Congratulations to Barry Barker on your retirement after nearly 25 years with TARC. We can't wait to see what shape your Re-Wirement takes!

Carolle Jones Clay and Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton were on hand as Mayor Fischer presented the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award, sponsored by Republic Bank, to Ms. Diane Porter, chair of the Jefferson County Public Schools' Board, at the annual Keepers of the Dream concert and community arts celebration at the Brown Theatre.

See Something Say Something!!!!

We all know that illegal dumping--putting waste on property that is not licensed as a disposal facility--is an eyesore that is expensive to clean up, diminishes quality of life, discourages economic development and even sends plastic debris into our waterways.

That's why people caught dumping along our city's alleys, sidewalks, fields and roadsides are subject to fines and impoundment of any vehicle used in the dumping. That's where citizens can help with the problem. If you witness illegal dumping while it's happening, report it.

We've developed a new online form you can use to tell us where it happened, describe the vehicle(s) involved, preferably with license plate number(s), and even upload pictures. Of course you can always call Metro Call 311 or 574-5000. For more information about illegal dumping, including a link to the reporting form, visit our illegal dumping webpage.

The annual program that helps prevent low income residents of Louisville from being disconnected from utility services begins Monday, Jan. 7, 2019.

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 from Jan. 7 - March 29, or until available funds have been expended, whichever comes first.

This year’s Crisis Program once again features expanded eligibility which allows residents receiving a current utility bill with a past due amount to apply, in addition to continuing to serve residents receiving a disconnect notice.

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

Applicants must be Jefferson County residents with a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $2,720.00).

Applicants must also meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Disconnect notice from utility service provider, or
• Current bill with a past due amount, or
• Eviction notice if utilities are included in the rent, or
• Bulk fuel is within four days of running out; or
• Pre-paid electric services is within ten days of running out.

Applicants must provide the following documents.

• Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, or other proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the LIHEAP offices or at 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Suite 201 or by clicking here.
• Social Security card(s) or (official documentation with Social Security Numbers) or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household; and
•  Disconnect notice or a current bill with a past due amount; or
•  Eviction notice if heating expenses are included in the rent. If heat is included in rent, clients must also provide a copy of the lease in addition to the eviction notice; or
• Statement from utility company that shows 10 days or less of service if participating in pre-paid electric service.

Individuals who are unable to apply for this program in person may send an authorized representative on their behalf with a signed, written, note including the applicant’s name, address, phone number, Social Security Number, and the name of the designated representative. The authorized representative must provide a picture ID to verify they are the person designated in the note. Residents who are homebound and who are unable to send a representative may call 502/780-7937.

LIHEAP applications will be completed at the time of the appointment at one of the six locations listed below.

• Northwest Neighborhood Place/Academy at Shawnee, 4018 W Market St., 40212
• South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 40215
• Neighborhood Place Ujima/Duvalle Education Center, 3610 Bohne Ave., 40211
• Neighborhood Place/Bridges of Hope, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy., 40210
• Newburg Community Center/East, 4810 Exeter Ave, 40218
• Southwest Government Center/Dixie Highway location. 7219 Dixie Highway, 40258

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000, visit the website’s On Line Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metro311, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, or download the free Metro311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

LIHEAP is made possible by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is a pass through block grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which contracts with Community Action Agencies across the state. Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services serves as the administering agency of Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership. For more information about Community Services, visit our website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services or call 574-1157 (TDD available at Metro311– 574-5000); or Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.

Louisville Metro Community Services - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Appointment Scheduler

Households with incomes below $64,000 are eligible for participation in this program.Please note that the IRS does not allow our program to prepare returns that include farm income, income from rental properties or businesses or self-employment income that includes depreciation or that includes expenses for other employees of the business.

List of Documents to bring for your appointment

There are two ways that you can take advantage of the free tax services:

1. Self-File: Click here to access free versions of Turbo Tax or My Free Taxes (H&R Block's product) and click on the Free Online Tax Filing tab which is located near the top of the page. Prepare and e-file your own return. Assistance, if needed, is provided through an 800 number.
2. Traditional VITA Service: You schedule an appointment using this site and work with a certified volunteer that will assist you in preparing your return, review it with you and efile it for you when finished.

Here is a list of sites where you can make an appointment:

• Louisville Urban League: 1535 West Broadway,
        Through Thursday from Noon until 8PM and Saturdays 9AM until 3PM.
• Salt and Light Community Development: 3025 Gerald Drive,
        Monday and Tuesday from 5PM until 9PM
• Sun Valley Community Center: 6505 Bethany Lane,
        Tuesday from 10AM until 7PM, Wednesday from 10AM until 4PM and Saturday from 9AM until 1PM
• United Crescent Hill Ministries: 150 State Street,
        Friday from 9AM until 3PM
• Wesley House Community Services: 5114 Preston Highway,
        Monday and Tuesday from 10AM until 3PM

Here is a list of sites where Walk- in services are available:

• Bates Community Development Corp ~ 1228 Jackson St ,
        Monday Noon until 7PM, Thursday 10AM to 4PM, Saturday from 10AM until 3PM
• Sun Valley Community Center ~ 6505 Bethany Lane , 
        Thursday 9AM until 7PM
• Portland Promise Center ~1831 Baird St ,
        Friday 7PM until 9:30PM, Saturday 9AM until 3PM and Sunday from 3PM until 7PM

Within minutes of making your appointment, you should receive a confirmation email with a calendar appointment attached to the email. In addition, you will also receive a phone reminder the day before your appointment.

Appointments can be changed or canceled at any time on this website. You can also make or cancel an appointment at any time (24/7) using our automated phone system by dialing (502) 305-0005 and following the instructions.

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/.

Hadley Pottery is giving everyone a chance to feel like   Mary Alice Hadley herself did 79 years ago, along with helping a local charity

For years people have been wanting to give Hadley new ideas on scenes and patterns.  Well here’s your chance along with a chance to win a $500 dollar shopping spree in our Louisville store

It’s as easy as putting your thoughts on paper and submitting them to our store at 1570 Story Ave. Louisville KY 40206

Here is all you need to do:

# 1   draw, sketch or simply write down your thought for a new scene.  Can be holiday related or just for every day

# 2   next time you are  shopping  at Hadley’s just bring your idea with you. You’ll get 10% off at checkout (even if already on sale )

# 3   we will put your name and phone # in our $ 500 dollar shopping spree.  (one chance per household )

# 4   your idea does not have to be used to win. ( all  ideas that will become property of Hadley Pottery ) But you can brag for life!

CONTEST WILL BEGIN ON

SATURDAY JAN. 19^TH   AND END ON SATURDAY FEB 16^TH.

STORE HOURS   MONDAY—FRIDAY   9:00—5:00

SATURDAY   9:00—3:00

ON MONDAY FEB. 18^TH WE WILL DRAW THE LUCKY WINNER

ONCE WE HAVE OUR LUCKY WINNER,  WE  WILL BE MATCHING THE $500 SHOPPING SPREE WITH A $500 DOLLAR DONATION

TO THE HOME OF THE INNOCENTS.