I hope this message finds you well and ready for a great weekend!
This week has been a busy one for me at Metro Council. I attended the public forum to hear from the two finalists vying for the $750,000 independent monitor contract, met with a colleague to discuss his resolution proposal on gun control, participated in the annual Leadership Louisville luncheon, where we learned more about the evolution and many facets of Artificial Intelligence, and attended my three committee meetings (summaries listed below). I also witnessed the unveiling of a Hometown Hero Banner honoring Dr. Kevin Cosby, President of Simmons College, and joined the council meetings of the cities of Graymoor-Devondale and Meadowbrook Farm.
I will circle back soon to give you updates on the independent monitor selection, how the gun violence resolution is handled, and the details of partnerships I’m entering into with Graymoor-Devondale and Meadowbrook Farm on sidewalk repairs. There’s a lot in the works, and I’m excited to share more with you very soon.
As for this weekend, if the Louder than Life concert isn’t in your plans, perhaps you can still “live out loud” by enjoying some of the other great activities our community has to offer — a day at the zoo, visiting one of our wonderful regional libraries or parks, shopping at an outdoor farmer's market, or cheering at one of our local high school or college football games.
Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to enjoy yourself, recharge, and live louder than life!
The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled Committee meetings this week. I serve on three committees: Labor and Economic Development, Government Oversight & Appointments, and Budget.
These three committee summaries are as follows:
Labor & Economic Development
Approved a sole-source contract with Concepts LLC for the Metro Police Department to purchase a mobile narcotics incinerator
Features include self-feeding technology, trailer-mounted mobility, and sterile ash disposal
Expected to save ongoing costs by reducing out-of-state transport of narcotics for destruction
Unit can also handle biohazard disposal safely and efficiently
Approved $300,000 appropriation for updated CPR, first aid, and cardiovascular training materials through the American Heart Association
Ensures Metro EMS, police, corrections, and Metro Safe employees remain compliant with updated AHA standards
Government Oversight & Appointments
Louisville Metro Housing Authority:
Meredith (new appointee) – Peer Support Specialist, housing program graduate, pursuing degree in social work.
Leah (reappointed) – Marketing campaign analyst with continued commitment to board service.
Michelle (reappointed) – Associate Director at Humana, bringing expertise in governance and community service.
Budget
Transferred $30,000 from District 3 NDF to its Cost Center account for public meetings, printing, office supplies, and mailing.
Modified approved budget for the Opioid Abatement Grant for ChooseWell Communities – No change in amount
Summary Council actions this week advanced public safety through investments in secure narcotics disposal, updated emergency training materials, while also strengthening affordable housing leadership through key board appointments, and made budget adjustments to maximize business operations.
To access all Council Committee meetings, clickhere.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, September 25, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the Louisville MetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
Eastern Area Community Ministries (EACM) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, founded in 1990 to address the human needs of those living in eastern Jefferson County. We are one of 13 ministries in the Association of Community Ministries (ACM), which serves all of Jefferson County. EACM orchestrates the efforts of many individuals, congregations, service organizations, businesses, and local governments as we strive to meet the needs of our neighbors.
Community Support
Thirty-eight churches partner with EACM to support these essential community services. EACM is also supported by business partners, grants, and individual donations. EACM provides help and services to those living east of the Watterson Expressway and north of Interstate 64 which includes the following zip codes:
Reflection, Empowerment & Action Against Community Violence
An opportunity for mothers to share lived experiences and process trauma through healing, advocacy, and leadership.
WHEN:
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
10:00am - 4:00pm (Check-in at 9am)
WHERE:
Louisville Central Community Center
1300 West Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY
We believe mothers are the heartbeat of every community. This impactful event at the Louisville Central Community Center is a powerful opportunity to come together, share lived experiences, and discuss ways to create a safer, more peaceful community for all.
Join us to turn grief into growth and pain into purpose.
This event is hosted by the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), in partnership with the Office for Women.
Lunch will be provided. FREE childcare available for all attendees.
This outdoor celebration is dedicated to honoring women living with cancer, offering special recognition to survivors, and remembering those who have courageously fought but are no longer with us. Their strength and legacy continue to inspire our mission of hope, health, and healing.
This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Laila Agrawal, a distinguished hematologist/oncologist with Norton Healthcare.
Come enjoy:
A delicious catered brunch in a peaceful garden setting
Live music and inspirational speakers
Health and wellness resources from Norton Healthcare, Brown Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club, Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer, and Crystal Blossom
Meaningful fellowship, healing conversations, and genuine community love
Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, advocate, or supporter, your presence brings light and strength to our gathering. This event is a powerful reminder that healing happens when we come together in compassion and care.
