Book Launch Celebration for We Can Hear You Just Fine TONIGHT

Louisville Metro Council

District 9 eNews

November 10, 2016

Book Launch Celebration for “We Can Hear You Just Fine” – TONIGHT

Join in celebrating the publication of "We Can Hear You Just Fine: Clarifications from the Kentucky School for the Blind" and get your book signed by the authors on Thursday, November 10 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy readings by the authors, remarks by Congressman John Yarmuth, Gary Mudd of the American Printing House for the Blind, and Louisville Story Program staff.
During the 2015-16 school year, the Louisville Story Program worked closely with seven students from the Kentucky School for the Blind in daily afterschool writing workshops to help them write about their lives and experiences. The students also developed oral histories based on interviews they conducted with others in their lives. Their hard work culminated in "We Can Hear You Just Fine: Clarifications from the Kentucky School for the Blind," the nation’s first professionally published nonfiction anthology written by blind and visually impaired teenagers. The essays in We Can Hear You Just Fine offer vivid, incisive and illuminating portraits of their lives. They cover a range of topics: the travails and triumphs of visual impairment, the difficulties of marginalization, the decision to leave home to attend the Kentucky School for the Blind, learning to live with schizoaffective disorder, the rapid life changes attending pregnancy and childbirth, pastoral recollections of rural communities, an autodidact’s path to producing his own internet radio show, and the relief of finding community and achieving independence. Their book highlights the particularities of their lives, but also serves as a poignant reminder that the desire for acceptance and dignity, and the drive to succeed and make meaning in the world, is common to all of us.

You can watch the project video, read more about it, and pre-order the bookhere.

District 9 is happy to make this event possible at the Clifton Center. Please join us!

Sustainability Story: Jacqueline Klein

Congratulations to District 9’s Jacqueline Klein, recently named the Louisville Sustainability Council’s 2016 Outstanding Volunteer. Jacqueline is the longest serving co-chair of an LSC Action Team, beginning with her service after the 2014 Sustainability Summit and continuing in her role today. Through her leadership,the action team has been offering the community the monthly Green Drinks Louisville meetups, and participating in events around the community to share the LSCs efforts, including Solar Over Louisville, the annual Sustainability Summit, and more.

Jacqueline is an owner of Parker & Klein Real Estate, located on South Sherrin Avenue in D9,and real estate is a true passion for her. Being in a business that touches so many people offers her a platform to promote awareness in sustainability. She engages her clients to help her with recycling efforts in their homes (giving large recycle or compost bins as closing gifts) and sponsors client events such as document shredding, recycling electronics and clothes recycling. Her company promotes actions in the office through bulk recycling, low to zero paper use, no plastics, and through monetary donations to sustainable causes. In addition to volunteering with the Louisville Sustainability Council, she also volunteers her time as a District 9 leader with Brightside. Thanks, and congratulations, Jacqueline!

We’d like to feature your sustainability story - a resident or business doing good things for theenvironment. Riding the bus, bicycling, walking,gardening and more - our eNews willfeaturepractices which can benefit all of us. Send your story toBill HollanderorKyle Ethridge.

Free Tree Giveaway – November 12

In an effort to assist the community of Louisville reach its goal of a 45% tree canopy cover by 2040, the Division of Community Forestry is offering free trees on Saturday, November 12th. Trees will be distributed at the Jefferson Community and Technical College’s downtown campus (2nd and Broadway) from 12 noon to 2 PM.There are ten (10) species of trees to choose from and recipients can take home up to three (3) trees each.

Each tree that is distributed comes with a species specific fact sheet, directions on how to plant the tree, and water instructions. The knowledgeable staff of the Division of Community Forestry will be on hand to assist recipients with their tree selection.

Recipients will need to provide proof that they are a resident of Louisville (Jefferson County), agree to plant the tree on private property, and to care for it. The trees that are going to be distributed are in three (3) gallon containers and are easily transported home in a compact car.

More information available onFacebook: and Develop Louisville (

Free Junk Drop Off – November 12

Metro Public Works will offer free bulk waste/junk drop-off service on Saturday, November 12 from Noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Outer Loop Landfill, 2673 Outer Loop. Get rid of bulky items such as appliances, furniture and mattresses.

Proof of Jefferson County residence is required. Vehicles will not be allowed to line up before 11 a.m. ahead of the noon start of the drop-off event.

Residents are asked to separate metal items from other junk. Do not bring yard waste, hazardous materials, paint, tires or commercial trash.

The junk drop-off service is a partnership with Waste Management of Kentucky. The event is in addition to regular bulk waste disposal available throughout the year at the Waste Reduction Center located at 636 Meriwether Avenue.

“Meet with Bill” – Tuesday, November 15

We are always happy to hear from constituents. To make meeting with us in person more convenient, we’ll be holding office hours at various places around District 9, in addition to our regular, evening D9 Community Conversations. On Tuesday, November 15, from 10:00 a.m. – Noon, we’ll be at the American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, in the second floor conference room. Please stop by with any questions or concerns. You can also call anytime at 574-1109 or email me.

