There will be no garbage, junk or recycling collection on Monday, January 21 within the Urban Services District in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

Collection will resume Tuesday, January 22 and will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. (Example: residents that have a Monday pickup will have collection on Tuesday.)

Residents serviced by private companies for waste and recycling collection should check with those companies for the holiday schedule.

The following facilities will also be closed Saturday, January 20:

• All staffed recycling centers
• Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue
• EXCEPT that Electronics Drop-off Service is available 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• HAZ BIN, the hazardous waste drop-off facility, 7501 Grade Lane

For more information visit www.louisvilleky.gov/recycling or dial Metro311 at 311 or 574-5000.

The annual program that helps prevent low income residents of Louisville from being disconnected from utility services began on Monday.

LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is administered by Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. The Crisis Component of LIHEAP will run through March 29, or until available funds have been expended, whichever comes first.

This year’s Crisis Program once again features expanded eligibility allowing residents who received a utility bill with a past due amount to apply, in addition to continuing to serve those who received a disconnect notice.

Residents wishing to apply must make an appointment in advance utilizing the automated appointment system. The toll free service 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.

Applicants must be Jefferson County residents with a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Read more details here. 

As the weather gets colder, it becomes increasingly dangerous for those who are homeless.Several constituents have reached out wanting to help but don't know the best way to do so.

There are many outreach organizations who are checking on homeless individuals and distributing needed supplies. If you can, please consider donating the following items:

• Coats
• Socks
• Hats
• Blankets

Check out the Coalition for the Homeless’ website to see some of the member agencies that are working to provide these supplies to those who need it most.

Get FREE and reliable tax prep assistance and invest your tax prep savings! To qualify, household income must be under $64,000. You may be eligible to receive an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For more information, visit www.labcservices.org. or call 211.

Convenient VITA locations:

Sun Valley Community Center (6505 Bethany Ln)

• Tu, Th: 10am - 7pm
• W: 10am - 4pm
• Sat: 9am - 1pm
• Call (502) 305-0005 to schedule an appointment
• Walk-ins welcome on Thurs. only

Americana Community Center (4801 Southside Dr)

• Th: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
• Sat: 9:00am - 3:00pm
• Call (502) 366-7813 to schedule an appointment

Do you have time to participate in Meals on Wheels?

Southwest Community Ministries is looking for kindhearted, friendly people to deliver meals to home-bound seniors in the 40272 and 40258 zip codes.

Delivery takes about an hour weekly, twice a month if you prefer to deliver two days/month. We have a Tuesday route that departs from Sun Valley Community Center (10:00 am) or a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday route departing from Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital in the afternoon (3:30).

If you want to make a difference in a senior's life, and yours, please contact Jessica Burnett 502-935-0310 ext. 244. 

The Slow Food Bluegrass School Garden Grant supports a school garden project based in Louisville, KY with $5,000 distributed over the course of three years: $2,500 in year one, $1,500 in year two, and $1,000 in year three. To be eligible for a Slow Food Bluegrass Garden Grant, applicants must be a (a) 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or (b) nonprofit (public or private) K-12 school, developing a student garden project focused on connecting and engaging children with fresh fruits and vegetables. Priority is given to both limited-resource communities and to projects clearly demonstrating strong buy-in from stakeholders. Please email your application to info@slowfoodbluegrass.org; applications are due by March 10th. For more information please visit http://www.slowfoodbluegrass.org/schoolgardens/.

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 502-574-5850 or Jacqueline.Wilson-rudy@louisvilleky.gov

TARC introduced a new fare system this week, making riding public transit in the region easier than ever.

Riders tap their MyTARC cards onto the fare box on board each bus. The proper fare will be deducted automatically, and the card balance will be displayed on a fare box screen.

