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Dear Neighbor and Friend,
Spoiler Alert!
I'm generally not one to reveal the end of a book or movie, and I don’t like it when people do that to me. However, I’m in a spoiler-like, unveiling mood.
This is your warning --- stop reading now if you don't want to hear it ---- ready or not, here I go...Are you ready? Okay...Last chance...Here it is: Everything is going to be okay!
That’s it – when all is said and done, the novel coronavirus story ends with everything being okay. COVID-19 might be the headline of the day or the best seller at the moment, but a time will come when it's just a thing of the past - yes, while a huge thing; nonetheless, just a thing. The uncertainty of it all may be causing a lot of stress and anxiety among citizens, and there's no denying that it has caused a hardship on public health and economics. But, that's not how the story ends. There is life beyond the effects of this pandemic.
Declining markets, diminishing returns, bankrupt businesses, tattered fingernails, dry and callused feet, and bad hair days are all tragedies of this novel coronavirus. Our world has been tossed upside down, and folks everywhere are wondering if things will ever be the same. Will society get back to normal?
I'm looking forward to life after coronavirus but, I can’t say that I’m looking for things to go back the way they were. I read something that's circulating throughout the Internet which made me stop and think about the way things use to be. The piece is a personal sentiment of someone who wants to see things change. It made me consider what I’d like to see changed, and caused me to ponder how I will approach life differently. I don’t know who wrote it, so I can’t give proper credit, but I think you might enjoy reading it and coming up with your thoughts about how things should or should not go back to business as usual.
This is circulating the Internet:
“I PRAY WE DON'T GO BACK TO NORMAL
1. I pray that the next time a friend grabs me and pulls me in for a hug, I actually take the time to appreciate the gift of their embrace.
2. I pray that when school resumes and people are dropping kids off, they take the time to thank the staff for the amazing gift that they give to our community.
3. I pray that the next time I’m sitting in a crowded restaurant I take the time to look around at the smiling faces, loud voices and thank God for the gift of community.
4. I pray that the next time I’m standing in church listening to the voices of praise and worship that I take a moment to thank God for the gift of congregation.
5. I pray that the next time I see a person or situation that needs prayer, I hope I pray as passionately and fervently as I have these past few weeks.
6. I pray that when I am at the grocery store I take a moment to thank God for providing us with the necessities of life, and thank the amazing people who work so hard to keep us supplied.
7. I pray that I never again take for granted the ability to hop in the car and visit a friend, go to the mall, go to a gathering, etc.
So, truth is, I don’t want things to return to the way they once were. I pray that we take the lessons and challenges of the past few weeks and create a new normal. My goal is to pray more, love harder and truly appreciate the daily abundance of blessings that were so easily overlooked just a mere few weeks ago.”
Message from McCraney (continued):
We may not understand the “why’s” of what we’re currently going through, but our lack of understanding doesn’t diminish the fact that we are most definitely going through something, and we are survivors. We have, for the most part, managed to stay calm and follow the guidance of our governor and mayor as it relates to social distancing and staying safe at home. Our reward? Life!
I'm sorry for spoiling the end of the coronavirus story. It is a subject that may linger on for years to come but, when the story is told, everyone will know that the virus didn’t get the best of us Kentuckians. Hang in there, don’t throw in the towel, stay the course because, it might not be tonight, tomorrow or the next day, but everything is going to be okay.
Louisville joins Governor Beshear in the 'Glow Green' movement, which is the lighting up of its buildings every single day the Commonwealth loses a citizen to COVID19.
Green is everywhere. It’s the most common color in the natural world, and it’s second only to blue as the most common favorite color. It’s the color we associate with money, the environment, and aliens; and it’s the color of revitalization and rebirth. It also symbolizes compassion, empathy, resilience, sustainability and peace.
Lighting up the town green is a way to show our support. It highlights community. It says that we're all in this together, and we'll get through this together.
Check out the variety of ways in which our community is expressing itself by lighting up green:
 The Big Four Bridge
 The Kentucky Center for Performing Arts
 Muhammad Ali Center
(The Muhammad Ali Center is the building to the left of this picture; the Kentucky Center is in the middle of this picture and the LG&E Building is lit up in green in the background to the right of the picture)
Louisville Water Tower
(Photo credit: Scott Utterback, Courier-Journal)
 Louisville Metro Hall
(Home of Louisville Metro Government / Mayor's Office)
Louisville City Hall
(Home of the Metro Council and My 'Home Away from Home')
 The McCraney Residence
(My Home when I'm not at City Hall)
This week, Kentucky began the phased reopening of health care services as the first step under Gov. Beshear’s Healthy at Work initiative, which set out public health benchmarks for reopening Kentucky’s economy. These benchmarks closely follow the White House’s Guidelines for Reopening America.