Boo at the Zoo is presented by Meijer and is celebrating 44 years of merry, not scary fun! Tickets are on sale now and available at louisvillezoo.org/boo. This beloved event is a Louisville tradition and will begin this year starting September 27 and running through October 30 (Thursday – Sunday nights).
Tickets are all-inclusive and include Boo at the Zoo admission, parking, Spooktacular Carousel, “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow attraction.
Children and adults are invited to dress up in their wildest costumes for the after-hours event.
Boo at the Zoo turns the Zoo into a living storybook, complete with favorite characters brought to life. There will be music, photo opportunities around every corner and, of course, a safe place to trick-or-treat for kids 11 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bags, but reusable treat bags will be available for purchase at the Zoo’s Gift Shop (while supplies last).
Tickets for “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” are $13.75 for all non-members ages 3 and older and $7.25 for all members ages 3 and older. Children ages 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket.
Members and guests can purchase tickets online at louisvillezoo.org/boo, with their chosen date and arrival time. Ticket capacity is limited each night with popular nights expected to sell out quickly.
A limited number of Meijer “anytime tickets” can be purchased at participating Meijer stores for $11.75 starting September 21, 2025. Visit louisvillezoo.org/boo for a list of stores.
La Fiesta at the Zoo
Louisville Zoo Honors Latin America
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are pleased to announce a new event celebrating the rich cultures of Latin America! La Fiesta at the Zoo: A Latin American Heritage Celebration will be September 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This festival has been months in the making, developed by Zoo staff in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. La Fiesta will honor the animals, traditions, cuisine, rhythms and stories of Latin America. The day will showcase local artistry and celebrate cultural diversity through festive music, dance, vibrant art and more.
“La Fiesta at the Zoo is more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of Louisville’s vibrant diversity and the strength we draw from people around the world who now call Louisville home,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I’m excited to see our city come together to honor Latin American heritage in such a special, inclusive way.”
Guests of all ages can embark on a virtual scavenger hunt through the Zoo, discovering fascinating facts about animals native to Latin America and the ecosystems they call home.
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.). Beginning September 22, 2025 –March 13, 2026, Zoo hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (enjoy until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.
Bourbon Tasting @ Boojie's
Introducing the new Uncle Boojie's Distilling Homeplace
Here in the elegant Louisville Homeplace, you don’t just sip—you hunt. Thieve bourbon straight from the barrel to select your favorite.
Date and time
Wednesday, September 24 · 5:30 - 7:30pm EDT
Location
Uncle Boojie's Distilling Company * 700 Vine Street Louisville, KY
The down-home whiskey vibe is balanced by the upscale elegance of the Homeplace - overlooking Paristown, an historic, revitalized district in Louisville, known for its blend of urban culture and local charm.
The Uncle Boojie Homeplace feels like your kinfolk’s porch on a summer night—easy‑going, warm, and ripe with stories. Their trusted Barrel Folks will guide you through a tasting straight from Skeeter Holler’s finest barrels, spinning yarns of how the family recipe came to life over 200 years ago.
Wine on the River Louisville
Louisville’s 6th Annual Wine tasting event at the Belvedere on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, from 2 pm-6 pm
Date and time
Saturday, October 11 · 2 - 6pm EDT
Location
Belvedere - 141 North 6th Street Louisville, KY
From $24.53
Sample wine from National and International vineyards. With an "around the world" theme focusing on cultural regions with wine and food in each selected area.
Tickets for the Wine on the River Louisville include admission into the event, a souvenir glass, all beverage samples, and a portion to benefit Boys and Girls Club of Kentuckiana. Attendees must be 21+ to enter and show valid ID (sorry no children allowed). Food will be available for purchase.
TICKETING INFO
GENERAL ADMISSION:INCLUDES EVENT SOUVENIR TASTING GLASS, 30 BEVERAGE SAMPLES, AND A PORTION TO BENEFIT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF KENTUCKIANA.
VIP: INCLUDES 30 MINUTE EARLY ADMISSION, SPECIALTY WINE CUP, VIP LANYARD, ACCESS TO VIP AREA WITH SEATING AND SPECIALTY WINE, PORTION TO BENEFIT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF KENTUCKIANA.
NON-DRINKING:INCLUDES ADMISSION INTO EVENT AND A BOTTLE OF WATER
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Just for Fun Answers
Fantastic (Fanta..Stick)
Capability (Cap and Ability)
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 Contact Us prior to the event.
