Councilman Mulvihill at Metro Youth Advocates 

Above, left to right, were Willa Campeau, Councilman Mulvihill, Lexi Augelini, Railey Redd and Josh Hardesty. 

Councilman Mulvihill served as a panelist at the Metro Youth Advocates program on Tuesday afternoon. At right, Councilman Mulvihill with Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith of D4. The panel was led by MYA's student advocacy leaders who asked the council members to share a bit about themselves, then students asked questions regarding policy and advocacy topics.

Budget update: share your ideas

Mayor Fischer has outlined steps he and his team have already taken and will take over the next several weeks to address a $35 million budget shortfall in the fiscal year starting July 1. The Mayor and Metro Council President David James also invited employees and residents to share their ideas for efficiencies via a confidential online form. Residents can submit their ideas here. The Mayor will present his full budget proposal on April 25. The steps the Mayor outlined include: Canceling the June LMPD recruit class because offers would have to have been made before the Mayor presents his budget on April 25 and before the Council votes on June 25. Changes to city employee health insurance benefits. Potential elimination of a cost-of-living increase for employees in the next fiscal year.  Because 75 percent of the workforce is represented by unions, the city began with letters to union leaders asking them to consider voting to accept this measure. Examining leases and contracts, including LMPD’s contract with ShotSpotter, that may need to be altered or canceled before July 1. Parks & Recreation will not open its four outdoor swimming pools this summer and is increasing fees at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center. The decision not to open the pools is being made now because this is the time the process of hiring lifeguards would begin. Meetings with suburban city mayors to discuss Metro assets within their city limits. Mayor Fischer also called on businesses, non-profits, community groups and individuals to support or sponsor external agencies that have relied on Metro funding. “We must be creative in keeping them going,” the Mayor said. “That has to start with community members stepping up and doing the right thing, over and over again.” Learn more about these steps here. The budget shortfall is expected to grow to $65 million by fiscal year 2023.

Time to report potholes

From Metro Public Works: The annual blitz to rid Louisville Metro streets of the parting pothole gifts of winter is underway. We’re moving across the city in a grid pattern to patch all the potholes we can find. Of course, we respond to reports and patch potholes year round, but we especially want the public's help though the blitz that ends on April 30. Here's how you can report a pothole: On Twitter, use the hashtag 502pothole. Just include the address or intersection where the pothole is located along with the hashtag in a tweet, and you’re done. The pothole reporting form that you can find at the top of the city’s webpage, Louisvilleky.gov. Just click on the “Report a pothole” link and fill in the location information. Contact Metro311 in one of these ways Call them at 311 or 574-5000 Download the Metro311 app on your smartphone and use it to report a pothole Email them at metro.311@louisvilleky.gov

Yard waste collection delayed

Please be patient as yard waste collection has been delayed due to equipment issues and time constraints. However, Metro will be collecting yard waste on Saturdays to catch up.  If your yard waste collection is missed, please report it to MetroCall 311 at 574-5000 and put in a Service Request. This helps Metro keep track of areas that are missed and the data helps improve collection performance.

Joe Creason Park walking bridge closed for repairs/construction through the end of April

The walking bridge in the north section of Joe Creason Park that crosses Beargrass Creek near Bellarmine will be closed through the end of April for a construction project. The Beargrass Creek flooding in February and March delayed these repairs.

Free tax preparation service for eligible Louisville 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. 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. Also visit the website for information about a free service for those interested in filing their own taxes online. Two software packages — MyFreeTaxes and Turbo Tax Freedom Edition — will be available for those who meet eligibility.

AARP Tax Aide service has a mission to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older. For a full AARP schedule and listing, including mobile sites, visit http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org or call 394-3443. Visit http://labcservices.org or http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org for more information about the required documentation. 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.

District 10 events

Correction: no MUSCL fundraiser at this time

Thanks for bringing this to our attention: We accidentally ran last year's flyer for a MUSCL fundraiser last week, so the date was wrong. MUSCL does not appear to have scheduled the fundraiser for this year. For more information on MUSCL and their work in the community, visit https://www.muscl.org/.

April 14 - 67th Annual Germantown Baseball Opening Day Parade

The 67th Annual Germantown Baseball Opening Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, April 14. The parade is set to begin promptly at 1 p.m. at Hauck's, at the corner of Hoertz & Goss Avenues in the heart of Germantown. The parade will detour through the Germantown neighborhood and conclude at Germantown Ballpark, 1537 Poplar Level Road, next to St. Xavier High School. Opening ceremony will commence at approximately 2:15 to 2:30 pm.

March 1 through April 12 - Holy Family Lenten Fish Fries - all are welcome

April 14 - Paws with Purpose Walkathon at Joe Creason Park

Spring events at the Louisville Nature Center

Intro to Backpacking  April 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  Have you always wanted to try backpacking but didn't know exactly where to start? Seasoned backpacker Patrick Fitzgerald will conduct a review of how to pack for your best back country experience! The course will include how to plan the trip, how to prepare a food list, what clothes to bring, and what gear to pack. $15 for nonmembers, $10 for LNC members. Register by calling 458-1328.

