Hamburg’s Ted’s Montana Grill wins Proprietor of the Year
Ted’s Montana Grill, a classic American restaurant known for genuine hospitality and elevated comfort food, honored the top performing proprietor at its annual national conference at the Georgia Aquarium.
Wael Musa of Ted’s Montana Grill in Hamburg was awarded Proprietor of the Year for achieving
the best overall restaurant results in 2023 for guest count growth, double digit sales growth, optimal profit and loss performance, team member retention, guest surveys, community involvement, social media, management team growth and development, and overall performance ratings.
Musa began his career at Ted’s Montana Grill in July 2021 as the proprietor of the Lexington location at Hamburg Pavilion.
Ted’s Montana Grill has 38 locations throughout the U.S.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
For residents in Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley, if you had a loss of income due to the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may provide you with help.
To qualify for DUA benefits, claimants in eligible counties must show that their employment or selfemployment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the April 2 severe storms, straightline winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides.
Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc. ky.gov or call 502-875-0442 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for this assistance is Aug. 12, 2024. For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the April 2 severe storms, straightline winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, please visit fema. gov/disaster/4782. Follow FEMA on X, formerly called Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.
Kristi Martin, president of Ted’s Montana Grill, Wael Musa, proprietor at Ted’s Montana Grill at Lexington’s Hamburg Pavilion, and George McKerrow, co-founder and CEO of Ted’s Montana Grill
Architectural Associate sought by DenhamBlythe 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
Business Intelligence Analyst in Cynthiana, KY. Respbl for BI RPRTG Data anlytcs biz ptnr to Pres; Sr Ldrship Tm; Dvlp; trck key prformc indcatrs agnst trgts; Dvlp; mntn dly Exec, Oprtnl, HR, and Fincl dashbrds; Anlyz data trnds; Cndct Pareto Anlyss; Rt-cse anlyss; Custmz rprts for end-usrs. MNTN DATA INTEGRTY Creat/ mnge CSTH biz syst polcs, nsurg secrty setgs; Collab w/IT to suprt intgratn of intrnl; xtrnl data strms; ovrl data infrastrctr; Use tech stack to enbl data accssblty; Data valdtn acrs ERP data & Pwr BI to nsur data intgrty & rprtg acrcy; Lead projs to suprt rprtg reqrmts; syst data intgrty; Mnge 3rd pty rlatnshps w/ERP suprt ptnr includg syst enhancmts. MNG’G BIZ INITIATVS
Rprt Exec KPIs; Exec initiatvs in Exec Tm Meetgs, trck Brd initiatvs. Req’d: Bach Deg in Bus Admin, Bus Analytics or reltd, 1yr exp as Bus Intelligence Analyst or Bus Analyst. Must have used skills: SQL Server Mgmnt Studio, Microsoft Power BI, Data transfrmtn, visualztn; maintng data pipelines. Minml travel as needed, to unantcpatd loctns to mnge 3rd pty rlatnshps. Mail CVs to Joe O’Nan, CFO, EZ Pack Refuse Hauling Solutions, LLC, 200 Ladish Rd, Cynthiana, KY 41031.
CHI St. Joseph in Lexington, KY seeks medical technologists. Req’s BS in Med Tech or Chem, Phys, Bio or other Life Science; ASCP, AMT, or HEW. Apply to Marty.Keith@commonspirit.org.
Lexmark International, Inc. seeks an Azure Data Architect in Lexington, Kentucky. This position is accountable for the delivery of
analytics including driving the business and technical discussions to define, design, and deliver analytics, stakeholder and business analyst communications. They also must collaborate with the global teams, focus on the analytics from Lexmark’s Azure enterprise data lake, and serve as the squad lead for all ingestion, curation, and serve efforts. Specific duties include: Data solutioning and data architecture design; Managing end-toend analytics projects; Following process and project methodologies and ensuring the proper implementation and adoption of such methodologies; Advocating for continuous improvements including identifying opportunities and adopting best practices and standards; Leading operational focused projects to ensure the operational stability of delivered solutions; and Partnering with business leaders for analytics adoption that aligns with business strategies and goals. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, electrical engineering, information technology, related field or foreign equivalent; 5 years of related work experience in the field of data architecture & analytics; 2 years of experience with Azure Data Lake Store, Azure Data Factory, PowerBI, SQL/ SQL DB, and Data Warehouse/Data modelling; 1 year of data architecture experience with data lakehouse built on databricks; and 4 Years of experience translating business needs to data engineering and modeling activities to deliver data as a service. Qualified candidates should submit resumes to stacy.lyons@lexmark.com.
