08.28.2023

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Today’s Forecast

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

🚉 Connecting the Bluegrass

We want to know, would you ride a commuter rail if Lexington had one?

The map Spencer created showing different phases + stops for the Commuter Rail. | Map courtesy of Spencer Stelzer-Weise

Raise your hand if you love sitting in traffic on Nicholasville Road? We are willing to bet no hands were raised.

Now, raise your hand if you would like to kick back + relax while riding a commuter rail from Lexington to Georgetown, Danville, or dare we dream to say, Cincinnati or Louisville? We bet there were quite a few hands raised this time.

Allow us to introduce you to Spencer Stelzer-Weise, a Lexingtonian who is hoping to make that concept a reality by sharing his research, maps, and proposed plans for a commuter rail system in Central Kentucky.

Spencer graduated from EKU with a degree in Geography, and he currently works as a Geospatial Technician creating 3D maps.

Spencer Stelzer-Weise sharing a presentation — Spencer presented his idea to a group of supportive community members + City Councilmember David Sevigny last month. | Photo courtesy of Spencer Stelzer-Weise

Mapping it out

Spencer created the Bluegrass Passenger Rail Facebook Group at the end of July — it is currently 1,300+ members strong and counting.

He noted that our city’s history of having an electronic trolley system in the 1930s proves still it’s a viable option today. “We have the population for it,” Spencer said in a phone interview.

His proposal would see commuter trains added to the freight lines already used by Norfolk Southern — connecting from the Toyota Plant in Georgetown to Danville. Proposed stops in Lexington would include:

The Horse Park
New Circle North
Near UK’s campus (aka The Train across Waller Ave.)
Fayette Mall

He shared this detailed proposal to a group of interested community members in July where he outlined short- and long-term goals, costs, and more.

He said that while density is a valid concern, he does think it could help bring life to other parts of the state. “I’m especially be excited to see what this could do for the smaller towns; I’d love to see more people reviving those areas.”

We should note that nothing formal has been shared with the city, but Councilmember David Sevigny was on hand at Spencer’s meeting to share thoughts on next steps.

Asked

Would you ride a commuter rail if we had one?

A. Yes
B. Maybe
C. No

All aboard

Events

Monday, Aug. 28

Monday Funday | Monday, Aug. 28 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | District 7 Social Hall, 1170 Manchester St., Ste. 160, Lexington | Free | Shake off the Monday blues with trivia, drink specials, and a delicious German meal.

Tuesday, Aug. 29

Tropicalia | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Dance among Lexington’s skyline while enjoying food + drinks on The Manchester’s rooftop.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

Here the Dogwood Sings: Watercolors by Pat Banks | Wednesday, Aug. 28-Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Eastside Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr., Lexington | Free | See the work inspired by the countryside surrounding this artist’s home along the Kentucky River.

Thursday, Aug. 31

Bac 2 Mac: Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $18 | Thunder only happens when you don’t get down to the Distillery District see this Fleetwood Mac tribute band.

Friday, Sept. 1

Battle in the Saddle | Friday, Sept. 1 | 6 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park, 4075 Iron Works Pkwy., Lexington | Free | See the quick skills + bravery of local horseback riders as they battle it out to be the fastest cattle penning group.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Real Estate

Why curb appeal matters for home sellers (and how to improve yours)

exterior shot of a home with a large yawn

708 Chinkapin Rd., a 7 BR, 7 BA home listed by Jimmy Turek. | Photo by Tracy Beall

Fact: Potential buyers often form opinions within seconds of seeing a home, which means that curb appeal can make or break a sale — especially in Lexington’s competitive real estate market.

A well-maintained exterior, manicured landscaping, and an inviting entryway create an emotional connection that draws potential buyers to a property.

Here are some simple ways to update your home:

Fresh paint
A tidy garden
Attractive front door

These investments can significantly increase buyer interest, leading to a quicker, more profitable sale.

Call Realtor Jimmy Turek for more tips

News Notes

Sports

In case you missed it, UK Athletics will begin selling alcohol — beer + seltzer products — at Kroger Field this season. Check out this handy map they created so you can sip and sample all that the stadium has to offer this season. (UK Athletics)

Coming Soon

Wildside Winery in Versailles announced it is expanding its operations + opening the Thoroughbred Theater and Wine Bar in Midway next month. The space will host live performances and interactive shows while offering its selection of 40 wines.

Film

Get your tickets to see “Henry Faulkner: Poetry in Paint,” coming to The Kentucky Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. The film screening will serve as a prelude to the upcoming exhibit at the Headley-Whitney Museum, which is available for viewing Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Nov. 12.

Edu

Transylvania University was honored with a 2023 Leading Colleges Award for Social Justice — one of 27 colleges and universities in North America to receive one. The awards were given to schools based on the institution’s “attention to social justice and their role as an agent of change.” (1780)

Plan Ahead

The 42nd annual Festival of the Horse is returning to downtown Georgetown Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 10. The family-friendly festival will bring three days of live music, local food + drinks, kids activities, and vendors celebrating horse heritage in Central Kentucky.

Cause

Through community support, projects, and initiatives, philanthropic endeavors have the power to promote well-being and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. So, how does one define a personal philanthropic brand? These factors might help you create your own.*

Shop

Shady Rays has launched Green Wolf, brand-new shades engineered to enhance your vision and majorly elevate your golf game. Try them on at Shady Ray’s flagship location at the Summit at Fritz Farm (113 Marion, Ste. 115).*

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

In case you weren’t there to witness in real life, Aayat and I were honored to be a part of the judging panel for the Home Chef Cook-Off this weekend at CRAVE. A huge thank you to Ashley from Black Soil KY for the opportunity to be a part of one of our favorite events.

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