TOPS in Lexington Magazine, July 2016 by TOPS Magazine

JULY

healthcare

features

Tour of Homes:

Delightful by Design

Meet the Doctors

Skinny Mom:

Caribbean Jerk Chicken

135

photos

30 Event photo captions are typically provided to TOPS by the event organizers. We do our best to check names and spellingâ&#x20AC;Śbut we are all human and make mistakes. Please contact kristen@topsmarketing.com with any corrections and we will make note of it in the next issue.

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Out + About

TOPS Preview Party

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

KET Summer Celebration

Festival of Hope and Relay for Life

White Party

Dancing with the Lexington Stars

Maserati Mingle and 21c After Party

184

FĂŞte en Blanc

186

Taste of the Bluegrass

190

Belles & Beaus Ball Announcement Party

192

A Divine Affair

196

TMMK 30th Anniversary

198

The Bourbon Social: Beer Bourbon & Bacon Garden Party

200

TOP Shots

218

fundamentals at home Tour of Homes: Delightful by Design

Gardening: Hemp, Hemp Hooray

FACES + PLACES 121

Meet the Doctors

An Integrative Approach to Wellness

116

Tops Cares: On The Move Art Studio

121

New & Noteworthy: La Petite DÃ©licat

124

cuisine

124

Dining: El Rancho Tapatio

126

Beer of the Month: Woodchuck Summer Time Cider

130

Wine of the Month: Lobster Reef

131

A Taste of Thyme: Summer Steamed

132

TOP 5 Dining: Pub & Grub

134

Skinny Mom: Caribbean Jerk Chicken

135

Southern Lady Cooks

136

LIFE + STYLE

145

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

When Kentucky Starts Blooming

140

Outfit of the Month: Going to the Chapel

144

WOW Wedding: Samantha + Tommy

145

Wedding Trends: Rose Petal Carpets and Designs

150

Sleep On It

152

fundamentals family

160

What’s the Deal with ‘Baby Brain’?

158

Kid’s Room Tour: A Sweet Suite

160

Super Mom: Brooke Griffin

163

Parties: Ice Cream Party

166

Young Achievers

170

In The Buf: Progress

172

equine Horse Park Happenings

176

Filly of the Month: Blair Eads

179

Colt of the Month: Mark Coley

182

COMMUNITY

179

#BBN: Most Important Players

204

Business News

206

Calendar: Lex in the City

212

contributors Photographers Paul Atkinson Jim Burgett Tracie Dillon Michael Huang

Ron Morrow Ken Parks Keni Parks Woody Phillips

Interns: Madison Rexroat, Hayley Robb and Liv Russell

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Writers Michelle Aiello Sarah Boerkircher Jesse L. Brooks Allison Davis Cynthia Ellingsen Amanda Harper Drew Johnson

Marsha Koller Meredith Lane Buffy Lawson Barbara Meyer Michelle Rauch Jen Roytz

Have a great idea for a story? Tell us all about it at info@topsinlex.com

OUT + ABOUT | SOCIE T Y

2016 Lexington Pride Festival

Lakeside Live at Lexington Green

Aqua Tots Grand Opening

Launch of The Joy Project

Life Brew Pub Grand Opening

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Thursday Night Live

Interior Designer Dwayne Anderson gives Donna & Bill Shouse’s 1970’s home a modern touch

hen Donna Shouse first began working with Dwayne Anderson (co-owner of the retail and interior design business, House by JSD Designs), she made it clear that since she had recently retired and didn’t have a huge budget for home renovation, she only wanted to update her entryway. But once Anderson worked his magic, they moved on to the family room, the living room, the master suite, and the rear patio. In fact, she has plans to work with Anderson on revamping her entire home. Since she works part time at House, Shouse often has first dibs on their unique décor items. “A lot of times, when we’re unboxing merchandise, it never even makes it to the sales floor because (the ladies) snatch it up,” Anderson said with a laugh. He and Shouse developed a close friendship over the four years they have been working together. “I have always believed that you really can’t do a good design job for somebody until you figure out who they are,” he said. “Over time I have been able to figure out Donna’s personality and her color palette, and what I discovered was that her home did not reflect who she really was.” Shouse corroborates this statement, saying that when she first decorated her home, it was painted in shades of robin’s egg blue, corals, and other vivid colors. “It was like an Easter Egg – very bright.” She

describes herself and her husband Bill as “beach people” and the tropical palette reminded them of their native Florida. But one day, she realized it was time for a change. “I just walked downstairs one morning and I said, ‘I can’t stand these colors!’” The next day, she went into work and talked with Anderson about making some changes to the entryway. But there was one stipulation. Anderson explained, “In the living room she had these elaborate floral chintz draperies. She told me, ‘The only caveat is that we have to work around these.’ I said, ‘I hear you…but the first thing that needs to go are those draperies!’” Because he had gotten to know Shouse, the way she dresses and her personality, it became clear that the draperies were not her. “Honestly, it looked like a granny’s home and she’s not a granny,” said Anderson. So he had the entryway painted a cool, pale blue and once she saw the way the color transformed the room, she agreed to part with her drapes. After the completion of that initial project, the design process evolved to include most of the home. While certain areas are still works in progress, Anderson estimates that he has had a hand in about 75 percent of the décor and furnishings thus far. “She has a leaning toward very traditional furniture, but I’ve tried to soften it up and add more modern elements to it,” he said.

