 Happy Labor Day to all the Hardworking Men & Women that keep our country going!
 A spectacular day of Bluegrass music, food and beverages, craft vendors, and youth activities in a scenic environment awaits those who visit Jefferson Memorial Forest’s 16th annual Forest Fest on Saturday, September 18th.
Forest Fest has been known for providing a great variety of bluegrass music; this year’s event expands on that tradition with four musical acts in the lineup. The music starts at 1 p.m. in the forest’s Horine Section, 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road.
The lineup starts off with Kaintuck, followed by Britton Patrick Morgan and Kentucky Revival, The Song Sparrows, and Scolan Ramblers to round out the evening.
The event is free, but parking is $10 per carload. Bring a blanket or chair. Food and beverages from Shack in the Back Barbeque, Apex Catering, Brooks Hill Winery, West Sixth Brewing, Make and Muddle among others will be available for purchase along with items from various crafters. Bringing personal alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and must be on a leash at all times; owners are asked to be considerate of other patrons.
Forest Fest Schedule of Activities:
12:00 p.m.
Booths open to the public
Food areas open
Forest Nature booth open for children
1:00 p.m.
Music begins
6:00 p.m.
Forest Fest concludes
For more information on Forest Fest 2021, click here.
 Programs offer financial incentives to recruit and retain Corrections staff
The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC) Director Dwayne Clark today announced three pilot projects designed to boost recruitment and retention of LMDC sworn staff.
The three pilot projects were developed in partnership with unions representing LMDC civilian and sworn staff, represented by FOP Corrections Union Lodge 77 and AFSCME Local 2629:
- The first pilot project will provide financial incentives to LMDC employees who refer a candidate for sworn staff employment at Corrections. The incentives will be staggered as the recruit moves from training to swearing in, with a potential total of $1,050.00. The staggered method, with incentives increasing as the candidate moves through the process, is also designed to encourage staff to mentor their recruits and to be invested in the recruit’s success.
- The second pilot project provides a hiring incentive to new recruits of $2,000.00, with successful candidates receiving $1,000.00 when they are sworn in and another $1,000.00 when they complete a probationary period.
- The third pilot project aims to improve retention among sworn and civilian LMDC staff. Eligible employees who continue their employment with Corrections can receive up to $2,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2022, which began July 1. Eligible employees working today on Sept. 1, 2021, will receive $1,000.00. All of those eligible employees who are still working on June 1, 2022, will receive an additional $1,000.00.
All three pilot efforts are designed to work in conjunction with one another. For now, the year-long pilot projects will operate only at Corrections. If successful, they could serve as models for other Metro Government public service agencies.
If you would like to apply for a job with LMDC, please visit the department website at Louisville Corrections Careers | LouisvilleKY.gov.
 This week the Clean Collaborative Crew was in our community on Stonestreet Road and 3rd Street Road helping to keep litter from "littering" our roadways!
Amy met Mike and Marcus of the crew on Stonestreet Road near Dixie and thanked them for their hard work and dedication to keeping our community clean.
Help them out, please don't litter!
Do your part to help keep our city clean!
Below is the weekly update on the Clean Collaborative Crew’s actions from August 23, 2021 to August 27, 2021. The crew cleaned approximately 75.16 curb miles and collected 254 bags, 12 Tires, and 78 Other Items. Other items include everything from vehicle wreckage to illegally dumped bulky items.
