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Dear Neighbor,
I have a few things to say!
This week, through social media, I issued the following message to JCPS, our community, and the family of the 16-year-old youth who was shot to death at a bus stop:
No amount of words can express the pain that you are experiencing, and no amount of reasoning can explain the senseless, inhumane and ruthless shooting and taking of a child’s life. The loss of Sir Tyree Smith leaves us with a hole in our hearts. His is a hard loss and a deep and painful reminder of what might have been. I offer my sincere condolence and deepest sympathy for his loss, the suffering of the two teens who were shot, and the family members and friends who are suffering with them. I ask God’s blessings on the children and family and pray that our community will find strength and courage to move forward in peace and confidence, and in knowing that we shall not rest until justice is served. If you know something – anything – about this shooting, say something!"
Since that posting, I attended a Council Caucus meeting where we discussed crime in our city and what should be done to combat it. After listening to a few ideas being bantered around, some of which I felt were band-aid suggestions, I spoke up and said in part:
"I don't know why we are not talking about root causes of crime. Why aren't we calling the "thing a thing?" I believe one of the main problems (one of the "things") in our society, particularly as it relates to these senseless youth shootings, is parenting. Parents are not parenting properly; therefore, we must find a way to hold them accountable. Additionally, how many times do we need to remind adults to lock or put away their guns? Chief Shields stated in a press conference that most crime is being committed with weapons that are stolen from cars. How can we hold parents responsible for the crimes committed by their children and gun owners responsible for crimes that are committed with their weapons?"
Before I could catch my breath, one Councilmember chimed in and stated that parents are doing the best they can, and that most are working two or three jobs to make ends meet, so they can't be there with their children. Another Councilmember quipped that because of gun laws, we are unable to do anything or set any mandates to hold gun owners responsible for leaving guns in their cars, whether locked or otherwise.
I'm surprised I don't see a hole in my ceiling because I hit it hard! You mean to tell me that poor parenting should be defended, and gun owners can remain careless without any accountability? My husband and I, too, did the best we could raising our two sons (now 30 and 28), and we, too, own guns. But, as I shared with my colleagues, my sons have never shot nor killed anyone (nor have we been irresponsible gun owners). If making excuses for parents who parent poorly is a thing, and not being able to hold adults who are irresponsible gun owners accountable is how it is, then Louisville, please get accustomed to homicides.
It's not only the high-profile mass shootings that we must work to prevent, but also the daily death-by-guns that claims more than 30,000 lives every year. We know that these deaths are a predictable outcome of our country’s lack of political will to make a change and an underinvestment in prevention approaches that work. Through a public health approach that focuses on drawing from evidence and addressing the factors that increase or decrease the risk of gun violence, particularly in communities that are disproportionately impacted, we can save lives (Prevention Institute).
I have thoroughly read the reports published by Prevention Institute. A lot of information and data back up the findings of this organization. But, even with all that is recommended through these resources, I did not see where parenting was identified as an issue. So, I continued my research and stumbled upon the works of Jack C. Westman, MD, (deceased April 2, 2019).
Dr. Westman wrote over 150 publications and fourteen books, his last book published in March 2019, and he received numerous awards throughout his career as a psychologist and university professor. Here are some excerpts from one of his writings:
"As we have learned in all of our efforts to influence the behavior of individuals to conform to social values, persuasion and education are not enough. Most of the child neglect and abuse that generate our social problems do not occur in settings that are susceptible to persuasion and education. As is the case with crime, which crosses socioeconomic and racial boundaries, regulation in the form of laws is required to insure a reasonable degree of compliance with a social value. One can argue convincingly that morality and childrearing competence cannot be legislated. But it is equally true that society expresses its basic values through laws. The nuances of decency and respect for others is shaped by prevailing attitudes, but the implementation of basic values, such as deploring child neglect and abuse, depends upon laws" (Westman, J.C., 1998).
"Standards for parenthood would not be needed if each person who conceives and gives birth to a child was capable of parenting that child. Unfortunately, the individuals who are the most ill-prepared for parenthood are the most likely to irresponsibly conceive and give birth to children. They also are the least likely to profit from persuasion and education. If the interests of their children are to be respected, these parents should be required to meet basic standards. If they are unable or unwilling to do so, we should follow our child abuse and neglect statutes and terminate their parental rights so that their children can be adopted by competent parents. If we make the connection between our social problems and incompetent parenting, we can have the society that we all desire. Hoping that all parents will be competent will not achieve that goal. Setting standards for parenting would be a significant step toward that goal" (1998).