Riders can also view transactions, ridership history and add value or purchase passes after registering their card at mytarc.ridetarc.org

More information about the new system is at TARC’s website: https://www.ridetarc.org/fares/mytarc-fare-structure-and-faqs/

Volunteers of America have recently opened new addiction recovery locations to better serve the community. They have several programs at 1436 South Shelby Street. Freedom House is a residential program for pregnant and parenting women. Shelby Men’s Recovery Center is also located on South Shelby. This is a 90 day residential program for men, where clients are able to work while seeking treatment. They have Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and services for men, women and families. These services are available at 2500 West Broadway and 4303 W Broadway. Transitional Housing will be available in July for homeless women with children who would like to continue their sobriety at 4303 W Broadway

If you are know someone who may be interested in VOA’s programs, please contact the intake office at 502-635-4530. They’re able to do a quick screening, verify their insurance, and set up an intake date and time.

You’ve proved you know how to shop local for holiday gift giving, but now let’s talk business. Where do you buy your printer paper? Who does your taxes? How do you market your service or product? Do you shop local for these services also? An upcoming event will give attendees the chance to ‘walk the talk’ and find quality, local vendors for their business purchases.

The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), an organization with 900 local and independent business members, will host the fourth annual Louisville Local Business Expo on Tuesday, January 22 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Mellwood Arts Center (Picasso Room), 1860 Mellwood Avenue. The Expo will showcase over 60 local and independent “Business to Business” companies, giving purchasing decision makers the opportunity to explore local options for their needs. Admission is free with a business card.

For more information and to register, visit www.keeplouisvilleweird.com.

Ready to get a better job?

Major manufacturer Brady Corporation is hosting a Job Fair on January 24, 2019 where they will be interviewing qualified candidates and hiring on the spot!

To attend the Job Fair at Brady, you must first attend a pre-screening event at the Kentucky Career Center in downtown Louisville (600 Cedar St, Louisville, KY 40202) on either Tuesday, January 22, 2019 or Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from Noon - 3 p.m.

Job seekers attending a pre-screening should dress professionally and bring a copy of their I.D. and resume. 

Job Requirements & Details:

• Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
• Must pass a Physical, Drug Screen and Background check
• 30+ positions available
• Hiring Offers will be made on the Spot
• 40 hours weekly - Overtime is available
• Excellent Pay based on Experience - Up to $16.00/HR
• Clean, Temperature Controlled Facility

For questions, please call (502) 276-9711 Ext. 4004

Free Training and Jobs links for Manufacturing and Construction

To find programs for FREE training and to connect people to jobs in construction and manufacturing, please click one of the following

The Career Calculator is being used in schools, career centers and libraries across the Louisville region.

Links to Workforce Resources

• KentuckianaWorks Homepage
• KY Career Centers  
• KY Health Career Center
• KY Manufacturing Career Center
• Code Louisville
• Mayor's SummerWorks
• KentuckianaWorks College Access Center
• Kentuckiana Builds
• Degrees Work
• Events Calendar 

Louisville Parks and Recreation wants to remind the public it will open hills in seven parks for sledding from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on days when snow accumulation reaches 2-3 inches. This season the sledding hills at Joe Creason Park, across from the Louisville Zoo, will be closed.

DESIGNATED SLEDDING HILLS:

• Cherokee Park (Baringer Hill, intersection of Alexander Road and Scenic Loop)
• George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Avenue, behind playground, near McKinley Avenue)
• McNeely Lake Park (6900 Cooper Chapel Road, near Korean War Memorial)
• Tyler Park (1501 Castlewood Avenue, on Tyler Park Drive side of park)
• Charlie Vettiner Park (5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Road, near Easum Road entrance)

SLEDDING RULES:

• Sledding is permitted on designated sledding hills when the “Sledding Hill Open” sign is displayed.
• Sledding hills will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. as long as there is adequate snow to protect slopes; all sledding hills will close at 11 p.m.
• Park vehicles only in regular parking areas to protect your car from damage.
• No vehicles are permitted off the pavement in any park.
• No alcoholic beverages are permitted at any time.
• Those who use the designated sledding hills are doing so at their own risk. Bonfires will not be permitted at Metro Parks’ sites, and sledders are urged to carry a cell phone in the event of an emergency.
• Please pick up your trash or use the designated trash bins for waste removal - or take trash with you as you leave