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, self-service 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 service-oriented 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.”
Grant Deadlines
The FY25 Stormwater Grant Applications are now available on the city’s main website at https://www. lexingtonky.gov/stormwater-incentive-grant-program.
• Class B Infrastructure applications are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, July 26, 2024
LexGrow Trees Awards Grants
Lex Grow Trees has announced the recipients of their inaugural grants, which will aid the initiative’s efforts to bolster Lexington’s tree population and foster community engagement in urban forestry efforts. Of the 22 applications received totaling $2.8 million in requested funds, nine organizations were awarded a combined $491,131.55 in this first
round of large project grants. Funding came from an allocation of $1.5 million set aside for Lexington’s tree canopy by the Urban County Council.
“We were encouraged to receive so many strong applications for this first round of the Lex Grow Trees grant. These grants will contribute to our mission of enriching Lexington’s urban environment, enhancing community well-being, and fostering a deeper appreciation for trees among our residents,” said LFUCG 3rd District Councilmember Hannah LeGris, who co-chairs the committee in charge of Lex Grow Trees.
Funded proposals, subject to Council approval, include:
Andover Forest HOA - Granted $100,000 to plant 350 trees, enhancing the tree canopy in Council District 6, with a focus on creating shaded community areas and engaging residents in tree care.
Hartland HOA - Granted $76,785.20 for the “Growing Together: Trees for a New Generation” initiative, aiming to restore and expand the urban forest by planting 284 trees within the Hartland community and by hosting a community-wide Hartland Arbor Day event in April 2025.
• Eastland Parkway Neighborhood Association - Awarded $18,271.85 for a project to enhance the historical entrance walls with additional trees and to add street trees along Eastland Parkway.
• Bread & Circuses Media - Awarded $6,000 for an oral history project to engage and educate the youth in Lexington’s 6th District about the importance of tree maintenance and the tree canopy’s impact on community health. This round of grants marks the first of two, with the second application period opening in the fall.
Neighborhood CleanUp
Join our new neighbors at Baptist Health for the Lexington Neighborhood Clean-Up Project at Jacobson Park. Cleanup will include:
• Picking up trash around the lake and in the playground
• Cutting back invasive growth around trees
• Painting park fences
Your participation will help keep the park beautiful and safe for everyone. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water to stay hydrated. Saturday July 20, Jacobson Park, 10 am to 2 pm.
Here Comes the Sun…?
The City of Lexington recently petitioned the Kentucky Public Service Commission for the right to intervene in a case concerning the location of a solar energy facility on a Fayette County farm.
East Kentucky Power Cooperative has asked the Commission for permission to build a solar facility in Fayette County. The Commission regulates utilities in Kentucky. Under state law, utilities are exempt from local zoning regulations. The only opportunity the city has to weigh in on this proposal before the Commission is by intervening.
“The city does not currently allow for commercial solar facilities under its zoning ordinances,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “We need time to study and create a plan concerning solar facilities that serve the best interest of Fayette County.”
The Mayor said the city is concerned about permanent consequences on land use policies as they relate to solar generation on commercial and agriculture zoned land. “The city has long limited commercial and industrial uses in agricultural zones due to the importance of agriculture to our economy,” she said.
The project is to be located on 387 acres in eastern Fayette County. The property is zoned for agricultural purposes. Agriculture and agribusiness contribute over $2.3 billion annually to the local economy.
Gorton said the city supports renewable energy. “However, we should have a say in determining the siting of such projects in this county,” Gorton said.
The proposed project would provide only questionable, if any, benefits to Lexington-Fayette County. “All or nearly all of the energy produced would be sold on a wholesale market and provide little to no energy to Lexington consumers,” Gorton said.
The Electric Orca
It’s time for a new world record!
When Chad Walker turned 50 this past June, he wanted to celebrate with more than cake and ice cream.
