DISTRICT 7 E-NEWSLETTER

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

Councilwoman 

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


Email Councilwoman McCraney

Shay West

Legislative Assistant

(502) 574-3454

 

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...


Message from McCraney

The other day, as I typically do, I thought of a random question. It was very random. Why is Kentucky called a commonwealth and not a state? As I sat pondering the question, I thought to myself, perhaps this is not such a random question after all. In an attempt to answer the question in my mind, I came up with more questions. Did it have anything to do with splitting apart from Virginia? Was the designation given to Kentucky when we joined the Union? Did Daniel Boone himself choose the designation for us?

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The questions got the best of me, and so I did the one thing I knew best to do --- I took to the Internet. I learned that, in the United States, the distinction between commonwealth and state is in name only while in other parts of the world, such as the British Commonwealth, the word "commonwealth" has a far different meaning. Within the continental U.S., there are four states that are considered commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Again, different in name only, the laws in a commonwealth apply the same as those in a state. I also learned that having been a part of Virginia, and since Virginia was called a commonwealth, Kentucky adopted the term as well. Supposedly, the term emphasizes that here, the people rule.

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Low and behold (as my mother would quip), I ran across a 2003 article that appeared in the Pittsburgh City Paper. It was a fascinating read, especially that very last sentence (it made me laugh). The article is filled with sarcasm and history (my two favorite things!). In the event you’ve ever asked yourself the same random question about the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the difference between a state and a commonwealth, here’s  a link to access the clever Pittsburgh article, written by Chris Potter:  we-live-in-the-commonwealth-of-pennsylvania-whats-the-difference-between-a-commonwealth-and-a-regular-ol-state? 



Meet Your Councilwoman - Tomorrow Morning!

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Westport Road Safety and Mobility Public Meeting

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District 7 Featured City of the Month: Crossgate

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With bright, green lawns and elegant houses built in the late 1960s, residents of the City of Crossgate deem their neighborhood one of Louisville’s “best kept secrets.” Over 100 homes fill Crossgate today, and the community works to cultivate a spirit of friendship and connectedness throughout its streets.

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Mayor Kirk Hilbrecht is serving in his 10th year as the Mayor of Crossgate. When the previous mayor moved out of the area mid-term, residents nominated Mayor Hilbrecht to serve until the following election cycle. Pleased with his hard work for the neighborhood, residents elected him to remain in the role, and he still serves today.

Along with its Mayor, the City of Crossgate elects four commissioners to serve the neighborhood and conduct monthly public meetings for residents to share ideas and concerns. “I’m proud that our people are extremely vocal despite being a small city,” Hilbrecht shared. One way residents contribute is by volunteering for neighborhood task forces, including the “Good Neighbor Task Force” and the “Road Safety Task Force.” These groups hold fellow residents accountable to speed limits, the Metro noise ordinance, stop signs, yard maintenance, and other elements that contribute to Crossgate’s tranquil setting.

City of Crossgate Halloween Party & Chili Cookoff

One of Crossgate’s most commendable aspects is its initiative to connect neighbors with one another. Residents offer their time and manpower to program events for children, young adults, and the elderly to enjoy. In fact, Councilwoman McCraney had a blast attending the City of Crossgate’s Halloween Party and Chili Cookoff on Sunday, October 27th. Neighbors gathered on the streets to paint pumpkins, play “Donut on a String,” jump in bouncy castles, hop on hay rides, and, of course, eat chili!

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The Councilwoman was honored to not only hang out with the friendly residents of Crossgate, but she also helped judge the Chili Cookoff. Needless to say, lots of food and fun were had by all!

In the words of Mayor Hilbrecht, “The people are wonderful. You can’t find better neighbors and people.”

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District 7 Resident Of The Month: Megan Dohn

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A resident of the City of Crossgate, Megan Dohn, was born and raised in Louisville. She is a graphic designer for Strategic Marketing, mother of four, and devoted Commissioner for Crossgate. Each of Crossgate’s commissioners offers unique skills to enrich the neighborhood, and for Megan, that skill is event planning.

With the exception of her four years at Western Kentucky University, Megan has lived in Louisville her entire life. She reminisces about the close-knit community of her childhood and hopes to create that same positive environment for her children. “The Crossgate parents and I want our kids to have the fun experiences we had growing up,” she shared. “It’s about them growing up in a neighborhood where they feel safe and cared for.” Nearly seven years ago, Megan decided to bring this goal to life, and she presented her event ideas to Mayor Hilbrecht. Since then, Megan has collaborated with neighbors to implement exciting, memorable and unique events for the community year-round.

