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Tony at his final council meeting before retirement.
Tony Hyatt officially retired from the Louisville Metro Council as the Communications Director for the Majority Caucus on August 31, 2021. Before Tony left us for greener pastures, I had a chance to chat with him about his career experiences as a journalist and communications professional and his retirement plans. Read on to find out what he had to say.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your experience in Journalism prior to coming to work at the Metro Council?
A. "I started working in Radio News in 1977, first at Richmond, KY and then Lexington. I was a radio News Director in Savannah, GA in 1979 through 1982. I moved to TV in Lexington as a reporter ad then eventually made my way to Louisville TV at WDRB’s "The News at 10" in 1990. Then, I went to WAVE 3 and WHAS 11 before coming to work here."
Q. What was your first job in Journalism?
A. "News reporter on the radio."
Q. What made you leave broadcast journalism to work for Metro Government?
A. "Times were changing in the Broadcast Industry. Too much breaking news all the time and too many newscasts during the day."
Q. What have you enjoyed most about working for Metro?
A. "Working for the Caucus and the staff. Its nice when things get accomplished for the public’s good."
Q. What have you enjoyed least?
A. "The impatience of the public who demand change right now but do not necessarily know what kind of change they want."
Q. If you could change anything about Metro Government, what would it be?
A. "Better communication is needed with the mayor’s office and its agencies and how it talks and works with the Metro Council."
Q. What has been the funniest thing you've experienced during your tenure with the Metro Council?
A. "That's difficult to say. I have laughed many times with folks over the years."
Q. What advice would you give to a new Metro Government employee?
A. "Just be patient and listen. Sometimes, folks just need a sounding board."
Q. What have you learned about working for the Metro Council that surprised you most?
A. "That on the local level, things get done without partisan antics."
Q. What are you going to miss the most about your job?
A. "The people I worked for and with every week."
Q. What are your plans for retirement?
A. "I plan to just kick back, travel and there is a little gardening in my future."
Q. Anything else you'd like to share with your co-workers?
A. "It has been an honor and a privilege to work to with you all."
Tony in his home office
"Well, folks, the time has come. As one of my favorite comediennes has said in the past “I’m so glad we had this time together." What can I say after 15 years? Last Thursday, I expressed my thoughts to the Democratic Caucus and the Council, but I would like to say how much I have enjoyed working with each of you over these years.
I will always be indebted to you for your cooperation, understanding and kindness. I know what it takes to serve the people of Louisville. I have seen your dedication in action. As I said Thursday night, you don’t get the credit you deserve from the people who call to complain or inquire how do I get this problem fixed.
As for me, the time has come to kick back and travel and do those things I planned to do when a little free time came my way. Many people have complimented me over the job I have done in these last 15 years. Let me take the time to Thank all of you for helping me do that job. Good luck, best wishes and God bless."
- Tony Hyatt
Tony, a man of leisurre
We wish you the very best of luck as you embark on this new phase of your life. We have enjoyed working with you over the years. Personally, I have admired your professionalism and your ability to remain unfazed in the midst of sometimes chaotic situations.
Enjoy your travels, gardening, sleeping in, visiting with friends and family and whatever else you may choose to do with your time. Happy Retirement, Tony!
LATONYA BELL OCTOBER 2ND
AARON HORNER OCTOBER 5TH
ELIZABETH ALEXANDER OCTOBER 19TH
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY!
Dashauna Priest and Frank Grasberger meet for the first time
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around in the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, amusement, hope or anger. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into either of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE GOOD
A Child Wrote to a WWII Veteran. He Carried The Letter for 12 Years And They Finally Met
Frank Grasberger keeps his most prized possession close. Other than his wife Delores, 93, almost nothing matters more to the 95-year-old than the note that he carries everywhere.
"I'd never be without it," he said. "Because it's something that somebody thought of me that much."
His wife added, "When he has that letter with him, he has a feeling of faith, and trust, and love."
The Strongsville, Ohio, resident is a World War II veteran. In 2009, a third grader wrote to thank him for his service. "If it wasn't for you, we would never have freedom. I'm so happy you made sacrifices. Your friend, Dashauna Priest," the letter said.
To Grasberger, that simple thank-you came to symbolize a life well served. "I'm tickled to death that I have a letter like this," he said.
