RETHINK THE HOLIDAYS

When it's time to take down your holiday decorations, be sure to compost any live greenery or trees! 

Metro Solid Waste will provide curbside pickup of Christmas trees within the Urban Services District after the holiday. Residents with city yard waste collection may set their Christmas trees and greenery out on their regular collection day. Trees may not be in plastic bags and all decorations must be removed. 

Residents normally serviced by private waste haulers should check with those companies to see if and when tree pickup is available.

Starting Thursday, December 26, Christmas tree drop-off sites will be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at three locations. The Hubbards Lane site will also instantly recycle Christmas trees into mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use. Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are dropped off. Christmas tree vendors may recycle their unsold trees on Thursday, December 26 only, and only at the Hubbards Lane site.

HOURS & LOCATIONS

December 26 - January 25

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Waste Reduction Center closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays)

All locations will be closed on New Year's Day and Saturday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

• East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane
• Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
• Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue 

2025 YARD WASTE WINTER SCHEDULE

Since the amount of yard waste generated is far less in the winter, the schedule is adjusted for a more efficient collection. From mid-January to mid-March yard waste will be collected EVERY OTHER WEEK on the opposite week of recycling. Use our Recycle Coach app to view the collection calendar and set reminders. 

Residents may drop off bundled or contained yard waste at the Waste Reduction Center for free during the weeks there is no curbside collection.

Yard waste must be bundled according to curbside rules! Businesses with yard waste and loads that are not bundled correctly will have to pay the normal fee.

Guidelines:

• Leaves, twigs, straw, pine needles
• Shrubbery trimmings
• Branches and tree trimmings - must be less than 2 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet long
• Wood ash
• Christmas trees (seasonally) - remove all decorations, no bag or container needed
• Acceptable items in paper bags.
• Acceptable items in durable metal or plastic containers, 20-40 gallon capacity, with handles, weighing no more than 60 pounds

Yard waste meeting guidelines can be dropped off January 21-25, February 4-8, 18-22, and March 4-8 only. Jefferson County residents only. Businesses must pay the normal fee.

The Waste Reduction Center is located at 636 Meriwether Avenue and is open Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

WINTER FAMILY DAY AT THE SPEED

MENTAL HEALTH TIPS FOR SELF CARE

People often describe the holiday season as “the most wonderful time of the year” filled with family, friends, celebrations, traditions, and good cheer. For some, though, the holiday season can bring increased stress and worsen physical and mental health conditions.

Consider that:

• A 2023 American Psychological Association poll found 41% of adults reported that their stress level increases during the holiday season.
• Among people living with a mental health condition, 64% reported their conditions worsens around the holidays.

During the holiday season, it is especially important to practice self-care and find ways to reduce stress when possible. Here are a few ideas: practice gratitude, help others, and write your thoughts and feelings down in a journal.

1. Practice gratitude

Research shows that those who practice gratitude not only reduce their stress levels but also feel less pain, get better sleep, have stronger immune systems, experience healthier relationships, and perform better professionally. Gratitude has also been shown to motivate people to make healthier food choices. Gratitude can be practiced in a variety of ways.

• Create a “gratitude jar”—When you feel gratitude, write that experience down on a piece of paper and place it in the jar. Each month, pull out a few experiences to read and maybe share with others.
• Start a gratitude journal—Every day write down at least one thing you were grateful for that day. It could be as simple as a beautiful flower, someone who smiled at you, or even getting out of bed.

2. Acknowledge your feelings

Every feeling you experience is valid. Give yourself permission to feel each feeling. You may experience opposing feelings, like grief and joy, during the holiday and that is okay. Using an emotion checklist can help you better identify what you’re feeling. You may find it helpful to write down your feelings in a journal or share them with someone you trust.

3. Learn to say “no”

It can be tempting to say “yes” to everything, especially at the holidays. If you say “yes” to something when you wanted to say “no” it can lead to feelings of resentment and being overwhelmed. Remember that “no” is a complete sentence and you do not have to explain your choice to others.

