ongtime Lexington designer Lynn Pedigo died May 24, 2024 after a lengthy illness. “Beautiful, inside and out,” is how a former employee describes her.
A 1987 design graduate at the University of Kentucky, Pedigo worked for Cravens and Associates, falling in love with architecture, and then founding Pedigo Design in 1990.
Her firm was a full service residential and commercial design company known for both exterior and interior design. She managed both new builds and historic restorations and remodels and renovations. Her portfolio ranged from downtown lofts and condos to suburban and country estates and horse farms.
She drew the plans for the double-lot Richmond Road Italianate that later sold to the Caliparis. Having once served as a board member at the Kentucky Horse Park, she
worked on design elements for the barns that were constructed for the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Her award-winning kitchen designs were informed by her love of food culture. She relied on her trusted Joy of Cooking cookbook, often sharing the results with friends and family, but trusting her roots as well. You could count on her for a memory of Damson jelly, or a lively conversation over a bowl of soup beans and country ham. She’d ask, “does anyone remember their grandparents having, after dinner, and before bed, a glass of buttermilk and cornbread crumbled up in it?”
Amachine!” She crafted them for “those who want something different; we do not need to use up the important masks that doctors and nurses need.” As the quarantines wore on, she urged her friends “take care of everyone you know. It’s some lonely times, right now....Just check in on folks.”
“We would listen to Pat Benatar in her burgundy car riding, singing, and laughing. My mama said she had the blue-est eyes she had ever seen.”
high school friend remembers, “We would listen to Pat Benatar in her burgundy car riding, singing, and laughing. My mama said she had the blueest eyes she had ever seen.”
Early in the pandemic, Pedigo immediately put her design skills to work and crafted a line of 200 stylish face masks, lined, with filters, posting her prototype on facebook, “My first homemade designer face mask: I used scrunchies for the ears — ribbon, liner, and fancy fabric, made on my Singer sewing
She had a flair for detail, writing little requiems for the large and the small around her house, “just saying goodbye to my heating pad that I’ve had for 30 years. You remember the ones that did not automatically shut off? You cannot find those anywhere. I had to buy one today that shuts off after 60 minutes. My old one was all taped up, and producing at half capacity at best, but I’m sad to say goodbye. I know this sounds trivial, but when you have had aches and pains, they are your savior.”
She eulogized a beloved tree a few years back, “Today, the Old Pin Oak in my front yard was removed. It was very sick — 115 years old. We were, however, able to save some baby squirrels that were living in the tree. We have relocated them, to grow strong enough to be released into the woods. I’m planting a new tree in place of the old one, but that old oak will be missed.”
JUNE 2024
Volume 35, Issue 6
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Rhonda Reeves
CONTRIBUTORS
Evan Albert, Rob Brezny, Erin Chandler, Walter Cornett, Kevin Elliot, Trish Hatler, Liz Hodge, Austin Johnson, Bridget Johnson, John Lackey, Paul Martin, Michael Jansen Miller, Kevin Nance, Kristina Rosen, Kakie Urch
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Liz Hodge
Um. Hi.
I may have made a weensy poor judgment call today. Maybe. Ok, so here it is. I’m transparent, so I’ll share. Laugh along if desired.
I usually enjoy a little spray tan from time to time (hello, I’m blonde and I look ghostly in the winter otherwise).
But today I went all in. Strongly lighted and with UV warning...all in.
I did a tanning bed. Like high-school-prom tanning bed.
Where are the playboy bunny stickers for my hip?
I feel that some disclosure is in order here:
I walk into my local tanning salon and tell the leathery 24-year-old with frosted blue eye shadow that I’d like to “tan.” We then get into
I spend what feels like an eternity in a solitude chamber and then I am released.
“We hope you enjoy your new you!” Kit says. I feel like I just put on pegged jeans and my Swatch and am going home to watch Full House. I feel great!
Fast forward four hours.
Things feel...hot. Like, maybe I’m hormonal, or the AC is off, or I’m just needing to take off these jeans.
My daughter and I head out for a date night, and that includes swimsuit shopping at Target (where you walk in needing toilet paper and walk out $6000 later with a home remodel and new wardrobe.)
I pick out a few cute suits. And btw, none of these suits are a medium. None. They are teeny freaking tiny, extremely small, and designed for waifs. But I forge ahead. I get in the dressing room, with fluorescent downcast lighting that would make even Uma Thurman look like a beached manatee.
And I strip. But....there is pain.
I catch a glimpse in the mirror.
I look like a blonde lobster that is ready for the buffet on a Carnival line. Like a scalded naked chicken. But pinker. And more hideous.
It smells like Cocoa Beach circa 1992. Or like a Barbie was just baked in a toaster oven.
I let out a squeal.
“Momma, you ok?” my daughter asks.
“Yes, baby.”
her 15-minute spiel on the lotions that I should slather on to “hold my enzymes in.”
(Sister, your enzymes have already leaked into your faux Chanel bag that matches your elbows.)
Then she asks “Ma’am…?” (like she’s addressing her mother’s BFF), “Ma’am...would you like the FULL time?”
Hell YAS, Tiffany. I’m paying. Give me the full amount.
Igo in.
It smells like Cocoa Beach circa 1992. Or like a Barbie was just baked in a toaster oven.
I disrobe. I crawl in.
