Thursday January 29, 2026
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Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) has been reappointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2018 Human Development (HD) federal advocacy committee.
This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving social services, children and learning, poverty and income support, employment and workforce development, equal opportunity, Social Security and seniors, individuals with disabilities, public health care, mental health parity and immigration reform.
The reappointment was announced by NLC President Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas.
“I look forward to continuing the important work of the NLC HD Committee. With a new year come continued challenges in health care, job creation, poverty and a wide range of other social issues. There is nothing more important than a strong relationship between cities and counties and the federal government as we serve our communities,” said Welch.
As a committee member, Councilwoman Welch will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the administration and at home.
“Serving on an NLC committee is one of the most effective ways for a local official to advocate for their community in Washington,” said NLC President Stodola. “I am thrilled to have Councilwoman Vicki Welch join a team of local leaders from around the country working to craft our policy platform and to solve the most pressing challenges facing our communities.”
The leadership of this year’s committee will consist of Chair Gil Ziffer, mayor pro tempore, Tallahassee, Florida; and Vice Chairs Angelia Washington, councilmember, Jacksonville, North Carolina; and Robin Arredondo-Savage, vice mayor, Tempe, Arizona.
For more information on NLC’s federal advocacy committees, visit: www.nlc.org/advocacy/committees.
Bluegrass Harley-Davidson and the Muhammad Ali Center are happy to announce a unique collaboration that will allow Harley-Davidson customers, cycle enthusiasts and Ali fans the opportunity to show off a piece of Louisville history. This weekend, Bluegrass Harley-Davidson will have on display the custom-made Muhammad Ali Orange County Chopper (OCC) at their facility which has previously resided in the Muhammad Ali Center’s Main Lobby. The public is invited to a special viewing and open house on Saturday, January 6th from 10am-6pm at Bluegrass Harley-Davidson, 11701 Gateworth Way in Louisville and on Sunday, from 12 noon-4pm. Free drinks and appetizers will be available on Saturday.
Due to upcoming Ali Center renovations, the chopper had to be moved and will be placed in secure storage after this weekend until the Ali Center’s upgrades have been completed. Bluegrass Harley-Davidson expedited the transfer of the bike.
The Ali Center’s renovations include a complete redesign of its Main Lobby, the Center’s retail store, and the Group Entrance. These enhancements will provide the Center the opportunity to deliver a better overall visitor experience and more contemporary private event space. Upgrades are expected to take a couple of months.
“We’re extremely excited for the opportunity to show off a Louisville legend’s custom chopper and help the Ali Center with transportation,” said Jordan Monschein of Bluegrass Harley-Davidson.
Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that his office’s Communications Director, Chris Poynter, has accepted a new position with the Brown-Forman Corp. as Public Relations and Partnership Manager for Woodford Reserve.
Mayor Fischer said Poynter, who served on his first mayoral campaign before taking the top Communications job in 2011, “has been an invaluable strategist and leader on my team, as well as a friend.
“From responding to media calls to planning world-class events, Chris’ talent and creativity showcased the best our city has to offer,” the Mayor added. “He will be deeply missed, but I am excited for him and his new opportunity to help grow our city’s signature industry. He has built a great team, and I am confident they will continue serving Metro’s communications needs well.”
“It has been an honor serving Mayor Fischer and the people of Louisville. The city is on a tremendous trajectory, and I was honored to play a small role in that,” Poynter said.
In his new role, Poynter will oversee public relations and partnerships for Woodford Reserve, with a particular focus on the new partnership with Woodford Reserve as the presenting sponsor of The Kentucky Derby.
Last year, Poynter was named the 2017 Communicator of the Year by the National Association of Government Communicators for his remarkable communications and special events efforts during the week following the death of Muhammad Ali, a week that put Louisville in the global spotlight.
Jean Porter, who currently serves as Deputy Communications Director and helps run the day-to-day operations of the office, will become the Communications Director. “I’ve loved being part of the Mayor’s communications team, and I’m honored to take on the role of leading the office,” Porter said. “Chris worked hard to create a strong team with a strong vision, and I’m excited to build on that going forward.”
Prior to her current role, Porter worked for 31 years at The Courier-Journal, as a reporter, copy editor and in management.
Mayor Greg Fischer today announced the appointment of Chris Seidt as Director of Information Technology.
“Louisville Metro has been recognized as one of the most innovative, forward-facing cities in the U.S., and our city government has a Department of Information Technology that can deliver the people-friendly solutions of today and tomorrow,” Mayor Fischer said. “Chris Seidt has been in the middle of many of our innovation efforts as a respected member of the IT team.”
