It has been reported to the Louisville Water Company that people are posing as Louisville Water Employees to gain access to homes. It is extremely rare that a Louisville Water employee would ever need to enter a home so customers should be very careful before giving someone access to their house. All Louisville Water Employees have company issued ID cards with a photo and employee number. Please click here for tips on how to identify a legitimate Louisville Water employee.

The other service, AARP Tax Aide, has a mission to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older.

AARP sites opened today at the following locations: 

• Buechel Park Baptist Church, 2403 Hikes Lane
• Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
• Clifton Christian Church, 131 Vernon Ave.
• East Government Center, 200 Juneau Dr.
• Iroquois Branch Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave.
• Jeffersontown Senior Center, 10631 Watterson Trail 
• Lyndon Baptist Church, 8025 New LaGrange Rd.
• Portland Branch Library, 3305 Northwestern Parkway
• Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Hwy.

For a full AARP schedule and listing, including mobile sites, visit http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org or call 394-3443.

To help preparers accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring: 

• Picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return
• Copy of 2017 tax return with all attachments and schedules
• W-2s and 1099s from your employers
• Other 1099s for interest, dividends, state tax refund or other income
• 1095 for health insurance
• 1098 for education credit, plus detailed financial statement from the school
• Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit as well as savings account number (if applicable)
• Child care information, including Provider ID and actual amounts paid
• Summarized list of other income/expenses for those who itemize or are self-employed
• Additional tax information that may be required

Visit http://labcservices.org or http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org for more information about the required documentation.

Volunteers are vital to the VITA and AARP programs’ success. Last year, nearly 250 volunteers dedicated more than 10,000 hours to offer free tax preparation services. Volunteers come from all walks of life and include students, professionals and adults who take care of others at home.

The work of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and the AARP Tax Assistance Program is made possible by Metro United Way, Louisville Metro Government, the IRS, the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation and dozens of other partners. 

Monday, Mayor Greg Fischer and other leaders announced the opening of free federal and state income tax preparation for eligible residents.

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, and AARP Tax Aide programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services at 17 sites across the city. The service is available to individuals and families who earned less than $64,000 in 2018.

VITA and AARP volunteers will also help determine if residents are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal tax credit for low- and middle-income working individuals and families. Eligibility for the EITC is based on income, the number of family members and other criteria, such as the amount of a family’s credit. Working families who earn up to $54,800 may be eligible, with average credits last year nearly $2,500.

"For many working families, free help with taxes and guidance in qualifying for the EITC can be a game-changer,” the Mayor said. "That’s money that could be used to start a savings account, buy a car, get braces for a child, pay books and college tuition, or start a college fund for their children."

Last year, the VITA campaign and Louisville AARP sites processed more than 14,000 returns, adding more than $19.5 million to the local economy, including nearly $6 million in Earned Income Tax Credits to residents.

Appointments are recommended for VITA free tax assistance service and can be made now by calling 305-0005 or scheduling online at https://louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com.

The VITA free tax preparation sites are located at:

• Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
• Bates Community Development, 1228 Jackson St.
• Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
• Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
• Salt and Light Community Development, 3025 Gerald Dr.
• Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
• United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
• Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.

For a complete list of VITA locations, including mobile sites, as well as hours of operation, visit http://labcservices.org or call Metro United Way’s 211 help referral service. 

Also visit the website for information about a free service for those interested in filing their own taxes online. Starting Jan. 28, two software packages — MyFreeTaxes and Turbo Tax Freedom Edition — will be available for those who meet eligibility.

As Kentuckians begin electronically filing their state and federal income taxes, Attorney General Andy Beshear is asking them to be prepared for an increase in scam calls.

Beshear said tax season scams typically involve scammers pretending to be an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent who claims they need to verify the victim’s personal and financial information over the phone or claims that the victim owes back taxes.

Once the scammer has the victim’s information, they can steal tax returns and other funds by changing the deposit to a reloadable money card.

“Tax season last year was the busiest time for staff in my office who handle scam reports, and this year I want to ensure Kentuckians are prepared for the barrage of scam calls that may not slow down until April,” Beshear said. “It is not only IRS scams that increase during tax season, but con artists also try to take advantage of Kentuckians’ interactions with other local, state and federal agencies.”

Beshear said his office recently worked with a Clark County resident who sent $9,900 to an IRS scammer in the form of Google Play cards. Threats of arrest coerced the victim to follow the demands of the caller. The victim is now working with Beshear’s office, and has signed up for Scam Alerts to avoid future victimization.

Beshear’s office recommends following these tips to avoid falling victim to scammers:  

• Never share any personal or financial information over the phone.
• Know that the IRS, and other local, state and federal agencies, will never call and request money over the phone, or ask you to send money via wire transfer, cash or gift cards.
• If you receive a call from someone pretending to be with a local, state or federal agency, hang up and independently verify the correct number and dial it.

If you believe you have been a victim of a tax return theft, contact the IRS directly at 800-908-4490 and the Kentucky Department of Revenue at 502-564-4581.

