Metro Council's Democratic Caucus members encourage public to attend meeting concerning tolls for the Ohio River Bridges project

Members of the Democratic Caucus of the Louisville Metro Council are encouraging anyone who is concerned about tolls on the new Ohio River Bridges to voice their concerns or opinions at two open house meetings early next week.

“The project’s coordinators want to hear from any low income or minority groups that will feel the impact of tolls,” said Councilman David James (D-6), chairman of the Caucus. “It is important that all voices and all areas of Louisville and Southern Indiana be heard.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana Department of Transpiration currently have a draft assessment of the impact of tolls for the project. The Open House meetings are being held to gauge more public input.

On Sunday, several members of the Democratic Caucus held a news conference encouraging public participation. “Right now all attention is focused on the beginning of construction but it is important to remember when these bridges are completed, tolls will become a reality,” said Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12).

“Many people are still struggling in this economy and for some these proposed tolls are going to be a burden. That’s why now is the time to voice how you will be impacted if tolls are placed on these new bridges,” says Councilwoman Attica Scott (D-1).

Here is the information for both meetings from the Ohio River Bridges Project::
· Monday, July 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Holiday Inn Clarksville, 505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, Ind.
· Tuesday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, Ky.

 For those using public transportation, the route information for Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is:
· July 22 meeting – Take TARC to the Spring Street stops at 14th or 15th streets in Jeffersonville, Ind. Shuttle to Holiday Inn Clarksville will be provided at that point.
· July 23 meeting – Take TARC to the Muhammad Ali & 17th Street stop.

Koch & Company adds art classes to celebrate two great years on Dixie

The ladies of Koch & Company

It has been two years since we introduced you to Koch and Company, a fine art consignment and framing shop in the Valley Station Shopping Center, and owner Deborah Koch says she's ready for more as she launches the next stage of her business.

Since opening in 2010, Koch & Company has been on an even keel. Koch reports although the economy remains stubborn, new offerings in the shop are bringing in customers from all over town.

Koch says, "[Our products] are treated as a luxury item and we realize people have to buy necessities like fuel and food first....you pay bills before you buy art,". Because of the difficult economic conditions, Deborah and staff had to literally "get creative".

While the framing part of the business remains steady, Koch, with her staff Alecia Thurman and Kellie Burton, considered entering the growing "paint your own art" segment - an increasingly popular activity that is drawing in diverse crowds of people. "We decided to come up with a plan to open an art school and four days later we had it done. It has caught on like wildfire," says Koch.

For more information on Koch and Company's art classes or to book a class, visit kochandcompany.com or stop by and see the ladies.

Koch & Company is located at 10970 Dixie Highway and is a member of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA).

The future looks bright for Koch & Company with new offerings and a possible expansion in the works.

Deborah says,"We would like to invite everyone in Southwest Louisville, West Point and Radcliff to spend on Dixie instead of traveling beyond our community." 

In photo, from Left: Student Amy French, Instructor Alecia Thurman, Deborah Koch and Instructor Kellie Burton enjoying Oaks Day

Open door: Councilwoman Fowler takes reins in 14th District

Council members Rick Blackwell, Vicki Welch, Cindi Fowler and David Yates

Residents of Metro Louisville's14th District finally have an available and capable representative as Councilwoman Cindi Fowler has officially been sworn into office.

Since the merger of city and county government in 2002, the 14th District office has been occupied by Bob Henderson - a polarizing figure who never seemed to resonate with citizens, despite his long tenure as councilman. Says a neighborhood activist, "There were so many people who would run against him, it constantly split the vote too many ways and he'd get back in. If you ever argued or disagreed with him, he took it personally, and you could never get anything done. Calls weren't returned and there was little or no communication between the office and the people, particularly toward the end of Bob's last term. He was just absent. We are thankful to be able to turn that page of history and look forward to the future with a team that seems ready to improve the southwest area. It's an exciting time."

In the past, I had my share of run-ins with the councilman. He never seemed to forgive me for my criticisms of his performance and always treated my questions as a nuisance to be endured rather than a chance to move forward.

But it is a new day in the 14th and we don't have to talk about that nonsense any longer. With the election of Cindi Fowler, the team is now complete. With all of Southwest Louisville's elected representatives working together for the common good, progress and opportunity should be much easier to obtain.

