Fall/Winter 2013
Oldham County
Named
HeartSafe
Community!
Thanks to the efforts of healthcare
providers such as Baptist Health
La Grange and the Oldham County EMS,
Oldham County is the 10th Kentucky
county named a HeartSafe Community
for its quick response to treat cardiac
arrests. See page 2 for details.
Baptist Health La Grange President Chris Roty
(left), Oldham County EMS Executive Director
Todd Early and Rebecca McFarland, MD, of
Louisville Cardiology Group, pose next to the
Oldham County EMS’s newest ambulance.
In this issue:
Baptist Health La Grange: 1-2
OC Conservation District: 6
OC Environmental Auth.: 14-15
OC Fiscal Court: 16
OC Health Department: 11
OC Historical Society: 3
G e t t i n g
t h e
M o s t
O u t
OC Parks and Recreation: 12-13
OC Public Library: 4-5
OC Schools: 7-10
o f
O l d h a m
C o u n t y
OC Schools Arts Center: 10
OC Tourism: 2
L i v i n g
Baptist Health La Grange
Oldham County named HeartSafe Community
The Cabinet for Health and Family
Services and the Kentucky Department for
Public Health presented Oldham County
with a HeartSafe Community award at
Baptist Health La Grange Sept. 4.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of
death in Kentucky and, now that Oldham
County has been designated a HeartSafe
Community, anyone here suffering a
sudden cardiac arrest will have the best
possible chance for survival,” said Chris
Roty, Baptist Health La Grange president.
“Increasing Oldham County
residents’ knowledge of when to call
911, how to administer CPR and use an
automated external defibrillator, are as
vital to survival as the services provided
by EMS and the staff in the Emergency
Department. Baptist Health La Grange is
proud to be involved in this effort.”
Jefferson, Shelby and Bullitt counties
are among other nearby communities
which have earned the designation.
The County’s Ambulance Taxing
District Board and Baptist Health La
Grange have partnered in the operation of
the Oldham EMS service.
“Our rapid response has been greatly
enhanced by our ability to perform an
electrocardiogram (EKG) on the patient
right away – then to electronically
transmit those results to the nearest
hospital that’s properly equipped to care
for heart attack patients,” said Todd Early,
Oldham EMS executive director. “Baptist
has been at the forefront of efforts to stop
heart attacks as quickly as possible.”
To help build citizen awareness,
Oldham EMS has been giving away CPR
kits so residents can learn and practice
CPR skills at home. The Oldham County
Health Department has contributed to the
HeartSafe effort by providing automated
external defibrillators (AEDs) to the local
high schools.
HeartSafe communities meet
a combination of factors viewed as
preferable in a community’s ability to
recognize and respond to cardiac arrest,
including:
• Early access to emergency care in
which bystanders recognize the
symptoms of cardiac arrest and
immediately call 911.
• Early CPR, a simple, easily learned
emergency procedure used when
someone’s breathing and heartbeat
suddenly stop.
• Early defibrillation, the delivery of
electric shock to restore the heart’s
normal rhythm.
• Early advanced care delivered by a
response vehicle staffed by advanced
life support personnel.
The HeartSafe Community program
focuses on strengthening links within
the community that contribute to the
likelihood of survival of cardiac arrest.
FIND IT ONLINE:
Free Prenatal Class dates
and online registration:
BaptistHealthLaGrange.com/
PrenatalClasses
Safe Sitter Class dates and
registration information:
BaptistHealthLaGrange.com/
SafeSitter
Find a physician:
BaptistHealthLaGrange.com/
FindAPhysician
Patient Information: 502/222-5388
Physician Referral: 502/222-3627
BaptistHealthLaGrange.com
Oldham County Tourism & Conventions
Oldham Country – Farm Tour Capital of KY
or plan your country wedding! Enjoy
our website live chat! Though most of
our tours will close at the end of October,
they will reopen in March!
National FFA Convention
Agritourism
Farm Tours are now available
in Oldham Country! We’ve got great
news! After only five months, Oldham
County is now the “Farm Tour Capital
of Kentucky” with 14 agriculture tours!
A tour brochure is now available so just
visit www.OldhamFarmTours.com for a
complete list with descriptions and plan
your spring family outing, group tour,
2
Speaking of Farm Tours, Oldham
County Tourism welcomes the National
FFA Convention as they fill our hotels
October 30 - November 2. Four of our
new farm tours were selected to host
students and their advisors for this
fantastic three-day event!
Light Up La Grange
Mark your calendar for December 6
and come to town to enjoy the spectacle
as the Mayor and Santa Light Up La
Grange! This year promises even more
dancing lights automated to music,
Santa, a unique shopping experience,
Main Street beautifications, and all the
traditions expected from this 27-year-old
event. Make reservations to start your
evening by dining at one of our local restaurants on Main Street — 119 West Main, Serendipity and the
newest, “Rails” — located in the heart
of the City! Finish your evening off with
a warm cup of coffee or cocoa while
catching up with friends at our two
local coffee shops. Stock up on holiday
treats at Q&A Sweet Treats, or sample
Serendipity’s delectable candies. You
won’t want to miss this special event that
takes place in one of only three towns in
the country where a train runs through
it, right down the center of Main Street!
Come see many new additions to our
great downtown and shop local!
Oldham County Tourism & Conventions
P.O. Box 529, Pewee Valley, KY 40056 • Kim Buckler, Executive Director
Director’s Cell: 502/817-6043 • Tourism Phone: 502/222-0056
Email: [email protected]
www.TourOldhamCounty.com – Live Chat Now Available!!
www.TourOldhamCounty.com • www.OldhamFarm Tours.com (Live Chat now available!)
Oldham County Historical Society
Fall session!! History Tots — September-November
Thursdays, 10 am at the Rob Morris Chapel Educational Building
You are never too young to
learn about your world! The Oldham
County History Center continues its
programming with the fall session
of History Tots for children birth
to four years old, that explores the
world around them! This educational
outreach program is free and is held
every Thursday morning at 10 am in
the Rob Morris Chapel Educational
Building on the History Center campus.
Each program lasts 30 minutes and will
include a different focus every month
concentrating on cultural and natural
history topics pertaining to Oldham
County. September will concentrate on
activities that celebrate German culture,
October will focus on Mexican culture
and November activities will be centered
around Native American culture. History
Tots programs run February through
April with a break in summer and start
up again September through November.
Registration is not necessary.
American Girl Book Club
The Oldham County History Center
offers an American Girl Book Club to
girls ages 5-10 one Saturday per month
from Sept.-April. Each month a book is
assigned and at each meeting we discuss
the book and make crafts and yummy
treats pertaining to the book or the time
period in which the story takes place.
The cost of this club is $50/child for the
eight sessions. We are currently accepting
names on a waiting list for this program.
For more information, call 222-0826.
