TOPS AROUND TOWN 27 Out & About 28 50th Anniversary Human Rights Dinner and Awards 30 Alltech Pro-Am Golf Tournament 32 Circle of Blue Welcome Center Ribbon Cutting 34 CKRH Night of Stars 36 Children’s Charity Fund of the Bluegrass 38 2013 Fairness Awards 40 Republic Bank We Care Award Nominees 164 Operation Home Giveaway: Boots in the Bluegrass 166 98.1 WBUL-FM’s Red White & Boom 168 Fox 56 Client Appreciation Party 170
American Diabetes Association Toast to a Cure
172 Elisabeth Jensen for Congress 174 LEX-18 Olympic Kick Off Party I
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176 LEX-18 Olympic Kick Off Party II 186 TOP Shots
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IN EVERY ISSUE 24 Up & Coming 45 Sports: Nos -Drew-Damus 2013-14 Predictions
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141 Community Spotlight: Leukemia/Lymphoma Society 144 Etiquette & Entertaining: RSVP—ASAP 145 Finance: Detroit’s Downfall, Lessons for Lexington 147 New Businesses 184 Weddings: Your Wedding Shoes
141 The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, TOP Marketing Group accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in TOPS in Lexington Magazine are subject to copyright of the artist or photographer as named, but not limited thereto. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.
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Up & Coming
8 Thursday Central Bank Thursday Night Live 4:30p-8p Fifth Third Bank Pavilion downtownlex.com
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AUG UST
9 Friday Pink Tie Masquerade Ball 6p-12a Hilton Downtown Lexington lexington.info-komen.org
Randy Newman
11 sunday Bleu Plate Food Tours 1:30p bleuplatetours.com
7th Annual Tomato Festival 1p UK Arboretum www2.ca.uky.edu/arboretum
12 MONDAY
Backstreet Boys
Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament
7p Riverbend Music Center riverbend.org
8:45p Triangle Park downtownlex.com
10 saturday Bleu Plate Food Tours 10a & 1:30p bleuplatetours.com
Thai Street Food Festival 5p-9:30p Thai Orchid Cafe thaiorchidcafe.net
Kentucky Magic Dinner Theatre
11:45a Spring Valley Golf Club lexhabitatgolf.com
13 TUESDAY Big Band & Jazz 7p Ecton Park lexingtonky.gov
Southland Jamboree 7p 205 Southland Drive southlandjamboree.org
15 THURSDAY Central Bank Thursday Night Live
6p deSha’s kentuckymagictheatre.com
4:30p-8p Fifth Third Bank Pavilion downtownlex.com
Tunes in the Vines
Jason Aldean
4p Equus Run equusrunvineyards.com
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7:30 p Transylvania University aafinc.com/schedule.htm
7:30p Lexington Opera House ticketmaster.com
2013 Fountain Films
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6th Annual Lexus Smooth Jazz Fest
7:30p Riverbend riverbend.org
Our photographers are everywhere! Please check our website for updated event information and please be aware of the changing nature of events. 24
AUGUST 2013 | TOPSINLEX.COM
Dining
If you’re opening a restaurant, it’s hard to turn down a great and exciting location where your dining aspirations can take shape. But a great location can be a blessing and a curse if its former inhabitants spent many years weaving itself deep into the fabric of Lexington’s dining scene.
This double-edged sword is what Palmers Fresh Grill has to deal with, but based on the décor and the dishes coming out of the kitchen, it’s an obstacle they intend to surmount with panache. Palmers co-owners Darrell and Lori Lewis are certainly no strangers to the restaurant biz. They were responsible for opening up Sweet Potatoes Bar and Grill in Versailles, which became a local favorite for its comfortable atmosphere and tasty pub food. The two opened up Palmers Fresh Grill in April in Lexington Green Circle on the lake side level. If you don’t recognize the address, this is the former home of Regatta Seafood Grille. Regatta existed in this space for almost two decades, and was practically required dining during the spring and summertime with its seafood offerings and alluring and expansive patio. I’ve certainly had my fair share of meals and adult beverages there. But here’s the thing. For all the times I ate at Regatta, I only went to enjoy its food AND its patio during warm weather months. The only time I ever went inside was to use the rest room, and the dark, dated décor I passed on the way to the john wasn’t exactly persuading me to move indoors. In the case of Palmers, there’s no reason not enjoy it year-round. The interior has been freshened up substantially. Its light colors and open layout combine both rustic and luxurious elements. You’ll find high-back booths next to wooden tables fashioned from an old barn in Tennessee. Combined with the already amazing patio, you’ll have your choice of escaping to either the lake side or the big city. However, it’s what’s on your plate that will help Palmer’s step out of the shadow of Regatta to establish its own solid reputation. For starters, they snatched up chef Andrew Suthers, who was creatively classing up pub grub at The Village Idiot. You’ll also find similar tasty offerings like burgers, fish and chips, and fish tacos. Palmers’ focus on new American cuisine with a twist, fresh ingredients and making the simple exceptional is a winning approach. The range between fine dining and re-imagining simple snacks can be found in its appetizers. I’d highly recommend a Palmers Board, with artisanal meats and cheeses often served with marmalade, locally grown olives and stone-ground mustard that changes every two weeks. With appetizers like Latin Egg Rolls or Thai Mussels, you might wonder why you would opt for the restaurant’s onion rings dubbed “Rings of Fire” – but you should. These rings are soaked in buttermilk and Tabasco before being panko-crusted and perfectly fried, giving them an excellent firmness and crunch. They come with smoked tomato ketchup and dill crème fraîche, but they stand well enough on their own. Ironically, even though the place used to be a seafood restaurant, I may have had the freshest scallops I ever tasted at Palmers. The pan seared diver scallops are silky, with no trace of grit due to their sushi grade, and complemented with fluff y herbed couscous with chunks of prosciutto, grilled asparagus and a lemon-thyme beurre blanc. True to its name, Palmers Fresh Grill knows its way around a flame. Its petite filet was grilled to a perfect medium-rare and was incredibly tender. It’s a “steak and potato” dish, except those spuds are grilled fingerling potatoes and come with sautéed garlic spinach and a cabernet demi-glaze. As far as desserts go, I love them, but rarely order them when I’m dining out. It takes a special dessert to make me want to make a special trip just to satisfy my sweet tooth. The bread pudding at Palmers absolutely qualifies. Made with Hawaiian bread, it’s served with pecan-toffee ice cream. The bourbon and salted caramel has a sweet-and-savory balance that will only encourage you to lick the bowl clean. Palmers Fresh Grill certainly has enough elements in place to create a restaurant that doesn’t live or die based on summer business. In both its atmosphere and its delectable menu, it’s also what’s on the inside that counts.
859.273.0103 | 1161 Lexington Green Circle | palmersfreshgrill.com
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Parties
GOING AWAY PARTIES by Deanna Talwalkar Party Planner Extraordinaire
Sometimes circumstances in life require our closest friends and family to move far away from us. Although a loved one leaving is tough, it’s a great time to show that person how much they mean to you. Hosting a Going Away Party for your friends or family can turn a bittersweet moment into a time of celebration. Here are a few tips to make your Going Away Party extra special: The Guest List It’s important to invite as many close friends and family members of the guest of honor as possible. Asking the honoree for a guest list is the best way to ensure that his favorite people are in attendance. If you are considering throwing a surprise party, ask several of the honoree’s friends for a list of guests so you won’t leave anyone out. The Invitation Send out invitations at least two weeks in advance, so people have time to schedule around the party. Also, some guests may not necessarily know that your friend or family member is moving. Add a little information about the move and why the person is moving to the invitation. Personal Touches When planning the menu or décor, take into account the honoree’s favorite items. For example, if the guest of honor loves candy, make sure to have her favorite flavors on hand. Instead of setting out a full bar, serve sodas, water, beer, wine and the person’s favorite cocktail. Dessert choices should also reflect the person’s personal favorites. If the person is moving to another country or region, the party menu could include items popular in those regions.
It is also nice to add a sentimental touch to the evening. A great way to honor the person would be to ask guests to write a small note to the person, which can be mailed to them once they arrive at their new destination. Guests can also be given the chance to roast or toast the person during the evening’s activities. Décor Party decorations can be inspired by a moving theme in several ways. One idea is to use mini moving boxes and duct tape in your party decorations to reflect the moving theme. If your friend or family member is moving to another country, you could use items from that country to decorate the party. Transportation or map themed items would also work well for a moving party. Favors An inexpensive, sweet favor for party guests is a small seed packet of Forget Me Nots. Guests can plant the flowers and remember the person when they bloom. Place the seed packets in a small box, along with some chocolates or other candy. The boxes can be wrapped with craft paper to resemble little moving boxes. Other favor ideas include small treats or food items from the region where they are moving. For example, mini Boston Cream Pies if they are going to the Northeast or Pecan Pralines if they are headed South. These tips will help you plan a fun, sentimental party to honor your closest loved ones. They will move knowing that even though they are going far away, you will always keep them in your heart.