MSD Public Meeting on I-64 and Grinstead CSO Basin – November 15

MSD will host an Advanced Design Meeting concerning the I-64 & Grinstead CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Basin on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana Building, 2115 Lexington Road. At this meeting, MSD will provide information about the advanced design phase of the project and offer you an opportunity to provide input concerning the project. This basin will greatly lessen the occurrence of combined sewer overflows – untreated sewage – entering Beargrass Creek during rain events.

If you are unable to attend, you may take the meeting survey – available a few days after the meeting – online at

WFPK Free Winter Wednesday Concert Series

The WFPK Free Winter Concert Series is returning to the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street, on Wednesday, November 16 with performances by Adia Victoria and Brooks Ritter. This free concert series takes place once a month and runs November 2016 through February 2017.Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. WFPK and Clifton Center members will receive preferred seating. Come early for the pre-concert reception to save yourself a seat and grab a drink before the show! More info is available at

WFPK continues its long-time partnership with Yum! Brands Foundation to raise awareness for Dare to Care Food Bank. Please bring a canned good or other non-perishable item to be collected at the door!

FREE Mammogram Screenings – December 9

On Friday, December 9, from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, the 9th District office, in partnership with U of L Hospital and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, will offer FREE mammograms at the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street. To make an appointment please contact my office at 574-3908.Mammograms are for women age 40 and over. There is no cost to eligible women without insurance. Women with insurance will need to bring their card so a claim may be filed.

FREE Leaf Drop-off Sites Now Open

Louisville Metro residents not mulching autumn leaves into their lawns or using curbside collection will have the option to dispose of them at one of three drop-off sites nowthrough December 3.Drop-off will not be available on November 24 and 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.

Leaf drop off sites:

• Public Works Yard,10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane), Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Public Works East District Operations Center, 595 Hubbards Lane, Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Public Works Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue, Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Notice of Planning & Design Public Meetings

For basic details for the below case/s please visit Click on “Search Case Information” link on the left navigation bar. Then select the “home” tab and select the type of case and enter the case number. For specific case information please call or email the listed case manager. If you have any questions please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.

Case No. 16ZONE1062

You are invited to attend the public meeting and public hearing to review the proposed change in zoning from W-3, Waterfront District, to C-M, Commercial Manufacturing, with waivers and a revised detailed district development plan.

Subject Property: 2700 Buddeke Drive

Case Manager: Laura Mattingly ()

Date & Time: Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 1:00 PM until all cases are heard

Location: Old Jail Building, 514 W Liberty Street

Volunteers Needed for the 2016 Tax Season

For the past several years, the District 9 office has hosted a mobile tax preparation site at United Crescent Hill Ministries, offering free tax preparation to individuals and families under a certain income bracket. Each year we depend on volunteers to help prepare taxes and greet clients at our mobile site. We have a few dedicated volunteers that help us out every year, but we need more! This year we’d like to offer additional tax preparation dates and hope you’ll consider joining our team! If you are interested in volunteering for the 2016 tax season (February-April 2017) please contact Kyle Ethridge or call 574-1109. The first volunteer training will be offered in December. Volunteers are needed to help prepare taxes AND greet clients.

VA Medical Center Replacement Meetings – November 15

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Replacement Robley Rex VA Medical Center (VAMC). VA proposes to construct and operate a campus to replace the existing Robley Rex VAMC, Veterans Benefits Administration office, and three community-based outpatient clinics in Louisville, KY. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, VA has prepared a Draft EIS that analyzes the potential impacts of three alternatives for this proposal. VA is continuing to recommend construction and operation of a replacement VAMC campus at 4906 Brownsboro Road, near the Watterson Expressway.

Interested parties are invited to participate in either an afternoon or evening public meeting summarizing the results of the Draft EIS:

Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 12:00 – 2:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Christ Church United Methodist Church

4614 Brownsboro Rd, Louisville, KY 40207

Displays and handouts will be available for review, as well as forms for written comments. Verbal and written public comments will be accepted at the public meetings.

You may also submit written comments on the Draft EIS through December 12, 2016, online at by email to , or by regular mail to Robley Rex VAMC, Replacement VAMC Activation Team Office (Attn: Judy Williams), 800 Zorn Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206. Please refer to “Replacement Robley Rex VA Medical Center” in any correspondence.

The Draft EIS is available for public review online at and at the Westport, St. Matthews Eline, and Main Branches of the Louisville Public Library system.

If you have any questions, please contact VA by email to , or by mail to Robley Rex VAMC, Replacement VAMC Activation Team Office (Attn: Judy Williams), 800 Zorn Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206.

ATT Access Program Information

Access to the internet is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. Citizens need access to the internet in order to apply for jobs, and access educational resources and government services. Households and individuals that do not have access to a home internet connection are at a disadvantage.

Due to recent actions by the Federal Government, Internet Service Providers are starting to offer low-cost internet plans to eligible households. Right now, AT&T is the only internet service provider in Louisville offering low-cost internet plans to qualified individuals.

Its plan is called "AT&T Access". It costs between $5 and $10 a month for a home network and modem with no installation or activation charges, and it is available to residents that have at least one member in their household enrolled in the SNAP program.

