Clifton Heights Fall Meeting

October 20, 7:00 pm, Mellwood Arts Center Lobby

An MSD Engineer will explain why storage basins are essential to preventing sanitary sewer waste from flowing into the Ohio River, and how it all works. There will be illustrations shown as the speaker presents this talk. We also hope to have a Division 5 Metro Police officer on hand to inform us of the latest efforts to keep us all safe.

Clifton Heights News

October 1, 2015 www.cliftonheightsnbrhd.org Vol. 16, No. 4

From Bill Hollander: Litter is a pet peeve of mine. People who litter

feel no sense of ownership or pride for the

community. They believe someone else will

remove it or they are too lazy to put trash in its

proper place. When a site is already littered,

those who litter feel adding to it is “no big

deal.”

So what can you do?

Make sure your trash (and that includes cigarette butts) is

securely placed in the proper receptacle.

Carry a litterbag in your vehicle or bicycle.

Report at litterer to MetroCall:

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metrocall-

311/services/report-litterer. The owner of the vehicle will

receive a letter saying that someone reported seeing litter

being thrown from their vehicle, and reminding the owner that littering is punishable by a fine of up to

$500 and/or up to a year in jail.

When you see litter, pick it up and throw it away. Bring a bag on your walks and fill it up as you

go. You will feel better by improving your neighborhood and you might just make someone who sees

you a little more responsible.

Volunteer for community-wide cleanups. Our next big one near Clifton Heights starts at 8:30 am on

October 24 in Bingham Park on Coral Avenue. We’ll supply bags, gloves and tools. We just need you.

Sign up by calling 574-1109 or emailing Bill.Hollander@louisvilleky.gov or

Kyle.Ethridge@louisvilleky.gov.

Many of us complain about litter but not enough of us are active in preventing it and cleaning it up. Won’t you

start today?

Please contact us with comments, questions or suggestions at 574-1109 or bill.hollander@louisvilleky.gov. Or come see us at a “Meet with Bill” or a Community Conversation. We hope to hear from you soon!

Bill

Two Neighborhoods Review the Trash Removal Challenge

Prior to the October 24 Metro Community Cleanup, members of the Pedestrian & Bicycling Access Committee

will be walking both side of Brownsboro Road on Oct. 6, along with some Clifton Heights and Clifton board

members to determine not only trash cleanup needs to be done by volunteers but also grass and weed trimming,

from Ewing Avenue to Kenilworth Road. Currently, board volunteers from Clifton Heights patrol Hite Avenue,

Kenilworth Road, and Drescher Bridge Avenue. Other volunteers are needed for Birchwood and Mount Holly

Roads for the most part beyond the newly installed sidewalk along the cliff.

2 Clifton Heights News October 1, 2015

Updates for Clifton Heights Readers

Kroger

Watch for new murals to be painted on some walls by a local artist as work progresses in late fall.

New pharmacy is now open with lots of space for product and workers. Walk-up window outside is not

yet available but will be soon.

More groceries will be shelved where the old pharmacy was located.

Both self-checkout lanes are now at the west entrance.

Roofing was replaced over former restaurant, where the Wine & Spirits store will be located.

New loading dock was created adjacent to east side of building to make it easier for some trucks. They

will unload at rear into expanded storage area. Front of area will be the Wine & Spirits Shop.

On Sept. 20, the existing deli and bakery was closed to expedite construction of expanded produce, deli,

as well as creating a sit down bistro where customers can eat store-created sandwiches and have a drink

from the special drink dispenser.

During September and early October watch for grocery shelving to be added and relocated as this

expansion continues.

The target date for completion of all renovations has moved up to December 10. Kroger's asks for your

continued patience while all these renovation are being made.

Simple Ground Rules are posted in the library:

1. Take one, leave one. Or just take one.

2. Contributions should be high interest—not old college

books.

3. Remember, it’s closer than the LFPL, especially in the

winter!

4. If you feel compelled to submit a book report after

reading one, say you did, but don’t!

