The Week of Valor is a week full of events that focus on honoring the contributions that Louisville veterans have made to their country. There are more than 56,000 veterans living in Louisville. I hope that you will be able to join us for one of the events below so that together we can say "thank you" to these men and women who have given so much. 

Monday, November 9 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. (Registration 5:30-6 p.m.)
Kentucky Veterans of Year Banquet
Location: Brown & Williamson Club, 2800 S Floyd Street
This annual event honors one male and one female Kentucky veteran for their heroic efforts defending our country and our Commonwealth’s way of life, in addition to honoring and celebrating all veterans. 

Tuesday, November 10 from 8 -9:30 a.m.
Louisville Business First Salute to Veterans
Location: Noah’s Event Venue, 12451 Plantside Drive
This annual breakfast will honor 23 veterans who impact the Louisville business community. The featured speaker will be Colonel Walter Hurd.

Tuesday, November 10 from 5 - 8 p.m.
2015 VA Welcome Home Event “From War to Home” Traveling Exhibit
Location: Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Avenue
“From War to Home Exhibit” explores the realities of military service through words and images from Veterans of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and local Veterans’ Art Work from the community and the Kentucky Center Arts in Healing program. 

Wednesday, November 11 at 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Parade & Massing of the Colors
Downtown Louisville –Main Street from Second Street to Sixth Street. The first unit will arrive at the Review Stand at the steps of the Kentucky Center for the Arts at 11:11 a.m. The Massing of the Colors will take place at the Review Stand as soon as the last parade unit passes that position at approximately noon.

Thursday, November 12 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Warrior’s Heart & Harvest
Location: 201 S. Peterson Avenue
Join the Athena Sisters for a free spaghetti dinner as they pay tribute to veterans during the Mayor’s Week of Valor. This is a child-friendly event with various children’s activities and games. Partners include Warrior's Heart & Harvest, Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. 

Saturday, November 14 from 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Veterans Complimentary Care Expo
Location: Beargrass Christian Church, 4100 Shelbyville Road
Robley Rex VA Medical Center is hosting this event to showcase complementary care programs and activities provided to veterans by Robley Rex VA Medical Center and community partners. Examples of complementary care programs represented are Arts in Healing, Yoga Warriors, Dancing Well: The Soldier Project, Paws for Purpose, acupuncture and many more. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about these events, click here.

The Veterans Administration has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to perform an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the property that the VA purchased at Brownsboro Road and the Watterson Expressway. The NOI has been published in the Federal Register and  the Louisville Courier Journal.  

A public scoping comment period will be open until November 30, 2015.  The public may submit comments online at www.Louisville-EIS.com , by email to LouisvilleReplacementHospitalComments@va.gov , or by regular mail to Robley Rex VAMC, Attn:  Replacement VAMC Activation Team Office, 800 Zorn Avenue, Louisville, KY  40206. Councilwoman Leet is in the process of preparing comments to be submitted to the VA. Once completed these comments will be made available on the District 7 website.

Comments that were submitted during the VA's Environmental Assessment (EA) process remain in the project record and are being incorporated as identified scoping issues in the EIS.  The public does not need to submit comments that they have previously submitted.

It was my honor to recognize Mayor Beck Peak and the members of the Plantation City Council at the last Metro Council Meeting. The City of Plantation has earned the distinction of a Certified City of Ethics from the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC). 

Certification under the KLC Certified City of Ethics Program is a way to recognize cities and city officials that have adopted principles and procedures that offer guidance on ethical issues, and a mechanism to resolve complaints at the local level. In addition, this program increases public trust and confidence in city governments and their services through the training and recognition that this program promotes. 

TO EARN A "CERTIFIED CITY OF ETHICS" DESIGNATION, A CITY MUST TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS. 

• Cities should review the KLC model ethics ordinance* and make any changes to their current ordinance that they feel necessary. 
• Send updated city ethics ordinance to be reviewed by KLC to be certain that it meets minimum standards set out in KRS 65.003.
• Adopt a resolution establishing the six ethics principles to govern the conduct of your city's officials and employees and send along with application to KLC.
• All elected officials and ethics board members must complete intense training on City Ethics Ordinance provided by KLC.  
• Achieve Certification

Work continues on US 42/Brownsboro Road; motorist can expect lane closures and delays possible between Chenoweth Lane and KY 22 due to roadway resurfacing.  Lane closures are possible nightly from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. The work is expected to be completed by November 16. 

KYTC will be working on pavement markings and rumble strip installation along KY 22. Lane closures and delays are possible between Northfield Drive and Hurstbourne Parkway. KYTC  says Motorist can expect possible lane closures weekdays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and weeknights from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Metro Public works will continue work on drainage improvements along Mockingbird Valley Road this week; in preparation of resurfacing work that is scheduled for the week of November 16. 

Inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances may occur, so the information above is strictly of an advisory nature and is subject to change with no notice.

St. Matthews Area Ministries will host their annual “Pulling Together” auction and banquet on Friday, November 13th, at The Olmsted located on the Masonic Home Campus at 3701 Frankfort Road. Doors will open at 5:30p.m. with a cocktail hour and dinner commencing at 6:30 p.m.  The evening includes a Monopoly theme with dinner & live music, silent auction, live auction, recognitions, and more!  

Please join St. MAM for a perfect prelude to the holidays. Tickets are $35.00 per person. Sponsorships and tickets can be purchased by calling Julie Abbott at 893-0205. Donations for the Live and Silent Auctions are requested