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

n the ground level, near the front of the home is a well-appointed guest bedroom that wouldn’t be out of place in a luxurious hotel. The room is decorated in peaceful tones of cream and grass green. A coworker’s husband, Ray Gilker, did a wonderful job repainting an older bureau, and with the new, glossy gray finish and updated hardware, it has a completely modern look. The same grass colored fabric was used to upholster the bench at the foot of the bed and the decorative sham pillows. In a clever twist, the same fabric was also used to include an accent stripe on the drapery. The coordinating patterns don’t come off as heavy-handed; in fact, they bring the room’s allover scheme together. Shouse worked with Jane Buckner at the Rag Peddler to select the fabric. The Rag Peddler recently moved locations, and their retail store is now located on Walton Avenue, right next door to House. “We’re all one big family, and Jane is part of our family,” she said.

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

eyond the naturally lit foyer and up the stairs are the master bedroom and en suite bath.

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

house said of the bedroom, “We contemplated building out, but I’m one of those people who likes my bedroom small and cozy.” Still, the lofty ceilings and four-poster bed offer a peaceful and relaxing space to unwind after a long day.

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

he en suite master bath is an exceptionally well-designed space with dual sinks at either end and a glass enclosed “spa area” that includes a hydrotherapy tub and freestanding shower. The space was originally two walk-in closets separated by a small hallway. “For a long time, we didn’t know what to do,” she explained. “We considered using another bedroom as our closet, but didn’t want to lose a bedroom. I had five contractors come in, and they all gave me the same drawing of a galley bathroom. But I didn’t want

to walk in and be faced with a wall.” So again, she called upon her trusted friend Dwayne. “I was talking to him at the store and he just said, ‘No, here’s what you should do’ and he drew the design right there on a legal pad.” The space is not extravagantly large; but because it is designed so well, it feels very spacious. The storage is all built in, so towels, toiletries and other supplies are always close at hand. The enclosed bath and shower area keeps moisture at bay and allows for easy cleaning.

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

he adjoining his and hers closet is outfitted with Elfa shelving from the Container Store. Again, the Shouses considered the large undertaking of a builtin closet, but found that modular racks and shelving was ideal for their needs. “My husband and I really love it. He always says that when you add a built-in closet, you actually lose a little bit of space on each side, but with this layout, there is no wasted space.” A mid-size washer and dryer sit conveniently nearby. I wanted a functional closet, and I’m very happy with it,” she said. “With this system, I can change out the racks and shelves to rotate my clothing according to the season.”

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

Mind Body An Integrative Approach to Wellness by Sarah Boerkircher

Balance 116

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Spirit

EL RANCHO TAPATIO Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful

by Michelle Aiello photos by Keni Parks

Located at 144 Burt Road, near the intersection of Nicholasville Road and Southland Drive, El Rancho TapatĂo is a family-owned restaurant specializing in fresh, homemade Mexican cuisine.

126

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

he Rios family, who own and operate the restaurant, hail from Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city, which is located in in the state of Jalisco. In Spanish, el Tapatío is an informal term for someone from Guadalajara. The Rios’ have been living in Kentucky for over 20 years, and love Lexington and all it has to offer. When the family originally came to Lexington, Maria Rios, Luis’ mother-in-law, worked as a housekeeper. According to Luis, she has always been an excellent cook, and has always enjoyed making a variety of traditional dishes from their native Guadalajara. For the Rios’, the family that does business together stays together. “Family is everything,” said Luis. In the summer of 2009, the family decided to pool their accumulated savings, and opened a small restaurant showcasing Maria Rios’ wonderful cooking. El Rancho Tapatío started as a tiny taqueria, with only three tables. But like most good restaurants, word of mouth began to spread. People came from all over Lexington to try their food, and the restaurant started to see a steady increase in business. Eventually El Rancho Tapatío graduated from a small taco stand to a mid-size restaurant. About a year after that, the family opened up a grocery store, and divided the business in half, with the restaurant on one side and the grocery store on the other. But as time went on, the restaurant proved to be the more popular of the two businesses, so the Rios’ decided to abandon the grocery store plan. They relocated to their current building on Burt Road and doubled their capacity. What was once a three-table taco stand is now a full-service restaurant with seating for 200 guests, plus a full service sports bar, patio, and a private party room with a separate bar. When asked what diners can expect at their restaurant, Castillo said, “Our food is different from what (customers) might be used to eating at other local Mexican restaurants. El Rancho Tapatío is not your everyday Mexican cuisine.” While diners will certainly find burritos, quesadillas, nachos and the like, the restaurant specializes in Mexican street favorites and Guadalajara-based cuisine. One of the most popular dishes on their menu is the Taqueria style tacos. Unlike American style tacos, which are usually made from flour tortillas and contain ground beef or chicken, lettuce, shredded cheese, tomato, and sour cream, Taqueria style tacos are made from soft corn tortillas. The tortillas are filled with customers’ choice of El Rancho Tapatío’s house-made meats: Azada (strips of fresh steak spritzed in lime juice), El Pastor (tangy pork marinated in red sauce and pineapple), Barbacoa (tender marinated beef), Mexican Chorizo sausage, tender chicken, ham, and a few more adventurous choices like Tripa (beef tripe) and