Councilwoman Fowler has already promised to begin the practice of constituent meetings and says she will treat communication with residents as her highest priority. I personally look forward to hearing from her office as the agenda is set for a new direction in Southwest Louisville.

A press release regarding Councilwoman Fowler's swearing-in ceremony follows:

On Monday, January 7^th, Cindi Fowler joined 25 others as one of two new members of the Louisville Metro Council following the 2013 Organizational Session. Fowler won the seat in the November 6^th election and is ready to begin her four year term as Councilwoman.

           

“I am ready to begin the work of serving the people of District 14,” said Fowler. “I want the people of the district to know I am ready to listen to them as I join others on the Metro Council. Together, we can make this a better city for everyone.”

Fowler says she plans to stay in regular contact with constituents in Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, Kosmosdale and other areas of the district through email newsletters and community meetings.

Michael Bowman has been selected to be Fowler’s Legislative Assistant. He has served the last year as coordinator for the Southwest Regional Office for Councilmembers Rick Blackwell (D-12) and David Yates (D-25).
 

“I plan to follow through on what I heard from people during the campaign. I will be out in the district keeping everyone informed on issues and how I will address them.” 

            

For more information, contact Councilwoman Fowler’s office at 574-1114.

Not to be missed: The Southwest Center's upcoming events

The Southwest Center is holding two fabulous events this month. Please make some time for them. The Southwest Center and the people who run it stand for everything that is good and positive in our community.

• The Southwest Center’s 8th Annual Open Rod Run: Saturday, August 11, 2012 from 10am-4pm at the Center, 8009 Terry Rd Louisville, KY 40258. Registration is only $15. Food, Cars, Raffles, Cars, Silent Auction and more Cars All proceeds benefit the people who attend the Southwest Center.  
• Back To School Golf Scramble: August 25, 2012 at Quail Chase Golf Course, start at 1:00pm All proceeds to benefit Southwest Center and Pitt Academy. Pitt Academy is an accredited, independent, non-profit school that serves students in K-12 with learning differences or learning disabilities. The Center needs golfers and sponsors! Cost is $300 per Team .Sponsorships start at $50. For more information, Please call the Southwest Center at 502-935-1848

The Southwest Center is a 501 C(3), non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a supportive environment combined with enriching work opportunities that foster growth and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All services provided are designed to help each person to live and enjoy life in his or her community.

For information, please contact the SWC at 935-1848.

Get on board for the New Cut Road Trolley Hop, beginning July 28

Saturday, July 28th brings a monthly opportunity to see and enjoy the best attractions in South and Southwest Louisville when the New Cut Road Trolley Hop kicks off its inaugural run.

“We are announcing an easy way to combine the fun of many events in our region with a convenient and economical way to spend a great day with family or friends,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). “This Trolley Hop is a first for our area and wonderful way to showcase some of the great places we know and love in the Southwest.”

On its inaugural run, the New Cut Road Trolley Hop leaves the Iroquois Amphitheater headed for the Jefferson Memorial Forest's Welcome Center. Along the way, there will be stops at the Little Loomhouse, Auburndale Village Shopping Center, the southwest corner of Third Street Road and New Cut Road; Outer Loop Center, northwest corner of New Cut Road and Outer Loop and the new Fairdale Library.

“Our kickoff coincides with the Kentucky Music Weekend at Iroquois Amphitheater which is a traditional event for the summer,” says Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21). “This event is a tradition for many people and the Trolley Hop will show people who may not come out to this area that we have some great attractions.” Metro Council members are providing the funding for the program.

Joining Welch and Johnson as sponsors are Rick Blackwell (D-12), Bob Henderson (D-14), Marianne Butler (D-15) and David Yates (D-25).

While the July Trolley Hop is being held in conjunction with the Kentucky Music Festival, in August the Trolley Hop will run in conjunction with "H.M.S. Pinafore," the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical that will have a six-night run at the Amphitheater.

September's Hop will feature the Fairdale Community Fair.

October will highlight the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike at the Jefferson Memorial forest.

“This is another example of the Southwest members of the Metro Council working together and, in this case, promoting a growing area that is special and unique to us,” says Yates. 

For more information about the kickoff of the New Cut Road Trolley Hop, click HERE.

