighborhood associations, civic organizations,and local government leaders an opportunity to network, learn best practices, interact with neighborhood businesses and organizations, and celebrate local success stories
from across Louisville and beyond.

The 2018 Summit Awards Luncheon provides an opportunity to celebrate with hundreds
of your Metro Louisville neighbors the great work happening at the neighborhood level
across the region. 2018 Summit Awards include: Grady Clay Achievement Award,
Neighborhood Leadership Award, Jack Trawick Neighborhood Association of the Year,
Collaborative Community Partner Award, and Local Government/Public Official Award.
Nominations are still being accepted for all of these awards at
https://www.centerforneighborhoods.org/awards.

For more than 45 years, the Center For Neighborhoods has cultivated grassroots leadership,provided leadership education, partnered with neighborhoods in community planning efforts, facilitated civic dialogue amongst stakeholders and actively participated in neighborhood-based development & improvement projects.

With a mission to build healthy, sustainable, safe and attractive neighborhoods through
engaged, informed and committed neighbors, the Center For Neighborhoods envisions a
greater Louisville community with caring and empowered people. CFN’s work is more important today than ever before as long-term and relocating residents and businesses seek out economically, physically and socially sustainable neighborhoods to call home.

Louisville Parks and Recreation is accepting team registrations for its adult men’s winter basketball leagues. Games will be played Sunday afternoons at the Cyril Allgeier Community Center, 4101 Cadillac Court, beginning January 6, with game times of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m.

The fee is $500 per team, and participants must be 18 or older. Deadline to register is December 15, or until leagues are filled.

For more information on how to register, please click here. Payments can be made by credit card over the phone at 574-4515. You may also pay by cash or check at the Parks and Recreation athletics office at the Cyril Allgeier Center. 

Payment must be made in full at the time of registration in order to reserve your place for the season. Registrations received after deadline will be subject to $35 processing late fee.

All information concerning league offerings, rules, and team roster sheets can be found here. For more information, e-mail athletics at athletics@louisvilleky.gov or call 502/574-4515.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced Wednesday that TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker is retiring after nearly 25 years leading the city’s public transportation agency. His last day is November 30.

“I am so grateful to Barry Barker for all he has accomplished at TARC and in leadership roles with non-profit and professional organizations at the local, state and federal levels,” Mayor Fischer said. “In true Barry style, of course, he’s already said that he plans to continue helping our city through volunteer work, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as he transitions to that new role.” 

“It’s been a great ride, and I know the TARC team, along with an outstanding Board of Directors, will do great things. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have served TARC and our city,” Barker said. “After nearly 25 years with this great organization, I’m now looking forward to staying engaged in volunteer organizations, traveling and enjoying family and friends more.” 

TARC Board Chair Cedric Merlin Powell said Barker’s “indelible imprint on Louisville’s transportation system has provided access, opportunity and enhanced quality of life to all citizens of Louisville Metro.”  

“He is a national leader in public transportation and a true public servant, the rare public official whose heart is even bigger than his service,” Powell said. “I, and the Board, wish to express our sincere gratitude in recognition of all he has done for TARC and the community.”

TARC Assistant Executive Director Ferdinand L. Risco Jr., who joined TARC in February 2017, will begin serving as Interim Executive Director after Barker retires.

Under Barker, TARC was designated in 2006 as the nation’s Urban System of the Year by the Community Transportation Association of America. The next year, Barker was recognized as the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association. In 2012, the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies honored Barker with the Sharon D. Banks Award for Humanitarian Leadership in Transportation. 

Locally, Barker has served on more than a dozen non-profit agency boards, including in leadership positions, and in 2010 headed Metro United Way’s annual fundraising campaign.  

TARC provides 12 million passenger trips a year, with 63 percent of riders traveling to and from work, and another 20 percent on school trips. 

