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

Happy Thanksgiving

In This Issue...

closed

Metro Council offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. Normal business hours will resume Monday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The next issue of the District 7 e-Newsletter will be sent on Friday, December 6.

 



Message from McCraney

Gratitude

Hello Neighbors,

Thanksgiving is more than just a date on the calendar, or a day to eat turkey and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is a daily discipline that we should all develop in our lives. Several years ago, I made a conscious decision to write down three to five things for which I am grateful. I did this daily for an entire month, and the exercise changed my life.

I found myself being thankful for the things that I had basically taken for granted – the green grass (and bluegrass), fall foliage; joy and pain, sunshine and rain. I became thankful in all circumstances, and my outlook on life shifted as I began to live at a level that I did not even know possible. I developed a mindset that empowered me to believe that nothing can compromise my contentment. I now know how to drown out noise that keeps me from focusing on the here and now. I’ve learned to live life to the fullest, and on purpose.

On Thanksgiving the question, “What one thing are you most grateful for,” will rotate around the dinner table. When it’s my turn to express my gratitude, I plan to share that I am most grateful for family near and far, and then I will recite a laundry list of sentiments, because I don’t think I can just name one thing.

I’m grateful for life, liberty and the freedom to pursue happiness. I’m grateful for the air I breathe, the pillow I lie down on every night, and the shoes I wear on my feet. I am grateful for love, and friendships, and life lessons. I’m grateful for the ability to think critically, live curiously and speak freely. My gratitude is endless. For every day I'm blessed to  wake up, I will be thankful for the opportunity to express my gratitude.

I’m reminded of a heartwarming YouTube video I once saw that demonstrated the importance of being grateful. As I wish you a warm and joyous Thanksgiving, I leave you with the story from the video.

Homeless Man

[A blind man sat on the steps of a building with a can by his feet. He propped up a sign which read, “I am blind, please help.” There were only a few coins in the can – spare change from folks as they hurried past. A woman was walking by. She took a few coins from her pocket and dropped them into the can. She then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. Then she put the sign back at the man’s feet so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the can began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind man. That afternoon, the woman who had changed the sign returned to see how things were going. The man recognized her footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?” The woman said, “I wrote the same thing you had written but in a different way.” I wrote, “Today is a beautiful day, but I cannot see it.”]

The Moral of the Story: Both signs spoke the truth. But the first sign simply said the man was blind, while the second sign conveyed to everyone walking by how grateful the man was for the beauty of the day despite his disability, and how grateful they should be to see.

Despite your circumstances, appreciate and never take for granted all that you have.  Always display an attitude of gratitude.

So much to be grateful for


Why Do We Eat Pumpkin Pie at Thanksgiving?

pumkin pie

How did pumpkin pie become so irrevocably tied with the Thanksgiving holiday? That has everything to do with Sarah Josepha Hale, a New Hampshire-born writer and editor who is often called the "Godmother of Thanksgiving." 

In her 1827 abolitionist novel Northwood, Hale described a Thanksgiving meal complete with "fried chicken floating in gravy," broiled ham, wheat bread, cranberry sauce, and-of course-pumpkin pie.

Ms. Hale, the author of the popular nursery rhyme, "Mary Had a Little Lamb", is also the person most responsible for Thanksgiving  becoming a national holiday in the United States. In her crusade for the holiday, Ms. Hale wrote letters to five U.S. Presidents – Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln. Fifth time was a charm because eventually in 1863 Lincoln supported legislation declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Southern governors reluctantly complied with the presidential proclamation, but cooks in the South developed their own unique regional traditions. In the South, sweet potato pie quickly became more popular than New England's pumpkin pie (mostly because sweet potatoes were easier to come by than pumpkins). Now, pumpkin pie reigns supreme as the most popular holiday pie across most of the United States, although the Northeast prefers apple and the South is split between apple and pecan, another Southern staple.



Why Do We Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving Day?