To report a scam to the Office of Attorney General, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 888-432-9257 or visit ag.ky.gov to fill out a complaint online.

To sign up to receive Scam Alerts from Beshear’s office text the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311) or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams.

From Senior Nutrition: Volunteers are needed to deliver a hot lunchtime meal to seniors within our area, between 10 a.m. and noon. A weekly commitment of approximately two hours is desired.

We will train and supply equipment for your use, but you must provide your own transportation.

For more information, please contact Tiffany Woodson at 502-574-6420 or tiffany.woodson@louisvilleky.gov

Valentine’s Dinner and Candlelit Hike

February 14, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Avoid the Valentine's restaurant frenzy, and do something different with your date! Begin your night with a cozy catered dinner at LNC, and then take a hike on candlelit trail at your leisure. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for sounds of forest nightlife! We've seen and heard owls, coyote, deer, raccoons, possum, and fox in our forest. Be sure to dress warm so you can enjoy a nice romantic stroll. (We also welcome non-romantic dates, but this event is for adults only.) $50 per person, includes dinner, dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, and hike. $45/ person for members. Please make sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions! Call to register 458-1328. Must register by February 2. This will fill up fast, as space is limited! Please note: we will only cancel/refund in the event of severe weather--we hike outside all winter long.

Are you a born relationship builder?

Center For Neighborhoods is looking for a dedicated person to help us make positive change in neighborhoods and within the city. The Neighborhood Liaison works directly with residents and neighborhood organizations to support safe, healthy, and attractive neighborhoods.

Click here to see the full description and how to apply.

Illegally dumped trash is more than just an eyesore. It is expensive to clean up, it negatively impacts our quality of life and economic development, and the plastic debris may end up in our waterways. 

It is unlawful to dump any waste on property that is not licensed as a disposal facility. Illegal dumpers are subject to fines and impoundment of vehicles. 

The owner of the truck in the photo illegally dumped trash January 3. Solid Waste Enforcement tracked down the truck owner February 1 and issued a fine of $500 plus a cleanup charge of $250. SWMS were unable to impound the truck, as it was reportedly stolen sometime after the illegal dumping.

If this illegal dumper had taken his pickup truck load to the Waste Reduction Center, it would have cost $60. 

To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.

If you witnessed a person illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate number, etc.), please report it on the new online form.

Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is now accepting applications from local non-profits for programs or activities funded by the following U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants for LMG fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020).

HUD-Funded Grants:

1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
2. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and
3. Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

These grants are administered locally by Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS). Grant activities are guided by a five-year Consolidated Plan as well as an annual Action Plan, both available online.

Resilience and Community Services’ FY20 Goals are:

1. End homelessness for vulnerable populations;
2. End homelessness for families; and
3. Serve homeless and low-income persons with HIV/AIDS

CDBG Public Service

Grant Period: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020  Past Award Average: ~ $40,000. Activities that will be given preference during application review:

1. Increasing case management capacity focusing on transitioning homeless individuals into housing;
2. Connecting homeless families to housing and supportive services through outreach;
3. Increasing case management capacity focusing on self-sufficiency; and/or
4. Recruitment of residential property owners and managers to increase access to housing for families and individuals exiting homelessness.

ESG

Grant Period: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 Past Award Average: ~ $46,000 *Important Note*: ESG grants require a 100% match to awarded funds. Activities that will be given preference during application review:

1. Increasing the number of emergency shelter beds available;
2. Increasing case management capacity focusing on transitioning homeless individuals into housing;
3. Rapidly rehousing homeless individuals and families; and/or
4. Providing outreach to families to exit homelessness.

HOPWA

Grant Period: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020  Past Award Average: ~ $180,000 *Important Note*: HOPWA funds may only be used for activities for persons with HIV/AIDS. Activities that will be given preference during application review:

1. Supportive services;
2. Rental assistance; and/or
3. Short-term payments to prevent homelessness.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, February 8, 2019 by 5 pm.  

A public meeting for questions will be held at 701 W. Ormsby Ave, 1^st floor conference room (Edison Room) on Monday, January 14, 2019 from 2 - 4 p.m.

 To gain access to the applications, go to:

• For a CDBG application:             https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDBGFY20
• For an ESG application:               https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ESGFY20
• For a HOPWA application:          https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HOPWAFY20

 All sub-recipients will go through a competitive funding process.

• Applications will be reviewed by an initial external panel and recommendations will be presented to the Louisville Metro Council for approval.  
• Recommendations will be made for inclusion in the FY20 Louisville Metro budget.

Any groups representing persons of low and moderate incomes may request technical assistance from Louisville Metro to help in their preparation of an application for funding and/or refer to the Louisville Metro Office Resilience and Community Services HUD Subrecipient Grant Application Process Handbook. View the handbook here. 

Once sub-recipients and projects have been approved, Louisville Metro Government will review the list to determine if a technical correction of the information is needed or a substantial amendment is required.

Please submit all questions to Ethan Lambert, Grants Coordinator with the Office of Resilience and Community Services, at (502) 574-5375 or ethan.lambert@louisvilleky.gov.

