District 7 E-Newsletter - April 12, 2019

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
Paula McCraney - Official Metro Picture

Councilwoman
Paula
McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107
Email Councilwoman McCraney
 

Links

Visit the District 7 Website


Phone Numbers
of Interest

Air Pollution: 574-6000

Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318

Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)

Brightside: 574-2613

Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700

Legal Aid: 584-1254

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Metro Parks: 456-8100

Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111

Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111

MSD: 587-0603

PARC: 569-6222

Poison Control: 589-8222

Public Works: 574-5810

Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571

TARC: 585-1234

Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447

In this issue...


District 7 Budget Survey Results

thank you

The results are in!

Thank you --- all 66 of you --- for taking the time to complete the Budget Survey. We appreciate you very much, as your feedback will directly assist me as I work alongside my colleagues to approve a balanced budget for Louisville Metro. Click on the link below to view the results.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-P689QSZFV/


Louisville Metro Government Budget

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IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE BUDGET 

Do you have suggestions for how Louisville Metro can address its budget shortfall? If so, we would like your input. 

Click HERE to submit your ideas. The Louisville Metro 2018 Progress Report and 2018-19 budget material is included to help guide your recommendations.


A Message from Councilwoman McCraney

kennedys

kennedy

As a member of the Metro Council, I am often asked to make an appearance, give a presentation, serve on a panel or give remarks at an event. Of all the invitations I’ve received since being officially sworn in on January 7, none compares to the precious opportunity I had on Tuesday. I was the guest speaker at Kennedy Montessori Elementary School to Ms. Francisco’s second and third grade class.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a student who eloquently said these words, “Hello Councilwoman McCraney…I will take you to our room.” Impressive!

As my escort  walked me to the room, I was struck by the student’s politeness and care in opening the door and seeing to it that I made it up the steps to the second floor. It was during the walk that I realized second and third graders are smart --- and attentive --- and inquisitive. "Oh my," I thought to myself, "I’ve got my work cut out with this assignment."  

Second and third graders are able to ask questions and to offer suggestions (Just like the District 7 constituents I’ve met thus far). They read books, and are often read to. Therefore, they can make logical inferences and easily grasp pieces of information to understand a story someone presents to them. They also have the ability to offer an opinion about a speaker’s presentation by describing parts of the talk they liked. Second and third graders are skilled at detecting all the ingredients of a good story: characters, setting, events that lead to a conflict, and a resolution to the conflict. So, as I spoke to the students, I was careful to use stories, paint pictures of sceneries, present obstacles and share how I overcame those obstacles.

If you haven’t met a second or third grader with the aforementioned characteristics, then you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Francisco’s students. They are sharp, and quick, and appeared eager to listen and learn.

After I delivered my talk about my formative years and life as a councilwoman, the students pulled out prepared questions and select ones of them fired away. Here is a sampling of the questions (and my corresponding answers):

  • Question: Do you like the work you do at City Hall? 

    Answer: Yes, I like it very, very much.

  • Question: What do you like best about being a councilwoman?

    Answer: Getting to meet and listen to different people and see if I can help someone in any way.

  • Question: What are your two favorite colors?

    Answer: Pink and purple. Pink because that is one of the colors of my sorority, and purple because as a little girl, I was told that purple was a color representing royalty.

  • Question: Is it hard to become a councilperson?

    Answer: Becoming a councilperson takes patience and lots of time. You have to gather a team of people to help you, meet a lot of people, knock on a lot of doors, and tell people about yourself. After you tell all about yourself or send information to your neighbors, you have to ask people to vote for you.

  • Question: What legislation have you proposed?

    Answer: I have not yet proposed any legislation because I’ve been concentrating on the city budget. However, I do plan to introduce legislation dealing with people who are homeless.

Lastly, the ultimate question was asked – one that was not necessarily sanctioned to be asked, but one that every 2nd or 3rd grader curiously asks adults…

  • Question: How old are you?  

    Before I answered the question, I asked them to guess how old they thought I was. They had a good time spouting numbers ---- 24, 29, 30. It was amusing (and flattering). But, just as I was about to answer the question, one of the students raised his hands and enthusiastically shouted…..59. Astonished, I looked at him, smiled, and responded, “You guessed it! I am 59 years old,"  to which most of the class replied, “Wow!”

Thank you Ms. Francisco for the invitation to speak to your class. I enjoyed my experience immensely. Kudos to you for being a shining light in the lives of the leaders of tomorrow. Also, thank you to Ms. Diyana Jones, Principal at Kennedy, Montessori Elementary School, who sat in on my presentation to the class, and who took the pictures and gave me permission to use. Kennedy Montessori rocks!

kennedy

Macbeth at Cox Park - Take a Look

What an incredible evening had by all at the District 7 Shakespeare in the Park event. The weather was great and the performance was fantastic.