Author dinner series
The Oldham County History Center,
in partnership with The History Press,
launched a new dinner series in 2013
featuring Kentucky authors. Programs
begin at 6:30 pm and include a buffetstyle dinner with cash wine bar. The cost is
$12 History Center members, $15 for nonmembers throughout 2013.
The following authors are scheduled
for The History Press Author Dinner Series
for the Fall:
October 24: Stuart Sanders, “Perryville
Under Fire: The Aftermath of Kentucky’s
Largest Civil War.”
December 11: Dr. Nancy Theiss, Ph.D.,
“Oldham County: Life at the River’s Edge.”
New website is up!
Over the summer, the Oldham County
History Center staff has been working on
updating our website. Through the efforts
of summer intern Elizabeth Dickerson, the
website has been overhauled and contains
fabulous pictures and information on
our educational programs and exhibits.
Information can be found on the three
buildings that comprise the History Center
campus, the Colonial Garden, annual
fundraising gala, the Living Treasures
program begun by Nancy Theiss, Ph.D.,
educational opportunities for children and
adults at the campus, and local genealogy
and cemeteries. The History Center plans
to add more information in the future.
Elizabeth Dickerson has been a
wonderful asset to the History Center and
the creation of the new website. She has
past experience in website creation, having
worked for the Frazier History Museum in
Louisville. She has volunteered for VFW
programs and with the Oberlin Choristers.
As a tribute to our veterans, Elizabeth does
WWII re-enacting and has a background
in theatre.
Bring your tots
ages 0-4 years
to History Tots,
Thursday mornings
at 10 am. Learn
about cultures and
natural history!
Rock Fountain installation
A new Sculpture and Rock Fountain
have been installed by Rock and Water
Creations at the Oldham County History
Center campus. It is dedicated to Louise
Head Duncan, a lifelong resident of
Oldham County. Through her generosity,
Mrs. Duncan provided a local trust that
has funded many projects benefiting
Oldham Countians, including the
Oldham County History Center.
The project incorporates: handcut limestone blocks from the 19th
century jailhouse that once stood on the
Oldham County Courthouse grounds,
and fountain blocks that create a
“Monolithic” structure as a tribute to
the slave labor of African Americans
from Oldham County. Many of these
limestone monoliths are still evident in
places throughout the County, are known
to have been carved by slaves and were
commonly used as entrance gates for
large plantations. Placed at the base of
the monoliths are river rocks from the
Ohio River, incorporated into the project
as a tribute to the Ohio River Valley and
pioneer town of Westport. This important
historical town once served as the gateway
to the Illinois Territory and county
courthouse site. These round river rocks
were pushed down and “shaped” from
glaciers. The glaciers’ edges ended on the
Indiana side of the Ohio River. The water
that bubbles from the rocks represents the
underground springs of LaGrange that
attracted early settlement to the town.
And last but not least, a foundation
stone is included from the Kellar House
that once stood in the community of
Brownsboro. The site of this home was
where Ft. Kuykendahl was established
as an outward post from Louisville and
many settlers of Low Dutch origin came
there. The Kellar family were well known
settlers in Oldham County. William Kellar
was a circuit minister who preached
at Brownsboro Baptist Church, 18 Mile
Baptist Church and several other churches
outside of Oldham County. William Kellar
also led a regiment of Oldham County
“Long Riflemen” who fought in the War
of 1812.
Don’t miss the Ghost Tour!
WHEN: Friday & Saturday evenings through October 26
WHERE: 12-block tours leave from OC History Center
COST: $18/person. Pay in advance - credit, check or cash
RESERVATIONS: For more information or reservations,
call the Spirit Line at 502/291-1766.
Not for children under age 12!
www.OldhamCountyHistoricalSociety.org
3
Oldham County Public Library
F A L L
E V E N T S
A T
T H E
L I B R A R Y
SUPERNATURAL BALLADS: October 7, 6:30-7:30 pm, Main Library
Celebrate the mysterious at the Library! Local favorite Robert Tincher will be
performing traditional ballads that explore the unexplained. This program is free
and for all ages.
BOOKFAIR @ BARNES & NOBLE: October 12 &13, The Paddock Shops (formerly the Summit)
Support the Oldham Library! Make a purchase at Barnes & Noble using an OCPL voucher and part of the proceeds
will go directly to the Library. Representatives of the Library will be on hand for special events in the store that
weekend. Vouchers can be picked up at the Library anytime or requested at the store the weekend of the bookfair.
MONSTER MASH: October 15, 4:30 pm, Mahan Library; October 17, 6:30 pm, Main Library
It will be a night of teen monster mayhem at the Library! This program will include designing a custom-made Halloween mask, monster make-up how-to, and ghoulish food and games.
BOO-DELL: October 26, 11 am-3 pm, Yew Dell Gardens
It’s time again for Boo-Dell! This free event is the perfect scare-free Halloween occasion for families. Explore the beautiful grounds of Yew Dell while gathering goodies on the Trail of Treats from
11am -2 pm. Enjoy a hay ride and see all of the entries in the Book-o’-Lantern competition. Picnic and try out the fare of local food trucks. At 2 pm, enjoy the comedic magic of Mr. Magic himself.
INTERNATIONAL GAME DAY: November 16, 10 am-5 pm, Main Library
Join gamers all around the world in participating in the annual International Game Day! Adults
and teens can drop in anytime on the all-day gaming happening in the Main Library Meeting room.
Over 30 different strategy games will be set up ready to play and experts will be on hand to offer
instruction. This year, there will be a kids’ zone in the Children’s Activity room with family games.
TEEN HOLIDAY PAJAMA PARTY: December 10, 6 pm, Main Library
Teens are invited to wear their pajamas for this cozy holiday party and participate in activities
such as decorating a cookie tin for the cookie exchange, making a funky ornament or
candle, and watching A Christmas Story.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: December 5, 6-8 pm, Main Library
Celebrate the holidays and step back in time at the Library! This year’s open
house will have a Steampunk theme. See characters in costume, watch
the Lexington Vintage Dance Society demonstrate period dances,
enjoy refreshments, participate in a silent auction, view an
art show, and make crafts with the family in the lovely setting
of the Main Library.
4
www.oldhampl.org
Oldham County Public Library
M O N T H L Y
P R O G R A M S
A T
T H E
L I B R A R Y
The following are ongoing monthly programs at the Library. More information about all of these
and more can be found at www.oldhampl.org
STORY TIMES: The Children’s
Library offers a variety of story-based
programs at all three Oldham County
Libraries. Story Time is for children
ages 3-5 years old. Children hear
books read to them, sing songs, play
games and make a small craft to take
home. Toddlertime is for infants
through two years old. Parents and
children sing songs, do finger plays
and are introduced to picture books.
Book Babies is a lapsit program for
babies that are pre-walkers and their
caretakers. Come enjoy simple stories,
songs and play! See the website for times
and locations.
TIP TOP TWEENS: This
group will meet monthly and learn
about science through experiments. All
tweens (aged 9-12) are invited to get
their mad scientist on and join us at the
Main Library on the 3rd Tuesday of every
month, at 6:30 pm.
