07.06.2023

Today’s Forecast

85º | Scattered thunderstorms | 62% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:20 a.m. | Sunset 9:04 p.m.

🛹 Start shredding the news

Shredding for a good cause

A man wearing rollerblades skates in a park.

Doug has been skating around Lexington for over three decades. | Photo courtesy of @dougskates859

Did you know that skate culture has been alive and thriving in Lexington for decades? Now, Doug Williams, local inline skater and President of Friends for Skateparks, is bringing our community to the national spotlight.

Doug is currently in the running for Tony Hawk’s Skate Park Hero, where he could win $10,000 and have a chance to skate with the king shredder himself. Show your support before voting for semi-finalists ends today at 10 p.m.

We caught up with Doug to learn more about him, his skating experience, and his life in Lexington.

How did your skating journey begin?

“I started quad skating when I was three, then started skateboarding around five years old. Then, I tried inline skates and was immediately hooked. I’ve been doing it consistently for 33 years now.”

A man rollerblades on a handrail. — Inline skating is Doug’s choice of wheels. | Photo courtesy of @casemahan

What’s your favorite place to skate in Lexington?

“Obviously, Woodland Park. I’ve been skating there even before there was a skate park.”

How has Lexington’s skate culture impacted your life?

“It’s greatly affected my life, and in many ways it saved me. That’s why when I was given the opportunity to become president of Friends for Skateparks, I jumped right at it. Giving back is very important for a person like me who really loves the culture.

I also run a skate brand Avenue with some great people and we bring out awesome products. A good portion of our proceeds go to different nonprofits that we decide upon with each release.”

If you’re ready to hit the wheels or watch the pros show off some gnarly moves, visit one of Lexington’s four skateparks.

Events

Thursday, July 6

Appalachian Shakespeare Center’s Julius Caesar | Thursday, July 6-Saturday, July 22 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Woodland Park, 601 E. High St., Lexington | $15-$20 | Bring a blanket to enjoy Shakespeare in the park along with food and drink vendors.

Friday, July 7

First Friday Free Family Fun Runs | Friday, July 7 | 6-7 p.m. | C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA, 3251 Beaumont Centre Cir., Lexington | Free | The community is invited to walk or run at their own pace, plus stick around afterward for refreshments + camaraderie.
Aaron Boyd Album Release (Indoor Show) | Friday, July 7 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $12 | Come support the release of this local artist’s sophomore album, “Coming Undone.”

Saturday, July 8

Seussical Lexington Children’s Theatre Preview | Saturday, July 8 | 11 a.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | Free | Oh, the places you’ll go when you get a sneak peek of the Lexington Children’s Theatre’s production of “Seussical: The Musical.”
Adult Beginner Hema Class | Saturday, July 8 | 12-2 p.m. | Historical European Martial Arts, 951 Floyd Dr., Lexington | $40 | Take a stab at sword fighting with this introductory class and learn the art of the blade.
Melanin Art Series | Saturday, July 8 | 6:30 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | $40-$200 | Art imitates life as artists transform your professional self-portrait into a one-of-a-kind painting.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

Chef Ouita Michel is opening Holly Hill Cooking Studio at 167 S. Main St. in Versailles. The space will offer opportunities for visitors to learn about Kentucky cuisine and food culture. Stop by the open house this Saturday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for snacks, drinks, and shopping.

Ranked

WalletHub has ranked Lexington as the No. 2 best-run city in the US. The finance website curated its list by measuring the impact of local leadership, city operations, funding management, and quality of life. (WalletHub)

Eat

Anetra Polk, the face behind Woke Junk Food Vegan, is in the running to be Food Network star Carla Hall’s Favorite Chef. If she wins, Anetra will receive $25,000 and a two-page spread in Taste of Home Magazine. Voting for the Top 10 ends tonight at 10 p.m.

Arts

Arts Connect unveiled honorees for this year’s Lexington Arts Awards. On Thursday, July 27, join the community at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center to celebrate artistic contributions from the likes of Steve Armstrong, Silas House, Heather Lyons, and the Lexington Theatre Company.

Drink

Happy birthday to Coffee Times Coffee House, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this Saturday, July 8. All day, you can expect sales on bulk coffee + tea, giveaways, live music, and the chance to try their exclusive 40 Blend coffee of the month.

Giveaway

No strings attached — POP’s Resale is giving away one Epiphone Les Paul Special Electric Guitar autographed by GRAMMY award winner Lucinda Williams. Head to 1423 Leestown Rd. before the contest ends Friday, July 28 for your chance to win.

Finance

Talking about money can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Gratz Park Private Wealth’s Women’s Worth Alliance group is hosting an event this evening from 5-7 p.m. where attendees will be able to connect + hear personal money stories. Interested? RSVP by email: kaylee@gratzparkpw.com or call (859) 259-0909.*

Shop

If you’re looking to buy a new pair of sunglasses this summer, you’re in luck. Our online store (Six & Main) has you covered with a variety of polarized, floating sunglasses… that’s right they float in the water. Find your perfect pair now.

Edu

🏫 The proposed future of FCPS

Understanding Fayette County School’s District Facility Plan

LEX Fayette County Public Schools District Office

FCPS is focusing on supporting the wellness of students and staff with this tentative budget. | Photo provided by FCPS

On June 26, the Fayette County School Board released a recommended timeline for proposed improvements to some of our local public schools. Let’s break them down, shall we?

Phase 1 (Fall 2023)

$41 million for a new elementary school in Masterson Station
$57 million for a new Rise STEM Academy for Girls
$146 million for a new Henry Clay High School

Phase 2 (Fall 2024)

$11 million for Liberty Road bus garage renovations
$41 million for new Polo Club elementary school
$108 million for Paul Laurence Dunbar High School renovations

Phase 3 (Fall 2025)

$39 million for Southern Middle School renovations
$41 million for Winburn Middle School renovations
$45 million for Beaumont Middle School renovations

There is also an additional $15 million planned for maintenance projects across various schools.

Share your thoughts at the next public hearing on Tuesday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Ambrose Building at 128 Walton Ave.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

Drink Up is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter before this Friday so you can get the see the full list of exclusive drink releases in collaboration with your favorite local businesses.

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