Center For Neighborhoods e-News
May 2008
Thank You to Mary Mayrose
Mary Mayrose

Center For Neighborhoods would like to thank Mary Mayrose for her service to our organization, and we want to congratulate Mary on her new position with HUD. 

Mary worked at the Center For Neighborhoods for 6 years, beginning her tenure in January 2002.  On her first project, she helped Jack Trawick (our Executive Director) with the Irish Hill neighborhood plan. 

Throughout Mary's 6 years with Center For Neighborhoods, she coordinated numerous programs and hundreds of people in the community enjoyed working with Mary. 


Some of those programs include: 

  • CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization) Train & Sustain
  • Technical assistance for CHDO's
  • Neighborhood Assessments
  • Rehab Train Institute
  • The Neighborhood Institute

Mary's new position is with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.  She is working at the PIH - Louisville Field Office under the official title of "Revitalization Specialist - Facilities Management".  Mary will be working with housing authorities throughout the entire state of Kentucky, as well as Section 8 administrative agencies.

Mary can now be reached at the following email address and phone number:

Mary.e.mayrose@hud.gov

502.618.8163

Thank you Mary!

Your presence at Center For Neighborhoods will be missed.
Alumni Spotlight
Jennifer Oladipo

Jennifer Oladipo

Jennifer Oladipo (Spring 2008) is coordinating Sustainable Clifton's Social Working Group.  They have been holding monthly pot-lucks at various locations throughout the neighborhood to discuss projects that people in the community have an interest in working on.  The group also spends time discussing the social aspect of creating an eco-village and why it matters. 

They will be holding a youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament in late June because the group is interested in getting more kids involved.  They also hope to reach out to people who might not show up to a meeting about sustainability.  The Social Working group was recently involved in the James Lees Presbyterian Church Earth Day affair, where they set up an outreach booth to educate people about the initiatives of Sustainable Clifton.

To learn more about Sustainable Clifton, please visit: sustainableclifton.blogspot.com

To get involved with the Social Working Group, or to learn about upcoming events, contact Jennifer Oladipo: socialclifton@gmail.com

 


Luther Brown

Luther Brown (Fall 2004) presented the West End Vision's Crime Report Statistics at the Yearlings Club at 43rd and Broadway this past week.  Other alumni reported to be in attendance included:  Roea Wallace, CoCo Vendette, Vanessa Lackey, and Julia Perry.

 

Roea Brenda Fitzpatrick

Roea Wallace & Brenda Fitzpatrick 

Northwest ACEH (Area Health Education Center) http://louisville.edu/medschool/ahec is conducting a summer youth series based at Central High School.  Roea Wallace (Spring 2008) is an artist finishing up her undergraduate degree at the University of Louisville.  In her Neighborhood Institute class, she became friends with Brenda Fitzpatrick (Spring 2008), who works for Northwest AHEC.  Brenda has referred Roea as an art instructor to become part of the staff for the youth series.


Olivia Bourke

Olivia Bourke

Olivia Bourke (Fall 2007), working in association with Tandee Ogburn (Spring 2007), is establishing a handicap accessible community garden in the German-Paristown neighborhood.  They received a $1500 grant from Brightside:

German Paristown Neighborhood Association, Funded - $1,500

Responding to a neighborhood need of increasing green spaces and improving access to healthy fruits and vegetables, the Germantown Paristown Neighborhood Association is creating a raised-bed garden. Raised beds were chosen in an effort to improve accessibility for aging and disabled residents. The garden will be located next to the German Paristown Community Center.


We want to share your stories!

What have you been working on in your neighborhood? 

Are you contributing to positive social change, building community, and improving the quality of life in your neighborhood?

If you are a Neighborhood Institute alumni that would like to be featured in the Alumni Spotlight, please email Hallie Jones (halliej@centerforneighborhoods.org) or call her at 589-0343.
The Neighborhood Institute
Spans 3 Generations of One Family


cliff wallace Coco vendette

We discovered that the Neighborhood Institute is so broad in its reach that 3 generations of the same family have all completed the class in the last year! 

