Resources
Volunteer to Help Those in Need
The Coalition for the Homeless is an advocate for people who are homeless and for the prevention and elimination of homelessness. Visit their website to learn more and volunteer to help. This week their Operation White Flag program is in effect.
Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
Safety tips from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, including tips on indoor and outdoor safety and cold-weather health emergencies. More.
Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Hazard for Seniors
Almost everyone knows about winter dangers such as broken bones from falls on the ice. But cold weather also can cause an important, less obvious danger that affects many older Americans. Learn more from the
National Institute on Aging website.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership (CAP) is running the Crisis Component of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for those needing assistance during the winter months. The program begins January 8, 2007 and runs through March 31, 2007 or until funds are exhausted. Get all the information here.
Louisville Metro Housing & Community Development Department
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Louisville Metro Housing & Community Development Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program performs energy-related repairs to low-income homeowners/renters who reside in the Louisville Metro area. Through this program, repairs will be made which will make the home more energy efficient, thus reducing fuel bills. These repairs consist of the following:
• Repair/replacement of furnace and/or water heater
• Check for carbon monoxide and gas leaks
• Installation of smoke detector(s) and carbon monoxide detector(s)
• Repair/replacement of missing or damaged ductwork
• Repair/replace venting
• Installation of insulation to attic, walls and floor (funds permitting)
• Air sealing work (i.e., caulking, weather-strip, repair windows and doors, drywall and floor repair, etc.
Funding is provided by the Cabinet for Health & Family Services and supplemented with Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG).
Heater Assistance Program
The Heater Assistance Program provides heaters to eligible persons who have lost heat in their home due to furnace malfunctions. The program is administered by the Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership (CAP) and is going on now through March 31, 2007. To find out more click here.
Interactive Snow Removal Center
Map and View Which Roads are Cleared Near You! The Louisville Jefferson County Information Consortium (LOJIC) and Metro Public Works have created an interactive snow routes map. It allows you to enter an address to see the routes around you that will be cleared during a snow or ice event.
See it: http://www.lojic.org/snow/viewer.htm
Snow Removal Information for Residents & Businesses
(Taken from the Metro Ordinance Number 195, page 40.
See it (823MB PDF file)
(A) It shall be the duty of all persons and corporations owning or occupying property abutting a public street in Louisville metro to remove within 24 hours thereafter such snow as may fall on the sidewalks in front of their property. Where the property is unimproved or unoccupied this duty shall devolve on the owner or the agent for the property. Where property is occupied by others than owners thereof, this duty shall devolve on the owner or the tenants and either may be proceeded against for the violation.
(B) Snow when removed from the sidewalk shall be placed either on private property or in the public driveway at a distance not less than 12 inches from the curbing of the sidewalk. However, in no event shall the snow be so placed as to obstruct the free passage of water in the gutter or in the direction of any sewer or catch basin.
Winter Home Safety
Louisville Fire provides winter fire safety information on their website to prevent incidents in fireplaces, furnaces and wood-burning stoves. Learn important safety tips here.
Breath of Fresh Air Tip of the Month
Every month, the Air Pollution Control District puts out a new tip to help save the air and save energy. This holiday season it's on energy-saving LED holiday lights. Find out more!
Things to Do
Metro Arts Center
The Metro Arts Center at 8360 Dixie Highway (map it), offers classes for children and adults in the fine and applied arts. If you're looking to acquire or refine a particular artistic skill – from guitar playing and cartooning to pottery and silversmithing – the Metro Arts Center has a fun, affordable class for you. And new classes begin in January!
Download Winter 2006-2007 Metro Arts Center program schedule
Community Centers Extended Hours
The Metro Parks Community Centers feature extended programming at Baxter, Portland, Beechmont, Southwick, Sylvania, Presbyterian, and Newburg Community Centers for the holidays.
Louisville Free Public Library
With 17 locations throughout Louisville Metro, the Louisville Free Public Libraries (LFPL) are your neighborhood learning centers, offering computer and GED classes, exhibits and programs for kids and adults and Internet access at every branch. And many branches now offer CDs and DVD to check out. Don't let your brain freeze this winter - connect to www.lfpl.org today.
The Big Read is Coming
Beginning February 1, 2007, the Louisville Free Public Libraries will celebrate the importance and joy of reading with The Big Read, a community-wide celebration involving every library location throughout Louisville Metro. The kick off will be at the Main Library on Thursday, February 1, 7 p.m. with “The Last Dust Track,” a one-woman portrayal of Zora Neal Hurston by Louisville actress Lorna Littleway. Get all the details on the LFPL website at
http://www.lfpl.org/includes/SpecialAnnouncements/BigRead2007.htm
Metro Parks
Sports Leagues
Metro Parks has plenty to do if you're into basketball, flag football and kickball! Check out their page on athletic leagues and get signed up for activity starting later this winter! Go.
Sledding
For thousands of local children, sledding is one of the highlights of the winter season. Metro Parks will open seven sledding hills whenever there is significant snow accumulation (at least 2-3 inches). Get the where, when and how.
Jefferson Memorial Forest Has it All
Jefferson Memorial Forest is America's largest municipal urban forest and seems to be adding more and more acreage every year. Visit their website to learn how you can join in their winter activities from winter hikes to improving your bird watching/identification skills. Can you identify the bird on your right? (Hover your mouse over the image for the answer.)
Get Fit with the Help of the Louisville Metro Health Department
Fitness is just a click away this winter - from losing weight and eating right to wellness training and charity runs - stop by the Louisville Metro Health Department's website to learn more! Go. And check out the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement.
Louisville Science Center
There's always something going on at the Louisville Science Center, and this winter is no exception. Check out this cool event for kids:
Animal Grossology Gross
takes solid science information and incorporates it into interactive entertainment. Experience some of the slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on earth. Learn why the dung beetle is nature's living pooper scooper and why scientists are studying slug and snail slime production for clues in treating cystic fibrosis.
Visit their website to get the full scoop on events, exhibits, IMAX movies and a lot more at www.louisvillescience.org.
Ice Skating Venues
JCPS/YMCA After School Programs
YMCA School-Age Child Care and the Childcare Enrichment Program offer a variety of options for children ages 5 - 14 during winter break. Registration is now open. Visit the YMCA online.