GLSC Summer Picnic at the Louisville Nature Center
Special Guest Taylor Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of Change Today, Change Tomorrow
Tuesday, July 23 (4th Tuesday in July)
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Please click here to register.
Please join us on Tuesday, July 23 @6:00 p.m. for our annual summer picnic at Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave., 40213. This is a potluck event, with the Greater Louisville Sierra Club providing Momma’s Barbecue. Please bring a dish to share and your own reusable plate and eating utensils. Our goal is to avoid use of disposable items at our gatherings. Zoom attendance will not be available for this event. Our meetings are always free and open to the public.
Our guest presenter will be Taylor Ryan, executive director of Change Today, Change Tomorrow (CTCT). Taylor will provide an in-depth analysis of the food justice landscape in Louisville, highlighting the systemic challenges and the innovative solutions CTCT is implementing to support Black families affected by food apartheid.
As the executive director and founder of CTCT, Taylor is wholly committed to activating and educating individuals on the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Focused on food justice, they're innovating with community grocery kiosks and sustainable gardens. Through her advocacy work, she has successfully implemented innovative programs that strive to bridge the gap between food insecurity and access to nutritional resources. She is a 2023 Louisville Business First 40 Under Forty recipient and was recognized by Louisville Business First in 2022 as a Person to Know in Nonprofits.
Join the folks at KY Watershed Watch on a Voyageur canoe trip on the Kentucky River to celebrate:
THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (50 YEARS OLD!!)
THE CLEAN WATER ACT (52 YEARS OLD!!)
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (passage last year)
These historic pieces of legislation embody the collective will and efforts of civic society to preserve and protect our environment. Please show up to celebrate, learn and support the important and successful work of the KY Watershed Watch.
This event will be held Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at the Clifton Boat Ramp, on the Kentucky River.
Become a sponsor at any level and reserve your seat for a paddle on a Voyageur Canoe.
Commonwealth Sponsor: $250, will reserve two seats on a Voyageur. Safe Drinking Water Act Sponsor: $50, will reserve one seat on a Voyageur. Watershed Watch Paddler: $20, will have a seat on a Voyageur if available. You are always invited to float along with us in your canoe or kayak.
To Reserve your seat:
Contact Hank Graddy, 859-229-4033, hank.graddy@gmail.com
GLSC Action Updates
Pictured from the left-Terrell Holder, Joy Henry, Ethan Gorton, Steve Henry, Drew Foley, Barbara Hedspeth, Metro Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe.
Sierra Club Transit to Trails Initiative
Louisville Sierra Club members rode TARC buses to Iroquois Park in southern Louisville and then participated in a hike around this historic Olmstead Park, which was led by Terrell Holder.
Do you live in Kentucky House District 48 or 49? We have an opportunity for you!
If you want to be involved with moving Kentucky forward with good legislation and policy, become a grassroots activist with your Kentucky legislators. Please join Sierra Club Kentucky on July 10th, 2024, at 7 PM ET for an informational webinar on what our In-District Lobbying Program entails and how this program will operate within key districts across our state. If you can't make the webinar but are interested in learning more, email thholder@bellsouth.net.
Louisville Economic Development Alliance (LEDA)
LEDA is a new public-private partnership originating from the mayor's office and funded in the new metro budget to the tune of $1.5 million. LEDA’s 30-member board will be tasked with charting the course for Louisville’s economic growth and development. From what we can gather, there are no seats on the board for experts in sustainable development. Last week we sent a friendly letter to the mayor asking to correct this and to identify experts in the fields of smart growth and sustainable cities and to offer a seat on the LEDA board to one of the experts. You may want to send a note to your Metro Council person about this omission. Read more about it here, here, and here.
Kent Chandler Steps Down as PSC Chair:
We just heard that Governor Beshear failed toreappoint Public Service Commission Chair Kent Chandler. Tom Fitzgerald wrote, “The Governor's failure to [reappoint Mr. Chandler] is a significant loss for the Commonwealth, and particularly for the residential and small business ratepayers for both investor-owned electric and gas utilities, and electric co-op ratepayer members. Kent was among the most diligent, thoughtful, involved, and fair Commissioners that we have had at the PSC.”