The Little Loomhouse Spin-a-Yarn Storytelling Festival

The fourth annual Spin-A-Yarn Storytelling Festival is set for Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 11:00 AM -3:00 PM at The Little Loomhouse, 328 Kenwood Hill Road.

The festival will be presenting storytelling from eleven talented Kentuckiana residents, including Dawne Gee of WAVE 3 News. Other activities include bluegrass music from The Shuttle Winders, weaving and spinning demonstrations, authentic Cherokee crafts on display, and historic cabin tours.

Home of the Happy Birthday Song and founded in 1939 by Master Weaver Lou Tate Bousman, The Little Loomhouse is one of the few organizations devoted to keeping the ancient art of hand-weaving and its history alive.

 

Since 1979, it has been operated by the nonprofit Lou Tate Foundation, Inc. The Little Loomhouse consists of three restored, century-old, board and batten cabins listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is designated as a Kentucky State Historic Site, and a Louisville Landmark.

 

The first 200 visitors to the Spin-A-Yarn Storytelling Festival will receive a free Little Loomhouse t-shirt. 

 

General Admission is only $2.00 per person.  Seniors 65 and older will be admitted for $1.00, and children six and under are free.  Food and drinks will be available for purchase.  All proceeds benefit The Little Loomhouse.  

 

There will be free parking behind DeSales High School at 425 West Kenwood Drive and free TARC Trolley transportation between DeSales and The Little Loomhouse.  Please be advised that the Little Loomhouse is in a rustic setting on a steep hill.  Access to the storytelling area is via a sloped gravel pathway.

 

You can learn more about The Little Loomhouse by visiting the website at www.littleloomhouse.org

Riverview Park Independence Festival

Mark your calendars for the Riverview Park Independence Festival on Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to enjoy one of Southwest Louisville's best attractions in the newly renovated Riverview Park.

This year's festival will include music by The Monarchs, 31W, and Ode 2 the Gnu and an added bang with a $5000 Independence Day fireworks show.

For more information, visit www.riverviewfestival.com

Riverside annual plant & herb sale this weekend, April 14-15

Visit Riverside, The Farnsley-Moreman Landing at 7410 Moorman Road for the annual Plant and Herb Sale!

There will be a variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, seeds, gardening items, and gardening advice available.

All proceeds go to support the mission of Riverside, The Farnsley-Moreman Landing.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 14

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 15

12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.riverside-landing.org or call 502-935-6809.

Free Summer Movies return to Iroquois Amphitheater

First run features and Hollywood Classics will light up the silver screen when a new summer season of fun and entertainment gets underway with the return of “Movies under the Stars” at Iroquois Amphitheater in May.

Members of Metro Council are once again providing free movies in the magnificent setting of Iroquois Park.

“We are looking forward to another successful year,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “It continues to be a wonderful way to showcase a great place to watch movies, the Iroquois Amphitheater.”

Since 2007, Butler and members of Metro Council have sponsored free movies during the summer as way for families to enjoy Iroquois Park.

Here is the 2012 Free Movie Schedule:

May

Sat. May 12: Soul Surfer PG

June

Mon. June 4: Citizen Kane PG

Fri. June 8: The Help PG-13

Mon. June 11: The Muppet Movie G

Mon. June 18: Romancing the Stone PG

Mon. June 25: Chicago PG-13

July

Mon. July 2: Stand and Deliver PG

Mon. July 9: From Russia With Love PG

Sat. July 14: Moneyball PG-13

Mon. July 16: The Magnificent Seven NR

Mon. July 23: The Secret Life of Bees PG-13

Mon. July 30: Raiders of the Lost Ark PG

August

Mon. Aug 6: The Princess Bride PG

Sat. Aug 11 :Cars 2 G

September

Sat. Sept 8: Zookeeper PG


Joining Butler as sponsors this year are Dan Johnson (D-21), ), Rick Blackwell (D-12), Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David James (D-6), Jim King (D-10), Bob Henderson (D-14), Kelly Downard (R-16), Jon Ackerson (R-18) Robin Engel (R-22), David Yates (D-25) and Brent Ackerson (D-26).

“Bring the kids and blankets,” says Butler. “This is a great way to kick off the summer.”

The Amphitheater is located at 1080 Amphitheater Road, off New Cut Road. To learn more about events at the Iroquois Amphitheater go to: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/IroquoisAmphitheater/2012iroquoisamphitheaterschedule.htm

A plea for affordable housing. Take a look.