Third Thursday Concert Series at the Louisville Nature Center April 18 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Joel Henderson & Friends, Rebecca Minnick & Friends Heartfelt lyrics and wit are at the core of many singer-songwriters, but the ability to translate feelings to others is where Joel Henderson sets himself apart. With true-to-self lyrics and timeless melodies, Henderson combines folk, country, blues, gospel, and classic pop with equal reverence. Prior to Joel’s performance is a special musical performance by LNC’s Director Rebecca Minnick and Friends. $10 suggested donation.

April 28 - Gardenaganza at the Louisville Nature Center

May 11 - Nature's Works and Quirks It's back! A program the whole family can enjoy. Nature's Works and Quirks is a program that is focused on all things nature. All sessions are from 10 a.m. to noon.  Investigate your natural surroundings and learn to understand the relationships of wildlife and the ecosystem! Each themed month lets your child explore science in fun ways to better understand the natural world! Environmental games, animal encounters, nature crafts, stories, and other nature activities help to illustrate and reinforce the ecological concepts covered in daily adventures. Upcoming themes include: May 11 - Turtles - register by May 4 (moved to the second Saturday for Derby) June 1 - Trees - register by May 25 July 6 - Birds - register by June 29

Rain barrels are back for sale at LNC - conserve water, help reduce storm water runoff, and support the LNC. They are $74, or $69 if you purchase two or more barrels. Prices include six percent sales tax. 

Summer Camp information is now up at louisvillenaturecenter.org. 

April 26 - 27: Brightside and Waste Management of Kentucky's Premium Compost Sale

April 27 - City of Audubon Park Festival of the Dogwood

Louisville Metro news

Donate by April 12 and help Louisville Grows make the most of a great opportunity to build a greenhouse next to Healthy House

A Community Thrives, part of the USA Today Network, is giving Louisville Grows the opportunity to shine a spotlight and raise awareness on the national stage for our wish to build a greenhouse next door to Healthy House. This platform is an excellent opportunity for us to succeed in making this dream a reality, but there is a deadline. Raising $3000 by April 12th will give us a chance to receive a portion of $2,000,000 in grants through A Community Thrives. YOUR donation today can help Louisville Grows get started on building our future in the Portland neighborhood! Benefits of a greenhouse at Healthy House: Provide all-season, year-round growing of vegetables, herbs, flowers and seedlings. Conduct gardening workshops and classes with the ability to provide hands-on experience. An all-in-one gardening place with a designated spot for everything. Consistent gardening with the flexibility to evade weather conditions and season changes. Greater access to healthy food for the community and our partners. Creates a space that has a purpose and adds visual appeal to our outdoor area. Greenhouses are healthy. Louisville Grows wishes these benefits were just a few steps from our front door at Healthy House!  Just imagine... a greenhouse right next to our Healthy House community space! It would give us greater opportunities to serve the community and bring the space alive! Your DONATION can make this dream a reality!

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet mowing start dates

Mowing start dates for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

Litter/mowing on all Interstates  4/17, 5/22, 7/10, 8/28, 10/23 and litter cycle on interstates, 12/9. 

Fine turf mowing along I-65 will be 4/26, 5/10, 5/24, 6/7, 6/21, 7/5, 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, 8/30, 9/13, 9/27, 10/11. 

Brightside Community-Wide Cleanup is almost here. 

From Brightside: It’s time to recruit those volunteers to head out and help make a difference in your communities this spring and take part of the Brightside & Passport Health Plan Community-Wide Cleanup! The date has been set for Saturday, April 13th and we are proud to be the kick-off event for Mayor Fischer’s Give-a-Day: Week of Service! Register at www.brightsideinc.org.

Iroquois Amphitheater season to feature national acts, local productions

The 81st year of the historic Iroquois Amphitheater begins Sunday, April 7 with Kentucky Shakespeare’s touring production of Macbeth, and includes national musical acts, local theatre arts productions, festivals, and Metro Council-sponsored movie nights. Production Simple, AC Entertainment and Louisville Public Media are sponsoring several shows; two of which – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with Sun Volt April 20, and Hozier on June 13 – have already sold out. For the full schedule of concerts, visit iroquoisamphitheater.com. Local arts and cultural programming, including the Macbeth production, will also be featured. The Louisville Youth Orchestra will perform on Sunday, April 28 as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival, and the Amphitheater will also host the Americana World Community Center Festival on Saturday, June 1. Free family-friendly movies at the Amphitheater begin Friday, May 24 with the film “Skyscraper” and conclude on Friday, August 16 with “Instant Family.” Those films are sponsored by council members Kevin Triplett, Rick Blackwell, Nicole George and David Yates. Later in the year, the area surrounding the Amphitheater will host the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular for the seventh year from October 8  to November 3. The Spectacular is the major fundraiser for the Louisville Parks Foundation, the non-profit entity supporting Louisville’s public parks.  Iroquois Amphitheater has been celebrating the arts since 1938 and has hosted hundreds of shows that showcase the creativity of the great city of Louisville. The Amphitheater is a mostly covered venue with 2,400 seats available. It is managed by Louisville Parks and Recreation and is located in Iroquois Park, one of the city of Louisville’s 18 Olmsted-designed parks. For more information about Iroquois Amphitheater and our upcoming events, please visit www.iroquoisamphitheater.com.