AFTER SCHOOL
ADVENTURES: This program
is for elementary school age children
and meets Thursdays at 4 pm at the
Main Library. Each week focuses on
a different adventure such as travel,
cooking, crafting and surprises!
PAWS TO READ: The Paws to
Read program is designed to allow kids
the chance to read to a non-judgmental
listener, one who will accept the story
exactly as they read it. Each session is
15 minutes of one-on-one time with a
certified Reading Therapy
dog. Parents can register
their child for this
program online.
Times vary
throughout
the week.
CRAFTY READERS: This
new book club for adults at the Main
Library meets every third Thursday of
the month from 6-8 pm. Participants
can register online to have a copy of the
current book selection shipped to the
participant’s home library for checkout.
At the meeting, members will not only
discuss the month’s book, but make a
craft based on a theme from the book.
Registration is required; event is free.
TRIVIA NIGHTS: Monthly
trivia nights for adults are resuming!
Join us each 2nd Thursday of the month
at the Main Library from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Trivia themes will match the STEAM
theme of the month. Come test your
knowledge, learn, win prizes and have fun!
COMPUTER CLASSES:
The Main Library in LaGrange offers free
computer classes on a monthly, rotating
basis. Classes include a 3-week Basic
Computers course, as well as individual
classes on specific programs such as
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Courses on topics such as Social Media
and e-books are also available. The
calendar and registration for computer
classes can be found online at www.oldhampl.org/comp_classes.html
or by calling 222-9713.
TEEN BOOK CLUB: Each
month the Main Library will host a
book discussion for Teens. Copies of
each month’s book can be picked up in
advance at the Main Desk. There will
be activities and snacks to go with the
theme of each book. October 28 and
December 2, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Oldham County Public Library
Library Director: Susan Eubank, 502/222-9713, [email protected]
Main Library
308 Yager Avenue, LaGrange, KY 40031
phone: 502/222-9713; Children’s Library: 502/222-9713 ext. 317
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9:30 am-8 pm; Fri-Sat: 9:30 am-5 pm; Closed Sundays
South Oldham Public Library
6720 W. Hwy 146, Crestwood, KY 40014
phone: 502/241-1108
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10 am-8 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am-5 pm; Closed Sundays
Mahan Public Library
12505 Harmony Landing Rd., Goshen, KY 40026
phone: 502/228-1852
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10 am-8 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am-5 pm; Closed Sundays
www.oldhampl.org
5
Oldham County Soil and Water Conservation District
Planning starts now for successful
conservation programs
If you plan to apply for federal
or state conservation cost share
programs, planning ahead and
working with local soil and water
conservation officials, foresters
and/or fish and wildlife biologists
now will increase your chances of
submitting a competitive application
for funding. With shrinking
federal and state dollars to address
private land and agricultural
issues related to soil erosion,
grassland management, soil health,
wildlife diversity and woodland
management, it becomes even more
important that you begin working
early in the application process in
order to outcompete applicants in
other counties.
Kurt Mason, District
Conservationist with the USDA
Natural Resources Conservation
Service, advises folks to submit their
application now so planning efforts
can begin and your application
can be better fitted to address your
problems and stand a better chance
of being funded. Applications for the
Environmental Quality Incentives
Program and the Kentucky State
Soil Erosion Cost Share Program
are taken anytime during the year.
Both applications have statewide
funding, so that means you will be
competing against other applicants
statewide for funding. According
to Mason, his role is to “make sure
your application will outcompete
all other applications in the state.”
This is done through a process
called conservation planning that
takes into consideration a two-tofive-year plan which looks at how
you can best address the land use or
conservation concerns on your land.
Many local landusers have been
successful in submitting applications
that have helped them to address
issues such as inadequate livestock
water (installation of automatic
watering systems), livestock
fighting winter mud pools (heavy
use feeding areas), getting vehicles
and animals “mired down” while
crossing streams and intermittent
channels (stream crossings), muddy
gateways due to excessive vehicular
and livestock traffic (gateway heavy
Fencing woods
Livestock watering system
Stream crossing
Seasonal high tunnel
Take note:
Congratulations!
For the second year in a row, the Oldham
County Conservation District has received
Kentucky’s Outstanding Forestry Award from
the Kentucky Division of Forestry for their
educational programs which highlight woodland
management and the recognition of woodland
resources. Shauna Buchert, district program coordinator, was awarded the Kentucky
Association of Conservation District’s Outstanding Education Program Award for the
programs she has implemented to educate the students and residents of Oldham County
on environmental issues. Ned and Cornelia Bonnie were recognized as runners-up
for Outstanding Cooperator of the Year in the state of Kentucky. This award is given to
an individual farmer whose conservation efforts successfully address the conservation
needs on their land and utilize multiple partnerships with natural resource agencies to
accomplish this goal. Kevin Jeffries, of Ballardsville, was recognized for his 30 years
of service as a supervisor in Oldham County. Kevin also serves as a National Association
of Conservation Districts Council Director.
6
use areas), overgrazing pastures
(fencing with prescribed grazing
systems), livestock damaging
woodland potential and walking
in pond banks (fencing sensitive
areas), invasive plants impeding
woodland potential (removal of
tree-of-heaven, bush honeysuckle
and privet), little wildlife diversity
(establishment of native warm
season grasses and wildflowers), low
forage potential (fescue conversion
to grasses and legumes for hay or
pasture), improving woodland’s long
term growth and health (timber
stand improvement), extending
the growing season for vegetable
producers (seasonal high tunnels or
hoop houses), and low biodiversity
and poor soils (soil health cover
crops for biodiversity).
To inquire about applying
for conservation programs and
developing a conservation plan to
support your application, contact
Kurt Mason at 643-4692 or [email protected] or
Shauna Buchert at 222-5123 or
[email protected].
• KY Conservation Art and Writing Contest Visit http://conservation.ky.gov for more information and entry forms.
• Children’s Earth Day Festival - April 26, 2014 Our annual tree seedling giveaway will take place at this event. Additional
information will be advertised soon.
• The Soil Testing Voucher Program is ongoing. Call today for your free
soil testing voucher.
Oldham County Soil and Water Conservation District
www.oldhamccd.org
700 W. Jefferson Street, Suite A • La Grange, KY 40031
phone: 502/222-5123 • fax: 502/222-7570
E-mail: [email protected]
Oldham County Schools
From Board Chair Joyce Fletcher
WELCOME TO THE
2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR.
We are off to a great start, and
we appreciate the cooperation
of our community as students,
staff and families adjusted to new
start and dismissal times at all of
the district schools. Students in
several of our schools came back
to new and different settings after
summer renovations, especially La
Grange Elementary and Oldham
County Middle. Across the District,
our teachers started off the year
intentional about instruction,
engaging students in learning from
the very first day.
On behalf of the Oldham
County Board of Education, I am
pleased to share with you a few
highlights of the upcoming school
year. Board goals for the 2013-14
school year remain focused on
continually striving to improve
student achievement. To that end,
we expect instructional programs to
incorporate a rigorous curriculum,
compelling student engagement,
and appropriate assessments and
interventions. Our 21st Century
learners are utilizing technology,
literacy, creativity and critical
thinking skills more than ever. Even
the youngest of our students are
using technology to create digital
presentations and converse with
classmates online regarding lessons
that were presented or questions they
might have on assignments.
It is the intention and vision
of the Board of Education that
graduates from Oldham County
Schools not only pursue a life of
continuous learning and contribute
to their communities, but that they
are also able to compete in a global
market. Towards this objective,
schools are uniquely and creatively
fostering leadership among their
students with projects such as the
international Clean Water Project at
East Oldham Middle.
The students in Oldham
County have benefited from several
ongoing initiatives, and the Board
remains committed to supporting
these. They include the Reading
Academy, Reading Recovery, Oldham
County Learning Institute, Oldham
County Technology Initiative and
embedded professional development
on early release days, to name a
few. The secret to our success in
Oldham County is no secret: we
believe strongly in investing in our
classroom teachers.
Given the current financial
environment in which we find
ourselves, including cutbacks and
restraints at the state and federal
levels, our district is seriously
challenged to develop a budget
which supports the educational
services we believe are necessary
to maintain our high standards of
excellence. The Board appreciates
the support of the community and
we are committed to moving this
district forward and, in doing so,
meeting the needs of each of our
students.
We continue to make the
safety of our students a top priority.
Last spring, the Board conducted
an extensive study on the safety
features of each of our buildings. We
committed funding to improving
these features where needed. In
upcoming months, the District will
be installing additional cameras and
front door buzzer systems, plus more
secure entrances for schools across
the District.
I would be remiss if I did not
take a moment to mention Liberty
Elementary, which will close at the
end of this school year. Liberty’s
impact on students during the
past 90 years is remarkable and we
will be celebrating all the school’s
contributions. You can find more
on the “Liberty Lives” celebration
campaign on page 10 of this issue
of What’s Happening! in Oldham
County.
Thank you for the continued,
active involvement of our
community in our schools. We must
work together to create schools of
which we can all be proud. Our
Board of Education remains focused
on making decisions based on what
is best for our students. It is an honor
and a pleasure for us to serve the
students, staff and families of this
outstanding district. I wish you the
very best throughout this school year
and please do not hesitate to contact
your school board member if we can
be of service to you.
Joyce Fletcher
Joyce Fletcher, Chair
Oldham County Board of Education
Oldham County Schools
6165 W. Highway 146, Crestwood, KY 40014 • phone: 502/241-3500 • fax: 502/241-3209
Board of Education:
Joyce Fletcher – Chair
Kevin Woosley – Vice Chair
Jennifer Beckner
Larry Dodson
Walt Schumm
Oldham County Schools Administration:
Will Wells, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Anita Davis
Chief Academic Officer
Dorenda Neihof Chief Operations Officer
Dan Orman
Assistant Superintendent
Anne Coorssen, Esq.
General Counsel
www.oldham.kyschools.us
Michael Williams
Director of Pupil Personnel
James P. Ewalt
Architect/Director of Facilities Mgmt.
Melissa Abernathy
Director of Exceptional Children’s
Services
Randy Davis
Finance Officer/Board Treasurer
Tracy Harris
Director of Communications
7
Oldham County Schools
From Superintendent Will Wells
W
hile visiting schools
this fall, I’ve seen a
lot of students out
of their seats — up on their elbows,
collaborating with a neighbor, truly
engaged in their learning. Our mission at Oldham County
Schools is to ensure the learning of
every child. We all know students
come on a continuum of ability
and that each student will need
individualized attention to achieve
success. With nearly 12,000 students,
this is no small task.
With limited funds, we must
be very intentional in how we meet
student needs. We know we can best
achieve this goal by having excellent
teachers in every classroom and each
school being led by an excellent
principal. Our staff is our most
important asset.
Early intervention, especially
in literacy, is a major focus for the
District. It is our goal to have each
student reading proficiently no later
than the third grade. If we identify
those students struggling with
reading in the early grades, we have
a chance to tackle the problem before
the gap becomes too broad. Our best chance of success is to
work with both our students and our
teachers to get students on track in
reading.
Students have the Reading
Recovery program available in every
8
school. Reading Recovery is a shortterm intervention for first graders
struggling with early reading and
writing. Specially-trained teachers
work individually with students in
daily 30-minute lessons lasting 12
to 20 weeks. Our Reading Recovery
teachers work with students each day
on an individual basis and spend the
rest of the day working with small
groups of struggling readers between
kindergarten and third grade.
We’re also building the
capacity of our educators in literacy
instruction by offering intense
training through a partnership with
Bellarmine University. Our second
Reading Academy began this fall and
is open to first through third grade
teachers, including those who work in
Exceptional Student Services and with
English Language Learners. There is
also a separate cohort for preschool
and kindergarten teachers this year. Renowned literacy experts and
Bellarmine University professors Bob
and Kathy Cooter worked with the
District on the Academy, bringing a
wealth of knowledge to the District. Literacy is not our only area for
intervention, however.
Buckner Alternative High School
is another program that provides
educational opportunities for students
who — for a variety of reasons —
have been unsuccessful in traditional
school settings. The talented and
committed staff at BAHS works with
students in grades 6-12 and creates
a supportive environment to meet
student needs.
We also continue with programs
for our highest-performing
students. Our Gifted and Talented
Educational Services coordinators
work with students beginning in
fourth grade to provide tailored,
enriching educational experiences.
Summer scholars classes, leadership
academies, seminars and visual/
performing arts opportunities are all
available.
These programs are so successful
because of our staff. Our primary
investment is in teachers — the best
teachers — who work collaboratively
in teams, constantly asking our five
essential questions:
• What do students need to learn?
• How will we engage them so they
learn best?
• How will we know when each
student has learned?
• How will we respond when a
student experiences difficulty in
learning?
• How will we respond when a
student clearly has mastery of the
learning standards?
We do this by working daily to
equip our students with the skills
to be strong critical thinkers and
problem solvers — we want them to
become leaders who are also creative
and innovative thinkers. We want
them to develop communications
skills in reading, writing, speaking
and listening. And, we want them able
to not only access the abundance of
information available in this digital
world, but to understand, analyze and
apply that knowledge. Our teachers
work to design engaging learning
opportunities for students to acquire
these critical skills and dispositions.
Ultimately, we are working to
prepare our students to compete and
lead in the 21st Century workplace
and global economy.
These goals are important —
and challenging. Our investment in
staff makes them attainable. We can see that our investment
in our staff is paying off — not just
by how our students perform, but by
what our staff tells us. We recently
received results from the TELL Survey,
an anonymous biannual survey
www.oldham.kyschools.us
of teachers across the state. The
survey was broken down into eight
overall categories: time, facilities
and resources, community support
and involvement, managing student
conduct, teacher leadership, school
leadership, professional development
and instructional practices and
support.
In each of the eight overall
categories, the percentage of
Oldham County educators agreeing
that the attributes were present in
their schools was higher than the
percentage of state educators overall.
In fact, the category receiving
the highest percentage of agreement
from Oldham County educators
was about YOU. Eight questions
asked educators about community
support and involvement — and no
question received less than 92 percent
agreement.
When asked if they agreed that
their community is supportive of the
schools and is positively involved in
the educational interests of children,
an amazing 97 percent said yes.
That’s compared to 85 percent of
educators statewide.
And, 94 percent of Oldham
County educators agreed that
community members support
teachers and contribute to the success
of students.
Your support is invaluable to this
district — and through the TELL
Survey, it’s obvious that Oldham
County educators feel and appreciate
that support. We can’t thank you
enough — and consider this a thank
you from all our 850 teachers!
Will Wells
Will Wells, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Oldham County Schools
Oldham County Schools
“Leader in Me” draws on “7 Habits” success
At five Oldham County
elementary schools, an initiative
is underway that simultaneously
touches on several of the District’s
five visionary areas — media and
technology skills, critical thinking
and problem solving, communication
skills, leadership, creativity and
innovation.
While all of our schools work to
develop these skills in our students,
the “Leader in Me” is a great
example of how we do that. The
program is currently in different
stages of implementation at Kenwood
Station, La Grange, Liberty, Locust
Grove and Centerfield elementaries.
It was developed by Stephen Covey
and is based on his “Seven Habits of
Highly Effective People.”
Covey points out that factual
knowledge alone is no longer the
great differentiator between those
who succeed and those who do not.
“Instead, the individuals who
are emerging as the new ‘winners’
— the new thrivers — of the 21st
Century are those who possess aboveaverage creativity, strong analytical
skills, a knack for foresight, and —
surprise, surprise — good people
skills,” Covey wrote.
The “Leader in Me” is an innovative, school-wide model that increases teacher effectiveness, student
engagement and academic achievement, while preparing students to be
leaders in the 21st century. This fits
with our district’s vision of developing
21st century leaders — students who
can innovate, think critically, communicate and apply what they know.
“The Leader in Me” assumes
that every child is important and has
something of worth to contribute.
The program also assumes that
within every child and every educator
there are to be found true leadership
qualities.
Sequoia Hunt places her handprint on the “Leader in Me” tree with help from art teacher Betsy Ford.
Kenwood Station Elementary
Principal Lane Morris is seeing students at his school blossom because
of the program. Morris said he sees
students incorporate the habits into
their own lives, displaying better
time management skills and talking
about “putting the first things first”
— setting priorities like doing their
homework before going to play.
Morris recounted a story told to
him by the grandmother of two students at his school. She said she saw
her grandsons fighting over a toy car
— nothing unusual there. But then
one said to the other, “Let’s make this
a win-win situation.”
These skills can have huge positive impacts on education.
“If we can get them to own their
learning now, we will have very successful kids,” Morris said.
At Liberty Elementary, teachers
engaged in a “Leader in Me” book
study last year.
“All students can be leaders
in their own ways,” said Liberty
Principal Jane Smith.
The school’s site-based decision
making council even rewrote the
school’s mission statement to be more
kid-friendly and incorporate aspects
of the “Leader in Me.”
Smith hopes by implementing
the program, her students will be
better equipped to transition to new
schools in the 2014-15 school year,
after Liberty closes.
The school kicked off the program with an assembly Aug. 16, and
will build on the habits at monthly
assemblies. They also added their
handprints to a Seven Habits tree in
the hallway.
And at La Grange Elementary,
change is starting at the staff level.
“We are focused on ourselves first
and introducing it to the children
next year,” said Principal Heather
Thomas. La Grange Elementary received
a $40,000 grant from the I Am A
Leader Foundation for in-depth,
hands-on training. Throughout this
school year, staff will work to ingrain
the seven habits in their own lives. “What these educators are doing
is teaching basic leadership principles
to young students — as young
as 5 years old. They are teaching
oft-neglected skill sets for making
good choices, for getting along well
with others, and for managing time
wisely,” Covey wrote in his book.
O L D H A M C O U N T Y S C H O O L S C A L E N DA R
Oct. 18-25 — Fall break
Oct. 28 — Board of Education meeting at Crestwood Elementary
Nov. 8 and 9 — “Our Town” performances at Oldham Co. Schools Arts Center
Nov. 11-16 — American Education Week
Nov. 21 — College and Career night at South Oldham High
Nov. 22-24 — Taste of Broadway performances at North Oldham High Auditorium
Nov. 25 — Board of Education meeting at Oldham Co. Middle
Nov. 27-29 — Thanksgiving break
Dec. 2 — Winter classes begin at Oldham Co. Schools Arts Center
Dec. 12, 13 and 14 — “A Christmas Carol” performances at the Oldham Co.
Schools Arts Center
Dec. 16 — Board of Education meeting at the Oldham Co. Schools Arts Center
Dec. 23-Jan. 3 — Winter break
www.oldham.kyschools.us
9
Oldham County Schools
Trina Jackson – 2013-14 OCS Artist-in-Residence
Trina Jackson
The Oldham County Schools
Arts Center is pleased to announce
Trina Jackson as the 2013-14
Artist-in-Residence. Jackson brings
over 35 years of dance experience
to the Arts Center as director of the
Performance Dance Troupe and
choreographer for the Youth Theater
musical productions, where she
nurtures young artists and inspires
them to achieve their own individual
dance goals. During her career she
has taught students throughout the
United States and in the Caribbean
and Nicaragua. Jackson has choreographed for musicals, dancers,
gymnasts, actors, cheerleaders and
Miss America Pageant contestants.
She has been a national talent competition judge since 1986.
The opportunity to bring her
dance experience into the School
District through this residency is the
fulfillment of a lifelong dream. As
a young girl, Jackson realized while
watching other countries compete
in the Olympics that these children
were given the opportunity to explore
the arts in school and their talent
was nurtured from a young age.
Jackson hopes that through her residency she may be able to introduce
dance to someone who has untapped
talent or someone who didn’t know
they had the desire to express themselves through dance.
Jackson’s upcoming residency
will span an eight-month period
from October through May. During
that time, she will spend a full week
in each Oldham County elementary
and middle school and will work
closely with high school dance and
theatre programs to help prepare
students for their schools’ yearly
performances and shows. Jackson
will also conduct several professional
development sessions for related arts
teachers in the District to aid them
in teaching Kentucky Core Content
dance elements and in developing
demonstrations for annual state
reviews.