Photos & Styling by Mirabelle Creations
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How to Fly with a Baby
out a way to keep up this pace of traveling the world and was resolute that he would learn to come along with us.” William has proved to be an amazing travel buddy, too, and he has done a lot of it. In March, the family was in Vail, Colorado skiing; two weeks earlier he was riding a donkey on the Greek Island of Santorini. Thus, Meighan felt it imperative to jump into action and provide information to others to feel better equipped at what she did not. As Meighan describes, How to Fly with a Baby: Your Mile-Hgh Guide to Air Travel iwth an Iinfant is “super-short, takes less than two hours to read, and provides enough information to help readers be more prepared and less daunted to make the flight.” She giggles, “The funniest part were the dads who said thank you, now my wife is so much calmer and we can finally go see my family, whereas before she was hesitant to get on a plane.” Meighan’s book has been so successful, that as a result, a major TV network has approached her to embark on a project in the near future. Details are still hush-hush, but Brianna divulges, “one thing has definitely led to another and a big TV project is next.” Also on the horizon is a second book that “should be out by the end of this year,” she foresees, making the perfect holiday present for the 2013 season. Here, Brianna indulges us by sharing travel tips, her hopes for the book and the exciting plans she has for the future. TOPS: Tell us a little about life in Panama. BM: It’s super cool. If you can imagine the downtown Miami Beach area meeting the beaches, jungle, wildlife and rainforest of Costa Rica, it is like that. Panama shocks people because it is so much more than a canal. They call it the Dubai of the Americas and I love living there! TOPS: How does this rank as a high point in your career? BM: This is hard to answer because I am so grateful for everything and every opportunity that has come my way. I have loved this experience, but it has also been so different from my other experiences. For example, if you’re on a movie set or a TV set there are almost 300 people behind the scenes that go into the making of it, so you are just one of many. You really cannot do your job without the other people whereas writing a book, it was all me. I think this is also why the process has been extremely gratifying. At the same time, I have to give so much credit to my husband because he made it possible for me to find time to write. I could not have done it without him. Overall, it has been a fun, different kind of experience and it is something I definitely hope to do a lot more of in the future.
her fingers.) You really have to be prepared for the worst and I always say, bring extra everything. It’s like yes, you are going to be carrying so much more and Lord willing, you will never have to use it, but it is so much better to be overly prepared than under prepared. As a parent, if you are organized, you’re going to feel calm, which in turn will help the little ones be calm. You will have your act together and you will be on your “A” game, thinking, I can handle this; throw whatever you want at me because we have got it covered. TOPS: What is your travel must have? BM: The iPad—I do not know what I would do without my iPad! I just love it because you can load it full of cartoons, cute little movies and baby friendly apps. These are all perfect for keeping your little one entertained on flights. TOPS: Best advice for career and life? BM: Enjoy everything while it lasts, do not take anything for granted and always be so grateful for everything that comes your way. Also, you really do not get anywhere in this world without the help and support of other people. Never forget to give thanks back to those people, to God, to everybody that has been a part of that process, because you cannot do it on your own.
TOPS: What is your biggest, best travel tip?
TOPS: What is your hope and overall goal for your readers?
BM: The biggest, best travel tip for anything travel related is that you have to be organized. And that means you have got to organize games and entertainment, snacks and food, and an emergency kit. So, if your little one ruins an outfit, you have got to have a back-up ready. Also, you need to have extra everything including diapers, games, outfits baby formula or food because your travel plans can change like that (she snaps
BM: I just want this book to help people. I want readers to feel so much more prepared to set foot on a plane with their little ones before they reach kindergarten. I want people to not feel daunted to travel and to be inspired to get out there and experience it all starting now! It is so invigorating and refreshing to go on a trip, and I hope they feel more equipped to take on a flight by the time they are done reading the book.
For more information on purchasing Brianna Meighan’s book How To Fly With A Baby: Your Mile-High Guide to Air Travel With an Infant, please visit amazon.com/How-Fly-Baby-Mile-High-ebook. Also be sure to follow Brianna’s Twitter: @BriannaMeighan, as she is always giving Followers great Travel Tips and Secrets. This is also a wonderful way to keep up on the progress of her second book and the development of her new TV show. Please be sure to check out this Facebook page for more helpful hints at facebook.com/pages/How-to-Fly-with-a-Baby-Your-Mile-High-Guide-to-Air-Travel-with-an-Infant/504327826296524?fref=ts.
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Posh Paws
PET LESSIONS by Amanda Harper, Pet Aficionado
When a friend of mine was a girl, she had a little puppy. One day, she was playing with him and got frustrated as he kept trying to squirm away. She held him tight to her chest and he squirmed even harder. Her grandfather spied the scene and commanded her to put the pup down. He swept her up in a big bear hug--when she tried to get away, he squeezed just a bit tighter, just to make it clear he wasn’t going to put her down. “Hey!” She exclaimed, “I wanna go... put me down!” He sat her down and said, “Now, how do you think that puppy felt?” Opportunities to teach children about pet care arise every single day. And while my friend’s example was a bit extreme, it’s a moment that she says has since affected the way she’s interacted with pets and humans alike. In less than a minute’s time, her eyes were opened to a lifetime of empathy and the importance of her role as a pet’s best friend. What opportunities are you missing out on? Whether it’s the millionth time you’re cleaning up after HIS dog’s mess or the first time she skips out on feeding the cat because she went to the neighbor’s house, it’s often faster to just sigh and take care of the aftermath than deal with the issue straight away. You certainly don’t have to stop the world to teach your kids a lesson regarding a non-serious issue. You’ve got a mess to clean up that needs tending now or you were on your way to pay the bills and you’ll forget if you don’t do it now. You may even be too emotional to do it right then (just ask me about the breakdown I had last week when I saw a hairball on the carpet I’d just cleaned. Really, Saturn? The first hairball all year, and it happens now?)
It’s important to know what behaviors your kids may exhibit that would be harmful to a pet’s safety. Those issues do need to be dealt with immediately, and treated seriously. Speak in a serious tone, using simple statements that convey a clear meaning, like “We don’t hurt animals.” If these behaviors are being repeated, it may be wise to speak to a child psychologist to discuss the cause and a more effective solution. It’s important to sort out the root of these situations sooner rather than later. Many parents choose to bring pets into the family as a teaching tool for children, hoping that animals will offer the kids companionship and lessons in responsibility. However, it’s important to consider whether you’re idealizing the situation. Kids at different ages respond differently to animals and feel differently about the duties they’re expected to carry out to care for the pet. If your children aren’t interested in caring for your pet, consider the fact that some kids just aren’t “pet people.” Evaluate whether you’re trying to push pet ownership on your kids. You can still expect them to carry out their pet chores regularly and interact in a friendly way with your pet, but you can’t force a friendship between them, and can’t guarantee that your kids will necessarily ‘get it.’ Maybe they’ll come around someday, but for now, just enjoy spending time with your pet.
Find a time, perhaps before story time or after dinner that you can calmly discuss the issue with your kids. For younger children, it always helps to start with “Do you remember earlier, when...” Explain what happened and how it affects your pet. When possible, relate it to a human interaction situation that your child will be better able to understand, like “You don’t like it very much when you’re hungry, right?” or “When your little brother pulls your hair, it hurts a whole lot, doesn’t it?”
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Family
ER VISITS by Hallie Bandy
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For those of us blessed to have a partner in parenting, it’s nice to be able to divide duties, especially when one parent is better at handling the task. My husband and I are fairly well balanced in that respect. He never seemed to mind rocking a fussy baby, while I was usually good at diagnosing the cause of fussing. As our kids got older, I was good at planning indoor activities; he took over outside. If the weather was cooperating, there were hikes, bon fires, bike rides and sports of all sorts. On a rainy day, I would help them create a fort with blankets and furniture, play a board game, or assemble a puzzle. Left with my husband on a rainy day, the kids inevitably watched a movie.
As we crossed the threshold, my daughter proudly announced that she had been a good helper and locked the car for me. The car that I had left for the free-valet-parking attendant to park. The car with my keys in it. And so my first solo ER experience involved three kids, six stitches and a well-negotiated $25 locksmith fee.
I always knew there was one thing I would never be good at: managing bodily injury.
I was feeling pretty proud of myself until my husband started questioning me at dinner that night. How in the world did the keys get locked in the car? Was paying a locksmith really the only option? And how in the world did the kid get hurt in the first place? Wasn’t I watching him?
While I do well in emergencies—I can think quickly and come up with good solutions on my toes—I pass out when I see blood. Or someone in pain. Or needles.
Couldn’t I manage anything without him? He wanted to know.
Actually, I get queasy when I even think about any of those things.
By the time the stitches came out, I had almost forgotten about the ordeal. And then one day the boys were discussing the event.
I spent my early years as a parent praying that nothing would happen to my kids – and, if it did, I prayed I wouldn’t have to manage the situation alone. And God heard my prayer, because right before our second child arrived, my husband took a new job, and his office was located a block from the Children’s Hospital. After that, all emergency medical needs were directed straight to Children’s Hospital. When my son cut his head open, my husband met us at the check in and managed the procedure while I didn’t look. Same when our younger son slammed his tiny finger in a piano bench hinge. My husband thought the fingernail extraction surgery was “fascinating.” I just stared at my little boy’s big blue eyes and told him it would be okay. Our kids weren’t particularly accident-prone, so this wasn’t a frequent scenario, but it sure worked well. Until my husband took another job. And instead of next door, he was an hour from the hospital. I don’t remember thinking about it when he took the job, but I sure did the day our younger son put his teeth through his bottom lip. All three kids were home, but none of our neighbors were, so we all piled into the car and headed to Children’s Hospital. My son screamed the entire trip as his older brother tried to keep a cold compress on the wound. He finally quit crying as I pulled up to the entrance. He had fallen asleep.
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I entered the ER, carrying the sleeping wounded child in one arm — blood from his gashed lip permanently staining the shoulder of my sweater — holding the hand of my other son, and keeping an eye on my daughter, all the while praying I could get through this without passing out.
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“You know,” they prompted my memory, “That time when Joe did the James Bond jump off the upper bunk.” “James Bond jump?” I asked, incredulous. “How do you know who James Bond is? When did you ever see him jump?” “Oh, you know that rainy day when you weren’t here?” he replied. “Dad showed us all the cool James Bond scenes.”
Undefeated Season
Christ the King Basketball Team Celebrates An Undefeated Season by Lauren Henry
The scene is a familiar one. The auditorium
is brightly lit and packed full of parents and fans. The separate voices of the crowd fade into one roar in the background accented by the squeaking of sneakers on the wooden floor. Brightly colored jerseys dart here and there on the court and out of the corner of your eye you spy the orange orb as it leaves the hands of the shooter. The crowd stands and in one triumphant moment, the ball swishes satisfyingly through the hoop. As time runs out on the clock, the fifth through sixth grade division of the Christ the King girl’s basketball team knows they have done it; they are declared the champions for both the regular season and the tournament play with an impressive final record of 12-0. Clad in their bold red jerseys with bright white numbering and lettering, the ten young ladies who comprise the team are led by their devoted coach and former R&B Singer, Russell Hamilton. You may have heard Hamilton’s song entitled “Rich Man” that reached the number nine spot on the Billboard charts. Though each girl is an individual in her own right with unique and diverse talents, they are brought together by their love of the classic American game. Coach Hamilton tells us, “Several of the
girls had never played basketball and this was my first year as a coach.” What led Hamilton to take this coaching position? He answers, “The reason I decided to coach the team was because of my daughter, Alexandra.” Alexandra was an adorable second grader, (now third grader) at Christ the King, and Hamilton says further, “I thought this would be a great opportunity for her to be in the gym with the other girls and that they could be a good influence on her. In turn, Alexandra was our little helper on and off the court.” Heading up the crew on the court is the team’s star point guard and most valuable player award winner, Catey Nash, the granddaughter of a man whose jersey (Number 44) hangs proudly from the rafters in Rupp Arena. Yes, it’s true. Catey Nash is following the footsteps of her grandfather, Charles ‘Cotton’ Nash, one of the greatest University of Kentucky Basketball players of all time. Not only was Cotton a three-time All-American for college basketball with UK, he also played baseball for the university as well. Cotton then went on to play professional basketball and baseball after graduating from college, though he was accepted into Dental school here in Lexington. Cotton played
Congratulations on your undefeated season ladies, you deserve it! Most Valuable Player: Catey Nash #12 Defensive Player of the Year: Maggie Corbett #5 Offensive Player of the Year: Maggie Vollet #25 Most Improved Defensive Player: Isabelle Kauffman #15 Rookie of the Year: Nina Jazdzweski #1 Most Athletic Player: MaryMichael Reynolds #2 Most Dedicated Player: Gracie Hardy #40 Most Coachable Player: Jordan Skinner #4 Most Improved Offensive Player: Audrey Harper #44 Outstanding Shooter: Ann Marie Sanders #43
Catey Nash named Most Valuable Player.