On June 21st (the day after he turned 50), the “Electric Orca” golf cart began its 24-hour journey as an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “longest distance traveled on an electric golf cart.” Walker dreamed up the event as a way to raise
funds for the Winchester Firefighter Scholarship Fund. Every dollar raised will support graduating GRC Seniors who choose their field of study to prepare for a career as a firefighter, EMT, nursing, or law enforcement.
Walker explains, “Every decade, I do something fun, but this is the first year we [tied] together a fundraiser. The firefighters are all on board and [were] amazing to work with during the event planning and promotion.
and the volunteers. A documentary filmmaker captured the event, with plans to hold a future fundraiser showcasing the finished film to be held at the Kentucky Theatre.
An after-event celebration was hosted at The Engine House Pub and Pizza Parlour which is housed in Winchester’s original firehouse.
They’re the heroes!” Walker’s previous adventures included a motorcycle trip from Kentucky to Alaska and back and solopiloting an aluminum 18’ 1950s boat down the Mississippi River.
Creative Coffees sponsored the event and provided electricity for the Orca, along with caffeine for Walker
Walker reports the standing world record was at 150 miles, and the distance covered at the birthday event was “287 miles — [though] it will take a bit to make the record attempt official.”
PHOTOS BY JON PAUL MARTIN
Ready for Your CloseUp?
LEX Studios celebrates opening in the neighborhood
When Woodhill Cinemas closed in September 2016, the property at Codell Drive quickly deteriorated, and the neighborhood wasn’t initially optimistic about what sort of commercial venture might survive and thrive in its place.
While the property boasted massive assets — with a prime location just off New Circle Road and ample surface parking — the theater had struggled in its final years. More upscale venues opened at Hamburg and Fayette Mall, and downtown maintained the classic charm of the Kentucky Theatre. But with help from Kentucky’s Film Incentive, Wrigley Media set out to transform the abandoned Woodhill movie theater on Codell Drive into a state-of-the-art studio complex for production.
First up, all 150 original half-hour episodes of Relative Justice (a nationally syndicated reality court show filmed in front of a live studio audience/gallery) were taped on site.
In Spring of 2022, Wrigley rolled out the red carpet for a sneak peek of the new facility, and a few weeks ago, LEX Studios celebrated their grand opening.
The project is expected to boost the economy, create jobs, and is the result of the vision of Misdee Wrigley Miller and James Miller.
“LEX Studios not only offers the technical infrastructure necessary for high-caliber productions, but also grants access to Kentucky’s rich variety of filming locations.”
– Tim Sabo, Director of LEX Studios
It took four years of extensive construction to convert the building from an abandoned cineplex to a 50,000-square-foot production facility with three soundstages, green rooms, office spaces, dining areas for 150-plus, parking for 100-plus, and production support.
“The opening of LEX Studios is a major step toward building a new industry in Kentucky that has the potential to transform the entertainment industry on a national level,” says LEX Studios Owner Misdee Wrigley Miller.
Located at 425 Codell Drive, LEX Studios is now equipped to become a national hub for creative innovation and media entertainment with several projects already slated for the upcoming summer months. Wrigley Miller adds, “Thanks to the Kentucky tax incentive, which is the most robust in the country, we are poised to
bring much more film and television production to the state. Enhanced production means business for caterers and restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, etc. and new opportunities for talent throughout the state, as well as those who are interested in a career in production.”
Studio Manager and Producer Tim Sabo says, “Promote the studios, promote the state. We have the goal to become renowned as the go-to production facility for U.S. production outside of the four major production hubs — Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago.” With 25 years of experience in production including field producing for The Biggest Loser, Sabo moved to Kentucky from California to manage LEX Studios.
“LEX Studios not only offers the technical infrastructure necessary for high-caliber productions, but also grants access to Kentucky’s rich variety of filming locations. From urban settings to natural landscapes, the region provides an array of visually striking backdrops that can elevate any production” adds Wrigley Miller.
The building itself is designed to be a living set with spaces that can stand in as a dining area, courtroom, hospital administration, an FBI Analysis Lab, morgue, and —paying homage to the building’s history —a movie theater. In addition to being a one stop shop for large-scale production, LEX Studios is a resource for local companies for small-scale projects including corporate videos, live streaming, and more.
LEX Studios’ sister company Wrigley Media Group, also owned by Wrigley Miller and headed up by CEO Joe Livecchi, is located just 10 minutes from LEX and provides additional production and post production support.