And now, a message from my cousin, Drew Tucker, about the Metropolitan Housing Coalition. Please do what you can to help make affordable housing a priority in Louisville. -Brian

Hello friends!

Over the last three years I’ve been working with Metropolitan Housing Coalition of various projects around affordable housing in Louisville. Cathy, and Curtis are good friends of mine, and I find the work they do around advocacy, education, and research of affordable housing here in Louisville to be an invaluable resource for our city. Right now our city has around 7,000 vacant properties many located in the West and South end (where I grew up), a 25,000 person section 8 waiting list, and many homeless families, including 9,000 homeless children, in desperate need of affordable housing. MHC is working with the metro council, Mayor Fischer, and other non-profits to make sure that these properties don’t stay abandoned, and that they are repurposed so that they can provide new affordable housing options for residents of the Louisville metro area.

MHC has brought in Dan Kildee, a nationally renowned expert on foreclosed properties and tax liens from Detroit, to speak to the Mayor and others, about what Louisville can do on the city and state level to change the legal landscape such that these properties are available first to our land bank and not outside private investors who do not have much concern for the state of housing in Louisville.

MHC was also integral to mentoring me while I organized residents at Sheppard’s Square public housing complex as we prepared them for the changes they would experience after the demolition of their homes, and the subsequent scattering through the section 8 program. Without Cathy and Curtis’s help I would have been at a loss at how to create a direct link between the Housing Authority and the residents of Sheppard Square, who felt a significant amount of fear and anger due to the uncertainty of their impending move, and because of a breakdown in communication between the two parties in previous projects. With their help I was able to make sure residents received information directly, face to face, rather than through mailings, phone calls, etc. And although in the end they were still scattered throughout Louisville, they were directly involved in the decisions leading up to the move, and were able to speak directly to the Housing Authority when they so desired.

I cannot tell you how important membership is to Metropolitan Housing Coalition. Nowadays, grants only cover the cost of projects implemented by non-profits. Pay for the talented, and already vastly underpaid folks that make up these organizations is in short supply. And while I understand that we are in an economic downturn, it’s essential that we don’t let the groups that advocate, and educate us fall by the wayside.

Today, I am asking you to not only make a donation, but to show your ownership over the issues we face in Louisville around affordable housing. For $3 a month, $36 a year, you can support MHC in the second most vital way possible; the first is by giving your time to participate on one of their committee’s or volunteering your time. Three dollars a month may not seem like much, but imagine if 200 new members made this pledge? Sustainable giving, like this, is how we make sure organizations we value remain viable in times of economic crisis. Furthermore, it shows our commitment to the work they have done, and will do, into the future.

Please take a small amount of time today to visit the below website and let MHC know how much you value the work they do around creating education, advocacy, and research about affordable housing in Louisville.

Thanks,

Drew Tucker
Metropolitan Housing member, and sustainable giver


https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/MetropolitanHousingCoalition/OnlineDonation.html

Why Louisville is awesome

Why Louisville Is Awesome Infographic

2012 Southwest Pride Cleanup set for Saturday, March 31st

Homeowners, business people, children and adults will be among the hundreds of volunteers who will answer the call, roll up their sleeves and get to work at the Spring Southwest Pride Community Cleanup on Saturday, March 31st.

“This event has always had so many people and groups who come out to help make our community the special place that it is to live and work,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12). “It’s one of the most successful of the community wide cleanups held in the spring.”

On Saturday, volunteers will gather at 9080 Dixie Highway, next to Dairy Queen in the Park Place Mall and then fan out across the area to pick up litter and trash along roadways and other areas.

Registration for volunteers begins at 8:30 am. The cleanup is from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Individuals and groups are welcome. Everything needed for the cleanup will be provided.

“The organizers of this event have everything ready to go,” says Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14). “I want to encourage everyone who has some free time on Saturday to come out and help us.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to the largest groups of volunteers so recruit friends from your neighborhood, business, school, church, sports team or troop and choose any area you feel needs cleaned. All groups must be present at the sign in location to participate in cash award contest.

“We had such great success with our cleanup last fall and I look forward to yet another successful effort this weekend,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25). “This is how people make a difference in a community and set an example for others.”