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Christ the King 5th-6th Division Regular Season and Tournament Champions with a final record of 12-0
Gardening
FAMILY PROJECT by Michelle Rauch, Gardening Enthusiast
They call it black gold. The rich compost you can create is like a super food for your garden. The best part of this organic, soilimproving matter is it’s FREE! It’s a great science experiment, recycling activity and learning experience; and it just takes some
wilted lettuce, fruit rinds, egg shells, and dog hair. The green matter accounts for carbon while brown matter supplies the nitrogen. The perfect ratio is 25 to 1 respectively. That is what you can use. Equally important is a list of no-nos! Do not add meat, fish, oil, dairy products, bones, pet manure, or grass clippings that have been treated with chemicals. These items are not beneficial to your compost pile and will attracted unwanted animals such as rats and raccoons.
First things first. Why compost? What’s the big deal? After all, many gardens get by on their own. There are many benefits. The nutrient rich material helps maintain the proper PH balance, suppress disease, maintain moisture, and it amends our clay-based soil here in central Kentucky. That’s good news if you are trying to adapt soil that is either too acidic or alkaline.
Once you have your material, pick a spot in your yard to build your compost pile. There are many ways to create this. It can be done in a pile, a bin or a pit. Pick the method that is most convenient for you, keeping in mind proper dimensions are important. The smallest size should be 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet (1 cubic yard). This size allows the matter to heat quickly, kill disease, insects and weeds and makes turning easy. Larger piles aren’t as effective and won’t decompose as quickly. Maintaining the proper amount of moisture is important. Your compost pile should be wet like a sponge, but not soggy. Keep the pile covered to keep out the rain and turn it regularly. Now the “cooking” begins. You know your compost is done when you can’t find anything that resembles the original matter. It should have an earthy, soil-like texture. The process can take three months, or up to a year, depending on your setup.
re-adjusting of your habits.
In the bigger picture, composting creates a solution to a problem that is piling up in landfills across the country. According to the LexingtonFayette Urban County Government, yard waste accounts for 18% of waste material that ends up in the landfill. That’s the largest component of waste coming out of our homes. It’s a pricey pile that is consuming a lot of space. It adds up and we’re all footing the multi-million dollar bill in landfill fees. Composting saves money. The city of Lexington started composting in 2011. When they did, they started offering free composting classes. An overwhelming 400 people signed up after the first class was announced. “That’s a good problem to have,” says Esther Moberly, who is the recycling program specialist with LFUCG. I recently attended a class and learned just how easy it is to make your own “black gold.” The recipe calls for brown and green matter. Brown matter includes the following: hay, straw, fallen leaves, shredded paper, and sawdust. Green goodies include: grass clippings, coffee grounds, weeds, vegetable peels,
thisoldhouse.com
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The next free home composting class will be held at the Arboretum on September 24th. Pre-registration is required. Call 257-6955. Participants receive a free “Grubby” which is a two-gallon container to collect organics in the kitchen. You can find more information about starting your own compost bin at home at LexingtonKY.gov. Enter the search word: composting. If you don’t want to create your own composting bin at home, you can help the city by including your kitchen waste in your Lenny bin. Directions on how to separate that waste can also be found on the website.
Young Achievers
5th Grade Ashland Elementary School Charlie is in the QUEST Accelerated Program at Ashland Elementary School. Thus far in school, he has maintained straight A grades and has earned academic awards in school, including two Academic Excellence in Mathematics awards and Outstanding Male Scientist of his grade level. Charlie’s Excellence in academics helped him become a member of the Duke TIP Program. He works hard to be a model student, and was given the Outstanding Citizenship Award. He also plays cello in the Ashland Elementary Orchestra. Outside of school, Charlie is the goalkeeper for the Lexington Football Club’s Classic Team. During the winter, he plays indoor soccer at Kentucky Indoor. He also participates in the Kentucky Ballet Theater’s production of the Nutcracker. In his free time, Charlie spends time with family and friends, plays video games and basketball. He would like to focus on science and technology in his future education.
Dylan Benton
5th Grade Booker T. Washington Elementary School
young achievers – top 20
Charlie Frederick
Dylan serves as an outstanding role model to other students in his school because he is always on task, and always volunteers to lend a hand. In fourth grade, he was on the honor roll each quarter. He received the Award of Excellence from the Fayette County Board of Education for his distinguished scores on the Kentucky Core Content Test. Dylan has received awards both for improvement and leadership. He won a first place ribbon for his science fair project and entered the district science fair. Dylan plays the cello in the school orchestra, reads graphic novels, cooks with his mom and builds with erector sets. On weekends he helps his great-grandmother with work around her house. He plays tight end for the Douglass Park Bearcats football team. Dylan wishes to continue playing football in middle school, high school and college. Dylan plans to attend college and receive a degree in business. Then he would like to attend a culinary arts school and become a chef. He dreams to own a restaurant chain one day.
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young achievers – top 20
Young Achievers
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Meghan Jennings
5th Grade Dixie Magnet Elementary School Meghan won first place in the school science fair and will participate in the district science fair. She received Honor Roll and All-Distinguished testing awards. A member of the K Kids Club, Megan served as the Treasurer. She participates in the Student Technology Leadership Program, has been a member of the Girls on the Run, and is a member of the Governor’s Cups Academic Team and the One Community One Voice Academic Team. Meghan also participates in the Glee Club. At Crossroads Christian Church, Meghan enjoys attending the 4th and 5th grade girls bible study. She has participated in several community service activities involving the Humane Society. Meghan’s hobbies include arts and crafts, bike-riding and participating in Parks and Recreation Camps. She also enjoys singing, dancing and performing on stage. Meghan dances at the Lexington Dance Factory and cheers on the Varsity Braves team with Dixie Cheerleading. Meghan served as a mentor to second grade students by reading to them during the school day. She would like to become a veterinarian or a nurse.
Jarian Isable
5th Grade Lansdowne Elementary School A member of the Honor Society, Jarian has achieved proficient level on the CATS testing in reading and math. He participates in the school orchestra and Orph music programs, as well as the archery club. Jarian has received the Perfect Attendance Award for four years, was recognized with the Kids Who Care award and received recognition awards in both reading and math. Jarian is a member of the First Baptist Church Bracktown, and participates in the youth choir and usher board. He has volunteered for the Lexington Fire Fighters Toys for Tots Christmas event and God’s Pantry. Outside of school, he plays football for the Lexington Youth Football League Steelers and the Lexington Parks and Recreation Southland Steelers. He plays basketball at the Kentucky Basketball Academy and attends the Brian Lane Basketball Camp and Lexington Christian Academy football camp during the summer. Playing video games and shooting bow & arrows are some of Jarian’s hobbies. His future plans are to go to college and become a police officer or a Navy Seal.
AUGUST 2013 | TOPSINLEX.COM
Young Achievers
5th Grade Lexington Christian Academy During this academic year, Joey maintained straight A grades during the last two quarters. Joey is a gymnast at Legacy Gymnastics and competes as a Level 5 gymnast. In March 2012, he was the State parallel bars champion. That day, he took 3rd overall and his team took 1st place. He plays 2nd base with South Lexington Youth Baseball, In addition to homework, over 10 hours of competitive gymnastics training and twice a week baseball practices and games, he recently trained to break the Guinness World Records™ for the Most Star Jumps in One Minute. In October 2011, he broke the record, completing 65 star jumps in one minute; the previous record was 61. As a gymnast in a predominately female sport, he shows his peers that it is okay to be different. This summer, he will attend the Bluegrass Christian Camp and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Conservation Camp. Joey has attended camps and workshops at the Lexington Children’s Theater to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.
Kiarah Raglin
5th Grade Liberty Elementary School A born leader, Kiarah has received honors and recognition for achievements in the community and at Liberty Elementary. She serves as a role model to other students in many ways. She participates in Liberty’s Social Skills Lunch Group to help other students improve upon their social skill deficits. Kiarah is an Honor Role Student, and was awarded at the Interim Accountability Awards Celebration for statewide Proficient and Distinguished test scores in math and reading. She was also honored with Student of the Month recognitions on multiple occasions. She enjoys playing the viola in Liberty’s orchestra. Additionally, she plays basketball for Upward Athletics, soccer for the Lexington Youth Soccer Association and participates in gymnastics. She is a member of the Awana Club at Parkway Baptist Church and a member of Consolidated Baptist Church. Kiarah volunteers for the annual Roots and Heritage Festival. She enjoys dancing, reading, writing and horseback riding. Kiarah hopes to be able to publish a book in the near future.
young achievers – top 20
Joey McFarland
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5th Grade Meadowthorpe Elementary School Andrew plays soccer for Lexington F.C. and swims for the Firebrook Swim Team. He placed first in the 25m breaststroke for the Man-O-War Swim Conference at age 8. A violin player since first grade, Andrew participated in the Lexington Strings Festival last year. He earned a Superior for his pieces. This year he played in the Meadowthorpe Elementary School Orchestra. He attends the Meadowthorpe Quest Accelerated Cluster and has been on the Honor Roll all year. Andrew was accepted into the Duke Tip Program. He is on the Academic Team and his team placed second in the Superintendants Cup at the Academic Challenge. Andrew was chosen to be seat three on the K-3 MES Chess Team in third grade, which placed fourth in the state. Andrew participates in a LEGO Robotics Club and Cub Scouts. He tries to be a good role model by getting good grades and being kind. Andrew would like to become an architectural engineer, and learn how to build tall, fancy buildings like hotels and sports arenas.
