Archive for March 22nd, 2010

BBB warns basketball fans who want to follow the University of Louisville or Kentucky Wildcats along the road to the NCAA Final Four should use caution in order to avoid con artists when buying tickets and travel packages.

Fans could find it difficult to get tickets, and may be tempted by the secondary market, where tickets always pop up. The BBB warns fans to be careful if buying tickets from individuals online or from unfamiliar sources. If buying tickets from a brokerage, check the company’s BBB reliability report. If people buy from scalpers, or from individuals through classified ads or on the internet, BBB warns they are taking a big chance.  The tickets could turn out fake, and there isn’t anything a fan can do about it.

BBB also warns to be sure you are getting what you pay for when it comes to travel packages throughout the tournament. Check out the travel planner with the BBB. Be sure to verify reservations made in your name so that there are no surprises when you arrive. Find out what the cancellation or refund policies are in case you cannot go.

The BBB has these tips for fans who want to follow the teams:

• Use secure websites for online transactions. When buying tickets or making hotel and travel reservations on line, look for a padlock on the page, and the letter “s” in the URL (web address box) after the “http.” Example: https://www.xyz.com. Unsecure sites will only show http://… If neither is present, the site is not secure and your credit card or bank account information may not be safe.

• If buying online, beware of sellers leading you away from secure, reliable transaction methods such as PayPal or those who discourage using credit cards. If you use a credit card and something goes wrong, you can try to dispute the charge with the credit card provider. Beware of sellers that want you to wire money via Western Union – there is no way to trace the cash if something goes wrong.

• Buy at your own risk. You are better off buying from a reliable source. If you buy tickets from unfamiliar sources or scalpers, there is no guarantee that they will be legitimate. (Scalping laws vary from state to state.)

Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Check out companies with the BBB at www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

Spring Clean Week in Jefferson County is March 21-27

Volunteers will be out in force next week to spring clean Jefferson County’s highways. The Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announces that the Adopt-a-Highway Spring Clean Week will be held March 21-27.

“The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet appreciates the efforts of our Adopt-a-Highway volunteers who help keep our highways and communities beautiful and litter-free,” Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said.

More than 1,100 groups participate in Kentucky’s Adopt-a-Highway program, which was established in 1988. Volunteers clean approximately 8,800 miles of roadside annually, setting an example of responsible environmental stewardship. Approximately 26 percent of eligible Jefferson County highways are adopted.

“The increase in group enrollment in the program shows that Kentuckians place high value on maintaining and improving the scenic beauty of our state,” Hancock said.

The Adopt-a-Highway program promotes public environmental awareness and supports tourism. The program also creates a partnership between citizens, community and government, and establishes a sense of pride in the Bluegrass State.

GET INVOLVED!

How can you contribute to the community, make a difference, send a message and educate others – all while having fun with friends and family? Join Kentucky’s Adopt-a-Highway Program.  By taking responsibility for an area roadway, you set an example in your community.

The environment is everyone’s responsibility. Adopt-a-Highway provides the opportunity to be a part of the solution. Each year, the KYTC spends about $5 million and 200,000 worker hours to remove 96,000 bags of highway litter. Adopt-a-Highway volunteers help save thousands of taxpayer dollars and demonstrate that a clean environment is a shared responsibility.

Any permanently established business, association, community or public organization, or government entity can adopt a stretch of highway. A wide range of groups throughout Kentucky now participate, including homemaker clubs, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, high school organizations, service clubs, veterans, college fraternities and sororities, sports teams and church groups, among others.

Volunteers adopt two-mile sections of highway under a two-year, renewable contract with the Transportation Cabinet.

Adopt-a-Highway coordinators can explain the fundamentals of the program to volunteer groups, work with group members in locating an available highway, and keep them notified of news and upcoming events.

Litter pickups are held at least four times per year or as many times as necessary to keep adopted areas reasonably litter-free. The cabinet coordinates three annual clean-up efforts.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Groups interested in becoming members of the Adopt-a-Highway Program can find details and district coordinator information at http://adopt-a-highway.ky.gov/.  Safety guidelines are provided to volunteers and should be reviewed prior to each cleanup.

The Adopt-a-Highway coordinators help volunteers get in touch with the county maintenance crew superintendent to arrange warning sign placement on the date of pickup. Trash bags and safety vests can be obtained at each state maintenance facility, and litter removal is provided by the state highway crews.

For more information, visit http://adopt-a-highway.ky.gov/ or contact area coordinator Amy Knipp at 502-210-5402 or e-mail amy.knipp@ky.gov.

Win Two Nights at the 21c Museum Hotel, a $200 Restaurant Gift Card, a Freelance Writing Contract and More

The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched a contest with Trazzler.com. They are looking for people who are passionate about Louisville – and that would be YOU! –  to hone in on their favorite thing about the city and write a maximum of 160 words on that topic. More information about the contest is below.

Deadline: May 15, 2010.

Trazzler.com is an internet travel tool that helps users select destinations based on their “travel personality.” They’re looking to uncover the best places to visit in Louisville and want help. Write about what you know – in 160-words-or-less on the topic “Quintessential Louisville.” We’re looking for pieces featuring the kinds of places and experiences you can’t wait to share with a good friend visiting from out-of-town, or find yourself pining for when far from home.

For “Quintessential Louisville” contest rules, to enter a story or to vote visit: www.trazzler.com/contests/louisville.