This month, we’re proud to recognize an August Highlands Hero whose story is deeply woven into the fabric of Bardstown Road and the Highlands: Di Tran. For nearly 20 years, this neighborhood has been more than a place to live and work. As an immigrant entrepreneur and founder of Louisville Beauty Academy, Di Tran has built a thriving business, invested in our community, and created pathways to opportunity for nearly 2,000 graduates pursuing Kentucky state-licensed careers. That impact reaches well beyond the classroom, earning Di Tran and the academy recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky State Senate, and Louisville Business First for leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. This includes crucial efforts to make occupational and beauty licensing examinations accessible in multiple languages.

Beyond education and advocacy, Di Tran has chosen to put down deep roots by owning, restoring, and responsibly stewarding properties throughout the Highlands. That kind of investment preserves our neighborhood character, supports local jobs, creates new opportunities, and helps ensure Bardstown Road remains a vibrant part of Louisville for generations to come.  We are looking forward to his next set of projects along Bardstown Road.

Looking for a place to stay active, connect with neighbors, or try something new? Douglass Community Center has a full slate of activities and amenities for the community.

A few highlights:

• Senior activities including Mahjong, pickleball, book club & Silver Sneakers
• Weight room open throughout the week
• Textile Studio with guided sessions on Fridays
• Little Library + puzzle/game room
• Read, Create, and Imagine — September 19, 1–4 PM

And a reminder: please pay class fees before beginning your class.

Big thanks to Louisville Parks & Recreation for keeping this community resource active and welcoming. Check out BestParksEver.com for more information!

Spotted: The First Lady of the Highlands making a very important stop at Loodo’s Donuts at Douglass Loop. 

Wonderful donuts and great service! If you're in the mood for a sweet treat this week, stop on by!

A quick but important public safety reminder: thefts from vehicles are on the rise.

In the short term, we need to make it harder and less rewarding for people to break into cars. That starts with all of us:

- Lock your car every night—even when it’s parked in your driveway.

- Please don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

- And please, please don’t leave firearms in your car.

A locked car with nothing valuable inside is a much less attractive target. These small steps can make a real difference—not just for you, but for your neighbors.

But prevention can't stop there. In the long run, we need to invest in the programs, services, and economic opportunities that give people better choices than stealing from their neighbors.

Public safety is both immediate and long-term: we need to protect our neighborhoods today while working together on the underlying conditions that make crime more likely tomorrow.

Highlands Community Ministries’ Food Pantry shelves are running low, and they need our help!

Highlands Community Ministries partners with Dare to Care Food Bank to keep their pantry stocked—but as food supplies become more limited, the need continues to grow. Across Dare to Care’s service area, 203,770 people are experiencing food insecurity, including 1 in 6 people and 1 in 5 children.

Right now, protein is their highest priority. Donations of canned chicken, tuna, soups and chili with meat, pasta sauce with meat, and other shelf-stable proteins can help turn a bag of groceries into a complete meal.

They also need cereal, oatmeal, rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, granola bars, jelly, cooking oil, spices, coffee, tea, and even cake mix and frosting. ❤️

NAMI Louisville’s annual walk is coming up Saturday, September 12, from 9 AM–noon at Waterfront Park.

This is an important opportunity to come together in support of individuals and families affected by mental illness—and to help strengthen the education, support, and advocacy that NAMI Louisville provides in our community.

If you’re able, consider joining the walk, supporting the fundraiser, or simply sharing the event with someone who might benefit. Mental health touches every one of our communities, and none of us should have to navigate it alone.

Thank you to NAMI Louisville for the work you do every day to make Louisville a more supportive and connected community.

Free cover crop seeds for Jefferson County residents!

Planning to grow a garden this year? The Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting its annual Cover Crop Giveaway, providing free cover crop seed to Jefferson County residents for use in their garden beds.

They’re also offering workshops to help you learn how to use cover crops effectively.

 Free to register
Preorder deadline: September 4

Even after the September 4 giveaway deadline, you’ll still be able to sign up for the workshops.

A great opportunity to get your garden ready while learning more about healthy soil and sustainable gardening practices. Spread the word to your neighbors!

A quick heads-up for District 8 residents: the Waste Reduction Center is changing its operating hours beginning Tuesday, August 18.

The center will:

• Close for lunch from noon–1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
• Close at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, instead of 5 p.m.
• Maintain its current Saturday hours

These changes are intended to align operations with current staffing levels while maintaining safe, efficient service for residents.

I know schedule changes can be inconvenient, so please plan accordingly. The Recycle Coach app and Waste Reduction Center website will have the most up-to-date information.

Learn more about the upcoming changes HERE