5. Have a nice rest of your walk.

Contact Sue or Dave at 897-5031 if there are problems.

Kira Wicker makes the first contributions of

Indianola's Little Free Library, designed and

built by Kathy Kensinger (right) and stenciled to

reflect neighborhood history by 'Mary Grace

Feltham.

October 1, 2015 Clifton Heights News 3

Indianola’s Little Free Library

Open for Swaps They’re all over the world and slowly coming to Clifton Heights.

The newest Little Free Library was recently “planted” between 45

and 47 Warren Road in Indianola. The library was cleverly

designed and painted to look like the home of its builders, Kathy

Kensinger and Mary Grace Feltham, of 47 Warren, and celebrates

Indianola’s heritage by boasting “Indianola est. 1910” and

“Formerly Anderson Park est. 1893” on its sides.

Kathy and Mary Grace, along with contributions from neighbors

Dave and Sue Vislisel, designed, constructed and funded the

unique library. Kathy, recently retired from JCPS, used skills she

learned in her dad’s workshop to build the library and begin a

limited small repairs and “handiwoman” venture. Mary Grace

provided the historical research.

The Little Free Library is constructed to accommodate

children’s books and materials as well as teen and adult books

and magazines, all free for the taking and swapping. Neighbors

have already begun filling the shelves.

4 Clifton Heights News October 1, 2015

Update on New Drainage Basin off Drescher Bridge

In mid-September, attendees at a public briefing by MSD were given the opportunity to vote on the question of

fencing around the new drainage basin in Clifton Heights which is expected to reduce rainwater overflows from

combined sewers from about 127 to only 6 “in a typical year,” said Christian “Wolffie” Miller. The majority of

those present voted for drought tolerant grassy ground cover with no fences so as to enable free access to

animals. Only the actual basin controls building will be blocked from public access.

The drainage basin holds excess rainwater for at least 24 hours before it is drained off to the Morris Forman

Sewage Treatment Plant in West Louisville.

During the winter of 2015-16, the final design will be completed. In spring 2016, attendees at the 4th and final

presentation will be shown the final design of this project. There will be a final meeting in the summer of 2016.

The construction of this basin will begin in spring 2016, Greg Powell, MSD Construction Manager and

Engineering Collection Manager said, with completion in 2018. Because it is located in a depression off

Mellwood Avenue, the effect on traffic should be minimal, MSD said.

Drescher Bridge’s Proposed “Mini-Oasis”

On a crisp evening in late September, about 25 residents of Clifton Heights were shown plans for a mini-garden of color

to highlight the new walkway along Drescher Bridge Avenue, just off its Brownsboro Road entrance.

Bill Hollander, 9th District Councilman, and Brightside Director Gina O-Brien presented this project, eliciting questions,

praise, and concerns from the audience.

The garden would provide a cornucopia of multi-season

color from plants and trees such as viburnum, hydrangeas,

boxwood, honey locust and dogwood, as well as a possible

bench for relaxation and enjoyment. A new safety fence will

be installed at the woods-edge incline as well.

Funding from Metro Louisville is in place, generously

enhanced by contributions from WLKY Channel 32, located

at the end of Drescher Bridge. WLKY has pledged a three-

year maintenance plan for the garden, including mowing and

trim work at the road and sidewalk borders as well.

Taking both praise and some concerns, especially for noise

and loitering, into consideration, Metro authorities will

decide on next steps shortly.

With today’s 49-cent Forever

stamps, you would need to

add 22 cents more postage

for the second ounce,

Findling explained, for a total

of 71 cents.

John Findling and Leland Bell in their stamp shop.

October 1, 2015 Clifton Heights News 5

Postal Stamps: A Lifelong History Hobby Do you remember how challenging it used to be with postage a decade ago when you had to add “extra postage

required” when you mailed a special greeting card or a multipage business letter. You had a package of postage

stamps for the typical cost, but then you had to fish in your

miscellaneous collection of older single stamps to attach the

extra postage.

