Saturday December 6, 2025
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The Louisville Metro Council has selected Vitalis Lanshima as the new District 21 Councilman from a field of 13 applicants during its regular meeting on Thursday, December 14th.
“I want to thank you for this opportunity and I am here to serve the people of my district,” said Lanshima following the vote. “This is realizing the American dream for me.”
He took the oath of office with his wife Beth by his side. The Oath was administered by Jefferson District Court Judge Jessica Moore.
The Councilman is a sitting Adjunct Professor at Bellarmine University.
To learn more about District 21’s new Councilman, follow this link: https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/f9a8f8d4-b9c9-44c2-8fde-c1894937c6a9
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge is ready to bring holiday cheer to the children of District 3 and their families with the Annual District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give – A – Way is set for Saturday, December 16th.
“I look forward every holiday season to making sure the children of our area have a wonderful Christmas,” says Woolridge. “Our holiday party is designed to make sure no child is forgotten during this season of giving.”
The District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give-A-Way will take place on Saturday, December 16th at the C. E. Kirby Center, 2308 Algonquin Parkway which is adjacent to Southern Star Baptist Church. The party gets underway from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 PM.
There will be fun, refreshments and entertainment.
Councilwoman Woolridge will have more than 200 toys to be given away along with candy and other items. The party is for children between the ages of four and thirteen. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
“I hope every deserving child in our area will come and join us as we spread joy and some fun during this holiday season,” says Woolridge.
For more information about the Annual District 3 Holiday Party and Toy Give-A-Way, contact Councilwoman Woolridge’s office at 574-1103.
Sometimes the best way to spread holiday cheer is to take a step back into the past when carolers walked the streets bringing the sounds of the season to young and old alike as the community’s way of celebrating the holiday.
Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) is encouraging everyone who would like to spread holiday cheer to come out for the Christmas Caroling Event set for this Friday December 15th.
“This event is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and I know there are folks out there looking for a great opportunity to sing their way through the season,” says Sexton Smith.
The Christmas Caroling Event is sponsored by St. Peter’s United Church of Christ and will begin at 6:00pm.
Here is the route of the carolers:
- Starting at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at Russell Plaza at 1407 W. Jefferson St.
- Walk to 11th St. down to Baxter Community Center
- Continue down 11th St. to Christian Heath Center West on 1015 Magazine St.
- Walk back to 11th and Muhammad Ali
- Go west on Muhammad Ali stopping along the way to carol
- Go to Russell Apartments on 18th and Muhammad Ali
- Go south on 18th St. to Chestnut stopping along the way to carol
- Go east on Chestnut to 15th St. stopping along the way to carol
- Go north on 15th St. cross Muhammad Ali to Joshua Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church 426 South 15th St.
- End at Joshua Tabernacle for hot chocolate and fellowship
“This a great time for all of us to gather together and celebrate peace in our neighborhoods and all across our great city,” says Sexton Smith. “Come join us!”
For more information about the Christmas Caroling Event, contact Rev. David Snardon at 502-797-9531.
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will join the Kentucky Community Enrichment Foundation Incorporated, members of the Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron (Undergraduate Members of the University of Louisville) Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and the Louisville Kappa League for a very special task on Saturday, December 16th.
Their holiday mission is to deliver Christmas Meal Baskets to needy families throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“This is the time of year to reach out and help families in our community,” says Woolridge. “I am once again happy to join Kappa Alpha Psi, a dedicated organization of caring individuals in our city, on this important project.”
Kappa Alpha Psi began this annual initiative after deciding those in need should not go without food on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Joining Councilwoman Woolridge and the Fraternity in this effort is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Frist Virginia Avenue Baptist Church, and Fraternal order of Police (FOP) Lodge 77.
“Part of our mission is to enrich our communities and the families within it. Giving back is one of the most important and valuable things an organization can do, especially during the holidays,” says Eric Stout, President of the Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. We have a rich tradition of compassion, community service, and giving – all ingredients to a healthy and blessed holiday spirit. We are thankful to have supporters like the Kentucky Community Enrichment Foundation, Councilwoman Woolridge and Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, join our efforts year after year.”