Lengua (beef tongue). The tacos are then topped with fresh chopped cilantro and finely diced onion. Limes are served on the side for an additional kick of flavor. Diners can also find Sopes at El Rancho Tapatío, a traditional Mexican dish that resembles a thick tortilla topped with fresh vegetables and meat. The circular base is made from fried masa (ground corn flour soaked in lime, also used as the basis for tamales and tortillas) with pinched sides. The masa base is then topped with cheese, lettuce, onions and sour cream. Other Mexican favorites include Gorditas, which are also made with masa flour, but are similar in appearance to an Italian calzone and stuffed with meat, cheese, and vegetables. Empanadas are essentially Gorditas that have been stuffed and then fried to golden brown perfection. The Torta Ahogada (which means “drowned sandwich in Spanish) is another Guadalajara favorite. The sandwich is referred to as "drowned" because it is submerged in a delicious homemade chili pepper sauce. Carnes en su Jugo translates to “meat in its juices”, which is a perfect way to describe this flavorful, concentrated broth of finely diced beef served with beans and a variety of toppings. If customers are looking for something light and fresh, Castillo recommends Chiles Rellenos: two poblano peppers coated with egg whites, stuffed with cheese only or ground beef and topped with red sauce. Served with rice, beans and tortillas. And he suggests topping off the meal with another customer favorite – their freshly made margaritas. When it comes to the cooking, Castillo gives all the credit to his mother-in-law. “She’s the mastermind of the restaurant, and all of the recipes come from her.” In fact, customers often refer to her as “mom” and frequently ask what she’s cooking that day. Depending on what she can get at the market, she will cook a variety of daily or weekly specials such as Chamorro Adobado (pork shanks marinated in a chile salsa, then wrapped in aluminum foil and steamed), or Birria Guadalajara, a Mexican stew made with beef, smoked and dried peppers, and a variety of spices. Everything served at El Rancho Tapatío is fresh and made in-house. Castillo also mentioned that owning a restaurant together has been a wonderful way to keep the family together. Every Sunday, “mom” cooks a big brunch at her house, and the family gathers together to talk about business, life, and everything in between. “Everyone pitches in and helps out when they’re needed, and we all do whatever we can to make the restaurant a success,” he said. El Rancho Tapatío is open Monday – Sunday from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm. They can be reached at 859-373-9091 or info@elranchotapatio.com.

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

127

When Kentucky Starts

Blooming by Barbara Meyer

140

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Surviving Allergy Season in the Bluegrass

ronically, the same budding trees and blooming flowers that give Kentucky its outdoor beauty trigger seasonal allergies, keeping people indoors where they’re unable to enjoy it. This year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America once again ranked central Kentucky as one of the top five most challenging places to live with spring allergies. Twenty percent of Americans have either allergy or asthma symptoms, and allergies are among the leading chronic diseases in the U.S. Allergies can develop at any time in life, including adulthood. Common allergy symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, a sore throat and sneezing— and misery. Allergies are annoying, but they can become downright dangerous if you’re hit with a severe sneezing fit as you’re in heavy traffic on New Circle Road. Some people have to limit travel during allergy season, since a long flight in a pressurized airplane cabin with a stopped-up nose is so uncomfortable. Something’s in the air What exactly causes allergy symptoms? Pollen and mold are two of the biggest culprits. Pollen are the minuscule grains that fertilize plants, and are spread in the air by insects, the wind, and human and animal carriers. Mold spores are tiny fungi that, like pollen, are airborne. Mold comes from plants, soil and wood. When we breathe them in, our body sees them as intruders and produces antibodies that travel to the cells, resulting in the chemical reactions that produce allergy symptoms like sneezing and dry eyes. We feel better on rainy, windless days because pollen doesn’t travel around as much in those conditions. In central Kentucky, it’s hard to escape from allergens. During spring, we have tree and grass pollen, and in the late summer and fall, it’s weed pollen and mold. About 75 percent of people who have plant allergies are sensitive to ragweed, which is prevalent in Kentucky in the fall. Our famed bluegrass generates more pollen than any other U.S. grass. Allergy treatments The number of U.S. allergy cases has risen steadily, linked to an increase in pollen production that could be a result of climate change. But take heart, seasonal sufferers. Fortunately, what’s also increasing are the options available for treating allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter treatments like pills, sprays and drops could be enough for mild symptoms. When they don’t do the trick, your primary care physician may be able to prescribe stronger medications.

Did you know? Hay fever doesn’t involve having a fever or even being exposed to hay. All it takes is exposure to pollen from trees, grasses and leaves. The condition got its name because it was discovered during haying season, when allergy symptoms became stronger.

