03.05.2024

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Sunrise 7:03 a.m. | Sunset 6:36 p.m.

More than just a sign

Blue Grass Trust: More than just a sign

A two-story navy blue house with a red door and white shutters.

Raise your hand if you love seeing the BGT signs on houses? | Photo by LEXtoday

As Blue Grass Trust (BGT) approaches 70 years of education, advocacy, and historic preservation in the Central Kentucky area, it’s celebrating by taking a look back. And so are we.

Today, we’re sharing our conversation with BGT Executive Director Jonathan Coleman to learn a little bit more about the group behind those famous bronze signs adorning historical places.

About BGT

BGT is a donor-funded nonprofit that aims to protect + promote historic places in the community. “Basically, we’re a group of concerned citizens, with a mission to educate, provide service, and mostly to advocate for preservation,” said Coleman.

“We want to make preservation accessible for everyone. We don’t care if it’s a 1950s bungalow or 1700s mansion,” he added. The group can lead you to available historic tax credits or people who can properly renovate older homes.

A close up of a red brick home with a bronze BGT plaque on it. — Buildings must be at least 50 years old to be eligible for a BGT plaque. | Photo by LEXtoday

The signs

We see them everywhere, but what exactly do the plaques represent? “It’s basically a way to sort of shift one’s focus to think about the house. It’s not just bricks and mortar, it actually represents something that’s part of the fabric of a larger community,” Coleman said. Find out how to become a part of the Plaque Program.

Celebrating 70 years

Head to the Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan House (210 N. Broadway) tonight at 7 p.m. to learn about the organization’s milestones from historic preservation manager Dr. Zak Leonard. He’ll share the pivotal moments, challenges, and successes experienced along their history. Registration is required.

Other ways to get involved

Become a member — the group receives no regular city, state, or federal funding, so local support + membership is key.
Check out its deTours — learn about sites that make the Bluegrass special, held the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
Take a self-guided walking tour

Events

Tuesday, March 5

World Ballet Series: “Swan Lake” | Tuesday, March 5 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $55 | Come see the iconic, Tchaikovsky-composed ballet for one-night-only.

Wednesday, March 6

Seedlings in STEAM: Hot Lava | Wednesday, March 6 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd, Lexington | Free, RSVP | Preschoolers will have some explosive fun as they learn how to make a volcano eruption using science.

Thursday, March 7

Thirsty Thursday + Karaoke Night | Thursday, March 7 | 8 p.m.-2 a.m. | girlsgirlsgirls Burritos, 395 S. Limestone St., Lexington | Free, RSVP | Unleash your inner diva + sing your heart out with karaoke — plus, enjoy late night menu specials like two-for-one margs.

Friday, March 8

Bird Walks | Friday, March 8 | 9-11 a.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington | Free | Grab your binoculars for a morning of birdwatching led by Raven Run staff — registration is required.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

4 tips to maximize your retirement success for high-earners

two women sitting across a man with television on in background

Check out these tips to secure retirement success. | Photo by Victor Sizemore

Navigating the road to successful retirement can be tricky. The experts from Gratz Park Private Wealth can help make the process smooth sailing with four key savings strategies.

Maximizing retirement contributions

Maxing out 401(k) contributions and taking advantage of catch-up contributions are good opportunities to accelerate retirement savings.

If you’re self-employed, you can maximize retirement savings and tax advantages by utilizing solo 401(k) plans, allowing for higher contribution limits and investment flexibility.

Harnessing tax-advantaged accounts

Did you know? Health Savings Accounts (or HSAs) offer triple tax benefits. They allow contributions to grow tax-free + provide tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.

Leveraging deferred compensation plans

Non-qualified deferred compensation plans enable individuals to defer income, in turn, minimizing current taxable income.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan participation

This option provides ownership opportunities and diversification benefits for those employed by participating companies.

Looking for additional guidance? Connect with an expert at Gratz Park Private Wealth to see what retirement solutions work best for you.

Retirement success starts here

News Notes

Eat

Kentucky Native Cafe has closed for its seasonal break. The hidden oasis eatery, located at 417 E. Maxwell St., will re-open in the garden for outdoor dining on Tuesday, April 2 at 11 a.m.

Biz

While no major changes are expected — except for potentially expanding the hours — Sidebar Grill has been sold. New owners Terry Keith and Devin Paulding said they are “absolutely keeping the menu,” especially the fan-favorite burgers. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Kids

Hop to it, y’all. Secure your spot for Shaker Village’s annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30. The day will also include arts and crafts, farm animals, pony rides, and food trucks. Plus, the whole family is invited to find the golden egg for the ultimate prize.

Number

$9.3 million. That’s how much was recently committed to UK’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits thanks to Beam Suntory + the Commonwealth of Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund Endowment Match Program. The money will help secure and retain an endowed chair, professors, and expand research. (UKNOW)

Plan Ahead

Let’s be real: Mondays can be a drag. Enter: District 7 Social Hall’s Monday Funday activities to start your week off on the right foot. Swing by to enjoy half-priced bowling (4-6 p.m.) + trivia (6:30-8:30 p.m.).*

Fun Fact

Smart printers can monitor ink levels and send new cartridges directly to your door before you run out. Get a $10 credit for HP Instant Ink.*

The Buy

The Buy 3.05.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Prepared Hero’s Emergency Fire Blanket, a highly-rated staple to have on hand in your kitchen or yard. It’s easier to use than common fire extinguishers + leaves no mess behind, too.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

This weekend you can eat good and do good. On Saturday, March 9, beginning at 12 p.m., you can find charity barbecue team MyHammy Vice popping up at West Sixth Brewing. By purchasing some of their comfort food staples — like the smoke dry rub wings or cream cheese grits with corn relish — you are helping to raise money for pediatric brain cancer research.

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