Cliff Wallace (Spring 2007) of the Bowman Neighborhood is the father of Roea Wallace (Spring 2008) and the grandfather of CoCo Vendette (Spring 2008) of the Russell Neighborhood.

The Neighborhood Institute has become a time honored tradition for community and neighborhood leaders in Metro Louisville over the course of its 20+ year life span.  Now, it's becoming a family tradition!
Faces of the Neighborhood Institute
Faces of NI video screenshotCheck out our new video!
Faces of the Neighborhood Institute features Graduates of the Spring 2008 class speaking about why they love and want to stay in their neighborhoods, and what positive changes they hope to create in their communities.

Special thanks to the individuals willing to be interviewed!

Visit our YouTube channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/Center4Neighborhoods
New! -  Community Garden Resources
Added to Website

Olivia Bourke (Neighborhood Institute Alumni, Spring 2007) has been working with the German-Paristown Neighborhood Association to establish a handicapped accessible raised bed community garden on the corner of East Kentucky and Schiller streets in the vacant lot next to the neighborhood center.

Over the course of a year, Olivia compiled a step-by-step guide to establishing a community garden in your neighborhood. Below, you will find a wealth of information, resources, and articles gathered by Olivia to aid you in the pursuit of greening up your neighborhood and building authentic community.

If you have questions or need advice, feel free to email Olivia for help! orobinson@gmail.com


The information (below) has been abstracted from our website.  To review the entire section and its contents, please visit this link:

Parks & Community Gardens


Section 1 - I Want a Garden.... What Do I Do?

Download the section "step-by-step guide to starting your own community garden".

I Want a Garden.... What Should I Do? - Step-by-Step Guide (PDF)


 

Section 2 - Community Garden Organizational & Start-Up References

Download this entire section as a PDF.

Community Garden Organizational & Start-Up References (PDF)



Section 3 - Community Gardening - Evidence & Best Practices

Download this entire section as a PDF.

Community Gardening - Evidence & Best Practices (PDF)


 
Judy Wick's Event

In April, Center For Neighborhoods sponsored the event:
Local Living Economies
An Evening with Judy Wicks

The events were great successes, which included a Sunday evening speaking engagement that was free and open to the public at the Clifton Center. Approximately 150 people attended, hearing Judy speak. Monday a breakfast with Judy was followed by workshops and approximately 35 people attended those events.


Thank you to the fiscal sponsors: Caudill Seed, Wautrous Associates, Heinie Brothers Coffee, Rainbow Blossom, Bike Depot Bike couriers, Keith's Hardware, Fred A. Fischer, Emily Bingham & Stephen Riley, River Fields, Metro Council District 8 Tom Owen, ear-X-tacy, Legacy Homes, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Church of the Epiphany, John Baker, Amazing Grace, Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, George Perkins Sr., Center for Neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Institute 
The Spring 2008 Neighborhood Institute Graduation took place on April 15th at the NIA Center. 

The Keynote Speaker was James Ramsey, PhD., President of the University of Louisville. The musical program was provided by Harry Pickins.

Click here to view photos from the graduation.


Information & facts about the Spring 2008 Class:


Fall 2008 Class

We are now taking applications for the Fall 2008 class sesison.  Center For Neighborhoods relies on our Alumni Network, friends of the organization, partner organizations, and newsletter readers to help spread the word.

Tell your neighbors and friends to sign up early so they are insured a spot in the next session.

Fall 2008 Class Information & Application
Community News from the KY Alliance

Pacific Intercultural Exchange brings high schoolers from around the world to the US for an exchange program each year.

Two of our programs, FLEX and YES, focus on scholarship students from the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and Africa.  These 15-18 year old young men and women will attend American high schools and be part of their American host community by offering presentations on their country, completing volunteer hours and participating in activities in their area to show them diversity, democracy and entrepreneurism.  Our hope is they will take the skills the acquire and use them to promote peace and democracy in their countries.
To view incoming students, please go to http://pieusa.info  The user name is Family PGrasty and the password is pie0034 
Once logged on, click on program codes FYE, FYN or YE1 to access the scholarship students.