The giant clam then talks to me. “Would you like more facial ventilation?”
Yes. I would not like to smell myself cooking. “Would you like music?” Sure thing, Kit the Talking Carcinogen.
Something like house music pumps into my ears.
I lie there. I meditate. I re-evaluate my life… I’m in a tanning bed at 42 and I am having flashbacks to a ‘Tan and Pawn’ from my youth.
I tell her how this suit makes me look “more intelligent and involved in my community.”
Disclosure: I hate shopping for bathing suits. Next stop is a movie, where I sweat, and feel my seat getting more tender by the moment.
I’m home now.
My daughter’s in bed.
I strip to assess the damage.
I look like a spring breaker who fell asleep drunk.
I shake my head.
I apply lotion.
Lots of lotion.
Sweet friends, here is the lesson: Do not attempt more than your capacity.
I don’t try to breakdance now; I don’t do Feats Of Strength and I don’t try to out-drink the large Russian guy in the corner.
Know your limits.
I now know that mine stops at the Tan and Pawn, and keeps me in the spray-tan-forgeriatrics aisle.
I’m good with being called “ma’am.”
But I still wanted my playboy sticker.
elcome to Lexington, Kentucky’s Annual Summer Guide for 2024. Every year since 1989, Ace has published an Annual Summer Guide, Fall Guide, and Holiday Guide, along with the annual Real Best of Lexington.
When Ace’s very first Summer Guide rolled off the presses (in black and white newsprint, no less) in the 80s, Google was another ten years in the making and the iPhone wouldn’t roll out for two more decades. Social Media wasn’t a thing, the internet was barely a thing, and we rode downtown on horseback when we wanted to hear live music at Thursday Night Live. (Of course we didn’t. TNL didn’t exist in the 80s.) It was easy to lose track of what was happening and when back then. Sometimes, it still is.
Today, we do all have 748 digital reminders at our literal fingertips all day everyday (and of course, all of our calendars and guides are available online, in full digital glory), but sometimes you just want to plan the entire Summer — at a glance. You want to know where the funnelcakes are. From live music to movie series and dozens of Fairs and Fests, Lexington has something for everyone, in every neighborhood, every day this summer.
JUN 21 Maserati Mingle, Summit
COMEDY
JUN 1
Sam Morrill, Comedy Off
Broadway
JUN 12 Daniel Tosh, Louisville Palace
JUN 13 Wanda Sykes, Lexington Opera House
JUN 20 Josh Blue, Comedy Off Broadway
JUN 21
JUN 22 Paint the Town, downtown Lex
JUN 22 Mom-Mom’s Lavender & Crafts Festival 1 pm (1061 S. Cleveland Rd)
JUL 12 Berea Craft Festival
JUL 20 Concours d’Elegance, Keeneland
JUL 31 Ballet Under the Stars, Woodland Park (thru Aug 4)
AUG 10 Picnic with the Pops, Keeneland AUG 17 Woodland Art Fair
Lexington’s annual downtown plein air painting event, Paint the Town is Jun 22, 2024. Artists will spend the day painting cityscapes throughout downtown Lexington.
Jim Norton, Lexington Opera House
JUN 30 David Spade, Lexington Opera House
JUL 18
JUL 28
Trey Kennedy, Lexington Opera House
Brett Goldstein (of Ted Lasso), Taft (Cinci)
CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF THE ASHLAND LAWN PARTY
SATURDAY
SATURDAY
JUNE 25, 2022
June 22, 2024
5:30 to 10:00 pm
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF THE ASHLAND LAWN PARTY FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS: henryclay.org/lawn-party
henryclay.org
AUG 9 Kevin Smith, Lexington Opera House
SEP 6 Iliza Shlesinger, Louisville Palace
SEP 14 Kathleen Madigan, Lexington Opera House
SEP 20 Steve Martin & Martin Short, Louisville Palace
SEP 20 Martin Lawrence, KFC Yum (Louisville)
OCT 21 David Sedaris, Lexington Opera House
OCT 26 Dane Cook, Cinci
NOV 2 Jim Gaffigan, Taft Theatre (Cinci)
JUN 8 Beer Cheese Festival, Winchester
JUN 22 Annual Ashland Lawn Party, Ashland Henry Clay Estate
JUL 18 Lexington Restaurant Week (thru July 28)
JUN 6 Bluegrass Fair begins JUN 13 Harrodsburg’s 250th Anniversary Festival
JUN 9 Kenwick Bungalow Tour
JUL 20 Grand Tour of Homes
Mom-Mom’s Lavender & Crafts Festival 1 pm (1061 S. Cleveland Rd)
Pride, Lexington
Kentucky Craft Bash Beer Festival, Louisville
Lexington’s July 4th Festival
JUL 12 Berea Craft Festival
AUG 10 Small Town America Festival, Mt. Sterling
SEP 6 Festival of the Horse, Georgetown
SEP 21 Midway Fall Festival
JUN 14 SoulFeast Week, Lexington (thru Jun 23)
JUN 15 Kentucky Wine and Vine Fest, Nicholasville
CHESTNUT ST. PAVILION CONCERT SERIES
June - September
The Annual Mom-Mom’s Lavender & Crafts Festival is at 1061 S. Cleveland Rd and will benefit Paws for the Cause. (See page 18.)