Although I support keeping the family unit together at all costs, I also believe that if the family unit is dysfunctional and not operating as a family unit that values life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, something must be done that hasn't been done before, including the requirement that our judicial system be repaired, and elected officials (and community residents) have the political will to enact or support laws that will repair it. Otherwise, Dr. Westman was speaking my language.
As our families, communities, and country reel from terrible daily tragedies, we must vow to change our culture and our policies and to stop this cycle of violence. We should be able to live in our homes, send our children to school, pray in our houses of worship, shop in our local malls, and walk through our streets and neighborhoods without being shot. Together we can take action in the memory of those who died and insist that this never happen again (Prevention Institute).
Friends and neighbors, it is imperative that we put aside our differences - whether those are political or philosophical - and decide if we want to get accustomed to homicides or tackle the tough issues of healing our community by passing reasonable (and sensible) gun laws, holding parents responsible for parenting (with the aid of resources that will complement their efforts), penalizing irresponsible gun owners, and overhauling the criminal justice system. The choice is ours. When is enough enough?
I have more to say but I will save it for next week.
References
Prevention Institute. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from prevent@preventioninstitute.org(link sends e-mail
Westman, Jack C., M.D. (1998). Society's Stake in Parenting. Parenthood in America. Society's Stake in Parenthood (wisc.edu)
REMINDER: On October 16th at 10:00 am I am hosting a volunteer clean up event at Cox Park. Please email logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov or call the District 7 office at 574-1107 if you want to sign up. I can't wait to see all of our District 7 volunteers!
Supplies will be provided. All you need to bring is you and perhaps a neighbor!
I'm proud to announce that Metro Public Works is making progress on a project that includes pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular improvements along portions of La Grange Road and Whipps Mill Road. The improvements are listed below:
- Whipps Mill Road will be closed on the west side of its intersection with Hurstbourne Parkway creating a cul-de-sac. Sidewalks will be added on the north side of Whipps Mill Road to fill in existing gaps and a bicycle/pedestrian connection will link to Hounz Lane.
- A shared use path will be constructed on the north side of La Grange Road between Whipps Mill Road and Lakeland Road.
The contract for this project is scheduled to be awarded in late November with construction beginning as early as December, weather permitting.
All Peoples Unitarian Church has a new name and a new sign to go along with it. The Brownsboro Road church was formerly known as Thomas Jefferson Unitarian, and the congregation celebrated last weekend to share the announcement. According to All Peoples website, "The mission of All Peoples is to make a difference in the world by creating a community of celebration, sharing and support, where we explore questions of belief, spirit and values, and where we welcome all who seek the paths of truth and who honor freedom with responsibility."
Pictured above is the new minister of All Peoples, Rev. Bruce Beisner (left), and the new Justice Center Coordinator, Rus E. Funk (right). In 1960, the church officially became the Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church. Other names considered were: Jefferson Unitarian Fellowship, Weston Unitarian Fellowship, Third Unitarian Fellowship and Brownsboro Road Fellowship. Now, through strategy and prayer, the church is now named All Peoples.
Many thanks to the welcoming congregation of All Peoples for inviting me to their wonderful name change celebration. It was a great experience! Here I am with Ellen Wade (left) and Joan Miller (right). Thank you for helping to make District 7 a welcoming place to all people.
Above are pictures of the congregation's church choir and other invited guests for the entertainment portion of the celebration.
7's Heavens is back with its second installment. Last month we featured Thurman Hutchins Park, a green oasis on River Road. This month, another park is featured. Robsion Park in the city of Lyndon is certainly known as a small piece of heaven to those who frequent it.
The park is 17 acres and has a variety of features, providing for activities of all kinds. Robsion Park has a Splash Pad, picnic tables, pavilions, multiple playgrounds, and a walking path. There are beautiful trees accompanied by open green space. The park is a great place to take the family, take a run or a pleasant walk, and maybe find a nice shade tree and read for a while.
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The park has been a place of solace for years, a place where fond memories have been made. A park can be whatever you want or need it to be. Robsion Park is a beautiful neighborhood refuge, and that's what makes it a little slice of heaven.
Stay tuned for the October installment of 7's Heavens! In the meantime, please reach out to my office if you have a recommendation of a place or thing for 7's Heavens.
