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Original Highlands Neighborhood Association November, 2007

Jackie Leslie 1322 Morton Ave. Bank America Merchant Services I am currently Treasurer of OHNA. My objectives are to improve the accounting and financial statements.

Robin Blackshear 1515 Highland Ave. Actuary My interest in serving on the board is to represent the desires and concerns of the majority of the residents and homeowners of the neighborhood.

Loren Prizant 1306 Highland Ave. Attorney I am very interested in becoming a member of the OHNA Board and helping shape the future of our neighborhood.

In this issue: Renting your house for Derby? How about exchanging plants with the Garden Club? Noticed the new Block Watch signs? -Get some safety tips. Coming to the Holiday Party? Patterson Park Improvements New coffee shop -Quills

Message from the OHNA President, Ted Haddox, Highland Ave. At a Special OHNA Board Meeting a few weeks ago the Board elected me to serve as the President of the Association

replacing John Riddick. The tenure is brief. In January the Board elects officers for 2008. The Association membership and our neighbors deserve to know something about their President (regardless of tenure), and I

want to take this opportunity to provide some information on this office- holder and relate a few general observations. I reside at 1312 Highland Avenue. My wife, Kim, runs a household consisting of two daughters (Stephenie and Olivia), a dog

(Colby), and two cats (Romeo and Juliet), and yours truly. Kim is active in the Fleur di Lis Garden Club. She works full-time for the Corps of Engineers. I continue to practice law, teach, and serve as an “arbitrator” with the American Arbitration Association. I became an OHNA Board Member in November 2004.

On a personal level, and having spent considerable time researching the process, I support Historic Preservation status for the Original Highlands Neighborhood. However, as a Board Member, I recognize and support the commitment that was made by the OHNA Board not to pursue Historic Preservation at this juncture.

Those neighbors that oppose Historic Preservation deserve credit for organizing and communicating their opposition about the process. I sincerely hope that they remain an active and participating force within our neighborhood and not a “one issue” voice. This remains to be seen. I have heard remarks made that there is a sizeable group in support of the designation. I have seen little evidence regarding this contention beyond mere words. If the designation is ever to be a reality, these neighbors need to become far more engaged than they presently appear.

The November elections could become a milestone event for our neighborhood. There are six of the twelve directorships up for election. I strongly urge all neighbors to turnout for this election. If you contemplate running for election be cognizant of the fact that there is considerable “work” that will be required. Perhaps new Board members will bring a fresh perspective to our organization. Yet I believe they will quickly discover that the Board accomplishes far more than they ever imagined.

All of us need to work together for the betterment of our unique neighborhood. We need to relegate the divisiveness to history and become involved in a dialogue that focuses only on ways to make our neighborhood the place to live in Louisville.

Board Elections Nov. 19th Come and vote for OHNA’s Board of Directors! Each year in November, half of the Board of Directors of the Original Highlands Neighborhood Association is re-elected in two year terms. That means that 6 seats are open for this election. This board handles all membership, festivals, neighborhood events and communications with Metro government, as well as the publication of this newsletter. Because this affects everyone, it is important to come out and vote for the neighbors you believe represent you best at the November 19th meeting, 7:00pm at the Metropolitan Church. More candidates needed! Current Candidate Statements:

Original HighlandsNewsletter, Fall 2007 issue

Ann (Andi) Williams 1407 Morton Ave. Operations Liaison Wachovia Securities I am interested in serving my neighborhood with my background in planning and production with focus on organization.


Calendar of Events Cherokee Park Dog Area open – October 5. Nominal annual fee allows dogs to run off leash. Licensing enforced. Leashes required elsewhere. Meeting regarding the future of Mercy Academy – October 18. Morton Avenue Neighborhood Halloween Party – October 27, 3 – 10 pm. Baxter Ave./Bardstown Rd. clean up - October 27. First area to participate in the Mayor’s anti-litter campaign. Barkstown hearing – October 22, 8:30 pm, meeting at the old jail. Are they in compliance with guidelines? OHNA Board Elections – November 19th, 7:00 pm at Metropolitan Church on Highland Ave. Bardstown Rd. Aglow – December 1. Enjoy the goods and goodies along Bardstown Road. 5:00 - ? … shopping hours extended. Junk Collection – December 3. OHNA Neighborhood Holiday Celebration – Monday, December 3, 6:30 pm. St. Brigid’s Recreation Center. Potluck. Turkey provided, bring a side dish. Open to all OHNA residents.