Students all speak English and will have a personal allowance and health insurance.  Hosts provide room, meals and loving support.  There is no typical host family!  Singles, empty-nesters, large families and small families can all enjoy learning about another culture and sharing their own.

Please help me spread the word!  Hosts must be found for these students by June 15.  Anyone interested can call me toll free at 1-866-755-0921 or email patty@pieusa.org.


Fall Back Community Awareness Festival

Saturday, May 31, 2008 and Sunday, June 1, 2008

1661 Wathen Lane, Louisville, KY 40216

(future site of Bethel Baptist Church)

SNOW CONES, FUNNEL CAKES, POPCORN, COTTON CANDY, VENDOR MARKET, INFLATABLES, GAMES, AND MORE

COMMUNITY RESOURCE TENT, CHILD DENTAL SCREENINGS WITH COLGATE MOBILE VAN, KHEAA COLLEGE ROAD SHOW VAN, LOUISVILLE METRO FESTA VAN, AND MORE

Youth Presentations by UNIQUE  DANCE TEAM , SOLJETTES, and TAI CHI DEMONSTRATION BY  BABA SERIKALI and more

SUNDAY GOSPEL EXPLOSION FEATURING

GOSPEL RIDAZ, THE SLATE SISTERS, AND MORE

Call Now for special discount passes for youth groups

Proceeds to benefit: Bethel Baptist Church Literacy Committee & Scholarship Fund

SPONSORED BY: Northwest Area Health Education Center, Muhammad Ali Center, Job Corps, Youth Alive, Inc., Studio 26 Hair & Nail Salon, Dr. Gholston, G.C. Williams  Funeral Home, African American Journal for all Cultures, Carpenter's Union, Red Lobster, Ernst & Young, Project One, Big Don and MJ Entertainment, Caldwell Industries, Too Big & Click Entertainment 

To be a performer, for vendor space, or more info call:  (502) 457-3264

Or email: info@fallbackfestivallouisville.com

Fall Back Community Awareness Festival Chairpersons

Shalonda Samuels, Melissa Neal, Tamika Miller, Nikita Tillman
502-457-3264

info@fallbackfestivallouisville.com

 


Cruising the Divide

a celebration of the joy of a festival city and an exploration of the walls that divide it.

 

"Cruising the Divide: From West Broadway to Churchill Downs"

Told in theater, video and dance-and inspired by your stories.

Thursday, May 15 & Saturday, May 17, 8:00 pm at Actors Theatre

community dialogue about the play immediately following the May 17 performance

Friday, May 16, 5:30pm at The Braden Center, 3208 W Broadway (near the corner of 32nd St) -- this performance will also mark the closing celebration of The Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression's: Prisoner's Rights Restore H.O.P.E Project.

Selections of the play presented alongside performances by local spoken word artists and ex-offenders, art work by Kentucky inmates, refreshments and much, much more!

Admission is FREE, but a ticket is required for Actors Theatre performances

call 502-584-1205 or stop by the box office at 3rd & Main St, Louisville

more info: http://www.actorstheatre.org/CruisingtheDivide.pdf




West Louisville Vision

Hey folks,

As some of you know, West Louisville Vision is an organization that combines grassroots organizations, government agencies, and concerned citizens to address various issues in the West Louisville community.  We urge all those interested to attend West Louisville Vision 6 on Saturday May 17th at the Junior Achievement Center on 15th & Muhammed Ali Blvd.  A light breakfast will be served from 8:30am to 9:15am, and the meeting will last until 12:00pm. 


Please RSVP by responding to this email or by calling 502-574-6616.  Thanks, and we hope to see you there!