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Megan is the coordinator for Crossgate's Halloween Party and several other annual festivals, including a 4th of July celebration, winter holiday party, and neighborhood-wide Easter egg hunt. Once residents see the joy on their children’s faces, they cannot help but offer her their hands to help. Neighbors pitch in their supplies, connections, talent and time to create more joyful moments. “Our inside joke is to say it's ‘all for the kids.’ Really, it’s for everyone,” Megan shared.

Crossgate is comprised of diverse demographics: young couples, families with children, and the elderly. Megan takes pride in the fact that the whole community is involved in the celebrations, even if members do not have kids of their own at home. “Sometimes, elderly residents will bring their grandchildren from out of town, or if they don’t have any young ones in their life, they’ll just offer to lead the games," Megan said. Regardless of background, all residents are invited to indulge in food, parades, face painting, and yard games. The only request? Attendees are asked to bring one dish to share with their neighbors. In all ways, these celebrations foster a spirit of selflessness and inclusion.

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This month will mark Megan’s 10th year as a Crossgate resident. In addition to her Commissioner role, she has instructed at Sullivan University, hosted a French exchange student for 10 months, and used her design expertise to promote local businesses. As a lover of history and French culture, Megan noted her admiration for the King Louis XVI statue in downtown Louisville, and she shared a little known fact: due to France’s strong influence on the commonwealth, Kentucky is the home of the United States’s first commercial winery. During college, Megan spent time studying abroad in Montpellier, France, which is one of Louisville’s sister cities. No matter the time or place, Megan embodies the spirit of Louisville through and through, and she is an extraordinary asset to District 7.



Turkey Trot

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Start a healthy holiday tradition in your family on Thanksgiving morning along with thousands of other walkers and runners in our community. Join in on the fun with the 49th annual Turkey Trot at the Northeast Family YMCA, 9400 Mill Brook Road, Louisville, KY 40223 starting at 8:00 am. To register or for more information, click here: www.ymcalouisville.org



Light Up Lyndon

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Glow On The Green in Windy Hills

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Come celebrate the official Windy Hills start of the Holiday Season by joining the City’s residents in lighting the tree. The event will be Sunday, December 1, 2019  from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm on The Windy Hills Green (corner of Brownsboro Road and Rudy Lane). There will be music, caroling, hot cider, cookies, and merry conversations with your neighbors. This is a great way to usher in the holidays.



Coyote and Deer Sighted in Windy Hills

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We live in a delicate balance with the creatures with whom we share our world. Usually, we are the predators and they are the prey. We lock up animals and force them to live whole, confined lives that build toward nothing more than being slaughtered and fed on our plates. We hunt them for sport, cage them as pets, and eat them as food.

 

The photo to the left (a fox and a dear) was reportedly taken in the City of Windy Hills. We share the neighborhood with many creatures and shouldn't think twice about doing so. We encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and be very cautious when you find yourself face-to-face with a free roaming animal. Sometimes, unfortunately, they are the predators. 



Light Up Louisville

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Holiday Festivities at the Paddock Shops

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Mansion Tour

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Whitehall House & Gardens Candlelight Tour

Friday, November 29, 2019

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Come tour this historic mansion located at 3110 Lexington Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40206  in the glow of candlelight! Local florists and designers will provide holiday décor and displays. Light refreshments provided.  Advanced Tickets are $10 (children under 10 are $5). Tickets are $12 when purchased at the door. Please call (502) 897-2944 to purchase tickets, or click here: Candlelight-tour.



Free Coat Exchange

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The Chamber of St. Matthews is partnering with Free Coat Exchange this year.  Please bring any new or gently used coats to the St. Matthews Chamber office located at 3940 Grandview Avenue, Louisville, KY 40207. All of the coats collected at this location will go to the St. Matthews Area Ministries coat closet. Coats can be dropped off at the Chamber office Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm until November 25th. For additional drop off sites and more information, click here: www.freecoatexchange.org.



Provide Toys for Military Families

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Book Discussion Group

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Theatre Lovers' Book Club

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Explore the world of the play with Louisville Free Public Library and Actors Theatre. Come join us on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM for a book club for theatre lovers, and go beyond the script with a fascinating companion text. We will be discussing Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol at the St. Matthews Eline Library located at 3940 Grandview Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40207.



Alzheimer's Association: Healthy Brain, Body & Aging

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For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Join us on November 18, 2019 from  2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at the St Matthews Eline Library, 3940 Grandview Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40207 to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Registration requested, please call the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter at (502) 451-4266.  



Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures

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Train Show And Sale

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The Risks of Artificial Intelligence

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Will artificial intelligence help or hinder society? What will scientists and engineers need to do to keep AI from causing harm? Many scientists have predicted that humanity will achieve Artificial General Intelligence within the next hundred years. After summarizing the arguments for why AGI may pose significant risk, on Tuesday, December 3, 6:30 pm, UofL's Dr. Roman Yampolskiy will survey the field’s proposed responses.To register for this free event, call (502) 574-1623.



GalaxyCon Louisville

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GalaxyCon Louisville / Louisville Supercon

November 22-24, 2019

The Kentucky International Convention Center

221 S 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202

 
GalaxyCon is more than a Comic Con. It’s a FESTIVAL of fandom with celebrity and creative guests from comics, movies, tv, science fiction, fantasy, anime, cartoons, video games, and wrestling, with entertainment all day and night long. Multiple costume and cosplay events each day of the show, with thousands of dollars in cash and prizes on the line. Tickets grant access to the exhibition hall, panels, Q&A’s, films & shorts, costume & cosplay contests, parties, anime viewing, workshops, video gaming, board gaming, wrestling shows and more. People are encouraged to dress up in costume or come as they are for this family friendly event. Kids 9 & Under are free with a paying adult.

For tickets, click here: https://louisvillesupercon.com/tickets/.

For more information, Contact: louisville@superconventions.com or  call 919-907-0424



Junk Drop Off

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Kentucky Career Center


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Support and Encourage JCPS Students

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Keep Out The FOG

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Clearing The Air

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District 7 Crime Report

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For the week of Sunday November 3, 2019  to Saturday November 9, 2019

Theft from Automobile - There were a total of twelve thefts from autos, which was a decrease from the previous week (14). In three of the thefts force was used, six were unlocked and three were by unknown means. Please remember to lock your vehicles and take your valuables out of your car.

Auto Theft - There were three reported auto thefts for the week which was a decrease from the previous week (4). All three were by unknown means. 

Burglary - There were seven reported burglaries this reporting period, which was an increase  from  the previous week (6). All seven burglaries were residential. The method of entry is as follows: Force was used in four, one was by unknown means and two were unlocked. 

There were no reported Robberies for the reporting period.



The Works Week

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Thanksgiving alters waste collection schedule

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There will be no residential garbage, recycling, or yard waste collection within the Louisville Metro Urban Services District (former Louisville city limits) on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2019. 

This holiday incurs a one day delay schedule. Residents who normally have garbage/recycling/yard waste collection on Thursday will have service on Friday, November 29. The regular Friday collection will be delayed until Saturday, November 30. 

To view your collection schedule and stay informed about changes, download the Recycle Coach app or use the app on our website. Residents outside the Urban Services District who rely on private haulers for garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection should consult those haulers about their holiday collection schedule. 

Staffed recycling centers, the Waste Reduction Center, and the household hazardous waste facility, Haz Bin, will be closed Thursday, November 28, 2019 and Friday, November 29, 2019. Leaf drop-off will not be available on those days. All four services will resume on Saturday, November 30, 2019. 


Paving Week November 18, 2019

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Below is the list of Louisville Metro Public Works paving projects scheduled for the week of November 18, 2019. The schedule is subject to change due to weather and operational factors.

  • Lyndon Lane from Shelbyville Road to New LaGrange Road
  • Dorsey Way from Shelbyville Road to Rymer Way
  • Moser Road from Shelbyville Road to Whiteheath Lane


Air Pollution Control District

Air Pollution Control District - Louisville Kentucky

Notice of Cancellation of Public Hearing for the Redesignation Request for the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY Partial Nonattainment Area for the 2010 1-Hour SO2 Standard Revision to the Kentucky State Implementation Plan

 

The Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District opened a public comment period October 4, 2019, on the proposed Redesignation Request for the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY Partial Nonattainment Area for the 2010 1-Hour SO2 Standard revision to the Jefferson County portion of the Kentucky State Implementation Plan (SIP).

The public hearing related to this Determination, scheduled for 10:00 am, November 20, 2019, was not requested prior to the deadline of 5:00 pm, November 8, 2019. Because a request for a public hearing was not received by the deadline, the hearing has been cancelled.



Public Notices

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Just For Fun

Word of Week

 

Ebullience

Definition: The quality of being cheerful and full of energy; exuberance

Word In A Sentence: She burst into the room with her usual ebullience and immediately started talking to everyone.


Quote of Week

"Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing."

~Barry Finley                  


Life Hacks
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NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99. The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk by clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.