Lessons from Katrina...and watchful eyes 

The news has not been good for neighborhoods across America over the past few months. Natural disasters in the gulf states have filled our newspapers and televisions with images of destruction, grief and even lawlessness. New members to our community have settled here either temporarily or permanently, hoping to escape the horrors of their experiences. Economic impacts from these storms have been felt here in Louisville through rising gas and heating oil prices. Closer to home, lives have been damaged or destroyed by tornados striking our neighbors to the southeast in the middle of the night. Evansville will be a long time in recovery, as will our gulf shore neighbors to the south in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisianna.
I’ve wondered often what would happen here in Old Louisville should some horrendous event impact us. How would we react as a neighborhood? Would I know how to help my neighbors or contact them if something happened? For that matter, do I even KNOW my neighbors?
I can only imagine that the residents here would, in fact, band together and help each other. I’ve both witnessed and participated in the groups of Old Louisville neighbors who turn out for a spring cleaning of Central Park and who volunteer to help with the Art Show and House Tour. I’ve walked the neighborhood streets smiling and greeting everyone as we pass on the sidewalks. I’ve seen the tremendous crowds that turn out for the summer tradition of Shakespeare. I, for one, moved to this neighborhood by choice. I have no regrets about living here. In fact, in the face of what could become a volatile neighborhood issue, lawlessness in Old Louisville, I am comforted by none other than my neighbors. Allow me to explain.
Hurricane Katrina was not the only storm to hit New Orleans...the storm of lawlessness hit, too. I’m worried for Old Louisville, but not about a hurricane. I am worried about a storm of lawlessness. Crime is on the rise here in our neighborhood. I have lived here for seven years and have felt completely safe with no worries and no issues. I am noticing, however, that the our streets are not as safe as they have been. We truly have a lovely neighborhood. Our properties continue to rise in value, yet our streets are not safe. I hear the community chat about sheds being broken into and gardening supplies being taken. I hear about homes being burglarized. I hear of people being stopped in the streets or in their garages and robbed of their belongings. This has not been the case in this neighborhood in the recent past but it is becoming a reality now.
I said earlier I was comforted by my neighbors regarding this issue. As I sat down tonight to check my messages, I found not one, but two emails from neighbors regarding crime in our neighborhood AND the willingness of the residents to take the initiative to do something about it. I share this with you because it is important for all of us to help keep the streets and sidewalks of our neighborhood safe. Become involved in the neighborhood association where you live. Be diligent about looking out for each other. We do have a Crime and Safety Committee here in Old Louisville. Some of the members of that committee have created a website. Please visit http://oldlouwatch.blogspot.com/ and leave comments by clicking on the “comments” link at the bottom of each post. Also call 574-7111 to report ANY AND ALL questionable people or odd behaviors you notice in the neighborhood.
Katrina taught us the value of community and the fragility of social order. Together, we can turn a watchful eye to the neighborhood and help turn back the tide of lawlessness some are attempting to mount. We are the residents of Old Louisville and this is our neighborhood. Stay watchful and stay involved.
Debbie Powers
Editor
 

Track Those Planes
Louisville International Airport has a new flight tracking and monitoring system in place. It can be accessed through the airport’s website at flylouisville.com. Click on “About the Airport” for a menu where you then click “Noise Compatibility.”
The Noise Compatibility page offers the opportunity to view near-real time flight tracks. It includes information such as tracking flight activity over a chosen location, including individual homes and residences. Information is also available on individual noise events.
For help with the flight tracking page or other noise issues, contact Bob Slattery at 363-8516 or bob.slattery@flylouisville.com. John Sistarenik, chair of the Louisville International Airport Community Noise Forum and vice president of the Airport Neighbors’ Alliance can be reached at 634-8613 or johnsistarenik@earthlink.net.

Cabbage Patch Update
For several years Cabbage Patch Settlement House has been making plans for updates and expansions of their property on S. 6th Street and W. Magnolia. A preliminary site plan was originally outlined at a meeting in 2002 with the Old Louisville/Limerick Neighborhood Plan Task Force and was received positively.
More recently, meetings with the Old Louisville ZALU committee and the Architectural Review Committee for the Landmarks Commission have been held. Based on those meetings a new Master Plan has been developed and will be presented at a special meeting in December.
Cabbage Patch has served this community for 95 years and provides recreational, educational, and social services to children, youth and families.
Please plan to attend this meeting to learn more about Cabbage Patch and their plans for the future. If you would like to visit the Cabbage Patch please call Lisa Griffin at 753-4438. You may also learn more about The Cabbage Patch at their website: www.cabbagepatch.org.

Public Meeting Notice
December 15, 7:00 PM
Meeting to review
proposed development plans
for Cabbage Patch Settlement House
at the Old Louisville Information Center.

