Find serenity in nature in the heart of UK’s campus. | Photo by LEXtoday
UK’s seventh annual Tree Week kicks off tomorrow + runs through Sunday, Oct. 20, bringing a 10-day celebration of trees and green spaces.
Community events are taking place throughout the week, giving Lexingtonians the opportunity to take part in hands-on educational experiences. Think: Guided hikes, art exhibits, discussions, and tree plantings.
Need to know
The volunteer-led and LFUCG-sponsored Tree Week Planning Team manages the event series, but it isn’t the organizer of every event. “This is a community-created week,” said Mary Arthur, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forestry at UK. “We create the umbrella for everyone to host events + help get the word out.”
The Tree Week Kick-Off event will feature tree planting, live music, and nature organizations. | Photo courtesy of Tree Week Planning Team
Tree Week Kick Off, Mary Todd Park | The community is invited for a fun-filled evening including a tree-planting, a food truck, kids activities, live music, and booths from local environmental groups on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Poetry under the Trees, McConnell Springs | On Sunday, Oct. 13, soak in the spoken word of fellow Lexingintonians under the native tree canopy. For those who wish to share, an open mic will start at 6 p.m.
Tour of Lexington Cemetery | Learn more about the towering collection of conifers during a guided tour with botanist Rob Paratley on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.
Art by Nature, Living Arts & Science Center | See the selected works of this year’s exhibit at the gallery opening on Friday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. The theme for this edition is Monarch Waystations.
Events
Friday, Oct. 6
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Woodford Theatre, 275 Beasley Rd., Versailles | $18-$25 | This stage adaptation of the spooky Washington Irving classic is a family-friendly experience that includes suspense and comedy.
Shaker Village Music on the Lawn | Friday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 28 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | Free | Venture out to historic Harrodsburg for an evening of live music, outdoor dining, and drinks around the fire pit at Shaker Village.
Saturday, Oct. 7
Sound Therapy Social | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Sol Fitness, 2173 Christian Rd. Ste. 110, Lexington | Free | Experience relaxation, stress reduction, and improved well-being through the therapeutic influence of sound.
Sunday, Oct. 8
Community Yoga on the Lawn at Ashland | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd., Lexington | Free | Slow down + breath deeply at this all-levels practice on the lawn under the trees.
Hocus Pocus Charcuterie Class | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, 5199 Combs Ferry Rd., Winchester | $57 | Grab your witches and learn how to assemble a charcuterie board inspired by this Halloween classic.
UK has a new research center dedicated to researching the impact of tobacco regulation in Appalachia. The Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team (AppalTRuST) is funded by a multimillion-dollar grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse + will report its findings to US Food and Drug Administration.
Cause
Lighthouse Ministries, a local nonprofit that provides people in need with food, clothing, and a place to shower, is seeking volunteers. The org sees 60+ people each week in its Clean Start program and more volunteers are needed so that it can continue to support Lextingtonians. Learn how to help. (LEX18)
Award
Coach John Calipari will receive the John R. Wooden Award Legends of Coaching in April 2024. Calipari was selected based on his success as a coach, his character, and the graduation rate of student-athletes from the UK men’s basketball program.
Kids
Calling all K-12 students, parents, and teachers. Join the Kentucky Geological Survey for its annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m to celebrate Earth Science Week. The free event will include an outdoor demonstration of a volcanic explosion + meteorite and fossil displays.
Listen
Grab your headphones and hear Transylvania University president Brien Lewis’s interview on The Plexuss Presidential Podcast Series. In the interview, Lewis speaks to his professional background and what led to his career in higher ed, as well as the benefits to attending a college or university.
Announced
Voting is now open for Field & Main Bank’s Community & Cause Initiative, which will award $20,000 to one local nonprofit for outstanding impact on the community. 100+ nonprofits have entered. Cast your vote online.*
Active
Fall means perfect biking weather — and studies have shown that e-bike riders typically ride more often (and for longer distances) than traditional bike riders. This brand carries new and certified pre-owned e-bikes at up to 60% off retail; delivering them 99% assembled to your doorstep. Use code RUN for $100 off.*
Community
Your LEXtoday Editors here. We care about Lexington. We also care about the people in it. That’s why every day, we bring you positive, impactful news stories about our city — skipping the political talk, crime coverage, and biased reporting. Support our approach to local news by joining our LEXtoday membership club.
Community
“Driving of the Spike” tour kickoff
“Driving of the Spike” Monument tour kicks off in Lexington
The Golden Spike Monument was commissioned by the Golden Spike Foundation. | Photo by LEXtoday
If you saw a 43-ft-tall golden spike make it’s way through Lexington yesterday, it wasn’t your imagination. The Golden Spike was in town for the kickoff celebration of the “Driving of the Spike” Monument tour at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate.
About the monument
The Golden Spike — a larger version of the spikes used to “mark the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869" — was created by Kentucky artist Douwe Blumberg over the course of 28 months. The piece is intended to honor the tens of thousands of workers who built the transcontinental railroad.
About the tour
The tour aims to spread awareness about the hard work of the transcontinental railroad workers + will take place throughout the month of October. Stops include St. Louis, MO; Golden, CO; and Cheyenne, WY; the tour will end in Salt Lake City, UT on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
The Buy
The Buy 10.6.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
This heated, cushioned folding chair with three heat settings. Because camping, lounging, and cheering from the sidelines doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
One of the Tree Week events that I have my eye on is the virtual session about how to create pollinator gardens on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. I love learning about ways to support our bees, beetles, and butterflies.
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