Eighth Annual Give a Day Week of Service kicks off April 13

Mayor Greg Fischer along with Metro United Way, Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky Derby Festival and a variety of nonprofits have announced the eighth annual Mayor’s Give A Day Week of Service with support from Metro United Way, April 13 through 20. 

“Now, more than ever, it’s important that our community comes together to flex its social muscle to help those most in need,” said the Mayor. “Whether you give an hour, a day, donate blood, give food, clothing or simply help a neighbor, everyone can be a part of this special week.”

Last year’s Give A Day Week of Service produced a new world-record with more than 205,000 volunteers and acts of compassion. The Mayor said this year’s goal is to top that, with even more volunteers, donations and other good deeds.

“Although the focus is on this week of service, we're proud to support our community in solving problems through volunteer service all year long,” said Theresa Reno-Weber, president and CEO of Metro United Way. “As a part of that continuous work, we are excited to again serve as the backbone of Mayor’s Give A Day by connecting volunteers to meaningful opportunities in bettering the community. Connecting people and partners with the resources, passion and expertise needed to get things done is at the heart of what we do at Metro United Way.”

Metro United Way supports the volunteer engagement platform for the Mayor’s Give a Day by connecting those who need help with those who want to help.

A sampling of this year’s projects and initiatives include:

• Return of Build a Bed on Saturday, April 13. This AmeriCorps-sponsored effort builds beds for children who otherwise don’t have one. With support of nearly a dozen local companies, including K&I Lumber, this project provides a bed, bedding, books and stuffed animals – some of the basics of a good night’s sleep.
• Thousands of volunteers will join together on Saturday, April 13 to pick up litter and beautify the city through the Brightside & Passport Health Plan Community-Wide Cleanup, one of the largest Give A Day service projects. To register for the Cleanup, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/brightside/brightside-passport-health-plan-community-wide-cleanup. Additionally, volunteers can join Brightside on Sunday, April 14 for the annual Post-Thunder Over Louisville Cleanup on the Great Lawn.
• WE Day Kentucky will be celebrated by more than 2,400 students and adults on Tuesday, April 16 at The Kentucky Center. This is the organization’s 7^th annual event, representing 400+ schools from across the Commonwealth, contributing 400+ service hours valued at a social impact of $10 million. This year’s goal for the students is to collect 100,000 personal care items for students in need. In addition, students and the business community will take part in the annual WE Walk for Compassion that afternoon.
• The American Red Cross’ inaugural Mayor’s Give A Day Blood Drive on Wednesday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Make an appointment by visiting org and enter sponsor code: GiveADay.
• Random Acts of Kindness, a nonprofit started by Jefferson County Public School student Andrew Dunn, will be joining Barrett Middle School students on Thursday, April 18 to make 3,000 burritos to be donated to a local food pantry.
• Metro Parks, Louisville Parks Foundation, Great Lakes Brewing and Coca Cola are teaming up to plant trees on Arbor Day, Friday, April 19.
• Pedal Power and Kentucky Refugee Ministries are back for another year to give refurbished bikes to refugees. Bikes will be delivered to various locations throughout the week.

Companies and organizations of all sizes will have employee teams in action, including GE Appliances, Texas Roadhouse, Brown-Forman, Louisville Parks Foundation and more.

Mayor Fischer noted that it’s vital to teach our young people the value of compassion. In 2018, more than 58,422 Jefferson County Public School students and teachers joined thousands of private and Catholic school students on service projects.

“The Mayor’s Give A Day initiative is a great opportunity each year for our students and staff to give back to the community that so often steps up and supports our school district,” JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said. “I’m proud that 100 percent of our schools will once again be participating–committing to cleaning up parks and playgrounds, collecting food and toiletries for local food banks and shelters, and so much more. It says a lot about the culture of our schools and the commitment of our students and staff that they remain dedicated to making an impact in their city.”

The Mayor said having Give A Day Week as the lead-up to the world-famous Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) helps residents remember and plan for the service week each year and puts Louisville’s caring deeds in the world spotlight. For this year’s Give A Day Week, KDF will be offering an opportunity for volunteers to win tickets for a Thunder VIP Experience. The lucky winners must register at mygiveaday.com to volunteer for Give A Day by April 4 to be eligible to win. Two sets of (2) tickets will be given away.

