06.15.2023

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Today’s Forecast

85º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:39 a.m. | Sunset 8:48 p.m.

Preserving historic communities

Remembering Fayette County’s historical hamlets

A commemorative Juneteenth flag flying in downtown Lexington.

The program will officially launch on Juneteenth, Monday, June 19. | Photo by Amy Wallot

On Monday, June 19 — also known as Juneteenth — the A Sense of Place campaign will officially launch, helping to shine a light on + gather information about Lexington’s historic Black hamlets.

The event will take place at Cadentown Missionary Baptist Church, 2950 Cadentown Rd., beginning at 11 a.m. Here, the community is invited to come learn about this special place firsthand from area residents and historians. And if you or someone you know grew up in the area, you can offer oral histories and bring heirlooms that can be used for the project.

One guest speaker will be Dr. Alvin Seals, a former resident of the area who attended Cadentown Rosenwald School in the 1940s. The schoolhouse is still standing today off Old Todds Road + is celebrating 100 years this year. In fact, it’s the only Rosenwald School still standing in Fayette County today.

“Come learn about the history, the people, the community, and this space that was saved by residents of the neighborhood,” campaign leader Tiffany Brown said. “See how much these places matter to people that grew up in the area.”

LEX_Historic Black Hamlets — A map of Lexington’s historical hamlets. | Map provided by GIS

So, what is a hamlet?

Hamlets are communities known as places of religious, educational, and civic life that provide resources for residents — think churches, schools, grocery stores, and lodge halls.

The steering committee behind A Sense of Place has identified more than 20 historic hamlets in Fayette County and already hosted input sessions in Jimtown and Cadentown.

More input sessions will take place at other hamlets throughout the coming months. Tiffany + fellow organizer Mandy Higgins emphasized the community aspect of this project and invite you to share information, stories, or even donations to support its restoration efforts, including Cadentown Rosenwald School.

You can receive more information by signing up for updates on the project.

Events

Thursday, June 15

West Sixth Beer Garden Pop Up | Thursday, June 15 | 4-8 p.m. | Woodland Park, 601 E. High St., Lexington | Free | Connect with your fellow community members at this family-friendly temporary neighborhood beer garden complete with music, lawn games + activities.
Five Below Band | Thursday, June 15 | 6 p.m. | Proud Mary BBQ, 9079 Old Richmond Rd., Lexington | Free | Eat some delicious BBQ with a helping of live Southern classic rock sounds with influences from The Allman Brothers, BB King + The Police.

Friday, June 16

Friday Flicks | Friday, June 16 | 7-10 p.m. | Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd., Lexington | Free | Grab your blankets, lawn chairs + food truck grub, and enjoy a showing of “The Bad Guys.”
It’s A Grand Night for Singing! | Friday, June 16-Sunday, June 18 | Times vary | Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 405 Rose St., Lexington | $20-$65 | See the UK Opera Theatre’s Emmy Award-winning singalong spectacular, featuring Broadway hits from yesterday and today.
Red Bar Happy Hour | Friday, June 16-Saturday, Sept. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Red Mile Gaming & Racing, 1101 Winbak Way, Lexington | Free | Check out Red Mile Racing & Gaming’s brand-new Red Bar, and snag a pint of their very own Red Bar IPA or Red Mile Lager for Happy Hour.*

Saturday, June 17

Kentucky River Clean Sweep | Saturday, June 17 | 8:30 a.m. | Clays Ferry Boat Dock, 9079 Old Richmond Rd. Highway, Lexington | Free | Bring a life jacket — and a boat if you have one — to help clean a 12-mile stretch of the Kentucky River, with breakfast and lunch provided.
Firefly Hike | Saturday, June 17 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $15-$25 | Take a hike along the beautiful grounds while learning both fact + fiction of nature’s fireworks.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Biz

How a Louisville native built an international sunglasses brand with an eye toward impact

Presented by a LEXtoday sponsor

A man sits on the top shelf of a warehouse shelf unit filled with boxes of sunglasses

Shady Rays supports like-minded organizations who create a meaningful change in their communities, including Roc Solid Foundation, First Descents, Feeding America, and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. | Photo by Shady Rays

In 2012, Chris Ratterman set out to solve the problem of lost and broken sunglasses. (Why pay hundreds of dollars for a pair of shades just to lose, break, or scratch them?) So from a spare room at his parents home in Louisville, Shady Rays was born.