August 23 - August 27
- Dixie Hwy from Sadie Ln to Citation Rd- 47 Bags, 4 Tires and 18 Other Items
- Greenbelt Hwy from Lions Arms Dr to Lower River Rd- 37 Bags, 3 Tires and 26 Other Items
- Cane Run Rd from Algonquin Pkwy to Lions Arms Dr- 47 Bags, 1 Tire and 15 Other Items
- Minor Ln from Outer Loop to South Park Rd- 8 Bags and 4 Other Items
- Manslick Rd from Palatka Rd to Melody Ln- 4 Bags, 1 Tire and 2 Other Items
- National Turnpike from Southside Dr to Ky 841 Overpass- 20 Bags and 2 Tires
- 3rd St Rd from New Cut Rd to Stonestreet Rd- 15 Bags
- Manslick Rd from Melody Ln to Hazelwood Ave- 2 Bags
- Wisertown Rd from Manslick Rd to 3rd St Rd- 1 Bag
- Manslick Rd from Palatka Rd to Wisertown Rd- 2 Bags and 6 Other Items
- Arnoldtown Rd from St Andrews Church Rd to 3rd St Rd- 2 Bags
- Palatka Rd from Manslick Rd to Sanders Gate Rd- 1 Bag
- 3rd St Rd from Stonestreet Rd to Valley Station Rd- 7 Bags
- New Cut Rd from Southside Dr to Ky 841 Overpass- 15 Bags
- Outer Loop from 3rd St Rd to I-65 Overpass- 25 Bags
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/clean-collaborative
 Property tax rates are dropping slightly for all Louisville residents, according to Metro Government’s Office of Management and Budget.
“Despite the impact of COVID-19, our economy is continuing its pre-virus momentum,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “A decrease in property tax rates is a tangible benefit for our citizens.”
This year, the countywide Metro real property tax rate will go from 13 cents per $100 assessed value to 12.89 cents, according to a property tax ordinance filed today with Metro Council. That change amounts to a $1.10 savings for every $100,000 of assessed property value.
The Urban Service District real property tax rate will move from 36.71 cents per $100 of AV to 35.46 cents per $100 of AV. This equates to a decrease of $12.50 per $100,000 of property value.
“Ongoing growth in our local economy and the continued demand for real estate results in the growth in property values are the factors contributing to the downward movement in our property tax rates,” said Metro Chief Financial Officer Monica Harmon.
Property taxes fund approximately 25 percent of the city’s budget.
The proposed real property rate changes represent the allowable 4% growth on the existing property tax base under state House Bill 44 and do not require a general vote by the public.
The proposed rates are consistent with the FY22 budget adopted by the Metro Council in June, which increased the property tax revenue estimate from $157,030,000 to $163,350,000.
Metro residents have an opportunity to comment on the proposed property tax rates during a public hearing at noon on Thursday, Sept. 23 in room 106 at Metro Hall.
Once Metro Council approves the ordinance, the rates take effect on property tax bills released by the Sheriff in early November.
 Councilwoman Amy Holton Stewart visited New Life Directions Ministries, located near the Valley Station Kroger at 10615 Dixie Highway, to learn more about the services they provide to our community.
If you know a single mom struggling to make ends meet, New Life Directions Ministries has resources for housing and help!
https://www.newlifedirectionsministries.com/
In August 2020 Tena McNair Opened Louisville Single Moms Training Center on Dixie Highway in Louisville, Kentucky to provide both residential opportunities and educational programs for single moms and their children throughout the community.
  New Life Directions Ministries Mission:
To help single parents and their children by providing them with:
- Tools to equip them in all areas of life with the goal of becoming emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy.
- Training, support, encouragement, and education to learn life, relationship, and parenting skills.
- The opportunity to live to their God-given potential, becoming independent and inspiring parents for future generations.
  Donations Needed!
New Life Directions Ministries is always accepting donations to help as many mothers and children as they can. If you can, consider donating the following items:
- Cars
- Bedroom Furniture
- Living Room Furniture
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Dishcloths
- Sheet Sets (Queen, Full & Twin)
- Dishes
- Pots & Pans
- Utensils
- Glasses
- Houseware
- Curtains
- Shower Curtains
- Outdoor Furniture
- TV's
- Clothing (Women & Children)
- Toys
- Baby Toys & Items
- Diapers & Wipes
- Cleaning Supplies
- Toilet Paper / Paper Towels
To Donate Call 502-345-4370.