“We’re happy to offer this small token of appreciation to a couple lucky volunteers who are participating in Give A Day,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “The Festival is fortunate to have such a large network of volunteers. We couldn’t put on our events each spring without them.”

Individuals or groups wanting to find a project should visit www.mygiveaday.com, where projects and needs submitted by local non-profit agencies and other groups are listed. Mayor Fischer urged individuals and companies to also use the website to report their own community service.

Give A Day 2018 notable numbers:

• More than 3,250 business employees and students participated in the WE Walk for Compassion.
• More than 19,000 employees from local companies joined the Brightside & Passport Health Plan Community-Wide Cleanup, removing litter and debris from neighborhoods, parks and schools.
• Kroger stores collected more than 30,500 pounds of food for Dare to Care’s food pantry.
• Presbyterian Center USA brought 483 volunteers to assemble thousands of hygiene kits.

Goodwill voucher program available to eligible residents

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS), serving as the community action agency for Jefferson County, is happy to share the news that Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has made its voucher program available through Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies. Income eligible residents of Jefferson County in need of assistance for clothing, household items, furnishings and other supplies may be eligible to receive vouchers redeemable at participating Goodwill retail stores. Program eligibility: To be considered eligible for a voucher an individual must: Present a need that a Goodwill voucher can help to fulfill Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines Reside in Jefferson County, Kentucky Documentation required to sign up: Copy of picture ID, if available, or other form of ID for the applicant Proof of income for all household members for the prior month Social Security Cards for all household members Proof of primary residency located in Jefferson County Individuals who meet the income guidelines and provide supporting documentation may be eligible to receive one Goodwill voucher for $50, and up to five vouchers totaling $250. The $250 maximum is a biennial limit.  There will be no refunds from Goodwill if the entirety of the voucher is not used. Intake procedure: Applicants can begin the process by either visiting or calling any of the eight Neighborhood Place sites.  Ask the receptionist to speak to a Resilience and Community Services (RCS) staff member regarding the Goodwill Voucher Program.  Applicants will be advised of more details and what documentation will be required to complete prior to the initial appointment. Click here for a list of Neighborhood Places, addresses, and phone numbers; or call Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000 for help locating the Neighborhood Place nearest you.  (Note: Current RCS clients can ask to discuss this program with their case manager). Applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is expended.

JustServe.org makes it easy to volunteer

JustServe.org is a free volunteer website dedicated to bringing communities together through volunteerism. From JustServe.org: Non-profits can post the need for volunteers and those in our community can go to the website and see all the opportunities to volunteer. Because the website is self-funded, we never ask for donations to maintain the website, we never sell advertising and we never sell any information. All of us connected with JustServe.org are volunteers and there is no paid staff.

Center for Neighborhoods is hiring

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.

Louisville Parks and Recreation news

With warmer weather in sight and spring just around the corner, Louisville Parks and Recreation is encouraging the public to get active and have some fun.   Adult Co-Ed Kickball Teams ages 18 and older, minimum of seven teams. Games are on Mondays and Wednesday nights at Seneca Park, 3151 Pee Wee Reese Drive. Registration deadline, April 26. For more information, click here. Spring Softball Leagues Co-ed and men’s teams. Games are Monday-Friday nights at several local parks. Registration deadline, April 26. For more information, click here. Senior Softball League Ages 60 and older play on Tuesday mornings and 65 and older play on Thursday mornings at Camp Taylor Park, 4201 Lee Avenue. For registration information please contact Al Benniger at 458-7727 or Louisville Parks Athletics Office at 574-4515. Youth Soccer Skills Clinics Ages 18 and Younger at the Beechmont Community Center. With Louisville City FC. Free, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – no clinic April 13. Started March 16 and ends April 27. For more information, click here.

About Louisville Parks and Recreation: Louisville Parks and Recreation, a nationally accredited parks and recreation agency, manages 120 parks, 18 of which are Olmsted-designed, on more than 13,000 acres of land. Louisville Parks and Recreation also operates numerous youth and adult recreation programs and facilities, two historic homes, 10 golf courses, two arts and cultural centers, an outdoor performing arts theatre and two nationally-recognized skate parks. Its mission is accomplished by taking care of all parks properties and creating new ones, by providing safe and diverse recreational programs, and by protecting our public lands and resources for future generations. www.bestparksever.com