WARNING !!
Leaving vehicles running while unattended has been a major cause of car theft in your neighborhood.
Kentucky Revised Statute 189.430 imposes a fine for drivers who leave their vehicle running while unattended.
This is a courtesy notice from Louisville Metro Police. Please do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
Call the LMPD Fourth Division for information on reducing auto thefts in your neighborhood.
Emergency 911, Non-emergency – To request a police officer to respond 574-7111 and Fourth Division 574-7010.

Good News ..
The Century Court Properties on Third Street, owned by Dale Strange, Bill Gilbert and Brian Shaw is prominently featured in the November/December 2005 issue of Kentucky Home & Garden. The very nice article includes 10 photos and indicated what a great place Old Louisville is. Infact, the magazine has recently opened offices in Old Louisville.

Cook’s Corner

If you’re looking for something a little different for your holiday meals, try this out. I stumbled on this while surfing the net for a different sort of stuffing for Thanksgiving. I know this will be a hit with my crowd and hopefully with yours, too. I always try to throw something new on the table. The sourdough bread makes this a huge hit! I also added sun-dried tomatoes to mine. It was wonderful!
It’s from the Food Network...enjoy.

1-pound loaf sourdough bread
8 tablespoons butter
10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/2-inch thick in both directions
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 to 4 stalks celery with leaves, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
About 10 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped from the stems
10 to 12 fresh sage leaves, chopped
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley leaves

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread it evenly on 2 baking sheets. Toast the bread in the oven until completely dry and beginning to crisp and brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and a few pinches of salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add celery, onion, 2 tablespoons butter, and thyme. Once the butter has melted, cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add sage and remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add chicken broth to skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes and toss to combine until the bread cubes absorb the liquid. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, and sprinkle with parsley. Bake in the center of the oven until heated through and the top is golden brown, about 40 minutes.
Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow to cool about 15 minutes before serving.
 

Mayor Takes Government ‘Into the Neighborhood’
With New Outreach Team

Mayor Jerry Abramson announced that citizens can be more connected to government through a new team created within the Louisville Metro Department of Neighborhoods. Called Neighborhood Outreach Liaisons, the five-person team will empower neighborhoods with an array of community-building tools. “These individuals will be an invaluable resource for our citizens,” Abramson said. “By implementing outreach programs at the neighborhood level, our residents will become empowered to make Louisville a safe, strong and vibrant hometown.”
Each Neighborhood Liaison will cover one of five areas, designated as the Central, Western, West Central, Southeastern and Northeastern territories. The areas generally run north to south and fan out to include both urban and suburban areas.
The Neighborhood Liaisons’ primary purpose is to connect the community with government and make government more accessible. Outreach programs include:

·Assisting residents to start or rejuvenate neighborhood, homeowner or condominium associations.
·Connecting neighborhood groups with business associations to work on common issues in neighborhoods.
·Helping neighborhood groups participate in the Neighborhood Assessment program. Neighborhood Assessments are studies of a neighborhood’s demographic, economic and land-use composition to provide a better understanding of an area’s strengths, challenges and opportunities. Assessments create a set of goals with an action plan for neighborhoods.
·Providing connections between residents and government services such as MetroCall 311 and/or explain how the Inspections, Permits and Licensing Department works. The liaisons will go door-to-door to meet with neighbors and promote programs and events, and listen to residents about area concerns.
·Coordinating training. The Department of Neighborhoods offers a number of programs to assist neighborhood leaders, such as conflict-resolution workshops and bylaws training for neighborhood associations. The department also coordinates the annual Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit.

In addition the Neighborhood Outreach Liaisons will receive professional certification as community builders through the national NeighborWorks America program. NeighborWorks America is a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts.
“NeighborWorks is proud to partner with Louisville Metro Government to provide high-level training to this new outreach team. We know of no other city in the U.S. that requires their entire outreach team to receive a professional certification through NeighborWorks. This is a true commitment to excellence and will set a high example of professionalism in delivery of governmental service,” said Melvyn Colon, manager for community building and organizing for NeighborWorks America, located in Boston.
In preparing for this new role, the five Neighborhood Outreach Liaisons have spent the past three months interacting with more than 100 neighborhood groups across the city.
The Louisville Metro Department of Neighborhoods builds strong neighborhoods block-by-block. The department works to develop and strengthen neighborhood associations, create safe and beautiful communities and offers year-round training to empower our neighborhood leaders. The Louisville Metro Department of Neighborhoods houses the divisions of Brightside, Community Outreach, Office of International Affairs, MetroCall and the Mayor’s Special Events Office - working in unison to create a vibrant Louisville.
To contact a Neighborhood Outreach Liaison, call the Department of Neighborhoods, at 574-3380.


 

From Metro Louisville...

