The ReStore offers a convenient and socially conscious way to get rid of items you no longer need. | Photo courtesy of Lexington Habitat ReStore
‘Tis the season of giving. Today, Nov. 15 marks National Philanthropy Day, a reminder to support our local community every day.
Ready to get involved? Here’s a few nonprofits around town that could use your help.
Get hands on
Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning | Help inspire students to find a true love for learning. Become a classroom assistant to facilitate hands-on educational classes, or lend a hand at events to create memorable educational experiences for kids across Lexington.
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. You can also offer support by volunteering at or running in its upcoming 5K.
Lexington VA Health Care System | Improve the livelihood of local heroes in a variety of different ways. Explore the program’s recreational, clinical + operational opportunities to decide which is the best fit for you.
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.
Donate money
The Hope Center | The Hope Center’s volunteer team helps to rebuild lives on a daily basis — from serving 38,000+ hot meals a month to teaching career skills to its recovery clients.
The Nest Lexington | The Nest aims to transform the lives of those facing adversity through education, counseling, advocacy, and support.
Donate time
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.
Lexington Pride Center | Volunteers here help build community while working towards the goal of making Lexington a more inclusive city for all of its citizens.
Browse our site for variety of fundraising events + over 20 more volunteer opportunities.
Events
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Open Mic Night | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Void Sake Company, 949 National Ave. Ste. 190, Lexington | Free | Sip on specially-priced pours of sake + local beer, then brave the stage to share your voice and talents.
Thursday, Nov. 16
The Slaps | Thursday, Nov. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $18 | See this Lexington + Chicago-based indie rock trio support their new album “This is My First Day at Drawing” with an acoustic set.
Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More | Thursday, Nov. 16 | 8:45-10:45 p.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St., Lexington | $34-$44 | Bask in the warm glow of candlelight as you hear the Listeso String Quartet play through classic Vivaldi.
Friday, Nov. 17
Exhibition Opening Reception | Friday, Nov. 17 | 5 p.m. | 21c Museum Hotel, 167 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | See the opening of the museum’s newest exhibit “Labor & Materials” which features 73 pieces of work from 42 international artists.
Lexington Green Tree Lighting | Friday, Nov. 17 | 6 p.m. | Lexington Green, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | Free | Kick off the season by helping this shopping center light up its tree, then head to Joseph-Beth Booksellers for story time.
Saturday, Nov. 18
$20 Art Market: Holiday Edition | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | Free | Knock out some holiday shopping by exploring 20+ local artists, all selling work for just $20.
Look at this case full of goodies. | Photo via Instagram
It’s finally here. Sweet Iron, Lexington’s new waffle-inspired “sweetery,” has opened its doors inside District 7 Social Hall. They’re serving up a sweet menu of European and regional classics, including:
Chocolate-dipped waffle treats (topped with fruits + homemade whipped cream)
Scratch-made waffle ice cream sandwiches
Chicken and waffles
Waffle breakfasts
And more
Stop by and experience it during regular District 7 hours (Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.).
Salt & Vinegar’s operations in Blue Stallion Brewing will officially close on Saturday, Nov. 18. Worry not though — the German-style restaurant will continue operating its Ethereal Brewing Public House location on West Vine Street.
Civic
Lexington is bringing on Louisville-based Webster Environmental Associates Inc. to address air quality issues in the Leestown Road area. Residents have expressed concerns about unpleasant smells coming from the Town Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant. The $75,000 contract will allow Webster to identify the sources of the smells. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Plan Ahead
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Come celebrate the season at Lexington’s Holiday Lighting Festival on Sunday, Nov. 26. Beginning at 3 p.m., vendors and live music will take over Triangle Park, followed by a Hanukkah celebration, Christmas carols, and of course, Santa Claus himself.
Regional
After ~six years, the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond will reopen for public hunting following the destruction of chemical weapons on the property. Hunters can enter a lottery for the chance to hunt in the area, which can be accessed starting Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Kids
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s time to Wake Up Santa and kick off the holiday season. Bring the kids to the middle wing of the Fayette Mall today at 5:30 p.m. to take photos with Santa, meet other festive characters, and enjoy themed activities.
Health
Kenneth Campbell, a researcher part of UK’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine has solved a 60-year-old health mystery. His findings show that the building blocks of the heart muscle “can be controlled more precisely,” opening the door for new heart disease-related drug therapies —according to Campbell. (The Lane Report)
Try This
Speaking of getting festive, Shaker Village is hosting an Eco-Ornament workshop on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here, you’ll learn how to use simple ingredients to make beautifully scented, earth-friendly ornaments. Tickets are on sale.
Environment
Today isAmerica Recycles Day — aka a great day to ensure that you’re recycling correctly. Recycling is a local process, which means that just because an item has a recycling symbol doesn’t mean Lexington’s Recycling Center can process it. Find out why online + download this handy recycling flyer to learn more.*
Seasonal
Step into the magic of the holidays at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate. Their annual A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland event, happening this year on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 12 to 7 p.m., offers visitors the chance to explore a holiday market, bring home wreaths and fresh-cut trees + more. See details.*
Pets
Say goodbye to fillers and weird ingredients in your dog’s food. Get 50% off your pup’s first order of Nom Nom for fresh, recognizable ingredients they’ll love.*
Yeah, we know… kind of a bummer, and maybe not the news you want to start your morning with. So let’s get to the good stuff: the Carbon Reduction Program, an effort to reduce transportation emissions through local and statewide projects that are federally funded.
What is the Carbon Reduction Program?
In an effort to reduce transportation emissions across the US, the Carbon Reduction Program was created in 2021 to distribute $6.4 billion in formula funding over a five-year period.
What’s driving the news?
By today, Nov. 15, states and designated metropolitan planning organizations are tasked with unveiling their strategies to reduce emissions through the program.
They’ll also need to disclose which projects will be funded by the program — whether that be installing protected bike lanes in one city, creating a new bus rapid transit system in another, or a different project that helps reduce carbon emissions.
Our question for you while we await funding news: How would you like to see this grant used in Lexington? Let us know using the link below.
Asked
What kind(s) of projects in Lexington would you like to see funded by the Carbon Reduction Program?
A. Public transportation B. Pedestrian-friendly roads and facilities C. Fuel alternatives D. Traffic management/road diet projects
The cutest to-go containers to make sure everyone walks away with leftovers this Thanksgiving. Pro tip: Remove the lid and heat them right in the oven.
I did what I call a Holiday Cold Plunge this week, meaning I purchased a new Christmas tree, checked out holiday pop-up store Brewster’s Christmas, and bought an entire carton of peppermint chocolate ice cream. Anyone joining in?
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