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The key ideals during Yom Kippur are repentance, reflection, and renewal. One way in which Jews practice these ideals is through fasting.
The idea behind the fast is that nothing shall pass your lips but prayer and your apologies for the wrongdoings you have committed during the past year.
You have undoubtedly heard that a grand jury indicted a former Louisville police officer on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment in the shooting of Breonna Taylor. The indictment was for firing bullets recklessly that went into an apartment adjacent to Ms. Taylor's. No indictment was returned against the two other officers involved in the execution of a no-knock warrant on March 13th that resulted in Breonna's death.
One can only imagine what Breonna Taylor's family and friends may be feeling. They, along with countless others, are grieving. Because there is no right or wrong way to grieve, reaction to the killing of Breonna is varied. We are witnessing behavior across America and in our very own community that is strong condemnation of a society that purports to be indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Grief is an inevitable response to losing a loved one. Often, the pain of loss is so overwhelming that it overtakes our emotions, especially when the death is unexpected. This is what I believe is happening in the streets of Louisville. People are grieving and emotions are running rampant. But, the bigger picture - the unintended consequence of Breonna Taylor's killing is, it sparked a new wave of nationwide demonstrations for racial equality because people are angry.
Why are people so angry?
Breonna's death and the alleged cover-up that followed, triggered longstanding, age-old concerns about law enforcement, policing and the criminal justice system as a whole. The long history of oppression and brutality against Black people, coupled with the uncertain times in which we're living, finally has reached a tipping point. This "perfect storm" has turned frustration, hurt and pain into raw anger.
What can be done for those who are angry?
In the five or more stages of grief, anger is the second emotion, immediately following shock and denial, that most people experience. These stages of grief are universal and they come in different lengths of time and with different levels of intensity. Not everyone will move between the stages the same, and some will not go through every stage, often stopping short of the last stage, which is acceptance. We shouldn't judge how a person grieves because, everyone grieves differently. Some people will wear their emotions on their sleeve and display them outwardly, while others will exhibit their grief more internally and may not cry or cry out.
I've learned through the years that there are different ways in which to support a friend, family or loved one who is grieving. I once heard the pastor of my church reveal that he witnessed the best form of support from another pastor, who, when he accompanied him to a grieving parishioner's home, sat on the floor with the crying member and held her in his arms without saying a word. The pastor allowed the member to weep freely and use a few "choice" words as she admonished God. The lesson here was, sometimes it's best to just remain silent and be in the moment with the person who's grieving. The reverend may not have agreed with her language, or with the fact it was directed at God, but he didn't judge and he didn't ridicule; instead, he sat quietly and allowed the emotions to flow. Perhaps had he tried to correct her or stop her from having her moment, she would have become angrier and unreasonable.
Something else I learned that has worked for me when I've attempted to "be there" for grieving friends or relatives is, I make their emergency become my emergency. I drop what I'm doing and get there (regardless of where "there" is) as soon as I possibly can. I have been known to leave work early, jump out of bed, and leave a movie theater in the middle of the movie. The message you send when you drop everything you're doing to be by a loved one's side is, "I care about you and it hurts to see you in such pain; being here with you is more important than anything else I could be doing at this moment." Even if the person you are making the sacrifice for would prefer privacy, take the risk and show up anyway. Be the friend whose gift of presence could be the best medicine to ease the pain, and it just might become the keepsake your friend may cherish to get through the hard days ahead.
What does protesting, marching or chanting have to do with the grief Ms. Tamika Palmer, Breonna's mother, is experiencing?
People are leaning into the pain of police shootings and police brutality, and are confronting the angry emotions head-on because this helps them move through the grieving process. People want and need systems and policies to change. They want police reform (police brutality, police oversight, police training, police use of bodycams, duty-to-intercede, decertification, etc.), they want racial equality, they want unfettered voting rights, they want affordable housing, they want equal educational opportunities, they want elimination of systemic racism in the criminal justice and legal system, they want equality in employment. They want reinvestment in the west end (recycle thousands of abandoned properties and vacant lots, improve eviction mitigation, increase HUD Section 8 and other rental subsidies, and drastically increase Black home ownership), they want broadband access, they want universal Pre-K, they want reform of the absentee ballot process, and most of all, the need for economic equity cannot be overstated. There exists a large racial wealth gap between white and black American households; therefore, people want policy changes in order to reverse the deepening divide and level the playing field.
People who are confused about the purpose of protesting or believe it's all unnecessary, should consider the fact that people are hurting and grieving. Along with the calls for justice and the desire for equality, peaceful protesters need someone to metaphorically sit on the floor with them, be in the moment and not stand in judgment. They need others to understand their pain and allow them to make the necessary demands for change without fear of being ignored or thrown in jail. Peaceful protestors want to know that America cares about their pain and feel that this emergency is their emergency.