Mikayla Elverson
5th Grade Rosa Parks Elementary School Mikayla is a member of the National Society for the Gifted & Talented, and was accepted to the Summer Institute for the Gifted program at Vassar College for 2012. She is a member of Academic Challenge and is part of the Energy Stars group, where she helps the Earth. She also loves dancing as a Lexington McTaggart Irish Dancer. Mikayla has earned a yellow belt in karate and plays soccer at the YMCA. She plays a half-size cello and is a member of the University of Kentucky’s String project. One of the top five advanced readers in her grade, Mikayla loves reading and recommending books to other students. She is a great role model to others because of her perfect attendance and willingness to help others. Mikayla likes helping others in math with fractions, decimals and geometry problems. She enjoys helping her sister’s Girl Scout troop sell cookies. Last summer, Mikayla attended a robotics technology camp and built her own working robot. Ever since techie camp, she has become interested in engineering and building projects. She would like to major in Engineering at the Ohio State University when she is older.
young achievers – top 20
Andrew Vogel
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Grace Brooks
5th Grade Southern Elementary School Grace loves music and performing, and plays piano, guitar, violin, and sings. She also acts, dances and hangs out with friends. Grace plays soccer for Commonwealth Soccer Club. She is a member of the Student Technology Leadership Program and competed in the District STEM fair, finishing first place in “manipulated art.” Grace participates on the Academic Team, Governors Cup, Art Club and sings with Southern Sound. She served in the “Meaningful Work” as a hall monitor, recycler and tour guide at Southern Elementary. Grace received Distinguished on her state assessment tests, and gets straight A grades. She is part of the Quest class at Southern. Grace raises money for the local pet store and serves the community by working at the Faith & Community Christmas Store each Christmas. She attends church and is part of the Achievement Day Girls, where she learns how to set goals and serve others. Grace would enjoy being an actress, singer, an engineer, or teacher and a Mom when she grows up. She wants to attend Brigham Young University or the University of Kentucky.
AUGUST 2013 | TOPSINLEX.COM
Aaron Moseley
5th Grade Squires Elementary School Aaron, whose favorite classes are science and reading, has received the Principal’s List Award for earning straight A grades and the Squires Elementary School’s Good Citizenship Award and the All Distinguished Award for the KCCT test. He was chosen by teachers to assist other students in the classroom, and in fourth grade received the opportunity to speak to the superintendent about what he learned in school. Duke University recently selected him for their Talent Identification Program. Aaron is a member of his school’s academic team, and also enjoys participating in his school and church choirs. He has helped raise money and is a volunteer for his church’s Royal Ambassadors Program to feed the hungry. Aaron’s hobbies include playing the drums, tennis and running in 3k and 5k races with his family. He enjoys reading, playing video games, riding bikes and playing with friends. He would like to attend Harvard University and eventually be elected to the U.S. Senate and run for President. As president, he would work toward world peace and ending hunger.
Young Achievers
5th Grade Veterans Park Elementary School
Adam has received the Math Superstrength award, won a Spelling Bee at school, and received Reading and Math Assessment awards. During the past year, he had perfect attendance and received two Patriot awards at school. He has enjoyed participating on the Academic Team in the Invitational, Principal and Superintendant’s Cup competitions. He builds personal strength and values through Cub Scouts, where he has earned Citizenship, Outdoorsman, Travelers and Family Member Cub Scout badges. Adam is a Hospitality Minister at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, bringing the community together and serving God. Adam enjoys playing tennis and soccer, riding bikes, roller-skating, swimming, diving and reading books. A StarTalk camp stirred his interest in Chinese and he has explored voice-recognition systems in computers. Adam loves fostering needy animals and watching them grow healthy. A several time artist of the week, Adam plays the viola in the orchestra and is a chorus singer and instrumentalist. He hopes to one day serve as a public servant in a national or international organization to fulfill his desire to serve the community.
Macy Buerhaus
5th Grade Wellington Elementary School Macy has received outstanding awards from 8 years of dance, including ballet, jazz and tap. She achieved distinguished recognition in every subject in the KCCT Test, and was recognized for receiving A grades in all classes; was given the Girls Scout Bridging Award, and was first place in science fair. Macy participates in the Wellington Elementary Chorus and Art Club and plays violin in the orchestra. She participates in the Quest program at school. Macy is also a part of Jam Kids at Centenary United Methodist Church. Some of her other interests include art, listening to music and theatre. Macy has served as a role model for her classmates and other students by excelling in school and by respecting teachers and other students. Macy’s goals are to go to a good university and eventually get a job that she loves, perhaps as a performer or actress in the theater or television. She hopes to be a positive role model to others to demonstrate that you can do or be anything you want if you try hard enough.
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Adam Fernandez
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Grace Kelly
8th Grade Beaumont Middle School Grace has reached the highest levels of academic achievement by earning “Distinguished” in every subject area on the 2011 Kentucky Core Contest Test. She has maintained straight A grades throughout her years at Beaumont, despite on-going illness. Grace was Science Student of the Year in sixth grade. She is a Cadette Girl Scout and has earned the Bronze Award. Grace serves the community by volunteering at God’s Pantry, helping local animal shelters and the Ronald McDonald House, donating hair to Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths charity, and serving as an assistant leader with a Brownie Girl Scout Troop. She plays soccer for the Commonwealth Soccer Club Gold Team. She has played on the Kentucky Soccer Olympic Development team and the Beaumont Middle School indoor soccer team. She is also a member of the Beaumont track team, running in individual and relay events. Grace is interested in music and plays piano. By showing Standardbred Horses, Grace has won awards throughout Kentucky and was featured on the cover of Young Rider Magazine. Grace hopes to work with animals in the future.
Alistair Keggen
8th Grade Christ the King School Alistair Keggen, or Ali, is a straight A student at Christ the King School and an active member of the CKS parish. Ali reads, plays guitar and listens to music. He has volunteered in food banks and animal shelters. He won the Fayette County 4H Speech Contest in fourth grade and has qualified for the Duke TIP program. Ali was chosen to compete in the district’s Science Fair and Governor’s Cup. A clarinet player in the school band, each summer Ali participates in the Stephen Foster music camp. Ali has played soccer since age four, and plays forward on a CKS basketball team. After years of dedication, commitment, and teaching younger children, he received a Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do. Ali’s parents rely on him being a positive role model for his sister. He has always stood up against adverse peer pressure and believes in speaking up against injustice. He is level-headed, responsible and always striving to achieve his best. Ali would like to become an orthodontist or pursue a career in Law.
AUGUST 2013 | TOPSINLEX.COM
Young Achievers
8th Grade Morton Middle School Mahin has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the entire school year. In fifth-grade, Mahin received the President’s award and the Principal’s Award. Mahin was winner of the school spelling bee in fourth, fifth and seventh grades. While in fourth grade, Mahin was the first person to fulfill the Accelerated Reader goal, and completed it twice, receiving 200% of the goal. Mahin has been involved in chorus for two years. In fourth and fifth-grades, She was in the Communication, Arts, and Technology Club. Mahin was in Safety Patrol during fifth-grade, and was the co-captain for a semester. Reading novels, writing stories, drawing, badminton, singing, and photography are some of Mahin’s hobbies. Mahin, who is good at writing stories, singing, and debating, would like to become a writer, and has acted as a role model by showing discipline, striving for the best, and never giving up. Mahin plans to attend an Ivy League School to study Law. Mahin would also like to become an environmental chemist, and wants to see a positive change in the environment.
Addison Jennings 8th Grade Seton Catholic School
Addison has been on the Principal’s List for earning straight A grades since third grade. She received the perfect attendance award in the first and sixth grades. This past year, Addison participated on the Yearbook Staff and in KYA for the first time. The premiere bill proposed by Addison’s KYA group was passed by both the house and the senate. She has been on the Academic Team since fifth grade. Outside of school, Addison participates in swimming and diving. During the winter, she swims for the Lexington Dolphins. Breaststroke is her favorite stroke. During the summer, she swims and dives for the Hartland Thoroughbreds. The first year that Addison swam, she was awarded “Most Improved Swimmer” in her age group. In her first year diving, she won “Most Improved Diver.” As a fifth grader, Addison placed second in the Elementary Diocesan Spelling Bee. Addison helps other students with homework. Her nurturing personality helps her to be a role model. She would like to become a teacher.
young achievers – top 20
Mahin Zaman
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8th Grade Southern Middle School
Quinn has many academic interests and extracurricular activities. He was honored with the Outstanding Citizenship Award for his class, and the Outstanding Student in Engineering & Technology Award. Quinn was also involved in the Technology Student Association. During the Technology Student Association State Conference, he placed first in Prepared Speech, Medical Technology Issues and Multimedia Production. He traveled to Dallas in June to compete in the National Technology Student Association Conference, placing 8th nationally in Medical Technology Issues and 12th nationally in Leadership Strategies. He participates on the Southern Middle Football, Basketball and Baseball teams. He also received the award for being the league leader in homeruns during his 12-year-old season. Quinn plays trumpet in the School Band and in the jazz band. He is Vice President of the Technology Student Association and plans to run for state office in TSA. He plans to attend college and explore the many opportunities for his career.
