In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Of all the incredible traditions that make Derby season in Louisville so special—the Pegasus Parade, the Balloon Glow, the Great Steamboat Race, the Chow Wagon, and all the galas, balls, and day parties—my absolute favorite is a Derby Day brunch and fashion show sponsored by one of our local sororities to raise scholarship funds for graduating high school students.
There’s just something special about starting the day with purpose and style. The event begins with vendor shopping, followed by a heartfelt scholarship presentation program that reminds us what this season is truly about—community, opportunity, and investing in our young people. And then… the fashion show! A dazzling display of fabulous fascinators and over-the-top hats, beautifully designed by local creatives who bring Derby flair to life in the most stunning way.
This year, the brunch ends on a high note with a DJ spinning the 1s and 2s—so yes, we’ll be shaking a tail feather before heading out to the track (or at least heading toward the next celebration of the day!).
As for me, after I’ve gotten my steps in and enjoyed the festivities, I’ll be heading home for what I consider the best seat in the house—right in front of my television—for the 152nd running of the roses. My family and guests will gather around for a Derby spread that includes Benedictine chicken salad sandwiches, a Bloody Mary seafood cocktail, deviled eggs, salmon loaf, and Kentucky Hot Brown sliders. And to sip? My special homemade tea, mimosas, and Arnold Palmers. (And I’ll just go ahead and say it… I don’t serve Mint Juleps. I know, I know—but they’re just not my personal favorite! 😊)
As the day winds down, you’ll find me with my feet propped up on the sofa, a warm vanilla latte in hand, and a couple of fashion magazines I’ve been meaning to catch up on. There’s nothing like flipping through those pages—mini articles, beautiful photos, all of it. And if I’m being honest, the best sleep ever is curling up on my sofa with a good read!
I’ll make it to bed after the 11 p.m. news because bright and early the next morning—it’s church! And this year, we’re bringing Derby style into the sanctuary, with everyone invited to wear their Derby fashions. What a weekend!
District 7, I hope your Derby traditions bring you joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Have fun, be safe, and don’t forget to take a breath, relax, and get ready for whatever “normal” looks like next week.
Happy Derby, District 7!
From local traditions to global events, the eyes of the world are on Louisville:
Proposed FY 26-27 Budget Documents
Mayor Greenberg’s FY 2026-2027 Budget Address
Click here to access the comment form or use the QR code below: 2026 - 2027 Louisville Metro Budget Comment Form (The form is live from 4 PM on 4/22/2026 until 6 PM on June 5th)
May 13, 2026
Community Budget Hearing
6:00 p.m.
City Hall - 601 W. Jefferson St.
The Budget Committee has invited the public to speak on the FY 26-27 Louisville Metro Budget on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Advanced registration is required. The meeting will be held in the Metro Council Chambers located in City Hall at 601 W. Jefferson Street – use the 6th Street entrance.
Registration will take place in person on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at City Hall on the 3rd floor outside Chambers.
Taking pride in our neighborhoods starts with each of us. Simple actions like maintaining your property, being mindful of noise, and keeping our community clean help preserve the quality of life we all value in District 7.
Louisville’s first-ever Democracy Festival takes place May 17 from 1:00–5:00 PM at the Americana Community Center, featuring local music and over 25 civic organizations ahead of the May Primary. The event celebrates democratic ideals, highlights local talent, and offers opportunities for community engagement and action. Attendees can connect with local organizations to learn about strengthening community and holding officials accountable.
Join LMPD's 8th Division for upcoming community meetings to connect directly with officers, stay informed on public safety, and be part of ongoing efforts to strengthen our neighborhoods.
Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Planning is warning residents and applicants about fraudulent emails claiming to be from Metro Government that request payment for “application approval fees.” These emails are not legitimate and should be ignored.
Louisville Metro Government will not request payment by email, wire transfer, or third-party payment platforms. All application fees are due at the time of submittal through official channels only. Legitimate application-related communications come directly from Louisville Metro staff by phone or from a @louisvilleky.gov email address.
Example of Scam Email (Not legitimate):
Subject: Invoice for Application Approval Fee – Immediate Action Required From: PLANNING COMMISSION LOUISVILLE-JEFFERSON COUNTY KENTUCKY <planning.dept.louisville-jeffersoncounty.Kentucky@usa.com>
Dear (Name), I am writing to inform you that the application you submitted for (application type) has been reviewed by our staff.
To complete the process and finalize the approval of your application, we kindly ask that you settle the attached invoice for the application approval fee. Please follow the steps below:
Next Steps:
• Reply to this email to request settlement advice or further instructions regarding the payment.
• Settle the issued wire instructions by following the payment details provided in the attached invoice.
• Return the wire transfer receipt to this email for payment confirmation. Thank you for your cooperation.
Louisville Metro Government’s Official Policy
• Application fees are due at the time of submittal.
• Payment is not requested via email, wire transfer, or third‑party platforms.
• All official communications come from @louisvilleky.gov email addresses or phone numbers beginning with (502) 574‑.