The letter Dashauna wrote to Frank in 2009
It meant so much that he wanted to thank the author. "We never could find her. He says, 'Before I close my eyes, I have to find her. I have to find her,'" Delores said.
Just about everyone who works at the senior living residence where the Grasbergers live were well aware of Frank's attachment to the letter and his decade-long desire to find the girl who wrote it. So the staff did some sleuthing.
Priest is now 21 and serves in the National Guard. She vividly remembers writing the letter as a school assignment because she so admired people in uniform.
"It was an honor to write the letter," Priest said.
Priest surprised Grasberger last month while wearing her National Guard uniform. "You can't imagine the feeling I had when she stood next to me. It just took my breath away, it really did," he said.
"I thought, 'Where's his heart pills?' Because I thought, 'This is it! This is the big one!'" Delores said.
Fortunately, Grasberger's heart only swelled. And it may never return to its old size. Frank said Dashauna is now family.
"There's love there, deep down in the heart. She's like my third daughter, she really is," Frank said.
"It started with a lot of love and affection," Delores said, "And it's ending the same way."
Delores, Dashauna and Frank
It is wonderful to come across beautiful stories like this that are so positive and uplifting. This story truly touched my heart and put a big smile on my face. What about you, did it pull at your heartstrings?
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH
ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH
COLUMBUS DAY, OCTOBER 11TH
BOSS'S DAY, OCTOBER 16TH
HALLOWEEN, OCTOBER 31ST
Ezria Aurora Powell
Ezria Aurora Powell is Brian Powell (D25) and his wife, Tamzin's 15
month-old daughter. Brian says their little girl is always running everywhere and talking up a storm. She loves the family pets which she calls her "dog-dogs" Halcyon & Gizmo. Ezria learns from her cousins and Aunt Mimi who watches her so her Mom and Dad can work.
"Tamzin & I
could not be
happier to
be raising such a
smart, strong,
and
independent little
lady,"
Brian said.
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"Ezria's super smart, sometimes too smart for mom & dad," Brian
says laughingly. "She loves watching the animated series, "Little Baby Bum."
It's the only thing that makes her slow down for a few minutes."
Brian's wife, Tamzin and their daughter, Ezria
A special thanks to Brian for letting us feature his lovely family in this edition of the Council Chronicle. Your baby girl, Ezria is utterly delightful.
CHERYL
You may have noticed that there are a few new faces in the Clerk's Office since we returned from working remotely. Cheryl Woods and Olivia Bennett have joined the Clerk's Office staff as Assistant Clerks. In an effort to get to know them better, I sat down with both of them for a Q & A session.
Cheryl began working in the Metro Council Clerk's Office in June of 2020 as an Assistant Clerk.
Cheryl Woods
Q. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
A. “I enjoy spending time with my family and making memories.”
Q. How would your family and friends describe you?
A. “Fun, outgoing, strong, ambitious, full of laughter, happy and full of life.”
Q. Who inspires you?
A. “Women who have overcome difficult obstacles and extreme adversity. They inspire me to continue in whatever I am trying to accomplish.”
Q. What are some of the jobs you’ve had before coming to work at the Metro Council?
A..“I have worked at NCIC, Codes and Regulations, and Planning and Design Services.”
Q. What’s something someone would be surprised to learn about you?
A. “That I am an Army veteran.”
Q. What’s your idea of a dream vacation?
A. “I have always dreamed of traveling to Paris, France with my daughter and sisters."
Q. What are your career aspirations?
A. “To stay ambitious and to help others.”
Q. Tell us a little about your family?
A. “I am married to a wonderful man; I have one daughter and three granddaughters. They call me Suga, because they say I’m a sweet grandmother.”
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. “I love to travel and have gatherings with my siblings.”
Q. Where did you grow up? Where else have you lived?
A. "I grew up in Florence, AL, then moved to Louisville. I was in the military, so I traveled a lot.”
Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
A. “My Mom, who is now deceased. I would love to have dinner and just laugh with her like we used to do every Saturday after a day-long shopping trip.”
OLIVIA
Olivia Bennett
Olivia joined the Metro Council Clerk's Office in June of this year as an Assistant Clerk.