And do you remember when postage stamps did not display

the number of cents but a letter, such as an “E”? Clifton

Heights recently felt befuddled by this one when our long-

time secretary was organizing her collection of new stamps

donated by Riedlonn’s John Findling, co-owner of Collectors

Stamps LTD of DuPont Circle. It turns out that the E stamp

was worth 25 cents a few years ago, before the Postal Service

introduced the “Forever” stamps that most of us use today.

Clifton Heights now has an odd collection of older stamps

that Findling donated to pay the Collectors’ annual

advertising fee.

Collectors is housed in

three third floor condos in

the brick former hotel now called the Sherwood Building on DuPont Circle.

Every shelf, bookcase, countertop and cabinet contains books and resources

for the four partners to research and deal in valid stamps or older stamps.

Leland Bell, Elmer Susemichel, and Bob Moore comprise the balance of the

four partners of the stamp collecting and selling (at a discount) team. (Yes,

these older stamps can be bought at 70% of face value and used legitimately

for your mail, if you desire.)

“We all belonged to the same stamp collectors’ club,” began Findling,

now age 74, “and when the last stamp store in town closed, we did

some stamp shows and then we were open only on Saturday. In 1989,

when a couple of the partners retired, we were then open on three

weekday afternoons.”

“The average age of stamp collectors is about 60,” Bell continued.

“Some retirees like to work with these stamps; there are no games to

play and no buttons to push.”

“Some collectors are O.K. with cancelled stamps and others like

uncanceled stamps,” Findling said. He likes to collect French stamps

from about 1890 to 1910.

In addition to stamps, he also collects QSL cards that used to be sent by

ham radio operators during the 60-70 years when they contacted other

radio hams around the world and confirmed that contact with the QSL

postcard. Thousands of hams used Morse code and key devices to

signal others in the decades before voice and more recently, the

Internet, supplanted that hobby.

Continued on Page 8

Family Day Open House

American Printing House for the Blind,

November 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour the

museum, see movie about how a dog becomes a

guide dog.

6 Clifton Heights News October 1, 2015

Try the Unique Sam’s Hot Dog Stand If you’re looking for a yummy hot dog without having to fire up the grill, Sam’ s Hot Dog Stand is the place to

go. It’s located at 1991 Brownsboro Road, in the Brownsboro Shopping Center between Lindsay Ave. and

Kenilworth Road.

On a recent visit, we called ahead for carry out and were not disappointed. Ruby, the 8-year old reviewer,

ordered a $2.00 100% beef hot dog on a white bun. “It was super yummy and tasted like real beef, especially

with the squeeze of catsup,” she told us.

Dave, with an older palette, tried a $3.00 sweet smokey sausage on a whole wheat bun with the works, which

included sauerkraut, mustard and catsup. The meat was large and firm, and had a wonderful and complex

smoked flavor. The side of cole slaw was fresh, crisp and top-notch as well.

Fred, on previous visits, compliments the friendliness of the staff and overall taste of the food. He likes it

especially for lunch, as neighbors he knows often come in.

Tia, who is motor-chair dependent and a strong accessibility advocate, praises the adaptive and roomy interior,

with the best restroom-accessibility she has seen, along with movable seating. She and Jason love the smoky

sausage and bratwurst (cheese, chili, and, in fact, just about everything on the menu).

Jason raves especially about their chocolate cake! There is

also a Wednesdays-only Blue Plate (wise to call-ahead.) We

recommend this small shop, for lunch or early dinner, as the

evening closing hour (7 p.m.) is sometimes flexible.

Four-year olds are having a short lesson in Spanish

with their teacher at Quality Child Care.

October 1, 2015 Clifton Heights News 7

Quality Child Care Sees Growth

Now in its second year on Brownsboro Road at Kenilworth Road, Quality Child Care (QCC) has an increased

enrollment of 58 children from infants to kindergarten with school age children up to 12 years for after school

care, reported Chanley Burnett, director of both the Brownsboro Road and Clifton locations at Galt Avenue and

Frankfort Avenue. Parents can drop off their children early and school buses pick up and drop off school age

children on their route.

