Eighth Annual Forest Fest ‘12, Saturday, May 19

Spring is in full swing at the Jefferson Memorial Forest and on one special day every year, Bluegrass music can be heard in the air as you walk the trails and enjoy the scenery.

“The Forest Fest ‘12 is a great way to showcase the beauty and fun of the Jefferson Memorial Forest,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). “It is a great collection of local and regional bluegrass musicians who love to play for people who love to listen to a unique blend of American music.”

The Eighth Annual Forest Fest ‘12 kicks off on Saturday, May 19th beginning at 10:00am until 7:00pm. It features four musical groups throughout the day and best of all admission is free. However, there is a $10 per car parking fee for restoration of the grounds after the event.

Headlining Forest Fest ’12 will be Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers. Sparks began his career in the 1950’s and is one of the most recognized touring bluegrass musicians in the country. He was recently inducted into the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Other groups performing are Hog Operation, 23 String Band and New Town. “We will also have various arts and crafts booths on hand for those who would like to spend a nice Saturday afternoon with family and friends,” says Welch. “If you have never been to Jefferson Memorial Forest come out and enjoy a true gem of nature.”

Forest Fest ’12 will also feature a Kid Activity Area with bouncies, face painting and other activities for children.

The Councilwoman is primary sponsor of Forest Fest ’12. Other Council members who are sponsoring this year’s music fun are Rick Blackwell (D- 12), Bob Henderson (D- 14), Marianne Butler (D-15), Madonna Flood (D-24), David Yates (D-25), Robin Engel (R-22), Tina Ward-Pugh (D-9), James Peden (R-23) and President Jim King (D-10). Metro Parks is also a sponsor of this year’s event, For more information about Forest Fest ‘12, call 368-5404.

The Jefferson Memorial Forest is located at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road.

www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/parks/jeffersonmemorialforest/forestfest.htm

Beechmont "Festival of Flowers" - Saturday, May 12

Forget the flea market, there's a REAL junk yard coming to Valley

A typical salvage auto auction yard

This Thursday, there will be a public meeting to discuss the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Copart USA to allow an auto storage and title processing facility on approximately 57 acres at 3100 Pond Station Road.

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 2012 7 p.m. WHERE: Virgina Avenue United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall 10015 Stonestreet Road

Copart auctions used and salvage vehicles to auto parts dismantlers, rebuilders, used car dealers, wrecking yards, and the public for insurance and rental car companies.

I have spoken with several residents who are concerned this will be an auto junk yard in direct view from their homes. They cite increased traffic, noise, light pollution as reasons they are against issuing the permit. Also, they don't want anything that resembles a junk yard anywhere near their homes.

I don't blame them.

Copart operates a facility in Lexington, doing business as "Copart Salvage Auto Auctions".

Had enough? Old Melton's now a junk yard/flea market

The Valley Report facebook page has been buzzing with activity over the opening of yet another flea market/yard sale store in the space formerly occupied by Melton's Food Mart on Valley Station Road near the railroad tracks.

Commenters say they are "fed up" with this type of development.

Join our discussion and tell us how you feel about this latest store, and while you are there, check out the photos of this atrocity.

How long do you think it will last? How long can you live with this type of commerce?

Coffee With Your Councilman - May 12

Residents of District 12 have another opportunity to meet with Councilman Rick Blackwell when “Coffee with Your Councilman” gets underway on Saturday, May 12th.

The event is a chance to talk about any issue or concern in your neighborhood in an informal setting.

There is no agenda, just come out and talk one on one over a cup of coffee. May’s Coffee with your Councilman will take place at the Old Louisville Coffeehouse, 4956 Manslick Road beginning at 10:00 am. If you would like more information, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.

Dixie Vietnam Vets memorial to be re-dedicated

The Southwest Government Center is a fixture on Dixie Highway offering services to residents in many areas with a LMPD substation and rooms for community meetings. The Metro Council’s Southwest Government office is located there. The Center also is a special place for area veterans.

On Sunday, April 29th it will have an enhanced distinction in the community as a place to remind everyone of the brave men and women who serve our country now and those who have sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom. “Anyone who has driven past the Southwest Government Center has seen Jefferson County’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “ says Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12). “Now, they will have a new reminder of the men and women who keep our country safe from harm.”

This Sunday, April 29th, the Government Center will hold a special ceremony to rededicate the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and officially dedicate a new companion monument for those who are listed as “Missing In Action” from Jefferson County. The ceremony will also highlight five new flag poles which will fly the proud flags of each branch of the United States military. “It is a wonderful tribute to the men and women who wear the uniform of our country,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13).” It will serve as a reminder to all that we are a nation of freedom and liberty.”

The flag poles were donated to the Government Center by Craig & Landreth, Bob Montgomery, Sam Swope and Neil Huffman automotive dealerships and the Veterans Committee of United Auto Workers Local 862. The special ceremony is being organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts 1170, 5421 and 1181.

“This Sunday, we will be reminded of the sacrifices many have made in service to our country,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25). “It is our opportunity to say thank you and remember that our freedom is secured by those who are willing to step up to serve.”

The re-dedication ceremony will get underway at 4:00pm on Sunday, April 29th. The Southwest Government Center is located at 7219 Dixie Highway.