District 14 eNews - September 21, 2023

District 14 Councilwoman

and

Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus

Contact Cindi Fowler



Legislative Assistant

Contact Cindy Thieneman



Staff Helper

Amy Stewart


Office Locations:

CityHall
601 West Jefferson St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1114

 

Southwest Government Center
7219 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40258
(502) 574-7988



2023 Committees:

Chair of Government Oversight/Audit and Appointments

Parks & Sustainability

Budget & Appropriations


 

Visit Councilwoman Fowler's website 

 


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In This Edition...


Thanks to Louisville's Clean Collaborative Crew for cleaning up District 14

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Louisville Metro's Public Work's Clean Collaborative Crew has been busy in District 14.  These are the areas that were cleaned.

  • Flowervale Ln frm Deering Rd to Dixie Hwy- 6 Bags
  • Deering Rd from Flowervale Ln to Deering Heights Dr- 1 Bags
  • Deering Heights Dr from Deering Rd to Woodridge Dr- 1 Bag
  • Old Dixie Hwy/W Orell Rd from Dixie Hwy to E Orell Rd- 1 Bag
  • Dixie Hwy from Algonquin Pkwy to Hardin County Line - 98 Bags, 4 Tires and 34 Other Items

Louisville Metro Animal Services Announces Extended Waiver of Redemption Fees, Promoting Equity and Easing Economic Hardships

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LMAS is extending the waiving of reclamation fees for owned pets, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the reunification of beloved companions with their families.

Earlier this year, LMAS announced the waiver of reclamation fees for owned pets and the success of reuniting animals with their owners has led to the extension of the program. During the 3-month period, LMAS has reunited 251 dogs and 28 cats with their owners.

LMAS strives to provide compassionate care to both humans and animals. By waiving redemption fees, the shelter is taking concrete action towards addressing inequities and ensuring that pet owners from all walks of life have an equal opportunity to be reunited with their furry friends.

LMAS’ thanks their non-profit partners, Friends of Metro Animal Services (FOMAS) for providing the necessary funding to make the three-month redemption period possible.

Now through the end of the year, owners can reclaim their lost pets without incurring the usual reclamation fees, including boarding charges, vaccinations, and microchipping. The aim is to alleviate the burden on individuals and families who may be facing financial hardship, ensuring that no pet remains separated from its rightful home due to economic disparities.

  • Redemption fees will only be waived for pet owners with no previous violations, and cover microchipping, licensing, and vaccination fees.
  • Court fees will not be waived.
  • LMAS will not keep a pet impounded due to its owner’s inability to pay and will work with owners who have outstanding balances and want to reclaim their pet.

Redemption fees are set by the Louisville Animal Ordinance. Local animal laws also require pets to be licensed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. To view the animal ordinance and a list of redemption fees, visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/animal-services

Louisville Metro Animal Services encourages pet owners to visit the shelter to reclaim their companion animals, located at 3528 Newburg Rd during regular business hours, Monday-Saturday 12pm-6pm. The shelter's dedicated staff members will be available to guide owners through the reclamation process, providing support and assistance every step of the way.

Friends of Metro Animal Services (FOMAS) supports LMAS and its many life-saving initiatives through fundraising. If you would like to donate to help citizens in need of financial assistance when reclaiming their pet from the LMAS Shelter, visit www.fomaslou.org


School Traffic Guards Needed

The Louisville Metro Police Department and the traffic guards it employs take their responsibility for the safety of students and pedestrians at their assigned intersections throughout Louisville Metro seriously. Currently, they are below their authorized strength and do not have enough traffic guards to cover all the intersections with a need for traffic control. Furthermore, traffic guards are assigned intersections based upon a contractual bidding process. LMPD communicates with the affected schools and is continuously attempting to hire more traffic guards. If you are interested in becoming a traffic guard, please click on this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky/jobs/2941008/traffic-guard-i for information on the application process.


Go Out and Celebrate Food Safety Month

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September is Food Safety Month. You can celebrate by choosing a restaurant that keeps food safety on the menu. Here are some tips to protect yourself from food poisoning while eating out.