Joshua Jennings
Health Education Specialist
Center for Health Equity
Louisville Metro Dept. of Public Health & Wellness
2422 West Chestnut St.
Louisville KY 40211
502.574.5716
Join our online community at:
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/Health/equity/



Home Loan Protection Bill Signed!

Governor Steve Beshear has signed Kentucky's new mortgage lending protection bill into law.  For a short summary of key features of the bill read Jason Bailey's article in the Lexington Herald at http://www.kentucky.com/589/story/395281.html.  The Kentucky Equal Justice Center would also like to thank everyone who helped move the bill forward.

 

Courier Journal Seeks Beargrass Creek Stories

In an effort to help improve water quality in the Middle, South, and Muddy Forks of the Beargrass Creek, the Louisville Courier Journal is asking readers to share their Beargrass Creek stories, experiences, and photos - good and bad.  Send your submissions to beargrass@courier-journal.com and be sure to include your name, phone number, and email address.  For more information, please visit http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/bruggers/blog.html.

 

Earth Save Louisville Potluck 

Earth Save will also sponsor the Taste of Health on May 31st.  Volunteers are needed, so please contact nate@metageny.com to help out.


 

The Yoga of Sound with Russill Paul

As both a Hindu and a student of pioneering Benedictine Monk Dom Bede Griffiths, Russill brings his unique blend of spiritual perspectives to his ground breaking explorations of sacred music and chant.  Russill Paul will be in Louisville for a 2-day event the weekend of May 16th and 17th.  Sessions and workshops will take place at the Unity Temple at 757 S. Brook Street in Louisville.  Please visit www.russillpaul.com for a more detailed schedule and description of these upcoming programs.

 

2008 Floyds Fork Creek Sweep by Canoe

Join the Floyds Fork Environmental Association, Brightside, the Division of Solid Waste, Canoe Kentucky and Horizon Hoppers, and Councilmen Robin Engel and Stuart Benson on Saturday June 7th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to clean up Floyds Fork.  Canoes, life jackets, and paddles will be provided, or bring your own canoe or kayak.  To reserve a canoe or for more information call (502) 267-6883 or email teenahal@aol.com.

 

Urban Spirit Upcoming Events Addressing Poverty

Poverty Immersion Program For Adults

Urban Spirit typically offers a Poverty Immersion Experience to groups by leading them through an experience of living in poverty.  The simulation allows people to understand the realities of providing for yourself and a family while living in poverty.  From June 29-July 4, Urban Spirit will offer the program to adults that want to engage in the experience but do not have a group to register with.  For more information or to register visit www.urbanspirit.org.

 

College T-Shirt Drive

JB Atkinson Elementary School is one of the poorest schools in the state with the lowest test scores in Kentucky.  In attempt to turn a corner to success, the administrators invite all students to pledge to go to college each morning.  In support of this mission, Urban Spirit is collecting 500 college t-shirts, one for each student.  If you have a college t-shirt in a child or adult size, please support Atkinson Elementary and send it to:  Urban Spirit College T-Shirt Drive, c/o Deb Conrad, 47 Warren Rd., Louisville, KY 40206.

 

2008 Tour de Spirit

Tour de Spirit is an annual urban bike ride to raise money for Urban Spirit's poverty education work and to raise awareness of Louisville's lesser-known neighborhoods.  The ride takes place on September 27, 2008 and begins at 9 a.m. at Atkinson Elementary School, 2900 Alford Avenue.  Participants can ride 12, 25, or 43 miles and kid friendly rides and activities are also offered.  For more information visit www.urbanspirit.org. 

 


Job Opening at Metropolitan Housing Coalition

MHC is looking for a part-time administrative assistant to work 20 hours per week.  The position pays a minimum of $12.00 per hour and offers fully paid health benefits.  Those interested in applying should send a letter of interest, a resume, and three references to info@metropolitanhousing.org.