The 10 rules to reopening a business under the Healthy at Work plan are:
- Continue telework where possible
- Phased return to work
- Onsite temperature/health checks
- Universal masks and other necessary PPE
- Close common areas
- Enforce social distancing
- Limit face-to-face meetings
- Sanitizer/hand wash stations
- Special accommodations
- Testing plan
Masks
Gov. Beshear played a video Tuesday showing an easy way for everyone to make a cloth mask. The Governor said that by May 11, everybody working for or visiting an essential business that is reopening should be wearing a mask. He also said every Kentuckian should wear a mask when going to the grocery, into any place of business or any place where social distancing of keeping at least six-feet apart might be broken.
Unemployment payments
Gov. Beshear provided an update on the state’s efforts to work through an unprecedented number of unemployment insurance claims. He said nearly 174,000 claims have been paid out totaling more than $173 million.
However, he noted that about 37,000 claims from March remain unprocessed. The Governor said a variety of issues were causing the delays, including employer separation and identity verification issues.
Case information
As of 5 p.m. April 28, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 4,375 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 230 of which were newly confirmed.
Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also reported 12 new deaths Tuesday, raising the state’s toll to 225 deaths related to the virus.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and daily summaries of the Governor’s news conference at tinyurl.com/kygovespanol (Spanish), and tinyurl.com/kygovtranslations (translated in more than 20 additional languages).
“COVID-19 has horribly damaged the world and our community. But it has also delivered a needed wake-up call. The dastardly virus has revealed the lack of systemic investment required from national to local levels to make our people and institutions robust and resilient. This necessary state of resilience would create the intended outcome of our city value of compassion – a place that embraces human interdependence and the flourishing of human potential. We now have an historic opportunity to seize the moment and make our city, our citizens, and our environment stronger than ever.”
--Greg Fischer, Mayor
 “I ask you to help us Build Back Better, Together by sharing your ideas on how to create the city, economy and future the people of Louisville want and deserve." To weigh in, go to: louisvilleky.gov/government/build-back-better-together
---Staying connected
---Engaging in fun activities
---Being compassionate and creative
---Eating healthy and exercising
---Learning new skills and
---Reducing stress
Recently, a group of talented musicians and artists collaborated on an original song, Lift Up Louisville, for the purpose of raising money for the city’s COVID-19 Response Fund and uplifting our spirits while we tackle and overcome this pandemic together.
Click HERE to watch the video and enjoy the vibe and flow of the music. It has already been featured in Rolling Stone!
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COVID-19 tracker: Latest numbers by country and state
OR
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Daily COVID-19 data
By far the best way to keep up with the latest news about the novel coronavirus in Kentucky is at the state website:
kycovid19.ky.gov
To access latest coronavirus news from Louisville, visit:
https://louisvilleky.gov/covid19#news
Churchill Downs will Match up to $1 Million in Fan Donations
A full day of online festivities is planned to celebrate the traditional date of the annual Kentucky Derby and raise money for COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. Churchill Downs has pledged to match up to $1 million of donations with funds to be directed to the Team Kentucky Fund and Direct Relief. Join us for this day-long at-home party, highlighted by the Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown, Churchill Downs’ first-ever virtual horse race featuring all 13 past Triple Crown winners! Beginning on April 30, fans will be able to visit KentuckyDerby.com to choose their favorite horse to win for a chance at scoring the ultimate Kentucky Derby 146 VIP Experience.
KENTUCKY DERBY: TRIPLE CROWN SHOWDOWN POST POSITIONS HAVE BEEN DRAWN!
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This Saturday, all 13 past Triple Crown winners will face-off under the Twin Spires in Churchill Downs’ first-ever virtual horse race! Starting Thursday at 10 AM ET, fans can visit kentuckyderby.com to donate to support COVID-19 relief & pick the winner of the race for a chance to win the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Experience.
Churchill Downs will match up to $1 MILLION in donations.
Plus, as an additional thank you, fans who donate will receive a special TwinSpires offer good for the Arkansas Derby on May 2!
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Bourbon, Horses & History with Woodford Reserve® Saturday, May 2 | 2:00 PM ET
It wouldn't be a Derby party without the proper drinks! Gather the below ingredients and follow @KentuckyDerby on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube to watch Woodford Reserve® Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall discuss the history of bourbon and show you how to make some fun Derby cocktails & mocktails.
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Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned
Woodford Reserve Bourbon® Sugar Water Aromatic Bitters Ice Cherries, for garnish Lemons, for garnish
View the Recipe »
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Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep
Woodford Reserve Bourbon® Simple Syrup Fresh Mint Leaves Crushed Ice Mocktail: Mint Simple Syrup & Unsweetened Tea
View the Recipes »
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Woodford Reserve Spire
Woodford Reserve Bourbon® Lemonade Cranberry Juice Lemon twist, for garnish Mocktail: Lemonade, Cranberry Juice & Unsweetened Tea
View the Recipes »
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Ginger Refresher Mocktail
Unsweetened Tea Lemonade Ginger Beer Mix unsweetened tea & lemonade in a tall glass with ice, then stir. Top with ginger beer & garnish with a lemon wedge.