Do you have questions? Need something to do? Elections - issues/concerns/assistance needed - Chris Ward. [email protected] / 759-2808 On-going litter issues – identify, assist. Jay Stottman. [email protected] Help water plants in Patterson Park – Kim Haddox. 569-7516 or 802-7174 Highland Island renewal help needed -Jay Stottman. [email protected] Membership Committee needed - Chris Ward. [email protected] / 759-2808 Interested in Block Watch training? Captains needed. – Darrin Riddle [email protected] / 649-8368 Police related questions - Officer Jeff Artman. [email protected] / 574-7636 Newsletter stories/delivery/ad sales – Kimberly Draewell. [email protected] Make a donation to your favorite OHNA cause - Jackie Leslie. [email protected] / 582-2112 Do you have some Good Ideas? - Board members.

OHNA Neighborhood Holiday Celebration Monday, December 3, 6:30 pm. St. Brigid’s Recreation Center.

Potluck. Turkey provided, bring a side dish. Open to all OHNA residents.


Quills: New Neighborhood Coffee Shop

By Anne Rodier, Morton Ave. Brothers, Nathan and Gabriel Quillo, (Nathan lives near Christy and Rubel), set out to create an

atmosphere in which people would feel comfortable hanging out to chat, study and read, according to employee Noel Deeb. The dark wood tones of floor to ceiling bookshelves and diffused lighting do exactly that. Located on Kentucky Avenue, across the street from the Speier Hardware parking lot, the coffee shop draws patrons from both the Germantown and Original Highland’s neighborhoods, bringing the two cultures together seamlessly. Wooden tables and couches offer ample space for coffee lovers to enjoy their selections from a broad menu of drinks and baked goods, while engaging in quiet conversation or study or surfing personal laptops with a wireless connection. The massive bookshelves feature works of authors such as Salinger, McCourt, Rice, Dickens, Hitchcock, Tolkien, CS Lewis and others, and are available for browsing or purchase. Quills is further unique in that it buys locally and is working to become a totally green shop, including using bio-degradable cups. T-shirts and coffee related gifts are available. Quills’ hours are 6 am to 10 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday.

Highland Residents Rent Homes for Derby

Are you interested in renting out your home for Derby? Some Original Highlands residents did it last year and made thousands of dollars tax free because the IRS allows a rental exemption as long as it is for less than 15 days. The Original Highland houses can easily be rented for around $4,000 to $8,000 for 4-7 nights according to OHNA Board member, John Gilderbloom, who has rented out his Morton Avenue home in the past. Gilderbloom says that the "Original Highlands is in high demand because of the great collection of historic homes along with its location, history, restaurants and pubs.” One website that is used by Highland residents with great success is http://www.eventhomerentals.com. There is a flat rate of $100 charge for their services. Another good resource is Craig's List because it is free. Other websites are available, but they charge quite a bit more for their services without significantly better results. It is recommended that you post your intentions to rent your house before Thanksgiving because many families make Derby plans during that time.


A Note from the OH Block Watch Program What is a Louisville Metro Neighborhood Watch Program? The Louisville Metro Neighborhood Watch Program is an active partnership between the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and area residents to increase community awareness and crime prevention. The Neighborhood Watch Program is a vital network that provides each resident with the knowledge and resources to fight crime through home security, property identification, public safety techniques, neighborhood awareness, getting to know your neighbors, and partnerships with police.

Reminders for You and Your Neighbors:

1) Keep lawn equipment, bicycles, and valuables in a secure area. Mark valuables so that if something is stolen it can be identified. A lot of items are recovered at pawn shops.

2) Inspect doors, garages, and windows to ensure they’re secured with good locks. Garages doors should be closed when not in use and secured overnight.

3) Remove valuables from vehicles overnight even when they are parked on your property. Always lock the vehicle even during daylight hours.

4) Check all lights to make sure they work. All globes should be clean and unbroken. Parking areas, front yards, garage doors, and residence numbers should be lit. Motion sensor lights can be used in the front and back of the home. Street lights should be spaced properly and not have anything blocking them. Timers may be used with interior lamps.

