Your News and Notes - May 2011

As drivers and pedestrians take to the streets this summer, the Highland Commerce Guild asks that everyone slow down, use common sense and avoid becoming a statistic.

 

According to several local accident attorneys, Louisville is ranked as the 7th worst city in the country for the safety of pedestrians. 

 

The culprits are distracted drivers using cell phones, texting, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs; drivers who fail to watch for pedestrians when turning at an intersection or backing out of a parking lot or driveway; drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk, reduce their speed in a school zone or stop for school buses – in other words, drivers who don’t follow basic traffic rules designed to protect pedestrians.

 

But it isn’t just the drivers who are at fault. Distracted pedestrians, using cell phones, texting, wearing head phones, riding bikes, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can all fail to watch for cars and obey traffic lights and signals.

 

The Highland Commerce Guild wants to promote Louisville as “The Walking Community” and to that end is sponsoring a contest to develop a city-wide ten-words-or-less slogan to promote pedestrian and traffic safety.

 

If you have a slogan idea, send it, along with your name and contact information, to Aaron Givhan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more  information, call (502) 417-7610.

 

The winner will receive 12 dinners for two from local restaurants. The contest ends July 4, 2011 at 6 p.m.

 

Since 2002, Atherton High School (AHS) has inducted into their Hall of Fame 107 teachers, principals, coaches and former students, including nationally recognized alumni such as author Sue Grafton, corporate executive David Grissom and Congressman John Yarmuth.

 

Atherton will honor former students and teachers at their 10th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet to be held in the fall. Any alumnus or friend of Atherton may submit a name for consideration; self-nominations are also acceptable. Nominations must include one of more of the following criteria:

 

• Must be a graduate of Atherton High School for at least 10 years

• Demonstrated outstanding success in academics, athletics or leadership while at Atherton

• Demonstrated a recognizable degree of proficiency in academics, athletics or leadership after graduation from Atherton

• Made an outstanding contribution to the students and staff of Atherton as a teacher, coach, administrator or as a member of the community

• May be either living or deceased

 

Nominations are confidential and may be made through the AHS Alumni website, www.athertonalumni.com, or mailed to Atherton Alumni Association, Atherton High School, 3000 Dundee Road, Louisville KY 40205. The deadline for submission is May 31, 2011.

 

For more information, call Nick Gardner at (502) 568-4267 or Sandy Callahan at (502) 491-8872.

 

Olmsted Parks Conservancy is looking for volunteers to help with the Frederick Law Olmsted parks. Responsibilities include helping to care for natural areas, assisting in outreach events around the community and supervising volunteer groups. Volunteers are the heart, soul and backbone of Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Every year hundreds of volunteers put on their boots, roll up their sleeves, and go to work in the Olmsted-designed parks. Volunteers may participate at their convenience. Training and support are provided. 

 

The conservancy would like to thank Cabrina Bosco, a dedicated park steward who comes out to help, even with an already busy schedule. Every volunteer plays a part in preserving and enhancing our parks. Volunteer by contacting Sarah Wolff at (502) 456-1623 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

 

The Louisville Free Public Library is working with the Jefferson County Public School Adult Education program to encourage everyone who needs a GED, to get one. If you know a coworker, friend, neighbor or family member who wants to complete their GED, now is the time.  Through June 30, 2011, all GED testing is free. A GED or high school graduate makes an average of $8,000 more annually than a non-graduate. If you can help a friend take the first steps, the library and JCPS can help them finish. For more information, call (502) 485-3400 or visit www.adulted4u.com.