Q. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
A. "I love spending time with my family."
Q. How would your family and friends describe you?
A. As a hardworking, caring, smart, articulate and determined person."
Q. Who inspires you?
A. "My son is my greatest inspiration."
Q. What are some of the jobs you’ve had before coming to work at the Metro Council?
A. "I've worked as a Customer Service Representative, Administrative Assistant, and Territory Manager."
Q. What’s something someone would be surprised to learn about you?
A. "That I have 20 siblings."
Q. What’s your idea of a dream vacation?
A. "A beach house, steps from the ocean, no issues, shut off from the world with my family and any resource at my disposal."
Q. What are your career aspirations?
A. "I want to be my own boss, extremely successful, known for doing great things."
Q. Tell us a little about your family?
A. "My family is the most incredible, beautiful, and amazing. My family consists of my significant other, Shawn, our fur baby, Mila and our son, Shai; They are my entire world. Everything I do is for them to have the best life I can possibly give them."
Q. What are some of your hobbies?
A. "My hobbies include shopping and watching Tiktok videos."
Q. Where did you grow up? Where else have you lived?
A. "I was born and raised in Louisville."
Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
A. "My Nonna, because she was my best friend and I miss her terribly."
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about yourself?
A. "I am a pretty great person once you really get to know me. I am destined for great things, if I am just given the opportunity."
Thank you to Cheryl and Olivia for consenting to the interviews and allowing your co-workers the opportunity to get to know you just a little better.
1. Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.
2.The original Jack-O-Lanterns were made from turnips, not pumpkins!
3. It is believed that Halloween originated in Ireland.
4. Nearly 9 billion pieces of candy corn were produced in 2016, according to the National Confectioners Association.
Colorful Pumpkins
5. Pumpkins don’t have to be orange. We’re most familiar with bright orange, but pumpkins can be orange, green, white, yellow or even red.
6. Harry Houdini died on Halloween in 1926 from a ruptured appendix.
7. More than twice as much chocolate is sold for Halloween than Valentine’s Day.
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8. In the UK, white cats are considered bad luck but in the U.S., it's black cats that
are considered bad luck.
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9. In 2018, Halloween spending totaled approximately 9 billion dollars, according to the National Retail Federation.
10.The Haunted Cave in Ohio is the longest haunted house at 3,564 ft. long and 80 ft. below ground.
A Haunted House
Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta
Quick-Fix Meals is a new series to the Council Chronicle. It highlights recipes that are hearty, tasty and quickly-prepared. These meals are done in 30 minutes or less. They are ideal for those days when you come home after a long day at work, hungry and tired. But you want a substantial meal, not a snack.
CAJUN SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE PASTA
INGREDIENTS
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
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1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
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12 oz. (340g) linguine, fettuccine, or other long pasta
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1 onion, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, chopped
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1 cup diced seeded tomatoes
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1/2 lb. (225g) andouille sausage or kielbasa, sliced
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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2/3 cup chicken stock
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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parsley, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
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Cook the pasta according to package directions.
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Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, until no longer translucent. Remove from the pan and cover with foil.
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In the same skillet, heat 2 remaining tablespoons butter and add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Then, add the tomatoes.
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Add the sausage and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring. Now add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, and mix well. Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix once again.
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Add the cooked shrimp and pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
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Add more salt and pepper, as needed. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve. Enjoy!
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The Eatherly family: (front) Nate, Scarlett, Kendall , (back) Candy & Kip in Antelope Canyon, AZ
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
What makes you happy? Is it a person, place or thing? A group of people, a pet, a home, a beautiful sunset, a favorite flower, favorite color, favorite song, etc. What one thing never fails to put a smile on your face and happiness in your heart? What makes you feel grateful and blessed?
Kip Eatherly, Legislative Assistant (D17), says the thing that makes him happy is traveling with his wife, Candy, and their children, Kendall (20), Nate (15), and Scarlett (9).
"Traveling with the family makes me happy. I love to see different places, learn about other people/cultures, and just see as much of this beautiful world as I can with the ones I love most," Kip said.
Candy & Kip at Cabo da Roca in Portugal
Kip's family visited Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Mesa Verde, and the Grand Canyon in 2015.
In 2017, the Eatherly family traveled to Paris, France, Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy.
Scarlett (in navy blue) playing in the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris.