Neighborhood LINK Training
Neighborhood LINK is a national program that provides free websites to not-for-profit associations. The Louisville Metro Department of Neighborhoods offers training assistance to neighborhoods so they can establish and maintain their free Website. The workshop is free, but registration is required due to limited computer terminals.
For more information call MetroCall 311 or 574-5000. The date is December 5 at Louisville Free Public Library, Main Brach from 6:00p.m. – 8:30p.m.

Save The Date
2nd Annual Mayor’s Event Expo on Saturday, February 18, 2006
For all event organizers to meet, network, attend event organizing training seminars and learn from experts at the Expo booths.

Brightside’s Cookbook by Community Gardeners
The Brightside Community Garden Cookbook is available for purchase. The recipes are by Brightside’s Community Gardeners. Proceeds benefit the community garden program. Brightside has 13 community gardens with over 1,600 participants in Louisville Metro. Brightside is Louisville’s non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and the beautification of our community.
To purchase a cookbook, contact Brightside, 574-2613, or download an order form, www.brightsideinc.org. The cookbook costs $10. It can be picked up at the Brightside office or mailed (add $1 for shipping).

Congratulations to Brightside for IABC / PRSA Award
Brightside’s Gallopalooza Project won two first place IABC/PRSA Landmarks of Excellence Communications Awards. The awards were for “excellence in a special event” and the Gallopalooza book won an award for “publications-special project.” IABC and PRSA are local public relations communications associations. Picture from left to right: David Witt, Vice Chair Brightside Board of Directors; Lynn Huffman, Gallopalooza coordinator; Cindy Korhorst, Gallopalooza sponsorship coordinator; Leonard Lusky, Moonlight Press; Cynthia Knapek, Executive Director of Brightside; and Jason Vincent, Program Director of Brightside.

Organize A Cleanup and Round Up Volunteers to Help Pickup Litter.
For more information visit Brightside they can help you with these programs and provide bags, gloves, brooms and rakes. Call 574-2319.

International Citizens Police Academy
The purpose of this 12-week course is to educate the public about the police services delivered by the Louisville Metro Police Department in order to foster understanding and community support for the department. This class is repeated in September. FREE. Dates are Feb. 15, 2006 – May 10, 2006 Contact: LMPD Officer Minerva Virola at (502) 574-8845 or Virola@lmpd.loukymetro.org

Residents May Now Learn CPR at Home
The goal of the project, Hands to Heart Louisville, is to train 15,000 people in CPR within a few months. This would more than double the number of people in Louisville who know this basic lifesaving skill. The city, with funding support from the American Heart Association and Anthem Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Kentucky, will distribute 2,500 to 3,000 training kits - which include a step-by-step tutorial on CPR and a practice mannequin – to targeted groups free of charge. The Louisville Metro Office of Women will help reach out to women’s clubs and civic groups, the Louisville Metro Health Department will distribute kits to a network of African-American churches and the Jefferson County Medical Society will distribute kits to families of cardiac patients through local doctors.
These kits will be distributed in the next few months, at no charge, to three target populations in this community:
· women, because they are more likely to make healthcare decisions in the family
· minorities, a group that is disproportionately affected by heart disease
· families of cardiac patients , who face an increased risk of future heart attacks
For more information about how to participate in Hands to Heart Louisville, call 574-4343 or MetroCall at 311. The American Heart Association also has kits available for $29.95 or will help residents enroll in traditional CPR classes. Call 1-877-AHA-4CPR or log on to www.cpranytime.org.

Louisville Metro Police Department Crime Prevention Strategies
We need your help. In the past, police officers responded to crimes after they had already been committed. Now we want your help in preventing crimes before they occur. We need everyone in our community to take an active role in learning how to stop a crime before it happens. One way you can take an active role in solving and preventing crime is by using the Metro Police’s tip line, 574-LMPD.

HOME REPAIR SCAMS
Two of the biggest investments we make in our lives involve our homes and our cars. These become two of the hottest targets for scam artists. There are several things you can do though to help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a home repair scam.
· Be wary of unsolicited contractors who inform you of damage and costly repair work on areas such as your roof or driveway.
· Pressure tactics and limited time offers should also raise red flags.
· Get several opinions on repair or replacement work before making decisions.
· Check the company’s credentials, the better business bureau or your State Attorney General’s office may be able to provide you with sound resources.
· Make sure you get everything in writing and have someone review any written contract before you sign it.
· Never pay for jobs in advance. Be wary of demands for large payments before the job has ever been started. Deal with licensed and insured contractors. Jobs that are a deal due to the contractor having left over materials from a previous job should raise suspicion, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
By following the tips above you can insure you don’t become the victim to a home improvement scam.