4. Be realistic

There are only 24 hours in a day. Make a list of all the events and obligations you have during the holiday season and prioritize them. Know that it is okay to decline an invitation or make a conscious choice to only participate in a certain number of holiday events during a given timeframe. For example, you may decide to only participate in one event each weekend.

5. Stick to healthy habits

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget about the basics. Healthy foods can boost our mood, sleep has been shown to maintain cognitive skills such as attention, learning, and memory as well as increasing positive emotions, and physical activity is associated with reduced anxiety, depression, and negative mood plus an increase in self-esteem and cognitive function. Here are some ways to make healthy habits a priority.  

• Diet—Before attending a holiday gathering have a healthy snack. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables, if possible use low fat and reduced sodium ingredients, enjoy small portions of higher calorie foods.
• Sleep—The National Sleep Foundation recommends sticking to a sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, creating a sleep-friendly bedroom that is dark and quiet with a comfortable temperature, exercising daily, and avoiding food and drinks two to three hours before bed.  
• Exercise—Visit your local senior center and check out their physical activity offerings. Take a walk outside or have a dance party.

6. Get creative

Creativity comes in a variety of forms and the world is your oyster. Try coloring, painting or making a craft. Get creative with your holiday baking or try a new recipe. Write a poem or short story.

7. Give or serve others

Volunteering can increase life satisfaction and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Find a service opportunity that best suit you, your values, and abilities. Volunteer at a local organization, send a card to someone, contribute to a charity, adopt a family, pet or child, or make a meal or treat for someone.

8. Journal

Write one sentence every day describing your day. Or, try writing for a set amount of time (5-10 minutes) in a free-flowing stream-of-consciousness style. Write without censoring your feelings or judgement. You may also find it helpful to write down three things you’re struggling with and one action step to relieve that concern.

9. Reach out

If you’re feeling isolated or alone reach out to your support network. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988. You will be contacted to a trained crisis counselor who can provide free and confidential emotional support and connect you with local resources.

During the holidays, and throughout the year, give yourself grace as you navigate the joys and challenges of the holiday season. 

Courtesy of the National Council on Aging

YES DIRECT

YMCA MOST- FIT FITNESS LEAGUE

HISTORIC TAX CREDITS

ANTI-VIOLENCE COALITIONS

LOUISVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION

DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

NIGHT OF REMEMBERANCE 2024 VIOLENCE VICTIMS

"ONCE UPON AN ORCHESTRA"

“Once Upon An Orchestra” returns to Louisville libraries, providing free musical storytelling performances for families

Louisville, Ky. (August 15, 2024) -- The Louisville Free Public Library and the Louisville Orchestra are pleased to announce the fourth season of the collaborative project “Once Upon An Orchestra.” Public performances begin on Tuesday, October 1 at the Western Library and will tour to all LFPL locations through March 2025. The complete schedule is listed below.

Presented free, each branch will host one of six different, unique family programs that weave music and storytelling together in an interactive experience. Louisville Orchestra musicians perform original music created around familiar and beloved children’s books. The hour-long experiences include a 30-minute small ensemble performance preceded by a hands-on activity to build a musical instrument from recycled materials, so everyone can play along.

For “Once Upon An Orchestra,” composers from the LO Creators Corps have developed original musical scores to accompany a number of beloved children’s books, including Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In addition, this year’s series features two new composition – Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson.

The musically enhanced storytelling leans into one of the key programs of the LFPL, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. This Library program encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1000 books with their preschool-age children to build the vocabulary and language skills needed for success in school.

Co-presented by the Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Free Public Library, “Once Upon An Orchestra” is funded with support from Louisville Metro Government. For more information, including the complete schedule, please visit LFPL.org/orchestra, contact your local LFPL branch, or call the Louisville Orchestra at (502) 587-8681.