Guided Hike: Siltstone Trail

• Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 9 AM – 1 PM
• 13200 Scotts Gap Rd. Louisville,KY 40272

Looking for a challenging hike? Join us on the Siltstone Trail for a 6.7 mile hike. The Siltstone Trail is named for the common stone capping the knobs and is one of the oldest and most loved trails in the Forest. It features steep ascents and descents along ridges and around tall knobs. Meet at Scott's Gap Parking Lot. Transportation will be provided from the Welcome Center back to vehicles at the end of the hike. Hikers can warm up by the fire in the Welcome Center post hike. Event is FREE and open to the public. No registration needed. Contact the Welcome Center during office hours for directions if needed: 502-368-5404.

Romantic Valentine Candlelit Hike 

• Feb. 13th & 14th 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Give your sweetie the moon, the stars, and all of Louisville! Bring them to the Forest for a romantic candlelit hike that ends with a beautiful view of the Lights of Louisville. The hike’s destination is the Horine Conference Center, where you’ll be greeted by a roaring fire, hot beverages, mocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. Louisville Astronomical Society will be joining us to gaze at the stars and the Andromeda Galaxy!  Meet in the Horine Reservation main parking lot.

Pre-Registration required Call 502-368-5404

This program always sells out fast, so call to preregister or get directions. Reservations must be made by  Friday, February 8th; Fee: $40/couple

10-week hiatus during low volume

This is the last call for regular yard waste pickup before is it suspended for the winter!

Louisville Metro Solid Waste Management will be suspending the collection of yard waste in the Urban Services District (USD) beginning on January 21 through April 1, 2019 (the end date is new, changed since the first notice in our eNews). While individuals may request collection as needed during this time through MetroCall at 574-5000, please plan to set out your yard waste – including Christmas trees – BEFORE January 19.

Feeding Stray Cats?  Alley Cat Advocates can help get outdoor cats fixed and vaccinated at NO COST TO YOU!  

 Cat Caretakers living in the following Jefferson County zip codes 40208, 40209, 40213, 40214, 40215, 40216, 40217, 40219, 40258 and 40272 are eligible  for spay/neuter services for unowned community cats,  They will be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, treated for flea and ear-mite medicine, given a great vet visit, ear-tipped (the universal symbol of a neutered cat) and returned.

When there are no more kittens; the number of cats gradually goes down  and annoying behaviors such as yowling, fighting, spraying stop.

Metro Website List of Boards & Commissions 

Consider serving on a board or commission. It is important that these positions are filled by individuals representing all the diverse communities of Louisville and we would love to see our Southwest leaders become involved!

Below is a list of current vacancies. When you find something that strikes your interest, CLICK HERE  to access the application and please inform our office when you do so. Feel free to pass on the link to any friends or family that might be interested!

• Metropolitan Business Development Corporation
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Bardstown Road Overlay District
• Building Code Board of Appeals
• Cemetery Board
• Civil Service Board
• Code Enforcement Board
• Community Action Partnership
• Jefferson County Public Law Library
• Deputy Sheriff Merit Board
• Downtown Development Review Overlay Board
• Downtown Management District
• Ethics Commission
• Fire Protection Districts (Fairdale, Harrods Creek, Highview, Lake Dreamland, Lyndon, Middletown, Okolona, St. Matthews, Worthington)
• Hazard Materials Ordinance Appeals & Overseers Board
• Housing Authority Board
• Human Relations Commission Advocacy Board
• Human Relations Commission Enforcement Board
• Kentuckiana Works
• Landmarks
• Library Advisory Commission
• Louisville Arena Authority, Inc.
• Louisville Public Media
• Merit Board
• Medical Center Commission of Jefferson County
• PARC Board of Commissioners
• Police Merit Board
• Redevelopment Authority
• Science Center
• Urban Renewal Commission
• Vacant Property Review Commission
• Waterworks
• Zoo Foundation Board 

Click Here to Apply for one of the Boards or Commission vacancies.