Clean streets, full trash bags, can’t lose

Keeping Lexington beautiful is fun with friends. | Photo courtesy of Keep Lexington Beautiful

Want to know what really makes us sad? When we’re walking downtown, showing off our gorgeous city to a visitor or friend, and seeing trash on the sidewalk or in the street. Well, there’s a group here that has made it their mission to keep the city clean — Keep Lexington Beautiful.

The nonprofit started as a city commission ~2007. But, with the blessing of the city, it decommissioned ~2020 in order to help the organization receive funding through grants.

The main goal: “We want to empower people to take pride in their community and our city, to keep it beautiful through litter clean-ups and tree and flower plantings,” said Keep Lexington Beautiful Chair Arin Arnold-Davis.

♻️ Accomplishments

The group is one of three Kentucky communities affiliated with Keep America Beautiful (KAB), which secured these successful grants with a lasting impact:

Cigarette Litter Prevention Program | Worked with car dealerships to give out ashtrays and local breweries — like Ethereal, West Sixth, Pivot Brewing, and Country Boy — to install Terra Cycle Cigarette Receptacles. This litter is then sent back, recycled, and turned into something new.
Great American Cleanup | This year the national campaign will celebrate its 25th year. By volunteering your time, KAB will provide supplies like gloves, bags, and litter pickers. Arin said last year 30 different groups participated.

A person wearing a shirt that says "ask me about plogging" on it. — KLB + West Sixth Brewery periodically host plogging (jogging and litter clean-up) events. | Photo courtesy of Keep Lexington Beautiful

♻️ Get involved

Sign up to volunteer with the litter index on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8:30 a.m. Those interested will meet at Bluegrass Greensource (835 National Ave.) and ride around “scoring locations based on the amount of litter.” The results will help the city develop and implement solutions.
Stay tuned for an announcement very soon about all three of Kentucky’s Keep Beautiful communities coming together for a “Plog Across the Bluegrass” event in early March.

EVENTS

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Wednesday, Feb. 1

Comedy at Pivot | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 8:30 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington | Free | Sip local craft ciders with a side of laughs from regional comedians Paulina Combow, Courtney Warmer, and more.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Kentucky Sport, Boat, & Recreation Show | Thursday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 5 | Times vary | Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $5-$12 | This premiere event will bring you the best in premium outdoor inventory from the area’s top vendors.
Tze-Ying Wu Faculty Recital | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Singletary Concert Hall, 405 Rose St., Lexington | Free | Dr. Tze-Ying Wu’s faculty recital will feature a beautiful blend of piano, cello, dance, and poetry performances.

Friday, Feb. 3

Greyline Station February Block Party | Friday, Feb. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | Free | Bring donations of individually wrapped snacks and canned meals to benefit Arbor Youth Services, and stick around for Valentine’s Day-themed trivia.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PULL OUT THOSE PLANNERS

COMMUNITY

How the YMCA is keeping our community healthy

A group of people standing together in a gym

Some of the YMCA’s current volunteer opportunities include helping run its kids triathlon event. | Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central Kentucky | Photo provided by YMCA of Central Kentucky

The YMCA of Central Kentucky has been a leader in fitness and improving the health + well-being of our community since 1853. While Lexingtonians might know the Y for its fitness classes, aquatics program, and youth sports, it actually offers so much more.

The nonprofit also serves our community through food programs, financial assistance, wellness initiatives, college and career readiness, out-of-school-time care, and more. For 170 years, the Y has worked to build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for individuals, families, and communities — and that mission is going strong.*

GET INVOLVED WITH THE Y

NEWS NOTES

Weather

36º | Mostly cloudy | 4% chance of rain

Arts

Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate and LexArts are teaming up to create a memorial honoring the 100+ enslaved people who worked on the plantation. The groups have put out a nationwide request for artists interested in the project. The selected artist will have a $250,000 budget. (WKYT)

Sports

UK Athletics announced that the price for season ticket packages for the 2023 football season will not change. Season ticket holders that renew by Friday, Feb. 17 will save ~$10-$50 per seat. See the pricing chart. New season ticket sales will open up after that date. 🏈 (UK Athletics)

Regional

Do you want to be in a movie? Actor and director Ethan Hawke has been in the Bardstown area filming a movie about writer Flannery O’Connor called “Wildcat.” The casting agency has various opportunities for extras. (LEX18)

Award

Congratulations to the Lexington Herald-Leader for being named the top newspaper in its division as well as receiving first place in General Excellence by the Kentucky Press Association. In addition, staff at our local paper were honored with 32 individual awards. 📰 (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Seasonal

Instead of roses or chocolate, opt for an experiential Valentine’s Day gift this year, like an intimacy card deck or chocolate truffle making kit from Uncommon Goods. Wanna plan the ultimate date night? Order this fondue set for two or enjoy this virtual romantic painting class. 💝 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

HOLIDAY

Relax, give back, and get creative

A salt cave with lights, cushions, and chairs

Cozy up and relax for a spell in the Lexington Salt Cave. | Photo by LEXtoday

Last week we shared with you six Valentine’s + Galentine’s Day events. But guess what? New fun things to do keep popping up. We don’t want you to get FOMO, so here are three more:

❤️ Private Salt Cave for Two | Dates vary | Times vary | Lexington Salt Cave, 309 N. Ashland Ave., Ste 180-B | $95 | You and your plus one will enjoy the salt cave to yourselves to help you relax, rejuvenate, and restore all while improving your respiratory health.

❤️ Paws 4 The Cause Valentine’s Day Dance | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 6-10 p.m. | The Round Barn Stable of Memories, 1200 Red Mile Rd. | $60 | If you love your fur babies, show some support to this local nonprofit with an evening full of dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and of course, the Smooch-a-Pooch booth.

❤️ Paint & Sip | Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 7-10 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave. | $65-$125 | Come solo to meet that special someone or bring your sweetie for the ultimate date night including a guided painting class, charcuterie, a wine and chocolate tasting, and more.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Molly.

Editor’s pick: Um, in case you missed it, Lil Wayne is coming to Rupp Arena this spring on Sunday, April 30. College Molly is internally freaking out, but present-day me isn’t sure I can hang anymore. Regardless, my alarm is set for this Friday, Feb. 3 when tickets go on sale to the public (and maybe another for the pre-sale on Thursday).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See our Six & Main Valentine’s Day gift guide, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Molly Thompson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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