Turkey

Why Do We Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving Day?

The history of the Thanksgiving turkey is somewhat of a mystery. How this particular bird made it on America’s dinner table each November is anyone’s guess.  Historians have a few different theories, and the stories of this mystery abound. Here are three versions I found through a Google search:

1. The reason why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving is that other animals weren’t available or had to be used for other means. Hens were prized because of their eggs which farmers sold. Roosters were available but they were difficult to cook.

2. The first documented Thanksgiving dinner took place in 1621, when the pilgrims and the natives sat down to enjoy an especially good harvest together in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Given the setting—fall in Massachusetts—and the timing—1621—the dinner was limited to things you could grow or hunt in New England at that time—and yes, turkey was one of them. According to accounts by Plymouth Governor William Bradford, that first feast included waterfowl (think: ducks), fish, and of course, plenty of turkeys.

3. Thanksgiving stemmed from the gifts given by the Native Americans. More Economical. Some researchers believe that turkey was chosen for purely economical and practical reasons. They were big enough to feed scores of people.



Turkey Trivia & Jokes

Trivia

Here's some interesting turkey trivia that might surprise you:

*Wild turkeys can fly, but domestic turkeys cannot.

*Turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour.

*The long, loose skin that hangs down on a turkey's neck is called a “wattle."

*Male turkeys are called “gobblers,” after the “gobble” call they make to announce themselves to females (which are called “hens”) and compete with other males. Other turkey sounds include “purrs,” “yelps” and “kee-kees.”

*A turkey’s gender can be determined from its droppings – males produce spiral-shaped poop and females’ poop is shaped like the letter J.  (I know....TMI!)

Why did the police arrest the turkeys?  [They suspected fowl play.]

Why did the turkey play drums in the band? [He already had drumsticks.]

If April showers bring May flowers what do May flowers bring? [Pilgrims.]

Why is the turkey not hungry on Thanksgiving? [Because he's already stuffed.]

Why did the turkey cross the road twice? [To prove he wasn't chicken.]

My family told me to stop telling jokes on Thanksgiving. But, I told them that I couldn't stop cold turkey.

Lol


Recipes for Turkey Leftovers

Leftover Turkey

To inspire you to enjoy your turkey leftovers to the fullest, try the following fun recipes: + Turkey Enchiladas + Turkey Hash + Moo Shu Turkey + BBQ Turkey Pizza

 



Light Up St. Matthews - Saturday, December 7th

light up st.matthews

Light Up St. Matthews has been a tradition for decades for thousands of residents and visitors to St. Matthews. This year the annual celebration is continually expanding holiday fun by adding new displays at Brown Park, 1000 Browns Ln, Saint Matthews, KY 40207 next to Baptist Hospital East.

Light Up St. Matthews begins at 3:00 PM with the customary arrival of Santa Clause with delicious cookies and hot chocolate, a live DJ will play you and your children's holiday favorites, the child inside of you will enjoy the many reindeer games, pictures with Santa, activities for the kids, and fun for the entire family. At 6:00 PM the event concludes with Santa and the Honorable Mayor of St. Matthews turning on the lights throughout the park.



Light Up Louisville: Friday, November 29th

light up logo

Light Up Louisville has been a tradition for 39 years for thousands of residents and visitors to our city. Light Up Louisville is held the day after Thanksgiving with the arrival of Santa Claus who will help Mayor Fischer illuminate downtown Louisville. This event serves as the official starting point for the holiday season in Louisville, brings together people from all over the city, along with family, friends and visitors, to enjoy a day full of excitement, entertainment and community.

Location: 6th & Jefferson Streets

2019 Schedule of Events

train

3:00 p.m.

    • Children's activities Sponsored by AT&T - on 6th and Jefferson Streets 
    • Holiday Marketplace Vendors open - 6th and Jefferson Streets
    • Free Train Rides - loading/unloading at 6th and Jefferson Streets *Last ride will board at 6:00 p.m.