Seidt has worked for the city’s Department of Information Technology since 2008, occupying roles including Network Engineer and IT Operations Manager.
He enters the Director position after more than a year as the city IT Department’s Civic Technology Manager. In this role, he developed the Louisville Fiber Infrastructure Technology project, advised city leaders on broadband and fiber technology, and developed partnerships for Smart City technologies.
“I’ve been proud to be a part of an IT Department that works every day to deliver excellent technology solutions to citizens and our colleagues, and I look forward to working with the team and Mayor Fischer to create more innovative technology solutions for Louisville,” Seidt said.
Seidt begins the new role immediately. He will report to Grace Simrall, the city’s Chief of Civic Innovation.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer workshops and services in January to benefit all family members including a Healthy Living Club, two dates to meet with Legal Aid representatives, an energy management workshop as well as two employment recruitment events. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Jan. 8, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. An employment recruiter will be on-hand from ElderCare 4 Families, an in-home non-medical care service for seniors that provides assistance such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal care.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Jan. 9, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Jan. 9, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 363-1483 for more information. Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live a better and more fulfilling life. Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month, a representative from Family Health Center will discuss “A New Year and a New You.” Come and join the fun and fellowship.
Jan. 9, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
Jan. 11, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1- 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. For more information and to RSVP, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
Jan. 16, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Jan. 17, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs.
- South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Thursdays, Jan. 18 – March 8, 4 Your Child Dads Making the Difference at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. For more information or to register for the upcoming weekly workshops, please contact Dr. Cheri Langley at 709-9323 or by email at 4YourChild@Outlook.com. “4 Your Child” is an eight-week fatherhood program that aims to improve the quantity and quality of fathers’ involvement by integrating responsible parenting, economic stability, and relationship education services. Participants may be compensated for their time up to $220 but registration is required.
Jan. 23 and 25, Legal Aid Representative Sessions
A representative from Legal Aid will be on hand to discuss issues surrounding domestic violence, Emergency Protective Orders and making a safety plan for all family members. Stop by to discuss your situation. All matters are confidential.
- Jan. 23, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. . (W.D. Bruce Building_ door #24), 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more info.
- Jan. 25, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 363-1483 for more info.
Jan. 30, Energy Management Workshop at the First Neighborhood Place, side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road. Call 313-4728 or 313-4700 for registration. Project Warm’s free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn “do-it-yourself” energy-saving tips. Free supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as clear plastic/tape for windows, caulk to seal openings around windows and sealing foam
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14) has been reappointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2018 Transportation and Infrastructure Services (TIS) federal advocacy committee.
This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC’s federal policy positions on issues involving transportation, including planning, funding, safety and security of public transit, streets and highways, aviation, railroads and ports.
The appointment was announced by NLC President Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas.
“As we begin the modernization of the New Dixie Highway, bringing transportation and infrastructure into the 21st Century, working on this committee is vital to Metro Louisville,” said Fowler. “The NLC is a strong partner to keep these kinds of projects at the forefront of public safety and economic development for the people we all serve.”
As a committee member, Councilwoman Fowler will continue to play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the administration and at home.
The Councilwoman also serves as the Chair of the NLC Large City Council through April and served as vice chair prior to this appointment.
“Serving on an NLC committee is one of the most effective ways for a local official to advocate for their community in Washington,” said NLC President Stodola. “I am thrilled to have Councilwoman Fowler join a team of local leaders from around the country working to craft our policy platform and to solve the most pressing challenges facing our communities.”
The leadership of this year’s committee will consist of Chair Pam O’Connor, councilmember, Santa Monica, California; and Vice Chairs James McDonald, councilmember, Pinecrest, Florida; and Oscar Trevino, mayor, North Richland Hills, Texas.
For more information on NLC’s federal advocacy committees, visit: www.nlc.org/advocacy/committees.
Start the New Year Right! Become a non-smoker. You’ll feel better and you’ll live longer. Do it for your health. Do it for your family. Do it for yourself!
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and its community partners are offering free stop smoking classes using the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® (FFS) program. The 8-session program includes weekly support group meetings combined with the use of nicotine replacement products such as patches and gum. Participants receive free supplies of nicotine replacement products.
Advance registration for Freedom From Smoking® classes is required. There are several ways to register: by phone 574 – STOP (574-7867), email StopSmoking@louisvilleky.gov or online.