If you think you got sick from food, our Food Safety Team conducts investigations of reported illness connected with a permitted food service establishment in Louisville. It is important that you make every effort to provide a 48-hour food history along with a history of recent activities. Please file an online foodborne illness report.   You can also call to report a potential foodborne illness at 502-574-6650, press 2 for Food Safety and press 1 for Foodborne Illness or Food Poisoning. Please advise that you are calling to report an illness associated with a food service establishment that you visited. 

Be sure to learn more food safety facts on our website for Louisville Metro Health & Wellness.


Free Family Fun, Downtown Drive-In on Friday

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Help Children of Military Families

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Annual Health and Safety Fair

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Sunday, September 24, 8:00am-1:00pm

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church

5431 Johnsontown Road

Come explore booths from safety vendors such as PRP Fire, EMS, and more!


Art Classes at Metro Arts Community Center

Join instructor George Taylor for art classes at our Metro Arts Community Center, 8360 Dixie Highway, from September 26-October 24! He will be teaching acrylic painting, intro to cartooning and basic drawing. Click here to sign up! For more information, call 502-397-2055

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Louisville Parks and Recreation Offers Fall Break Fun October 2-6

Registration is now open for Louisville Parks and Recreation’s 2023 Fall Break Camps for children ages 6-12. These camps will be held at all 11 community centers from October 2-6, aligning with Jefferson County Public Schools’ fall break.

There is a one-time camp fee of $60 due at the time of registration. The field trip is included in the fee. Parents and guardians are asked to drop off their campers at 8 a.m. and pick them up by 6 p.m. each day. Dare to Care will be serving hot meals at lunchtime during those hours.

Parents and guardians can sign their children up for both fall break camps by visiting bestparksever.com and clicking the ‘Fall Break Camps’ button on the homepage. A list of community center locations can also be found at this link. For further questions, please email Tonya Cowden at tonya.cowden@louisvilleky.gov.

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Tickets for “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer”

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Tickets for “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer”

The Louisville Zoo’s ever-popular annual Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer is celebrating 42 years of merry not scary fun! Tickets are on sale to the public at louisvillezoo.org/boo. This beloved event will begin Sept. 30 and run through Oct. 29 (Thursday – Sunday nights).

Tickets are all-inclusive and include Boo at the Zoo admission, parking, Spooktacular Carousel, “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow attraction.

Guests can dress up in their wildest costumes for the after-hours event that turns the Zoo into a living storybook, complete with favorite characters brought to life. There will be music, photo opportunities around every corner and, of course, a safe place to trick-or-treat for kids 11 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bags, but reusable treat bags will be available for purchase at the Zoo’s Gift Shop for $2 (while supplies last).

Tickets

Tickets for Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer are $13.50 for non-members (both adults and children 3 and older) and $7 for members (both adults and children 3 and older). Children 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket.

Members and guests can purchase tickets online at louisvillezoo.org/boo, with their chosen date and arrival time. Ticket capacity is limited each night with popular nights expected to sell out quickly.

A limited number of Meijer “anytime tickets” can be purchased at participating Meijer stores for $11.50 beginning September 24. Visit louisvillezoo.org/Meijer for a list of stores.

Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer is a rain or shine event.

Event Hours/Special Dates

On Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer event days:

The Zoo will close early for regular daytime visitors. Gates will close at 3 p.m. with guests being allowed to visit until 4 p.m.

The party starts at 5 p.m. and Halloween guests will enter the Zoo at their ticketed time. At 10 p.m., the trick-or-treat route will close, and all guests must exit the Zoo.

Thursday, Oct. 19 is Allergy-Friendly Night and will feature peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, pencils and more. Children with allergies can receive a teal token redeemable for an allergy-friendly option at our Switch Witch booth.

PNC Grow up Great Learning Adventure tent will be at the Zoo’s entrance Oct. 27 – 29.

Costumes

The Zoo encourages all visitors to wear family-friendly costumes. Adults may join in the fun, however full costume masks that cover the entire face are not permitted for adults.

To learn more about the event and Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer activities, visit louisvillezoo.org/boo.

Animals

While guests may catch a glimpse of a few party animals, most animal ambassadors will not be on exhibit in the evenings so they can rest and follow their regular fall schedules.