For real change to occur, many voices, other than black ones, should be demanding justice. Without real, sustainable and equitable change, the "Justice Movement" of 2020 may not stop anytime soon. That is what the battling cry, "No justice, no peace" means.
For many folks, it's easier to hide under a rock than it is to throw themselves into the unknown, but change is necessary for growth to occur. If we want things to get better in our community, and if we want peace to evolve, then the best thing that we can do is focus our energy on dismantling the status quo.
Change is inevitable and necessary for progress. We should not resist it because doing so only causes pain. Instead of being rigid towards change it's best to make space for new possibilities. While embracing change and looking to our elected leaders, business owners and other leaders to make system changes, we must realize that we can only change ourselves, not the whole world. I once heard that change will occur when the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change. I'm feeling the pain of the status quo! So, to do my part, I'm going to work on me --- my patience, my knowledge of race relations in America, my understanding of what's going on in our communities today in order to learn of how I can be a part of the solution; and, I shall work on my biases, my prejudices and my heart. I hope you'll hold me accountable.
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It is my pleasure to introduce to you the new Legislative Assistant for the District 7 office, Louisville native Ben Otten. I am jumping for joy and doing the happy dance as I invite you to put your hands together and help me congratulate Ben for landing the job of a lifetime (if I may say so myself!).
As a native Louisvillian, Ben graduated from Saint Xavier High school, and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, with a major in Arts Administration and a minor in Theatre and Business. He loves watching docuseries, and his favorite one is, The Keepers, on Netflix. During non-COVID times, his other hobbies include traveling and going to the theatre.
According to Ben, high-intensity workouts keep him sane, especially during these unprecedented times. When asked why he accepted a position with Louisville Metro Council District 7, Ben said, “It is such a unique time in Louisville to be working in government, and this was a perfect opportunity to help my community.” He loves the city of Louisville because, “It has been awesome to see the city grow and change over the years in amazing ways, and everyone who lives in Louisville has such love for the city," Ben stated.
You will quickly get to know Ben, as he is the first voice you will hear when you call the District 7 office. He is my right-hand man and will help me carry out my duties by assisting in research, handling the administrative functions of the office, and serving as my liaison between Council members, the Mayor’s office, Louisville Metro department personnel, state officials and community organizations. As part of his communication duties, Ben will meet with you and other stakeholders to note your concerns and respond to your inquiries. His number one task, as well as what I consider to be my number one task, is making sure you are well-served.
Ben not only lives in Louisville, he lives in District 7. He stated that District 7 is a great place to live because, “District 7 has so many different neighborhoods and each is special and have their own different personalities.”
I am ecstatically enthusiastic and optimistically overjoyed that Ben is a part of Team McCraney in the District 7 office, and I can’t wait for you to meet him!
Please join me in welcoming University of Louisville intern...Ms. Danielle Bechard.
Danielle is currently a senior at the University of Louisville, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy. Originally from Crestwood, Kentucky, Danielle aspires to attend law school after graduation. She is particularly interested in women’s rights, health law and advocating for those who have severe mental illness. When she isn’t hard at work, she loves reading (especially contemporary fiction), kickboxing and watching TV with her roommates. Since the pandemic began, one of her all-time favorite activities has been baking bread with her mother.
Regarding her internship, she is super excited to work for Metro Council. "It is such an interesting time to work in government," said Danielle. "I have been interested in politics since high school." When asked her favorite thing about Louisville, she mentioned how the people here have such a strong sense of community. "They love it here and are super proud of their city; they want it to be the best it can be, she said.”
During her time in the District 7 office, Danielle will be a feature writer for the e-Newsletter. She is currently working on an interview with a District 7 business owner and will make her article debut in a couple weeks. She will also write a very interesting piece on a local author, who, we're proud to say, is a District 7 resident. Stay tuned for that feature article! She will assist Ben in coordinating several events for District 7, and will engage in key research regarding ordinances and KRS laws in the Commonwealth.
Welcome to Louisville Metro Council and the District 7 Office, Danielle. We are peacock proud and hippopotamus happy you've joined our team. While you're only with us for a semester, we count you as part of the family. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!!!
Mayor Fischer lifted the curfew Monday morning.
LMPD Chief Robert Schroeder also previously announced that LMPD has implemented these road and traffic restrictions:
- Blocks immediately adjacent to Jefferson Square Park are restricted to pedestrian traffic only, with no parking.
- There also is no parking and limited vehicle access from Broadway, north to Market Street, and from Second to Ninth streets. Anyone heading to the park is advised to rideshare, to cut down on traffic, and be prepared to walk a few blocks.
- Police are facilitating ADA access at Sixth and Market streets, and is working with residents, business owners and downtown employees to allow necessary access, via these intersections: Second Street at Jefferson and Chestnut; Broadway at Fourth and Seventh; Ninth at Chestnut and Jefferson; and Market at Third and Eighth.
