Buy local on Black Friday

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us and with it, the holiday shopping frenzy. I hope you will join me in supporting our independent, locally-owned businesses on "Black Friday" by shopping small.

Southwest Louisville has many treasures, as does the city proper. You should have no trouble finding that unique gift for someone on your list, and you will be helping your community by making sure the money stays in town.

Koch and Company, WHY Louisville and Handicraft Ceramics (at the Southwest Center) are but a few examples of places you can go and shop guilt-free this year.

Buy local. You might save a job or help someone through your purchase.

SW news and events: Thanksgiving Edition

- TARC passengers can now use an online tool that makes planning a trip easier than ever. TARC has joined the Google Transit partnership program, a network that provides bus routing and stop data in more than 400 cities across the globe.

Through the program, anyone searching the popular Google Maps site for directions in Greater Louisville can plan a trip on TARC. By choosing the public transit option and entering desired travel times and locations, passengers are provided step-by-step directions on TARC for their specific trips.

Mobile users can use the free Google Maps for mobile application available from http://m.google.com/maps or by visiting http://maps.google.com in the phone's browser.

- The Pleasure Ridge Park & Valley Station Area Business Association joint Holiday Party will be held Thursday, December 8 at River City Distributing, 7301 Winstead Drive.

Registration and networking will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the introductions and party begin at 6 p.m. This annual Holiday event combines philanthropy and networking by encouraging our members and attendees to donate a new gift that benefits the Southwest Community Area Ministries.

Suggested gifts include: a new toy, new gloves, mittens, socks, toboggan and or gas card for Meals on Wheels. The cost is $5 per person with a gift donation, or $10 (check or cash only). Call (502) 367-3880 to RSVP by Dec. 6.



- Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Spring Neighborhood Institute. All neighborhood and homeowner associations are welcome to apply. The Spring session runs every Tuesday night from February 7th – April 24th at Kosair Charities Community Room, 982 Eastern Parkway. Dinner is provided to all attendees. For more information or to apply, contact Lisa at 589-034 or lisad@centerforneighborhoods.org.