2024-25 “Once Upon An Orchestra” Schedule

Tuesday, October 1, 2024             2:00 PM               Western Library                               Bear Snores On

Wednesday, October 9                 10:30 AM            Middletown Library                        The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Thursday, October 10                    10:15 AM            Highlands-Shelby Park Library     Bear Snores On

Wednesday, November 6             6:00 PM               Main Library                                     If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Thursday, November 7                  6:30 PM               Northeast Regional Library           If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Thursday, November 21                12:00 PM             Shively Library                                 Llama Destroys the World

Saturday, November 23                11:00 AM            Newburg Library                             Llama Destroys the World

Wednesday, December 11           10:30 AM            Fairdale Library                                Bunny's Book Club

Thursday, December 12                10:30 AM            Bon Air  Library                                Bunny's Book Club

Saturday, January 11, 2025          10:30 AM            Iroquois Library                               Bear Snores On

Saturday, February 8                     2:00 PM               St. Matthews Library                      The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Saturday, February 15                   2:00 PM               South Central Regional Library    The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Thursday, February 20                   6:00 PM               Shawnee Library                              Llama Destroys the World

Wednesday, March 19                  11:00 AM            Southwest Regional Library          If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Tuesday, March 25                         10:30 AM            Crescent Hill Library                       The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Saturday, March 29                        10:30 AM            Jeffersontown Library                    Bunny's Book Club

MSD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• DIRECTOR-INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SECURITY, 24-187
• MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN I/II/III (3 POSITIONS) 24-186

VISIT WEBSITE: http://www.louisvillemsd.org/careers

UPDATED-12/31/24

Below please find MSD's recently posted positions. For position descriptions, pay information, and to apply please visit our website: http://www.louisvillemsd.org/Careers 

MSD CIARity REPORT DECEMBER 2024

MSD’s clAIRity Update – December 13, 2024
MSD’s clAIRity Program is our ongoing work to mitigate the natural odor related to organic materials that
decompose as a part of wastewater treatment and management. This monthly brief provides updates on the
status of various projects under the clAIRity initiative over the past month.
November Odor Reports Down with Increased Rainfall
November brought much-needed rain to help flush MSD’s underground network of pipes. The community
saw a total of 7.2 inches of rain, which is an 81 percent increase from last year’s 1.32 inches and
significantly higher than the 30-year average of 3.44 inches. To put this into perspective, two inches of rain
generates approximately two billion gallons of water over our community. In contrast, Louisville Water's daily
customer consumption stands at 150 million gallons. This means it would take a full two weeks of all the
water Louisville Water's customers use to match the cleansing effect of a single substantial rainfall.
Alongside the rainfall, MSD crews responded to 120 service requests related to odor in November, down
from October’s 337. These requests came from 25 ZIP codes and prompted thorough investigations and
targeted actions, including cleaning, deodorizing and flushing sewer mains, catch basins and manholes
where needed. In two notable cases, MSD crews discovered a force main break near a residence and
discharge from a private pump station—both promptly addressed to minimize impact.
Catch Basin Replacement Program Makes Strides in 2024
MSD continues to make significant strides in reducing ambient odors by systematically replacing untrapped
catch basins. In 2024, 18 catch basins were replaced in the Park DuValle neighborhood, and 55 in the
California neighborhood, with an additional 20 slated for completion by June 2025. Work is also underway to
replace 174 catch basins in the Shawnee neighborhood and 122
across the Chickasaw and Taylor Berry neighborhoods by the end of
2025. Additionally, 19 catch basins in the NuLu neighborhood along
East Market Street are set for replacement by year-end.
By May 2025, MSD will have invested nearly $4 million to replace 295
untrapped catch basins in the California, Park DuValle and Shawnee
neighborhoods. Beyond these efforts, MSD has identified 874
additional catch basins for replacement in the Chickasaw, Russell and
Taylor Berry neighborhoods, with work progressing through budgeting
and contractor procurement phases.
To further showcase these proactive efforts, MSD has created curb
markers that will be placed on all new and repaired catch basins,
reinforcing our commitment to mitigating odors and improving
infrastructure across the community.
Modernizing Kentucky’s Largest Wastewater Treatment Facility
MSD is investing $255 million in the Morris Forman Water Quality Treatment Center, Kentucky’s largest
wastewater treatment facility, to enhance its biosolids processing system.These significant upgrades will
enhance capacity, improve efficiency and increase sustainability, while also addressing odor mitigation. As
part of this investment, the Primary Sedimentation Basin Rehabilitation project is on schedule for completion
in late spring to early summer 2025. Sedimentation basins 3 and 4 are now operational following completed
work, and crews have begun removing old equipment from basins 1 and 2.
New media has been installed in the Bio-Organic Control (BOC) for odor management and is now being
prepared for operation, ductwork for odor control has been replaced, and influent channel weirs have been
covered. Construction is also underway on the new Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP), which will enhance
biosolids treatment and integrate with the Rotary Drum Dryers to produce Louisville Green, an
organic-based nitrogen fertilizer. Additionally, the gas monitoring and odor control project at the
Southwestern Pump Station has been completed and is being prepared for service, while MSD has begun
designing odor control improvements for the Bells Lane Wet Weather Treatment Facility.
For more information or to report an odor, visit LouisvilleMSD.org/odor or call 502.540.6000.
About MSD
The Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) works to achieve and maintain clean, environmentally safe waterways for a
healthy and vibrant community. More than 670 employees provide wastewater management, drainage and flood protection services across the 376 square
miles of Louisville Metro and wastewater service in portions of Bullitt and Oldham Counties. In addition to operating and maintaining Louisville Metro’s sewer
system, floodwall system, water quality treatment centers and flood pumping stations, MSD invests in hundreds of infrastructure improvement projects each
year, plants more than 1,000 trees and other vegetation annually to enhance water filtration and reduce runoff.