“TARC moves the workforce of today and tomorrow, and we’re critical for people to access opportunity and all life has to offer,” Barker said. “I have always been motivated by the belief that the quality of life in our communities is only as good as it is for the least advantaged members of our communities. Access to life’s opportunities is a must if communities and individuals are to thrive.  I’ve been fortunate to champion these beliefs at TARC and in the community.” 

The Mayor will work with the TARC board on next steps.

Mayor Greg Fischer announced Monday that the city’s largest and most beloved holiday event, Light Up Louisville, returns for the 38th year on November 23, outside of Metro Hall in Jefferson Square. 

Light Up Louisville is the official starting point for the holiday season in Louisville. This event has become a holiday tradition for scores of residents and their visiting friends and family. It is a day full of excitement, entertainment and community.

The fun begins Friday at 4 p.m., with children and families invited to take part in Santa’s Workshop, located this year in decorated chalets on Fifth and Jefferson streets. There, children can decorate cookies, write letters to Santa and send holiday cards to our troops.

There will be a vendor village at Sixth and Jefferson streets, with holiday crafts, treats and gifts for sale, and the Louisville Visitor Center will be open.

There will not be an outdoor ice rink this year, but Light Up has added a 15-passenger train that children can ride around the block from Fifth and Jefferson to Market at no cost.

The main Light Up Louisville stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall will feature live entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. until the start of the Lots of Lights parade at 6:30 p.m. Performances include some of Louisville’s most talented groups, including Six Steps to Heaven, Envy Dance Team, Classic Melodies “Top Note” and Motown Christmas. Stephen Gould will headline the stage before the start of the parade.

The Lots of Lights Parade starts at Fourth and Liberty streets and turns onto Jefferson Street and disperses at Seventh and Jefferson streets. Jesse and MJ from 106.9 Play!, Louisville’s official Christmas radio station, will emcee the parade announcements. Various units, including floats, bands, carolers, car clubs, children’s groups and civic organizations, will march, and the parade will end with the arrival of a special guest from the North Pole, Santa Claus.

Around 8 p.m., Mayor Fischer and Santa will gather on stage to illuminate the city Christmas tree in Jefferson Square. The tree was donated by Christ Church United Methodist. The official Light Up moment will feature Zambelli fireworks, lasers and thousands of Christmas lights throughout downtown.

Following the Light Up moment, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., entertainment on the main stage will resume with a performance from Eight Inch Elvis. Children and families are invited to get a free picture with Santa Claus inside Santa’s House on Fifth and Jefferson streets.

The LIHEAP Program that helps low income residents of Jefferson County with their utility bills begins on November 5.

LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federally funded, income-based program that provides financial help to low-income households in meeting the costs of heating their home. The LIHEAP Subsidy Component is a one-time assistance benefit, which is paid directly to the heating vendor. The LIHEAP Subsidy Component begins Monday, Nov. 5 and will operate through Dec. 14, or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first.

Residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. The appointment system is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

For documentation requirements and information on scheduling an appointment, click here, contact MetroCall 311 by dialing 311 or 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov,  visit the website’s On Line Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website.

LIHEAP is made possible by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. For more information about Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services -- visit www.louisvilleky.gov/RCS  or call 574-1157 or Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.

Panda is an approximately one-year-old Chihuahua who loves playtime! This sweet boy spent time in foster care, where he was always ready for a game of tug. His foster family also says Panda is a very entertaining, smart and loving dog who just wants to be by your side. Panda weighs approximately 20 pounds. He’s already neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Panda’s adoption fee is a $125 donation to the Pay It Forward Program. You can meet him at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information about Panda, email animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov or call 473-PETS.

Gaga is an adorable eight-month-old Calico in need of a forever home. This friendly girl is waiting for her forever family to find her at Animal House. Gaga has lived with another cat, so she could possibly go to a home with fur siblings. Gaga weighs approximately ten pounds and is spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Her adoption fee is waived, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. You can meet Gaga at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.  Questions about Gaga? Email LMAS at animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov or call 473-PETS.

