In this Issue
 Prepping food, purchasing presents, and putting up decorations throughout and around the house are daunting tasks that can easily overwhelm us. I love this time of the year but realize that trying to do everything all at once will cause stress, which steals my joy and zaps my energy. I recently read an article about the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It was an excellent reminder to occasionally stop to smell the roses. I hope the excerpts from this article serve as a reminder that 'tis the season to be jolly.
The following information was retrieved from the Aspen, Colorado Aspen Valley Hospital website (https://www.aspenhospital.org/who-we-are/).
Here are some common stressors and pressures that often accompany this time of year and leave us feeling like a royal scrooge:
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Financial stress: The pressure to buy gifts, host gatherings, and travel can strain our budgets.
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Time constraints: Balancing work, family commitments, and holiday activities can become overwhelming.
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Family dynamics: As the old adage goes, “You can choose your friends, but not your family.” Spending extended time with family members, although joyous, can sometimes lead to conflicts or emotional triggers.
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Social expectations: Meeting cultural or social expectations can add pressure to the holiday experience.
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Loneliness and grief: For those who have experienced loss or who are far from family and friends, the holidays can leave us feeling sad and alone.
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Changes in seasons: Shorter, colder days can leave us feeling more gloomy than normal, despite holiday cheer.
Self-reflection and Goal Setting
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Identify personal triggers: Take some time for self-reflection and identify the specific holiday stressors that affect you most. Does a certain relative send your temper soaring? Will spending all day cooking a turkey raise your stress level? Knowing your triggers allows you to address them head on.
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Set realistic expectations: It’s important to set realistic goals and expectations for the holiday season. When it’s all said and done, we typically look back on the holiday season fondly, regardless of how well the turkey was cooked.
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Define your holiday goals: Before the holiday season is in full swing, spend some time to set your personal holiday objectives, including what you hope to accomplish, whom you want to spend time with, how much money you want to spend, and whether or not you want to host this year’s gathering.
(Aspen Valley Hospital, https://www.aspenhospital.org/who-we-are/)
Happy holidays!
 Metro Council committees met this week, and Councilmembers adopted the following resolutions and ordinances:
1. The Planning and Zoning Committee approved three changes to zonings along Bardstown Road, Bashford Avenue, and the Outer Loop. The committee approved revisions to the Clifton and Crescent Hill Neighborhood Plans and voted to deny a Revised Detail Development District Plan on Cane Run Road.
2. The Labor and Economic Development Committee approved a Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) agreement for the One Park development.
3. The Community Affairs and Equity Committee approved resolutions awarding a Public Health contract and receiving a Humana Foundation grant.
4. The Government Oversight and Audit Committee approved appointees to the Waste Management District, Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Downtown Management District, Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Police Merit Board, Criminal Justice Commission, Jefferson County Extension Board, Housing Authority, Library Advisory Commission, and Human Relations Commission Advocacy and Enforcement Boards.
5. The Parks and Sustainability Committee adopted resolutions accepting a conservation easement and a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
6. The Budget Committee adopted several council district appropriations and infrastructure projects as well as resolutions adopting the budgets of the County Clerk and Sheriff. It also approved ordinances reallocating the Workforce Development ARP funding and reconciling the FY 2023 Operating Budget.
Metro Council will meet again at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023. This will be the last Council meeting of 2023.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
If you'd like to see the complete agenda or more detail on a specific piece of legislation, click here to visit the Metro Council Clerk's website.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page 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.
These proceedings can also be viewed live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or UVERSE Channel 99, or streamed live from Swagit’s page at https://louisvilleky.new.swagit.com/views/506/ (only when live) and on Facebook on the Louisville Metro Council’s page at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil (when live and after the meeting).
The last day to utilize Louisville Metro Public Works leaf drop-off sites is Saturday, December 9. The site in District 7 is located at:
Public Works East District Operations Center
Address: 595 N Hubbards Lane
Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Only leaves will be accepted. Leaves can be loose, in paper/compostable bags, or reusable containers. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be taken back by residents.
ALSO: MSD asks if you see a catch basin covered in front of your home or nearby, please collect them/clear it! This will assist in proper drainage.
The Neighborhood Institute is a neighborhood leadership-education program established in 1987 by the Center For Neighborhoods, a non-profit civic organization. It equips neighborhood leaders with the resources necessary to effect positive change by acting through and with their neighborhood groups.
Applications for The Neighborhood Institute Spring 2024 are now open to all neighborhoods, Metro Council Districts and the whole community. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. Applications will be accepted until January 5th at 5:00 pm. Classes will begin on Saturday, January 13th at 10 am and continue every Saturday until March 30th, 2024.
Metro Parks and Recreation has a new Parks Guide. It not only has information and maps for our 124 public parks, but it also includes other community amenities, such as playgrounds, ball fields, pavilions, walking tracks, and community centers. Check out the interactive guide by clicking the photo or here.
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Louisville Parks and Recreation annual golf passes are on sale now for the 2024 calendar year.
Popular Pass Options & Extras:
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7-Day Unlimited Play Pass= $500
- Good for unlimited play during weekends and holidays at all ten Louisville Parks and Recreation courses.
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5-Day Pass = $425
- Good for unlimited play Monday-Friday only
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Annual Golf Cart Discount Card= $75
- $4.00 discount on each 18 hole cart ride.
What's Covered?: The price of annual passes covers green fees for the 2024 calendar year (January 1 – December 31), with a user fee assessed each time a pass is used. Prices vary by course and dynamic pricing may apply for play and golf cart rental during peak playing times.
New annual pass holders are required to visit the golf desk located in the park department’s administrative building, located in Joe Creason Park, for photo identification.