For late afternoon child care, QCC serves all children dinner

at 5:00 pm. Like the lunch, the meal consists of a protein,

milk, vegetable and fruit. Built in a renovated former

restaurant facility, QCC has been using its large restaurant

kitchen to prepare lunches and dinner for all of its eight

locations, including the one in Clifton.

Early Lessons Pre-Kindergarten

On a cool August morning, as 3-year olds played in the

outdoor playground, and one four-year old was ushered to his

9:45 am bus, other 4-year olds were having their “circle”

class with Miss Ariana Lewis – Alvarado. After their

morning song that greeted each participating child, their

teacher began a short lesson in Spanish for all to learn basic

words. This animal-themed week featured: the color red,

diamond shape, the letter “R” and the number “11.”

Some mornings a tutor from First Steps visits the toddler

room to help designated children with speech and mobility

therapy, as well as emotional issues such as separation

anxiety. Parents of these children pay the therapist on a

sliding scale. In the toddler room, especially, the staff is

especially diligent in washing hands and toys during the day

as many of the children are cutting new teeth and put the toys

in their mouth.

The infant room has the largest windows for babies in cribs to

view the outdoor train on the front playground. Toddlers and

3-year olds love climbing through its open cars. Cushiony

rubberized playground surface provide a soft landing.

Beyond the side parking lot, backed by a tall wooden fence,

the larger playground includes riding toys such as tricycles and there is a double ladder and slide, climbing

apparatus and sandbox. Shaded benches and a picnic table reside on a platform in the back of the playground.

Please Join

Your Clifton Heights Community Council

Your $5.00 annual membership enables your council to

represent you with Metro Government and to keep you

informed about your neighborhood via newsletters and the

website: www.cliftonheightsnbrhd.org

Volunteers are always needed to help deliver this newsletter.

To volunteer, please call the Editor, Treasurer, or President.

Please send this form with a $5.00 check made out to

Clifton Heights. Mail to Mary Brady, Treasurer, 606 Edna

Road, Louisville, KY 40206.

Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

Home Phone:________________Cell Phone: _________

Email: _________________________________________

Clifton Heights Neighborhood News Published online at www.cliftonheightsnbrhd.org

Dolores Collins, President, 897-9348

Wilma Emerson Secretary, 893-5417

Mary Brady, Treasurer, 897-9107

Anne McMahon, Editor,

Lvl13nwtr@aol.com, 895-8304

Kevin Downs, Clifton Heights/Bradley Greenway, Terri Lenahan-Downs

Barbara Henning, Wilma Smith, Michael Tress

David Vislisel, suemcvee@ 897-5031

8 Clifton Heights News October 1, 2015

Stamp Collecting Continued from Page 5

“Stamps are a great source of history,” Bell, 83, related. He started collecting at age 8 (as did Findling). He also

has some Confederate covers from a Richmond, VA soldier that date between Jan. 4 to March 15, 1865, that

contained letters to his wife. In his working career, Bell worked as a chemist for Brown & Williamson. As he

learned more of the ingredients infused in the tobacco he

smoked, he quit in 1979.

Findling is a retired Professor of History in the Division of

Social Sciences at Indiana University Southeast, in New

Albany, IN. An author of many books on the history of

local communities, (Crescent Hill, among others) as well

as the World Fairs, Findling has taken sabbatical trips to

Peru, Poland, and a split year in Australia and New

Zealand.

The appeal of stamps is different for each person, they

related. Some brides-to-be purchase a set of memorable

stamps to be used both for the invitations and thank you

notes. (Yes, many bridal couples still hand write these

notes.)

“Some businesses still like to use real stamps on their business correspondence,” added Bell, “and they report

that response rates are 15 to 20% higher than those cancelled by a machine,” said Findling.

Please refer to their ad in this issue of the Clifton Heights News for their hours of operation, location and

telephone number.

Junk Pickup in November

Set your junk out on the weekend of Nov. 6-8 for pickup on the days that

follow in the next week.