Want to explore alternative treatments for your allergies? Acupuncture and meditation may decrease the stress hormones that cause nasal inflammation, and certain yoga poses can help increase your breathing capacity. If you’ve got severe allergies, get to know an allergist. Local allergy clinics specialize in the unique conditions that make central Kentucky such a challenging place to live for allergy sufferers. Another reason to have a dedicated allergist: The cause and severity of allergies can change over time. Seeing an allergist regularly will allow them to monitor your condition and adjust your treatments to keep you continually feeling well. Your visit to the allergist Before your appointment, keep a diary about your symptoms and share it with your allergist. Record when they started, how long they’ve lasted, what factors seem to relieve them or make them worse. Note which medications you’ve used and what results you got. You may be asked to stop taking any current allergy medicine for a period of time before you come in order to get the most accurate test results. During your visit, your allergist may perform skin-prick testing. This test is used to determine which specific things are causing your allergies. It allows your doctor to see if you have immediate allergic reactions to as many as 40 different substances, including pollen and mold. How you react and to what degree indicates what’s causing your allergies. You should be able to get the results of your test during the same visit. What you are (or aren’t) allergic to may surprise you!

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

141

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

147

Is a sleep disorder stealing your quality shut-eye? Here’s how to recognize and treat them: Sleep Apnea

Narcolepsy

Sleep apnea is a common but potentially serious condition where breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep, up to 400 times throughout the night. The pauses last 10 to 30 seconds, then breathing starts again in the form of a snort or gasp. When this happens, you move into light sleep mode and out of the deep, restorative REM sleep your body needs.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sporadic, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. These episodes can occur anytime and during any activity.

There are three main types of sleep apnea: 1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — the most common form that occurs when the tongue, tonsils, and other tissues in the back of the throat relax and block breathing passages, keeping air from getting through. 2. Central sleep apnea (CSA) — your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. 3. Complex sleep apnea syndrome — when people have both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It’s estimated that more than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. It’s more prevalent in people who are overweight, male, African-American, Latino or have others in their family with the disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea is common in children. Diagnosis Start with your primary care doctor, who will review your medical and family history and perform a physical exam. They may then refer you to a sleep specialist. This specialist could ask you to keep a sleep diary where you record your sleeping patterns. You may perform a home-based sleep test with a portable monitor or participate in a study using a polysomnogram (PSG) at a sleep clinic. The results of the test will allow your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. Treatments 1. Sleep position: Sleeping on your back allows gravity to pull the tissues in the throat down, making it easier for your airway to be blocked. Sleeping on your side can help to open up your throat. 2. Mouthpiece: For mild sleep apnea, your dentist can make you a custom mouthpiece that holds your lower jaw and tongue in the proper position while you sleep. 3. CPAP machine: When you have moderate to severe OSA, a CPAP machine could be the answer. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine comes with a hose and a mask or nose piece that you wear throughout the night. The machine sends a steady stream of air into your airway to keep it open as you sleep. There are many styles available and most new models are virtually noiseless. 4. Surgery: Surgery to remove, shrink or stiffen floppy tissues in the mouth and throat that are blocking the airway can be an option for some.

Narcolepsy affects as many as 200,000 Americans. Movies like My Own Private Idaho and Moulin Rouge! feature characters with narcolepsy, and many people are familiar with the term. However, the condition is often misunderstood and undiagnosed. Narcolepsy usually starts between the ages of 10 and 25 and is more common in men than women, as well as in people who are overweight. The exact cause of narcolepsy is undiscovered. Most people with the disorder have low levels of the chemical hypocretin, a neurochemical in the brain that helps regulate wakefulness and REM sleep. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill blamed his narcolepsy on long periods of irregular sleep. Symptoms of narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness (even if the person has had a full amount of sleep at night), inability to concentrate, lack of energy, sexual disfunction, depression and fatigue. More troubling symptoms are hallucinations, sleep paralysis and cataplexy, a sudden, uncontrollable loss of muscle control triggered by intense emotions. Diagnosis Start with a complete physical exam including full medical and family history. Several specialized tests are needed for an accurate diagnosis of narcolepsy. They are: • An overnight test using a polysomnogram that documents abnormalities in the sleep cycle. • A MSLT (multiple sleep latency test)—a test performed during the day that measures a person’s tendency to fall asleep and determines if isolated forms of REM sleep occur during waking hours. Treatments There is no cure for narcolepsy, but there are a number of drugs that can address the symptoms. They include stimulants for sleepiness and antidepressants for regulating abnormal REM sleep. Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel reportedly takes Provigil for his narcolepsy. Recently, a new drug called Xyrem was approved. Lifestyle adjustments (such as the ones listed later), plus sticking to a structured, regular exercise and meal schedule may also be beneficial.

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

153

SUPER MOM

Brooke Griffin son, Easton

ince 2011, when Brooke Griffin started Skinny Mom, a website focused on helping women live healthier, she has been dedicated to sharing health resources with busy women through content, community and most recently her cookbook, Skinny Suppers: 125 Lightened Up Healthier Meals for Your Family. “Health and fitness have always been such a huge part of my life, but as a mom I struggled to find the time and energy for healthy living while caring for my family,” says Brooke. “Once I really allowed God to take control of my life, I saw that my calling was to help other women who needed support to find that balance, too.” Brooke’s typical day starts an hour before her five-year-old son, Easton, wakes up, so that she has time to collect her thoughts and prepare for the busy day ahead. She reads through her daily devotion, spends time in prayer over a cup of coffee, then she whips up

breakfast for Easton and herself before they get dressed and head out the door. “At work, no two days are the same, so that definitely keeps me on my toes,” says Brooke. “Behind every do-it-all mom is a support system, so I do what I can to lead the company and trust my amazing team to make those great initiatives happen.” Brooke picks up Easton in the afternoons and they head home to play and make supper together. If it’s a day he has practice or a game, Brooke will have a slow cooker recipe prepped or they’ll put a quick supper together, which Brooke likes to call “Weeknight Wonders!” “Without a plan set in place, evenings would definitely be a mess at our house,” says Brooke. “My best piece of advice is to create a plan for your week and try your best to stick to it. That’s how you’ll Written by Sarah Boerkircher | Images courtesy of Brooke Griffin

