Costco announced in July that they will be increasing membership fees. New members will be charged the new fee structure effective Sept.1, 2024. Also effective Sept. 1, Costco is increasing the cap on the Executive Membership 2 percent Reward from $1,000 per year to $1,250 per year.
Walgreens announced in June a plan to shutter hundreds of underperforming stores over the next year.
BUSINESS CALENDAR
THU AUG 15
The Bike/Walk Kentucky Summit is a statewide conference that will connect leaders and advocates to make urban and rural communities safer, healthier, and more prosperous. It’s scheduled for August 15 and 16 at the historical Transylvania University campus in Lexington, Kentucky.
Learn and connect with leaders and advocates from all corners of
Kentucky and surrounding states, representing all types of cyclists, hikers, and walkers alike. Topics will include sustainability, safe street design and tourism, and will explore how we to make our state more bikeand pedestrian-friendly, one person and pathway at a time.
FRI AUG 16
The Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon on Friday, August 16, is noon to 1:30 p.m. at Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington, where the new Small Business of the Year will be announced.
FRI AUG 23
Celebrate 25 years of Women Leading Kentucky, with a Silver Soiree. The evening includes: a social hour, dinner, open bar, casino fun, and awards. 6 pm Harper Hall.
Proprietor of the Year Ted’s
names Hamburg
location a winner!
“If you don’t take care of your guests, someone else will.” That’s the motto that Wael Musa, Lexington resident and proprietor at Ted’s Montana Grill at the Hamburg Pavilion, lives by daily.
Notorious for his passion for good food, genuine hospitality and treating everyone like family, Musa is a dedicated leader who has made his mark at Ted’s and in the Lexington community.
McKerrow and Turner also made sustainability a priority in everyday practices, and even started the paper straw movement. But their biggest mission was to save the American bison by making it the cornerstone of the menu. Bison is packed with flavor and nutritional benefits, and it became “love at first bite” when people tried it.
“The little things are the big things at Ted’s.”
—Wael Musa, Proprietor of the Year, Ted’s in Hamburg
Musa became the proprietor at Ted’s in July 2021 and has established the restaurant as a top performer in the company. His impressive results of high guest counts, sales growth, team member retention, and excellent overall performance earned him the title as the 2023 Proprietor of the Year. Musa was once a frequent guest at Ted’s and indulged in some of his favorites like Bison Short Ribs, the Avalon Burger, or a hand-cut Delmonico. He loved the food and the concept so much that he pursued a career with Ted’s.
“I dreamed of working at Ted’s because the food was so unbelievable,” said Musa. “Everything was so fresh and wholesome that you simply felt good eating it.”
Leaving the restaurant feeling better than when you arrived was exactly what award-winning restaurateur George McKerrow, Jr. and media mogul Ted Turner intended when they founded the restaurant in 2002.
The Ted’s concept embraces the spirit of the American West with important ingredients like simplicity, honesty, and authenticity. The restaurant is known for classic, elevated American dishes made completely from scratch in small batches throughout the day.
Bison is high in omega 3s, protein, iron and vitamin B-12, and has less fat, calories and cholesterol than beef, pork, chicken, and salmon.
Ted’s bison selections include awardwinning burgers, ‘fall off the bone’ short ribs and brisket, premium aged steaks, and meatloaf that secretly tastes better than what grandma served. The menu also includes Certified Angus® beef, chicken, fresh seafood, and made-to-order salads.
Local favorites include the Cadillac Burger, the Avalon Burger, Ted’s Bacon Cheeseburger, Meatloaf, Bison Nachos, and selection of perfectly cooked steaks.
Ted’s also features a robust gluten-free menu and kids’ options like Salmon and Bison Steak for that “grown-up” dining experience.
The classic bar features hand-crafted cocktails, mocktails, premium wines, local drafts from Country Boy Brewing and West Sixth Brewing, and local bourbons like Woodford Reserve and Buffalo 41.
“I am honored to work for a restaurant that serves real food with a simple approach – honest ingredients, classic recipes, and genuine hospitality,” said Musa. “The little things are the big things at Ted’s, and my number one priority is that each and every guest has a memorable dining experience.”
Ted’s Montana Grill offers lunch and dinner, and it is located at the Hamburg Pavilion at 2304 Sir Barton Way.
Photo by Mary Edwards
Photo Courtesy of Ted’s Montana Grill
12th District Councilmember Kathy Plomin presented a city proclamation at the William D. Coleman Day and Coleman family reunion at Ashland, the Henry Clay estate. Plomin presented the proclamation alongside 12th District resident and business owner, Jim Coleman.
All American City
Lexington was recently presented an All-America City Award by the National Civic League.
The award recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues.
“This award celebrates communitydriven efforts that address challenges, and create opportunities,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “Lexington is proud to be considered an All-America City. We are proud to showcase the great work going on in our city, and to share it with communities across the country.” Lexington was recently named the second best managed city in the country by WalletHub.
The City partnered with Fayette County Public Schools, CivicLex, and Blue Grass Community Foundation to apply for the All-America City award.
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!
Neighborhood Match
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government is requesting applications for the FY 2025 Neighborhood Action Match Program. The funds are to match voluntary contributions raised by neighborhood associations, individuals, businesses and other organizations to support eligible neighborhood associations in carrying out community activities. This program is an excellent way for neighborhoods to maximize their resources by working in partnership with the local government. Applications are due by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Neighborhood Associations must be incorporated and in good standing with Kentucky’s Office of the Secretary of State to apply. The application materials detail other requirements and eligible program activities. The maximum award to a neighborhood association is $10,000. The LFUCG anticipates making award announcements by September 30, 2024. Applications will be accepted only online through Neighborly Software.
New Neighborhood RCUT is Live
RCUTS are now live on Athens Boonesboro Road between I-75 and Ashley Woods Road, near the new soccer complex.
An RCUT is an intersection design consisting of one main intersection and two median intersections that route crossing traffic using right turns and U-turns to enhance traffic flow and reduce the risk of right-angle crashes.
When approaching Doe Run Trail or Competition Drive intersections from Athens Boonesboro Road, you can continue straight or make a left or right turn.
When approaching RCUT intersections from side streets, begin by making a right turn. After turning right, you can continue straight or enter the left turn lane to make a U-turn through the median. After making a U-turn, you can complete their desired movement through the intersection.
The RCUT traffic movement is designed to enhance safety by helping you focus on only one direction of oncoming traffic at a time, with the goal of making the intersection safer and easier to navigate; and to provide more traffic capacity as each leg of the intersection operates independently to decongest the flow of traffic.
For more info about RCUTs, see the KYTCDistrict 7 SAFERoad Solutions site at transportation. ky.gov/saferoadsolutions/Pages/RCUT.aspx
In Memory:
Father Norman Fischer
Lexington priest, Father Norman Fischer, died in July, at the age of 50. He was on sabbatical, having recently spent time at St. Xavier in New Orleans, and had arrived in Delaware to serve as chaplain at the Catholic HEART Workcamp. While on sabbatical, he posted this joyous dispatch from New Orleans, “Full-Circle! Time to be a student and take notes and catch up on some great inspiration with classes on preaching, youth ministry, and the Spirituals —and so much more, with some amazing and diverse laypersons from all around the United States, clergy, and religious!”
Fischer was the pastor at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in downtown Lexington, and served as chaplain for Lexington Catholic High School.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton addressed the loss to the community, writing, “Father Norman Fischer
had a smile that would light up the room, and an ongoing passion to serve people. Father Norman was a great leader for his parishioners and students. He was an advocate for inclusion, equality and diversity, and was the first priest of both African-American and Filipino heritages in the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. I had many opportunities to talk with him, and loved his great sense of humor and ability to connect with others. His passion for people and service will be missed.”
The world has lost one of the most humble and beautiful human beings. Father Norman Fischer was a true servant-leader. Father Norman was a man of the people. He will be missed.”
—Councilwoman Denise Gray
He is remembered for his “jokes, singing, homilies, and dancing…” and even a “little breakdancing back in 7th and 8th grade talent shows.”
One Lexington Catholic parent wrote, “Father Norman is God’s pure love personified here on earth, with every smile and hug and selfie.”
The Bluegrass Community Foundation recently celebrated The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative. Fischer was one of three honorees named this summer for “their exceptional contributions to racial equity, social justice and community empowerment across Lexington.”
Fischer was a 1995 graduate of Centre College in Danville, where he was known for volunteer service and aspirations as a healer. He received his Master’s of Divinity from Mundelein Seminary in 2000, and began ministering to the parishes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Peter Claver.
In his final social media post prior to his death, he wrote an ecumenical, nonpartisan plea for peace in a contentious election year, “We gotta get real honest about the state of affairs in our country and not hide behind ideologies and partisanship, but common decency to treat others how you want to be treated, civil discourse, ability to disagree, and not be demonized when differences are disclosed. Hmmm, I believe my Lord Jesus Christ said something on this matter: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43–44).”
Father Norman’s 51st birthday would have been celebrated on August 20.
Memorial Gifts in honor of Father Norman may be made to the Saint Peter Claver Church Building Fund to help complete the project on which Fr. Norman worked so hard. The address is 485 West Fourth Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508.
A Parable from Father Norman
For those wrestling with anger and bitterness, Father Norman was known to offer up a parable (paraphrased):
Imagine you are carrying around a sack of potatoes.
You carry this sack everywhere.
There are a lot of potatoes in this sack, and you pick up more every change you get.
The potatoes are very heavy, and your right shoulder becomes sore and injured.
You shift the sack to your left shoulder, and it also becomes sore and injured.
The potatoes begin to rot, and the smell is hideous.
This terrible smell begins to permeate your hair and clothes.
Your friends and family begin to withdraw from you.
The pain and the smell are so bad, you withdraw from friends and family.
Soon you’re living a life of seclusion.
You can’t sleep.
You’re exhausted all the time.
You resent this heavy sack of potatoes.
But it’s your sack of potatoes.
You might get hungry. You might need them. What if you woke up tomorrow and threw away one of the potatoes?
And then another?
Your load will become lighter with each potato you throw out of the sack.
You throw away a few more every day.
Soon, you’re able to sleep again.
Your shoulders stop hurting.
When you go out, you notice people have stopped avoiding you. You no longer reek of rotting potatoes.
The sack represents your heart and soul — the potatoes represent the hurt, anger, resentment, bitterness, and grudges we all
Artwork by Father Norman
What does College Cost?
There’s
an
app for that in Kentucky
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System announced the launch of Meadow Price, a modern net price calculator (NPC) designed to provide students with an accurate and personalized estimate of their college expenses after financial aid.
The net price calculator is available across all 16 KCTCS colleges.
The main benefit of the tool is to help students estimate how much it would cost to attend college and how much financial aid they could expect to receive to cover those costs without having to go through the full admissions application or FAFSA application process.
For students who are curious about whether they could afford to go to college, the mobile-friendly tool provides quick feedback on the real cost of college for
“We believe in providing our students with the tools they need to make the best possible decisions about their education,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “Financial transparency is crucial, and our new net price calculator is a significant step forward in helping our students understand their potential costs so they can plan accordingly.”
Prospective and current students will need to input their financial information to receive a detailed estimate of their out-of-pocket costs, factoring in scholarships, grants and other
KCTCS chose Meadow because of their track record for creating mobile-friendly, intuitive and accurate financial tools, as well as the ease of the implementation process, and robust data and analytics that will help colleges boost enrollment.
This year, changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) led to decreased FAFSA completion rates across the country and in Kentucky. Data from the National College Attainment Network
shows that students who complete the FAFSA are considerably more likely to attend college within one year compared to students who do not.
In a year following lower FAFSA submissions and less information about the cost of attending college, communicating to students about their potential financial aid is essential. An accurate net price calculator makes this possible.
Since launching just two years ago, Meadow has built net price calculators for nearly 100 higher education institutions across the country ranging from 500 to 70,000 students. The partnership with KCTCS marks a milestone as the first entire system to make a commitment to financial transparency by partnering with Meadow.
Alfredo Brillembourg, CEO and co-founder of Meadow, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
“We are incredibly excited to work with KCTCS,” he said. “Community colleges play a vital role in providing accessible education, and it’s an honor to support their mission by offering a tool that enhances financial clarity for Kentucky students,” he said.
KCTCS’ new net price calculator went live July 1 and is accessible through each college’s website.
SPEAK
The speaker at Fayette County Public Schools’ Employee Back to School Convocation on August 6 will be Ron Clark. Clark’s early years as an educator were profiled in The Ron Clark Story, a 2006 feature starring the late Matthew Perry. Atlanta’s Ron Clark Academy has won national awards. Local media outlets report that the price tag for the speaking engagement is $26,500.