Live entertainment: Main stage opens at 3:00 p.m

sleds

Main Stage Schedule 

    • ​​3:00 p.m. - Louisville Academy of Music
    • 3:30 p.m. - Envy Dance Team 
    • 4:00  p.m. - Louisville Dove School of Arts 
    • 4:30 p.m. - Classic Melodies "Top Note" 
    • 5:00 p.m. - Blues Brothers 
    • 5:30 p.m. - Motown Christmas 
    • 6:00 p.m. - Midnight Noon 

 

    • 7:30 p.m. - AMPED (Academy of Music Production Education and Development) 
    • 8:15 p.m. - Eight Inch Elvis 
Parade

  6:30 p.m.

    • Lots of Lights Parade - Starts at Fourth and Liberty streets. Turns left on to Jefferson Street and disperses at Seventh and Jefferson Streets. 
    • The Lots of Lights Parade is an evening parade of lights, bands, carolers, car clubs, floats, children's groups and civic organizations. 
    • The Mayor's Band (Meyzeek Middle School) and the Lincoln Elementary Mayor's Elf Squad will march along with other local organizations. 
    • Jesse and MJ from 106.9 Play! will be emceeing the Lots of Lights Parade this year!
    • Register for the parade here
light up Lou

8:00 p.m. 

    • Light Up Moment - Santa arrives to Light Up Louisville 
    • Grab the best view of the lights, fireworks and action right in front of the stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall

8:30 p.m.

    • Free pictures with Santa - Santa House

Stop by the Louisville Visitor Center (301 S 4th St., Louisville, KY) from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Light Up night for fun holiday activities for the whole family including: spin the wheel for attraction tickets, photos with Mrs. Claus, Yelp Louisville social media challenge and plinko game, letters to Santa, giveaways, holiday treats and 25% off everything (excluding candy and sale items). 



Ole' Christmas Tree

boy scouts

Worried about the nation-wide Christmas tree shortage? Don’t be!

Boy Scouts of America Troop 317 has a huge selection of the most popular Christmas tree varieties and greenery located in the rear parking lot behind Christ Church United Methodist at 4614 Brownsboro Road, Louisville KY 40207 for sale.

    · Fraser Firs

      · Canaan Firs

         · Blue Spruces

         · Scotch Pines

   · Wreathes

· Garland

Christmas Trees are available now until we sell out.

Hours of operation

Sundays: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

 Weekdays: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

 Saturdays: 10:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Proceeds help send scouts to summer camp, pay for Eagle Scout projects, uniforms and more.



Winter Woods Spectacular

Winter Woods Spec

OPEN NIGHTLY NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 31, 2019

Experience the twinkling of millions of lights along a winding road, nestled in the majestic woods of historic Iroquois Park. Winter Woods Spectacular is a magical drive of lighting, artistry, and sounds that will delight the senses and transport you to an ethereal winter wonderland, where you can explore and celebrate the holiday season. 

DATES / TIMES

  • 6 – 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
  • 6 – 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday

COST PER VEHICLE SUNDAY - THURSDAY

  • $25        Car/SUV/Minivan
  • $75        Passenger Van/RV
  • $5          Tour Bus/Per Occupant (20 person minimum)

COST PER VEHICLE FRIDAY & SATURDAY/CHRISTMAS EVE/CHRISTMAS DAY

  • $35.00   Car/SUV/Minivan
  • $80.00   Passenger Van/RV
  • $5.00   Tour Bus/Per Occupant (30 person minimum)

To find out more information or to purchase tickets online, click the link below!  https://www.winterwoodsspectacular.com/



Black Friday / Cyber Monday Shopping Cartoon

Black Friday


Black Friday Shopping Safety

Black Friday

Don’t Fight Over an Item

Emotions often run high during the shopping rush of Black Friday. It’s important to remain calm in order to avoid injuring yourself or others. If someone is being aggressive over an item, it is better to let them have it instead of potentially fighting over it.