JUL 27 Bluegrass Iris Society Iris Sale, Lexington Green
AUG 24 Tour of Remodeled Homes
JUNE Polo practices and matches begin, KY Horse Park
JUL 8
OCT 4 Keeneland Fall Meet begins TIMES AND DATES ARE SUBJECT
Lexington’s Junior League Horse Show begins, KY Horse Park
JUL 12 Breyerfest, KY Horse Park
JUL 27 Hats off to Kentucky Horses Day, KY Horse Park
JULY Live Racing, Red Mile
SEP 6 Festival of the Horse, Georgetown
SEP 9
Keeneland’s September Yearling Sales begin
BIG BAND & JAZZ
Big Band & Jazz is Lexington’s longest running and outdoor concert series held weekly from 7-8:30 pm at Moondance in June and Ecton Park in July.
JUN 4 Keith McAlily Quartet with Kirby Davis
JUN 11 Miles Osland Little Big Band
JUN 18 Lee Carroll’s C the Beat
JUN 25 Walnut Street Ramblers
JUL 2 Lexington Summer Concert Band
ECTON PARK
JUL 9 Tim Lake and the Blue Jazz Persuaders
JUL 16 DOJO – DiMartino Osland Jazz Orchestra
JUL 23 Brett Evans Trombone Orchestra
JUL 30 Mark Gardner
AUG 6 Marlin McKay Quintet
AUG 13 RPM Quintet
The Southland Jamboree concerts at Moondance are free, 7pm Thursdays at Moondance Amphitheatre, Beaumont Center in Lexington Kentucky.
JUN 6 Ida Clare
JUN 13 Fast Track
JUN 20 Custom Made Bluegrass
JUN 27 Rounder’s Station
JUL 4 Mash Grass
JUL 11 Hammertowne
JUL 18 West Liberty Mountain Boys
JUL 25 Fenced In
AUG 1 Cane Run Bluegrass
AUG 8 Bibelhauser Brothers
AUG 15 Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers
AUG 22 Coaltown Dixie
AUG 29 String Roots Trio
SUMMER NIGHTS IN SUBURBIA
Summer Nights in Suburbia brings a variety of local and regional acts to Moondance Amphitheater each summer. Attendees are invited to enjoy the free concerts, bring their own picnics, or purchase food and drinks from local vendors. Summer Nights shows begin at 7 pm.
JUN 7 Born Cross Eyed
JUN 21 The New Developments
JUL 5 Red, White & Blues with TD Young
JUL 19 NVRMND
AUG 2 The Minks
AUG 16 Honeychild
AUG 30 Vinyl Richie
THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE
Central Bank Thursday Night Live returns to Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in downtown Lexington on Thursday evenings from 5-8 pm.
JUN 6 64 West
JUN 13 Five Below Band
JUN 20 Positive Movement Band
JUN 27 Lauren Mink
JUL 11 Bedford Band
JUL18 The BANDj Experience
JUL 25 Brett Higgins & the Family
AUG 1 The Twiggenburys
AUG 8 The Ranahans
AUG 15 The Tim Talbert Project
AUG 22 Kenny Owens & Group Therapy
AUG 29 Blacktop Rodeo
SEP 5 Mercy Men
SEP 12 Big Maracas
SEP 19 Witness Protection
SEP 26 Rewind Band
OCT 3 Rebel Without a Cause
OCT 10 Vinyl Richie CONCERTS, TOURS AND MUSIC FESTIVALS
JUN 1 The Great American Brass Band Festival, Danville
JUN 1 Railbird (Sat & Sun), Red Mile
JUN 6 Spirit in the Bluegrass Music Fest, KY Horse Park
JUN 7 Southern Culture on the Skids, The Burl
JUN 15 Tim McGraw, Rupp Arena
JUN 17 John Oates, Lyric Theatre
JUN 19 John Hiatt, Lexington Opera House
JUN 20 Lucinda Williams, Kentucky Theatre
JUN 20 New Kids on the Block, Riverbend (Cinci)
JUN 22 Janet Jackson, Riverbend (Cinci)
JUN 28 Santana |Counting Crows, Riverbend (Cinci)
JUL 2 Third Eye Blind, Riverbend (Cinci)
JUL 5 Red Hot Chili Peppers, Riverbend (Cinci)
JUL 9 Justin Timberlake, Rupp Arena
JUL 17 Ben Folds Lexington Opera House
JUL 18 Master Musicians Festival, Somerset
JUL 24 Olivia Rodrigo, Rupp Arena
JUL 24 Alanis Morissette, Riverbend (Cinci)
AUG 1 Blink 182, Rupp Arena
AUG 18 ABBA Tribute, Lexington Opera House
AUG 27 Steve Earle, Lexington Opera House
AUG 29 Cirque Du Soleil Rupp Arena
AUG 30 Cage the Elephant, Riverbend (Cinci)
SEP 6 Jason Isbell | Alejandro Escovedo Rupp Arena
SEP 10 Joan Osborne, Kentucky Theatre
OCT 26 The Avett Brothers, Rupp Arena
Film Fests
JUL 12 Harry Dean Stanton Film Festival
Beginning in 2011, the Lexington Film League has hosted a non-profit festival in honor of Harry Dean Stanton in the state where he was born. The annual festival utilizes various venues throughout downtown Lexington for screenings, speakers, concerts, and Harry Dean Stanton related events. The 2024 fest honors Harry’s love of music with films that are musician themed and/or soundtrack heavy.