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services' LIHEAP Program is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to help low-income residents pay utility bills. The Crisis component of LIHEAP operates through March 29 (or until funding is expended, whichever comes first. 

This year’s Crisis Program 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, which is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Call 991-8391 or schedule 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 (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $2,720). Read more details here. 

Miley is a senior shelter pet in need of a good home. This stunning 13-year-old with green eyes was found as a stray and unfortunately, her owner could not be located. Miley is a friendly cat. She spends her time people-watching from her condo in the Pussy Cat Lounge at Animal House Adoption Center. Can you give this senior sweetheart a forever home? Miley’s adoption fee is waived thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. She’s already spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. You can adopt Miley when you visit Animal House, 3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Questions? Call 502-473-PETS.

Goochie and her two brothers are just a few of the adoptable puppies you’ll meet when you visit Animal House. The two-month-old Pit Bull/Plott Hound mix puppies are very friendly and wiggly. They’ve already developed an appreciation for treats and will follow you until they get something tasty. You can adopt Goochie or one of her brothers by making a donation to the Pay It Forward Program. They are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Meet them at Animal House Adoption Center,  3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Questions? Email the LMAS adoptions team at animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov or call 502-473-PETS.

The training program (Tuesday evening lecture series) will explore ecological restoration, open spaces management, horticultural skills, volunteer leadership, Olmstedian design and Olmsted Park history. The fee is $50 but scholarships are available!

Click here to learn more and register for a free informational session on Tuesday, February 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Conservancy’s office at 1299 Trevilian Way. Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s mission is to restore, enhance and forever protect Louisville’s Olmsted-designed parks and parkways, connecting nature and neighborhood while strengthening the community’s well-being.

February 7, The Center for Women and Families Outreach at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (door number 24), side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1 to 5 p.m. Staff with the Center for Women and Families will be on-hand to give an overview of their services which include trauma-informed advocacy and support for qualified families and individuals with supportive services; emergency shelter; sexual assault services; housing; children’s services and more. For more information, contact Nayelyi Sanchez, Domestic Violence Advocate at 581-7270.

February 7, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door number 24), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position. Call 313-4700 for more information.

February. 12, Free Energy Management Workshops at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Project Warm's free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn "do-it-yourself" energy-saving tips. Free supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as clear plastic/tape for windows, caulk to seal openings around windows and sealing foam. Reservations are needed to reserve materials. Call 313-4728 or 313-4700 for reservations.

February 12, 19 and 26, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1 to 2 p.m. Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live a better and more fulfilling life. This month’s workshops are focused on finances including these topics: “Banking”, “How to Use Credit”, “Scams You May Encounter”, and “Financial Abuse-Are You A Victim”. Guest Speakers are Joseph Cecil with Bank on Louisville and Sandra Pace with the U.S. Armed Forces. Call 363-1483 for more information.

February 14 and 20, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at two locations. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400.

• February 14 at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road. 1 to 3 p.m.
• February 20 at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Avenue, 1 to 3 p.m.

Wednesdays, beginning February 20, Freedom from Smoking Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 to 11:30 a.m. This seven-week program features a step-by-step plan for quitting smoking and each session is designed to help smokers gain control over the behavior. Participants are eligible to receive some free nicotine patches for attending the classes. Call 772-8588 for more information or to sign up for the class.

About Neighborhood Place

Louisville’s Neighborhood Place -- a partnership of Louisville Metro Government (including the Office of Resilience and Community Services, and Public Health and Wellness), Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Centerstone (formerly Seven Counties Services) -- provides community-based centers which bring together health care, education, employment and social services at eight locations across the community. To find a Neighborhood Place in your neighborhood, please call Metro Call at 311. 

Teen programs at Highlands-Shelby Park Library include Homeschool Social Club, Monday Cram Session, Knitting Workshop and more. 

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

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 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.

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, so hiring a hauling company or renting a dumpster may be in order. 

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. 

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.

The Center for Neighborhoods' NeighborMap is now available online! This new, layered map comes loaded with data on neighborhood resources, grocery access, flood-plain locations, tree cover and more. NeighborMap can help individuals and community organizations visualize and understand the assets available in their neighborhoods, and identify improvements they would like to see.

Students from UofL's Kent School of Social Work contributed to the project by gathering data in urban neighborhoods, and will continue the partnership with CFN to help develop strong neighborhoods. NeighborMap was created in part with funding from Louisville Metro Government.

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 email metrocall@louisvilleky.gov, or go to www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall where you can chat live with Metrocall, fill out an online form for a 311 service request, or download the free mobile 311 application. Or tweet @LouMetro311 or call 3-1-1 or 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, email us for the form, or download a PDF. 

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.

We receive complaints about signs that are illegally posted on poles and at intersections in the right-of-way, including "We Buy Houses," "Express Cash" and others. 

If you walk by these signs or live somewhere where these signs are posted and may be removed safely, help clean up our community by taking them down and throwing them away. Or better yet, consider recycling the signs - search for "recycled yard sign projects" online for ideas. 

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.