SHAWNEE NEIGHBORHOOD "LOVE YOUR BLOCK"

Since announcing the new Shawnee neighborhood initiative, the “LOVE YOUR BLOCK” program is up and going strong.

The most recent meeting gave gun safety training to young adults in Shawnee. Much thanks to our friends at Armed and Educated for their thoughtful advice, and spot-on safety requirements.

OSHN was awarded a competitive, $100,000 “Love Your Block” grant from the national Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation that will be used to clean and/or transform 18 troublesome Shawnee neighborhood alleys.

“Love Your Block” is a national, high impact initiative for reducing blight and inspiring neighborhood-driven change. Locally, the grant will fund an array of Shawnee neighborhood revitalization projects to improve public areas, promote safety, strengthen neighborhood connectedness, and champion environmental justice.

To get up with all these alley projects as they progress in Shawnee, please go HERE.

LOUISVILLE RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS LEAD SAFE HOUSING REGISTRY

Long-term rental property owners, who own homes built before 1940, can now join the Lead-Safe Housing Registry, managed by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. The registry, which took effect Dec. 1, is being rolled out in phases and property owners will have a year to comply with its guidelines.  

“The purpose of this registry is to protect tenants from the harms of lead poisoning that can have detrimental life-long impacts on developing children and their families,” said Louisville’s Chief Health Strategist Connie Mendel. “Lead poisoning is a preventable public health threat, and children in our underserved communities are especially impacted. Data shows children living in the northwest area of the city are almost 10 times at greater risk for developing lead poisoning compared to children living in other areas of the county.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no safe levels of lead in someone’s blood. Lead can enter the body when someone inhales or ingests particles found in lead-contaminated paint, dust, soil or drinking water. Homes built before 1978, the year lead-based paints were banned for residential use, may contain lead hazards. Children under the age of 6 are at the greatest risk of developing health issues caused by lead exposure. Pregnant individuals can also be affected by lead and pass it on to their unborn baby, causing issues like premature birth, low birth weight, learning and behavior problems and even miscarriage and stillbirth. 