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

163

164

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

...I saw that my calling was to help other women who needed support to find that balance...

trick people into thinking you’ve got it all together, and you’ll feel so much more relaxed and present with your family after mapping out what each day looks like.” Brooke has also found that making time on Sundays for meal planning and prepping has been not only a time and money-saver, but has also helped her stay on track with her health goals. She calls this scheduled time her ‘Power Planning Sundays.’ After church and family lunch, Brooke spends time planning the weekly menu and crafting a grocery list. She then heads to the store and picks up everything they will need for the week. When she gets home, she preps everything she can ahead of time — she washes, chops and portions fruits and veggies, cooks and dices or shreds protein, and labels ingredients that she plans to use throughout the week. Whether Easton and Brooke are playing games or watching a movie together, they have found that the best quality time is spent in the kitchen cooking suppers and laughing together. “Easton helps me plan out our meals and loves to act as my sous chef by gathering ingredients while I cook,” says Brooke. “We make a great team, and it’s so rewarding to see how much he’s learned about healthy foods and cooking along the way.”

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

165

Filly of the Month:

Blair Eads

Profile by Jen Roytz | Photos by Keni Parks

ifelong Kentuckian Blair Eads has a passion for giving back to her community. A member of the Lexington Junior League, Blair and her fellow members’ efforts have literally been life-changing, both for the people they’ve helped and for themselves. “The Junior League is definitely my passion – I absolutely love it,” said Blair. “The Junior League teaches women to be leaders. It’s a group of women who pool their individual skills and attributes to volunteer and to make life in the Bluegrass better, especially for women and children.” Founded in 1924 as part of the Association of Junior Leagues, the Junior League of Lexington is one of the strongest philanthropic forces in Central Kentucky. Based on the foundation that volunteerism and community service can have a meaningful and lasting impact on the community as a whole, the women of the Lexington Junior League have raised millions of dollars for worthwhile non-profits in and around Lexington. GROWING UP BLUEGRASS Bourbon County native Blair Eads is quintessentially Kentucky through and through. Growing up just minutes from iconic Claiborne Farm, some of her favorite family outings were going to visit the great Secretariat, who resided at the farm as a stallion. “My dad always had Thoroughbreds, but we’re talking a very small operation,” said Blair. “He loved the sport and the animals – they were like pets to him – and he definitely passed that onto me. He would take us out of school to go to Keeneland if we had a horse running and he was always very hands-on.” Growing up in the Bluegrass, horses were never the only animals residing on the family farm, thanks in large part to Blair and her knack for finding strays and converting them into pets. “We always had cats and dogs and I have always been the kid who would find animals and bring them home,” said Blair. “When I was about four-years-old, this huge Maine Coon cat came to our house and after playing with him for a while, he bit me. We named him Leroy Brown and we ended up keeping him for years. Just recently, another Maine Coon wandered up to my parents’ house and they named him

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

179

Jackson Brown. He’s a hoss of a cat – probably 20 pounds at least!” When it came time to head off to college, Blair ventured an hour east to Morehead State University. Involved with Greek life as a Delta Gamma (and later serving as the President of the Lexington Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter), Blair majored in Political Science and, soon after graduation, found herself in Lexington experiencing the Thoroughbred industry from a new vantage point at EQUIX, an innovative bloodstock agency that uses cardio evaluations and precise body measurements with applied computer modeling to predict the racing and breeding potential of Thoroughbreds. “I have been with EQUIX for nineteen years and serve as the production and marketing manager. My job is to manage the advertising for the company as well as coordinate the products for our clients,” said Blair, who has been traveling all spring to the various twoyear-old in training Thoroughbred sales to assist stride analysis at the breeze shows. “In addition, EQUIX uses biomechanics, motion, cardio efficiency and genetics to determine the racing performance potential of yearlings and two-hear-olds. We also provide breeding recommendations for our clients’ mares based on the physical compatibilities between their mares and stallions.” The company boasts multiple Grade 1 stakes winners-turned-stallions Tizway and Big Brown among its alumni. USING HER SKILLS FOR THE GREATER GOOD Blair’s organizational skills have played a major role in her Junior League involvement as well. Blair’s main projects with the organization have included serving as the 2014 chair of their annual Holly Day Market, a holiday-themed shopping extravaganza held each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas that brings together boutique-style vendors selling jewelry, clothes, toys, books, holiday decorations, art and food that are perfect for gift-giving and holiday celebrations. This year, Blair is in charge of the daily events for the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show, the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred horse show and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown.” “This will be the 80th year for the Lexington Junior League Horse Show and it’s become one of our organization’s signature events, as