Fast forward a decade, and the company has been named one of the fastest-growing lifestyle eyewear brands in the country. We recently caught up with him to chat about what he’s learned + what excites him about the brand.

What was your biggest goal when creating Shady Rays, and what sets the brand apart?

Shady Rays is all about providing a great pair of high-quality, polarized shades at a fraction of the cost of other big name retail brands. You shouldn’t have to worry about sunglasses falling off your face, or getting scratched while you’re out being active. That’s why we’re the only brand offering Lost & Broken Protection — it takes the worry out of wearing your favorite shades.

Every day, I wake up excited because we get to build a meaningful brand that does good in the world. Our team finds a lot of purpose in the fact that we donate meals through Feeding America.

In the early days of Shady Rays, who made the biggest impact?

Definitely my dad. He was retired when Shady Rays began, and I still had a full-time job. He set up shop in his and my mom’s formal living room. From a card table with a label printer, he packed and shipped almost every single order himself - driving each day’s orders to the post office in St. Matthews. I couldn’t have done it without him.

What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs?

Be patient — it takes 10 years to become an overnight success.*

Shop Shady Ray's

News Notes

Traffic

Be cautious while commuting through the Woodland area, as construction is taking place to upgrade the sewer line. Work will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m., causing Woodland Avenue to shift to one lane between Central Avenue and East High Street. The project is expected to be completed by Friday, July 14. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Number

$2 million. That’s how much money the Will Naylor Smith Foundation donated to the Town Branch Park project, which in turn will name the water play area after Will. The park will also feature a bronze statue of the young boy that will be created by artist Christine Turnbull. (WEKU)

Community

Leadership Lexington is accepting nominations for local heroes to be honored at its Lexington Unsung Heroes Ball on Saturday, Aug. 5. The event aims to honor community members who have dedicated their time to bettering the community through both public and civil service.

Biz

UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics + the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship invites all early-stage startups and Kentucky-based entrepreneurs to apply for its Fall 2023 Entrepreneurs Bootcamp 1.0: an online accelerator. Participants will receive hands-on experience to help create a business concept, plan, and model. (UKNOW)

Cause

The RMHC of the Bluegrass’ Summer 2023 Pappy Raffle is live (one winner will receive six bottles of Pappy Van Winkle). Feeling lucky? Purchase a ticket ($100 per entry) and contribute to a good cause. Read: Proceeds help families staying at the Ronald McDonald House while their children are treated in local hospitals.*

Featured Deal

Yappy Place is offering a fourth aquatic treadmill session for free when you book three paid appointments. Why do they recommend four visits in two weeks? It provides optimal exercise benefits for dogs who may be less active and need to strengthen their muscles. Snag the deal.*

Active

This year, the YMCA of Central KY is celebrating 170 years of strengthening the community. In this time, the Y has evolved to meet changing needs so everyone can thrive in spirit, mind, and body. To celebrate, they’re inviting the community to share their favorite things about the Y. What’s yours, Lexington?*

Civic

The LFUCG Council recently voted to expand Lexington’s Urban Service Boundary by 2,700-5,000 acres. However, this decision isn’t final — yet. Public comments will be accepted at today’s Council Work Session, which starts at 6 p.m.*

Travel

It’s time to plan that last summer hurrah for Labor Day weekend. May we suggest a coastal getaway to the Outer Banks? Or maybe your dream destination is a rustic treehouse in the Adirondack Mountains. Wanna splurge? This modern farmhouse in Napa Valley is sure to be unforgettable.*

Featured Home

This beautifully renovated 4 BD, 3 BA ranch-style home features an updated kitchen with shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances + granite countertops, primary suite, and a family room overlooking its spacious backyard ($319,000).*

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

I was sad to read that The Breeze at Greyline Station will be closing its doors at the end of the month. Head to the natural wine store + bar for one last hoorah — a Sparking & Spirit Showcase on Friday, June 24 starting at 2 p.m.

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