Pictured (left to right): James Miller, Owner, LEX Studios; Congressman Andy Barr; Tim Sabo, Director of LEX Studios; Misdee Wrigley Miller, Owner, LEX Studios; Joe Livecchi, CEO, Wrigley Media Group
Lexington is a 2024 All-America City award winner, presented by the National Civic League. The city partnered with Fayette County Public Schools, CivicLex, and the Blue Grass Community Foundation to apply for the honor, and FCPS high schools’ Civics Expos and Civics Day events were showcased.
Henry Clay names new Principal
Antonio “Tony” Blackman has been selected as the next principal for Henry Clay High School (HCHS), effective July 1. With over two decades of experience in education and a history of service to Fayette County Public Schools, Blackman most recently served as associate principal at Lexington Traditional Magnet School (LTMS). Blackman began his career with FCPS as a teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, teaching History and Advanced Citizenship.
Submissions Open
Transylvania University announces its inaugural Young Performers Showcase, an event to celebrate and empower promising young artists in our community.
Hosted by the Mitchell Fine Arts Center as part of its 2024-25 performance season, submissions are now open for talented musicians, singers, dancers, poets, actors and other performers (solo or group acts) to showcase their skills for a live audience. The live event is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 16-17, with a rehearsal Nov. 15.
Performers selected to participate will receive a small stipend and compete for up to $4,000 in scholarship awards from Transylvania.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to gain valuable performance experience, network with fellow young artists and share your passion with the Transylvania and Lexington communities,” said Rebecca Thomas, dean of the university and vice president for academic affairs.
The event will feature multiple performance slots for high school and college artists selected through a juried submission process. Scholarships of up to $4,000 will be awarded to the top high school performers, as determined by audience participation. (Recipients must attend Transylvania and meet minimum grade requirements to receive scholarship funds.)
All showcase acts will receive a small stipend for their performance.
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION
• The 2024 Young Performers Showcase is open to all enrolled Kentucky high school students and Transylvania students. (Currently enrolled Transylvania students are not eligible for scholarship consideration, but will receive a stipend.)
• A panel of Transylvania faculty and staff, including members of the MFA Performing Arts Season Advisory Committee, will review submissions and select performers based on artistic merit, stage presence and originality.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
• Please submit a brief biography (150 words or less) highlighting your artistic background and goals.
• Include performance materials such as a video recording (five minutes or less) or other sample of your work.
• The deadline to submit is July 8 at noon.
• Contact showcase@transy.edu with any questions.
Toddler Book Club
Lexington’s Carnegie Center Downtown offers a summertime book club for toddlers. Join for story time, free books, and hands-on activities designed to encourage early excitement for reading. This
laid-back atmosphere is friendly to busy toddlers and is a great first introduction to a story time setting. A free book is included for the first 15 registered families in attendance.
JULY FAMILY CALENDAR
FRI JUL 5
Summer Playground Days provide safe, engaging programming in neighborhood parks recommended for children ages 5 and up. Each day, Parks & Recreation staff will visit parks around the city and host a variety of fun, educational activities. Activities include recreational sports, make-and-take arts and crafts, STEM projects, supervised playground play, and the Park & Play program van. 10 am to Noon Jacobson Park.
WED JUL 17
Tiny Tot Naturalist Classes are intended for children ages 2 – 5 years old. Program topics will change each month but will include activities, crafts, and a nature walk. Registration is required, 10 am McConnell Springs.
JUL 19 - JUL 26
Who lives in a pineapple and is swimming onto the LCT Main Stage this summer? It’s SpongeBob SquarePants! Join SpongeBob and his school of friends from Bikini Bottom on an unforgettable undersea journey filled with song, dance, and boundless optimism. When a looming disaster threatens their beloved home, it’s up to this unlikely group of fin-tastic heroes to come together and save the day. With its whimsical charm and toe-tapping tunes, The SpongeBob Musical will transport you to a world where everything is possible. So, don’t be shellfish – grab your friends and family, and dive deep into the laughter, music, and magic of Bikini Bottom.
FRI AUG 2
Join Fayette County Public Schools for the State of Schools Leadership Breakfast on Friday, August 2 at 8 a.m. at the Central Bank Center for networking, student performances, and remarks from Superintendent Liggins.