Make a Plan to Keep Your Children Safe

In order to keep the whole family safe, make sure that your children have your cell phone number memorized in the event of separation. Black Friday crowds can easily lead to confusion and chaos. Create a plan to meet in a central location if you are unable to find each other.

Shop at Stores Where Security is Present

If a store has limited or no security on Black Friday, it may not be a safe place to shop. Try to shop at stores where extra security guards have been hired to keep shoppers safe.

Ask for help when moving and loading large items

Employees know that many shoppers will be looking to make bigger purchases on Black Friday such as TVs and appliances. If you know the item you’re purchasing will be heavy, ask for help when loading the item into your cart or car. It is better to be safe than risk a serious back or spinal cord injury.

Don’t Make Yourself an Easy Target for Pickpockets

Only take the essentials when you’re shopping. Leave your purse at home and instead bring a wallet with only the credit cards and cash you’ll need. Make sure to keep your wallet in a coat or front pocket. Back pockets are much easier for pickpockets to steal from. If you must carry a purse, make sure it is a small one and can easily be strapped across your body. 



Shop Small Businesses on Saturday

shop small

#ShopSmall is about more than just retail. You can support the community by booking a service at your favorite local salon this November 30th, #SmallBizSat. Even the smallest purchases—like weekly manicures—add up over time!

shop small


Cyber Monday Safety

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday


District 7 Crime Report

crime trends

For the week of Sunday November 17, 2019  to Saturday November 23, 2019

Theft from Automobile - There were a total of fifteen thefts from autos, which was a decrease from the previous week (19). In four of the thefts force was used, four were unlocked and seven were by unknown means. Please remember to lock your vehicles and take your valuables out of your car.

Auto Theft - There were eight reported auto thefts for the week which was the same as the previous week (8). In five the keys were used, two were by unknown means and one was unfounded. Two of the thefts were cases of Unauthorized Use. 

Burglary - There were three reported burglaries this reporting period which was the same  as  the previous week (3). Two burglaries were residential and one was a business. The method of entry is as follows: Force was used in one, one was unlocked and one was an attempt. 

There were no reported Robberies for the reporting period.



The Works Week

The Works Week banner

Proper disposal of fats, oil, and grease

fried turkey

Whether you’re pan frying the morning bacon or deep frying the holiday bird, you always have leftover fat, oil or grease. We partnered with Louisville MSD to spread the word that the slippery mess should never be poured into a sink, toilet or storm drain where it can lead to plumbing or sewer problems and foul local waterways.

Fat and grease left over from routine pan frying can be disposed of with other residential garbage if handled properly. Just pour the grease into a container that has a lid, let it cool, and place it in the trash. That keeps it out of local waterways and sewers.

Recycle that cooking oil! Watch this video to learn how!

Louisville’s full-service recycling centers accept household cooking oil left over from deep frying. It’s free and easy for residents of Louisville and Jefferson County. Residents should first let the oil cool, then strain out food particles and pour the oil into a container that has a lid. Take it to the nearest full-service recycling center and hand it to a staff member.

The city has partnered with the private firm Oil Tech to collect the oil. The company recycles the used cooking oil for use in biodiesel fuel. 

To find a drop-off location near you, go to: louisvilleky.gov/recycling. 


byob

Thanksgiving alters waste collection schedule

give thanks

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 and Friday, November 29. Leaf drop-off will also not be available those days. All four services will resume on Saturday, November 30. 


light strings

Paving Week November 25, 2019

Below is the list of Louisville Metro Public Works paving projects scheduled for the week of November 25, 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
paving


Public Notice

4700


Just For Fun

Word of Week

Felicitous

Definition: Well chosen or suited to the circumstances.

In A Sentence: His originality is reflected in felicitous figures of speech and colorful use of words.


Quote of Week

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."

 ~William Arthur Ward


Life Hacks
t1

coffee cup


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.