Plus, see how 7 Brew is recognizing a local hero.
 
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Lexingtonian 101: our guide to becoming a Lexington resident
A view of the Lexington skyline as the sun sets.
Did you take a local photo in 2023 that you’re proud of? Submit it in our 2023 Picture of the Year contest. | Photo by @hani_alqawiz
Picture this: You just moved to Lexington and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and eat Missy’s Pies all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Lexingtonian 101, our guide to all the things you need to know as a new Lexington resident.

A sticker that says "I Voted #govoteky"

You can be the owner of one of these highly sought-after stickers. | Photo courtesy of @paulmhooper

The essentials

Voter registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
New residents in need of a LEX driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming your residential address.

To register your car in the state of Kentucky, you’ll need to bring proof of State car insurance, proof of your identity (in the form of a driver’s license, passport, or ID card), and a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification form to the Fayette County Clerk office.

Initial registrations may be subject to a ~$40 fee.

You can make an appointment at the Fayette County Circuit Court’s Division of Driver’s License office to obtain a State driver’s license. Registration for your vehicle is conducted on a walk-in basis.
    A plate of fried hot pepper cheese with a cup of ranch and salsa with a shelf of books in the background.

    Charlie Brown’s is known for its cozy late night vibes, and it’s hot pepper cheese. | Photo by LEXtoday

    The ultimate LEX initiation

    Having a state driver’s license and an 859 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Lexingtonian until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in LEX.
    • Attending any UK sports games
    • Snacking on hot pepper cheese from Charlie Brown’s
    Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in LEX? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.
    City Guides are presented by VisitLEX.
    More ways to become a Lexingtonian
     
    Events
    Thursday, Dec. 21
    • Winter Wonderlab | Thursday, Dec. 21-Friday, Dec. 22 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington | Free | Stop by for hands-on fun with guided + self-guided activities including gingerbread village making, ornament decorating, and more.
    • Fire Up Your Soul | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6-7:30 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | $6 | Beat the winter chill with a slow-paced mindfulness walk, followed by hot cider and cocoa — registration is required.
    Friday, Dec. 22
    • La Doña’s Posada | Friday, Dec. 22 | 6-10 p.m. | La Doña Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 2220 Nicholasville Rd., Ste. #102, Lexington | Price of purchase | Eat, drink, and be merry at this holiday party for the entire family, featuring signature cocktails + activities.
    • Born Cross Eyed | Friday, Dec. 22 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $18 | Kentucky’s own Grateful Dead tribute band is bringing us the funky sounds from the iconic 1960s band.
    Saturday, Dec. 23
    • Holiday Sprinkles & Glitter Candle-Making | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 2 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio / Poppy & Pomelo, 526 E. High St., Lexington | $45 | Craft your own holiday-scented candle in a stylish cosmo glass + enjoy available spirits.
    • Avery Joyce | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. | Myriad Meadery, 732 National Ave., Lexington | Free | Sip on mead while listening to the Southern blues sounds of this Louisiana artist.
    Sunday, Dec. 24
    • Brunch + Live Music | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Old North Bar, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | Free | Brunch your face off while you soak in the sweet sounds of The Hummingbirds + Charlie G.
    Events calendar here
    Click here to have your event featured.
    Cause

    Duke Energy Foundation shows its support for local businesses
    three people stand in a store holding a giant check
    Businesses can use the funds for everything from physical space adaptability + beautification and technology improvements to professional development training costs. | Photo provided by Duke Energy
    Small business owners in northern Kentucky received some extra holiday cheer from local chambers of commerce + the Duke Energy Foundation to kick off the season. The Small Business Assistance grant program awarded $100,000 to support 25 minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.

    Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has provided ~$880,000 to help small businesses in southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky survive and rebound from the pandemic.

    See which businesses were selected for this year’s grants below.
    Read more
    News Notes
    Biz
    • Tomorrow is the last day for you to grab a beer at the current iteration of Rock House Brewing. The owners have sold the business, and according to co-owner Billy Hacker, “it appears [the new group] will keep the business as Rock House and it will continue to be a brewery.” (Lexington Herald-Leader)
    Today Is
    • The sun may set at 5:21 p.m. today, but good news is on the horizon... literally. Today is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the North Pole is tilted the furthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year — which means the days will start getting longer.
    Concert
    • If you’re looking to see more live music in the new year, Rupp Arena is making it a little easier. Starting Tuesday, Dec. 26 until Tuesday, Jan. 2, you can snag $24 tickets (plus fees) to several events coming to the venue in 2024, including Fall Out Boy, Tim McGraw, and Blink 182.
    Environment
    • The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources’ Christmas tree recycling program is back. From Tuesday, Dec. 26 to Monday, Jan. 15, bring your empty evergreen trees to Jacobson Park (or other participating locations across the state), and it will be used to build fish habitat structures in the reservoir.
    Edu
    • Students participating in research in Appalachia can now apply for two of UK’s Appalachian Center and Appalachian Studies program grants. Both graduate and undergraduate students working within the region are encouraged to apply before the deadline on Friday, Feb. 16. (UK NOW)
    Eat
    • While New Year’s Eve means a night on the town for many, for those who prefer a more subdued evening, Holly Hill Inn has you covered. From now until Friday, Dec. 29, order a surf + turf dinner for two — a multi-course meal featuring beef short ribs and lobster Vol au Vent.
    Cause

    ☕️ A real cup of cheer

    7 Brew names local donor its Hero of the Year
    A man and a girl sit at a table together.
    Ralph Coldiron has helped support the Kentucky Children’s Hospital for 25+ years. | Photo courtesy of 7 Brew
    When local philanthropist Ralph Coldiron’s daughter was born prematurely, he made it his mission to ensure all Kentucky families could get access to the proper care for their children.

    Thanks to his steadfast dedication to this cause, Coldiron was selected as the December 7 Brew Coffee Hero, making him one of 12 heroes across the country that are in the running for a $10,000 grand prize.

    Over 25 years ago, Coldiron and other community members helped raise $5 million to build the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Today, the hospital has been nationally recognized as one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country.

    “My goal is to win the $10,000 prize so I can donate all the money to Kentucky Children’s Hospital,” said Coldiron. “Every dollar will go to helping save a child’s life at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.”

    You can vote for Coldiron when voting opens Monday, Jan. 1.
    The Buy

    The Buy 12.21.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    Goofy light up headbands or light up beanies to bring holiday cheer (and hilarity) to your seasonal gathering.
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    The Wrap
     
    Aayat Ali

    Today’s edition by:
    Aayat
    From the editor
    During a mindfulness session hosted by my lovely co-editor Molly, she shared this quote that I think everyone could use as we struggle to pause during the end-of-the-year madness. “It’s not about what’s going on in the mind that’s the point. It’s the awareness of what’s going on in the mind that’s the point.”
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