Think you’ve got what it takes to turn this newsletter into a poem? | Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels
Calling all readers: In honor of National Poetry Month, you’re officially invited to enter LEXtoday’s first poetry contest.
This contest is open to all, and the rules couldn’t be more simple: Turn today’s newsletter into a poem.
We’ll clarify. Using only the words that appear in this newsletter, craft an original poem of up to 75 words. Unlike an erasure poem, the words do not have to appear in the order they’re found — mix and match how you please. Any English word appearing anywhere in today’s newsletter is fair game, including the ones you’re reading right now (we’ll throw some fun ones at you: Pink. Gusto. Enchilada.). If a word appears once, you can only use it once.
The rules:
Submit your poem here by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.
Include a title + author’s name in your submission. Titles are an exception to the rule, and do not need to pull words from the newsletter.
Poems, excluding title and author’s name, must be 75 words or less.
The fun stuff:
While we’ve placed a pretty big limitation on your poem’s words, the form + direction is up to you — and we can’t wait to see what you all come up with.
The Editorial team behind LEXtoday will narrow submissions down to a group of finalists based on style, originality, artistic quality, and creativity. Finalists will be announced in our Friday, April 21 newsletter and we’ll ask our readers to vote for their favorite poem. The winner’s poem will be featured in our Wednesday, April 26 newsletter.
Pro tip: To make the process easier on yourself, we recommend printing out today’s issue, highlighting the words you find most interesting, and crossing them out as you include them in your poem.
Don’t forget to keep track of your articles (words like “the” or “and”).
National Public Health Week 2023 | Wednesday, April 5-Friday, April 7 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | UK College of Public Health, 111 Washington Ave., Lexington | Free | Celebrate National Public Health Week with a series of fun and informative events, service activities, and more that promote a pathway for a healthier life.
Late Nights at Red Mile | Wednesday, April 5-Monday, Oct. 2 | 11 p.m. | Red Mile Gaming & Racing, 1101 Winbak Way, Lexington | Free | Don’t miss Late Night Breakfast with $5 food, late night drawings, live music + more.*
Thursday, April 6
Bert Kreischer “The Machine” | Thursday, April 6 | 7 p.m. | Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $72-$291 | This comedian, who is known for various Netflix specials and co-hosting popular podcasts, hits the stage to joke about everything from being a husband to fatherhood and all the fun in between.
Friday, April 7
Love Your Selfie | Friday, Apr. 7 | 4:30-9:30 p.m. | The Illusion Selfie Studio + VRcade, 161 Lexington Green Cir. Ste. 115, Lexington | $20-$25 | Feel empowered with other women while enjoying a scavenger hunt, food truck eats, a live DJ + more.
Fantastic Negrito | Friday, April 7 | 8 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St., Lexington | $32-$52 | The Grammy award-winning artist takes the stage in support of his album + short film “White Jesus Black Problems,” which will be followed by a Q+A.
Saturday, April 8
Lowe’s SpringFest Egg-Venture | Saturday, April 8 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lowe’s Home Improvement, 200 Old Todds Rd., Lexington | Free | Snag some candy, pose for an Easter-themed photo, and enter for a chance to win prizes.
Spring Pictures with Baby Animals | Saturday, April 8 | 3-5 p.m. | Twin Pines Christian Church, 1139 Tanbark Rd., Lexington | $10 | Get into the spring spirit by taking photos with baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, goats + ducks.
Saturday, April 15
Bluegrass Creative Market- Spring Edition | Saturday, April 15-Sunday, April 16 | 12-5 p.m. | The Summit at Fritz Farm Barn, 120 The Summit at Fritz Farm, Lexington | Free*
Jimmy, who has has been a licensed realtor since 2010, brings energy and enthusiasm to every home search. | Photo by Tracy Beall via Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty
Fact: Purchasing your first home can feel overwhelming. No matter where you are in the process, here are three quick tips from local realtor Jimmy Turek at Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty:
Know what you’re looking for — write down a list of must-have features, and be honest about what you can (and can’t) afford.