The Kentucky Theatre presents ‘Freaky Fridays’ to satisfy your cravings for cult film, once a month, at 10 pm.
JUN 21 John Waters’ Desperate Living
JUL 19 The Man Who Fell to Earth
AUG 23 Ms. 45
SEP 20 Weekend
Free Friday Flicks at Jacobson Park
Friday Flicks offers an evening of activities and a movie beginning Fridays in June. Pre-movie activities include children’s games,
free temporary tattoos, petting zoo, non-profits, and a preshow themed around that night’s movie. Activities begin at 7 p.m. with the movie starting at dark.
JUN 7 Wonka
JUN 14 Trolls Band Together
JUN 21 Migration
JUN 28 Super Mario Brothers
Movie Clubs at the Library
Lexington’s Downtown Public Library is home to the Farish Theatre, which programs a series of movies all summer long, like the International Movie Club, and the Classic Literature Film Series. Check with the Library to confirm times.
JUN 9 Translator for Peace
JUN 10 Of an Age (Australian)
JUN 17 La Cage aux Folles
JUL 1 Lady Macbeth
JUL 15 The Hate U Give
JUL 29 Belfast
Summer Classics
For two decades, The Kentucky Theatre has screened classic films every Wednesday
(matinee and evening) from late May until early September. Over the years, this summer series has proved to be a perennial favorite. Each movie will include a Wednesday matinee and a Wednesday evening show.
JUN 5 Desk Set
JUN 12 Auntie Mame
JUN 19 Snow White
JUN 26 ET
JUL 3 The Red Shoes
JUL 10 Taxi Driver
JUL 17 Jurassic Park
JUL 24 The Third Man
JUL 31 The Jerk
AUG 7 Rebecca
AUG 14 To Sir, with Love
AUG 21 Cinema Paradiso
AUG 28 Rocky
SEP 4 The Big Lebowski SPORTS Golf
JUN 14 Lexington Men’s Senior City Championship
JUN 20 Junior City Championship,
Kearney Hill
JUL 11 The Kentucky Championship formerly known as Barbasol
JUL 12 Men’s City Championship
SEP 17 Women’s City Championship
Kentucky Championship –previously known as the Barbasol Championship – is an official FedExCup event on the PGA TOUR schedule. Formerly known as the Barbasol, the Kentucky Championship is July 11-14 at Champions at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky, just outside of Lexington.
Run for the Nun 5k, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Mutt Strutt
Wild Hearts Superhero 5k Bluegrass 10,000 Distillery Dash
Midsummer Night’s Run Iron Horse Half Marathon
HOMES Kenwick
Bungalow Tour
1 pm to 5 pm, tickets sold at Victory Christian
FILM Documentary Translator for Peace 1:30 pm Downtown Library
HOMES Mary Todd Lincoln
House Open House 3 pm, Mary Todd Lincoln House
MUSIC Lexington Chamber
FILM International Movie Club, Of an Age, 1 pm
Downtown Library
FILM Negativland documentary 7 pm Kentucky Theatre
Lionel Richie, KFC Yum (Louisville)
TNL Five Below
Band 5 pm Pavilion
SHOP East
13 14
End Nights market, 6 pm
Legacy Trail at Shropshire and Midland
GREEN Kentucky River Clean Sweep 8:30 am, Kelley’s Landing (8949 Old Richmond Rd)
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
9 am to 5 pm,
Chorale 5 pm, Ashland The Henry Clay Estate COMEDY
KIDS Summer Movies at the Library, Clifford The Big Red Dog 12:30 pm Downtown Library
SPEAK Open Mic Night featuring Willie Carver, 5 pm Downtown Library
MOVIES Summer Classics, Auntie Mame, Kentucky Theatre
SOUTHLAND JAMBOREE Fast Track 7 pm Moondance
COMEDY Wanda Sykes Lexington Opera House
KIDS Free Friday Flicks,Trolls Band Together, Jacobson Park
Opera House Summer Classics, Snow White, Kentucky
Lexington Children’s Theatre, Tomato Plant Girl, 10 am Downtown Library
TNL Positive Movement Band 5 pm Pavilion
SOUTHLAND JAMBOREE Custom Made Bluegrass 7 pm Moondance
CONCERT Lucinda Williams 7:30 pm Kentucky Theatre
KIDS Free Friday Flicks, Migration, Jacobson Park
MUSIC Summer Nights in Suburbia, The New Developments, 7 pm Moondance
COMEDY Josh Blue Comedy Off Broadway
MOVIES Cult Classics John Waters’ Desperate Living 10 pm Kentucky Theatre
MUSIC Big Band/Jazz, Walnut Street
Ramblers, 7 pm Moondance
TNL
Lauren
Mink 5 pm Pavilion
SOUTHLAND JAMBOREE Rounder’s Station 7 pm Moondance
KIDS Free Friday Flicks, Super Mario Brothers, Jacobson Park
FUNDRAISER
Commonwealth Bash 6:30 pm Ashland, Henry Clay Estate
MUSIC Kentuckians Chorus, Moonlight Melodies, Lexington Opera House
CONCERT Tim McGraw Rupp Arena
FEST Annual Mom-Mom’s Lavender & Crafts Festival 1 pm (1061 S. Cleveland Rd)
TRAFFIC Monster Jam, Rupp Arena
MOVIES Midnight Movie, Rocky Horror, Kentucky Theatre
Even at a young age, my father was my hero. Although I vaguely understood all the sacrifices he made as a single military father, I felt his devotion. Back in the day, widowed fathers gave their children over to aunts or others to care for the kids. He didn’t. I’m still not sure why. He was a busy guy. Big time army man. When my mother died, he didn’t hesitate to pack us up and move us back overseas. Although we must have been a burden, I never felt like a burden. He did the best he could to make a life for us in foreign lands surrounded by strangers. Don’t get me wrong, I knew something was different. We were different. I was different. Everyone else had mothers and big families. We simply had each other and a few lovable revolving nannies.