HEALTH
Beat the Heat
Lexington has already seen life-threatening heat extremes this summer. During Heat Advisories, the Division of Emergency Management encourages all residents to take precautions if outdoors, especially during the late morning through the afternoon. The very young, the elderly, and those with medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and should seek shelter from the extreme heat. More information about dealing with extreme heat is available from the Lexington Emergency Management website atBeReadyLexington.com/ extreme-heat.
Clean Up!
Our new neighbors at Baptist Health will host the Lexington Neighborhood Clean-Up Project at Jacobson Park on Saturday July 20, 10 am to 2 pm.
The Clean Up Day efforts will include
• Picking up trash around the lake and in the playground
• Cutting back invasive growth around trees
• Painting park fences Your participation will help keep our park beautiful and safe for everyone. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water to stay hydrated.
All friends and neighbors are invited to work together to keep our neighborhood clean and green!
Grants Available
Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have opened applications for local nonprofit organizations to apply for grants to support vital services that will improve the well-being and health equity in the Lexington area. The application period is open now through Friday, August 16, 2024.
The grant program is open to nonprofit organizations that address the following priorities – substance use disorders, mental health and mental disorders, and weight status, physical activity and nutrition — through projects planned for the next
calendar year. The priorities were identified in Saint Joseph Hospital’s and Saint Joseph East’s most recent community health needs assessment, which is conducted every three years to help the hospitals and community partners identify and address priority health and social needs faced by residents and the region.
Rabies Updates
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported in June that a skunk found in Lexington tested positive for rabies. The health department posted signs in the area to notify residents of the discovery.
LFCHD officials continue to remind residents to make certain their pets have a current rabies vaccination. There does not appear to be any contact between neighborhood animals and the skunk, but officials ask that residents keep watch on their pets.
Rabies, a viral disease of humans, pets and wild animals, is transmitted from animals to humans by the saliva of a rabid animal, usually from a bite. State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets maintain a current rabies vaccination.
JULY HEALTH CALENDAR
WED JUL 24
Brain Brunch, presented by Cardinal Hill, will meet at 11 am at Elwood Hotel. Learn about the TBI waiver in Kentucky during this months’ Brain Brunch. The Brain Brunch series can help you enhance your caregiving experience. The goal is to empower caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to provide the best care possible for their loved ones.
Quantrell Subaru partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to support patients facing cancer at Baptist Health with a donation of 80 blankets and handwritten messages of hope as part of the national Subaru Loves to Care initiative supporting children and families impacted by blood cancer.
The new Cancer Center at Baptist Health Hamburg celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting in June. It’s an outpatient, multidisciplinary facility.
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Dementia Friendly Sixth District
Lexington’s Sixth District City Council Office is officially a certified Dementia Friendly Office.
Council members, colleagues, and council staff participated in the Dementia Friendly Lexington training. Before the training, we completed an online video training on our own.
Dementia Friendly Lexington’s goals include helping persons living with dementia and their caregivers engage in community life for as long as possible, increasing awareness of the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers, and training individuals on ways to communicate and interact with people living with dementia and to reduce social isolation.
To learn more about how your business, church, or organization can become a Dementia Friendly Business, go to www.agefriendlylexington.org
Senior Intern Week at LFUCG
The 2024 Senior Intern Program began their week at City Hall in June, meeting the Mayor and members of the Council on a Monday morning.
Councilmembers greeted the group and provided an overview of their district, their background, their committee assignments, and their reason for serving.
Lexington’s Senior Internships is a free program offering senior adults the opportunity to talk with key decision-makers in city government, participate in class activities, and visit several government facilities.
Several sessions are devoted to field trips to outlying government operations that include the Mayor’s Office, Lexington Fire & Emergency Services, the Division of Police, and others.
The week concluded with a mock Council session in the Council Chambers, followed by lunch at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Lexington.
July Senior Calendar
WED
JUL 17
Finding the care and support YOU need to be at your best can feel challenging as a caregiver. Join the Memory Loss Empowerment Group, where caregivers share resources, insight, advice, and encouragement to empower each other. You’ll learn helpful tips and techniques for caregiving and approaches that work for others in similar situations. You’ll also be able to talk about your caregiving experiences and share advice with others. 5 pm, Ashton Grove Senior Living. Register in advance.