The Arts Center’s annual
artist-in-residence program has
been highly successful in developing a community of united learners
through collaborations between
students, teachers, community
members and artists. Each year the
resident artist touches the lives of
thousands of school district students
and community members. The artist-in-residence program, supported
through generous funding provided
by the Oldham County Educational
Foundation, is in its sixth year.
“Liberty Lives” campaign celebrates school’s 90th year
It is a bittersweet year for
Oldham County Schools — both
the 90th anniversary of Liberty
Elementary but also the last year
the school will be open. Constructed in 1923, the building once housed students all the
way through high school. Now, the
aging building can’t keep up with
its students and staff and, unfortunately, renovations would not be
cost-efficient.
Despite the sadness of seeing
Liberty close, the school community
is committed to ensuring a positive,
exciting year — for students and
the community.
The “Liberty Lives” campaign
encapsulates the idea that even if
the building is closed, the spirit of
the school lives on, both through
students there now and those who
attended in years past.
10
A celebration committee is
charged with organizing events
and projects that will highlight
the school’s rich history, and the
community will be welcomed into
the school for many of these special
occasions. One ongoing project this year
in which the community is invited
to participate is the creation of a
timeline display and memory book.
Former students and staff are
encouraged to submit mementos
and memories of their experiences. They can be stories, photos,
old report cards and documents,
newspaper articles — anything
illustrating the school’s history. These items will be incorporated into a memory book and into
a timeline display in the school’s
hallway. While the memory book
will remain a work in progress
throughout the school year, a ver-
sion of it will be presented during
the school’s birthday party Sept. 27.
The birthday party is limited
to current students, but activities in
October will provide an opportunity
for community members to visit.
First, the annual alumni
dinner is scheduled for Oct. 5. This
event always draws a large crowd
and undoubtedly will be popular
again this year. For information on
the dinner, call John Manning at
222-4546.
The open house, scheduled
for Oct. 12, will include guided
tours for visitors — led by current
students. During those tours, visitors will be able to see current work
on the timeline and memory book.
The open house is held in conjunction with the school’s fall festival,
the proceeds of which go to support
celebration activities at the school
throughout the year.
www.oldham.kyschools.us
Another ongoing fundraiser for
the Liberty PTA, which will use its
funds to support celebration and
closing events throughout the year,
is the selling of a special edition
print of the school. Local artist Judy Robinson was
commissioned to paint, in oils, a
portrait of the school, which is being produced as a commemorative
print. It is available in several sizes
and in both traditional prints and
canvas prints. To purchase, contact
Katie Addington at 225-9940 or
[email protected].
You can also find the Liberty
Lives campaign online at Facebook.
com/LibertyLivesKy. To submit
items for the memory book and
timeline, visit that page or send
them to [email protected].
Items can also be dropped off at or
mailed to the school.
Oldham County Health Department
Coalition for a Healthy Oldham County
The Coalition for a Healthy
Oldham County, coordinated by the
Oldham County Health Department,
has identified physical activity/
nutrition and substance abuse as
the top health concerns for Oldham
County. You can view the complete
Community Health Assessment
document on the health department
website.
The coalition is focusing on both
educating the community at large
as well as partnering with Oldham
County Schools to reach youth
specifically. One way the coalition
is encouraging the community
to reduce the growing problem of
prescription drug abuse is to use the
prescription take-back boxes located
at the Oldham County Police Station
on Hwy 393 during office hours.
Life of an Athlete
Program
To reach youth, the coalition
will be implementing the Life
of an Athlete (LOA) program at
North Oldham High School. LOA
is a systemic community approach
to reducing risk and increasing
protective factors in student athletes
while setting clear, consistent
boundaries for behavior, increasing
consequence beliefs, teaching
appropriate athlete lifestyle and
establishing a process to identify
and help those involved in drug
use or behaviors of concern. This
comprehensive program was
developed by John Underwood, a
U.S. Olympic athlete and NAVY Seal
Team trainer. Life of an Athlete
educates coaches and students about
The Life of an
Athlete Program
educates coaches
and students
about the specific
physiological
effects of alcohol,
marijuana, and
other drug use,
as well as sleep
and nutrition, on
student athletes
and performance.
the specific physiological effects of
alcohol, marijuana, and other drug
use, as well as sleep and nutrition,
on student athletes and performance.
John Underwood presented on
September 23 and 24 to students,
coaches, athletic directors, youth
group sponsors and other adults that
work with youth.
Free diabetes classes
It’s flu shot time!
Perfect for someone
who has just found out
he/she has diabetes
Call 222-3516 now for
an appointment
Join us on October 10, 1-5 pm,
or March 13 and 20, from 6-8 pm, for a class on diabetes,
held in the Oldham County Health
Department Conference Room,
1786 Commerce Parkway, La
Grange. (Enter through the side
entrance on left side of building.)
This class is a participantdriven and conversation-based
class. Different material will be
discussed at each class. Topics to
be discussed include: eating for
diabetes, physical activity and
monitoring blood sugars, among
others. Refreshments and light
snacks will be provided. Classes
will be presented by a registered
dietitian and registered nurse.
Registration is limited, so
please call 222-3516, ext. 145, to
reserve your spot. The deadline
to register for the October class is
Monday, October 7. The deadline
for the March classes is March 10.
Have your
questions about
diabetes answered!
Thursday, October 10
1-5 pm, OR
Thursdays, March 13 & 20,
6-8 pm
Everyone 6 months and older
should get a flu vaccine each
year, according to the Center for
Disease Control. Flu vaccines are
available at the Oldham County
Health Department for only $25.
We accept Passport/Medicaid,
Medicare, Anthem, Humana,
Wellcare, Coventry, and Human
CareSource.
High dose flu vaccines are
available for people over 65. Please
call for availability of specialty
influenza vaccine. Supplies are
limited.
Please call the Oldham County
Health Department, 222-3516 for
more information or to make an
appointment. OCHD is the vaccine
expert for your county!
Flu vaccines
$25
Oldham County Health Department
1786 Commerce Pkwy., LaGrange, KY 40031
502/222-3516 phone; 502/222-0816 fax
www.oldhamcountyhealthdepartment.org
Monday and Wednesday: 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 7:30 am-6 pm
Friday: 7:30 am-4 pm
11
Oldham County Parks and Recreation
U P C O M I N G
E V E N T S
A N D
A C T I V I T I E S
LOUISVILLE
CROKINOLE CLUB
Oct. 1 & 15, Nov. 12, Dec. 3
Crokinole is an action board
game with elements of shuffleboard and curling reduced to
table-top size. The game is very
popular in the northern U.S.
and Canada and the Louisville
Crokinole Club wants to bring it
to Oldham County! Get started
with this fun family activity for
free on the following Tuesday
evenings: October 1 & 15,
November 12 and December 13.
For more information, call 502/533-0433 or e-mail LouisvilleCrokinoleClub@
gmail.com. To learn more, visit
LouisvilleCrokinoleClub.com.