The city of Louisville needs more traffic guards for our schools, and the LMPD is currently hiring. Responsibilities include helping children cross the street safely and directing the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It is seasonal (9 months a year) part-time work (20 hours a week), so if you or someone you know are looking for a fulfilling job that isn't full-time, this might be perfect!
For more information click here.
Apply here.
There are ongoing volunteer opportunities to help clean up our Metro Parks. If you want to get out in the community, spend a couple hours outside, clean up our city and roll up your sleeves, you might want to check out some of these upcoming volunteer events.
Events Next Week:
Ongoing Opportunities:
Volunteer sign-ups for Jack O' Lantern Spectacular are open! The event runs nightly, Sept. 30th - Oct. 31st. Learn more and sign-up to volunteer here: MyImpactPage - Jack O' Lantern Spectacular
You can sign up for all these projects through your myimpactpage.com account, the My Impact App, or by contacting sarah.flarsheim@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 901-8191.
There was heavy rain this week, which means this is a good time to remind everyone to practice safe driving habits. Always remember when driving, if you come across a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown.
Click here for more information and to submit comments online.
Click on the flyer above to make it bigger.
For more than 30 years, Metro311 has been the city's customer service center. You can submit a service request if you have any issues with animals, business concerns, garbage, parks, property maintenance, etc. Once a service request is entered, the appropriate agency will respond. Following an inspection, a service request may be transferred to a department other than the one it was originally assigned in order to ensure the request is properly handled.
Click here for more information.
Fall has officially arrived, and with it comes cooler weather. Make sure you are prepared for the dip in temperatures by following some of these suggestions:
Clean Your Gutters
Those falling autumn leaves can cause big problems for you this winter if you don’t get them out of your gutters now. Clogged gutters can cause roof and wall leaks, peeling paint, wood rot, and damage to the gutters themselves that can be difficult to repair. Remember to clean the gutter spouts, too!
Have Your Heating Equipment Checked
In addition to making sure your heating system is ready to perform in cold weather, having it inspected by a qualified contractor can keep it operating efficiently, which can save money on energy bills. Check the filters as well!
Test Winter Equipment
Think ahead to four months from now. You are snowed in, you can't get the car out of the driveway, and you realize your snow blower isn't working, or your snow shovel is bent and virtually useless. You look back and think about that District 7 newsletter and say, "I totally should have made sure I was prepared." Test all your winter equipment out and your future self will thank you!
Drain Your Outdoor Faucets Before Freezing Temperatures Arrive
Drain and disconnect all garden hoses from outside spigots to prevent any water freezing. Not doing this can result in pipes bursting. A pipe burst in freezing temperatures would not be a fun experience.
Check Those Detectors
Fall and winter mean portable heaters will be brought back out, furnaces will be turned on and maybe even the fireplace will be getting some use. Before we get in the full swing of all of this, be sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Make sure to also check the expiration dates! This easy suggestion takes just minutes and can ensure the safety of you and loved ones.
Keep Watering the Lawn
Just because the summer is over, don't be so quick to put away the sprinkler. Your yard still needs water to help recover from the heat of the summer, and build up strength for the coming winter. A lot of people fertilize their yards in the fall, and this requires watering the lawn as well. Remember to drain and disconnect outdoor faucets before it gets too cold, though! Your fall lawn still needs the water.
Clean Your Chimney
If you have soot buildup in your chimney, this can be dangerous as it can ignite and cause a chimney fire. If you get a lot of use out of a fireplace in the winter, err on the side of caution and have a chimney sweep check things out!
Stay Active, Stay in Touch!
Sometimes cooler weather can get people down. Take steps to practice self-care. Make sure to stay active as exercise has been proven to boost happiness! Try out some new recipes, stay in touch with friends and family and check in on others. It's ok to reach out for help and for company!
The green space near Tunie's at Westport Village will host the second annual outdoor Fall Fashion Show. Retailers at Westport Village will be showing off their newest Fall and Holiday fashion collections. The evening will begin with wine and hors d'ouvres, followed by the main event. Afterwards, there will be exclusive shopping deals at various shops throughout the Village.
Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 pm, and is accompanied by 2 complimentary drink tickets and light bites from restaurants around Westport Village. At 6:00 the fashion show will begin. At 7:00, let the shopping and deals begin!
Click here for ticket information.
Click here for more details on the event.
Join Chonda Pierce, a stand-up comedian, television hostess, author and now actress, as she channels her life experiences into positivity, bringing laughter to audiences around the country. This is an evening you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets to see the queen of clean comedy LIVE IN CONCERT! She is performing at St. Matthews Baptist Church (3515 Grandview Avenue) on September 26th at 7 pm.