Tickets on Sale for Louisville’s Favorite Halloween Event 

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Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, presented by Thorntons, is celebrating its 11th year from October 3-31 at Iroquois Park.  This year’s theme is “Wanderlust: The World is Your Pumpkin,” and will feature skits and scenes from travel destinations from across the country and around the world. Guests can weave their way through the woods and visit national parks, ancient wonders of the world, and other “bucket list” destinations. Attendees should be prepared to enjoy re-creations of Route 66, the Grand Canyon, ancient pyramids, and Merry Olde England.

Event Details Jack O’Lantern Spectacular presented by Thorntons:

  • The event runs from Tuesday, October 3 through Tuesday, October 31
  • The event will be open from Dusk-1000pm, Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday
  • The event is held rain or shine unless dangerous weather conditions arise.
  • To reduce crowds and traffic, there will be timed ticketing for every night of the show.
  • Sunday-Thursday pricing: Adults - $15, Seniors (65+) - $13, Children (3-12) - $12
  • Friday-Saturday pricing: Adults - $20, Seniors (65+) - $17, Children (3-12) - $15
  • The Sunday - Thursday 9:30 time slot will be offered at $2 off the regular price
  • Children 2 and under are free
  • The Pre-Lit Bash – Presented by Heaven Hill is on opening night, Tuesday, October 3. Guests can enjoy spirits (the alcoholic kind), and food before being escorted to the head of the trail.
  • Tickets for groups of 20 or more can be purchased in advance for Jack O’Lantern Spectacular by emailing contact@jackolanternlouisville.org.
  • Thanks to one of the sponsors, Republic Bank, clients and employees can get $2 off tickets for Jack O’Lantern Spectacular on Wednesday, October 18. For online ticket purchases, contact your Republic Bank for a discount code or purchase at the gate with a Republic Bank credit/debit card or employee ID.
  • Sensory Night – Presented by PNC Bank will be held on Monday, October 25 with gates opening early at 6 p.m. During this special sensory-friendly hour, pumpkins will light up the woods but there will be low music and no special effects. Designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory processing differences, and their families.
  • The entrance is at 1080 Amphitheater Road, at the intersection of New Cut and Kenwood.
  • Thanks so much to the additional sponsors, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, LG&E and KU, Porta Kleen, La Quinta by Wyndham, VIA Studio, and UFCW 22

Future Dreamers Civic Leadership Academy 2023

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The Future Dreamers Civic Leadership Academy develops and highlights emerging community leaders who live, work, or learn in South or Southwest Louisville. Participants engage in a series of workshops where they learn about the assets and opportunities specific to South and Southwest Louisville and build on skills and resources necessary to address these priorities. The Academy has graduated 40 diverse Louisvillians from 13 zip codes.

Fall 2023 Class – Accepting Cohort Members

If you and/or someone you know would like to be nominated, please let us know! The dates are Thursdays in October, and November 2 and 9 from 5:30 to 8:00pm.  The cost for the whole program is $125 and scholarships are available. If you have any questions or are interested, please contact Southwest Dream Team Executive Director Rachel Roarx. Rachel@swdreamteam.org 502-724-7529


SW Festival Scheduled for October 14th

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Mayor's Southwest 5K Fun Run at Farnsley-Moremen

Mayor Craig Greenberg and Councilwoman Cindi Fowler invite you to the inaugural Mayor's Southwest Louisville Fun Run on Saturday, October 14th at 8 a.m.!

The 5k scenic loop course explores The Farnsley-Moremen Landing and surrounding areas.  The start/finish line will be near the visitor's center, which will be an amazing venue for pre- and post-race entertainment. 7410 Moorman Road, Louisville, KY 40272

With your registration, you will receive a race bibb and inaugural Mayor's Southwest Fun Run T-shirt! A portion of net race proceeds will go to support The Farnsley-Moremen Landing. 

Register to participate in the Mayor's Southwest Louisville Fun Run by clicking here:

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Epworth Fall Bazaar

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Fall Community-Wide Cleanup 2023

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Registration is now OPEN!

Our Fall Community-Wide Cleanup is happening Saturday, October 21st! Be a part of this city-wide event to keep Louisville looking bright and beautiful. Check out our website to register.

We encourage all residents to make a difference by taking part in our Community-Wide Cleanup-- it is a great service opportunity for boy/girl scouts, sports teams, faith groups, community organizations, and corporate teams. 