My father was kind and strong, but not overly sentimental. He was army through and through. He could burn my little soul with one stern look, or melt it into puddles when he smiled. I shot for smiles.
Throughout my life, Father’s Day got lost in the ordinary days of summer. I never sent cards, wrapped gifts, or made any kind of deal about the whole thing. Father’s Day was just June something-or-other. I called him on every Father’s Day and that was enough. As a rambunctious trouble-shooting kid/teen/adult, he knew I loved him. I knew he loved me. We really didn’t need the hoopla of a single day to point that out.
When he got sick, everything changed. As he struggled to fight cancer, every day was Father’s Day. Every day was precious and full. Me. Him. Us. Although I couldn’t take back the ordinary years of routine phone calls, every ounce of love, respect, honor, and commitment poured out of my own fearful quest to connect during the tender days. Eventually, our roles slowly reversed, rewound, and played back. Who was the dad? Who was the kid? We met in the middle. Simpatico. I only sang for my father...once. The summer between 6th grade and 7th grade, I fancied myself a fine chanteuse. Although I couldn’t sing a lick, I found my destiny. Armed with
I hadn’t felt such disappointment since he flat out refused years earlier to buy me a chimpanzee as a playmate.
my battery powered cassette player and a lone cassette tape featuring Anne Murray’s Snowbird, I wandered the fields of the farm singing along with my muse. As wonderful as she was, I was better. I was the complete package. The hip smiling family bands of the 70s couldn’t hold a candle to my boyish puckered lips and smoldering eyes. I sang for the cows, chickens, ponds, trees, blackberry bushes, and rocks to hone my craft. After several weeks of intense practice, I knew I was ready. Shrouded in secrecy, I mounted a fierce snail mail letter writing campaign, promoting my self indulgent stratospheric talent, to land an audition for a low budget variety show produced by a local Bowling Green television station. The world was my oyster.
One day, having returned home from my lakeside soft-serve ice cream day job, I received a letter congratulating me on my persistence along with a scheduled audition date. I had almost arrived. Blessed be Anne Murray.
That’s when things got a bit iffy. I was a kid. The television producers didn’t know I was a kid. Bowling Green was 35 miles away as the crow flies, farther by car if driving on back roads through the hills and valleys of Allen County. I needed a chauffeur to make my audition date. I needed a ride, and I had to face the music.
My dad spent a lot of time in his hot and humid woodshop. With lathes lathing and buzzsaws blaring, he didn’t hear me enter his hallowed space. Beaming with confidence, I fessed up, told him my plans, and asked him for a ride to my audition. Sweaty sawdust dripped from his forehead. The singed heat of ripped wood burned my eyes. It must have been 110 degrees in that little shed. After turning off the saws and lathes, he cracked open a window and told me to sing my song. Suddenly wracked with nerves, I fumbled with the clunky buttons of the cassette player. Click. Rewind. Click. Fast Forward. Click. Pause. Click. Click. Click. Play. I cranked the volume as high as it could possibly go and belted out, “Beneath the snowy mantle cold and clean, the unborn grass lies waiting for its coat to turn to green...”. On and on and on. Anne and I sang the entire song. When I finished, it was so quiet I could hear chiggers
crawling through my cotton socks. Dead silence. He didn’t flinch. He didn’t laugh. He didn’t do anything. He closed the window and simply said that he couldn’t take me to my audition. No excuses. No explanations. Game over. And with that, I shuffled through the gritty sawdust on my way out of the woodshed and closed the door on my cabaret career. Although somewhat relieved, I hadn’t felt such disappointment since he flat out refused years earlier to buy me a chimpanzee as a playmate. Ever resilient, I moved on. I had frogs to gig, catfish to catch, and ice cream to scoop.
A few days after my unfortunate near brush with fame, I was catching up on some early morning Shirley Temple re-runs when I heard ridiculous noises spilling from the front yard. I didn’t think much about it because my dad was always wiring fences, splitting firewood, or just sawing things. Although annoying, it was par for the course. After a while, the noise died
down and he called me outside. Tucked into a corner of the front yard by a small stone wall and seemingly floating on air, he had fashioned a high bar. A. High. Bar. Towering 8’ from the ground, he managed to jerry-rig, build, and firmly secure a 2”x 5’ metal pole between two large mature maple trees. A horizontal bar of my own. I was dumbstruck. It was magnificent.
Somehow and somewhere along the way, he’d remembered that I had also always wanted to become an Olympic Gold Medal Award winning gymnast. All I needed was a horizontal bar to hone my craft. My head filled with thoughts of double twist flips, release moves, and nailed landings. I knew big time gymnasts worried about those sorts of things and I needed to embrace that worry. The world was my oyster...again.
