Welch and Fairdale Community Club bring "Santa Land" to District 13

A holiday favorite returns to the Fairdale Playtorium on Thursday, December 15th when Santa Land brings fun for children in District 13 thanks to Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and the Fairdale Community Club.

“I am happy to support this wonderful Christmas time event once again,” says Welch. “This will be my 6th season to participate and I would like to thank the local business community for their support.”

The Fairdale Playtorium will be magically transformed into Santa Land on December 15th. The event will get underway from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The Playtorium is located at 10616 West Manslick Road.

The Jolly Old Elf from the North Pole will be on hand to talk to kids and entertainment will be provided by the Step N Out Dance Studio.

“A special appreciation goes to the wonderful work that the Fairdale Community Club provides our children and seniors throughout the year,” says Welch. “It is hard to imagine where our community would be without dedicated people who just want to make the holidays a little brighter for those who need some help.”

Welch provides funding for the event and partners with the Fairdale Community Club. The Community Club connects with many local businesses and area merchants to provide gifts to area children.

The event is free and open to children and their parents or guardians.

For more information about Santa Land, contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.

VITA gearing up for 2012, seeking volunteers

It’s a program which has returned millions of tax dollars to low income families in Metro Louisville and organizers are getting ready for another year of assistance.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is asking for volunteers with a kick off set for Saturday, December 3rd at the Sun Valley Community Center.

“VITA is a wonderful program and the people who have helped us in the past will tell you, there is satisfaction when you take the time to help those who could use any extra financial help in this economy,” says Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14).

The VITA program is available to households that make at or less than $50,000 a year. Volunteers will prepare 2011 tax returns at no charge.

The kick off will help coordinate volunteers with training programs to help low income families file their income tax returns for the coming year. The program needs greeters, interviewers and tax preparers for 2012. Training will take place at the Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane.

Here are the training times at Sun Valley:

- Thursday, December 8th 9:00am to 5:00pm Part 1&2

- Friday, December 9th 9:00am to 1:00pm Part 1

- Thursday, December 15th 5:00pm to 9:00pm Part 2

- Saturday, December 17th 10:00am to 2:00pm testing

- Thursday, January 11th 9:00am to 1:00pm (if needed)

The kick off will provide lunch for those who come out to volunteer. Chili, Chicken Dumpling Soup, Dessert and drinks are on the menu.

“I have met many wonderful people over the years we have supported this program, “says Henderson. “I can tell you, when you take the time to help someone who needs the help it will not only enhance your holiday season but you will feel good the whole year.”

The Kick off will get underway from 10:30am to 12:30pm

For more information about the 2012 VITA Volunteers program, contact Councilman Henderson’s office at 574-1114

UPDATE: District 12 Police Chief meeting also for Districts 13, 14 and 25

Editor's Note: This is an updated version of Monday's news about the District 12 "Coffee with your Councilman" meeting this Saturday. In addition to District 12, representatives from council Districts 13, 14 and 25 will also be present. Please come out and share your thoughts on the next police chief.

District 12 Councilman Rick Blackwell, District 14 Councilman Bob Henderson, District 25 Councilman David Yates and District 13 Councilwoman Vicki Welch will be holding a “Coffee With Your Councilperson” on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00am at the Southwest Government Center (7219 Dixie Highway).

Residents are invited to voice their thoughts on the police department and input from citizens will be used to formulate specific questions for the candidates applying for LMPD’s Chief of Police position. If you cannot attend but would like to add your input, please visit this site and complete the survey.

Councilman Blackwell asking residents for input on next LMPD Chief

This December's "Coffee With Your Councilman" for District 12 will gather citizen input for the hiring of a new Chief of Louisville Police.

The event gets under way Saturday, December 3rd at 10am at the Southwest Regional Metro Council Office, 7219 Dixie Highway.

Louisville Metro is searching for a new Chief of Police and they want input from you. Each Metro Council Member will hold a meeting in their district to gather input from residents on what is important to them in their police department. Citizens will answer several questions regarding the current police department. Their answers will help formulate specific questions for the candidates for Chief of Police. This meeting is for anyone in District 12 who wants to provide input.

Residents who cannot attend Coffee With Your Councilman may visit this site to make sure their input is received. If you have any questions about Coffee With Your Councilman, please call 574-1112.

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.