Yoon Cho
8th Grade Winburn Middle School Yoon has received many awards for outstanding achievement, including scoring a distinguished on all of the Kentucky Core Content tests, first place in the poetry contest at the Ohio Renaissance Fair, third place in the speech contest held at the Lexington Korean School, and more. In school, Yoon is a straight A student that is very determined to succeed in school. Yoon participates in Winburn Middle school’s Academic team, was a bill author for the Kentucky Youth Assembly, is on the school’s archery team, a member of her school’s jazz band, and participates in the National History Day Project. Yoon spends time with friends and also enjoys playing sports. A member of the Central Kentucky Orchestra, Yoon has been a violinist for six years. During school orchestra classes, Yoon aids fellow students that are having trouble with pieces or techniques. Yoon also helps people who have trouble in their academics. In the future, Yoon would like to become either a member of Congress or go into the medical field.
young achievers – top 20
Quinn McWhorter
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Young Achievers
Carter Schuck
Jason Reidhaar 5th Grade Bluegrass Baptist Church
Keigen Kirk
5th Grade Breckinridge Elementary School
Melissa Herrera 5th Grade Cardinal Valley Elementary School
5th Grade Cassidy Elementary School
Ben Cline
Azaleah Warren
Isabella Webb
5th Grade Athens-Chilesburg Elementary School
5th Grade Clays Mill Elementary School
5th Grade Deep Springs Middle School
Tabitha Gervis
5th Grade Garden Springs Elementary School
Zahria Crowder 5th Grade Harrison Elementary School
5th Grade Julius Marks Elementary School
Andy Jones
Jordan Alvarez
Betsy Mullins
Eli Flomenhoft
Nathan Mack
5th Grade Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School
5th Grade Mary Todd Elementary School
5th Grade Maxwell Elementary School
5th Grade Millcreek Elementary School
5th Grade Northern Elementary School
Moises Hernandez
Christian McFadden
Ryan Parker
Will Erpenbeck
Anna Norby
5th Grade Russell Cave Elemenrary School
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5th Grade Sandersville Elementary School
5th Grade Seton Catholic School
5th Grade St. Peter and Paul School
5th Grade Stonewall Elementary School
Young Achievers
Parker Alan Hodge
Jamarcus Robinson
Emma Coleman
Grace Johnson
Alex Simpson
Anthony Graham
Olivia Grace Ault
Katherine Goble
Stephanie Garduno
Emma Prigge
Amanda Wallin
Seth Hojnacki
Madeleine Richards
Katelyn Mofield
5th Grade Summit Christian Academy
8th Grade Bluegrass Baptist School
8th Grade Lexington Christian Academy Jr. High
5th Grade Tates Creek Elementary School
8th Grade Bryan Station Middle School
8th Grade Lexington Traditional Magnet School
5th Grade William Wells Brown Elementary School
8th Grade Edythe J. Hayes Middle School
8th Grade Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School
5th Grade Yates Elementary School
8th Grade Home School
8th Grade Montessori Middle School
8th Grade Summit Christian School
young achievers
Reagan Ridge
8th Grade Leestown Middle School
8th Grade School for the Creative and Performing Arts
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The Healing Stroke of a Human Hand THE KENTUCKY EQUINE HUMANE CENTER PROVIDES SHELTER, REHABILITATION AND, ADOPTION FOR UNWANTED HORSES
by Jim McDaniel
The words, horses and Kentucky, evoke spectacular scenes of Thoroughbreds and other equine breeds grazing contentedly in pristine pastures. It’s a picture postcard delight for tourists and residents alike.
Unfortunately, this paradise has a flipside. Across Kentucky, many horses and other equine breeds suffer from neglect and abuse. Worse, older or unwanted horses often end up in slaughterhouses. There is no end of stories that tug at the heart.
Executive Director Karen Justin & Barn Manager Julie Cooper wrap Storm Siren’s Leg
Hope for an end to this inhumane treatment for some horses does exist. Responding to the pressing need of helping horses who suffer at the hands of uncaring owners or others that are simply abandoned, caring people have established horse rescue centers. These points of light dot the state and provide new lives for many of these abused and neglected animals. While many of these centers provide care and a safe haven for horses, there is one rescue center, which offers much more than just shelter and food. The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) provides specialized care and rehabilitation for unwanted, abused and neglected equine breeds, which include miniature horses, mules and even donkeys. In the world of equine rescue facilities, the KyEHC is unique, serving as a model for equine rehabilitation and adoption. Unlike most rescue centers, KyEHC accepts all equine breeds. No equine animal in Kentucky in a precarious situation is turned away. The center’s mission includes providing humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearinghouse to seek adoptive homes for Kentucky’s unwanted equines. KyEHC also seeks to raise awareness for responsible equine ownership. Simply said, KyEHC works to save all equine breeds from inhumane treatment. The idea of KyEHC had its beginnings in early 2000. “I’d say it was the story of Ferdinand that prompted action,” said Meg Jewett, one of the founders of KyEHC and owner of Walnut Hall, a standardbred horse farm. “From there, the Center just sort of evolved.” Ferdinand was a Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1986 Kentucky Derby and 1987 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Much to the outrage of many horse racing enthusiasts, reports indicate that in 2002 Ferdinand was sent to slaughter in Japan with no fanfare or notice to previous owners. In 2006, Staci Hancock of Stone Farm spearheaded the effort to launch KyEHC.” We wanted to create an alternative. It was a “What if ?” moment. What if there was a safe refuge for all
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horses in Kentucky, Board Member Betsy Cohen pitches in like humane shelters for dogs and cats?” A small group who shared that vision crafted the mission for KyEHC and set out to create just such a facility. Today, KyEHC is a tranquil 72-acre farm located just outside of Lexington. At any one time, the Center treats, trains and seeks adoptive homes for approximately seven horses and other equine breeds a month. “We receive anywhere from seven to ten animals a month,” said Karen Gustin, Executive Director of KyEHC. “At the other end, we’re placing about the same number in pre-screened adoptive homes.” Gustin says that it’s difficult to know how long a horse or other animal will stay at the Center. “It depends mainly on the condition of the animal when it arrives. We’ve had horses stay five years and then others who are adopted within five weeks.” Most of the horses and other equines at KyEHC are referred to the Center by such agencies as county animal control divisions or the Kentucky Horse Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. Many times, horse owners, because of lack of funds or inability to care for their animals, surrender their horses to KyEHC. Caring for the animals is a seven day a week job. Gustin oversees two full time employees, a barn manager, assistant barn manager and five part time workers. Some of the work on the farm is handled by nearly 30 volunteers who help out when they can. The part time employees include a trainer who is an integral part of the operation. “A recent ASPCA grant allowed the trainer to work full time and the number of horses that were rehabilitated doubled,” said Gustin. “But the grant ran out and so the training has been slowed by half. There are just never enough resources.” Injured horses are a priority at KyEHC . After an extensive examination by a veterinarian, each horse is handled to reach varied goals toward health and vigor. Many are recovering from malnourishment or disease requiring treatment and gentle care. Others, who are healthy enough to withstand the rigors of training, are in various stages of physical rehabilitation, followed by hours of working out to reach the goal of adoptability for each horse.
NOTHING SPEAKS MORE ELOQUENTLY OF THE WORK OF KYEHC THAN THE STORIES OF THE EQUINES THAT HAVE BEEN REHABILITATED THERE. Shaq is a beautiful thoroughbred, spirited and healthy thanks to the vigilance of a local concerned citizen. A neighbor, living adjacent to the farm where Shaq was boarded, noticed that the horse constantly suspended his right leg. Fearing that the horse had a broken leg, the neighbor contacted the proper authorities. Only after an intervention by the Kentucky Horse Council, was the owner convinced to surrender the horse to the Center.
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TOPS IN EQUINE phrase used to describe their lack of experience. A pony can be a first-year or second-year green pony, which references its first or second year in rated or recognized competition. Ponies at Pony Finals are shown in three main types of classes. Ponies may be shown in hand (no rider) which is judged on the correctness of the pony’s physical characteristics or under saddle where the pony is exhibited at walk, trot and canter with a rider. Ponies also compete over fences where they compete for style, consistency and way of going over a course of hunter style jumps. Overall wins at USEF Pony Finals will increase the value of a pony substantially. A rider may only ride one pony in each separate division. In order to compete at Pony Finals, a pony must win at least one Championship title at a USEF “A” or “AA” rated horse show in its respective division during a certain qualifying period. So it is a best of the best type of show. Come and see these wonderful ponies and their talented young riders! Many of these riders aspire to and will be competitors at the FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships in a few years on their way to elite and international competition.
PONY AUCTION Need a new pony? On Saturday evening August 10th, there is a pony auction during Pony Finals. Previews of the ponies occur on Thursday, August 8th. See www.ponyfinalsauction.com for further information. Ponies of all sizes, shapes and experience will be on hand for trials and purchase at the auction.
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TOPS IN EQUINE
Chris McCarron, Battle in the Saddle
JULY WRAP UP CUTTING HORSES! Battle in the Saddle Celebrity Team Penning saw UK Women’s Basketball Coach, Matthew Mitchell, Bengals punter Kevin Huber, Jockeys Chris McCarron, Pat Day, Calvin Borel and Pattie Cooksey, polo professional Jorge Vasquez, and show jumping riders Derek Braun and Stevie McCarron among others, way outside their normal comfort zone competing on cutting horses (or horses pretending to be cutting horses). Riders chased a group of sometimes unruly young steers around the indoor arena against the clock. The goal was to cut three young steers out of the herd and send them down the ring and into a small corral in the fastest time. A great time was had by riders and spectators alike, with the McCarron family coming out on top! This was a successful fundraiser for the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and was very well attended. Numerous celebrities on horseback or otherwise were in the audience as well including Senate Majority Floor leader Damon Thayer, Cabbie Boone, Mark Guilfoil, and Becky Jordan THE ADEQUAN FEI NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR AND YOUNG RIDERS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. A wonderful time was had by all competitors at last month’s championship event starting with the golf cart parade and candy-filled kick-off party graciously hosted by Lisa Lourie at her Spy Coast Farm. Line dancing, great food, a D.J. and a general sense of camaraderie greeted the competitors as they enjoyed themselves before kicking off a week of intense competition. Riders from Mexico, Canada and the U.S. competed in Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Reining and Show Jumping. Young competitors accomplished new goals and made many new international friends. This competition provides an opportunity to see the next generation of Olympic riders for each of the countries involved.
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Fillies in the Workplace: Jen Roytz
Marketing & Communications Director, Three Chimneys Farm by TOPS Staff Portrait by Keni Parks
IF YOU SPEND FIVE MINUTES WITH JEN ROYTZ, it becomes obvious she dedicates a lot of her time both professionally and personally to helping others. Given her altruistic nature, it is not surprising the thing she most enjoys about her job has little to do with her title.
age. “I quickly learned how versatile, hard-working, and willing Thoroughbreds can be. Once they trust you and understand what you’re asking of them, they’re truly your partner. To me, that really set them apart from any other breed I’ve dealt with.”
