No matter what your interest or skillset, there’s a way you can help improve the Bluegrass. | Photo by LEXtoday
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causesin Lexington to give your time to. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 30 ways to get involved in the Bluegrass.
For the outdoorsy types
Lexington Parks and Recreation | Our city’s parks department maintains the quality of our city’s beautiful parks + regularly hosts community events. Whether you’re looking to get your hands dirty trimming weeds or help organize a fun event — there’s a job for you.
Natural-born teachers and mentors
Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning | Help inspire students to find a true love for learning. Become a classroom assistant to facilitate hands-on educational classes, or help out with events to create memorable educational experiences for kids across Lexington.
If you want to help out your fellow Lexingtonians
The Hope Center | The Hope Center’s volunteer team helps to rebuild lives on a daily basis — from serving 38,000+ hot meals a month to teaching career skills to its Recovery Clients.
For the handy individuals
Broke Spoke | This organization aims to empower adults with the tools, space, skills, and community needed for better access to bicycles. You don’t have to have bike mechanic skills to help out. You can greet folks at events or help out around the shop.
The artsy types
LexArts | Help grow Lexington’s art scene in several different ways — greet guests and distribute brochures at the LexArts Gallery Hop or assist in administrative office tasks for a few hours a week.
Friends of the environment
Bluegrass Greensource | Become Green Force certified by attending free learning sessions about sustainability topics — waste management, sustainable business practices, and more. After course completion, you can lead volunteer sessions + advocate for a greener Bluegrass.
Lexington Pizza Week | Mon., Nov. 14-Sun., Nov. 20 | Varying times | Varying restaurants | $6 | Pizza Week kicks off featuring local restaurants serving a multitude of flavor options.
Tuesday, Nov. 15
3rd Annual Spelling Bee(r) | Tues., Nov. 15 | 5:30 p.m. | Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 National Ave., Lexington | $25 | Put your third-grade spelling bee skills to the test at this charity event supporting the Sweet Dreams Project.
Wednesday, Nov. 16
UK Volleyball v. Tennessee | Wed., Nov. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | University of Kentucky Memorial Coliseum, Ave of Champions, Lexington | $8+ | The women’s volleyball team is hosting the Volunteers for what is sure to be a competitive rivalry match.
Thursday, Nov. 17
Wake Up Santa Show | Thurs., Nov. 17 | 5 p.m. | Fayette Mall, 3401 Nicholasville Rd., Lexington | Free | Help wake up Santa Clause in time for the holiday season.
Friday, Nov. 18
Script to Table: Rodgers & Hammerstein | Fri., Nov. 18 | 6 p.m. | Fasig-Tipton Company, 2400 Newtown Pike, Lexington | $150 | Experience an evening of theatrical and culinary storytelling with a three-course dinner inspired by the musical, “A Grand Night for Singing.”
Saturday, Nov. 19
The Kid LAROI | Sat., Nov. 19 | 8:30 p.m. | Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $45+ | This young Australian hip-hop artist looking break barriers between old and new hip-hop sounds.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A prominent + historic downtown buildingis up for sale. Located at 249 W. Short St., the building is currently home to the barElixir, but also contains office space on the second floor and a luxury penthouse on the third floor. The 2,800-sqft building is listed for $3,790,000. 🏙
Sports
The UK men’s soccer teamwon the Sun Belt Tournament Championship on Sunday afternoon, defeating James Madison 2-0. The Wildcats finished their season nationally ranked at No. 2 (UK Athletics)
Reed Shepard — the 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year in Kentucky — has signed his letter of intent to play for UK during the 2023 season. Reed is considered to be the No. 31 overall high school senior + attended North Laurel High School. 🏀 (Kentucky Sports Radio)
Lexingtonian
Local author + theater director Treyton Blackburncelebrated the launch of his new comic book over the weekend. “Nitelite” represents Treyton’s experiences working as a forest ranger in Breaks Interstate Park during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also an alumnus of the UK Department of Theatre and Dance. 📕 (The Lane Report)
Cause
The 35th annual Big Blue Crush will be taking place this week on UK’s campus, Mon., Nov. 14-Fri., Nov. 18. The annual blood drive encourages Lexingtonians to help boost the blood supply for Kentuckians, ensuring all donations stay local. Schedule your appointment. 🩸 (UK NOW)
Health
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is here, which means it’s time to ask yourself a big question: keep your coverage, or change it? Fidelity Medicare Services can help. Fidelity’s licensed Medicare advisors provide customized advice based on your situation — and if you choose a new plan, they’ll help you enroll.*
Oh hey, November. The key to keeping your spirits up and avoiding seasonal affective disorder this time of year? Sunlight. Magic up more sunshineindoors with a light therapy lamp. This glare-free mood light is height and angle adjustable, while this subtly designed lamp lets you adjust light warmth and brightness. ☀️*
Learn
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Arts
Localizing the new year
Locally made 2023 calendars from Cricket Press
This 2023 calendar is was designed by the artists at Cricket Press. | Photos courtesy of Cricket Press
Can we talk about how cute these calendars are for a second?
Brian and Sara Turner, two local illustrators and owners of Cricket Press, released the design for their new 2023 calendars.
Details: The calendars feature 12 different hand-printed cards — each with the design of a different regional tree or flower.
Additionally: Each calendar comes with a laser-cut birchwood stand — so you can easily display this work of art on your office desk.
Pre-orders are now being accepted + all orders will ship out on Mon., Dec. 12, just in time for the holidays.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Aaron.
Editor’s pick: What a weekend for sports in the Bluegrass — both men’s and women’s basketball games on Friday, football on Saturday, and a championship soccer match on Sunday.
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