We are at the beginning of an energy transition and the stakes are high. We have known Kent Chandler as an informed, experienced arbitrator since he was appointed. We find the governor’s decision puzzling to say the least, and misguided when you consider Chandler’s record. He will be missed.
Louisville Environmental Rapid Response Network:
Sometimes an idea that has been waiting to happen materializes. At this time eleven environmental and social nonprofits around Louisville have joined together in a Signal Messenger group, a tool for sharing important issues between organizations when they arise. The ultimate purpose is to quickly spread alerts to everyone in the network. Each organization can then decide what, if any, action they can take to address the issue at hand. It’s more like a police scanner than facebook and the possibilities are huge. The LEDA issue described above is now known by many. Let’s hope it's quiet out there but if not, at least we won’t be the last to know.
GLSC Summer Outing at McAlpine Locks and Dam Saturday, July 20
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
McAlpine Lock and Dam Visitors Area, 2700 Marine St, Louisville, KY 40212 Please click here to register.
We will enjoy a two-mile stroll along the shore of the Ohio River in historic Portland. Our walk will begin at the McAlpine Lock and Dam where we’ll share some history, then catch the Riverwalk over to Portland Wharf Park. Along the way we’ll check out the unique mix of shoreline vegetation and have the opportunity to observe Bald Eagles, Osprey and other riverine birds (if we're lucky!).
Please Bring: Water, snacks, hat, and sunscreen. Binoculars optional.
Register online or contact Terrell Holder at 502-649-0139 or email thholder@bellsouth.net.
Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather
Please tell us a little about yourself. I grew up in four different cities, finishing high school in Louisville. Despite a low draft number, I dropped out of college and ended up enlisting in the Air Force to avoid being drafted into the Army. After three years in the Air Force, I returned to school and earned a B.A. from Indiana University, majoring in Chinese Mandarin (which I had studied while in the Air Force). I then joined the Navy, became an intelligence officer, and served 20 years before retiring from active duty in 1997 and moving back to Louisville. Wanting then to indulge one of my teenage passions, I attended the University of Louisville and earned a piano performance degree. I then taught piano and did accompanying nearly full time while my other teen passion, love of nature, gradually encroached. Since 2008, I’ve been a volunteer leader with several environmental organizations in Louisville, including 350.org and Sierra Club. I served on the executive committee of Greater Louisville Sierra Club (GLSC) for eleven years and just finished three years as chair of the Kentucky Chapter. I’ve been married to the same person for 52 years and have two children and five grandchildren.
Why you became active in the Sierra Club? I fell in love with Mother Earth during my childhood years in Denver and, during my working years, had always wanted to do more to protect her. In 2007, I took my first backpacking trip with Sierra Club (in the Colorado Rockies). After that I was on Sierra Club’s email list and started getting notifications of GLSC’s monthly programs. I began attending those and two years later was asked to run for a seat on the Executive Committee. I did so and, as they say, the rest is history.
What skills/talents do you feel you bring to the group? I am a good organizer and, being retired military, I like to “follow the rules.” I’m good at “getting things done” and keeping track of what needs to be done.
What group activities have you enjoyed the most? 1. Outings; 2. GLSC monthly programs; 3. Tabling at public events.
What do you feel are the priorities for our group? 1. Staying in touch with Metro Council persons and local state legislators to advocate for: reducing carbon emissions, increasing renewable energy, planting more trees, and stopping development on or near undisturbed lands (sprawl). 2. Recruiting Group members to be more active volunteers.
What would you like to say to our members to encourage them to become more involved in the Greater Louisville Sierra Club? 1. Sierra Club is the oldest (1892) and largest grassroots environmental organization in the U.S. As such, almost any environmental problem you think needs addressing can be addressed under the auspices of Sierra Club, but you need to be ready to lead the effort. That is because the number of such problems, all caused by the human presence on Earth, is nearly infinite. 2. Volunteering for GLSC is a great way to make friends and to leave a more livable planet for future generations.