180

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

well as one of the signature events for the Saddlebred show world,” said Blair. “The show is a perfect family outing or night out with friends. On the Fourth of July, we’ll have live music, a stick horse race and bounce house for the kids, food and drinks, and a great view of the fireworks in downtown Lexington.” Blair shares her passion for the Junior League with people whenever she can, hoping the organization can offer them the same sense of fulfillment, confidence and drive that it has bestowed upon her. “I tell people whenever I have the chance how much it’s meant to me and done for me,” she said. “It’s so much more than people think it is on the surface. I’ve met people who will be life-long friends of mine through the organization – people who I would not otherwise have met had it not been for the Junior League of Lexington.” A QUIET NIGHT AT HOME... WITH A ROB ZOMBIE MOVIE Somewhere between her bustling professional life and philanthropic endeavors, Blair still finds time to relax and unwind. When she gets a free evening, a movie night at the house with her boyfriend of fifteen years is the perfect date, but Blair’s taste in films is not what one might expect. “I love to watch scary movies. The old Halloween or Rob Zombie’s remake of Halloween – I just like the spookiness and creepiness of them. Basically, I’ve watched so many scary movies that none of them really seem scary anymore,” said Blair. “I love live music and there’s not much genrewise that I don’t like. I’ve seen everyone from the Dixie Chicks to Alice in Chains to Rob Zombie, and I’ve probably seen Deaf Leppard ten times.” It’s also rare that you’ll find Blair without a book close by, sneaking in a few pages anytime she gets a bit of free time. Last month her go-to book was The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell. “It’s about a dysfunctional English family trying to restore peace after a tragedy. She’s my author of choice right now,” said Blair. With a smile that lights up any room, a job driven by quantitative data, a sense of charitable commitment and community involvement that runs deeper than most and a penchant for metal bands and horror flicks, it rings true for Blair that you can’t judge a book by its cover.•

Colt of the Month:

Mark Coley “G

o confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life that you have always imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau It was always Mark Coley’s dream to have horses in his life. Growing up in Buffalo, NY, he was hooked on them from an early age, always eager to watch the Kentucky Derby on television and begging his parents for any opportunity that would get him around horses. “When I was four, my grandfather built me a wooden horse with twine for mane and tail. It had a leash I could pull it around by and I dragged that thing everywhere. I named it Blumin’ Affair, after a horse in that year’s Derby that I liked. That was before I ever took a riding lesson,” said Mark. “Once I convinced my parents to let me take riding lessons around 7-years-old or so, the barn was one of my favorite places to be. It was like a second home. I wanted to be around them as much as I could, learning and working with them as much as possible.” Mark maintained his singular focus throughout middle and high school, and it pleased his parents to know he was so passionate about something and focused on the direction he wanted his life to take. Not having a background in horses or equine anything themselves, they were curious (and probably slightly concerned) about what opportunities would await their son in his chosen career path. But Mark had done his homework. “As a freshman in high school I told my guidance counselor that I wanted to go to a riding school and get an equine degree,” said Mark. “I said, ‘Here are my top four schools, I want to work with horses, what do I need to do to accomplish that?’ I’ve always been the type of person that sets a goal, plots a path and gets it done.” In his true, “make it happen” fashion, Mark enrolled in Ohio’s University of Findlay, which has a nationally-renowned equine program, so he could ride every day while earning his degree, double majoring in equine studies and business management. “Coming from a family that had no previous background in the horse industry, at times it was a challenge for them to realize what opportunities could be available to me,” said Mark. “Toward the middle of my freshman year, I started to think of what would be next after college, and I set a goal for myself that I wanted to graduate in three years, finishing a Profile by Jen Roytz | Photos by Keni Parks

182

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

year early so I could get more realworld experience.” LOOK OUT, KENTUCKY; HERE HE COMES! On the day of his graduation from Findlay (earning his four-year degree in three years, as planned), Mark was not with his other classmates, walking across the stage to accept their diplomas at their graduation ceremony. True to form, he was parked in front of the television watching the coverage of the 2011 Kentucky Derby. “The night before the graduation ceremony, I told my parents I was not going to be walking at graduation because the next day was the Derby and there was no way I was going to miss that race,” said Mark. “As a kid, I used to cut out articles about racing from the local newspaper and spent each birthday celebrating at our local racetrack (For Erie Race Track). Knowing how much I love the race and following the Triple Crown, and after a lot of negotiating, we compromised and staged pictures early on graduation morning so I didn’t have to miss any of the coverage.” While at Findlay, Mark heard about the Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI) which draws college-aged students from across the country and abroad to Kentucky for a comprehensive Thoroughbred industry internship. Students accepted into the program get both classroom education from some of the world’s best equine experts, but also practical experience by being placed as fulltime employees with a Central Kentucky farm. Having graduated a year early with the sole purpose of gaining realworld experience in the horse industry and being based in the city in which he wanted to live more than anywhere else, KEMI seemed like the perfect fit. “I started the internship in July of 2011 and was placed with Pin Oak Stud, helping with yearling prep for the Keeneland September Sales and training and breaking yearlings as a rider,” said Mark. “Once I was here in Lexington, I fell in love with the city and knew I wanted to find a job that would allow me to stay in Kentucky.” Upon completion of his internship with KEMI, Mark landed a job with Equestrian Events International, Inc. (EEI), organizers of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Being one of a small staff putting on the largest combined training competition in North America gave Mark a unique and deep look at running horse shows from the business perspective. His experiences at EEI led to an opportunity at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the national governing body for equestrian competition, in their customer care department in 2012.

Soon after, Mark transitioned to marketing for the organization, which recognizes 29 different breeds and disciplines, including Olympic equestrian competition, and eventually took on the role of Director of Marketing Development for the organization. “My role allows me to be involved in many different aspects of the organization, from working directly with competitors and officials in the industry to helping develop new programs and initiatives that will help to grow and better equestrian sport,” said Mark. “This summer will be particularly exciting, as the U. S. will have equestrian teams competing at the Summer Olympic Games in Rio.” Bringing the equestrian world to the masses is something Mark not only has a passion for, but also a knack. In 2014 he traveled to Normandy, France to help report and serve as a press liaison for some of the riders at the World Equestrian Games, and each year he is part of the team covering the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event for the USEF Network livestream and assists with the production of the NBC national broadcast of the event. Another of Mark’s roles is overseeing the North American Junior Young Riders Championships, which is the only FEI (International Governing Body) championships held annually in North America. The event, which is known for cultivating elite riders for future Olympic and World Championship teams, allows the top youth riders from across North America to compete for team and individual medals in several equestrian disciplines. This year the event will be held at the Colorado Horse Park, and Mark will oversee all aspects of the competition, including the hiring and travel coordination for over 125 international officials and all correspondence between the USEF, all affiliates and the on-site horse show management team. “We joke in the office that I tend to be ‘that guy’ – the one that, if you have a project that doesn’t really fit into a division or role, it falls to me. I like finding ways we can move forward and come up with new ideas,” said Mark. “I’ve been working with the U. S. Olympic Committee and U. S. host broadcast network, NBC, on an initiative called GoldMap, which will teach people about Olympic equestrian sports and ways to get involved. “The U. S. Olympic Committee challenged the national governing bodies of Olympic and Paralympic sports to bring new engagements to their respective sports through Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ initiative. Overseeing this challenge for the USEF, I have worked alongside the American Horse Council to partner with Time to Ride to bring in 25,000 new youth engagements to equestrian sports in 2016.”•

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

183

Business News

Lexington Women’s Health welcomes Dr. Sarah Borders The Lexington Women’s Health team recently welcomed Dr. Sarah Borders. Dr. Borders received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2012 from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She, then, went on to complete her Residency Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Originally from Versailles, Kentucky, Dr. Borders specializes in obstetrics and gynecology including contraception, management of abnormal pap smears, pelvic pain, abnormal periods and more. One of her favorite parts of practice is providing exceptional, yet personal, prenatal care to her patients. She also has special interest in recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility. She has joined the esteemed practice, Lexington Women’s Health. Lexington Women’s Health is an all-female practice made up of certified Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Certified Nurse Midwives, Physician Assistants and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses committed to providing quality healthcare to women of the Bluegrass. Dr. Borders will work primarily at the Nicholasville Road location but will have an office day at the Hamburg location as well. In her down time, Dr. Borders enjoys running 5K and 10K races, half-marathons and even marathons and triathlons. She loves spending time with her family and friends and experimenting with gluten-free baking. As you can see, she will be a wonderful addition to Lexington Women’s Health.

Lexington Women’s Health | 859.264.8811 | lexingtonwomens.com

206

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Broadway Live Celebrates 40th Anniversary The city of Lexington was once known as “the Athens of the West” and the Lexington Opera House has been central to that theme since 1886. 2016 marks the 130th birthday for the historic landmark and the 40th season of Broadway Live. “We are excited to announce our 40th Anniversary season of professional touring Broadway shows along with Variety Live specials to celebrate our dual birthdays,” said Opera House Director Luanne Franklin. “Our Broadway Live series is among the oldest in the nation. And the Opera House is one of only 14 theatres across the nation with less than 100 seats, built before 1900 – yet still offering touring Broadway productions!” Established in 1886, the Opera house was designed by Oscar Cobb, a leading theatrical architect of the day. During its early days the theatre played host to many well-known celebrities, including Maude Adams, Anna Pavlova, George M. Cohan, W.C. Fields, John Phillips Sousa and many others. Around the turn of the century, vaudeville and burlesque began to replace legitimate theatre. And though the Opera House holds the distinction of offering the first motion picture in Lexington, with the advent of films, many theatres– including the Opera House - fell into decline. In the early 1970s as Lexington prepared for a new Civic Center and Rupp Arena, The Opera House had been condemned and was to be destroyed. Led by Linda and George Carey, along with W.T. Young, Jim Host and others, a campaign grew to save and restore the theatre and make it a part of Lexington Center. The Opera House Fund has continued its support of performing arts at the venue, contributing over $11 million in the past 40 years. “The Lexington Opera House has been in service for 130 years and continues to go strong,” Lexington Center CEO and President Bill Owen said. “It is important to recognize that this historic theatre continues to serve as a vibrant part of the Lexington community. The Opera House is a shining example of creativity, ingenuity, collaboration and cooperation.” The new Broadway Live and Variety Live seasons feature musicals, comedy and concerts—something for everyone, including entertainment for the entire family. Packages are already on sale through the Lexington Center Ticket Office and provide the best opportu-

nity for great seats at the lowest prices. “We want to ensure that our guests have a memorable experience from start to finish, and we invite everyone to join the celebration of our anniversaries this year!” Franklin said. “There’s no better place to see a Broadway show. Like the matriarch of a fine old Lexington family, The Lexington Opera House continues to welcome her guests with southern charm and elegant hospitality.”

