Sanitary sewer improvement projects may be coming soon to your Lexington neighborhood, and the city's Division of Water Quality is holding a series of public meetings.
Meetings this month will focus on needed improvements in the Wolf Run, East Hickman and West Hickman watersheds of Fayette County.
They are 6 p.m. Monday at Victory Baptist Church, 2261 Armstrong Mill Road and 6 p.m. March 21 at Tates Creek Christian Church.
The Consent Decree between Lexington and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Kentucky requires the city to make improvements to its sanitary and storm sewer systems.
The city has been ordered to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows. This occurs when the sanitary sewer line is blocked or when storm water enters the sewer line and overloads the sanitary sewer system. Overflows in Lexington have caused untreated or partially treated sewage to be discharged into Fayette County creeks and streams each year.
Over the past three years, the city has made improvements including the replacement of the South Elkhorn pump station, the number-one source of overflows, at a cost of $4 million.
Also, the city has started a long-term program of inspecting, mapping and repairing existing sanitary sewer lines, storm water lines and manhole access points to the system. Smoke testing is going on throughout the city to ensure that all types of structures, including houses and commercial facilities, are connected to the right sewer.
The results of the inspections, mapping and smoke testing will be used for the development of the Remedial Measures Plans. By the end of 2012 other Remedial Measures Plans must be developed for the remaining watersheds in Fayette County.
For more information about meetings or the Remedial Measures Plans, go to Livegreenlexington.com.
Series held for Alzheimer's caregivers
The Alzheimer's Association and Central Baptist Hospital are sponsoring a series of classes for family caregivers about the late stages of Alzheimer's disease and care giving. It will also offer an opportunity to reflect and gain a new perspective on caregiving issues.
Local experts specializing in Alzheimer's care will discuss preparing for changes; effective use of medications; creating a safe environment; maintaining emotional and spiritual connection; and feeding and nutrition challenges.
Classes are 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, April 18, April 25, May 9, May 23 and June 6 at HealthwoRx at Lexington Green. A free lunch will be provided.
Registration is required. Call 1-800-272-3900.
Society to discuss challenges of picture books
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is sponsoring a March 26 workshop devoted to the genre of picture books.
Lexington author George Ella Lyon will lead a session on the challenges facing writers in this genre, and artist Susan Eaddy of Nashville will discuss the expectations placed on artists and illustrators. Heather Henson, a Kentucky author and former editor at HarperCollins in New York will discuss the publishing marketplace.
Danville resident and author Patsi Trollinger will chair the workshop and discuss non-fiction picture books. The event is 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Mall at Lexington Green.
Registration through Friday is $40 for SCBWI members, $45 for non-members. Late registration Saturday through March 24 is $50 for SCBWI members, $55 for non-members. Go to Scbwi-midsouth.org.