For more information about the Southwest Pride Community Cleanup, please contact Kim Leanhart at 502-367-3880 or Jim Caskey at 502-367-3886

'Grand Opening' for Fairdale library, March 24

The grand opening celebration of the new Fairdale Library will take place on Saturday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. at 10620 W. Manslick Road.

There will be tours of the library, refreshments, and fun activities for the whole family.

The first 250 people over 12 years old will receive a commemorative USB flash drive - courtesy of the Library Foundation - with a downloaded copy of Don Wittry’s “History of Fairdale.”

Note: The former Fairdale Library branch (in the Playtorium) closed this past Saturday to move books and materials to the new building. The new branch will be open after Saturday's ceremonies.

Public hearings on landmark ordinance scheduled for March

The Louisville Metro Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee will hold two public hearings on a proposed ordinance amending Louisville Metro’s Designation of Historic Districts and Local Landmarks.

Public Hearing#1: Tuesday March 13 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at Metro Council Chambers of City Hall (601 W. Jefferson Street). It will be aired live on METRO TV (Insight Cable, Channel 25) and will also be streamed live on the Metro Council’s home page. Go to www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil and click on the “Watch Gavel to Gavel” icon.

Public Hearing #2: Tuesday, April 3 from, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the meeting hall of UAW Local 862 (3000 Fern Valley Road). This hearing will not be aired live via Metro TV or streaming video due to the fact that the meeting is being held at a remote location. An audio recording of the meeting will be available on the Metro Council’s website after the conclusion of the meeting and recording of minutes.

Hearing Rules: Persons wishing to address the committee will have the opportunity to sign up one (1) hour prior to the start of either hearing. Those who sign up to speak will be called to address the committee in the order in which they signed up, and will each be given up to three minutes to speak. Persons will not be allowed to sign up to speak via phone call or e-mail to the Metro Council in advance, nor will they be allowed to grant their time to another person. Any person who speaks before the committee or is unable to speak will be allowed to submit written testimony for inclusion in the record of the hearing.

Persons attending the meetings are not allowed to bring signs, props or other materials that are larger than 8 ½” x 11” in size or that might block the view of persons attending the hearing.

Councilwoman Vicki Welch has released the following statement on her support for modification of the ordinance.

The ordinance would change Louisville Metro’s Designation of Historic Districts and Local Landmarks by changing signature requirements and place final approval of a local landmark with Metro Council. Currently, 200 signatures are required to have a structure declared a landmark. The proposed amendments to the ordinance would require that over half of the signatures be from residents who own property within a mile of the proposed landmark. This would give residents actually living near the proposed landmark a say in the designation of the property. This community input is vital since these local residents will be most affected by the designation of the property – as it may affect their homes’ values, safety in their communities, and economic development in their neighborhoods.
These proposed changes came about because of controversial landmark designations, such as the debate over the landmarking of the South End’s Colonial Gardens. Myself and many of my colleagues are supporting this ordinance so that community members, rather than just the members of the Landmarks Commission, can have an equal say in what is happening in their neighborhoods. Allowing Metro Council to have a final say in approving historic landmarks will help provide oversight over the Landmarks Commission.

You can read my commentary on the proposed changes via Insider Louisville by clicking HERE.

A copy of the ordinance is available at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil.

Valley Woman's Club accepting scholarship applications

Applications for Valley Woman's Club Scholarships are now in the schools. High school seniors should contact the Senior Counselor. JCTC students who will be second year students should also see the Counselor at JCTC for these applications. The information for completing the application is at the bottom of the application.

ALL information MUST be completed and a written narrative included for the application to be considered by the committee.

The requested information and application MUST be received BEFORE March 15, 2012.

State and local lawmakers to attend coal ash meeting

Metro Council members Attica Scott (D-1) and Rick Blackwell (D-12) along with the Sierra Club are sponsoring an informational community meeting concerning the problem with coal ash in Southwest Jefferson County.

The meeting will be held on Monday, February 20th at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway from 7:00pm until 9:00pm

“This is an opportunity for the community to receive an update on what is going on with coal ash and LG&E,” says Scott.

State Representative Joni Jenkins and Reginald Meeks will also be in attendance.

Rumor patrol: Ashby Lane apartments "upscale", not "Section 8"

Not a housing project.

There are rumors flying around the southwest about the housing development beginning to take shape near the Greenbelt Highway on Ashby Lane, and I think it is appropriate to address the issue to eliminate any confusion as to what is happening.