MetroSafe Communications Center
Effective September 1 MetroSafe Communications Center became fully operational. This means emergency dispatchers for police, fire, and EMS are now housed in one facility – MetroSafe Communications Center, located at 768 Barret Avenue. Having all emergency dispatchers under one roof helps MetroSafe Communications Center expedite responders for Fire, Police, and EMS in reaching you faster. Please keep the following MetroSafe Communications Center numbers readily available should you ever need us:
  · 9-1-1 Emergency Number
  · 574-2111 Non-Emergency Number (former county police telephone number)
  · 574-7111 Non-Emergency Number (former city police telephone number)
Visit our website at http://www.loukymetro.org/Department/MetroSafe for more information about Louisville Metro’s new MetroSafe Communications Center.

10th Annual Race & Relations Conference
January 11, 2006 The Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission is having its 10th Annual Race and Relations Conference: A Decade of Diversity. The Keynote Luncheon Speaker is Harvard Law professor, legal theorist, and author Charles Ogletree. For more information please call 574-3631.

Annual Unity Dinner
Presented by The Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political repression. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Cornell West. Date: January 21 – Louisville Gardens at 5:30p.m.

Habitat ReStore Now Open
On October 19, 2005, Habitat ReStore opened its doors to the public. The primary purpose of ReStore is to generate funds for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville. ReStore is a retail operation that sells donated building materials, tools, furniture and other items for the home at deeply discounted prices. ReStore is located at 2777 S Floyd St, across from Gate 1 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Hours of operation are Wed. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., 636-2419.

Volunteers Needed
The Bingham Enrichment Center, 3900 West Broadway, is seeking volunteer tutors for reading, math and computers, grade 1-11 for their after school program 4:00p.m. – 6:00p.m. Anyone interested can call Joyce Thomas at 291-1002 or 775-8479. She has recently received an influx of students from Jefferson County Public Schools.

Everyone Come!
Going Away Party for
Officer Terra Long
December 8, 7 p.m.
Old Louisville Information Center

Another chance to see a “Victorian Christmas Tour”

Our neighbors to the north, from Historic Newport, Kentucky extend an invitation from one historic district to another to join them for the 13th Annual “Victorian Christmas Tour and More” on December 11, 2005 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Newport’s East Row Historic District, located along the Ohio River across from downtown Cincinnati is one of the largest designated historic districts in Kentucky second in size only to your own Old Louisville. We are excited to share the efforts of our residents with you and would be glad to reciprocate in spreading the word here of any upcoming events and activities Old Louisville is sponsoring. Articles can be emailed to the editors of our district newsletter, “The Voice of the East Row Historic Foundation” at Voice@EastRow.org 
This year’s event offers visitors a chance to view eight homes, all with traditional Victorian facades and an eclectic mix of interior restorations ranging from traditional period style to bold contemporary design. This variety reflects an effort to share with visitors a myriad of ways to repair, restore and preserve vintage homes. It also demonstrates the versatility an old home offers to meet the needs of modern life. What to do, for example, with slightly fire-damaged gems bereft of the lovely old wood that attracts many? Where to tuck modern conveniences without destroying the period ambience? The solutions are breathtaking!
Come see the Jenn-air national grand prize kitchen makeover one home offers. “Borrow” professional decorating ideas as two homes belong to interior designers. Appreciate the award-winning living room recognized in a national design publication.
Marvel at the faux painting and custom murals resplendent in one residence. Admire the lovely taste and drama all these homeowners have lavished upon their Victorian treasures.
In addition to the late 19th century homes within the district, guests can see a fabulous aerial view of the region from a luxurious condominium included on the tour. Located high atop a hill overlooking the City of Newport, the Ohio River, and the Cincinnati skyline, this home offers visitors a remarkable panoramic perspective.
Take a stroll back in time and into the future – through the beautiful East Row neighborhood filled with twinkling lights, mistletoe, Christmas trees, horse-drawn carriages and strolling Christmas carolers. Finish the tour with a wine and beverage tasting party hosted at our historic Wiedemann Mansion. Tickets for the event can be purchased on Sunday, December 11 at the tour starting point:
The Wiedemann Mansion
401 Park Avenue
(corner of 4th and Park)
Newport, KY.
House Tour Ticket - $20
Wine/Beverage Tasting Ticket - $15 (with purchase of House Tour ticket)
Wine/Beverage Tasting Ticket Only - $20
All proceeds go to the East Row Historic Foundation

Old Louisville Neighborhood Block Association Chairpersons

Click here for this month's Meeting's Calendar

Please visit our Sponsor's Page!

 

Submit Journal contributions to the Editor:
Old Louisville Information Center
1340 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40208.
Phone: (502) 635-5244
E-mail: olnc@bellsouth.net
Advertising rates available upon request.
Please submit “Letters to the Editor” to the above address.
The 15th of each month is deadline for submission of all ads and articles.

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