In 2008, Roytz joined the Three Chimneys team as the marketing and communications director. While that is still her official title--and something she takes great pride in--her role at the farm has become much broader in the past five years. In addition to the tasks her job title implies, Roytz is in charge of the farm’s “Protecting Our Own” initiative, which strives to make sure horses associated with the operation end up in good places when their racing days are done.
Roytz was introduced to the racing industry partially through a chance meeting. While growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, she and her sister were both typical horse crazy girls. A local sports channel ran replays of races at Thistledown, and because horses were involved, the two girls would tune in.
“Having been involved with Thoroughbreds and rehoming them after racing for so long, I’ve seen what can happen when it’s not done responsibly,” said Roytz. “Three Chimneys has always rehomed responsibly, but we decided several years ago to develop a best-practices approach to finding our horses homes after racing. I oversee the initiative, and it’s my proudest achievement professionally.” Roytz is not just a figure head for the program. She is a horsewoman through and through, which is beneficial to both the company she works for and the horses she helps. “Even though horses are my profession, they’re also my personal passion,” said Roytz, who began riding hunter/jumpers at a young
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One day, their father decided to humor his daughters and take them to the track to watch the morning works. The timing of this decision would impact Roytz and those around her from that day forward. “A local trainer saw my dad with us and invited us to come to his barn,” said Roytz. “It was one of the luckiest chance meetings of my life. His name was Joe Shuman, and he was dress available at Bella Rose a retired school teacher. I started going to his barn on the weekends or any day I had off from school.” While working for Shuman, Roytz learned everything about racing from the ground up. She cleaned stalls, groomed horses, walked hots and eventually got to ride. “He taught me a ton about how to care for racehorses and about respecting horses,” said Roytz. “He had a great group of owners and
When Roytz moved to Kentucky for college—she holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Morehead State and a master’s degree in integrated communications from the University of Louisville—she had to find a way to support herself. She originally did so by galloping racehorses at local tracks and nearby training centers before class each day. “All of that racetrack and hands-on experience with horses has given me a dimension professionally that many of my peers haven’t had the good fortune to have,” said Roytz. “From a marketing perspective, it helps me understand and describe to others exactly what we’re looking for in photos and images, which sets our ‘look’ apart from our competitors. From a PR and media relations standpoint, it helps me to present an informed and well-rounded view of the industry to journalists and the public who haven’t had exposure to the business of breeding, raising and racing Thoroughbreds.” However, it is the aftercare portion of her job where past experience really plays a crucial role, as Roytz personally has transitioned countless numbers of horses from racing to showing or riding. This applies to both horses who landed in trouble as well as client horses who needed a basic riding foundation before they could be rehomed. “I feel I’ve gained a unique and educated perspective on what attributes, both physically and mentally, will make a horse well-suited to which off-track discipline,” said Roytz. “Basically, I’ve got a knack for helping horses trade in their ‘go’ for ‘whoa,’ and I’m very happy that I can use that to help my employer and our clients.” Although Roytz has owned a horse or two for most of her adult life, they usually are “project” horses she intends to retrain and then sell or rehome. That mindset was altered the day a horse named Point of Impact arrived at Three Chimneys. The chestnut gelding is a stunner, and his good looks led to him being sold for $800,000 as a yearling. Unfortunately his handsome physique did not lead to success at the track. However, he happens to be by Point Given, who formerly stood at Three Chimneys, so when he started running in bottom level races, Roytz kept an eye on him.
of a horse. I don’t often fall in love with horses, but I took one look at him and knew he’d be mine.” While Point of Impact, who goes by Boomer these days, can be a curmudgeon to his owner at times, he is incredible with children. His sweet disposition toward the younger generation makes him perfectly suited for his new role in life: equine ambassador.
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employees, and they always made sure I got good experiences and stayed out of trouble. By the time I was in high school and starting to think about what I wanted to do with my life, I knew I wanted it to involve the Thoroughbred industry.”
“Often we’ll have clients’ families or Make-A-Wish kids out to the farm, and they love taking rides on Boomer, brushing him, and feeding him treats,” said Roytz. “Racing may not have been his forte, but being an ambassador of the sport sure suits him nicely. “At Three Chimneys, our end goal is to breed a long-term, sustainable equine athlete, and we have that goal in mind with everything we do with them in their formative years. Of course, we hope they have good racing careers and earn some good money for their connections on the track, but everything we do not only prepares them for that role, but also for the many years of athletic viability they have beyond the track.” Beyond championing retired racehorses, Roytz gives freely of her time to others, and is very active with several charitable organizations including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Race for Education, Make a Wish, and Bluegrass Red Shoe Society, which is the young professionals arm of the Ronald McDonald House of the Bluegrass. “I try to do as much as I can to pay it forward when it comes to helping college and high school kids get a foothold in the industry, the same way Joe did for me,” said Roytz. “I found my niche and now I want to give back. The key is to find projects you’re passionate about and get involved.”
Jen riding Express, a daughter of Big Brown. The farm realized early on that Express would not be a good candidate for racing, and rehomed her with a young woman who will use her as a hunter/jumper.
“His last trainer agreed to retire him after he ran poorly in back-to-back-to-back races,” she recalled. “We shipped him to Kentucky with the goal of rehoming him, but when he stepped off of the van, what stood before me was this nearly 18-hand Adonis
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AMERICAN SADDLEBRED MUSEUM by Kathie Stamps
W
hich equine breed is known as “the horse that made America?” That would be the American Saddlebred. In the 1700s, Narragansett Pacers and Thoroughbreds produced a line of horses called Saddlers, or Kentucky Saddlers. They did everything from pulling the plow on the farm to taking the family to church on Sundays. Because they were bred to be ridden with a saddle, these horses were eventually named Saddlebreds.
“Central Kentucky has a rich history within the Saddlebred industry, that dates back to the Civil War and Gen. John Hunt Morgan and his Kentucky saddler, Black Bess,” said Tolley Graves, executive director of the American Saddlebred Museum, located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. She has been with the museum since 1999. Today’s Saddlebreds are often show horses. They are versatile and are competitive in other disciplines such as Dressage and Jumping. In addition to the three gaits of walk, trot and canter, some Saddlebreds can perform two other gaits: the slow gait and the rack. “The slow gait is the high-stepping, broken pace. It is very stylish and very smooth to ride,” said Lynn Morris, manager and buyer for the gift shop at the museum. “The rack is a much faster version and the horses can really go fast. It’s like riding in a Maserati with the top down.” If you were looking at a field of random horses, the Thoroughbreds are more linear because racehorses have to stretch their neck down and out to get across the finish line. Quarter horses are bred low to the ground, to cut cattle. The Saddlebred would be the one with his head up and looking around, like a periscope, with large eyes and an alert expression.
To preserve and honor the heritage of the American Saddlebred horse, the museum opened in 1962 at Spindletop Farm. It was granted nonprofit status that same year, and after a brief stint in Louisville, the American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop moved to its permanent home at the Kentucky Horse Park on July 6, 1986. Its galleries and exhibit space are known as the showplace for Saddlebreds. The museum houses the largest collection of Saddlebred artifacts in the world. Visitors are always amazed by the brilliance and beauty of the American Saddlebred horse. In front of the building is a life-size bronze statue of Supreme Sultan by Patricia Crane, one of the top breeding stallions of the 1970s. Inside the museum there’s a special area for an annual exhibit. Through January 31, 2014, the exhibit is “The Art of Selling with Saddlebreds: The Show Horse in Vintage Advertising,” which showcases advertising materials from the late 1800s to the 1970s. Prior to the World Equestrian Games in 2010, the museum underwent a major expansion. The display area more than doubled in size, and now has 11,000 square feet of exhibit space. The building also houses the offices for the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA), the oldest breed registry in the country.
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Rockettes on Rocking Horses
In the history wing of the museum, there are several movies to watch, along with touch screens and other interactives. The “Saddle Up” exhibit lets you sit on a saddle and see your image projected on a world champion horse.
fun line of Sloane Ranger canvas bags with prancing horses on them, T-shirts, sportswear and custom jewelry. This year the gift shop had Rebecca Ray Designs make a special ShowHorse handbag and clutch, handcrafted in America.
“The life size rocking horses are our most popular,” Morris said. “Sometimes you can’t get the adults off the horses to let the kids on.”
The shop carries sets of wine glasses and martini glasses with colorful hand-painted Saddlebreds by local artist Gary White. Gift shop manager Lynn Morris found him at Windy Corner Market one day, and asked him to provide exclusive designs for the gift shop.
There are items in the collection of the museum pertaining to such famous Lexingtonians as Earl Teater and Wing Commander, Mary V. Fisher and Dixiana Farms, Pansy Yount’s Spindletop Farm, and the Van Lennep family’s Dodge Stables, among others, as well as a collection of artwork from George Ford Morris. He was a one of the foremost equine artist during the first half of the 20th century. The museum’s gift shop has items for sale that feature images painted by George Ford Morris, from lampshades and hand towels to riding whips and smartphone cases. Other equinethemed merchandise in the gift shop includes garden weather vanes and planter boxes, Arthur Court kitchen items, a
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“We try to have unique and one-of-a-kind things you can’t find anywhere else,” Morris said. One of the gift shop’s most popular products is a custom iPad case crafted by Lexington’s R. E. Fennell Co. The case is handcrafted leather, with a flap in the shape of a saddle skirt, and is available only at the American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop. New items, sure to be a hit for the holiday giftgiving season, include equestrian-themed cutting boards and service trays made from repurposed bourbon barrels and wine barrels.
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“We have gifts starting at five dollars and going up to $300,” Morris said. The shop provides one stop shopping for both tourist and equine enthusiast Most of the gift shop’s merchandise is also available online. Morris can provide customization of most items in the shop. Two annual fundraisers for the museum happen each summer: the art auction during the Junior League Horse Show in July at the Red Mile, and a party and auction at the World’s Champion Horse Show in Louisville. This year’s party will be held August 21, with the theme of “Arabian Nights.” Tickets are $50, with proceeds going to the museum. “It’s a great time and it goes for a good cause, to help us raise funds,” Morris said. Another way to support the museum, any time of year, is with an annual membership. It’s $20 for young adults 19 to 35, $35 for individual memberships, $50 for a family, or $1,000 for the life member level. Make a donation to the American Saddlebred Museum, purchase something from the gift shop or learn more about Saddlebreds at asbmuseum.org.