Ask for Amber for General Items
Ask for Heather for Furniture / Large Item Intake
https://www.newlifedirectionsministries.com/give.html
Thank you Tena and New Life Directions Ministries for helping our community and those that need it most!
The Metro Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Redistricting will hear public comments on Wednesday, September 8th at 5 p.m. Registration will begin Tuesday, September 7th at 4:30 p.m. on the Metro Council Clerk’s website
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk.
The public can register to speak in person at City Hall or virtually join via WebEx Events. Each registered speaker will have three (3) minutes to speak.
More information and guidelines can be found at the Metro Council’s https://louisvilleky.gov/metro-council/document/redistricting-public-comment-guidance.
If you're curious why we're required to do this in the first place, MetroTV recently produced a 4-minute video that does a fantastic job explaining that and some of the considerations that will come into play.
The Louisville Bats will host two community nights, providing tickets, hot dogs, and soft drinks to non-profit groups who would not be able to afford a Bats game under regular circumstances.
These two nights are Wednesday, September 1st and Wednesday, September 8th. Both games begin at 6:30 pm.
Examples include mentoring organizations, social service agencies, underprivileged kids groups, and many more.
To request tickets in advance, organizations should contact:
-
Amanda Barr, Louisville Bats – abarr@batsbaseball.com
- Please include your Metro Council District, organization name, contact name, mailing address, daytime phone number, email, game date and number of tickets requested
- Please indicate if any accessible seats are needed.
- Email is preferred, but if email is not available, you may also contact Amanda Barr at 502-614-4512.
 Bluewater Dx Lab is hosting another "Mobile" Covid Testing site at Highland Park Christian Church.
The start date will be Monday, August 23
Operation Times: Monday - Friday 9am-4pm
- Driver's License or ID needed
- Insurance Card (if available or SSN if no insurance)
https://www.bluewaterdx.com/clinical-solutions/covid-19-solutions/mobile-collection-sites/
Street Rightsizing, formerly referred to as a “road diet,” is restriping a road from four lanes to three lanes - that is, two travel lanes with a two-way center turn lane (see diagram). The benefits of Rightsizing include: improved safety, reduced speeding, and improved predictability, reallocating space for bicyclists and pedestrians, and an overall enhanced experience while traveling the corridor. In order to maximize efficiency and reduce cost, Rightsizing projects are often implemented at the time of repaving. Learn more about Street Rightsizing here: www.louisvilleky.gov/rightsizing
Each year, there are an average of 6,600 injuries and 76 deaths on Louisville city streets. This loss of human life is unacceptable. Metro Public Works' Vision Zero Safety Program is a global strategy which emphasizes a shared responsibility between road users and transportation infrastructures in achieving zero traffic-related fatalities. With that goal in mind, a section of Taylor Boulevard in Louisville's South End, between Barry Blvd. and Winkler Ave. is scheduled for Rightsizing during the weekend of August 21, 2021, weather-permitting; to improve user safety in the corridor.
To view the entire scope of the project and related statistics visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/public-works/document/taylor-blvd-winkler-rightsizing
WHEN: Saturday, September 25th, 4-8 P.M.
WHERE: DeSales High School 425 W. Kenwood Drive
Everyone likes to eat, drink, and mingle! The inaugural DeSales Day on the Grounds: A Bourbon, Brew & Food Event highlights the culinary heritage and culture of Kentucky by showcasing new and established favorites from some of the areas most enjoyed restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. Sample our local cuisine and learn about our area’s food culture while you listen to the sounds of Justin Paul Lewis & Soul Circus!
Tickets on Sale Here:
https://one.bidpal.net/dayonthegrounds21/welcome
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 Exhibit opens September 9 at the Main Library, 301 York Street
Following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, New Yorkers did something rather unexpected, they took photographs – lots of them. What began as a single photo hung in the window of a SoHo storefront became perhaps the most important crowdsourcing photo exhibition of our time. The resulting collection, here is new york: the september 11 photographs, returns to the Main branch of the Louisville Free Public Library to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.