WED JUL 17
If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, join the Parkinson’s Support Group. This group will share resources, insight, advice, and encouragement to support you on your journey. You’ll also have the chance to openly discuss your own experiences, offer guidance, and receive support from fellow group members who understand firsthand the complexities of Parkinson’s disease. 1 pm Highgrove at Tates Creek. Register in advance.
Calendar
WED JUL 3
Spend Independence Day Eve with the Lexington Philharmonic and a program celebrating America. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic or enjoy dinner from a variety of food trucks. Preshow begins at 5 pm at Transy at Gratz Park.
THU JUL 4
The Bluegrass 10,000 kicks off the July 4 holiday with an early morning run beginning at 7:25 am. Take extra caution along the routes that will be closed for runners and walkers. Give yourself plenty of time to accommodate road closures along the race route, and along the parade route later in the day.
The July 4 Parade begins at Noon downtown.
TUE JUL 9
Justin Timberlake is scheduled to perform at Rupp Arena.
MON JUL 8
FRI JUL 12
Over 110 artists from all over the United States will be on site with their work and providing demonstrations at this year’s Berea Craft Festival, Indian Fort Theatre, thru Sunday.
Lexington’s Junior League Horse Show has grown to be the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown.” Today, the show attracts approximately 1,000 world recognized competitors from the U.S. and Canada, has raised over four million dollars for charitable and civic organizations in Central Kentucky and generates over five million dollars in revenue for local merchants each summer. It returns to the Horse Park this summer July 8 thru July 13, 2024 at the Kentucky Horse Park.
WED JUL 17
Ben Folds’ Paper Airplane tour stops by the Lexington Opera House, 7:30 pm.
SAT JUL 20
On the third weekend of July, the annual Keeneland Concours d’Elegance will again be
held on the beautiful grounds of Kentucky’s renowned Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The event showcases the finest collector vehicles in the country from antiques to future classics. Automobiles and other unique types of vehicles will be judged for their historical accuracy, presentation, and cleanliness.
JUL 18
Lexington Restaurant Week offers special prix fixe menus at select local restaurants, July 18 thru July 28, 2024.
WED JUL 24
Olivia Rodrigo brings her summer tour to Rupp Arena at 7:30 pm.
Celebrate July 4 in Lexington!
A downtown patriotic concert, parade, and fireworks spectacular will be at the center of Lexington’s booming Fourth of July celebration.
With events such as the annual Patriotic Concert featuring the Lexington Philharmonic, Festival and Market, and Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run, there will be something for everyone this Fourth of July.
“Our Fourth of July celebration is one of our biggest celebrations. It is rooted in American tradition,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “This celebration brings together our entire community to celebrate our city and our independence.”
Moneymaker
BY JOSH BOLDT
Southern crime author and Lexington writer Josh Boldt released his latest work, Moneymaker, in June.
Boldt’s third novel invites readers to dive into the early life of Mack Abbott, a character first introduced in the earlier novel Slurry.
Moneymaker follows Mack Abbott, a former Navy man turned freelance surveillance expert, as he navigates the murky waters of a local smuggling ring.
Ricky
BY WHITNEY COLLINS
From Whitney Collins, the award-winning author of Big Bad, arrives a new collection of dark, derelict, and funny tales about love. With Ricky, Collins turns her black humor and generous heart to love stories (and the stories we tell ourselves
about love). Among the wacky, tacky, lovesick, and lovelorn characters are: Ilona, the misanthropic mother and unhappy fiancé who is increasingly transfixed by a rash of local shark attacks and Aurora Flood, the coma survivor on a mission to plant a sacred seed from the Olive Garden. Blending elements of southern gothic, speculative fiction, and horror, Ricky & Other Love Stories is political and personal, bitter and sweet: ultimately, a lot like love. Whitney Collins is the author of Big Bad, which won the 2019 Mary McCarthy Prize, a 2022 Gold IPPY, and a 2021 Bronze INDIES. Collins earned a Distinguished Story by The Best American Short Stories 2022. She also won a 2020 Pushcart Prize, a 2020 Pushcart Special Mention, the 2020 American Short(er) Fiction Prize, and the 2021 ProForma Contest. She received her MFA from the NaslundMann Graduate School of Writing and lives in Kentucky with her sons.
