Finally, I always like to share the address that formalized the first American Thanksgiving. There are some very nice and interesting stories predating the formation of our country but the true first American Thanksgiving was in the form of a resolution by Congress that the President mark a day of national thanksgiving. Shortly afterward, President George Washington wrote his first Thanksgiving Proclamation, and the rest is history. I am copying it below. You will note that it reads like a prayer and is designed to thank God for the creation of our nation particularly after the trying times during and immediately after the Revolutionary War. Please take a moment to read it and share it with your friends and family as a reminder of why this day began and what we should truly be thankful for.

In these days where it seems like we have more than divides us than binds us, let us begin by being thankful for this incredible nation which was bought and paid for by the blood and toil of our nation’s forefathers. At least that is something we can all come together and agree on for a day.

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Anthony Piagentini

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

To learn more about applications, please visit Boards and Commissions - List | LouisvilleKY.gov

Floyds Fork Zoning Overlay Draft Update Meeting Nov. 28th

The meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 9:30 am.comments due by 5pm, November 27th

This will be a virtual meeting. The meeting link is available on the PDS Upcoming Meetings page: https://louisvilleky.gov/.../pla.../upcoming-public-meetings

The draft versions are available for viewing on our Floyds Fork page: https://louisvilleky.gov/.../planning-design/floyds-fork-dro

If you would like to submit comments for the Planning Committee to review prior to the next meeting, please submit your comments to me no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, November 27.

Public Meetings/Notices

Click the dates below to view the Weekly Activity Report for that week.

• IARC Weekly Activity Report 11.22.23.pdf

Stay Informed

LMPD 8th Division's "Meet Your Beat Officer" Event 11/28/23

Please join the LMPD 8th Division for an upcoming event Tuesday, November 28^th at Southeast Christian Church to meet the officers serving you in the 8^th Division.  Several beat officers, detectives, and members of the command staff will be present to connect with members of the community and answer questions you may have.  We look forward to the opportunity to spend some time getting to know you and other members of the community.

Louisville Metro Council collecting food donations this Holiday Season

The Louisville Metro Council is embracing the holiday spirit this year by spearheading a city-wide food donation initiative to support the Association of Community Ministries (ACM).

The donation drive is set to kick off on Monday, November 20, and will continue until Monday, December 11. The collected donations will be distributed to ACM and divided among the thirteen area community ministries serving Louisville.

Throughout the community, there will be multiple donation drop-off points for added convenience. The one in District 19 – Middletown Anchorage Fire Department Station #1, 108 Urton Lane, 40223

Donations may be dropped off during normal business hours. More information will be posted online here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/2023-holiday-food-donation-drive.

The other drop-off sites currently identified include:

• City Hall’s 1^st Floor Lobby, 601 W. Jefferson Street, where you can drop off donations from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• District 1 – Southwick Community Center, 3621 Southern Avenue, 40211
• District 6 – Old Louisville Information Center, 1340 S 4^th Street, 40208
• District 8 – Douglass Boulevard Community Center, 2305 Douglass Blvd, 40205
• District 8 – Louisville Fire Engine 20, 1735 Bardstown Road, 40205
• District 8 – Louisville Fire Quint 7, 1025 Rubel Avenue, 40204
• District 9 – United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State Street, 40206
• District 10 - Jim King MUSCL Senior Wellness Center, 1016 E Burnett Avenue, 40217
• District 11 – Jeffersontown Branch Library, 10635 Watterson Trail, 40299
• District 12 - Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Hwy, 40258
• District 13 - Fairdale Playtorium, 10616 W. Manslick Road, 40118
• District 14 – PRP Fire Station 88, 8508 Terry Road, 40258
• District 15 – Save A Lot, 4148 Taylor Blvd, 40215
• District 17 – Berrytown Recreation Center, 1300 Heafer Road, 40223
• District 19 – Middletown Anchorage Fire Department Station #1, 108 Urton Lane, 40223
• District 20 – Jeffersontown Fire Station #1, 10540 Watterson Trail, 40299
• District 21 – South Louisville Community Ministries, 415 ½ W Ashland Avenue, 40214
• District 21 – Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Highway, 40213
• District 21 – Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Highway, 40213
• District 24 - South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Blvd, 40219

Nutcracker w/ Louisville Ballet - Family Storytime

Louisville Ballet and the Louisville Free Public Library are excited to announce the return of Nutcracker Family Storytimes to seven library locations in November. The annual tradition kicks off on Tuesday, November 14, 6:30 p.m., at the St. Matthews Library (3940 Grandview Ave).

Children of all ages and their families are invited to join Louisville Ballet dancers for readings of the classic holiday story The Nutcracker, followed by Nutcracker-inspired dancing and crafts. In addition, every family at each storytime can enter for a chance to win four tickets to see Louisville Ballet’s upcoming production of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.

Join us for one of these Nutcracker Family Storytimes:

• Wednesday, November 29, 6:30 p.m. - Northeast Regional Library

Nutcracker Family Storytimes are free for children and families. For more information, visit LFPL.org/Nutcracker, or call the Main Library Children’s Department at (502) 574-1620.

Veterans & First Responders Support Group

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
4218 Shelbyville Rd, 40207

This group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month and is open to Service Members, Veterans and First Responders.

Pop-Up Drop-Off Events Around Louisville

Needing to dispose of items? Click the link below and it will provide you with all the details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off events around Louisville.  Click HERE

Report Potholes

We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below:

1. Use an online form by clicking here.
2. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
4. You can also call my office at 574-1119 or email chanelle.smith@louisvilleky.gov and we'll turn it in on your behalf.

To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov or click here.

Guidelines for Calling the Police

New Kentucky Drivers License Info

Find the Latest Crime & Safety Info from LMPD

Crime Trends from Louisville Metro Police  Click here and view our interactive crime mapping tool. Save it in your favorites, it's updated daily. Forward this email to your friends and family!  Or use the crime mapping iPhone app: Crime Mapping | Louisville Metro PD, KY (louisville-police.org) If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related help or to find a towed vehicle. Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips.