Brighten someone’s day ☀️

7 random acts of kindness to brighten up Lexington’s community

It was a busy year for Lexington — let’s see what our readers thought. | Photo by @thedroneranger

Do you know the No. 1 way to find kindness in your community? Make it yourself.

From simple gestures to volunteering your time, here are seven random acts of kindness you can perform to make a neighbor’s day or brighten up your community.

Bring treats to work

Next time you’re on the way to work, grab your coworkers some coffee or pastries. Pro tip: Donuts from Donut Days Bakery and brews from McLeod’s Coffee House are a perfect pairing.

Pay for a student’s lunch

School lunches cost ~$3 a day, which for many students can be a burden. Call your local school district’s nutrition services and ask to pay a student’s backdue charges.

Show local businesses some love

It’s no secret that we love our local businesses. Next time you stop by your go-to spots, tip generously or write a positive review.

Plant native species

Add some green to your community by planting native species. Use the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder to start your search.

Help our furry friends

Consider fostering or adopting a furry friend in need of a home, or volunteer at a local shelter like Lexington Humane Society. You can also donate monetarily or drop off blankets, toys, food, and supplies.

Volunteer with local organizations

Check out our growing list of organizations with local volunteer opportunities.

Gift something just because

Whether it’s to recognize a teacher or just surprise someone special in your life, we suggest gifting a candle from Wixology or a card from Joy Paper Co. Or snag something from Peggy’s Gifts.

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Friday, Feb. 17

Action Figure & Comic Exhibition | Friday, Feb. 17-Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 East Third St., Lexington | Free | Bring the whole family to celebrate diversity in the world of action figure and comic exhibition.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Abettor Brewing Brunch | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Abettor Brewing Company Depot Street, 128 North Highland St., Winchester | Enjoy a delicious brunch from Bells on Wheels plus mimosa flights and a bloody mary bar.
Croissant Making Classes | Saturday, Feb. 18-Sunday, Feb. 19 | 4-6 p.m. | Laura Lou Pâtisserie Production Kitchen, 815 Euclid Ave., Lexington | $125 | Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while you learn the recipes and skills behind laminated doughs and croissants.

Sunday, Feb. 19

Britney Spears Themed Drag Brunch | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m. | Tin Roof Lexington, 303 S. Limestone, Lexington | $10-$60 | Party with your favorite pop princess and bottomless mimosas
Costaki Economopoulos in Lexington | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 7:30-9:10 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Company, 610 West Third St., Lexington | $20-$25 | You won’t want to miss local brews and live comedy with Costaki — who can be seen and heard on Showtime, the NFL Network, and the Bob & Tom Radio Show.

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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

38º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Trending

Thousands have flocked to a chapel in Wilmore for a spontaneous, week-long Christian “revival” on Asbury University’s campus. Popularized through social media, the town of ~3,600 saw 3,000 attendants participating on Tuesday night. 📲 (NBC News)

Closing

Hager Hams at Regency Centre will close on Tuesday, Feb. 28 after 35 years in Lexington. Owner Louis Hager said that he will seek potential buyers “for a short period,” but will ultimately close the business if none appear. 🍖 (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Maty’s Authentic Peruvian Cuisine will not reopen its doors after closing them three days ago, citing “high costs and low sales.” Maty’s will sell equipment and furniture at its Closing Restaurant Sale this weekend.

Community

The Dunbar Center celebrated 100 years in Lexington this past Wednesday. The former all-Black high school closed in 1967 following desegregation, before reopening as a community center to become “the heartbeat of the East End.” (LEX18)

Biz

Three companies in Lexington made it onto Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Large Employers” which ranks 500 companies based on recommendations from employees. The University of Kentucky came in at No. 6 overall — Toyota Boshoku, Baptist Health also made the cut. Check out our list of Lexington’s top employers. 💼 (Forbes)

Outdoors

The National Paddling Film Festival released its top 10 photos for the Best Paddling Image competition. From the dazzling to the death-defying, browse the nominees, grab tickets, and vote in-person at the festival in Frankfort tomorrow, Feb. 18. 🚣

Award

The Blue Grass Trust Preservation Awards recognize “individuals, projects, and organizations” that contribute to preserving the history of Central Kentucky. Nominate your favorite historian or local historical program by March 24.

Development

UK Athletics began construction on the Jim Green Indoor Track and Field Center. The center is on track to be completed by the end of the year, with renovations to the Nutter Field House set to last April-August. 👟

Job

Looking for a new job in 2023? Browse openings in retail, manufacturing, health and wellness, tech, and more — all at Kroger. *

Sports

Super Bowl weekend may be over, but NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off today, Feb. 17. See the lineup of events — like this evening’s All-Star Celebrity Game and Sunday’s 72nd NBA All-Star Game — and get your hands on the limited edition All-Star merch before it sells out. 🏀 *

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

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Meet the new city hall (eventually)

Lexington-Fayette Council initiates $250,000 city hall study

The facade of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Center.

With the help of CivicLex, the Public Input Subcommittee is making it easier for you to offer suggestions about upcoming decisions + proposals. | Photo by Amy Wallot | Amy Wallot/LFUCG/Amy Wallot

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is expected to approve the contract for another study to determine the space and organizational demands of a new government center.

The $250,000 study, conducted by Ernst & Young, will look for ways to update the city’s work environment by leveraging technology that has emerged since the pandemic, according to project management director Brandi Peacher. The project may also address navigation and accessibility issues in the current government center. This is the first study assessing the current site and its operations, and could be released as early as May.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Dayten.

Editor’s pick: I know I talk about being from Kansas City a lot, but consider this your little window to the heart of the Midwest — specifically your window to the Super Bowl parade, which was a fun as it was hard on traffic.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See our picks for Airbnbs around Lexington.

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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