District 11 E-News
News You Can Use!

Last fall, more than 5,400 volunteers removed 28 tons of trash from streets, sidewalks and green spaces. Volunteers receive free bags and gloves.

T-Shirts available to the first 5,000 volunteers. Register online today at
www.brightsideinc.org.

Louisville Loop Signage System public meeting




Runners, cyclists and exercise enthusiasts are invited to a public meeting on Tuesday, February 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing to discuss the development of a sign and wayfinding master plan for the Louisville Loop, an approximate 100-mile shared-use path encircling the city of Louisville.

Metro Parks’ staff is developing the plan to help improve access, safety, education and the overall experience of the 23 miles of existing section of the Loop, which stretches from downtown to far southwestern Louisville. That section, which includes the trails known as the Ohio River Levee Trail and the Riverwalk, extends from downtown’s Waterfront Park to Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing. Officials are in the process of determining the design principles and placement guidelines for the sign and wayfinding system, and are seeking feedback from the public at the meeting.

The Loop, a key component of the City of Parks initiative to expand and improve Louisville's public parks, is a paved shared-use path encircling the city that will measure more than 100 miles when complete. It offers recreational and alternative transportation routes for cyclists, joggers and walkers. Sections of the Loop will also accommodate horseback riders.

Future segments will include:

· a southwest route from the Ohio River Levee Trail and Riverwalk extending through McNeely Lake Park to Bardstown Road

· the Floyds Fork Greenway, from Bardstown Road to Shelbyville Road, passing through new parks being developed by 21st Century Parks;

· a northeast route, from Shelbyville Road to River Road;

· a route along the Ohio River corridor, leading from the northeast suburbs to Waterfront Park;

· paths along the Olmsted Parkways.

Citizens can sign up for e-mail updates about the Louisville Loop by visiting www.metro-parks.org/cityofparks.

Directions to Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing:
Take I-65 to the Gene Snyder Freeway West. Go approximately 9 miles. Take a left at the stop light onto Lower River Road. The entrance to Riverside will be on your right after about 1/8 mile.

Hikes Point 
Baseball and Softball Signups!

Hikes Point Baseball/Softball Sign-ups will be held at the Meredith-Dunn Learning Center, 3023 Melbourne Avenue. Use entrance in the back.

Saturday, January 29th 10:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 30th 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

 First Lady Jane Beshear Recruits Volunteers for Third Annual Shop & Share Drive

In collaboration with:

• Kentucky Domestic Violence Association (KDVA),
• Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs,
• Kentucky Commission on Women
• Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana,

First Lady Jane Beshear is encouraging Kentuckians to volunteer for and contribute to the annual “Shop and Share Day” on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011.

“Shop and Share Day” is a one-day drive to provide much-needed resources to domestic violence shelters, which support victims and their children.

The goods drive is held at Kroger stores across Kentucky. Each store provides a list of items needed at the shelters, such as canned foods, toilet paper and soap, and has a bin to collect the donated goods. In addition, Kroger stores will be collecting monetary donations at each checkout line. Mrs. Beshear initiated “Shop and Share Day” after visiting several shelters and meeting their residents across the state. The monetary drive began Oct. 15 and has so far raised more than $4,000.

“During the cold, snowy winter months, many of us look forward to retreating to a safe, welcoming home. However, there are many who do not have that comfort, many for whom home is a place of violence and terror. Domestic violence affects thousands of families and individuals across Kentucky,” said Mrs. Beshear. “I encourage citizens to volunteer for ‘Shop and Share Day’ and show their support for the many women, men and children who suffer from domestic violence.”

For more information, please visit online.

 Why doesn’t my street get salted or plowed when it snows?

The Louisville Metro Council Offices have received numerous phone calls and emails regarding Metro Public Work’s snow plan and the plowing/ salting route schedule. Ninety-five percent of residential streets are not on the official snow plow and salt route. Even our own neighborhood streets are NOT on the snow plow list. We have spoken numerous times to the Director of Public Works to see how we might expand the snow route plan. According to the Director, it would cost an additional $1.5 million dollars to plow and salt the side streets of our neighborhoods – and we don’t have the budget or personnel to do that. Some neighborhoods are within suburban city limits and pay an extra tax to receive snow plow services. Many neighborhoods join together to pay for a private contractor or an individual to keep their streets plowed when snow hits. There are individual contractors out there who put a plow on the front of their trucks and will plow your street for $100 or so. Many neighbors pitch in money to cover the expense for this service. Some small neighborhoods and individual streets do this because they know Metro doesn’t plow side streets - - which is a policy in most cities our size. If you are interested in creating a Home Owner Association contact Lisa Dettlinger at 589-0343. Forming a Home Owners Association will join your neighborhood together to discuss the possibilities for your neighborhood hiring a private contractor to clean your streets during the winter season.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake begins in February 2011.