Kappa Alpha Psi has already identified the families in need and on Saturday, will deliver Christmas baskets with food to cook a full course meal that will feed at least four people. Since 1984, over 1,200 baskets have been delivered during the holidays. This equates to over 40,000 pounds of food.
“This program not only provides a benefit to the community but I have to commend Kappa Alpha Psi for using it as a way to show younger members the importance of community service,” says Woolridge. “Caring for those in need is a year round commitment and what better time to begin such a journey.”
Here is Saturday’s Schedule for this year’s Christmas Meal basket Program:
- 8:30 AM Meet at Walmart Neighborhood Market, 5360 Dixie Louisville, KY 40216
- 9:00 AM Begin Delivery of Baskets to Families
Elementary school students at six schools in District 6 will get a special present this year when Councilman David James (D-6) and his holiday helpers once again host the Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 15th.
“This year we will continue our effort to give warm coats to students in need and help them stay warm during the winter so they can achieve great things at school,” says James. “This is the time of year when it is better to give than receive and I have some great sponsors to help me achieve that goal.”
On Friday, December 15th, Councilman James will be distributing coats to students who attend Frayser, Englehard, Cochran, McFerran, Brandies and Wheatly Elementary Schools at First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, 1221 First Gethsemane Avenue.
The students who have the greatest need were identified through their Jefferson County Public Schools Resource Counselors.
The giveaway was made possible through some very generous sponsors who have helped out at many seasonal District 6 events this year.
Councilman James has partnered with Kosair Charities and Kohl’s will also be on hand for the distribution. The company is sending some very helpful store elves (employees) to assist. This collaborative effort also includes these additional sponsors: Ronaldo Designer Jewelers, Dr. & Mrs. Thomas and Nancy Woodcock, Bruce Blue, Dr. Alexander Digenis and Emily Digenis, Todd Roman of Play Louisville and Hunter Sattich.
“These sponsors have joined with me to make sure the children in our area that are in need will have a special holiday,” says James. “Our main theme is a special one for the Winter Wonderland: The list has been made and checked twice, no naughtiness here, just to be nice!”
The fun begins at 5:00pm on Friday, December 15th.
The Metro Council will interview sixteen applicants to fill the vacant District 21 Council seat. President David Yates (D-25) has called a special Committee of the Whole meeting today, December 11th, at 4:00pm to interview the applicants.
Vitalis Lanshima has been reinstated as an applicant after a miscommunication occurred in trying to clarify a question about his application. The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office has given the all clear for his application.
The JCOA has also approved the addition of John Witt to the list of applicants. Mr. Witt had mailed in his application with a postmark prior to last Tuesday’s deadline.
Here are the fourteen applicants with links to their resumes:
- Nicole George
- Erich Shumake
- Nikki Boyd
- Chase Gardner
- Mick Parsons
- Vitalis Lanshima
- Rhett Sample
- Yani Vozos
- Bret Shultz
- Amanda Hay
- Michael Jupin
- Patrick Smith
- Glenda Granholm
- John Witt
Following the Special Meeting of the Committee of the Whole, the Metro Council will vote on District 21’s replacement at its December 14th regular meeting.
Under state law, The Metro Council is required to select a qualified person to fill the position within 30 days of the seat being vacated. The deadline for Metro Council action is December 17, 2017.
The holidays is underway and once again, Councilman David James will host a special seasonal event for residents of District 6 when the California Unity Holiday Celebration gets underway beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, December 8th.
“It is always a joy to take the time to come together as a community and praise the true spirit of the season,” says James. “A new year is on the horizon and I am confident that good things lie ahead for one of Metro Louisville’s greatest neighborhoods.”
The fun begins in the festive atmosphere of California Leisure Park at 6:00pm. Santa Claus will be on hand to take the wishes and requests of children back to the North Pole.
The evening’s festivities will include live musical entertainment, free snacks, and refreshments will be available to all those who attend. There will be a bicycle giveaway and gifts from Santa.
“I want to invite everyone to come out and join this community celebration as a way to embrace the holiday season in a neighborhood that enjoys the togetherness this time of year brings,” says James.
California Leisure Park is located at 963 Dixie Highway.
For more information about the 2017 California Unity Holiday Celebration, please contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