Start saving early: Research mortgage loan options as far in advance as possible
Work with a real estate professional that you’ve interviewed and trust.
Georgie’s Social House is a week away from opening at 161 N. Limestone on Wednesday, April 12. Turn the corner of the “Mother of Us All” mural, and you’ll be able to enjoy house-crafted cocktails inspired by iconic Georges across history, like their espresso martini called The Force, named after George Lucas.
After years of operating as a pop-up and delivery shop, Dalhaus Fudge will open at 219 Woodland Ave. on Monday, April 11. This will be the first brick-and-mortar store for co-owners Adam and Brittany Dahl, where they will serve 36 different flavors like peanut butter and creamsicle, as well as vegan options. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Holiday
Passover (or Pesach) begins at sundown today, starting with Passover Seder.The feast usually includes matzah, brisket or chicken, and potato kugel. Shop kosher at Zuckerman’s deli.
Cause
This Lexington Humane Society’s Tails + Ales event was a huge hit this year. The annual, beer-tasting fundraiser managed to raise over $100,000 for our local humane society while highlighting some of their adoptable furry friends.
Number
500. That’s how many tons of material were disposed of following severe storms in early March. Using the leftover debris, the material collected at the Old Frankfort Pike was put through a wood chipper, which is the first step in turning it into mulch.
Plan Ahead
Grab your binoculars, because The Bluegrass Birding Festival is returning on Sunday, April 29. Whether you’re experienced or a newbie, join fellow birders at McConnell Springs to learn about the art of bird-watching and see how many of Kentucky’s 350 bird species you can find.
Applications for this year’s Teachers’ Environmental Academy are now open to Fayette County teachers. The workshops take place from June 12-16 for elementary school teachers and July 10-14 for middle + high school teachers, where they will receive training for various environmental initiatives. Apply here until Monday, May 15. (City of Lexington)
Sports
Sandy Ridge at Red Mile is happening through Thursday, April 6 and features some of the fastest horses in the nation, racing a straight-away sprint to the finish line. Post time is 2pm each day and the races on Saturday and Sunday feature $100 wagering voucher give-aways after every race.*
Featured Deal
Feeling lucky? Lexingtonians have a chance to win an all-inclusive box for six guests to the Kentucky Derby or Oaks races. Maryhurst is holding an exclusive raffle now through Thursday, April 6. Snag the deal.*
Travel
Trying to talk someone into an April vacation? Just show them these hotel deals on Expedia. We love:The Islander Resort that’s on a private beach in the Florida Keys.
Shop
Don’t miss this chance to upgrade your home furnishings with high quality, American-made furniture and decor. Dogwood Home Furnishings — the store is throwing a huge Retirement Sale, with unbeatable discounts on their entire collection.*
Cause
🌈 Express yourself
Campus Pride Week
UK Pride Week runs from April 6-14 with events across campus. | Photo by LEXtoday
Starting tomorrow, April 6, UK will host Pride Week with a variety of events across campus.
While students can access the services provided by the Office of LGBTQ+ Resources all year long, this week will provide pointed programming focused on educating, supporting, and socializing the community.
Here are all the events to expect throughout the week:
Thursday, April 6
GAYLA Drag Show | 7-9 p.m. | Cat’s Den
Monday, April 10
Queer a La Mode Social | 3-5 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Starbucks
Tuesday, April 11
What’s the T? Conversation with a Drag Professor | 3:30-4:30 p.m | Dinkle-Mas Suite
Wednesday, April 12
Lavender Graduation | 5-7 p.m. | Singletary Center for the Arts
Friday, April 14
Campus Wide Safe Zone | 12-1:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King Center
What’s the T? Queering Glee | 3-4 p.m. | Dinkle-Mas Suite
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