Variety Live shows include: Mary Poppins | July 14-17, 2016 Legends in Concert | October 29, 2016 Mannheim Steamroller | December 22, 2016

Lexington Opera House | 401 W. Short St. | Lexington | 859.233.4567 | lexingtonoperahouse.com

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

207

Kentucky Bank Tennis Tournament The annual Kentucky Bank Tennis Championships are set for the last week of July at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington. This year, even more attractions are planned to boost the attendance of first-time spectators to the tournament. This marquee event of the Lexington summer sports calendar takes place July 23-31, with both daytime and evening sessions. This event, the Commonwealth’s only professional tennis championship, offers some of the best tennis in the country for affordable prices. Fans are welcome to attend a Meet-And-Greet on the grounds of the Boone Varsity Tennis Center on Wednesday, July 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m. This two hour social event will be held adjacent to the courts that will be used during competition. Come network and mingle with Central Kentucky professionals while enjoying free appetizers with a cash bar available. This will lead right into Wednesday’s evening session of tennis. A Bourbon Social is planned for Semifinal Saturday, July 30 where

guests will be able to sample small plate creations from some of the best chefs in Lexington, while also tasting Kentucky’s famous bourbons and other barrel-aged spirits from local Lexington and Central Kentucky distilleries. Attendees must be at least 21 or older to attend, and the cost will be $25. During the Bourbon Social, fans will also be able to enjoy the top-notch tennis going on around the grounds, as Saturday will set up Sunday’s championship rounds for all events. Fans interested in attending any of the events should contact Kaelyn Query of LexEffect at 859-230-5365. The qualifying rounds of the 2016 Kentucky Bank Tennis Championships will be July 23 and 24 running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with attendance to those days free of charge to all spectators. Main draw play begins on July 25 and runs through Championship Sunday, July 31 with tickets $10 per day or a $50 all session pass can be purchased. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite.com or at the facility on the day of the event.

Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex | Lexington | lexingtonchallenger.com

208

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Lakeside Live New to the Bluegrass this summer is Lexington Green’s “Lakeside Live” music festivals that will take place every Friday and Saturday until October 15th from 6-9pm. Lexington is continuing to grow and is a city that is known for its tradition and heritage associated with art, theater, and music. This premier event brings a modern sensation to the region that can only progress with the generations to come and the lively Lexington patrons. This new project features an outdoor venue complete with a new dock, decorative structures, comfy seating, a great view of the lake and new water fountain feature that dances with the music, plus lots of open space for the concert area. As people are shopping, eating, and walking around The Mall, the live music is in an ideal location and will make the night even more enjoyable. Surrounding restaurants and aromas that may fill the air include Palmers Fresh Grill, Brontë Bistro at Joseph-Beth and the new Jax Burgers and Brews. Not to mention the one-of-a-kind shopping found nearby like Francesca’s, Chico’s, White House Black Market, Anthropologie, Evereve, and Whole Foods. “During the renovation process, we decided that it would be awesome to do a summer music series,” Lexington Green Marketing Director, Katie Mullen said. For the grand opening, the Lexington Green area updated their social media to make sure the community was aware of the countdown. They had giveaways from local businesses and supporters including Be Medispa, a necklace from White House Black Market, a one night stay and breakfast for two at Hilton Lexington Suites, dinner for two at Palmers Fresh Grill, two tickets to a VIP tasting event at Brontë Bistro, and a meet and greet with the bands from opening night!

Keni Parks

Just as Thursday Night Live has done, Lakeside Live brings a new flare to night life in Central Kentucky and gives the community a way to enjoy the company of close friends and the local environment that is around them. This pet friendly location with a fire pit, delicious local food and drinks, and a charming ambiance is the new go-to hangout for all ages this summer. For more information go to www.lexgreenlakeside.com

In addition to free music, Lakeside Live offers valet parking, as well as a trolley that takes guests from the top parking lot to the bottom lot, ensuring that every person’s experience is convenient.

Upcoming shows include:

Bands that have been asked to play at the venue range anywhere from Big Maracas, Ben Lacy, Lauren Mink Band, Jordan English, and Them Hamilton Boys.

Miss Morgan Myles | July 9

These artists travel hours to perform for the Lexington community and thus far have left the guests wanting more. A complete list and schedule of all of the artists can be found on their website, as well as reviews and comments from recent lakeside goers that can be found on The Mall’s Facebook page. “We’re a little bit new to this so we’ve had a lot to learn this year but we hope that every year it will just continue to grow and get bigger,” Mullen said. “This will really be a place that people come and hang out.”

Lexington Green Lakeside | 161 Lexington Green Cir. | Lexington | 859.245.1513 | lexgreenlakeside.com

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

209