For more information, please visit:

AT&T retail stores are not able to process AT&T Access applications or orders. You must access the application on thewebsiteand submit the form online or via email. You may also print the form and send via fax or mail. If you experience difficulties with the online form, you can contact an AT&T representative by phone at 855.220.5211. (For help inSpanish, call 855.220.5225.)

6th Annual Free Coat Exchange - November 25

The concept is simple: some people have a coat they don’t need, and some people need a coat they don’t have. On Black Friday, Friday, November 25, the two will come together to make a difference in many lives.

Coat Exchange Sites from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• The Green Building,732 East Market Street, Ted Loebenberg at 401 952-6566
• Save-A-Lot Food Store4148 Taylor Blvd, Craig Oeswein at367-8433
• Save-A-Lot Food Store,2626 Portland Ave, Woody Woodruff at 772-0705
• St. Paul AME Church,1518 South 28th Street,Rev. Nachia Woods at 371-3041,
• Family Scholar House-Parkland Campus,1309 Catalpa Street, Harvetta Ray at 855-8569,
• Westport Road Church of Christ,4500 Westport Road, Donna Risley at 270-302-5900,

Collection Only Sites, Drop off Coats Until November 22:

• St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 1206 Maple Lane, Anchorage, KY, BobLaMontagneat253-0601,
• The Fashion Post, 2420 Lime Kiln Lane, Suite F, Bob Bayersdorferat 423-6700,
• The Episcopal Church Home, 7504 Westport Road, Tracy Graham at736-7816,
• Gilda’s Club633 Baxter Avenue, Tracie Nash at 371-3061,
• Highland Coffee Company,1140 Bardstown Road, Greg Hofer at 451-4545
• New Earth Garden Center,9806 Taylorsville Road,Nancy Roberts at 261-0005,
• Westport Road Baptist Church9705 Westport Road.Rodney425-2350 ext .
• St.Matthews Chamber, 3940 Grandview Avenue at 899-2523,
• Commonwealth Credit Union, 3704 Frankfort Avenue,Abby Corder at 564-4775,

Ninth District Events!

Below are some Ninth District calendar events! To view a full listing of events please visit the District 9 Blog at you would like to submit events to be considered for the blog calendar please emailKyle Ethridgeor call 574-1109.

Thursday, November 10:St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, to host scrabble clubat 2:30 p.m. Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1771.

Thursday, November 10:Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, to host a free movie screening ofFried Green Tomatoesat 6:00 p.m. Rated PG-13.Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1793.

Thursday, November 10:Book launch celebration forWe Can Hear You Just Fine: Clarifications from the Kentucky School for the Blindat 7:00 p.m. at the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street.The event is free and open to the public. You can watch the project video, read more about it, and pre-order the bookhere.

Thursday, November 10:Carmichael's Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenueat 7:00 p.m. In honor of Veterans Day, Carmichaels will host a reading and book signing with Mark Wilkerson.

Friday, November 11:Carmichael's Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, to host Dave Eggersfor a book signing ofHeroes of the Frontierat 2:30 p.m.

Friday, November 11:Pulling Together Auction & Banquet at The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Avenue. Proceeds benefit the mission of St. Matthews Area Ministries. Tickets are $50 each. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Julie Abbott at 893-0205 or email .

Saturday, November 12:59th Annual Pancake Day, hosted byTroop 1 and Pack 1, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Crescent Hill United Methodist Church, located at 201 South Peterson Avenue. Cost is $7 per person and includes all you can eat pancakes, bacon/sausage and beverage.

Saturday,November 12:Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, to host an adult book discussionat 10:30 a.m. Plan to discussSwann's Wayby Marcel Proust. Books available at branch circulation desk.Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1793.

Saturday, November 12:Carmichael's Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, to host a celebration of middle grade authorsat 11:00 a.m.Join for a reading and signing with four fabulous middle grade authors! Brooks Benjamin, Gail Nall, K.E. Ormsbee, and Lois Sepahban will be at the Frankfort Ave location. This is a middle-school-age, kid-friendly event and will be a great opportunity for aspiring authors to ask questions and meet some exceptional writers working today.

Tuesday, November 15:"Meet with Bill" from 10:00 a.m. - Noon at American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, second floor conference room.Not everyone has the time to come downtown to meet, so we wanted to make this easy and informal with no appointment necessary to let me know if you have any concerns or questions about anything going on in the district or Metro Louisville.

Tuesday, November 15:Louisville Children & Nature "Let's Move! Outside" Summit from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Shawnee Golf Course Club House, 460 Northwestern Parkway. This event is free, though reservations are required online at

Tuesday, November 15:St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue, to host a movie discussion groupat 2:30 p.m. Plan to discussThe Straight Story.Questions, please contact the branch at 574-1771.

Tuesday, November 15:MSD to host public meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, 2115 Lexington Road, to discuss the I-64 and Grinstead CSO Basin. This is an Advanced Design Meeting for community input on the project. Questions, please contact MSD Project Manager Brandon Flaherty at 540-6632.