How to Protect Yourself
• Do not click links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious senders.
• Verify the sender’s email address—official Metro emails end in @louisvilleky.gov.
• Do not reply to or send payment in response to these messages.
• Report suspicious emails to planningcustomerservice@louisvilleky.gov or to your assigned case manager.
• If you are unsure, call the Office of Planning directly at (502) 574‑6230.
For more information or to confirm the legitimacy of any communication, please contact:
Office of Planning – Louisville Metro Government 444 S. Fifth St. #300, Louisville, KY 40202 Phone: (502) 574-6230
Join the Veteran Strong Resource Fair & Standdown on Saturday, June 6 from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM at 330 N. Hubbards Lane, honoring D-Day veterans with family-friendly activities, complimentary lunch, and access to valuable resources for veterans and their families.
Get in the know...download the LouReady app to stay informed on local emergencies.
Join the Friends of the Northeast Regional Library for their upcoming book sale on May 9th and 10th at 15 Bellevoir Circle! Stop by to browse a wide selection of gently used books, with all proceeds directly benefiting library programs and services.
May is Building Safety Month. The QR code takes you to a linktree for permits, Codes' website, the Code Enforcement Board, property maintenance and more.
It's so exciting for young people of the community to take a step forward to their future careers by joining the SummerWorks 2026 program. Whether you are interested in technology, healthcare, or skilled trades, this city-wide initiative offers paid work experience that help you build a professional foundation while supporting Louisville.
Employers benefit from the talent, energy and diversity of Louisville's youth, while strengthening the city's future. Employers may visit this link to find out how to hire a SummerWorks youth employee!
Ingredients
1 Pie Crust, chilled (See recipe below)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
1 cup corn syrup
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons Bourbon (We like Makers or Old Forester)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chunks, divided
1 1/4 cups pecan halves
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
Position an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven. Preheat it to 400°F.
2. Prepare the crust:
On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the pie dough into a 12-inch circle. If you’re using store-bought pie dough, simply unroll or unfold.
Transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the crust into the bottom corners of the pan. Use a knife or kitchen scissors to trim any extra pieces of dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang over the edge.
Fold the edges of the crust underneath itself so that the folded edge of the crust is just slightly wider than the edges of the pie pan. Use your fingers or knuckles to crimp the crust all the way around.
Transfer the lined pie pan to the fridge while you make the filling.
3. Make the filling:
In a medium heatproof mixing bowl, add the butter, cover the bowl with a paper towel, and microwave it in 30-second increments until just barely melted, stirring each time.
Add the brown sugar and corn syrup and whisk to combine. Add the eggs and whisk until a smooth mixture forms. Whisk in the bourbon, vanilla, and salt.
4. Assemble the pie:
Retrieve the lined pie pan from the fridge and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle in the chocolate chips or chunks in an even layer, reserving a handful for decorating. Sprinkle in the pecans in an even layer.
Give the filling a stir. Slowly pour it over the chocolate chips and pecans, coating the nuts with the mixture. Garnish the top with the reserved chocolate chips.
5. Bake:
Transfer the baking sheet and pie to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, then decrease the temperature to 350°F.
Continue baking until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center, 40 to 50 minutes.
6. Cool and serve:
Transfer the pie to a cooling rack and cool completely before serving, at least 2 hours.
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We wanted to let you know Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park runs May 27-August 9, with 5 productions, 55 performances, over 11 weeks, all free to the public.
JJ Johnson
Award-winning chef, author, and TV personality
Sat., May 16, 1 PM – 2 PM, Northeast Regional Library
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV personality, and author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his childhood. His cookbook with Danica Novgorodoff, The Simple Art of Rice: Recipes from Around the World for the Heart of Your Table, was listed as one of New York Times Best Cookbooks in 2023. Join him for this free public event, in advance of his appearance at the Library Foundation's Night at the Library.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1644.
Deepa Karande is an award-winning cake artist based in Louisville, Kentucky, and the creator of D’s Sweet Creations. Renowned for her hyper-realistic sculpted cakes, she transforms simple ideas into edible works of art that blend creativity, emotion, and technical skill. Her lifelike bust cakes, celebrated for capturing the nuance of human expression, reflect her deep passion for sculpted edible art.
A graduate of the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, India, Deepa has turned her artistic background into a globally recognized career. Her innovative designs have earned her top honors, including Sculpted Cake Artist of the Year (India), Edible Sculptor of the Year (UK), and the Modelling Excellence Award (USA). Continually pushing artistic boundaries, she inspires audiences worldwide with creations that taste as extraordinary as they look.
Classes:
- Friday, May 8, 3 PM: Food Illusion Cake REGISTER
- Friday, May 15, 3 PM: The Art of Hyper-Realistic Cakes REGISTER
- Friday, May 22, 3 PM: Trick the Eye: Edible Illusion REGISTER
Registration is required to attend Yes, Chef! in-person classes.
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"Before the races begin, enjoy a little Derby-themed fun for the entire family!"
Click here to read the social media public comment policy of the Louisville Metro Council. |
