08.14.2023

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Today’s Forecast

38° | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:54 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

I get by with a little help from my friends

30+ volunteer opportunities in Lexington

No matter what your interest or skillset, there’s a way you can help improve the Bluegrass. | Photo by LEXtoday

With National Nonprofit Day coming up this Thursday, Aug. 17, we wanted to lend a hand as you plan ahead to give back in the community.

Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 34 ways to get involved in the Bluegrass.

Natural-born teachers and mentors

Girls on the Run Central Kentucky | Help young girls build confidence + learn decision-making skills by coaching a team at this after school running program. Or volunteer for its biannual 5K by handing out medals or working a cheer station.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass | For just a few hours each month, you can give a child the gift of friendship. As a mentor, you can play a board game, go out to lunch, or take your little to a park they’ve never been to before.

Supporters of veterans

V.R.U.C.K | Your support with social media content creation, mail blasts, and creating fliers can help bring awareness to events hosted by the Veterans Resources United of Central/Southeastern Kentucky.

If you love animals

Lexington Humane Society | Help make a difference in an animal’s life by lending a hand with exercise, socialization, and grooming. Volunteers can also support with special events, outreach programs, and various office duties.

a photo of a garden — Citizens working together to bring a garden to life. | Photo by Seedleaf

Friends of the environment

Seedleaf | If you’ve got a green thumb, this is the spot for you. All are welcome to volunteer at several different community gardens around town.

Help fight hunger

FoodChain | From community outreach to preparing after-school snacks for Lexington’s kiddos, this nonprofit relies on its volunteers to connect citizens to fresh local foods.

Glean Kentucky | This organization serves as the link between food waste + food insecurity. Volunteers gather produce from grocery stores and farms and immediately make deliveries to food pantries around town.

27 more ways to give back

Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty

Events

Monday, Aug. 14

Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour | Monday, Aug. 14 | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | $13 | Soak in the finger-pickin’ + foot-tappin’ bluegrass sounds of Kristy Cox & the Grasstime with guest Hannah Bethel.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

Lauren McDuffie Book Signing | Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 7 p.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | Free | Join the author of “Southern Lights: Easier, Lighter, and Better-for-You Recipes from the South” for a book discussion and signing.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

White Claw Wednesday | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 6:45 p.m. | Counter Clocks Field, 207 Legends Ln., Lexington | $14-$65 | Enjoy $5 White Claws while watching the Counter Clocks take on the High Point Rockers.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Kickstart the Dream | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 6-10 p.m. | Clerestory at Greyline, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | $100-$1000 | Support + learn about local nonprofit Box 2 Box at this fundraising dinner featuring a live auction, drinks, and entertainment.

Friday, Aug. 18

Art on the Town | Friday, Aug. 18 | 5-9 p.m. | Tandy Park, 251 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | While you soak in some live music, browse works of art including painting, jewelry, and gifts.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The Urban County planning commission voted to rezone ~8 acres for a proposed multi-use development at 4075 Old Richmond Rd. If city council gives its approval, the land will change from agricultural rural to community center. The proposed development includes a Wawa, Anderson Communities apartments, and a restaurant. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Biz

The PGA TOUR Barbasol Championship has been a summer staple in the Lexington area since 2018. However, the naming rights deal with Barbasol expired after this year’s event, and the release of the 2024 schedule currently has TBA for the name + location. We’ll keep you updated on this ongoing story. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Transit

Do you drive a car or ride a bike around town? Then the Lexngton Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (LAMPO) would like your input to improve the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Take this survey to help guide improvements as it maps out the future of our roads.

Plan Ahead

Wait until you see the a-maize-ing design of this year’s corn maze in Bourbon County. Middle Springs Farm in Paris will open for season on Saturday, Sept. 9 offering fun for the whole family. Think: Pumpkin patch, flower fields, and a play area for kids. (LEX18)

State

Thanks to an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources, the state will receive an infusion of support in protecting our land and water. This means we will see help in protecting wildlife habitats, water + air quality, and preparing for natural disasters. (WEKU)

Shop

Last chance: MANSCAPED’s annual Summer Sale ends in just two days. Now’s your chance to take advantage of 20% off + free shipping site-wide to save big on their best-selling electric trimmers, premium grooming kits, and UltraPremium formulations. Activate your discount.*

Outdoors

Share your love of the outdoors

Help plan the sixth annual Nature Hop by submitting your educational events

Two people walking through a floral and tree-lined path.

Take a hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. | Photo courtesy of Lexington Parks & Recreation

Only you can help prevent...a boring time in the outdoors. The sixth annual Nature Hop returns Sunday, Sept. 17, and you get to help with the planning.

The City’s Division of Environmental Services is seeking community partners to help host educational + fun events that celebrate the outdoors. Nature Hop aims to:

Shine a light on nature in our urban environment
Encourage people to get outside + find new ways to enjoy Fayette County’s green spaces
Bring awareness to the natural areas in Lexington that can serve for passive recreation such as outdoor observation, walking + hiking.

Events will have staggered start times — 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. + 3:30 p.m. — so participants can hop around to multiple activities.

So, do you have a family-friendly and fun idea? Then submit your event by next Monday, Aug. 21.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

If you still haven’t stopped by The Golden Apple Fruit Market, consider this your sign. Located at the corner of S. Ashland Avenue + Main Street, this produce stand is stocked with regional goodies and is one of my favorite places to buy flowers for our front porch. See for yourself.

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