The new Kentucky drivers license: Get ready for changes

For more information, to to  https://drive.ky.gov/confidentKY/Pages/default.aspx

Circuit Court Clerk David L. Nicholson is hiring

LIHEAP extends deadline to apply for help to April 30

Income-eligible residents of Louisville now have more time to apply for funding to help with energy bills, thanks to an extension of the deadline for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The former deadline of March 29 was recently pushed back to April 30 by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which administers the LIHEAP program through a network of 23 Community Action Agencies across the state. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that provides assistance to individuals or families struggling to pay their electric, natural gas or other energy bills. The current phase of LIHEAP, called the “Crisis Component”, assist households that are in a home energy crisis and that are facing disconnection from their utility services. Also again this year, residents who have received a current LG&E bill with a Past Due Balance may be eligible to apply.  “The extended deadline is great news,” said Eric Friedlander, acting director of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, which administers LIHEAP locally as Louisville’s community action agency. “Our goal is that everyone who is eligible for LIHEAP, and in need of assistance, apply for this program.” LIHEAP Crisis operates on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted or through April 30, 2019, whichever comes first.  Benefits provided by this program are paid directly to the applicant’s heating vendor. To apply, residents must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system.  Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com at one of six LIHEAP locations.  The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Applicants must be a resident of Jefferson County 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 are within ten days of running out. 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 780-7937. 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 (RCS) serves as the administering agency of the Louisville Metro Community Action Agency. For more information about RCS, visit our website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services or call Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.

Louisville Metro Animal Services Pets of the week

This shy guy is ready to meet his perfect person. Oliver is an approximately one-year-old Tabby who takes some time to warm up to new people. He’s a sweet cat who just needs a forever home. Oliver’s adoption fee is waived, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. He weighs about 10lbs. and is neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. You can meet Oliver at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Questions? Send an email to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov, or call 473-PETS.

Amelia is a stunning black beauty that’s very friendly and sweet. The two-year-old Labrador Retriever mix likes being outdoors but prefers to relax in shady places, like under the agility ramp at Animal House. Amelia also seems to like other dogs, and can be tested with a potential fur sibling upon request. Her adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Amelia is spayed, microchipped and current on vaccinations. She weighs approximately 57 lbs., knows sit and walks well on leash. Send questions about Amelia to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov, or call 475-6126.  To meet Amelia, visit Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Questions? Send an email to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov, or call 473-PETS.

April 29 - HappyTail Hour at the Great Lawn

Louisville Metro events

April 12 - 13: The Book Works Book Sale

The Book Works, a new social enterprise in Louisville that employs and supports homeless and disconnected youth, is hosting a sale to celebrate the Mayor's Give A Day Week of Service. This will be our largest sale yet, with more than 15,000 donated books, movies, music, and games available, most for less than $2. One-of-a-kind, special collections, and author-signed books will also be for sale. To acknowledge the service educators provide to our community, all teachers will receive $5 in books of their choice at no charge. 

For more information or to arrange a pick-up or drop-off, email donations@TheBookWorks.org or call The Book Works donation line at 354-3667.

April 13 - Thunder Over Louisville will celebrate 30 years

The countdown is on for the 30th Anniversary of Thunder Over Louisville. After 30 years of magic, Thunder has become a jewel of the city and pride of the nation. This year's event will feature an incredible air show followed by America's most amazing firework extravaganza. 

LMPD has provided the following information on parking and street closures for Thunder: 

For more information on Thunder street closures and parking, click here, then click on Thunder Over Louisville. 

April 15 "“Air Quality and Your Health” at Clearing The Air workshop

The next installment of the APCD's Clearing The Air workshop series will focus on air quality and how it impacts your health.

“Air Quality and Your Health” aims to help the community better understand the impacts air pollution has on human health and facilitate a discussion of the things that affect air quality in Louisville Metro. The workshop will also explore what policy-makers, local government agencies, community organizations, and individuals can do to reduce our exposure to air pollution.

The workshop is 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 15, at the Louisville Free Public Library, 301 York Street. There is no cost to participate.

The purpose of Clearing The Air is to give the public a look at everything from the science of air pollution to the laws and regulations that protect our health from harmful emissions. The 90-minute workshops are being held monthly through November.

“No matter who you are or where you live in Louisville, air quality affects you,” said APCD Environmental Coordinator Torend Collins, who is overseeing the workshop series. “So it’s important we provide information and access to resources that can help the community better understand what goes into keeping our air clean.”

Although the smoggy, polluted skies of the 1970s are a distant memory, Louisville still must work to meet federal air quality standards. As a major industrial and logistics hub located in a heavily populated river valley, Louisville is challenged to control air pollution while maintaining a robust local economy.

“We know people have questions, but they don’t always know where to direct them,” said Michelle King, APCD Director of Program Planning. “This is an opportunity for person-to-person conversations with the professionals tasked with protecting air quality.”

This is the second year for the Clearing The Air workshop series. Remaining dates for upcoming workshops are April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, and November 18.

For more info, go to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/air-pollution-control-district/clearing-air-community-workshop-series or call 574-6000.

About the APCD: Concerned about the growing problem of air pollution, city leaders in 1945 formed the Louisville Smoke Commission, which evolved into the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District. Today, the APCD is responsible for controlling air pollution through an array of national, state, and local air pollution standards, laws, and regulations. The APCD is delegated by the federal Clean Air Act to issue and enforce industrial and commercial air pollution permits in Louisville. The Clean Air Act also requires the APCD to track local air quality via a network of monitoring sites around the city. Issues like sustainability, odor control, transportation/land-use policy, and voluntary pollution reductions are addressed through the APCD’s community compliance and public outreach programs.

