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Earlier this month, I spent a few days in Boston with over 150 other Louisville leaders for GLIDE as we learned more about “Beantown,” its economic development, and how the city has progressed over the years, despite its challenges. I especially enjoyed discussions with Suffolk University administrators analyzing the changing landscape of higher education, Boston’s director of tourism talking about how tourism is helping to build a stronger Boston, and on-the-ground leaders working in group violence intervention showing how they are safeguarding the city’s youth. A few of our sessions were at Fenway Park and, even though there wasn’t a game that day, it was majorly exciting for this baseball fan.
Over the last few weeks, there have been awesome things happening across the district:
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I kicked off the 11th season of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular on October 3rd, along with hundreds of other folks who were eager to see the wanderlust local pumpkin artists created for this year’s trail. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open nightly in Iroquois Park through Halloween (more info below). 🎃
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Ellison Avenue is getting repaved and striped, while Goss Avenue and Spratt pedestrian improvements are underway! New protected bike lanes along Ellison and a new crosswalk over Goss aim to protect more people on the streets and not just people in cars. 🚴
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Our first of many vaccination clinics was a success! It was great to see so many dogs and cats in Wyandotte Park. Read more about it below. 🐕
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UofL Health, in partnership with Louisville Metro, announced The Birthing Center at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. With eight birthing suites opening in 2025, it will be the first time in over 50 years that a woman can elect to birth their child in south Louisville! 👶
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The Speed Art Museum “broke ground” by doing a ceremonial planting for their art park, “The Speed Outdoors,” which will include 15 sculptures nested among 150 new trees and native plants on UofL's campus. The Speed Outdoors is slated to open in late 2025. 🌳
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LMPD cut the ribbon for their new “Summit Wellness Center” at 601 Presidents Blvd in the St. Joseph neighborhood. The 30,000 sf facility focuses on the five pillars of wellness, as prioritized by LMPD: mental, physical, social, spiritual, and financial. 👮
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And, while not in D15, Metro Council members took a bus tour of Districts 7 and 17 last Saturday, giving me a chance to check out an area of the city I rarely visit--East Louisville. 🚍
There are plenty of things going on in the District this spooky season, including some not-so-scary neighborhood meetings happening on October 23rd and some fall flings on October 28th. I hope to see you at one or more of these events!
Finally, but certainly not least, it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I know firsthand how incredibly difficult it is to leave an abusive relationship, but it can be done and you don’t have to do it alone. If you are struggling in a domestic abuse situation, talk to a trusted friend or family member and, when/if you’re ready, the Domestic Violence Intake Center and the Center for Women & Families can help you make the exit so you can have the life you deserve. Go ahead and save the 24 Hour Crisis Line in your phone, just in case: (844) 237-2331. The number is staffed with certified Domestic Violence Counselors, trained to offer crisis counseling, support, referrals and other information about domestic violence.
Hope y’all have a safe and happy Halloween,
HUGE thanks to Louisville Metro Animal Services for co-hosting the D15 Vaccine Clinic in Wyandotte Park on October 8th. We were able to vaccinate 60 animals at a low-cost to owners, implant 15 microchips, and nearly every animal left with a free personalized engraved name tag. And another HUGE thank you to all the pet owners who brought their D15 darlings to be vaccinated.
My office purchased $1,000 worth of food, litter, leashes, potty pads, and treats from Feeder's Supply and we were able to stretch those dollars with a 20% discount from Feeder's Supply as well—thank you!
We're already planning our next Vaccination Clinic for spring 2024, so be on the lookout for more details soon.
Don't have a fuzzy friend? Adopt one! (Bonus, they already come vaccinated!) Not ready to make the commitment? Become a foster!
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