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"Candy and I visited Portugal (probably our favorite trip out of all of them) right before the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2019," Kip said.
Kip, Kendall, Scarlett, Nate & Candy
Thank you, Kip, for sharing your great family travel photos with us. We understand now why you are always so happy. You are blessed with a wonderful family.
The Halloween season is almost upon us. I love Halloween because my Mom
loved it. Some of my fondest childhood memories were dressing up in a costume my Momma made and going Trick or Treating. No store-bought costume was good enough for her. She wanted her baby to stand out from the rest of
the children in a pretty, one-of-a-kind costume that she created.
I have scoured the internet for fun DIY costume ideas for the children in your life. These costumes are easy to create, allow freedom of movement, and are comfortable. You won't have to worry about your child's vision being obscured by an uncomfortable, plastic mask, either. You're welcome.
How cute is this little guy dressed as Clark Kent, Superman's alter ego? This DIY costume could work for a little girl or boy.
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The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (right) and Cousin Carlton Banks (left) costumes.
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Ace Ventura, Pet Detective.
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Baby Jack-Jack from "The Incredibles."
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How about making an adorable Angel costume for your little girl?
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A classic. The good witch.
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What a sweet little Minion!
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What a great idea for a darling gumball machine costume.
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The prettiest little storm cloud that you've ever seen.
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Which of these DIY kid's costumes are your favorite? I can't choose just one. Superman, Jack-Jack, the Gumball Machine and the Storm Cloud are my top picks.
Please take pictures of your little ones in their Halloween costumes and submit them to me via email so they can be featured in the November issue of the e-newsletter.
DAN LUCKETT OCTOBER 2ND
SHALANNA TAYLOR OCTOBER 5TH
SONYA HARWARD OCTOBER 7TH
BRENT ACKERSON OCTOBER 9TH
MARY WHITLOCK OCTOBER 16TH
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
In honor of Halloween, here are some trivia questions about a few well-known, classic horror movies. Test your horror movie trivia knowledge.
1. Which movie featured someone being eaten by a large shark?
2. What movie portrays someone being stabbed with a knife in the shower?
3. Which horror film kills someone by forcing them to eat too much?
4. In what movie was an individual thrown down the stairs after being possessed by a demon?
Stephen King's "IT"
5. In what movie does someone get hit in the face with an ax while listening to “Hip to Be Square"?
6. What film showcases death by strangulation with a clothesline in the shower?
7. In which film does someone die from an alien spawn exploding out of their chest?
8. Which movie kills off their high-profile main character at the very beginning with a gruesome stabbing scene?
9. What horror film depicts a character smashing their dirt bike into a artificial wall?
10.What scary movie shows a child dying by way of a sewer gutter?
Think you answered them all correctly? Email me your answers and the winner will be announced in the next edition of the newsletter along with the answers. Thanks for playing along.
 
'WOULD YOU RATHER' QUESTIONS ARE GREAT CONVERSATION STARTERS AND JUST PLAIN FUN.
1. Would you rather spend the night in the Bates Motel (Psycho) or the Overlook (The Shinning)?
2. Would you rather sleep in a coffin for one night or in a haunted house for one week?
3. Would you rather be confronted by the killer in "Saw" or the killer in "Scary Movie"?
4. Would you rather find Leatherface from
"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" or the monster from "Jeepers Creepers" in your basement?
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5. Would you rather stumble across Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) or Michael Myers (Halloween) while camping out in the woods?
6. Would you rather take a shower in the bathroom from "Psycho", "Saw" or "Final Destination"?
7. Would you rather be stuck in a pit of snakes or spiders?
8. Would you rather babysit Damien from "The Omen", the bundle of joy from "Rosemary's Baby", Regan from "The Exorcist", or the infant from
"It's Alive"?
9. Would you rather have Dr. Hannibal Lector or the family from "The Hills Have Eyes" cook you dinner?
10. Would you rather spend the weekend at the cabin from "The Cabin in the Woods", a cabin at Camp Crystal Lake (Friday the 13th) or the cabin in the "Evil Dead"?
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I hope you have all had fun with this special Halloween edition of The Council Chronicle, because I certainly had a blast writing it. Happy Halloween!
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PRAYER FOR EQUALITY, PEACE & UNITY
I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people in every country. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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