That’s what fathers do.
They help build dreams.
Oh sure, I never became an acclaimed cabaret singer or an Olympic gymnast.
In the long run, it really wasn’t about reaching those lofty goals. It was about the journey.
And the dreams.
—Shared from the Ace Archives, in memory of longtime Ace food writer, Tom Yates.
Summer is here.
Bring on the ballpark hotdogs, the funnelcakes and cotton candy and kettlecorn at the fair, and the food truck corrals.
Playa Bowls is opening its first Lexington location at Palomar Fountains, between Chipotle and Omakase. They will feature açaí, coconut bowls, smoothies, and more.
Chicago-based chain Rosati’s will open its first Lexington location off Nicholasville Road, serving pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
Saul Good has closed its final location, in the Fayette Mall area, after what was originally posted as a temporary close in the Spring.
Founders Rob and Diane Perez opened the Mall Road location as their flagship store, and ran it for 14 years before selling to new owners in 2022. (The Hamburg location and downtown location closed several years ago.)
After seven years in business, Whiskey Bear closed in Beaumont in May. An original tenant of the Summit’s Barn Food Hall in 2017, they relocated to Beaumont in the summer of 2022, after the Food Hall closed in 2021 to make room for a new tenant for the space, who has yet to materialize. They added Addie’s Pizza to the concept in the new location, and revamped in February of this year to lean more towards the restaurant side of the business.
Carson’s is opening a Hamburg location in Andover. The downtown location remains open.
Shamrock’s has closed its Hartland location and is relocating the Hartland location to Brannon.
Good Foods is undertaking a capitalraising drive with member-owners with the goal of retiring a fiscal deficit. A Lexington Reddit thread began posing questions six months ago, asking “Is everything ok?” — in response to equipment outages and intermittent closings in the cafe and at the hot bar. Hot sandwiches were unavailable for a time when the oven broke. Rent is reported to be among the highest per sq ft of any Co-Op in the country. The Herald-Leader published a May 28 article headlined, “Good Foods Co-op needs investments to stay afloat. It’s looking to owners for help.” Founded in 1972, the Co-Op moved to Southland Drive from Woodhill in 1986, adding a Cafe in 2002, and a major expansion 2010. Good Foods recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
SUN JUN 2
T’AI on Rye, Lexington’s pop-up Jewish deli, will be back on Sunday, June 2 at Temple Adath Israel. It’s the last one before summer break, so take advantage of the opportunity for pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, kosher hot dogs, matzo ball soup, a special dessert, and more. The Pop Up is at Temple Adath Israel, 124 North Ashland Ave., for dine-in or carryout from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TUE JUN 4
The Tuesday/Thursday Lexington Farmers Market opens in its new Tuesday/Thursday home on National Avenue.
FRI JUN 7
Celebrate National Donut Day with a Lexington donut. You can enjoy thirty-five years of Ace donut archives at acemagazinelex.com.
SAT JUN 8
Hot on the heels of May’s Beer Cheese Food Week, Winchester is back with the Beer Cheese Festival on Saturday June 8, 2024.
TUE JUN 14
SoulFeast Week (Jun 14 thru Jun 23) is a ten-day celebration of Black culinary culture highlighting restaurants, farmers, and chefs in Central Kentucky. Through educational exhibits, curated experiences, and enjoying great food, SoulFeast Week is an opportunity for Kentuckians of all races and backgrounds to support Black businesses by putting their money where their mouths are, literally.
Join Mom-Mom’s Lavender Farm on June 22, 2024 for a celebration of all things lavender and crafts. This event brings together lavender enthusiasts, craft lovers, and nature enthusiasts from all around. The main objective of the Lavender Festival is to support animal rescue.
Mom-Mom’s Lavender takes pride in beautiful lavender fields and the high-quality products created. The festival is a perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and fragrance of lavender while enjoying a variety of activities and experiences.
During the festival, you’ll have the chance to explore the lavender fields and witness the stunning purple blooms in full glory. Take a leisurely stroll through the fields, breathe in the calming aroma, and capture memorable photos amidst the picturesque scenery.
For those interested in crafts, the festival offers a wide range of handmade products created by local artisans. From lavender-infused candles and soaps to handcrafted jewelry and pottery, you’ll find unique and exquisite items that showcase the creativity and talent of our artisans.
Throughout the festival, there will be interactive workshops and demonstrations where you can learn more about the art of lavender cultivation, crafting techniques, and the benefits of lavender in skincare and wellness. Knowledgeable experts will be on hand to answer any questions and share expertise.
Indulge your taste buds with lavender-inspired culinary delights. From lavender-infused pastries and desserts to refreshing lavender lemonade, this festival offers a delectable array of food and beverages that will tantalize your senses.
Don’t forget to visit the festival marketplace, where you can browse and purchase a wide selection of lavender products, including essential oils, body lotions, bath salts, and more. Take a piece of Mom-Mom’s Lavender home with you and continue to enjoy the benefits of lavender long after the festival ends.
Whether you’re a lavender enthusiast, a craft lover, or simply looking for a Kentucky Proud experience, the Annual Lavender and Crafts Festival at Mom-Mom’s Lavender is not to be missed.