LIT CALENDAR
TUE JUL 9
The Eastside Book Club meets at 5:30 pm on Tue Jul 9, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. July’s book is You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen.
THU JUL 11
The School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky will offer a two-day workshop about being a journalist at the Hamburg Library.
SAT JUL 13
John Paul Miller discusses and signs False Riches 2 pm, Joseph Beth Booksellers.
WED JUL 17
Tessa Bailey discusses and signs The Au Pair Affair, a sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny, at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.
Award-winning author Whitney Collins. Photo by Megan McCardwell.
John Paul Miller and his new book.
NEWS
McAlister’s Deli in Chevy Chase has closed, and will open a new location in July in Regency Center off Nicholasville Road.
Rosati’s has opened on Nicholasville Road, offering Chicago-style pizza.
Wawa has broken ground on its first local store in Nicholasville. The prospective Lexington location has been proposed for the new development at 4075 Old Richmond Road, across from Jacobson Park. Kentucky’s transportation cabinet has not yet reworked the intersection to accommodate this location.
EAT & DRINK CALENDAR
SAT JUL 6
Did you overdo the barbeque at July 4? Join Oh My Cod food truck at Pivot Brewing for a vegan seafood popup, Noon to 5 pm.
THU JUL
18
Sample local restaurants with special menus at special prices, during Lexington Restaurant Week, Jul 18 thru Jul 28.
SAT JUL 20
Join Food Chain for Community Cooking Classes. Thanks to a partnership with Whole Cities Foundation, these classes are free and open to everyone in the community, aiming to expand access to fresh, healthy food and nutrition education. Class will focus
on cooking with seasonal, local produce, boosting kitchen confidence, and discovering personal food preferences. 1 pm to 2:30 pm.
SUN JUL 21
Refresh in summer deliciousness with your very own strawberry shortcake shooters. Step by step instructions in recipe and assembly are included in this afternoon class, 1 pm to 2:30 pm at Harkness Edwards. Take your treats home or enjoy them with all the winery has to offer. Class ticket includes one glass of wine provided by Harkness Edwards Vineyards.
TUE JUL 23
The Void Sake Co. will host a beginner sushi class where you will learn to make perfect sushi rice, all of the sauces you love (from eel sauce to BangBang), where to shop/what to buy and how to safely serve raw fish at home. The chef will prepare a snack for you on arrival and you’ll make a sushi roll yourself toward the end of class. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Carson’s at Andover opened in June in the renovated former Andover Golf Club Clubhouse.
Federal Disaster Aid
Homeowners and renters in Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley counties who have loss and damage caused by the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides may apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is July 22.
Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4782. Follow FEMA on Twitter.
Rent Cafe Reports
According to a recent report by Rent Cafe, Lexington apartments have gotten bigger over the last decade: Based on a recent in-house report, new apartments in Lexington are now averaging 975 square feet.
RentCafe analyzed apartment sizes in the largest U.S. cities to reveal the places with the biggest and smallest apartments, as well as the locations where apartment sizes have grown the most over the past decade.
In Lexington: Single-family rentals that were built in Lexington in the last ten years offer the 13th largest living space across the country, averaging 1,414 square feet. (Louisville apartments average 783 square feet, Covington 921 square feet, and Richmond 994 square feet — all with significant increases in their average apartment size in the past decade.)
JULY HG Calendar
Rediscover Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
Lexington Locals, remember your school trip to this historic gem? It’s time to return and uncover new experiences! Explore the mansion of Henry Clay himself. Immerse in rich history and interactive exhibits. Discover the intriguing stories of those who lived and worked there. Don’t let memories fade –create new ones. Book your visit now!
WED JUL 3
There will be no city waste collection on Thursday July 4. Reminder: the makeup day is the day before the holiday, Wednesday July 3. Place your carts on the curb on Tuesday evening for Wednesday pickups.
SAT JUL 14
The City of Lexington, along with the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station, is offering Fayette County residents a free trash disposal day for nonhazardous household waste on Saturday July 14.
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.
SAT JUL 20
The Grand Tour of Homes is an annual scattered site showcase of new homes. The tour provides an opportunity for consumers to view the latest trends in new home construction and to speak directly with professional builders about their dream homes. The Tour is held over the last two weekends of July.