- Some TARC routes have been impacted by the road closures and restrictions. Please see the TARC website for details.
Chief Schroeder noted that while there will be a great focus downtown, where most demonstrations have been centered, law enforcement will be monitoring communities and critical infrastructure throughout the city.
The Mayor and Chief stressed that the public should base their behaviors on facts and not participate in the spread of misinformation. Residents can help by following the Mayor’s Office, LMPD and other official Louisville Metro Government social media accounts for updates.
The Mayor's Office also wanted to share a photo of the National Guard fire truck, so you are all aware of what it is when/if you see it (Below).
Major Aubrey Gregory and Officer Robinson Desroches
Two of our fine men in blue with the LMPD were shot last Wednesday night during downtown protests that erupted after the announcement by the grand jury in the Breonna Taylor case.
Major Aubrey Gregory was hit in the thigh and was released from a hospital, and officer Robinson Desroches was struck in the abdomen and is recovering from surgery.
I have worked with Major Gregory on District 7 issues, and can unequivocally say that he is one of my favorite police officers. Based on what he has shown me through his words and deeds, he is one of LMPD's finest. I contacted him Thursday, and was elated to know that he was doing as well as he was. In fact, he showed up for roll call the next day! He thanked me for reaching out to him, and he asked me to keep all of the officers in prayer. I told him, of course...forever and always. I hope you'll join me in keeping LMPD in your thoughts and prayers.
You've heard me say it before..."this, too, shall pass." And until it does, I'm also in prayer for peaceful protestors and their safety. We're all in this together, and together we will get through this. Black Lives Matter, White Lives Matter, Brown Lives Matter, and the Lives of the Men and Women who Wear Blue Matter, too!
 Our mission at TreesLouisville is to be a catalyst for conserving and increasing Louisville's community tree canopy to achieve and maintain at least 45% canopy coverage. Trees are an integral part of our urban infrastructure, and sadly, Louisville loses tens of thousands of trees every year.
Trees around homes will not only help reduce the amount of energy your home requires, but they also add to your property value, reduce your carbon footprint, improve the air quality, and more effectively catch stormwater runoff. It is our intention that the free trees we provide be a gift to you and to our community. With your help, we can grow a healthy urban forest!
TreesLouisville is proud to sponsor this program and provide you with 1 free tree. In less than ten minutes, you can reserve your free tree. Thanks for participating in this exciting program.
 Future Dreamers is a community-centered leadership course that focuses on developing and highlighting emerging leaders who live, work, or learn in south and southwest Louisville. Our goal is to cultivate a network of lifelong advocates and ambassadors for the region, build community social capital, and act as a pipeline to fill leadership roles in the city with members and supporters of South Louisville.
This program is for emerging leaders who want to:
- Learn more about the south end and southwest Louisville
- Build connections with others who care about South Louisville
- Grow your professional and community network
- Meet local community leaders and decision-makers
- Gain knowledge of South Louisville community assets and opportunities
- Explore and engage with the stories of South Louisville
- Build the skills necessary to address priorities in the south and southwest Louisville region
- Become lifelong advocates and ambassadors to improve quality of life in south and southwest Louisville
Applications are open through October 13, 2020. Apply to be a part of the 2021 Cohort here.
 
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Kentucky Opera is launching a bold new initiative to amplify the voices of Kentuckians as we explore the meaning and expression of Faith, Justice and Family through opera. Using our “virtual” stage, we are thrilled to announce our 20/21 season, “Amplify Your Voice,” a season designed to engage with our audiences and organizational partners through crowdsourced material, video performances and interviews.
"This season, Kentucky Opera will stay true to our responsibility of telling and elevating stories – our stories – through music," says Barbara Lynne Jamison, General Director and CEO. "We invite our community to share their voices and perspectives, which we will amplify through story and song. At a time when many people yearn to be heard and understood, we will explore the values we hold dear both individually and collectively. At a time when we long for social connection, we will bring our community together with shared purpose."