HALLOWEEN
“SPOOKTACULAR”
Oct. 20, 3-5 pm
Our FREE Halloween event will
be held in the shelter house at
Wendell Moore Park. Hayrides, a
costume contest for kids, and a
family pumpkin carving contest
(BYOP) highlight the event.
Treats are available for all kids
and the first 10 families to
arrive receive a pumpkin.
OLDHAM
COUNTY
ENVIRONMENTAL
AUTHORITY
SKELETON 5K RUN/WALK
Oct. 20, 2 pm
The Oldham County
Environmental Authority
Skeleton 5K Run/Walk will be
held on Sunday, October 20
at Wendell Moore Park
beginning at 2 pm. Registration
costs $20. Prizes are given in a
variety of age groups. Race day
registration begins at 1 pm.
“THE SANTA
CLAUSE” FREE
MOVIE NIGHT
Saturday, Nov. 30, 7 pm
Join us at the John W. Black
Community Center in Buckner
for a screening of the holiday
favorite, “The Santa Clause”
starring Tim Allen. The 1994
film will be shown on our
3- screen system for a visually
exciting holiday presentation!
Bring the whole family to
kick off the holiday season.
Refreshments will be available
for purchase.
ADULT
VOLLEYBALL
LEAGUE
Adult volleyball leagues begin
play in January each year at OC
Middle School. Registration is
accepted through the second
week in January. The league
fee of $150 per team includes a
7-game schedule plus a singleelimination tournament.
FATHER/DAUGHTER
DANCE
Jan. 31 & Feb.1
This event has become so popular,
we’re now offering two nights,
January 31 & February 1! Dads
and their best girl (or girls) can
come out to the John W. Black
Community Center for a fun-filled
night of dancing and contests. A
live DJ. and light refreshments
accentuate the evening as well as
a photographer for capturing this
special moment. The $12-percouple cost includes a rose for
your date. For multiple daughters,
add $6 each. Tickets go on
sale December 5 and must be
purchased by January 27 at 4 pm. Maximum of 75 couples
per night.
YOUTH
BASKETBALL
LEAGUE
Registration for our popular
youth basketball program
runs through November 9. We
offer an 8-week season plus a
season-ending tournament for
boys in grades 1-7 and girls in
grades 1-6. $45 per child. All
practices and games are held on
Saturdays beginning in January.
“CLOVER LEAF”
5K RUN/WALK
Thursday, March 20, 6:30 pm
Join us for the 9th annual
“Clover Leaf” 5K run/walk on
Thursday, March 20, beginning
at 6:30 pm. The run/walk will
start and finish at Briar Hill
Park. Early registration is $15;
late registration (including
on race day) is $20. Prizes are
given in a variety of age groups
and all participants receive our
famous “Clover Leaf” T-shirt.
Volunteers needed for this event,
call us to lend a hand!
Additional information and registration forms are available at www.oldhamcountyky.gov.
To begin receiving the monthly Parks and Recreation e-newsletter, send an e-mail to: [email protected]
with e-news in the subject line!
12
www.oldhamcountyky.gov
Oldham County Parks and Recreation
U P C O M I N G
SCRAPBOOKING
EVENT
Nov. 2
Join us November 2 at the John
W. Black Community Center
from 3 -10 pm for our next
scrapbooking event. There is
a registration fee of $10 per
person, which includes pizza for
dinner and soft drinks. A variety
of classes full of scrapbooking
ideas will be offered for a
minimal per-class materials
fee. You can pick and choose
the classes that you want to
attend. Call 225-0655 for more
information!
E V E N T S
A N D
A C T I V I T I E S
360° CHIROPRACTIC
“TURKEY TROTTER”
8K RUN/WALK
Saturday, November 16, 8 am
Come take on our unique
course at the 2nd annual 360°
Chiropractic “Turkey Trotter”
8K run/walk on Saturday, November 16, beginning at 8 am. The run/walk
will start and finish at
Wendell Moore Park in Buckner.
Early registration is $15; late
registration (including on race
day) is $20. Prizes are given in
a variety of age groups and all
participants receive a T-shirt.
Volunteers needed for this event,
call us to help out!
WOODSONGS
COFFEEHOUSE
Nov. 7, Jan.16, Feb. 20, March
20, April 17 & June 7-8 (at Arts
on the Green), 6:30-9:30 pm
The OCPR WoodSongs
Coffeehouse is the home of
Oldham County’s “roots music”
scene! If you play or enjoy
listening to acoustic-oriented
music (Bluegrass, Country,
Gospel/Spiritual and Singer/
Songwriter), the OC Parks & Rec.
WoodSongs Coffeehouse is the
place for you. Join us at the John
Black Community Center (except
June 7-8 at Arts on the Green) on
the dates listed above. To schedule
a 15-minute performance on the
“pickin’ carpet,” contact Tim at
[email protected].
U.S.S.S.A SPRING
SOFTBALL
LEAGUES
Registration for our men’s,
coed and women’s softball
leagues begins March 1. Season
includes a full regular
season schedule plus a
single-elimination
tournament. Starting
date and fee to be
announced.
EARTH DAY 5K
RUN / 2 MILE WALK
April 26, 8 am
Join us at the Morgan
Conservation Park for this
challenging trail walk/run.
What better way to spend Earth
Day than in the great outdoors!
Early registration is $15; late
registration (including on race
day) is $20.
MOTHER / SON
DANCE
May 9
Hey Moms, on the Friday
before Mother’s Day, here’s a
chance for you to have a fun
night out with your favorite
fella! On Friday, May 9 from
6:30-8:30 pm at the John W.
Black Community Center, come
dance to some great tunes spun
by a live DJ. For only $12 per
couple we will provide light
refreshments, contests, and a
carnation to pin on the lapel of
your young gentleman. There
will be a photographer on hand
to capture this special moment.
Tickets available starting
April 1.
Join our Facebook group: “Friends of Oldham County Parks”
www.oldhamcountyky.gov
13
Oldham County Environmental Authority
Clean water starts with you and ends with us!
Stormwater carries pollutants
from soil and pavement into storm
drains, which discharge directly to
Oldham County creeks and streams.
Pollutants such as fertilizers, motor
oil, and pet waste impact our
water quality, and disrupt wildlife
and recreation in and around our
waterways. Every individual in our
county plays a vital role in the future
of clean waterways and the Oldham
County Environmental Authority
has the responsibility to tell people
not to pollute — clean water starts
with you and ends with us! The good
news is that there are simple things
we can do to respect our waterways
and not pollute:
• Use less fertilizer on lawns
• Avoid the use of harmful pesticides
• Recycle used motor oil
• NEVER dump anything into a
storm drain
• Pick up after your pets
• Don’t litter
• Wash your car on the lawn, not
on the driveway or in the street
• Compost garden trimmings
instead of discarding in storm
drains
For more information about
stormwater quality and pollution
prevention visit our website www.
OldhamCountyEnvironmentalAuthority.com.