How to Purchase: Purchase your 2024 pass online, over the phone (502) 574-PARK (7275), or by visiting the golf desk Monday-Friday from 8:30am – 4:00pm.
Gift Passes: Annual golf passes make a great gift for anyone who loves the game of golf! Those interested in purchasing a pass as a gift may do so by calling (502) 574-PARK (7275).
The season of giving and holiday cheer can also bring an increased risk of theft. Protect your belongings as you enjoy shopping this season, especially at the malls in District 7. Always remember to lock your car and remove all valuables.
If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related assistance.
Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips.
Be sure to bring your camera when shopping at The Paddock Shops over the next two weekends for Free Carriage Rides and Santa Visits. You can find Santa in the space next to Banana Republic and carriage rides across from Rally House.
Saturdays & Sundays until December 17
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, including holiday sales and promotions at The Paddock Shops, visit www.paddockshops.com.
Start your newest holiday season tradition at Paristown’s annual Fête De Noël ("Festival of Christmas") Winter Holiday Festival, a 6-week winter wonderland featuring Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice-skating rink, photos with Santa, the Brent Street Holiday Market, trackless train rides and so much more
The stunning 100'x50' outdoor ice-skating rink is an authentic sheet of ice featuring festive holiday music, skate rentals for all ages and connected concession stand bar. General admission tickets include 60 minutes of ice time and complimentary skate rental.
Shop dozens of specialty gift ideas from local and regional makers across 20 outdoor pop-up shops lining Brent Street in the Holiday Market. The pop-up Holiday Market will take place on Nov. 24–26; Nov. 30–Dec. 3; Dec. 7–10; December 14–23.
Get creative during your own personal photoshoot with Santa himself at his all-new Louisville workshop located on Brent Street. $10 tickets include admission for groups of up to six people. Photos with Santa will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2 & 3; Dec. 9 & 10; Dec. 18–23.
Check out the full attraction schedule here and get your tickets here!
The holiday spirit in Louisville will kick into high gear Dec. 15-17 as OneWest, the community development nonprofit committed to elevating our entire city through commercial development growth in the West End of Louisville, holds its second annual Winter Wonderland, a drive-thru holiday experience and light extravaganza featuring over 200,000 LED lights at Shawnee Park. OneWest Winter Wonderland will take place Dec. 15-17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Car lines will form at 4501 W. Broadway. Once again, the event is free of charge and the entire city is invited to partake in the holiday cheer. Beverages will also be available for purchase.
Experience the nostalgic holiday tale of Marie and her Nutcracker prince as they journey to the magical world of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is a delight for all ages with a distinctly Kentucky flavor.
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is taking place on select date at Whitney Hall in the Kentucky Center. Get tickets to see The Nutcracker here.
Location: 501 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
Dates: December 8-24
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With so many great upcoming events this year, you don't want to miss out!
West Louisville Holiday Festival - December 16th, at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
The Flea Off Market Indoor Holiday Bazaar - December 16th & 17th, at the Henry Clay Building
Sugar Plum Party - December 16th & 17th, at the Kentucky Center
Kentucky Flea Market New Years Spectacular 2023 - December 29th through 31st, at the Kentucky Exposition Center
NYE Live! - December 31st, at Fourth Street Live!
New Year's Bash - December 31st, aboard the Mary M. Miller
1. Evergreens are an ancient tradition. The tradition of Christmas trees goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who decorated with evergreens during the winter solstice to signify that spring would return. Evergreens reminded them of all the green plants that were to grow once the sun returned.
2. If you received all the gifts from the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" you would have 364 presents.
3. Real Christmas trees don't have to be thrown away. There are several ways to repurpose Christmas trees all year long. Click here for ideas.
4. The amount of wrapping paper used for presents at Christmas is enough to wrap around the globe 9 times.
 Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Metro311 Service Request Information
- Submit a Service Request in the online system.
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Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
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To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
- Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
- The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro311 at 311.
 For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to: https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Safety Reminder:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
 Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
District Resource Officers (DRO's)
After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.
They can be contacted at the links below.
Officer John Keeling
Officer Brad Steller
Pop-UP I Drop-Off
Need to dispose of unwanted bulk items? Click the link below for details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off event dates around Louisville. Click HERE
Accepted Items:
- Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
- Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
- Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
- Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
- Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
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Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
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Development I Plan 2040
Stay aware of new development in your area! Sign up for Gov Delivery notifications at:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYLOUISVILLE/subscriber/new
On January 1, 2019, a new Comprehensive Plan, called Plan 2040, went into effect. As a resident of District 7 (or any district in Louisville), it is important to review the Comprehensive Plan if you are interested in development that is proposed for the neighborhood. The Comprehensive Plan is the guidepost for all development, and the Planning Commission must use it as one of the guiding principles and tools for making decisions regarding the approval or denial of a neighborhood development project.
Read The Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040)
The Comprehensive Plan is representative of over 6,000 voices, including Metro staff, an advisory committee, and resident volunteers. The Advisory Committee, made up of diverse representatives from neighborhood and community organizations as well as development and business interests, finalized its recommended goals, objectives, and policies on February 21, 2018.
On April 16, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended the Comprehensive Plan for approval. The document was then reviewed by the Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews, and St. Regis Park.
Plan 2040 Survey Findings
Plan 2040 Demographic and Economic Projections
Plan 2040 Core Graphics
Government & Politics Information
Tune in to View Metro Council Meetings
Louisville Metro Council livestreams all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page 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.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
State Government Website Information
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Kentucky General Assembly
 Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Contact Your Congressman
Follow Councilwoman McCraney on Social Media
Click below to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/louisville-metro-council-social-media-public-comment-policy.
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