Lynn Morris
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EQUINE LAND CONSERVATION RESOURCE:
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RACING AGAINST THE CLOCK by Dana Ross
IN THE RACE TO SAVE FARM AND CROP LAND FROM DEVELOPMENT, THERE IS NO FINISH LINE. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that every year in the United States, some 2 million acres are forever sacrificed to growth. Projected future population density and current business trends will only fuel the need to construct additional houses, retail sites, office buildings, and roads. Time is of the essence in the fight to protect the 36 million acres of land required to support a U.S. horse population of more than 9 million animals. The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR), a Lexington-based, national nonprofit organization devoted to protecting the land our horses need, estimates that at the current rate of land loss, the United States may not have enough pasture and hay to support our current horse population in as little as 15 years. Already, rid-
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ing and boarding stables have closed by the hundreds, and riding trails are increasingly hard to find. Future generations of horse enthusiasts, from children forever wishing for ponies, to Olympians training for gold, will have fewer opportunities and face higher costs than their predecessors. The Equine Land Conservation Resource was founded to address this particular threat and to preserve land available for equestrian use. The United States Pony Club, in its 1996 Task Force for the 21st Century, identified loss of land and access as the greatest threats to that organization’s future. The ELCR was founded on that notion and operated under the auspices of The Conservation Fund until 1999, when it became an independent
Anna Gibson & Holley Groshek
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501c3 nonprofit corporation. ELCR’s Chief Executive, Anna Gibson, is an accomplished Three Day Event rider with an abundance of experience in the fields of land use and conservation. Alarmed by the loss of competition venues, stables, and hayfields, Gibson notes that communities once renowned for their equestrian heritage have been replaced by neighborhoods and shopping malls. “This land cannot be reclaimed, but we must do all we can to keep remaining lands open for horses and horse-related uses.” Today, in addition to the U.S. Pony Club, the ELCR partners with equine-focused groups such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners, numerous breed associations, major competition events (including Lexington’s Rolex Three-Day Event), the U.S. Dressage Federation, and virtually every other major organization for horse enthusiasts of all disciplines. More than 100 organizations represent over 1.2 million members who partner in the ELCR’s mission fulfillment. The organization was selected as the 2012 Equine Industry Vision Award recipient by American Horse Publications (AHP) and Pfizer Animal Health. In presenting the award, AHP noted these words from American Quarter Horse Association’s Executive Vice President, Don Treadway, “ELCR is an innovator with a vision and the determination to raise awareness of the land loss issue and to promote the broad array of international resources and experts necessary to ensure land is available for our industry to thrive. As a breed organization, we look to the ELCR as the lead organization on land issues related to equine needs.” Since 2007, the ELCR has provided assistance that has helped protect more than 200,000 acres of land and more than 1,200 miles of riding trails. The ELCR exists to provide easy access to information and resources that give equestrians and other concerned citizens the tools they need to take action when horse-friendly lands are threatened in their local communities. ELCR resources are concentrated in six core areas, including local land use planning, policies, best management practices and the horse industry’s economic value. In October, 2012, the ELCR and Equus Magazine collaborated to open a three-year exhibit called Losing Ground: The Greatest Threat at the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse. The offering increases public awareness and educates visitors about the loss of horse lands. It demonstrates the value of horses, both economic and intrinsic, to communities, landscapes and cultures. An extensive mural dramatically shows the threat of unplanned and poorly planned development, while interactive portions of the exhibit teach visitors why horses are ‘good neighbors’ and how individuals can use ECLR resources to advocate for the protection of horse lands, facilities and trail access in their local jurisdictions. ELCR CEO Anna Gibson, quoting Rand Wentworth, President of the Land Trust Alliance, notes, “The land we save in the next 15 years will determine the future of our equine culture, lifestyle, and landscape.” The museum exhibit video and the Equus special report, Losing Ground: The Greatest Threat may be accessed on the ELCR website at elcr.org.
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Featured Artist
Thomas
Coates by Greg Ladd
In May 1975 I was getting married and needed to earn a living. I followed my passion and opened a gallery selling Paul Sawyer prints, Tony Leonard photographs, and custom framing. I missed a few meals and knew I had to attract a clientele. Living in the “Horse Capital of the World” it was a natural fit to specialize in equine related “Sporting Art”, but I needed to travel to England where the artists were familiar with this subject.
Although green, I had a good eye, as I made my first trip to England in 1978. It just happened that the SEA (Society of Equestrian Artists) was having a London show in the basement of an airline ticket office that summer. The SEA was newly formed with not many quality painters, but one artist stuck out among the rest, Thomas Coates. As with all good artists, Coates can really draw. He always has his sketchbook tucked under his arm and ready to draw passengers on trains in restaurants, mothers, children and things on T.V. I tracked him down via the SEA but had no luck contacting Tom in person. He lived in the little village of Wash Common, which is just south of Newbury. Once back in America I tried to contact him for two years, with no response. Determined to meet him, while in England, I just showed up at his studio- good artists are worth pursuing. His studio was on the second floor located in an old building in the center of the village. I walked through the courtyard, knocked on the door, and a gruff middle-aged man opened the door and I introduced myself. Thomas invited me into his studio, with vaulted ceilings and wonderful paintings and drawings hanging all around. As is always the case, an artist and dealer have to feel each other out. There was hesitancy on his part, but after sniffing each other out a bit, we decided that the other was okay. As it turns out Tom was in the process of getting a divorce from his wife, and had to move. We walked around the studio as he showed me the work, and I overwhelmed. Finally it was time to talk business… I boldly offered to buy everything in the studio if he would make me a good price. He balked at first, but gradually the idea of not having to move everything to a new location hit home. Of course I didn’t buy everything, but I gave him a check, told him my shippers would collect the goods, and as I walked out of the courtyard he was standing in the doorway waving to his new ‘best friend’. As an artist’s artist Tomas Coates just can’t be bothered by others looking over his shoulder. “Leave me alone and let me tend to my painting” say Coates. Despite this fact, he is so respected by his peers that they all want to watch him work. Travel agencies advertise ‘Painting Trips with Tom Coates’. They travel all over Europe paying Tom’s expenses, while the other artist’s pay their own way. His peers made him president of the Pastel Society and served for 10 years. They elected him President of the Royal Society of British Artists, a member of the Royal Portrait Painters, the Royal Watercolor Society, and President of the much respected New English Art Club. The awards and competitions he has won are too numerous to mention. He doesn’t do many horse paintings in England anymore. He saves that for his trips to America. Over the years we’ve grown to be good friends, and he’s been coming to the ‘Horse Capital of the World’ every year or two for the last 25 years.
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Nickers
Horse Talk Around Town by Lisa Sheehy
Mighty Hunters
From left to right: Cocker Spaniel, terrified Terrier, Ray Cassell and Fox, Paunchy Pooch Jack, Lady Friend Jackie Russell, man holding an unidentified Object, Fighting Cock, Ferocious Feline.
Lara’s new promotional image Lara La’Vine In the July edition of TOPS in Lexington, I accidentally gave some oomph to Lara Levine’s name—La’Vine. I just assumed her last name was spelled with lots of flair and va-va-voom, given that she is such a spectacular and fabulous “Filly in the Workplace.” Here at TOPS, we have been bombarded with inquiries about this illustrious Lara La` Vine from Hollywood producers, New York Modeling agents and even a request from a girly magazine editor. To these inquiring minds, Lara Levine loves her job at Southern States Cooperative, but is flattered to have additional job options.
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Natalie Freeberseyser
In my mother’s attic, I found this photo of my Great-Great Uncle Ray Cassell, seated with his fox. These men intrigued me, as did their choice of sidekicks. A ferocious feline hunter? A fighting cock? Who was the man with the paunchy pooch, or the terrier who is clearly scared of heights? The game is afoot to help identify these gentlemen, poised post-hunt at Why Worry Farm circa 1912 in Kentucky. If you can identify any of these horsemen, you will win a pair of tickets to the Horse Park, and, more importantly help me understand the story of these great Kentucky men and their furry friends.
Community Spotlight
“Awareness is extremely important, as with all cancers. However, most blood cancers are not detectable, meaning you cannot screen for them. This is why LLS, raises money to find cures and provide services for patients and their families in Kentucky,” ~Meredith Jenkins by Kelly Adams Photography by David Desjardins and Melanie Stoekle
One night every October, those affected by various forms of blood cancer are able to look into the sky and smile at hundreds of bright lights twinkling in the night. Each light represents someone who cares, someone who knows, or someone who has been lost. Each light represents a fight for a cure. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Kentucky is the driving force behind those beautiful lights and the smiles that come with them. LIGHTING THE WAY In order to understand the impact the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has had on beating down blood cancers, you’ve got to understand the type of damage the disease has inflicted. When the organization was founded in 1949, Leukemia was considered completely fatal, and mysteriously so. Founders Rudolph and Antoinette de Villiers were simply trying to do everything possible to combat the disease that had killed their teenage son four years earlier.
(Back from left to right) Shane Stuber, Executive Director, LLS, Jake Thayer, Sarah Bosso, Matt Frank, and Kim Johnson. (Front from left to right) Chrissy Pullinger, Meredith Lane, Robin Fisher, Barbara Hatton, Meredith Jenkins, Campaign Manager LLC and Chase Hall
With a little money and a whole lot of heart, the organization grew. Headquartered in a small Wall Street office, the Robert Roesler de Villiers Foundation had only a few volunteers and a tiny budget.
Thanks to innovative research, funded in part by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the years, survival rates for some blood cancers have doubled or even tripled. Many survival rates have even quadrupled since 1960!
The mission was intimidating. At the time, most leukemia patients, especially children, died within three months. Even by the mid1950s, when chemotherapy drugs began appearing, blood cancer was still an ominous verdict. The Foundation reported in its 1955 annual report: “As of this date, Leukemia is 100% fatal. This is almost a unique situation among the many diseases to which man is susceptible.” One hundred percent? Most would give up hope, but since then, the Robert Roesler de Villiers Foundation has not only changed its name, but the outcome of thousands of people diagnosed with blood cancers.
TODAY’S VISION Today, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding effective treatments and cures for blood cancers. Seems like the de Villiers got their wish, and more. In Kentucky, you can imagine that the LLS cause is extremely important. Over 4,000 people are affected by blood cancers in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. According to Meredith Jenkins, campaign manager of the local LLS chapter, that number is still too high.