Ashby Green Apartment Homes are now under construction at 7401 Ashby Lane. The complex is owned by W.M. Bullitt, LLC.

Ashby Green is not "Section 8" or "low-income" housing nor is it a replacement for Iroquois Homes. It is not owned or being built by the government as a "housing project".

Floor plans and examples of units that will be available are online at the company's website, ashbygreenapartmenthomes.com

The developers of Ashby Green welcome your questions and comments and have made their contact information available on the website.

So now you know.

Dixie Highway "business census" to begin soon

In the coming weeks, I and a handful of faithful volunteers will be conducting an informal census of businesses located along Dixie Highway, starting in the Valley Village area and extending to points north yet to be determined.

The point of all this is to properly illustrate and inventory the types of businesses we already have and compare them to the ones most commonly mentioned as ones residents say they would like to have in Southwest Louisville.

The census will be an informal affair and will not include any conversations with the owners or customers. We are after raw data, here. Not opinions.

If you are interested in helping out, drop me a line by clicking here. Don't forget to include the amount of time you would be willing to dedicate as well as what part of the highway you'd like to inventory.

I'm certain that, while we know what we have, we may be shocked by what we see. To actually see it written down in cold hard numbers may be a wake-up call to all citizens.

Thanks for your consideration, and thanks for reading the Valley Report.

Brian
The Valley Report

SW news updates 1/17/12

- The VITA Tax Service begins today. VITA has been a huge success, helping low income individuals prepare and send their tax returns. Click HERE for locations and times.

-  Councilman David Yates (D-25) has been named chair of the Metro Council’s Contracts Committee by President Jim King (D-10)

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as Chair and I want tax payers to know, especially in these tight financial times, we will be very thorough in our review of how contracts are bid,” said Yates.

In his first year on the Council, Yates served as Co-chair of the Contracts and Appointments Committee.

“In that first year, I have seen numerous contracts come before us that I feel could have been bid out for a better return of the tax payers money,” said Yates.

The Contracts Committee reviews all contracts for goods and services used by the Metro Government. The Committee interacts with departments and agencies of government to learn what is being purchased and why it is needed.

-  This year, Kentuckiana Works Youth Career Center and partners are offering 16-21 year-olds the opportunity to be ready to meet employers at the Showcase with a series of Workforce Education Training Workshops. The two hour workshop prepares youth for the job hunt with tips on how to dress for success, how to complete a job application on paper and online, expressing their transferable skills as they build a resume and how to conduct themselves in an interview. Young people can get more information about these workshops at www.kentuckianaworks.org/foryoungadults

Upcoming SW events, meetings for January 2012

- Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer hosts the next “Talk to Greg” meeting on Monday, January 9th at Fern Creek High School, 9115 Fern Creek Road, from 6:00-8:00pm. Fischer will be joined by city department directors, mayor’s office staff and Metro Councilmembers.

-  Don’t miss the next Southwest Women’s Roundtable event on January 11th. Registration begins at 8:30am at National College, 4205 Dixie Highway.

The program begins at 9:00am and will feature Ann Selerno, the COO of The Change Cycle and Director of Education and Training at the NCAA Women Coaches Academy.

Please RSVP to Erica@Schardein.com.

January is often a time for change –both personal and in business. “Dealing with organizational change – big or small – is about everyone getting through the emotion and commotion with minimal damage to their blood pressure, career, relationships, and confidence.” - Ann Salerno. Ann will discuss how to develop a playbook of positive plays for adjusting to and handling change. Equipped with fresh ideas and confidence, 2012 can be a successful year of embracing and making changes.

- Councilman Rick Blackwell of District 12 will be hosting the first District Dialogue of 2012, which will feature Justin Scally, Director of Metro Animal Services, as the Guest Speaker.

The District Dialogue will be held in the Southwest Government Center courtroom at 7219 Dixie
Highway on January 17, 2012 starting at 7 p.m. All Southwest Louisville residents are invited to attend.

The past few years have seen quite a public response in regards to the management of Metro Animal Services and in 2011 Mayor Fischer appointed Director Scally to take the lead in correcting those issues. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), Department of Inspections, Permits, and Licensing (IPL), and a representative from Congressman John Yarmuth’s office will also be on hand at the District Dialogue to answer questions and concerns.