The BB&T Bowl for Kids' Sake has been the event of the year for area supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana for the last 25 years. The event attracts over 3,000 bowlers from Jefferson and surrounding counties who obtain pledges from over 40,000 sponsors in the Kentuckiana area.

The event is Big Brothers Big Sisters largest national fundraiser, raising over $20 million annually for children in need across the country. Because of Bowl for Kids' Sake, more Bigs and Littles can be paired up, more friendships can be gained and improved outlooks on life can be started. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun and easy way to positively impact a child’s life.

So, come join us for a 2011 Bowl for Kids' Sake Kick-Off Luncheon (or Breakfast). Its fun and it's free! Come and learn how you can make a world of difference in the lives of local children just by bowling! We'll equip you with everything you need to organize your company, religious or civic organization for an afternoon of fun on the lanes - all to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana.

Texas Roadhouse Dutchmans Parkway

All participants will play two games of bowling, plus receive complimentary Domino’s Pizza, Coca-Cola drinks, a commemorative T-shirt and various door prizes. Each bowler contributes a minimum of $80 in donations. Players with top pledges are also eligible to win additional prizes.

Community Bowl Dates:

Feb.19-Rose Bowl

Session 1- 1:00pm

Session 2- 3:00pm

Feb.26- Rose Bowl

Session 1- 3:00pm

Feb.27- Rose Bowl

Session 1- 1:00pm

Session 2- 3:00pm

Mar.12- Rose Bowl

Session 1- 1:00pm

Session 2- 3:00pm

Mar.13- Rose Bowl

Session 1- 1:00pm

Session 2- 3:00pm

For more information about Bowl for Kids Sake or to sign up, please visit www.bowlforkidssake.com or contact Daly Muller at (502)753-3758.

Take a LITTLE time to help kids and have BIG fun…Bowl for Kids’ Sake!

Metro Parks announces six sites for public sledding this winter

For thousands of local children and quite a few adults, too, sledding is a highlight of the winter season. Metro Parks wants to remind the public it will open hills in six parks for sledding from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm on days when snow accumulation reaches 2-3 inches. When snowfall occurs, Metro Parks employees will visit designated sledding hills to post an open or closed sign, depending on snow coverage at each location. Sledding on slopes that lack appropriate snow depth will cause turf damage that must be repaired in the spring.

DESIGNATED SLEDDING HILLS:

• Cherokee Park (Baringer Hill, intersection of Alexander Road and Scenic Loop)

• George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Ave., behind playground, near McKinley Ave)

• Joe Creason Park (1297 Trevilian Way, behind Metro Parks administration building)

• McNeely Lake Park (6900 Cooper Chapel Road, near Korean War Memorial)

• Tyler Park (1501 Castlewood Avenue, on Tyler Park Drive side of park)

• Charlie Vettiner Park (5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Road, near Easum Road entrance)

SLEDDING RULES:

• Sledding is permitted on designated sledding hills when the Sledding Hill Open sign is displayed.

• Sledding hills will be open daily from 9 am to 11 pm as long as there is adequate snow to protect slopes.

• Park vehicles only in regular parking areas to protect your car from damage.

• No vehicles are permitted off the pavement in any park.

• No alcoholic beverages are permitted at any time.

• Those who use the designated sledding hills are doing so at their own risk. Bonfires will not be permitted

at Metro Parks sites, and sledders are urged to carry a cell phone in the event of an emergency.

SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS:

• Only use devices designed for sledding.

• Wear appropriate clothing - loose ends or flaps can easily get caught.

• Sleds should contain a number of riders appropriate for the designated device during each descent.

• Dress in layers, so you can remove one layer without risking frostbite. Several thin layers are warmer than one bulky layer.