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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ABSENTEE BALLOT PORTAL: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky
or click on link below:
GoVoteKY.com
Absentee Ballots - Want to vote absentee in the November election because you are concerned about contracting or spreading COVID-19? The portal to request an absentee ballot is now open and can be requested through the website GoVoteKY.com
Absentee Ballot Drop-off Box Locations
Kentucky Exposition Center
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd
ADDRESS: Fairgrounds North Wing ~ 937 Phillips Lane TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
KFC Yum! Center ~ Foyer
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd
ADDRESS: Main & 2nd Streets
TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
Jefferson County Clerk’s Office Election Center
DATE: September 21st through November 2nd
ADDRESS: Edison Building at 701 West Ormsby Avenue TIME: Monday through Friday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (DROP-OFF LOCATION ONLY)
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd
ADDRESS: 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd
TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
(East End Location, To Be Determined)
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd ADDRESS: To be determined
TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
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Vote Early Before Election Day Beginning
October 13 - November 2
Kentucky Exposition Center
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd
ADDRESS: Fairgrounds North Wing ~ 937 Phillips Lane TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
KFC Yum! Center ~ Foyer
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd
ADDRESS: Main & 2nd Streets
TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd
ADDRESS: 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd
TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
(East End Location, To Be Determined)
DATE: October 13th through November 2nd ADDRESS: To be determined
TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
Visit Kentucky's Voter Information Portal to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, find a ballot drop-box, find early voting locations, and access additional information about the upcoming election.
Consider being a poll worker! - The Jefferson County Clerk is seeking both Democrats and Republicans to fill positions on November 3, in order to have more polling locations open for people who will vote in person. More information is here.
Until the Secretary of State approves the Jefferson County Clerk's / Board of Elections' plan, the following locations are proposed:
KY Exposition Center, YUM Center, KY Center for African American Heritage, Louisville Marriott East, Carter Duvall Elementary School, Meyzeek Middle, Western High, Iroquois High, Southern High, Seneca High, Waggener High, Crosby High, Fern Creek High, Fairdale High, Jeffersontown High, Ballard High, Valley High, Shawnee High, Thomas Jefferson Middle, and an east end location that is still being negotiated.
Stay tuned for further information once the plan has been reviewed and approved.
As of 3 p.m. Sept. 26, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 66,036 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 973 of which were newly reported Saturday. Of the newly reported cases, 132 were from children age 18 and younger, with 18 age 5 and younger. The youngest was just 2 months old.
The Governor added, “We’ve already lost more than 200,000 Americans. Do your part as Team Kentucky, do your patriotic duty – mask up, Kentucky. It may save the life of someone you know.”
Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported five new deaths Saturday. The total of Kentuckians now lost to the virus is 1,154.
As of Saturday, at least 1,354,927 tests had been administered. The COVID-19 testing positive rate, based on a seven-day rolling average, taking into account total positive tests reported by laboratories divided by total tests reported by labs, stood at 4.42%. The number of Kentuckians who are known to have recovered was at least 11,750.
For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here. To see all recent daily reports, click here.
Information about COVID-19 and schools is also being made available. To view the reports, click here for K-12 and here for colleges and universities.
More Information 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 summaries of the Governor’s news conferences at https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/2Zi1C82zW4hQ818PHgeMhf?domain=teamkentuckytranslations.com
 There is still no agreement in the nation's capital over a new COVID-relief measure. Direct federal aid for local governments remains a sticking point. Kentucky cities are counting on Congress to address budget shortfalls that total around $180 million this fiscal year alone. Cities need direct federal aid to repair damage caused by the forced economic shutdown and protection from frivolous COVID lawsuits to ensure taxpayer assets are not further depleted.
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Please contact Kentucky's federal delegation and urge them to SUPPORT direct federal aid and liability protections for Kentucky's cities!
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Also, contact your congressman and senators on social media.
 Kentucky specific laws (website can be found here):
- Hats off to the ladies: Women are not allowed to purchase a new hat without the authorization of their husband according, to KRS 252.130 in Owensboro.
- It's illegal to toss dirty wash water into the street: This is another late 1800s or early 1900s law that makes perfect sense. Back in those days, drainage and sanitation wasn't what it is now and the consistent tossing of foul water into public streets could result in serious health hazards.
- No religious reptiles as of 1942: According to KRS 437.060, handling, displaying or using any breed of reptile in a religious ceremony, service or gathering is an illegal action. Religious-based reptile whisperers could be fined $50 minimum and $100 maximum if caught. However, if a congregation member is injured by a reptile, those numbers and charges can quickly increase.
- No hunting from a moving vehicle: Residents and visitors cannot hunt from a moving vehicle in Kentucky, be it helicopter, car, truck or all-terrain vehicle. The only animal that's exempt from this law in our state is a whale. One can only assume this clause was written in jest, unless of course something lurks in our rivers and lakes that we don't know about. Given the size of some of Kentucky's fish, it's not entirely unreasonable.
- Throwing eggs or tomatoes at a public speaker is a big no-no: This may seem like common sense, but it was apparently set into law in the late 1800s. The penalty for assaulting a public speaker was up to a year in jail. In modern times, it is likely the penalty could be far worse.
- You cannot carry an ice cream cone in your pocket.
- All Kentucky citizens are required to shower at least once per year.
- No word on why anyone would even consider doing so, but it’s against the law for a woman to marry the same man more than three times.
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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. (Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)
OR access prior or current meetings here:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE
Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc
Click here for more info.
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