GLSC September Meeting
Program: Kentucky Heartwood Association
Tuesday, September 17
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Click here to register.
Please join us on September 17th, 2024, at United Crescent Hill Ministries building, 150 State St., 40206, 7:00 p.m., for a screening of the new film "Crown Jewels" to learn more about the value of nature and old-growth forests and the fight to protect them. The film was created to help drive comments to the US Forest Service calling for stronger protections for mature and old-growth forests on federal public lands as part of the National Old Growth Amendment process. The event will feature a discussion with Kentucky Heartwood’s Membership Director, Whitney Hamblin, followed by a Q&A. The discussion will outline the National Old Growth Amendment, what it means for our eastern forests, and how you can answer the call to action and submit a comment to the Forest Service by the September 20th deadline. The public has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to forever change the way our government manages our federal public lands.
Born and raised in central Indiana, Whitney moved to Eastern Kentucky in the spring of 2021 to start Holler Home Flower Farm, where she grows flowers for everyday moments and special events. Her love for the outdoors and biodiversity fuels her advocacy work with Kentucky Heartwood, a science based grassroots advocacy organization for the Daniel Boone National Forest. When she isn’t knee deep in the field or traversing the national forest, Whitney loves to cook for friends and family, hang with her rescue pup Henry, and send handwritten snail mail to her friends back home.
Note: This will be a hybrid meeting, that is, both in-person and virtual. Once you hit the "RSVP" button, two things will happen:
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).
You’ll receive a confirmation email that will also contain the Zoom registration link.
Our meetings are always free and open to the public.
GLSC Action Updates
Greater Louisville Sierra Club Political Endorsements:2024 Elections. Make Your Voice Heard on Election Day! Together, we can get environmental champions and climate action advocates elected at the local and state level.
Louisville Metro Council Endorsements (D=district)
D6 J.P. Lyninger
D8 Ben Reno-Weber
D10 Josie Raymond
D14 Cindi Fowler
D16 Matthew Golden
D18 Mera Corlett
D22 Rasean Crawley
D12 Rick Blackwell
D20 Marita Willis
D24 Tyra Thomas-Walker
Kentucky General Assembly Endorsements (D=district)
D25 Cherlynn E. Smith
D27 Tyler Chapman
D28 Almaria "Ria" Baker
D29 Timothy Findley
D31 Colleen Orsella Davis
D32 Tina Bojanowski
D33 Taylor Jolly
D34 Sarah Stalker
D35 Lisa Willner
D36 William "Woody" Zorn
D38 Rachel Roarx
D40 Nima Kulkarni
D41 Mary Lou Marzian
D43 Pamela Stevenson
D44 Beverly D. Chester-Burton
D46 Alan “Al” Gentry
D48 Kate Farrow
D55 Katrina A. Sexton
2024 Kentucky Chapter Annual Gathering - At our Annual Gathering of Sierra Club Kentucky, conservationists from across the state come together to build community. This year, we will hear from engaging speakers on the subject of climate change and how it is affecting us now and in the future and what we can do to prepare. There will be a keynote speaker Saturday night. Join us as we learn, hike, and share a locally sourced dinner at Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Barren County!
We will have another Silent Auction at the Annual Gathering so please CHECK YOUR INVENTORY of items that you want to contribute and email us at greaterlouisvillesierraclub@gmail.com with “Silent Auction” in the subject line and we’ll gladly pick up your items. Even better if you bring them with you!
Transit to Trails (T2T) - GLSC is joining forces with TARC and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy in a triple bottom line effort to connect people with nature via public transit, support the work of Olmsted Parks Conservancy and advocate for improving TARC service in Louisville. Our next T2T outing will be October 11. We are asking folks to RIDE TARC to Binham Park where our partner, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, will be hosting a Beer Garden from 5 to 8 pm and representatives from TARC will be there to talk about the severe challenges they face in the future. Sign up HERE!
Take the TARC SURVEY TODAY! TARC is facing historic financial challenges and a looming deficit. Action must be taken now to ensure the system’s long-term sustainability. You can play a key role in developing strategies for restructuring TARC’s network and services and helping them make decisions about next steps. Begin by taking the survey NOW!
Louisville Economic Development Association (LEDA) - GLSC and MANY other organizations are concerned that LEDA is a big fat business as usual program to expand the urban footprint with new greenfield development and gentrify areas of downtown west of 9th St. We are joining with others to insist that the mayor appoint experts in sustainable development to make sure that a voice for social and environmental concerns are front and center. We must not do the same things that we’ve done in the past and expect different results. You know what that is.
Lights Out Louisville - We Approve this Message - Every spring and fall, millions of birds migrate over Louisville, often at night. Artificial lights can attract or disorient them, resulting in injuries and fatalities for billions of birds every year. You can make a difference! Through its Lights Out Louisville initiative, the Louisville Audubon Society is working to change this. Read more HERE!Louisville Earth Walk - GLSC is again a sponsor of the 2024 Louisville Earth Walk. October 26, 2024 9 AM at Shawnee Park - Celebrating the Earth’s Gifts. Learn more HERE.
Meet our Members:
Joy Henry
First, tell us something about yourself. J: I’m Joy Henry, married to Steve Henry and mom to 2 great daughters and gamma to 4 amazing grandchildren.
I graduated from U of L with a B.A. in Psychology, which allowed me to have a plethora of jobs before volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and becoming a Project Manager/Construction Supervisor.
Tell us why you became active in the Sierra Club.