Children's programs include WAGS at the Lbrary, where kids may read aloud to a certified therapy or comfort dog, or Sensory Friendly Storytime, for families with children ages 3 and up with autism spectrum disorders or other sensory integration issues.

Teen programs at Highlands-Shelby Park Library include Homeschool Social Club, Monday Cram Session,

Programs for adults include Fiction Book Club, Nonfiction Book Club, Adult Coloring as Art, and more.

November-December Storytimes at Highlands-Shelby Park Library are: 

• Family Storytime                     Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
• Preschool Storytime                Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m.
• Baby Storytime                       Thursdays, 10:15 a.m.
• Toddler Storytime                   Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.

Who says homeschoolers don’t socialize? Not us. Homeschool teens and tweens will meet at the Highlands-Shelby Park Library Teen Outpost for games, activities, or just hanging out. Non-homeschooled teens are also welcome to join in the fun, every Thursday (except Thanksgiving!) 3 to 5 p.m., for ages 12 to 17.

For details visit www.lfpl.org/events. To sign up, call 574-1672. The Library – at the crossroads of knowledge and know-how. Visit www.LFPL.org to learn more.

With so much infrastructure work and utility construction going on throughout District 10, garbage and recycle pick-up may interrupted or delayed. Solid Waste Management Services is making every effort to get to every street during this period. 

If you're renovating or remodeling, have a plan for disposing of the resulting debris. Construction and demolition debris in Louisville garbage and junk pickup collection is prohibited by ordinance. Collection crews have recently been reminded to enforce the ordinance consistently. 

Options for disposal of construction and demolition debris include taking it to the Waste Reduction Center on Meriwether Avenue. Fees are variable depending on volume. More information and a fee schedule are available here. Or consider hiring a hauling company or rent a dumpster. 

The new RecycleCoach app features notifications about garbage, recycling, bulk waste, and yard waste collection services. 

RecycleCoach will help Solid Waste Management Services communicate better by sending special messages such as bulk waste rule reminders or suspension of services for yard waste, etc.

The app also has a “what goes where” feature to allow a person to input a certain item to get information on disposal or recycling.  Download from the App Store or Google Play.

Beginning July 14, 2018, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) will investigate and impose fines on anyone who comes into contact with an underground natural gas line while digging without having contacted 811 to have the lines located before digging.

Contact 811 (call 8-1-1 or submit an online locate request at 811.com) before you dig and make sure that anyone doing excavation on your behalf contacts 811 two working days before they start.

For more information, please visit lge-ku.com/safety/digging.

Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans.

Additional references for VA material and assistance: www.vetcenter.va.gov or 1-877-WAR-VETS or (lifestyle changes for better health) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX9fLXrF4fA 

There is also a link for sexual trauma: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Military_Sexual_Trauma.asp

Eligibility criteria:

•    Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
•    Not available on rental property.
•    Must meet income guidelines (See intake staff) 
•    May receive assistance once in a five year period.
•    Louisville-Jefferson County only

Types of repairs:

• Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only)
  
• A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only)
• Electrical repairs/upgrades
• Water line repairs/replacement
• Sewer line repairs/replacement
• Water heater repair/replacement, gas or electric.
     gas line leaks

For further information contact Jackie Wilson-Rudy at 574-5850 or Jacqueline.Wilson-rudy@louisvilleky.gov.

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

The carts normally cost $50, but Councilman Mulvihill has made them available for residents of District 10 for a reduced cost of $28. Please call 574-1110 or email us for the form.

The reduced cost recycle carts will be available on a first come first served basis until the funds are depleted. This offer is available to urban service district residents.

Click here to sign up for the LENSAlert (Louisville Emergency Notification System). 

In addition to receiving notifications, individuals can create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household that can include any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When individuals make an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right responders to the right location with the right information.

Information about medical history, allergies to medication, number of residents in a home and even a picture of the family dog can all be added to a Safety Profile.