April 26 - Property Valuation Administration online conference and appeals process begins

The 2019 Property Valuation Administration (PVA) online conferences will begin at noon on April 26 and end on May 20 at 4 p.m. 

During this time, if you think your assessment does not represent the fair market value of your property, by law, you can request a review from the Jefferson County PVA by participating in the online conference process.

When the assessment of your property increases or decreases from the prior year, the PVA will send you a reassessment notice in mid April. However, you do not have to receive a reassessment notice in order to contest your property assessment.  As a property owner, you have the right to contest your assessment each year.  By law, certain steps must be followed in the process. You can find more information at https://jeffersonpva.ky.gov/property-assessment/conference/

April 27 - Ken-Ducky Derby helps Harbor House of Louisville

Neighborhood Place April events

Each month, Neighborhood Place partners provide numerous events and resources to benefit the entire family.  Activities in April include a mindfulness workshop to learn meditation practices, a series of classes to help manage health issues, workshops that help fathers with parenting skills and much more:

April 16, 24 and 29, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at multiple 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. 

• April 16, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 to 3 p.m.
• April 24, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1 to 3 p.m.
• April 29, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy., 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursdays, April 11 to May 16, Living Well Workshop at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Do you have diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, arthritis, depression or other ongoing health problems? This program offers free support and can help you learn to manage your health. Earn an eight-week YMCA membership just for attending. Sponsored by Family Health Centers and the YMCA. Call 772-8588 to register.

Wednesdays, April 17 to June 13, 4 Your Child: Dads Making the Difference at the First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road, Door #16 at the side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Sessions are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All fathers are invited to join in engaging and informative workshops which can increase your parenting and relationship skills knowledge. A father’s involvement in their children’s lives has received increased attention in recent years. Research has concluded that factors such as parenting skills, co-parenting relationship quality and socio-economic status all impact fathers’ ability to contribute to their children’s growth and development. Participants may qualify to be compensated up to $220. For more information or to register for the upcoming weekly workshops, please contact Dr. Cheri Langley at 709-9323 or by email at 4YourChild@Outlook.com.  

April 18, Passport Health Care Community Engagement at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 2 to 3 p.m. Passport Members are invited to join with representatives from Passport Health Care for one-on-one consultations to discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission. Passport members will receive a $10 retail gift card for attending. Call 1-800-578-0603, ext. 8428 to leave a message if you want to attend. 

Tuesdays through April 30, Healthier Meals, Healthier Me Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A six-week class to learn more about healthy eating, meal planning on a budget and more. Persons can still attend who have participated before, but will not be able to earn a slow cooker. Registration is required by calling 772-8588.

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 574-5000. 

June 13  - The Food Cure - next Louisville Grows 2019 Film Series screening

From Louisville Grows:

The Louisville Grows Film Series is designed to promote discussions and mindfulness towards healthy living, healthy eating, environmental education and social justice. From utilizing fallen trees to exploring ecosystems to discovering the relationship between the food you eat and diseases, these films promise to inform and entertain.

The films will be shown every second Thursday of the month through August, taking a break in May. Check out the Louisville Grows’ website and Facebook page for more information on the film featured each month. The Film Series will be at Healthy House, 1641 Portland Avenue. Doors open at 5:30, film starts at 6 p.m., with a panel discussion to follow. Admission is a $5 suggested donation. 

English Conversation Club offered at libraries

Wednesdays - Community Yoga at the Healthy House

Knitting, crochet and sewing at Louisville Free Public Libraries

LFPL is the place to take up knitting, crochet, and sewing! We have social groups, sewing lab hours, and activities for kids, teens and adults. Teens are welcome to join the Highlands-Shelby Park Knitting Bee every Friday afternoon where you can make something for yourself and something to be given to people in need.  Open Sewing Lab - South Central, Mondays, 2 to 3 p.m.  Sew Fetch! (teens) - South Central, Mondays, 4 to 5 p.m.  Hooked on Yarn (adults) Shawnee, Wednesdays, 1 to 2 p.m.  Knitting Club (kids) South Central, Thursdays, 5 to 6 p.m.  Knitting Bee (teens) Highlands-Shelby Park, Fridays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.  Textile Arts & Social Club (adults) South Central, April 25, 6 to 8 p.m. Crochet Club (teens) - Bon Air, April 24, 5:30 p.m.  Jeffersontown Knitting Group (adults) - Jeffersontown, April 23, 7 p.m.  Thread Counts Stitching Circle (adults) - Portland, April 22, 6 p.m.  Sew What? Sewing Group (adults) - Jeffersontown, April 25, 1 to 4 p.m.

