27th Annual Southwest Festival, this Saturday, October 13th at Sun Valley Community Center

Over 20,000 people are expected at the Sun Valley Community Park the weekend of October 13th for the 27th Annual Southwest Festival.

It is not only a fun event for young and old alike but it also helps Southwest Community Ministries.

The Festival will get underway at Sun Valley Park, 6505 Bethany Lane.

The Valley Women’s Club will host their Bean Soup and Cornbread Dinner on Friday, October 12th. This event is a fundraiser for the various programs the club offers in the area and will also be held at the Sun Valley Community Center.

On Saturday, October 13th the Festival runs from 9:00am until 5:00pm. The day will feature the Southwest Car Fest coordinated by River City Street Rods. The car and motorcycle show, Kid City, Teen City, arts & crafts, food booths, "Toddler Town" and a senior tent are just some of the highlights of the weekend.

“It is just a fun day,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12). “The great thing about this Festival is people come out to enjoy the fall weekend and enjoy themselves.”

The event is also an opportunity to help those in need. At 8:00am, on Saturday morning, Southwest Community Ministries will host their Annual Pancake Breakfast. “The Ministries continue to serve many in our community who need a helping hand. The pancake breakfast is a great way to help this group with funding especially with the holiday season not too far away,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13).

“This Festival defines the spirit of our community and brings a wide range of people together for a celebration of our community spirit,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25).

Free shuttle service is available on the grounds to assist those who may need help getting to the car show and other festival events.

For more information about the Southwest Festival, call 368-1196 or visit the Festival website at www.southwestfestival.org.

District 13 “Coffee with Your Councilwoman” set for Tuesday, October 16th

Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch will host the next “Coffee with Your Councilwoman” for District 13 residents on Tuesday, October 16th at 9:30am at Bob Evans near Preston Highway.

Bob Evans is located at 11800 Standiford Plaza Drive.

“We have many things going on in the district and in Metro Louisville this fall and I want to update everyone on many programs and listen to any comments about how Metro Louisville can serve you better,” says Welch.

The Councilwoman offers an informal setting to come out and ask questions about Louisville Metro Government raise concerns about your neighborhood and get updates on many new programs in South and Southwest Louisville.

“There is no appointment necessary to come by and talk with my staff and I and even if you don’t have an issue just come by and say hello,” says Welch.

For more information on the October “Coffee with Your Councilwoman”, contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.

September District 12 Dialogue to feature Craig Buthod of the Louisville Free Public Library

Metro Louisville is moving forward in developing new, improved and state of the art libraries, including the proposed new Southwest Regional Library.

On September 18th, the District 12 Dialogue will feature the man in charge of moving the Libraries forward. Craig Buthod, Executive Director of the Louisville Free Public Library System.

“Construction of the proposed Southwest Regional Library is one of the top priorities in this year’s budget,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12). “Mr. Buthod will be able to provide the latest update on how the process is moving forward in getting the library built and open to the public.”

The Executive Director will also be on hand to answer any question about the ongoing programs and services provided by the library system.

The September District 12 Dialogue will take place at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway beginning at 7:00pm. Representatives from IPL, MSD, LMPD, and Congressman John Yarmuth's office will also be on hand to answer your questions. “I host these dialogues as an opportunity for the community to learn about important issues or government agencies designed to serve Metro Louisville,” says Blackwell. “I hope everyone will come out to learn more about the Southwest Regional Library’s progress.”

For more information, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.

Blackwell and Yates to host 7th Annual Back to School Pool Party for southwest students in District 12 and 25

Councilmen Rick Blackwell (D-12) and David Yates (D-25) are hosting the 7th Annual Back to School Pool Party on Friday, August 31st from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Southwest YMCA.

“Now with school underway, this is a way to do something fun for kids and their parents as we say goodbye to summer and welcome a new school year,” says Blackwell.

The Southwest YMCA will open its doors for free swimming.

There will be free pizza and drinks will be provided.. Street Heat will perform for the event.

For Safety reasons the Southwest YMCA has the following rules in place:

· Family appropriate swim wear must be worn in the swimming pool. A white t-shirt can be worn on top of suit for women and as a shirt for men if you choose. Cut-off’s or denim shorts will not be permitted as swim wear in the pool. 

 · Minimum of one adult per child in the pool for children 6 and under. 

· One parent required to stay in pool area (not necessarily in the water) for children 7 and older. 

 · Children 7 and older who want to swim in the deep end will be required to take a safety test. 

 · This is a family event—an adult must stay with the children—no drop offs. 

“While we want everyone to have some fun and enjoy themselves, this will also be an opportunity to find out about the many programs the YMCA has to offer for children and adults in the area,” says Yates.

For more information about the 7th Annual Back to School Pool Party, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112 or Councilman Yates office at 574-1125. To learn more about the Southwest YMCA, call 502-933-9622. The Southwest Y is located at 2800 Fordhaven Road.

3 out of 4 ain't bad: Upcoming SW Metro meetings!

If you have a local government issue, question, or concern that you would like to have addressed by a live person, there are three (3) upcoming opportunities for you to do so (with one notable absence, as always).

Three of the four Southwest Louisville representatives of the Metro Council have events for constituents to air concerns. As is the usual custom, District 14 has no meetings or communications with residents. None whatsoever. Not even a monthly or yearly email. 

If you live in District 14, I urge you to attend one of these meetings instead. You can have your concern addressed by a capable, competent and trustworthy representative that has made him or herself physically present for a frank, casual conversation. The people below are not hiding from you or avoiding your calls. They, unlike the District 14 office, go out of their way to hold meetings so they can listen to what you have to say. Please oblige them! And remember to VOTE in November!

Coffee With Your Councilwoman

 District 13

 Saturday, August 11, 9:30am.

First String Family Sports Grill

 5921 New Cut Road. 

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

Coffee With Your Councilman

 District 12

Saturday, August 11,10:00 am.

Sister Beans Coffeehouse

 5225 New Cut Road.

 

If you would like more information, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112. 

Talk to David

District 25

Tuesday, August 21, 7 p.m.

 Southwest Hospital Community Room

9820 Third Street Road (Use Stonestreet Entrance)

 

For more information, Call the District 25 office at

574-1125

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.