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❤️ Rooted in love

Rooted in Connection: The Tree of Love

Dr. Juliana Hauser standing in front of The Tree of Love. | Photo by LEXtoday

Hey, y’all — City Editor Molly here.

I don’t know about you, but things have felt a bit heavy in the world lately. So when Reader Victoria C. wrote in to tell us about “The Tree of Love” on Cochran Road, I knew it was the bright light and story we needed to share.

We have Dr. Juliana Hauser to thank for the creation of this public piece of hope. Dr. Hauser has many titles — mother, educator, founder — but her credentials as a licensed marriage and family therapist + professional counselor have helped her (and her clients) work on finding the good.

“That’s the beauty of being a therapist — I get to see people, and obviously, we do a lot of work in the hard places, but we also put a lot of effort towards the good,” she said.

A few colorful notes pinned to the Tree of Love in Lexington, KY. — Take a note, leave a note, whatever you need in the moment. | Photos by LEXtoday

And that’s exactly what she’s done by starting Lexington’s first Tree of Love (the OG Tree of Love was started during the COVID-19 lockdown in L.A. by Dr. Hauser’s friend and fellow coach, Meryl Russo).

“I want this to be a place where people can feel loved and can be reminded of that,” said Dr. Hauser. The tree, which sits directly in front of her house, is adorned with colorful strings, beads, ribbons, hand-written notes, and painted rocks. She and her women’s group did the initial decorating but have seen new additions from community members.

“It’s been really fun. I love it when I see someone stopping and reading the notes. That makes me really happy,” she said.

How to participate

Find the Tree of Love at 435 Cochran Rd.
Walk around to see the love shared by others
Take a note of hope
Leave your own message for someone else
Take a painted rock
Post your picture and tag @drjulianahauser

Events

Wednesday, Apr. 12

Friends Book Sale | Wednesday, Apr. 12-Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | $5-$10 | Stop by to find your next favorite read or an old classic.
Beginner Dance Classes | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 7-8 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | Free | Dance away any midweek blues with free Salsa + Bachata classes with instructors from The Salsa Center.

Thursday, Apr. 13

Active Aggressor Response Training | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 5-6 p.m. | Gatton Student Center, 160 Avenue of Champions, Lexington | Free | The UK Police Department will provide guidance on how to remain safe during an active aggressor threat by teaching various techniques.
What the Heck Am I Doing with my Life? | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 6:30-8 p.m. | White Willow Massage Therapy & Emporium, 400 Old Vine St., Ste. 100, Lexington | $159 | This two-part series led by BodyMind Coach and LMT Mary Pat Curran will help you take purposeful steps to claim what you want in life today.

Friday, April 14

UK vs. Texas A&M | Friday, Apr. 14 | 12 p.m. | Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center, 454 Complex Dr., Lexington | Free | Watch the UK women’s tennis team as they host conference rival Texas A&M.

Saturday, April 15

Spring Trunk Show in Glendover | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Glendover Elementary, 710 Glendover Rd., Lexington | Free | Come out to support the local creative community by shopping from artists + creative makers at the first trunk show of the year.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Community

Spring has sprung, but Fayette County Public Schools has announced some key dates to get ready for summer. High school graduations will once again take place at Rupp Arena and are scheduled for Tuesday, May 30 + Wednesday, May 31. (LEX18)
Applications are being accepted now through Wednesday, May 31 for the 2023 Backyard Conservation Cost Share program. Fayette County homeowners who apply could be eligible for a reimbursement up to $200 on various conservation projects like installing a rain barrel or planting a pollinator garden.

Edu

The Fayette Education Foundation has announced the return of its annual Bright Ideas Grants program, which awards investments of up to $2,000 to promote creativity + innovation in the classroom. Read about the $50,000 that was invested across 26 projects through last year’s program.
Starting in August, EKU will begin offering a three-and-a-half-year online degree in elementary education. School officials said it will be open to students outside of Kentucky to provide a convenient option for those who might work another job. They hope to enroll at least 25 students for the fall semester. (WKYT)

Concert

“Come to my window,” is what your computer will be saying this Friday, April 14 at 10 a.m. when tickets go on sale for Melissa Etheridge’s concert in Lexington this summer. The Grammy Award-winning singer will be coming to the Lexington Opera House on Tuesday, July 18. (LEX18)

Drink

Featuring a wheat malt flavor with notes of citrus, West Sixth Brewing announced the release of its newest seasonal sipper, Sun Shade Wheat. This light beer is 5% ABV, pairs well with patio season + a Keeneland tailgate, and is available in six-packs of cans from April to July.

Eat

French, Mediterranean, or Korean (...or Polish, Moroccan, or Cajun)? Kroger has thousands of recipes from 46 different cuisines across the world — each sortable by ingredients, meal, time duration, and more. Read: Boring weekday meals are a thing of the past.*

Travel

Planning a spring or summer getaway? Enter: Greenville, SC, an affordable and fun destination. From self-guided tours to museums, check out 18 Free Things To Do In Greenville.*

Shop

We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: this customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze dried snacks for cats.

Arts

Leave your mark on the city

Lexington Public Arts Commission Collaborative Program

A large mural featuring two bulls nudging heads with flowers and birds around them

Our cows need the spotlight too. | Photo courtesy of PRHBTN

The city of Lexington is looking to add a little more color and creativity to town — and you’re invited to help design it. Mayor Linda Gorton announced the creation of a new Collaborative Program, a goal of its Public Art Master Plan unveiled last year.

The program will be led by Lexington’s Public Arts Commission which promotes, encourages, and invests in free-to-experience art in public spaces.

“Art is a very important part of our culture in Lexington. Public artwork entertains, inspires, educates, and often influences us to ignite change in our community,” said Mayor Gorton.

Applications are encouraged from local artists, neighborhood associations, city departments, businesses, non-profits, and community groups + will be accepted throughout the year. Learn more about the specific timelines and FAQs, here.

The art will be created on city property + funding will be completed through the city’s Percent for Art Fund.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

I just wanted to say thank you again to Victoria C. for taking the time to tell us about the Tree of Love + to Dr. Hauser for adding this bright spot on your street for the whole community to enjoy — we are so lucky. The Tree of Love is just exactly what we need more of these days, a space to share words of love and kindness. Namaste, y’all.

Also, if you want to start your own Tree of Love, reach out to Dr. Hauser via email.

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