Programs at Highlands-Shelby Park Library

Adults: Adult Coloring & Crafts Saturday, April 20, 11:30 a.m. Video Games for Adults Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m. Power Racing with LvL1 Hackerspace Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m. Cave Hill Cemetery with Steve Wiser Monday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. Kids: STEAM Storytime Wednesday, April 17, 4 p.m., ages 3-8 Makerspace Wednesday April 24, 4 p.m., ages 3+ Teens: Knitting Bee Fridays at 3 p.m. Middle and high school ages. Homeschool Social Club Thursdays at 3 p.m., ages 12-17 The Library – at the crossroads of knowledge and know-how. Visit www.LFPL.org to learn more.

News you can use

Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services District 10 cases

Note: short term rental is the general term used to describe vacation rentals including AirBNB, VRBO, and Tripping. 

April 18 - Public Hearing regarding 4310 Bishop Lane

April 18 - Neighborhood meeting regarding 3799 Poplar Level Road

April 24 - Neighborhood meeting regarding 1692 Mercer Avenue

April 29 - Public meeting regarding 1033 E. Burnett Avenue

Note: to sign up for notifications about Louisville Metro Planning and Zoning Cases in District 10 or any area, click here. You'll choose email or text, fill in your email address or phone number, create a password, then you may choose from the list of email/text notifications available.

Monday at the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for 4126 Roosevelt Avenue for a non-primary residence short term rental in the R5 zoning district was granted. The case number is 18CUP1185.

A modified CUP for outdoor alcohol sales and consumption for a restaurant in a C-1 zoning district at 1031 Goss Avenue was also granted Monday. The case number is 19CUP1021.

17ZONE1062 for 4804 E. Indian Trail, to rezone 7.9 acres of property an R-5, single family subdivision and a prayer hall. (This property is in District 2, but across the street from District 10).  

18ZONE1007 for 1127 Goss Avenue, change in zoning request from R-5 to R-6 on 0.2096 acres. 

18ZONE1016 for 4141 Bardstown Road, a change of zoning request from R-4 to C-2 on 0.2 acres for a 5400 sf commercial building with a parking lot. 

18ZONE1017 for 1137 Mulberry Street, a change in zoning from R5 to CN for a proposed 3,170 sq ft 3 story mixed use building on .11030 acres. 

18ZONE1034 for 4310 Bishop Lane. The applicant seeks to rezone from OR3 and C1 to C2 on 1.01 acres for proposed contractors shops. 

18ZONE1043 for 1037 Ash Street, a change in zoning from R5 to C2 for a proposed restaurant in an existing building on .1190 acres. 

19ZONE1003 for 1692 Mercer Avenue, a change in zoning from R-5 to OR on .12 acres for proposed office space. 

19ZONE1021 for 998 Goss Avenue, a change in zoning from R6 to C1 for retail use on .1254 acres. 

18MINORPLAT1037 for Thomas Carwash Buechel, 4139 Bardstown Road, case manager Chastity White. A minor subdivision plat to shift the building limit line on 0.66 acres in the C-2 zoning district.

18MINORPLAT1040 for 4103 Lee Avenue, case manager Chastity White. A minor subdivision plat to create 2 lots from 3 and shift property lines on .37 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

18MINORPLAT1074 for 4600 Jennings Lane. The applicant seeks to create two tracts from 1 on 0.105 acres in the M-3 zoning district.

18MINORPLAT1171 for 4023 Bardstown Road, a Minor Subdivision Plat to create two tracts from one lot on two acres in the C-2 and M-1 zoning districts.

19MINORPLAT1037 for 1031 Goss Avenue, a Minor Subdivision Plat application to dedicate right-of-way on .19 acres in the C1 zoning district.

19MINORPLAT1038 for 1400 Lincoln Avenue, a minor plat application to reconfigure lots to match as-built conditions on 3.17 acres in the M1 & M2 zoning district.

19RECORDPLAT1007 for 3502 Grantswood Court, a major subdivision record plat for right-of-way dedication for Grantswood Court on 1.878 acres in the R-5 zoning district.

18DEVPLAN1138 for Speedway, 4239 Poplar Level Road, a Category 2B Plan for construction of a 4600 sf commercial building and 4700 sf canopy on 1.22 acres in the C1 zoning district. Waivers for interior landscape requirement, to reduce the Landscape Buffer Area and to omit the window and façade requirements. Variances for encroachment into front setback and sign to exceed the permitted height and area.

19DEVPLAN1013, for 1051 Hess Lane, a community facility review for a replacement of an existing sign with a LED sign for an elementary school on 11 acres in the R5 zoning district (Audubon Traditional Elementary School). 

19DEVPLAN1060 for 4719 Poplar Level Road, application for a revised district development plan to construct a 12,540 square feet auto dealership on 3.29 acres in the C2 zoning district.

19CUP1037 for 3799 Poplar Level Road, a conditional use permit for an outdoor patio with alcohol service for a restaurant in the C1 zoning district on 0.21 acres.

Short term rental cases

18CUP1025 for 1527 Lincoln Avenue. A conditional use permit for a non-primary residence short term rental in the R-5 zoning district.