Eight students from Frederick Douglass High School competed at the FBLA 2024 National Leadership Conference in Orlando this summer. Ryan Frisby led the way, earning first place in Hospitality & Event Management. Carter
Overtoom took fourth place in Personal Finance, and Kate Soder was sixth in Journalism. Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit student organization committed to inspiring and preparing students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society.
Students from Fayette County Public Schools participated in the Educators Rising 2024 national conference June 28 through July 1 in Washington, D.C., where the theme was “Discovering Your Potential.”
Awards included: Frederick Douglass High School
• Researching Learning Challenges, 1st place to Hailee Russell, Elliot Nash, and Aubrey Young
• Lesson Planning / Humanities, 5th place to Anna Counts
• Exploring Non-Core Teaching Careers, 7th place to Freddie Hostler
• Exploring Administrative Careers, 9th place to Avery Tavis
AUG KIDS’ CALENDAR
AUG 14 Fayette County Back to School
AUG 23 No classes, FCPS
AUG 25 Bluey’s Big Play, Lexington Opera House
SEP 19 Old Dry Frye, Lexington Children’s Theatre
Magnet Award
Baptist Health Lexington has received Magnet® recognition for the fifth time, reinforcing its commitment to nursing excellence.
Dee Beckman, chief nursing officer at Baptist Health Lexington said, “It’s all about the staff, because so many of them think they do ordinary things every day, but they do extraordinary things every day. It’s all about the patients and the care that they provide…This designation reflects that and honors them for the work they do every day taking care of our patients.”
Chris Roty, president of Baptist Health Lexington, said “This is a wonderful organization with an outstanding nursing culture. Because of that, it is a place where nurses want to work. Because of that, it’s a place where physicians want to practice, and because of that, it’s the place where patients want to receive their care,” he said.
Outbreak Alert
Fayette County remains in a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak. Lexington is now up to 48 confirmed cases reported since April 26, (updated numbers are posted every Tuesday).
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing. All central Kentucky caregivers should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of pertussis while ensuring their kids are up to date on their vaccines or fully vaccinated with the booster.
The pertussis vaccine is part of school-age children’s routine immunization schedule, with a booster recommended for ages 11 and older. Contact the Lexington Fayette County Health Department about back-to-school shots here.
Learn more at www.LFCHD.org/pertussis and www.cdc.gov/pertussis.
Volunteer Opportunity
If you want to volunteer to assist with any public health emergencies, sign up with the Medical Reserve Corp today! Visit https://www.kentuckyhelps.com to learn more.
CrowdStrike in HealthCare
UK HealthCare announced that hospitals and clinics experienced some disruptions due to issues with the global CrowdStrike incident in July. “While some elective procedures were postponed out of an abundance of caution, all critical functions of the hospitals and clinics continued to operate all day.” Patients whose appointments or procedures were canceled were rescheduled.
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SENIOR LIVING CALENDAR
TUE AUG 13
Finding the care and support you need to be at your best can feel challenging as a caregiver. Join the Memory Support Group, where caregivers share resources, insight, advice, and encouragement to empower each other. You’ll learn helpful tips and techniques, in addition to being able to talk about your caregiving experiences and share advice with others.
experiences, offer guidance, and receive support from fellow group members who understand firsthand the complexities of Parkinson’s disease. Empower yourself with the knowledge and support needed to confidently navigate this journey, 1 pm, Highgrove at Tates Creek.
This group meets every second Tuesday of the month from 5-6 p.m., Highgrove at Tates Creek.
WED AUG 21
If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, join the Parkinson’s Support Group. This group shares resources, insight, advice, and encouragement to support you on your journey.
WED AUG 28
The Family Caregiver Workshop is specialized for family caregivers navigating the dementia journey. Local and statewide experts who specialize in aging and Alzheimer’s care will
present topics that will provide you with a better understanding of the disease and strategies to help you care for your Education on Diet, Social Engagement, &
Caregiver Support Home Safety Tips
Join In-Person or by Zoom, UK Sanders-Brown, 2199 Harrodsburg Road.
COMING SOON
Seniors Got Talent, Lexington Opera House
Friends of Lexington
I Know Expo, Lexington Senior Center
Calendar
THU AUG 1
The World’s Longest Yard Sale continues August 1 thru August 4, 2024. The Yard Sale extends 690 miles, and passes through Kentucky along Highway 127.