Under the ordinance, rental property owners in Jefferson County – with a home built before 1978 – will need to have their property inspected by a Kentucky Certified Lead Risk Assessor, who will be able to identify lead hazards in the home. If lead-based materials are discovered, they must be controlled through enclosure, encapsulation or abatement by a certified professional. Current and prospective tenants should be told about any lead hazards and the plan to remediate them.

Rental units with a child that has an elevated blood lead level (EBLL) must have an initial lead-hazard evaluation and lead-hazard control report completed within 60 days of findings regardless of the age of the unit.

To learn more about the Lead-Safe Housing Registry, and what landlords and tenants can do now, visit our Lead Hazard Reduction Program page on louisvilleky.gov.

Rental property owners may be eligible for grant funding to abate lead-based paint hazards at their rental property through the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Lead-Safe Louisville Program, which aims to eliminate lead hazards in all owner-occupied and rental units in Louisville. For more information about the Lead-Safe Louisville Program, including eligibility requirements, please visit Lead-Safe Louisville on louisvilleky.gov.

To learn about local trends and data when it comes to lead poisoning, visit louhealthdata.com. You can also view our recent press conference about the Lead-Safe Housing Registry.

PUBLIC HEALTH HIRING

KENTUCKIANA WORKS JOBS

BROWNSFIELD TRAINING

KENTUCKY CREDIT BUILDER LOANS

KENTUCKY HARM REDUCTION

SYRINGE SERVICE PROGRAM, NALOXONE AND OVERDOSE REVERSAL TRAINING

LOCATIONS...

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH

3620 RIVER PARK DRIVE, LOUISVILLE, KY. 40211

MONDAY'S 11AM- 2PM

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PORTLAND FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

2215 PORTLAND AVE. LOUISVILLE, KY. 40212

FRIDAY'S 1PM - 4PM

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PLEASE CONTACT ERICA WILLIAMS AT 502-537-6061

SEVEN COUNTY SERVICES

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Community Action Kentucky (CAP) - (Office Locations) Services include various educational courses and Job Readiness Financial Literacy courses.

KentuckianaWorks Services include high-demand job training, one-on-one career counseling, career development workshops, career search resources, access to computers, phones and faxes for job searches.

Kentucky Career Center The Kentucky Career Center offers information on unemployment benefits & claims as well as many services for job seekers.

Louisville Urban League Assists clients, primarily African Americans and individuals of low to moderate income, prepare for and find employment.  Services include counseling & placement services, training & development, pre-screening & referral services and outreach programs.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs    This site includes information about education and training benefits available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Express   Kentucky Career Center offices have Local Veterans Employment representatives and Disabled Veteran outreach specialists to assist veterans with their employment and training needs.

Center for Accessible Living (CAL)   CAL offers training on disability issues and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA compliance, building and product accessibility, reasonable accommodation certification, American Sign Language interpreters, recruitment, career development, a Job Hunt Club and much more. (See all services)

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky   Goodwill provides jobs, job training, and employment counseling for people who face barriers to finding and keeping a job, including people with disabilities, recipients of public assistance, and people with limited education or work history.

Job Corps Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible youth at least 16 years of age.  For more information, call (800) 733-JOBS where an operator will refer you to the admissions counselor closest to where you live, and mail you an information packet.

Kentucky Office for the Blind   Services include: braille instruction, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, adult education, career development, life skills, personal development

Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation   Programs and services offered include counseling & guidance, vocational & other training services, interpreter & note taking services, rehabilitation technology, job placement and supported employment.

I LOVE SERVING Chickasaw, Shawnee, Portland and Russell Neighborhoods

OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY AT NIGHT

Office of Councilwoman Donna Purvis | Louisville Metro Council | District 5

601 West Jefferson Street  Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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