The exhibition features 500 photographs taken the day of and in the aftermath of the September 11 attack, by professional photographers and amateurs alike. The images are presented without titles or commentary. The result is both a vivid reminder of the horror of that day, and a celebration of the human spirit and strong determination of New Yorkers and Americans in general.
here is new york will be on display at the Main Library (301 York Street), September 9 - November 14 as part of the Louisville Photo Biennial. An opening reception and panel discussion, United We Stood: Memories of 9/11, will be held at the Main Library on September 9 at 6:30 p.m. Moderator Melissa Swan and panelists Elizabeth Kramer (former employee in the Peace Corps’ New York office at the World Trade Center), Pete Longton (photojournalist who covered Ground Zero for WHAS-11), and Charles Traub (photographer/educator, co-founder of here is new york) will recall their first-hand experiences during and following the attacks.
The Louisville Public Library's collection of the here is new york photographs was a gift of Charles Traub and his family to the Library. Charles Traub was one of the original founding organizers of the exhibition in New York, and managed it with colleagues through the course of its exhibitions from 2001 to 2003. Mary Cadden Traub and Aaron Traub were part of a core group who maintained the organization's activities throughout those same years. The Traubs are natives of Louisville, Kentucky.
The panel discussion and exhibition are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit LFPL.org/Exhibits.
 Louisville is making additional funding available for its COVID-19 Utility Relief Program, starting with $2.5 million to help residents who have fallen behind on Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) bills as a result of COVID-19.
The funds are designed to assist residents with a past-due amount on an active LG&E account. The outstanding balance must have occurred since March 16, 2020, and customers will need to attest they have had a financial hardship during the pandemic.
Customers with outstanding balances could receive a one-time credit for up to $1,000 on LG&E bills.
An additional $2.5 million will be shared with Louisville Water Co. in the coming weeks; details on that spending are not yet finalized.
Funding for the Utility Relief Program comes from the first round of American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery funds (ARP), which have been approved to address the city’s most urgent needs. The LG&E funds will be distributed by the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) via the Neighborhood Place network.
Schedule a drop off appointment in advance at one of four Neighborhood Place Drop Boxes. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-977-6636 or online at LGEHelp.itfrontdesk.com.
The federally funded LIHEAP Summer Cooling is also currently operating, providing cooling assistance for qualified residents separated in two components, Subsidy and Crisis. Eligible households can apply for one or both components. Households must meet eligibility requirements, with a household income at or below 150% of the Kentucky median income.
LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is also administered through the Office of Resilience and Community Services. Check here for eligibility and how to apply.
For more information, contact https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services, call Metro United Way’s help referral service at 211, or Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000 or email https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro311
 More Information here:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
 The Louisville MSD Urban Reforestation Grants Program is now accepting applications for tree planting projects. Grants will pay for trees planted within the MSD Drainage Service area, which includes all of Jefferson County except for the cities of Shively, Jeffersontown, St. Matthews and Anchorage. Download the application here Urban Reforestation Grant Application or at
https://louisvillemsd.org/trees. The application deadline is Wednesday September 15th at 5pm ET. Please contact Jennifer Kern at Jennifer.Kern@LouisvilleMSD.org or (502)540‐6241 with any questions.
The MSD Urban Reforestation Program plants 1,000 trees annually by working with local residents, businesses, municipal organizations and neighborhood associations. These trees redirect an average of 1.35 million gallons of stormwater away from the sewer system every year, which decreases sewer
overflows into our waterways. By planting more trees, MSD not only absorbs stormwater but also reduces erosion and flooding, provides shade, reduces noise pollution and carbon dioxide in the air, and provides a habitat for nearby wildlife.
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