Cleanups are an integral part of Brightside's mission and without the help of volunteer groups, and many other volunteers throughout the year, Brightside could not achieve our goals of a cleaner, greener Louisville.

Neighborhoods can hold their own cleanups at any point throughout the year and we can provide gloves and bags for each Neighborhood Cleanup. We will work with Solid Waste Management to have the collected litter bags picked up. Give us a call at (502) 574-2613 or register online about two weeks prior to your event to schedule your cleanup and for information about getting supplies. 


Dixie Area Business Association Trick-or-Treat, Wednesday October 25th at Farnsley-Moremen

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Team McGarvey at SW Library Nov. 8th

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morgan

In an ongoing effort to help Louisvillians get connected to a wide range of resources available to them, Morgan McGarvey's team hosts Mobile Office Hours throughout our community.

At each location, Team McGarvey is available to assist anyone who has questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans' benefits, passports, IRS, and other federal programs. 

The best way to stay up to date on Mobile Office Hours near you is to check the website and follow him on social media —times and locations are subject to change, so they will send out updates and reminders as they come up!

If you're not able to attend Mobile Office Hours you can visit Help with a Federal Agency page or call the Louisville office at (502) 582-5129

Here are their upcoming Mobile Office Hours:


Volunteer Opportunity

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YMCA Safe Place Seeking Mentors

If you are interested in making a difference, learn more by clicking here.

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Get Involved - Join a Louisville Metro Government Board or Commission and Represent SW Louisville

boards

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards or 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.

Visit the website to learn more and apply! 


Meals on Wheels

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Reporting Potholes

Potholes

We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below;

  1. Use an online form by clicking here.
  2. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
  3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
  4. Call our office at 574-1114, and we'll turn it in on your behalf.

To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov or click here.


Report a Litterer!

Report a Litterer

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window. 

Click here to report.

Click here for more information


How Can You Help with Illegal Dumping

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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 and oceans. Individuals caught dumping illegally may have their vehicle impounded and face fines and fees totaling about $1,000. 

Residents are encouraged to fill out this online form if they witness illegal dumping. The form can also be used to share home security camera footage or images of illegal dumping occurring with our Solid Waste Enforcement Department. Go to Louisvilleky.gov/IllegalDumping to learn more about how you can help prevent illegal dumping. 

Did you know..? Many waste materials can be dropped off legally and for FREE. Up to three large household items, up to 4 passenger tires, and up to 3 electronics items can be dropped off for free at the at the Waste Reduction Center, located at 636 Meriwether Avenue. A pickup truckload of yard waste or construction debris can be disposed for only $60.00.

Residents can also utilize the free Pop-Up Drop-Off events that occur monthly, on a Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., March - November, in various parts of Jefferson County. Items must be separated into the various categories for easy off-loading. Know before you go! View the accepted items list here: Louisvilleky.gov/PopUps.


Southwest Community Ministries - Items Needed

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Southwest Community Ministries is currently overwhelmed with families who have never needed assistance before but are running out of household and hygiene products! They are asking for help from members of the community, youth groups, or anyone willing to donate.

If you would prefer to give food donations, items such as ravioli, ramen, fruit cups, canned meats, soups, and peanut butter crackers are always good options. Things like Ensure and pull top lids are good for seniors as well!

Needed Household Items:

  • Ramen Noodles
  • Ravioli
  • Fresh items from your garden

Items can be dropped off at the Ministry (8504 Terry Rd.) Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information please call (502) 935-0310.

Donations can also be made by visiting SouthwestCommunityMinistries.org/donate.


Meriweather Waste Reduction Center

Meriweather Waste Reduction Center

At the Waste Reduction Center, Louisville/Jefferson County residents can dispose of tires, household bulky waste such as metals, appliances, electronics, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, construction debris, and furniture.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Appointments available Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Up to three household bulky items per day may be dropped off at no charge. Bulky loads or drop-offs exceeding three items will be charged according  - CASH ONLY.  

Examples of single items

  • Up to 4 passenger tires*
  • One appliance
  • One large household item such as mattress, box spring, sofa or chair

*No more than 4 tires will be accepted for free drop-off at one time regardless of the number of other items