5) Leave a radio or television plugged into a timer when away to confuse a possible intruder. 6) If anyone witnesses a crime taking place, it is our responsibility to report it immediately.

Anyone interested in participating in the Block Watch Program or requesting more information, please contact Darrin Riddle at 502-649-8368 or [email protected]

Fifth Division Police Report By Officer Jeff Artman, District Resource Officer

Crime is generally down, although theft is up. Most of that appears to be thefts from vehicles, which could be prevented. Residents need to remove items from their vehicles when they are not occupied. IPODs are the new popular item to be stolen. Purses, stereos, and laptops are also frequently stolen. When a person gets out of their car, there should be nothing left in the vehicle. Cold weather is around the corner and people tend to “warm up” their car by leaving it running while they go back in the house. Besides being illegal, this also draws car thieves. Car thefts go up dramatically in the cold weather because of unoccupied vehicles left running. If you need assistance from the police, call 574-7111 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies. If there is a problem in the neighborhood that can wait a few days, contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone at 574-7636. It sometimes takes me a few days to return these messages due to our other duties.


Patterson Park’s Makeover Is a Success By Andi Williams, Morton Ave.

The new fencing across the front and around the play area of Patterson

Park not only provides a safe play area for children, but offers a large fenced space for dogs and their owners to meet and play. The new landscaping is bright with flowers and greenery and newly planted shrubs, and will soon grow to provide a shady retreat.

I spent a few evenings and mornings up at the park chatting with residents about what they think of the changes. It was unanimous, on both “sides of the fence,” that the renovations have made the park more user friendly to both families with children and families with dogs alike. Everyone agrees that the “separate

but togetherness” of the space has alleviated a lot of fears about accidents between children and dogs, yet still allows everyone to interact. There are definitely more children utilizing the park with their families since the addition of the new fence.

Everyone owes a big ‘Thank you’ to the neighbors who showed up repeatedly to help dig, rake, plant, mulch and move benches and tables to make the new space user friendly. Thanks to volunteers and the garden

club, the park is now a place where community relationships can be built and strengthened. To all those who have had a hand in the changes to the park, we applaud you, the makeover is a huge success already!

There are still a few needs for the park. A garbage can put on the green space side of the fence, so dog owners don’t have to open the gate to the children’s side to get to the trash can, would minimize dogs escaping into the children’s play area. Both dog owners and families with children would benefit by some sort of dispenser for trash bags, making them handy for clean up. A

drinking fountain with a spigot for a hose would allow for people, plants and animals to stay hydrated. Of course, these items and services cost money. If you

are interested in making a donation towards the wish list for the park, please address your check to: OHNA, PO Box 4194, Louisville, KY. 40204. Be sure to note what you want your check earmarked for, such as water access, trash cans, or general maintenance.

Newly Gated Entrance

Thank you Garden Club!

Paul Young enjoys the Dog Park

Guaranteed calorie burning activity, absolutely free of charge! Newsletter Delivery Assistance Wanted for

*Baxter*Barrett*Benton*Breckinridge*Broadway*Christy*DeBarr*Edward *Elwood*Hepburn*Highland*Morton*Rubel*Rufer*St. Anthony Pl.*Winter

Someone from each street in the OHNA is needed to oversee delivery of the Newsletter for that street. If you are willing to be the person for your street, contact Kimberly Draewell at [email protected] or 468-2051.

Newsletter story ideas and writers needed! Got any ideas, questions, opinions you would like to see in the newsletter in the January issue? Contact Kimberly Draewell at [email protected] or 468-2051


Historic Preservation in Kentucky features examples

from Original Highlands By Jeanette Lauder, Morton Ave.

John Gilderbloom, OHNA board member, resident at 1405 Morton Ave., and Professor of Urban Affairs at the University of Louisville, is the principal author of "Preservation Kentucky", a survey of the methods used to restore and enhance historic properties and neighborhoods. The report is filled with numerous examples of what neighborhoods, towns and cities around the Commonwealth are doing. Without surprise, the report also highlights the beauty of the Original Highlands. According to Gilderbloom, "I hope this report will reunite our neighborhood by showing what other neighborhoods and cities have done with great success.” The document emphasizes a range of strategies, not just one, and shows how residents can get tax breaks and grant money for their historic homes. The 56 page report, illustrated with beautiful color pictures of historic homes along Rubel, Morton, Edward, and Highland Avenue, will be released on November 11, 2007, and is available to OHNA residents for free by by clicking the "Preservaton Kentucky Report" icon on: htttp://www.louisville.edu/org/sun,. Professor Gilderbloom welcomes any comments on the report by writing to him directly at: [email protected].