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Etiquette & Entertaining
RSVP—ASAP by Sue Ann Truitt Etiquette & Entertaining Consultant
“The favour of a reply is requested,” RSVP, “Please Reply,” “Please Respond,” “Please reply by May 1,” and “A reply is requested before the twentieth of May” all get the message out that the host needs to know if someone is planning to attend the upcoming event. As this very important aspect of entertaining has become more imperative, invitation recipients are becoming more relaxed in the replies. Invited guests are waiting until the reply by date, past this date and even worse, not replying at all. Entertaining costs continue to escalate and replies continue to decline. Party planners are shaking their heads in disbelief. Are people that insensitive? Are guests too busy doing their own thing to care? Perhaps parents are not teaching the younger set the polite responsibility of social graces. The following accounts are actual experiences from Lexington hosts and hostesses: • Recently, party invitations were sent to 250 guests with “Reply by May 10.” When the reply-by date arrived, 169 people had responded. By May 20th, 30 more had replied. The week of the event 10 people called and the day before the event 5 more replied. • Two years ago, a local retailer sent invitations for an event. In spite of the reply information on the invitation, people called until the time for the party to begin. A total of 50 invited guests called and over 200 actually attended. • For a baby shower, 20 guests were invited with an invitation which stated “Regrets only.” Three people regretted. The hostess prepared special foods for the occasion. At the time of the party, two actually came. • A recent wedding invitation was delivered to 100 guests. By the date to give the caterer the number, 30 people had not replied. The Bride, who had many items on her “To Do List,” had to call each of the 30 people to ask if they planned to attend. • A noted horse person tells the story of giving a dinner at a New York restaurant on the eve of a very important race. The tables had
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been positioned, the seating arrangements determined and the guests arrived. While greeting the invited guests, it was observed that two people who had regretted to the dinner had arrived. There were no extra tables, no place cards for them and no food ordered. • A friend who had moved to South Carolina came back to visit. While here, she decided to give a dinner party and sent out 100 invitations stating “Regrets Only”. As days went by, there were no regrets and she made plans for the dinner. Three days before the event, she learned that none of the invitations had been received, so no one was actually invited. Photo by Wes Wilcox
Many stories of this nature exist, each one telling of experiences the hostess would like to forget.
In the past, an invitation was properly responded to through a hand-written note. Over time, many factors have come into play: increased time obligations and a general lack of understanding of social etiquette. The tradition has often been replaced with a reply card. This response request includes a specific date when the reply should be received. In addition, this card could contain a menu or entrée preference. While once inappropriate, it is certainly acceptable today. Timeliness of the reply to an invitation is of the utmost importance. As details mount and busy caterers require confirmed number of guests earlier and earlier, replies must be made soon after the invitation arrives. Crane’s Blue Book of Stationery states that a formal invitation should be replied to within two days. If you send a regret, you should mention a reason. Informal invitations should have a reply as soon as possible! If each reader will become a committee of one to better the RSVP late response problem, certainly hosts will profit from the positive change. Parties are too much fun, too expensive and too important to let this problem continue. Let’s all improve our social skills and show our appreciation to the party givers. Please Reply…Quickly!
Finance
Detroit’s Downfall Lessons for Lexington by Tom Dupree, The Money Man
How does a city end up bankrupt? Just like any other entity. Cities have revenues in the form of taxes and user fees. They have the expenses of salaries and benefits, services, and goods. Their expenses can exceed their revenues. If this happens over a long period of time it is entirely possible for them to no longer to be able to borrow or beg enough to keep functioning. This has happened to Detroit. One can place the blame on the city workers for getting salaries and pensions that are too high. Another person may blame the politicians for being too greedy and short sighted. In the case of Detroit, you are able to blame the auto manufacturers for losing market share to foreign competition which cost the city jobs and lowered the city’s tax revenues. There’s plenty of blame to go around. But that won’t change Detroit being broke.
and vendors of goods and services who want to sell something to the city government. The producers in a city are those who pay more taxes than what they draw from the city in the form of benefits. In Lexington, the producers happen to be mainly the service sectors of business, including finance, law, medicine, retail trade, manufacturing, and education and services. Surprisingly, agriculture is quite far down the list and could be put in the category of supplicant, including the horse business. When a city rewards its supplicants more than it incentivizes its producers, its fate will become like that of Detroit. In Lexington, we are dangerously close to this. It needs to change. Listen to “The Tom Dupree Show” Saturdays from 6-9 a.m. at News Radio 630WLAP or wlap.com.
What can we learn from Detroit’s bankruptcy? If you ever go to the city council meetings here in Lexington, you will notice that many people that come before the council are “supplicants”. They want something. This can be anything from the police and fireman’s union wanting more money and benefits to rich horse farm owners wanting the city to pay them not to develop their land. The thing they have in common is they generally want a benefit for nothing, paid for by the taxpayers in Lexington. By the way, this is generally what most people want. So a city, especially a highly developed city makes the slow process of becoming a place where its citizens are active participants in building the place up to becoming supplicants like the ones we see at LFUCG council meetings. This has happened in the case of Detroit, but it is happening in many other cities around the country, including Lexington. We have a group of “resident supplicants” in Lexington just like they had in Detroit. When they get bigger than the producers, the city’s tax revenues are no longer sufficient to pay the bills. The resident supplicants of a city may be the employees and retirees of city government, people and institutions that draw on city services without paying anything for them, landowners who have gotten their land exempt from property taxes,
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Tour of Homes
Stepping inside, visitors are immediately welcomed by warm taupe and grey colors that fill the 7400 square foot home, also giving the view of a grand staircase that transports them to three separate levels of the house. Cherie designed the entirety of their home. No detail was overlooked as a testament to her 26 years of experience in the business.
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Tour of Homes
A painting of a flower hangs above the a mirrored console in the family room, drawn by Cherie’s sister in law, who died of breast cancer at age 40. “It was originally a small sketch drawing and we had it blown up, transferred onto canvas and then framed,” explains Cherie. Another feature is the floor to coffered ceiling stone fireplace in the center of the room with a flat screen TV built into the stone over the mantle.
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Dining Room: Old antique doors that Cheri found in Europe flank the two entrances leading to the dining room. Nontraditional seating of two ornate couches facie each other, with two unique chairs at the heads of the table around a large rectangular table. Overhead is an elaborate chandelier serving as the focal point of the room, and a mirrored armoire reflects the light in a flattering way.
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Tour of Homes
Haydon’s room is a Tiffany blue and adorned with Couture magazine covers. Her white four-poster bed is the focal point, with a large screen black and white picture of Marilyn Monroe hung above her pretty and playful pillows. Her bathroom is like stepping into a film noir picture with black and white wallpaper and bright white cabinets and flooring.
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WOW Wedding
corner of the tent were antique shutters and doors, hung with handmade burlap bows and childhood pictures of the bride and groom. The reception dinner was set up in a rustic pavilion using old doors laid across bourbon barrels. Friends and family donated all the silver serving trays and warmers, along with glass pastry stands, as were the flowers that were used to decorate the buffet. Lemonade and Iced Tea were served from crocks in personalized mason jars. The day held many special moments. Kevin loved seeing Sadie in her Vera Wang wedding gown for the first time. Sadie loved that her youngest sister was brave enough to sing a song for them as a gift. Both were very grateful that some members of Sadie’s family from Texas were able to join them. Everyone loved the fireworks at the end of the night put on by Sadie’s dad. Their advice to other couples: relax! The planning process doesn’t have to be stressful. Sometimes, it’s a good thing to accept help from the people you love. Spending the day with loved ones and seeing their heartfelt contributions to the wedding are memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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WOW Wedding
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WOW Wedding
DETAILS Wedding Venue: Brides’ Parents’ Farm | Photography: Conrhod Zonio Photography Florist: Nancy’s Place, Springfield, KY | Catering and cake: Bride’s Parents | Rings: Mithril Ltd. Custom Jewelers
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Weddings
YOUR WEDDING SHOES by Marsha Koller Wedding Consultant
THE COWBOY BOOT: Very popular with the southern and country music set, cowboy boots with your wedding dress are all the rage. But, they are still wedding wear so don’t just polish up your best pair. Opt for great white boots or colorful boots that match your wedding theme and bridesmaid dresses. You will love the effect in your wedding photos. SHOES IN LIVING COLOR: Choosing a wedding shoe in a bold splash of color to match your wedding color theme is a very fun idea, especially noted with that pop of color peeping out from beneath your dress as you walk down the aisle or dance the night away.
Many don’t know the complete phrase for wedding good luck – it goes “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Maybe just putting a few ‘pence toward great wedding shoes will bring you even more luck on your wedding day!
toms.com/weddings
THE EMBELLISHED SHOE: A simple white pump or sandal will always do, but choosing a simple style with a great flash of embellishment – or adding your own – is really a must. It makes them special and will make you feel special. You can either add a clip of feathers or rhinestones, or buy a pair that is already embellished.
clash with your color theme. There is a wide range of choices, or you can ad a splash of blue in the embellishment of your shoe. A fabulous and inexpensive idea is to put a blue “I” and “Do” on the bottoms of your shoe! Glitter shoe tattoos and decals are available on Etsy.
aphroditesweddingblog.com
What girl doesn’t love buying shoes? And choosing truly great shoes to wear with your wedding dress gives you the opportunity to make a statement, or just not be understated! Here are a few trends in wedding footwear to get you thinking about creative ideas.
SHOES FOR A CAUSE: Many couples want to do some good during their wedding, whether by going green or making some sort of donation to a humanitarian cause. Some brides (and grooms) choose to wear Toms Shoes, to both send a positive message and to wear comfortable shoes during a long evening. Others provide Toms for the wedding party for reception wear, so they can dance the night away in comfort, and provide another pair of shoes to someone in need around the world. TOTAL BLING: You don’t always have the opportunity to wear a fantastically flashy, completely beaded or ‘blinged out’ shoe, but if you ever will, your wedding is it. There are absolutely fabulous rhinestone shoes on the market, and if you have a shoe fetish this may be a place you choose to really splurge. SOMETHING BLUE: Your wedding shoes are also a great place to choose your ‘Something Blue,’ as long as it doesn’t
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luccheseboots.com