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For more #KYDerbyatHome activities for Saturday, May 2, including DIY projects, kid's crafts and more!
CLICK OR VISIT ADDRESS BELOW:
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The U.S. Census will help determine Louisville's future representation for the next 10 years in government, and the allocation of federal resources affecting communities and families, education funding, and much more.
Mayor Greg Fischer and the Louisville Municipal Complete Count Committee are working to help ensure a complete and proper count of all Louisville residents, and are seeking the community's help in getting out the word. The official Census 2020 date was April 1. Invitations to complete have been delivered and residents are encoureged to respond to the 2020 Census and be counted! Learn more.
Census Factsheets in Various Languages
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – What You Need to Know
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Arabic
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Spanish
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Vietnamese
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Chinese
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Haitian
US Census Bureau: Census 101 - French
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Tagalog
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Polish
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Portuguese
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Russian
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Japanese
US Census Bureau: Census 101 – Korean
US Census Bureau: How everyone will be invited to respond to Census
Whitehall House & Gardens is unable to host its annual Peony and Hydrangea Sale this year, but you can still order plants online and pick them up curbside!
Please visit their web site here to see the varieties available. Once you have made your purchase, a Whitehall staff member will contact you with details about no-contact pickup. The pickup dates are May 6 and 7. If you just want to see Whitehall's peonies and other flowers, the gardens are still open to visitors sunup to sundown.
For more information, please contact Whitehall at (502) 897-2944 or whitehall@historichomes.org.
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Things Work Out
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
Because it rains when we wish it wouldn't,
Because men do what they often shouldn't,
Because crops fail, and plans go wrong-
Some of us grumble all day long.
But somehow, in spite of the care and doubt,
It seems at last that things work out.
Because we lose where we hoped to gain,
Because we suffer a little pain,
Because we must work when we'd like to play-
Some of us whimper along life's way.
But somehow, as day always follows the night,
Most of our troubles work out all right.
Because we cannot forever smile,
Because we must trudge in the dust awhile,
Because we think that the way is long-
Some of us whimper that life's all wrong.
But somehow we live and our sky grows bright,
And everything seems to work out all right.
So bend to your trouble and meet your care,
For the clouds must break, and the sky grow fair.
Let the rain come down, as it must and will,
But keep on working and hoping still.
For in spite of the grumblers who stand about,
Somehow, it seems, all things work out.
A blonde woman goes to a bank in New York before going on vacation and asks for a loan of $5,000.
The banker asks, “Okay, Miss, is there anything you would like to use as collateral?”
The woman says, “Yes, of course. I’ll use my Rolls Royce.”
The banker, stunned, asks, “A $250,000 Rolls Royce, really?”
The woman is absolutely positive and hands over the keys.
As the bankers and loan officers mock her, they check her credentials to make sure she is the title owner. Everything checks out. They park the Rolls Royce for two weeks in the bank’s underground parking garage.
When she comes back, she pays off the $5,000 loan as well as the $15.41 interest.
The loan officer says, “Miss, we are very appreciative of your business with us, but I have one question. We looked you up and found out that you are a multi-millionaire. Why would you want to borrow $5,000?”
The woman replies, “Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?”
A doctor and a bus driver are both in love with the same woman, an attractive girl named Sarah. The bus driver had to go on a long bus trip that would last a week. Before he left, he gave Sarah seven apples. Why?
Answer: See below for answer...
If April showers bring May flowers, what do Mayflowers bring?
Answer: See below for answer ...
Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building?
Answer: See below for answer...
Answer to Doctor, Bus Driver and Woman Riddle: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Answer to April Showers: Pilgrims (or) June Bugs
Answer to Kangaroo/Empire State Building: Of course. The Empire State Building can't jump.
Answer to Wuzzle 1: Foreign Policy (4 in the word policy)
Answer to Wuzzle 2: Good After Noon
Answer to Wuzzle 3: Bed Spread (The three letters in the word are spread out from each other)
Answer to Wuzzle 4: Space Ship (___ = space + the word ship)
Answer to Wuzzle 5: West Indies (WEST is written within a lot of ‘D’s, so it becomes WEST in ‘d’s)
Answer to Wuzzle 6: Look Both Ways Before Crossing Street (The word 'Look' is written both ways (forward and backward), and they are located in the puzzle before the image of the cross divides the words 'the' and 'street'.
Answer to Wuzzle 7: 1) Over My Dead Body, 2) Somewhere over the Rainbow, 3) Get in Shape, 4) Backing Up, 5) Right between the Eyes, 6) Shot in the Dark
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