18CUP1123 for 844 Melford Avenue. A conditional use permit for a non primary residence short term rental on 0.129 acres in the R5 zoning district.

18CUP1130 for 3762 Illinois Avenue. A conditional use permit for a Short Term Rental of a non-primary residence in the R-5 zoning district.

18CUP1177, for 1004 Mayer Avenue, a conditional use permit application for short term rental in a nonprimary residence on .08 acres in the R5 zoning district.

18CUP1198, 1137 Mulberry Street, a conditional use permit for short term rental of a non primary residence on .11 acres in the R5 zoning district.

18CUP1201, 1509 Texas Avenue, a conditional use permit for short term rental of a non primary residence on .12 acres in the R5 zoning district.

18CUP1202, 1535 Texas Avenue, a conditional use permit for short term rental of a non primary residence on .08 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

18CUP1203, 1530 Texas Avenue, a conditional use permit for short term rental of a non primary residence on .05 acres in the R5 zoning district.

18CUP1207, 1240 Boyle Street, a conditional use permit for a non-primary residence short term rental on 0.0496 acres in the R-6 zoning district.

18CUP1210, 1033 E. Burnett, a conditional use permit for a non-primary residence short term rental on 0.1095 acres in the R5 zoning district.

19CUP1002, 1914 Decatur Drive, a conditional use permit for a non-primary residence short term rental on 0.23820 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

19CUP1009, 1006 Mulberry Street, a conditional use permit for a short term rental at a non-primary residence on 0.09850 acres in the R5 zoning district.

19CUP1029, 904 Ellison Avenue, a conditional use permit for a short term rental of a nonprimary residence on .11 acres in the R6 zoning district.

19CUP1030, 1291 Reutlinger Avenue, a conditional use permit for a short term rental of a nonprimary residence on .17 acres in the R6 zoning district.

19CUP1042, 922 Keswick Boulevard, a conditional use permit for short term rental at a nonprimary residence on .11 acres in the R5 zoning district.

To learn more about Planning and Design Services, click here.

Would you like to serve on one of Louisville Metro's Boards or Commissions? 

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community. There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety. The following boards have vacancies:  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 To learn more about board applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/interested-serving-board-or-commission

Reminders from Solid Waste Management Services: 

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.

RecycleCoach app will help Louisville Metro customers with collection reminders, recycling information and more

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.

Center for Neighborhoods' NeighborMap provides useful data

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.

Call 811 before you dig

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.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers help by phone, text or chat

Additional resources for veterans

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

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

From the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to live chat.

Lend a hand with Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America offers many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the individuals VOA serves. Choose an individual or group volunteer opportunity or suggest your own project. For more information, please visit https://www.voamid.org/volunteer or contact Gema Moreno at GemaM@voamid.org or 636-4664.

Treebates! Purchase a shade tree and get a rebate

TreesLouisville is offering a tree rebate. Those who purchase a shade tree can receive up to 40 percent off the purchase price. This is an initiative between TreesLouisville and Louisville Metro Division of Community Forestry to grow our tree canopy.  Trees are beneficial: a yard tree can boost property value up to $10,000, and trees can help lower heating & cooling bills. Louisville is the fastest warming urban heat island in the country; trees and shade help keep our city cool, improve air quality, and make for beautiful, safer neighborhoods. For more information, go to https://treeslouisville.org/rebate/

Metro Emergency Repair Program

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.

Get text alerts and avoid a ticket

Don't get caught by surprise and ticketed or towed when the sweepers come to your street. Sign up to get text or email alerts when the sweepers are coming.

Just click on the Services Near Me icon seen above on the Louisvilleky.gov webpage, type in your address, and you're on your way. While you're there you can also find the date of your next junk collection and sign up to be reminded. More about street sweeping.

Question or problem? Contact 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 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 574-5000.

 New LouieConnect site connects people to help

Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.

Discounted Recycle Carts still available for $28 for District 10 residents - 95-gallon size only until July

Discounted recycle carts are still available in the 95-gallon size until July. The normal purchase price for the carts is $50, plus six percent sales tax, for a total cost of $53. 

Metro Council District 10 will continue to provide $25 towards the purchase of this cart. Constituents will be asked to pay the difference of $28 going forward. 

The discounted recycle cart program has been re-instituted by Councilman Mulvihill. Solid Waste Management has run out of the smaller 64 gallon carts and only the 95-gallon carts are available until July.  The photos at left show the sizes (64 gallon on the left).

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.

Those temporary, illegal signs in the right of way? Recycle them.

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.

Sign up for LENSAlert (Smart911)

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.

If you know of a community event you'd like to be considered for inclusion on the District 10 E-News, let us know. Click here to email our office. 

You are receiving this email because you have signed up for the E-News or have contacted my office for assistance. If you would like to be removed from this communication please email Sara Feltner with "REMOVE" in the subject line.