FRI AUG 2
Ballet Under the Stars includes a night of professional ballet complete with stage, lighting, and costumes in the unique setting of Woodland Park. The five night event begins each evening with a preshow youth production at 8 p.m. This year’s pre-show will be Ballet 13: A Tribute to Taylor Swift featuring
The 2024 A Midsummer Night’s Run is a live, in-person race in downtown Lexington scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 7:30pm.
SAT AUG 17
Get ready for a splashing good time at this year’s Doggie Paddle, August 17 at Southland Pool. The paddle includes a fun day of shopping, games, and food trucks. Proceeds benefit the animals at Lexington Humane Society.
SUN AUG 18
and photography. Patrons will also enjoy a variety of live entertainment, food trucks, local breweries and vineyards.
TUE AUG 27
Steve Earle’s solo/acoustic tour comes to the Lexington Opera House, 8 pm.
FRI AUG 30
Party with a purpose at the 51st year of The Bash, celebrating the kickoff of University of Kentucky’s Football season, while supporting Easter Seals, 6 pm. (1900 Richmond Road)
SAT AUG 31
UK takes on Southern Miss. at Kroger Field, 7:45 pm. (Conference play will begin the following week against the Gamecocks.)
COMING SOON
SEP 6 Jason Isbell, Rupp Arena
SEP 20 Oktoberfest, Christ the King
SEP 27 Sturgill Simpson, Rupp Arena
The former Coba Cocina spot in Idle Hour facing Richmond Road has been demolished. A bank and a restaurant (with drive thru) are expected to open in the former spot, under development by GreerCo.
Taste of Richmond
The Richmond Chamber of Commerce will host the Taste of Richmond on Friday, August 2, 2024, from
6 PM – 8:30 PM, at Richmond Centre in Richmond, Kentucky. Enjoy live music from The Lauren Mink Band, wrapping up the Summer Music Series.
Hospitality & Tourism
Are you a LexPert? VisitLEX launched the Destination LEXpert program —a new complimentary program that offers local hospitality staff and volunteers information and resources to help guests connect to the community’s charm, culture and history.
This online course is designed to provide the hospitality community with the knowledge of an array of opportunities to explore the best that Lexington has to offer. The program provides information on the importance of tourism, shares signature hospitality tips, and introduces participants to valuable resources to promote Lexington and the region. Participants also will have the opportunity to earn awards.
“As a certified LEXpert, you’ll learn tips on how to create memorable experiences for visitors in Lexington and the Bluegrass Region,” VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer said. “The initiative builds upon Lexington’s best asset — its people.”
Ecotone
In neighborhood wildlife reports, neighbors have recently reported a “Raccoon Renaissance,” in our area. There also appears to be an increase in the coyote population this summer. Residents are reminded to secure all trash can lids and avoid leaving food outdoors. Keep an eye on your small pets when outside.
Solarize Deadlines
The deadline to enroll in Lexington’s Solarize program is approaching. Interested parties must complete the interest form by Aug 9.
Solarize Lexington is designed to make going solar easier and more affordable. The program walks residents through the process of getting solar panels and provides a discount. The program is open to homeowners, non-profits, small businesses and places of worship in Fayette County.
Scammers have contacted people by phone, online and door-to-door. No one from Solarize Lexington will contact you unless you reach out first. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics such as promising rebates or pressure to sign a contract. Lexington’s only Solarize partners are the Kentucky Solar Energy Society and Solar Energy Solutions.
The city has limited grant funds for low to moderate-income homeowners. Those eligible must own and occupy their single-family home. If you think you qualify, call the Division of Community and Resident Services at (859) 300-5300. Proof of residence, homeownership and income are required. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside of the grant program, participants are responsible for the discounted cost of solar panels and installation.
All solar installations will be individual contracts between the household and the solar installer. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government will not assume any liability. Contracts must be signed by Sep 27.
HG CALENDAR
AUG 24
Learn about wind energy! Design and build your own wind turbine blades and test them for energy output, Raven’s Run. The program will be hybrid indoor/outdoor with most of the program taking place indoors in the air conditioned Education Building next to the Nature Center. This program is best suited for children in 3rd grade and above, but adults are also welcome.
AUG 24
The 2024 Tour of Remodeled Homes offers an opportunity to tour the latest trends and remodel possibilities to turn your home into your dream home. The Tour features kitchen, bath & whole-house remodels, additions, and outdoor living space updates. The Tour features beautiful projects from professional remodelers. This is a scattered site Tour.