I had an opportunity to stop by and catch a portion of the performance and witness the cast give their level best. Everyone in attendance showed signs of appreciation to the Shakespearean actors AND the Chamber of Commerce for the lovely weather.

Councilwoman McCraney

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Macbeth in Lyndon

lyndon

City of Lyndon Easter Egg Hunt

City of Lyndon Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 20 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Robsion Park & Lyndon Christian Church,
8125 LaGrange Road

lyndon

Deadline to Register to Vote is April 22

voter registration

To vote in the May 2019 Primary Election in Kentucky, you must be registered to vote by April 22. Registering to vote is easy.

Kentuckians can now register to vote, and check and update their registrations online.  More information and links are at this website: http://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/registration-deadlines/.

                                             Exercise your right to vote - Register by April 22!


LouieCONNECT - Community Resource Website

louieconnect

Are you or someone you know in need of services but don't know where to look? LouieCONNECT.com is the perfect one-stop resource that can connect people to a wide variety of helpful agencies. 

This is a mobile optimized website that pulls together the services in our community to provide support for people experiencing a difficult time. It includes only those services that are free and provides all of the information needed to know what they offer, where they are located, when they are open, and any requirements to receive help.

If you are having an issue but don't know where to turn for help, LouieCONNECT.com could be just what you've been looking for.


Implicit Bias Discussion

Tuesday, April 16 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Frazier Kentucky History Museum, 829 W. Main Street

discussion

The Frazier Kentucky History Museum and Lean Into Louisville are putting you to the test for hidden or "implicit" bias. Understanding those biases helps get a better handle on stereotypes and prejudices in our society.

Join experts Marian R. Vasser, Director of Diversity Education and Inclusive Excellence at U of L, Jud Hendrix of Lean Into Louisville, and Luke Whitehead, Founder & CEO of Mixed Nation, Inc., for a revealing discussion.

You may learn things you didn't know about yourself and others.

This program is free of charge. Please RSVP at this link.


Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation Pro-Am Golf Tournament

kdf hole

Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 28, 2019*
10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

*Closed Sunday, April 21 (Easter)

Sunday, April 28, 2019
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
6:00 PM: Semi-Finals

Tuesday, April 30, 2019
6:00 PM: Finals at the 8th hole of Seneca Golf Course

  • Senior Special 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Weekdays (62+) / 2 for 1

  • Jr. Day: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 / 2 for 1

  • First Responders and Veterans Day: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 22 / 2 for 1

  • Ladies Day: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 / 2 for 1

  • Ladies Long Drive Contest: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 / 2 for $5

  • Men’s Long Drive Contest: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 / 2 for $5

We keep trying to give the money away! In its 31st year, the $1 million dollar prize is still up for grabs in the finals of the $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest. Anyone from beginners to scratch golfers can take a shot. If no one gets the million, they can still walk away with a terrific First Prize, $5,000!

Preliminaries are held for 10 days. Next year’s challenge begins Thursday, April 18, 2019 and runs through Sunday, April 28. The Hole-In-One is open daily, except Sunday, April 21. Each golf ball is only $1. Get 10 FREE golf balls with the purchase of a $7 Pegasus Pin at the event. Click here for more information.


Fraudulent Medical Billing Scams

attorney general

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Office of the Attorney General

Beshear: Fraudulent Medical Billing Scams Targeting Kentuckians
Families urged to seek care from known and reliable medical professionals

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 9, 2019) – Following reports from Kentuckians, Attorney General Andy Beshear has issued a scam alert to warn of medical billing scams targeting families.

Louisville residents have reported a suspicious van driving around paying Medicaid participants $20 for a DNA sample and health insurance information, while other senior Kentuckians are receiving calls offering medical devices through Medicare. One Warren County senior reported $1,300 in medical bills for back braces that were not medically necessary. 

Beshear said in both scenarios scammers try to steal the victim’s insurance and personal information in order to receive reimbursement for services or medical devices that were not provided or medically necessary.

“Scammers are exploiting Kentuckians’ medical needs in an attempt to take in illegal profits,” said Beshear. “Kentuckians should rely on the advice of their primary care physicians – not someone who is calling them by phone or driving by in an unmarked vehicle.”

Beshear’s office has recently received complaints related to medical scams in Ballard, Breckinridge, Clark, Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Lee, Letcher, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Perry, Pulaski, Shelby, and Warren counties.