Lavender Festival is scheduled for Saturday June 22, 2024, 9 am to 7 pm at 1061 Cleveland Road. 859-309-2516
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Welcome to the future of your education, Aries! Here are actions you can take to ensure you are exposed to all the lush lessons you need and deserve in the coming months. 1. Identify three subjects you would be excited to learn more about. 2. Shed dogmas and fixed theories that interfere with your receptivity to new information. 3. Vow to be alert for new guides or mentors. 4. Formulate a three-year plan to get the training and teachings you need most. 5. Be avidly curious.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Poet Emily Dickinson was skillful at invoking and managing deep feelings. One scholar described her emotions as being profoundly erotic, outlandish, sensuous, flagrant, and nuanced. Another scholar said she needed and sought regular doses of ecstasy. Yet even she, maestro of passions, got overwhelmed. In one poem, she wondered “Why Floods be served to us in Bowls?” I suspect you may be having a similar experience, Taurus. It’s fun, though sometimes a bit too much. The good news is that metaphorically speaking, you will soon be in possession of a voluminous new bowl that can accommodate the floods.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): All of us periodically enjoy phases I call “Freedom from Cosmic Compulsion.” During these times, the Fates have a reduced power to shape our destinies. Our willpower has more spaciousness to work with. Our intentions get less resistance from karmic pressures that at other times might narrow our options. As I meditated on you, dear Gemini, I realized you are now in a phase of Freedom from Cosmic Compulsion. I also saw that you will have more of these phases than anyone else during the next 11 months. It might be time for you to get a “LIBERATION” tattoo or an equivalent new accessory.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Bold predictions: 1. Whatever treasure you have lost or are losing will ultimately be reborn in a beautiful form. 2. Any purposeful surrender you make will hone your understanding of exactly what your soul needs next to thrive. 3. A helpful influence may fade away, but its disappearance will clear the path for new helpful influences that serve your future in ways you can’t imagine yet. 4. Wandering around without a precise sense of where you’re going will arouse a robust new understanding of what home means to you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Denmark’s King Canute IV (1042–1086) wasn’t bashful about asserting his power. He claimed ownership of all the land. He insisted on the right to inherit the possessions of all foreigners and people without families. Goods from shipwrecks were automatically his property. But once, his efforts to
extend his authority failed. He had his servants move his throne to a beach as the tide came in. Seated and facing the North Sea, he commanded, “Halt your advance!” The surf did not obey. “You must surrender to my superior will!” he exclaimed, but the waters did not recede. Soon, his throne was engulfed by water. Humbled, Canute departed. I bring this up not to discourage you, Leo. I believe you can and should expand your influence and clout in the coming weeks. Just be sure you know when to stop.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgoborn Irène Joliot-Curie craved more attention than she got from her mother, Marie Curie. Mom was zealously devoted to her career as a chemist and physicist, which is one reason why she won Nobel Prizes in both fields. But she didn’t spend sufficient time with her daughter. Fortunately, Irène’s grandfather Eugène became his granddaughter’s best friend and teacher. With his encouragement, she grew into a formidable scientist and eventually won a Nobel Prize in chemistry herself. Even if you’re not a kid, Virgo, I suspect there may be a mentor and guide akin to Eugène in your future. Go looking! To expedite the process, define what activity or skill you want help in developing.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I have a fantasy that sometime in the coming months, you will slip away to a sanctuary in a pastoral paradise. There you will enjoy long hikes and immerse yourself in healing music and savor books you’ve been wanting to read. Maybe you will write your memoirs or compose deep messages to dear old friends. Here’s the title of what I hope will be a future chapter of your life story: “A Thrillingly Relaxing Getaway.” Have you been envisioning an adventure like this, Libra? Or is your imagination more inclined to yearn for a trip to an exciting city where you will exult in high culture? I like that alternative, too. Maybe you will consider doing both.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
An Instagrammer named sketchesbyboze advises us, “Re-enchant your life by making the mundane exciting. You are not ‘going to the drugstore.’ You are visiting the apothecary to buy potions. You are not ‘running an errand.’ You are undertaking an unpredictable adventure. You are not ‘feeding the birds.’ You are making an alliance with the crow queen.” I endorse this counsel for your use, Scorpio. You now have the right and duty to infuse your daily rhythm with magic and fantasy. To attract life’s best blessings, you should be epic and majestic. Treat your life as a mythic quest.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I invite you to invite new muses
into your life in the coming months. Give them auditions. Interview them. Figure out which are most likely to boost your creativity, stimulate your imagination, and rouse your inspiration in every area of your life, not just your art form. Tell them you’re ready to deal with unpredictable departures from the routine as long as these alternate paths lead to rich teachings. And what form might these muses take? Could be actual humans. Could be animals or spirits. Might be ancestral voices, exciting teachings, or pilgrimages to sacred sanctuaries. Expand your concept of what a muse might be so you can get as much muse-like input as possible.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The Japanese have a word for a problem that plagues other countries as well as theirs: *karoshi*, or death from working too hard and too much. No matter how high-minded our motivations might be, no matter how interesting our jobs are, most of us cannot safely devote long hours to intense labor week after week, month after month. It’s too stressful on the mind and body. I will ask you to monitor yourself for such proclivities in the coming months. You can accomplish wonders as long as you work diligently but don’t overwork. (PS: You won’t literally expire if you relentlessly push yourself with nonstop hard exertion, but you will risk compromising your mental health. So don’t do it!)