You look familiar…
The Oldham County
Environmental Authority is
involved in the community
in various ways. You may
have stopped by our tents at
Oldham County Day, visited our booth at the Oldham
County Showcase or even heard
about a presentation we gave at
your child’s school. Participation
in a variety of events year-round
connects us with county residents. It is our goal to engage the
community in discussions about stormwater quality. Our
message is clean water starts with
you and ends with us! We hope
you will come and say hello the
next time you see us out and about.
If you would like the
OCEA to speak to your
class, group or organization about water quality
issues call us at 502/225-9477
or visit us online at www.
OldhamCountyEnvironmentalAuthority.com.
14
ol
iddle Scho
ing
rrod speak
Horace Ha
Chairman
ry
oshen Rota
Prospect/G
to the ldham M
the East O
t
a
y
la
p
is
OCEA d
Fair
al Science
Profession
anding in
Manager, st case
es
ic
rv
Se
Show
n, Field
m County
Kevin Gibso
t the Oldha
a
th
o
o
b
A
the OCE
s Manager,
y Relation ut rain
it
n
u
m
m
o
abo
ler, C
Vickie Mil
ol students
iddle scho nts.
m
to
s
k
ea
sp
pla
d invasive
gardens an
www.OldhamCountyEnvironmentalAuthority.com
Oldham County Environmental Authority
Wastewater update
2013 was a busy year for the
Oldham County Environmental
Authority. The Buckner Municipal,
Willow Creek and Covered Bridge
package wastewater treatment
plants were taken offline and the
KSR Regional Wastewater Plant was
expanded. This is an excellent sign of
progress in Oldham County’s overall
wastewater management because
the sewage is then processed by more
technically advanced regional plants.
The Oldham County
Environmental Authority received
preliminary approval to build a
new regional wastewater plant in
the Crestwood area to eliminate
the Orchard Grass and Ash Avenue
package wastewater treatment plants.
As an added bonus, the addition of a
new regional wastewater plant could
support future growth in the southeastern portion of Oldham County.
Oldham County Environmental Authority Service Area Map
LEGEND
Decommissioned WWTP
Sewer Treatment Facilities
Sewer Lift
Secondary Roads
Major Roads
Money down the drain
Once the lever is pushed on the
commode, people rarely give the
wastewater a second thought. But if
you are using your commode as a
garbage can, you are flushing money
down the drain. When flushed, the
items listed below can cause costly
plumbing problems:
• Feminine care products
(including applicators)
• Diapers or wipes of any kind (not
even “flushable” wipes)
• Prophylactics
• Dental floss
• Q-Tips
• Children’s toys
These items can block the lateral
line that takes wastewater from
your home to the sewer main. The
repairs may require the replacement
of the lateral line, which can cost
homeowner’s several hundred
dollars. This costly repair can be
avoided by only flushing toilet
tissue down the commode. If you
experience a plumbing issue it is
recommended to discontinue all
water use and contact the plumber of
your choice immediately.
Inappropriate items flushed down
the commode can create costly
plumbing repairs.
Oldham County Environmental Authority
700 West Jefferson Street • LaGrange, Kentucky 40031
Main: 502/225-9477 • Fax: 502/225-9468
Scan this QR code or visit the following
website to complete a Water Quality Survey:
www.OldhamCountyEnvironmentalAuthority.com/survey.html
Community Education
offers enrichment
classes for adults ages
18 years and up.
Clean Water starts with You and Ends with Us!
www.OldhamCountyEnvironmentalAuthority.com
15
Presort Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rivertown
Communications LLC
WHAT’S HAPPENING!™
Rivertown Communications
6 Bat Cave Court • Covington, KY 41015
TIME DATED
©2013 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. WHAT’S HAPPENING!™ is published by Rivertown Communications, Covington, KY 41015; 859/250-9131; www.whatshappeningnews.
com. Although all information is believed to be reliable, Rivertown Communications cannot guarantee the accuracy of information presented in this publication. All articles are submitted and approved by participating organizations and
do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher. WHAT’S HAPPENING!™ is paid for by organizations which are directly or indirectly supported with public funds and/or are special districts and public utilities.
Visit www.whatshappeningnews.com for all the news in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Oldham counties.
Oldham County Fiscal Court
From Judge/Executive David Voegele
Advancing healthcare in
our community
Oldham County’s ranking as
the healthiest county in Kentucky
has been reinforced with our
community’s designation as a Heart
Safe Community by the Kentucky
Department of Public Health. It was
my privilege to declare September
4 as HeartSafe Community Day in
Oldham County.
The Kentucky Department of
Public Health launched a program
two years ago to focus public
attention on heart disease and stroke.
Kentucky is near the bottom of the
list among the states in stopped heart
attacks and stroke. Heart attack is
the eighth leading cause of death for
Kentuckians.
The County’s designation is a
collective effort of all local health
care providers, including Oldham
County EMS, Baptist Healthcare La
Grange, and the Oldham County
Health Department.
I am proud of the steps the
members of Oldham County’s
medical community are taking to
advance healthcare in our county.
(You can find more information
about the County’s designation
as a HeartSafe Community on
page 2 of this What’s Happening!
publication.)
County government
grant initiative
Funding for county government
comes from a variety of sources. Not
all sources are taxes or fees.
Earlier this year, Fiscal Court
implemented a plan to help identify
grant opportunities which may
be applicable to Oldham County
government. The County has
received federal, state and private
foundation grants in the past and is
interested in additional opportunities
that may be available to support
community objectives.
While Fiscal Court is interested
in increasing the amount of
funding from outside sources, the
demographics of Oldham County do
not make it easy. Oldham County
has the highest median income per
capita in Kentucky. Many possible
funding sources limit awards to
counties which appear to have a
greater need.
The County’s research is built
around an on-line grant research
service. Since our program began in
April, several hundred grant-funding
sources have been researched by
David Voegele, Oldham
County Judge/Executive
the County’s grant writer and either
saved or routed to other staff for
further scrutiny.
Of the grants staff felt most
applicable to Oldham County, 17
applications were submitted. At this
point, 6 have been awarded, and 5
are pending. The county has been
awarded $127,194. We expect the
number of awards and amount
of funding to increase as further
opportunities are discovered and
sought.
Grant awards have been received
from the Samuel Peyton Head Trust,
the state government for hazardous
www.oldhamcountyky.gov
Not all sources of
funding for county
government are
taxes or fees.
Oldham County
has been awarded
$127,194 in federal,
state and private
foundation grants.This
number is expected
to increase as further
opportunities are
discovered and sought.
waste and recycling initiatives,
Kentucky Pride, the Keep America
Beautiful Program and the Ironman
Foundation.
Currently, the County has grant
applications pending to improve
HVAC and lighting efficiency in
18 county buildings, additional
equipment for Oldham County
Police, park expansion in Westport
and a new back-up generator
for the dispatch building. Grant
applications pending to assist private
organizations in the County include
additional security at Baptist Health
La Grange.