Louisvillian heads to Canada to protest "tar sands" development

Today, hundreds of people from across North America gathered in Ottawa, Canada's capitol, to participate in a civil disobedience action to say no to the extraction of oil from the Albertan tar sands, and yes to a sustainable energy future respectful of the rights of indigenous people.

The Ottawa Action follows the Tar Sands Action, which concluded on September 3rd in Washington, D.C. The Tar Sands Action was designed specifically to remind President Barack Obama to honor his promises to address climate change, by demanding he deny the permit for TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

During the duration of that two-week action, 1,252 activists were arrested in front of the White House including my friend and fellow Louisvillian Curtis Morrison. Since the Tar Sands Action, President Obama has been greeted with ongoing Tar Sands Action rallies throughout his travels, including one that drew dozens of participants during his September 22nd Cincinnati bridge visit.

“The participants of the Ottawa Action are standing up for what we all know in our hearts is right," said Morrison.

Morrison was one of the many Louisvillians arrested during the Tar Sands Action who is now making the journey to Ottawa.

"The relocation of indigenous people, the raping of boreal forests, a ridiculous consumption of electricity, natural gas and clean water are consumed for the extraction process: this is what it takes to get to the oil out of the tar sands," Morrison said. "What is unthinkable for me though, once that dirty oil is extracted, transported, refined and burned, we'll be creating what NASA climatologist James Henson calls 'GAME OVER' for our climate. At the very time we must be decreasing the carbon dioxide level in our atmosphere, the radical extremists advocating for the development of the Tar Sands must be stopped."

"The purpose of my trip is to support those who are putting themselves on the line, and to help tell the world their stories," Morrison said. "I will be participating in the organizer's civil disobedience training session, the solidarity rally the morning of the action, and taking pictures while the participants are arrested."

For more information on the Ottawa Action against the tar sands, please visit http://www.ottawaaction.ca

Southwest Regional Redistricting meeting set for next Wednesday

Every ten years, following the Census, legislators are required to redraw their boundaries to ensure residents are evenly distributed through their districts. The Louisville Metro Council is nearing the end of this process. In an effort to continue the committee's effort to garner public input, a series of public input meetings will be held. The Southwest Regional Redistricting meeting will be held on Wednesday October 5th at 7pm at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway. Please plan to attend to offer your input on the new district maps.

First day of fall edition: Stuff to do this weekend

- Enjoy a tour of a 19th century woman’s "kitchen garden" at Riverside this Saturday, September 24 at 10am. Experience the sights, smells, and tastes of Riverside’s kitchen garden with a special guide portraying “Katie Flowers,” best friend and cousin to Rachel Moremen. This is a free presentation – call 935-6809 to reserve a spot.

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing is located at 7410 Moorman Road.

- Shack in the Back BBQ's 5 Year Anniversary and Customer Appreciation Party is tonight (Friday) from 5-9pm. The celebration will feature specials, free desserts, door prizes, and giveaways all night long. Shack in the Back is located at 406 Mount Holly Rd. in Fairdale. The Sivells family thanks you for your continued business and hopes to see you there.

- The annual Crusin' In The Park car show is being held at Iroquois Park this weekend. This is always a great time. I don't have any information on the show at this time. It is impossible to find. I just know it's happening this weekend at the park and that I'm going. Great family event. Come on out, and if you can find any info about this year's show, let us know.

- NOTICE: The last three months have been the best The Valley Report has ever had. For that, we thank you. As some of you know, this is not my regular job so schedules sometimes conflict. For the next two weeks, there is a possibility posting may be slow. Please bear with us as my work schedule changes. When it settles down, we will be back to full power. In the meantime, Mark Lynch and I will continue to post updates of events to The Valley Report's Facebook page. Thanks again for reading.

Valley Woman's Club Kentucky Dinner and Silent Auction

Actor Conrad Bachmann

Valley Woman's Club is presenting their Kentucky Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, October 1 at Highview Baptist Church. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

The dinner's guest speaker will be Conrad Bachmann, Valley High School Alum and actor who has appeared in Dobby Gillis, Tremors, West Wing and General Hospital.

$10 for adults, $6 for children under 10, must be paid in advance by September 26 to Wilma Phillips, 9622 Anita Boulevard, 40272. A registration form and menu can be found HERE. 
 
Proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund of Valley Women's Club.

Highview Baptist Church is located at 5415 Valley Station Road.

Build the Southwest Bridge

Friday updates: District 25 news, Metro Arts Center

- "Talk with David" planned for Tuesday, October 4. Connect with Councilman David Yates on Tuesday, October 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Jewish Hospital Medical Center Southwest, 9700 Stonestreet Road. Meet with your Councilman plus representatives from MSD, LMPD and code enforcement.

- The Metro Arts Center, 8360 Dixie Highway, has released the facility's fall schedule [.pdf]. The Metro Arts Center offers classes for children and adults in the fine and applied arts. If you’re looking to acquire or refine a particular artistic skill from guitar playing and cartooning to pottery and silversmithing - the Metro Arts Center has a fun, affordable class for you. Visit the website for program information and samples of work created at the Metro Arts Center.

- INTERN WANTED:  District 25 is seeking non-paid interns to work at the City Hall and SW Regional offices. Responsibilities include special project assignments, monitoring constituent issues and social media/community outreach. Opportunity is designed to provide first-hand experience of maintaining constituent relationships, witness to the local legislative process and valuable professional connections. Hours are flexible. Parking is paid. And, we promise, the staff and Councilman are fun to work with. Submit resumes to Nicole Candler.

- ‘One Hundred Years on the Ohio’; A Living Timeline of Louisville’s First Century featuring re-enactors representing each period in Louisville’s history from 1765 ~ 1865.

Come enjoy the atmosphere surrounding the festivities this weekend. You will find the following activities available for you to explore: Period clothing, tools, weaponry, period craft demonstrations, children’s games, camp tours, military parades, special speakers, meet Mr. Lincoln and of course, Farnsley- Moremen House Tours.

Riverside, the Farnsley~Moremen Landing, 7410 Moorman Road. 935-6809

September 17th and 18th, 10am - 5pm

Admission: $6 for Adults, $5 for Seniors, $3 for children ages 6-12, $15 Family rate (2 adults and up to 3 children)