 

Job Opening at Kentucky Voices for Health

Kentucky Voices for Health, a broad coalition of advocates working to improve health and health coverage for Kentucky citizens, is hiring a Program Director to build a grassroots constituent network focused on improving health coverage.  The position is 30 hours per week with benefits.  To apply, send a resume, salary requirements, and contact information for three references to Christin by email to actionoffice@bellsouth.net, or by mail to 120 Sears Avenue, Suite 212, Louisville, KY 40207, or by fax to (502) 894-0635.

 

 

1st Annual Gay & Lesbian Film Series

The Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation is proud to present the 1st Annual Gay & Lesbian Film Series, coming to Louisville's Village 8 Theaters every weekend in June!

Join us for the KFA Kickoff Gala, a casual reception featuring an exclusive screening of "Freeheld," the 2007 Academy Award® winner for best documentary short.

Friday, May 30, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center

Tickets are just $25 and all proceeds benefit the KFA Foundation. 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available and start at just $100. For more information please contact Misty York: myork@kentuckyfairness.org.

See you at the movies!
Christina & Misty
Your KFA team


Is Equal Quality Education in Kentucky a Dream Deferred?


Please Join the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights for:  Is Equal Quality Education in Kentucky a Dream Deferred?
A current day look at School Integration in Kentucky

May 15, 2008
at the Louisville Urban League
1535 W. Broadway in Louisville , KY
1:00 p.m. (EST). 

Panelists: 
Dr. James Blaine Hudson (U of L)
Ms. Patricia Todd (JCPS)
Sherron Jackson (Council on Post-Secondary Education)

Moderator:
Dr. Chad Berry ( Berea College )

Honorees:
The late, Thomas Hogan and
The late, John Edward Haycraft

The Problem We All Live With by Norman Rockwell appeared in Look
magazine in 1964, ten years after the Brown decision and during the
height of the Civil Rights Movement. The artist was inspired by Ruby
Bridges, the sole African American child to attend a New Orleans
elementary school after court-ordered desegregation in 1960. Although Bridge's story was the inspiration, the painting is not meant to be specifically about her. It is a broader social commentary on the
situation into which thousands of African American students were thrust during the early years of school desegregation.
 
The start of the Brown vs. Board of Education case began when a little black girl, Linda Brown, had to walk one mile over railroad tracks to get to her little black school, when she could have gone to a "white school" just seven blocks away. 

Chief Justice Earl Warren read the final twelve-page decision to a
crowded courtroom on May 17, 1954.  Warren read aloud: "We come then to the question presented: Does segregation of children in
public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical
facilities and other "tangible" factors may be equal, deprive the
children of the minority group of equal education opportunities?"  "We believe it does." 

Contact with questions:
Caitlin Swain-McSurely
Human Rights Field Representative
Kentucky Commission on Human Rights
502-595-4024, ext 19
800-292-5566, ext 19 (toll-free)
502-595-2378 (fax)
http://kchr.ky.gov
Community News from the
Department of Neighborhoods

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Home foreclosures are affecting every neighborhood in our city. 

Please help us by:

  • Forwarding this email to your neighborhood or association list
  • Send this email to anyone you know in jeopardy of loosing their home
  • If you are having a group meeting between now and June 11, please announce this workshop
Come Talk to your Lender - You Can Save Your Home.
If you're behind on your mortgage payments, or facing other financial problems, you should attend this helpful workshop.

* Mortgage lenders will be available for small group sessions, including: Chase, Freddie Mac, GMAC Homecomings, HUD-Louisville Office, National City, Ocwen, US Bank Home Mortgage, Washington Mutual.

Wednesday, June 11th 2008 from 5-8 PM
Louisville Male High School - 4409 Preston Highway

Workshop is free but space is limited. 
Please call to reserve a seat by May 30th - 574-5370


Mayor Announces Medication Disposal Program

Six Free Drop-Off Sites Available to Louisville Residents

LOUISVILLE (May 6, 2008) - Mayor Jerry Abramson today announced details of the city's third annual "Drug Toss" that helps local residents properly dispose of expired or unused pharmaceuticals.  Six disposal sites will accept medications May 20-22.