• Make sure you are with someone who knows your name and can contact family in an emergency; parents should remain with their children.

• Don’t drink alcohol before sledding - it impairs your ability to use good judgment and causes the body to lose heat more rapidly.

• Check your path for trees and other objects before starting your descent.

• Don’t sled head-first or standing up. Good visibility is necessary during your descent. Don’t face backwards, and make sure your vision isn’t obscured by hats and scarves.

2011 Senior PGA Championship Not-for-Profit Incentive Program

The Lincoln Heritage Council, Boy Scouts of America was selected to participate in the 2011 Senior PGA Championship Not-for-Profit Incentive Program. As a participant of the Not-for-Profit Incentive Program the LHC has the opportunity to receive a percentage of ticket sales for the upcoming tournament. For every ticket purchased in honor of the Boy Scouts the LHC will receive a portion of the ticket price.

The 2011 Senior PGA Championship will return to Valhalla Golf Club May 24 - 29, 2011. Tickets are now available for purchase.

When purchasing a ticket you will need the appropriate access code to ensure that the LHCBSA receives credit for the ticket you are purchasing. The Lincoln Heritage Council Access Code is: lhcbsa

You can purchase tickets at www.2011seniorpga.com.

Currently, we are waiting for the final touches to be made to the Senior PGA website. A special link will be added to the website this week for tickets to be purchased in honor of a non-profit participating in the incentive program. Please check www.lhcbsa.org for detailed step-by-step instructions.

Cold Weather Advisory Concerning Improper Use of Alternative Heating Sources

Please feel free to distribute these brief tips to your contacts provided by the Kentucky Department for Public Health concerning home heating winter safety and dangers from alternative heating sources.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage or near a window.

Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t properly vented.

Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

Seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or the Kentucky Regional Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, have a headache, chest pain or are feeling nauseous.

To install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall for daylight savings time. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has carbon monoxide materials available at:

General CO poisoning prevention guidelines: http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm in 17 languages.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can result when the body’s temperature drops below what is necessary to maintain normal bodily functions. In severe cases or when the body is not warmed properly, death can result.

To prevent hypothermia, wear appropriate clothing and limit the time you spend outdoors. Layer clothes made of synthetic and wool fabrics, which are best for keeping warm. Remember to wear hats, coats, scarves and gloves.

Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, altered speech pattern, abnormally slow rate of breathing, cold pale skin and lethargy. Seek medical attention if you experiences signs of hypothermia. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.

 Brightside awards neighborhood and civic groups with NatureScape beautification grants

New community gardens, an urban orchard and an outdoor classroom will be springing to life around Louisville. Mayor Jerry Abramson awarded Brightside NatureScape grants to seven organizations including schools, a nonprofit youth organization and a university for a variety of community garden and tree planting projects.  

“This program is a great example of Brightside’s ability to empower citizens of all ages to make a difference in their neighborhoods, while leveraging private resources,” Abramson said. “These projects will improve neighborhoods and schools throughout the community.”

Neighborhood groups, suburban cities, schools and nonprofit organizations apply for Brightside’s NatureScape grants twice a year to obtain funds for beautification projects. The NatureScape grant program is made possible by a sponsorship from YUM! Brands, with additional funding from individual Brightside donors. Combined spring and fall grants total $20,980, with awards ranging from $500 to $1,500 each.

Brightside’s NatureScape grants are funded entirely through private donations with primary sponsorship from YUM! Brands.

“Thanks to YUM! Brands, we’re able to fund projects like school vegetable gardens, which teach children valuable lessons about the environment and making healthy food choices,” said Mike Hext, Brightside Board President.

Brightside created the NatureScape Grant to assist groups in Louisville with beautification and community garden projects. Brightside is particularly interested in projects that “green up” the community, involve partnerships and include neighborhood residents.

NatureScape Grants are available for any officially recognized 501 (c) nonprofit group. Groups may apply for two funding cycles in a row for a total of $3,000, but must wait for one year before re-applying again, so that other organizations may benefit.

Brightside’s Spring NatureScape grant deadline is March 31, 2011. Neighborhood groups, suburban cities, non-profit organizations and schools are encouraged to apply by calling Brightside at 574-2613 or visiting www.brightsideinc.org for an application.

Notice of Meeting

The McMahan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged and welcome to attend.