VIP Includes:
- Early Entry
- A Q&A session with Chonda Pierce
- Commemorative VIP Pass (receive at show).
- Must arrive by 5:15 pm.
- LATE ARRIVALS WILL FORFEIT EARLY ENTRY SEATING AND Q&A.
- NO REFUNDS.
Click here for more information.
COVID information:
All Awakening Events / Awakening Foundation shows are required to follow local health and venue requirements as it relates to Covid-19. These may include but are not limited to vaccine and/or testing requirements and face coverings. Local Health & Venue guidelines are subject to change at any time. Changes in local Covid-19 health guidelines or Venue Policies are not grounds for a refund. Thank you for your understanding and please know that we take the health and safety of our guests, our employees and our community very seriously.
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The Kentuckiana Pride Parade & Festival will be held on October 8th at the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park from 5:00-11:00 pm. The parade route is lined with thousands in our community who come to celebrate and support diversity. Street closures are not yet finalized. Once they are, you can refer to LMPD’s website for a list. For more information on the parade, click here. The parade will last until 7 pm, and then there will be a concert on the Big Four Lawn until 11 pm.
The following day, the Festival will continue. From 12 noon-11 pm there will be concerts on the Big Four Lawn. Click here for ticket information.
COVID information:
All attendees entering the festival are required to present either proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination OR proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a medical facility taken within 72 hours (3 days) prior to October 8th. Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask to ensure everyone's safety. Parade participants are encouraged to wear a mask.
Click here for more information.
The St. James Court Art Show is the longest-running art show in the country. It is nationally recognized, and is known as a cultural touchstone in the city. It will run from 10 am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday (Oct. 1st and 2nd), and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday (Oct. 3rd). The event is set against Old Louisville's beautiful architecture. The restored Victorian homes in the area are the largest collection of restored Victorian homes in the country. You'll want to attend this wonderful event!
Free admission, rain or shine!
Click here for more information.
On Sunday, September 26th at 3 pm, Racing Lou FC takes on the Houston Dash! The brand new Lynn Family Stadium is beautiful and is a world-class establishment right here in our hometown. The team is coming off a long break in the season due to the Women's Cup, and hasn't had a match since losing in Orlando on September 11th. The club is winding down their season and is looking to round out strong. Go out and get loud!
Click here for ticket information.
Click here for more information about the club.
Birds Fly South
Birds that nest in the Northern Hemisphere tend to migrate northward in the spring to take advantage of burgeoning insect populations, budding plants and an abundance of nesting locations. As winter approaches and the availability of insects and other food drops, the birds move south again. Escaping the cold is a motivating factor but many species, including hummingbirds, can withstand freezing temperatures as long as an adequate supply of food is available.
Love is in the air (and on the TV)!
According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, both men and women are more interested in watching romantic movies during the fall than at any other time of the year. The researchers chalk it up to the fact "that physical coldness activates a need for psychological warmth, which in turn leads to an increased liking for romance movies."
Johnny Appleseed was real
You've probably heard the story of the man who walked through large swaths of the American Midwest, planting apple trees as he went. But you probably also assumed he was a character out of folklore. In fact, John Chapman was a real person. For decades he made his way from state to state, installing nurseries and fencing them in to protect from livestock, then leaving them in the care of locals. Chapman's generous personality and peculiar preference for sleeping outside helped him become a figure of fascination to many (and the theme of many fall festivals). After his death, his legacy took on mythic proportions, but in life, he was just a guy who really liked planting stuff.
Pumpkins. Everywhere.
No matter where you are in the world, you'll be able to find a pumpkin (unless you plan to visit Antarctica). According to National Geographic, these squash grow on every single continent except Antarctica. The top producers of pumpkins include China, India, Ukraine, the United States, Egypt, and Mexico. And, fun fact, the top pumpkin-producing U.S. state is Illinois.
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
NO CRIME REPORTED!
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
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.
*District 7 Disclaimer: By taking part in District 7 events, you grant Councilwoman Paula McCraney full rights to use the images resulting from photograph/video filming. Councilwoman McCraney will have the right to any reproductions or adaptations of the images for inclusion in her e-Newsletter or other Council publications. This might include, but is not limited to, the right to use them in printed and online materials, social media and news releases.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov prior to event attendance.
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