Garden Club to Host Plant Exchange By Kim Haddox, Highland Avenue

Fall is here and the Fleur De Lis Garden Club is ready for a plant and seed exchange. Our next scheduled meeting is Monday, November 12th at 7:00 at Quills Coffee and Books, located at 1220 East Kentucky Street. We will discuss where and when the exchange can take place. This can help us all add to our fall gardens and also get a jump start on spring. Shelly Nold, owner of Plant Kingdom, was the guest speaker for our August meeting. We appreciate her time and plant wisdom and also for the donation of a Brown Turkey Fig tree that is planted in Patterson Park. We would like to thank all those that participated in the Patterson Park plant dates. Also, a big thank-you to everyone who visited our booth at the Festival who helped provide the funds for the Patterson Park project.

Welcome Olivia Hayes Haddox Born October 9, 2007

7lbs, 4 oz - 20 in Congratulations Haddox Family!


Squallis Puppeteers Co-Founded by OHNA Resident By Eric Bookstrom, Breckinridge Street Did you know that there is a ten foot tall, green, one eyed, yellow haired “monster” living in our neighborhood, what about the giraffe, or the ten foot tall Louis the XIV. These characters and more are the creations of the Squallis Puppeteers. Jess Myers and her friend Nora Christensen started “Squallis” in Jess’ basement on East Breckenridge St. about eight years ago. As their non-profit organization grew they moved into a space at the top of the big blue warehouse on Baxter, it is on the left just before you go under the railroad tracks on your way into town. They call this space the “Shark Tank” since the name Squallis comes from the genus name of a dogfish that looks like a shark. Squallis Puppeteers is a community based non-profit organization

dedicated to expanding puppetry by performing innovative theatre, exploring original puppet design, and engaging the imagination. The Squallis Puppeteers perform puppet shows for a variety of audiences, from a show for pre-school kids, to shows for more grown up folks. They also teach puppetry workshops all over town. So the next time you see strange characters celebrating in the streets, acting out in local theaters, cavorting in community centers and showing off in schools, look for unique puppets of all shapes and sizes, and remember that somewhere in all of the fun you might find some of your neighbors. Squallis puppets were recently seen at the Morton Avenue Halloween party. Their home base, The Shark Tank Theatre, is located at 414 Baxter Avenue. Performances of “The Thanksgiving Show” are November 23 & 24, Saturday 1:00 & 3:00, Sunday 1:00. Admission is $5. Visit their website at www.squallispuppeteers.com for more information about performances and workshops.


HELP NEEDED!

The Mayor’s Anti Litter Campaign, and Brightside is looking for neighborhood association members who would be willing to help knock on business doors recruiting for Brightside Beautiful Business participants. We have a strategy to contact every business personally between now and Bardstown Road Aglow (Dec. 1st) to get 100% participation. Contact Tom Owen if you are interested. [email protected].

Did you know? The great counter cultural writer Hunter Thompson lived in the Original Highlands and the book Going Postal was written by Mark Ames at 710 Rubel Ave.

Original Highlands Neighborhood Association 2007 Board of Directors Ted Haddox, President Jim Schorch Chris Ward 1312 Highland Ave. 1503 E. Breckinridge St. 1423 Christy Ave. 802-7111 581-1535 759-2808 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Wayne Wohlbold, Vice Pres. Kim Parshall Dr. John Gilderbloom 1312 Hepburn Ave. 1406 Highland Ave. 1405 Morton Ave. 432-5271 459-3685 582-0024 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jackie Leslie, Treasurer Rick Sweeney 1322 Morton Ave. 1328 Hepburn Ave. 582-2112 [email protected] [email protected] Jericka Amos Catherine Moberly Newsletter Editors/Advertisement 1408 Christy Ave. 1321 Christy Ave. Kimberly Draewell [email protected] 574-4381 568-6528 Anne Rodier [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jim Schorch [email protected]

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