J: Concerns about the planet led me to become involved, recognizing that S.C. is the oldest and perhaps most influential group I could ally with to make a difference.
What skills/talents do you feel you bring to the group? J: Showing up to learn, participate and promote environmental protection
What group activities have you enjoyed the most?
J: Stimulating presentations at group meetings each month, outings, and Annual Gatherings at various Kentucky state parks
What do you feel are priorities for our group? J: Education and supporting local environmental candidates
What would you like to say to our members to encourage them to become more involved in the Louisville Sierra Club? J: The need is great and there are many opportunities. Barack Obama said, “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.”
GLSC OUTING : HIKE THE KNOBSTONE TRAIL- Section 7
Saturday, September 28
10 am - 4 pm
Meet up Location: 4046 Elk Creek Rd, Scottsburg, IN 47170, USA
Celebrate the end of summer with a 6-7 mile back country day hike in the forested valleys and knobs along the Knobstone Trail (KT). The trailhead is about an hour from Louisville! The KT is a 60 mile dedicated foot path that begins at the Deam Lake Trailhead and ends at Delaney Park near Salem Indiana. This outing will begin at the Spurgeon Hollow Trailhead and end at the Elk Creek Trailhead. Opportunities to view wildlife and spring flora abound along the way. The hike will be a one way hike. We will meet at the Elk Creek Trailhead and shuttle to the Leota Trailhead where we'll begin the hike.
This is a strenuous hike with sections of rugged woodland and steep ups and downs. It is suitable for experienced hikers and beginners in good physical condition. It is not suitable for youth under 12 years of age without special permission. Beginners should be prepared for a vigorous physical workout. Due to the rugged nature of the terrain, sturdy hiking shoes are a requirement. Late summer weather can be variable so check the weather for Salem, IN the day before and dress appropriately. This hike will be limited to 12 participants. Please RSVP to Terrell Holder:
GLSC Social Dinner:
Where new members
become old friends…
Tuesday, September 24
6:00 p.m.
Silvio's - 104 Fairfax Ave.
Keeping with our preference for locally owned restaurants, we will be dining at the Melillo's family restaurant in St. Matthews. There is a yummy selection of Italian food and drinks. Parking is convenient.
RSVP to Barbara at 502-777-7645 by 5pm Monday evening September 23rd to save your seat.
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 October Meeting Program:
Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 15
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Please join us Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 p.m. at the United Crescent Hill Ministries building, 150 State St., 40206, for an important political forum.
An important part of the Sierra Club’s mission is to elect candidates who will lead the fight in protecting our communities and natural surroundings. Candidates supported by the Sierra Club include those who champion legislation that protects our clean air, clean water, and special wild places; speak out against environmentally destructive measures; lobby around important environmental issues; or otherwise work to protect America's natural heritage. During the past year our political committee has been hard at work distributing and evaluating candidate questionnaires. In coordination with our chapter political committee, our group has approved several endorsements for local offices.
We invite you to meet and hear from many of these candidates as we approach Election Day on November 5. Sierra Club endorsed candidates will introduce themselves and will be available for audience questions. We encourage you to engage with candidates who will work for a greener, more sustainable, and healthier Jefferson County. Please join us for this important opportunity.
Note: This will be a hybrid meeting, that is, both in-person and virtual. Registration TBD
October Social Dinner
River House Restaurant
Tuesday, October 29 @ 6:00 p.m.*
River House Restaurant
3015 River Rd. 40207
*Please note the date is one week later than usual.
Chef John Varanese' second restaurant offers an eclectic menu, featuring seafood and lots of vegetarian options. This riverfront restaurant offers locally sourced food and panoramic views of the river. Easy parking just outside the entrance. RSVP to Barbara at 502-777-7645 before Monday, October 28th at 5 pm.
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!
Thanks to all of you who dine at Momma’s Mustard, Pickles and BBQ restaurant and support GLSC thru online voting atMommas 2% for Louisville site. Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ donates 2% of its sales to six charitable local organizations. Momma’s has made contributing to your favorite local charity super easy! Just go online anytime, from anywhere and check one box, and you are done. Try it now!
You can vote daily for "Louisville Sierra Club" on Momma's BBQ Website. The more votes we get, the greater the proportion of this 2% we get!
Here are some examples of how we have used “Momma’s” donations:
We fund Louisville Forward Radio (WFMP-LP 106.5 FM) at the “Partner” level.
Environmental Justice grants to local organizations. Installed 6 new EV charging stations at Bernheim Forest and in the Crescent Hill neighborhood.
Installed solar panels on the Jane and Jewell Center for Metro Louisville Habitat for Humanity. The project also includes a computer kiosk that provides educational information about solar energy.
Installed solar panels to power the carousel at Louisville Zoo.
Supporting Kentucky Heartwood with their Old Growth Forest Protection efforts.
Partnered with Louisville Sustainability Council in their micro grant program.
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.
Momma’s recently announced their biggest distribution ever for a 6-month period, totaling $49,156. Momma says “... it's an honor to be a small part of the fantastic work these groups do to help our community. And thanks to our customers for doing your part …” This brings the total raised and distributed thru Momma’s 2% for Louisville community donation to $667,792.” You can continue to vote on how these totals are distributed at MommasBBQ.com Home of the Innocents, The Healing Place, Greater Louisville Sierra Club, Special Olympics Kentucky, Dare to Care Food Bank, Olmsted Parks Conservancy
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 www.sierraclub.org/kentucky/greater-louisville-group