"I hope residents will take advantage of this free service, especially our senior citizens," Abramson said.  "These medications can be dangerous if they fall in to the wrong hands or they are not disposed of properly."

Last year, Louisville Metro Police collected and properly disposed of 381 pounds of pills and recycled 80 pounds of pill containers. 

Prescription and over-the-counter medications should never be flushed down a toilet or drain or thrown in the trash.  The medications can contaminate drinking and ground water or release toxic pollutants into the air.

Items accepted in the program include: all expired pharmaceuticals, unsealed syrups, eye drops and nose sprays.  Also accepted are medications that should have been refrigerated, bulk or loose tablets and capsules, and unsealed tubes of creams and ointments.

Participants are asked to mark out all personal information on prescription bottles prior to arrival at the sites.  Louisville Metro Police narcotics officers will be on hand to take immediate possession of the medications.  Solid Waste Management personnel will recycle the containers.

The program is a partnership between AARP, Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA - the Area Agency on Aging), TRIAD - Law Enforcement and Seniors Working Together, and the Louisville Metro Police Department. 

Disposal dates and locations

 

Tuesday, May 20           

St. Denis Church                             

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

4205 Cane Run Road    

 

Tuesday, May 20           

Franciscan Health Care Center     

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

3625 Fern Valley Road

 

Wednesday, May 21     

Christopher East Health Care       

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4200 Browns Lane

 

Wednesday, May 21     

Brookside Senior Living                   

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
200 Brookside Drive

 

Thursday, May 22         

Christian Care Communities             

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
960 South 4th Street

 

Thursday, May 22         

Sun Valley Community Center    

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
6505 Bethany Lane

 

For more information about the program visit LouisvilleKy.gov or call MetroCall 311.



Summer Intern Conservation Corps Crew Member Positions Still Available

E-Corps, Louisville's Urban Conservation Corps is now taking applications for paid summer internship positions now through May 23.  The work program begins June 3 through August 8(with July 4th week off).  A total stipend of $1,000 will be paid out in two week intervals throughout the 8 week program.  If you are a student 17 to 20 years old wanting to learn life skills working in conservation projects this summer with local urban conservation specialists,go to the YouthbuildLouisville website  www.youthbuildlouisville.org ,click on E- Corps and Summer Program for a complete job description and application. E-Corps Interns can qualify for the Americorps Education Award Program.

Beyond the tangible benefits, crew members will have the chance to learn from and network with top professionals in the field, gain technical project skills, take on challenges and develop friendships all while having a positive impact on Louisville's environment..

Catherine Ashabraner
E-Corps/Youthbuild Louisville
cashabraner@youthbuildlouisville.org
213-4552

Or

Mike Mudd
MikeMudd@youthbuildlouisville.org          
213-4592 office or 724-7716
Breslin Pool Fundraiser by O'Shea's
Keep Kids Cool! Save the Pool!
The pool at Breslin Park is slated to remain closed this summer due to a lack of funding. Help us change that!

Every Monday in May, O'Shea's will donate ALL PROCEEDS from all of our sales at O'Shea's Irish Pub AND Flanagan's Ale House to a fund to try and save the Breslin Park Pool. Just come in and have lunch or dinner and know that you're helping the families in our neighborhood as we try to Keep Kids Cool and Save the Pool!

Thank you for your support!
Sincerely, The O'Shea's Family of Restaurants
Celebrating 50 Years of Cheer in Louisville!
Quick Links
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Louisville Metro Department of Neighborhoods

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Property Valuation Administrator

LOJIC

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Neighborhood Link

Metropolitan Housing Coalition

Urban Design Studio

Redefining Brownfields

Community Resource Network

Data on Neighborhoods from the Community Resource Network

Brightside

Neighborhood Planning Resources

Louisville Metro Neighborhood Planning Program & Completed Neighborhood Plans


Louisville Coalition of Neighborhoods (LCON)

The Community Foundation of Louisville

Center for Non-Profit Excellence

Legal Aid Society - Louisville
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