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Typically, human fertility is strongest when the temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit. But I suspect you will be an exception to the rule in the coming months. Whether it’s 10 below or 90 in the shade, your fertility will be extra robust—literally as well as psychologically and spiritually. If you are a heterosexual who would rather make great art or business than new babies, be very attentive to your birth control measures. No matter what your gender or sexual preference is, I advise you to formulate very clear intentions about how you want to direct all that lush fecundity. Identify which creative outlets are most likely to serve your long-term health and happiness.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Here’s a key assignment in the coming months: Enjoy fantasizing about your dream home. Imagine the comfortable sanctuary that would inspire you to feel utterly at home in your body, your life, and the world. Even if you can’t afford to buy this ultimate haven, you will benefit from visualizing it. As you do, your subconscious mind will suggest ways you can enhance your security and stability. You may also attract influences and resources that will eventually help you live in your dream home.
Architectural Associate sought by Denham-Blythe Company Inc (dba: Denham-Blythe) in Lexington, KY, who can conduct research and assist in developing project programs. MA Req. Email resume to denhamblytheky@gmx.com
CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, KY seeks Medical Technologists to work in hospital lab. Requires BS in Medical Technology or equivalent. Apply to marty.keith@commonspirit.org
The University of Kentucky seeks a Business Intelligence Developer Senior in Lexington, Kentucky. This position is responsible for Business Intelligence (BI) Specialization duties (20%) including serving as analytics subject matter expert (SME), providing analytical application guidance and data analysis to business domains and sub-domains and end users; BI Development duties (40%) including developing complex SQL scripts, views, and stored procedures; developing data analysis services for UKHC and affiliates including data mining, modeling and analytics, data exploration and visualization, selfservice ad hoc reporting, recurring/ scheduled reporting, dashboards and scorecards; BI Process duties (10%) including translating business questions and requirements into actionable information by utilizing analytical and data abstraction techniques (ex. SQL query) in a direct working relationship with clinicians; adhering to standardized analytics and reporting processes including prioritization, analysis, design, build and quality testing and documentation; Continuous Service Improvement duties (10%) including supporting and endorsing the serviceoriented organization in identifying and implementing improvements to IT services; Project Execution duties (10%) including identifying, sequencing, and scheduling project tasks to ensure timely and effective completion of project deliverables and milestones; and Customer Service duties (10%) including working to efficiently resolve customer incidents, requests, and projects within the specified Service Level Agreements or Milestones, or routes to appropriate person or department. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, related field, or foreign equivalent; 4 years of experience in BI reporting and analytics, or similar experience and 2 years of SQL experience. Telecommuting is permitted. Qualified candidates should apply at COM_OVIS@uky.edu with the email subject “Business Intelligence Developer Senior.”
An application has been filed to re-zone the overflow parking lot across from Dudley Square at the corner of Maxwell and Mill to an R4 zone (medium density residential). The applicant is seeking to rezone the subject property in order to establish three single-family residences. The applicant has also filed an intent to request approval of a dimensional variance from specific provisions of the Zoning Ordinance from the Planning Commission. The property is at 226, 228, and 232 W. Maxwell Street.
The June session of the Grow Smart Academy, presented by Fayette Alliance, is scheduled for Tuesday June 4. This session connects land use policy to everyday quality of life. Stan Harvey from Lord Aeck Sargent will discuss analyzing Housing Trends in Lexington-Fayette Co. Sam Castro from TSW will discuss the Urban Growth Plan, the plan guiding how the proposed expansion areas will be developed, and LFUCG’s Division of Planning staff will speak on the 2045
Comprehensive Plan and the Urban Growth Plan. 5:30 pm, The Cornerstone at 401 S. Limestone.
SUN JUN 9
The Kenwick Neighborhood Association presents the 2024 Kenwick Bungalow Tour on Sunday, June 9, 1-5 p.m. Eight homes and gardens will be stops on the tour. While every house may not be a bungalow, each one will show a different aspect of Kenwick’s unique personality. This event helps the Kenwick Neighborhood Association raise money for projects such as the Kenwick Victory Christian Church Community Garden, park updates, and helps fund neighborhood events.
Ticket booklets ($10) can be picked up at the Victory Christian Church parking lot on the corner of Cramer and Owsley Avenues. Homes will be in the Kenwick neighborhood.
SAT JUN 15
RiverSweep is Saturday June 15, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Meet at Kelley’s Landing. Volunteers are invited to help clean up litter and trash from
the 12 miles of the Kentucky River that touch Fayette County. It’s a great opportunity to see the river up close and start the summer off with a clean environment. The event is sponsored by the City of Lexington and the Kentucky River Authority. The River Sweep is a rain or shine event, so dress for the weather. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended. Volunteers will get lunch, a River Sweep t-shirt, and a giveaway for participating.
The City of Lexington, along with the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station, is offering Fayette County residents a free trash disposal day for non-hazardous household waste, 6 am to 1 pm at 1505 Old Frankfort Pike.
Fayette County residents can dispose of up to one pickup truck load of non-hazardous household waste at this event. Residents can also bring items in a car or SUV.
Items normally serviced through the city’s curbside collection program will be accepted without charge. Construction and demolition debris as well as yard waste and large outdoor items will be accepted at the regular gate rate during the event; they do not qualify for free disposal.
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