Kentuckians who may have provided their Medicaid information to a suspicious person or company are encouraged to call the Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Hotline at 877-228-7384. Beshear’s office stands ready to review any potentially fraudulent Medicaid billing claims.

Kentuckians who inadvertently responded to scammers offering medical devices or tests should also notify Medicare and/or Medicaid, or the appropriate health insurance provider, immediately, continually review statements and dispute inaccurate billings.

To help avoid medical billing scams, Beshear’s office recommends Kentuckians avoid responding to unexpected solicitors targeting only Medicaid or Medicare patients and always ask what doctor and provider ordered the test or device.

Beshear said anyone victimized by a scam can file a complaint with his office online.

Beshear has made protecting Kentucky families from fraud, abuse and scams top priorities for his office.

Efforts by Beshear’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse through civil settlements and criminal restitution have resulted in returning nearly $88 million in obligations to the state and federal Medicaid program, Medicare, Tricare, commercial payers and other entities.

Over the past three years, the office’s work has contributed to 58 convictions for Medicaid provider fraud or patient abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Office of Senior Protection and Mediation works to help families avoid scams and recover when they fall victim.

Over the past three and a half years, the office has returned more than $2.1 million to Kentucky families – roughly $2,600 returned per day.

Kentuckians can stay ahead of scammers by signing up to receive Scam Alerts from the Office of the Attorney General. To join, text the words KYOAG Scam to GOV-311 (468-311) or online. 


Shark Tank Open Casting Call

Monday, April 29 from 9:00 a.m.
University Club of Louisville, 200 E. Brandeis Avenue

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Wristband distribution
10:00 a.m. - Interviews begin

shark tank

Attend an Open Call where you will be given the opportunity to do a 1-minute pitch of your business/product/idea to a member of the Casting Team -- just like you would as if you were on the show. Come prepared to wow and dazzle us. Be advised: security may check your bag and you are responsible for your own parking. We do not validate. To apply at an Open Call you must have a completed Application Packet and bring it with you. Please take the time to complete it fully and legibly.

All Open Calls are open to the general public. As long as you arrive during the allotted "Numbered Wristbands Distributed" time and receive a wristband you will have the chance to pitch. There is no reason to camp out the night before. Please be respectful of the neighborhood in regards to trash and noise. If you have any questions please email us at casting@sharktanktv.com. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Please do NOT call the venue.

Open Call Notes:

- You will have time to go back to your vehicle after you receive your wristband to get any large or bulky props or equipment.

- There are no guarantees of access to power, internet or any other A/V equipment.

- You may only pitch one business, product or idea.

Visit this link for additional information.


Air Pollution Control District Workshop

clean air workshop

Volunteers Needed

volunteers needed

The Dreaded Pothole!

potholes

The annual blitz to rid Louisville Metro streets of the parting pothole gifts of winter is underway. We’re moving across the city in a grid pattern to patch all the potholes we can find. Of course, we respond to reports and patch potholes year round, but we especially want the public's help though the blitz that ends on April 30. Here's how you can report a pothole:

  • On Twitter use the hashtag 502pothole. Just include the address or intersection where the pothole is located along with the hashtag in a tweet, and you’re done.

  • The pothole reporting form that you can find at the top of the city’s webpage, Louisvilleky.gov. Just click on the “Report a pothole” link and fill in the location information.

  • Contact Metro311 in one of these ways
    • Call them at 311 or 574-5000
    • Download the Metro311 app on your smartphone and use it to report a pothole

Email pothole concerns to metro.311@louisvilleky.gov.


District 7 Public Notices

public notice

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development notice

JUST FOR FUN


Word of the Week

Alacrity

Definition: cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness

Used in a sentence: We accepted the invitation with alacrity.


Quote of the Week

“One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as adventure."
--- Helen Keller


Life Hacks Lightbulb

Cleaning Solution and Bug Spray:

orange peel

Soak orange peels in vinegar for two weeks in a sealed mason jar. Then pour the vinegar into a spray bottle. You can use this solution for cleaning and bug spray.


Happening in District 7

  • April 20 - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - City of Lyndon Easter Egg Hunt - Robsion Park & Lyndon Christian Church, 8125 LaGrange Road

  • April 22 - 10:30 a.m. - Woman's Club of St. Matthews Derby Celebration and Club Birthday -
    St. Matthews Community Center, 310 Ten Pin Lane.

  • April 27 - 2:00 p.m. - Shakespeare in the Park - MACBETH - Robsion Park