Metropolitan Housing Coalition: Energy and Affordability
The Metropolitan Housing Coalition’s housing and energy affordability program, "EveryHome," is launching a new webinar series “Affordable energy Powers Affordable Housing”. Please join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. as we delve into different topics related to affordable energy and housing. Our first webinar will be on July 23rd, 2024, and will be a basic introduction to energy and housing affordability. Register Here.
Energy Efficiency and Affordability Fair - Saturday, July 27th, 12-3pm at the Shawnee Community Center
The Louisville Sustainability Council, Metropolitan Housing Coalition and the Shawnee Community Center will host the "Energy Efficiency and Affordability Fair." Featured organizations include Project Warm, LG&E We Care, Louisville Climate Action Network, and Louisville Water Company. Organizations will provide information on how to lower your energy bill for qualified LG&E customers! Discover Inflation Reduction Act Incentives, get weatherization kits, utility bill payment assistance, & refreshments! (No registration; just show up.)
PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING GLSC'S SUMMER PICNIC ON THE 23RD!
THERE WILL BE NO OTHER GLSC SOCIAL DINNER IN JULY.
THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED SOCIAL DINNER WILL BE AUGUST 27TH.
Resources
Mayor’s Office of Sustainability updates and initiatives - Monthly Newsletter
Everyone is welcome to attend our Executive Committee meetings to share insight, inspiration, and your ideas about our work and what is important. The meetings remain convenient to attend via Zoom.
GLSC August Meeting
Program: Kristin Faurest, President and CEO of River Fields
Please join us as we welcome Kristin Faurest from the River Fields organization. Dr. Faurest will present on the proposed barge repair facility at Six Mile Island and the organization’s leadership in fighting it; give an overview of River Fields’s mission, values, and vision; provide a short visual tour of some of the land the organization stewards; and talk about why protecting the river, its land, and its people is a cause that benefits us all.
*Note: This will be a hybrid meeting, that is, both in-person and virtual. Once you hit the "RSVP" button, two things will happen:
(1) You'll be taken to a Zoom meeting registration page. We hope you’ll attend in person, but if you want the option of attending virtually, then please complete the Zoom registration form (this secondary registration enhances security).
(2) You’ll receive a confirmation email that will also contain the Zoom registration link.
Vote for “Louisville Sierra Club” on Momma’s BBQ website
Momma’s has made voting and contributing to your favorite charity super easy! Just go online anytime, from anywhere and check a box, and you are done. Try it now!
“Momma’s Mustard, Pickles, and BBQ” donates 2% of its sales to several local charitable organizations including the Greater Louisville Sierra Club. All of the charities receive a portion of the 2% based on the votes they get. Our programs benefit greatly from their generous support.
Here are some examples of how we have used “Momma’s” donations:
Ongoing support for our two year old partnership with Bernheim Forest on an innovative educational program, “Restoring Nature’s Classroom.”
Sponsored the installation of solar panels on the Jane and Jewell Training Center at Habitat for Humanity Louisville and the carousel at The Louisville Zoo.
Provide operational funds to continue our Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) program that gets kids outdoors.
Contributed to the installation of solar panels on a mobile wellness clinic that targets people who can least afford such a service (tipitforward.org).
Our thanks to Momma’s staff, customers, and owner Chad Cooley!
Momma’s BBQ has two locations: 122 Bauer Ave. and 129 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy. Please visit Momma’s for some good cooking (including gluten-free items) and thank the staff for selecting GLSC as one of the recipients of its generosity.
Greater Louisville Sierra Club has a membership of nearly 2,000 outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists working every day on local issues that affect our lives now and into the future. Though we are an extension of the national Sierra Club, our Group is a local, grassroots organization, operating with 100% volunteers. Please visit us on the web at sierraclub.org/GLSC.