April 11, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

69º | 95% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. | Sunset 8:10 p.m.

🤝 Volunteering is as easy as 1, 2, 3

A group of people standing together in a gym

Some of the YMCA’s current volunteer opportunities include helping run its kids triathlon event. | Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central Kentucky

Lexington’s nonprofit community is as rich as the value they provide to those in need, but sometimes finding help can be difficult. Now, thanks to the minds from Leadership Lexington, it’s never been easier to promote and sign up for volunteer opportunities.

The Bluegrass Corporate Cares Connection (BC3) is a platform that allows nonprofits to share volunteer opportunities. Think of it like a matchmaking service, where corporations interested in providing a helping hand can filter through listings in order to find an organization that matches their skill set. Likewise, nonprofits are able to post their own opportunities and provide details for the type of volunteers they need.

“It’s like a centralized volunteer listing for groups,” said Stephanie Arnold, project team member of BC3 + Marketing Manager for the YMCA.

LEXtoday_explorium — The Explorium needs volunteers to support its Play + Learning Department on Mondays. | Photo by LEXtoday

How it works

Currently in a soft launch phase, nonprofits + corporations can now go to the website to post and search opportunities for free. Here’s a step-by-step look at the sign-up process:

Head to the website and hit the “Login/signup” button in the top right corner
Identify the type of account you’re making —a nonprofit profile or corporate organization profile
Fill in the necessary information, including name, date, the type of organization, the mission, and upload logos

From there, nonprofits can begin posting opportunities with detailed contact information, and filter by cause, group sizes, labor type, minimum age, and which days volunteers would be needed. Corporations can also search to see which option would be best suited for employee volunteer programs. Opportunities range anywhere from community cleanups to mentorships for high schoolers.

Get involved

On Tuesday, April 23, BC3 will host an official launch event, 9-11 a.m., at Harper Hall. Here, discussion panels and networking opportunities will kickstart the program. And, if you’re a nonprofit that creates an account, posts opportunities by April 19, and attends the launch, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 donation sponsored by A&W Restaurants.

Events

Thursday, April 11

Sound Off! Music Trivia | Thursday, April 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington | Free | Test your music knowledge with three rounds of “Name That Tune” followed by a buzzer round of music trivia.

Friday, April 12

Lexington Startup Weekend | Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14 | Times vary | Awesome Inc, 348 E. Main St., Lexington | $15-$49.87 | Join other entrepreneurial-minded folks for a 54-hour marathon of brainstorming and networking with startup experts.
Michael Yo | Friday, April 12-Saturday, April 13 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | $20-$25 | See this two-time Emmy nominee as he takes the stage on the heels of his “I Never Thought” comedy special.

Saturday, April 13

Pre-Record Store Day | Saturday, April 13 | 1 p.m. | Mirror Twin Brewing Co., 725 National Ave., Lexington | Free | See the crew from CD Central spin some records while sipping on the new Mirror Twin beer collaboration “For the Record.”
The Kevin Harris Trio | Saturday, April 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Culture Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | $15-$35 | You won’t be able to keep still at this swingin’ jazz show led by pianist Kevin Harris.

Sunday, April 14

Beginner Sushi Class | Sunday, April 14 | 2 p.m. | The Void Sake Co., 819 National Ave., Ste. 120, Lexington | $55 | Learn how to safely handle raw fish, then make the perfect sushi rice, your favorite dipping sauces, and your own roll.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

Former UK men’s basketball coach John Calipari will now don red. Calipari stepped down this week after 15 years with the Wildcats and is officially the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. His five-year contract has an annual salary of $7 million + includes two automatic rollover years for NCAA appearances. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Opening

Rayann’s Popcorn, inside of Greyline Station, will host a grand opening this Saturday, April 13. Pop in for a live DJ, games, and of course, countless types of popcorn, like its s’mores and banana pudding flavors.

Traffic

Beginning Monday, April 15, contractors will prepare Wilson Downing and Squires Roads for sidewalk construction. When work begins, expect single-lane closures on weekdays on Wilson Downing from Nicholasville to Tates Creek Roads, as well as on Squires Road from Cove Lake Drive to Richmond Road.

Civic

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council could vote on funding for new Flock license plate readers later this month. If approved, the city would pay $1.6 million over five years for 100 new cameras, which capture license plates and enter them into databases. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Biz

While the last day to grab a drink from Creature’s Cauldron Cafe is Friday, April 27, more enchantment is coming. Before expanding into its sister business’ space on May 1, Creatures of Whim will host a sidewalk sale to sell items from the cafe like small furniture + decor, Saturday, April 28-Monday, April 30.

Pets

We have some paws-itively great news. The Lexington Humane Society is offering $10 neuters throughout the month of April. Contact its Spay’sTheWay program to schedule an appointment.

Development

ICYMI, plans for the new Campus to Commons Trail, which would connect North Lexington to the University of Kentucky campus area, were recently released. Now, city planners are looking for feedback from Lexingtonians about the plans. Take a simple survey to share your feedback.*

Shop

Psst… Here’s a reminder that Mother’s Day is right around the corner on Sunday, May 12. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the mother figure in your life, browse Poppy & Pomelo’s selection of curated goods + experiences (think: cocktail mixers, candle making classes, and self-care products).*

The Word

HELOC, short for home equity line of credit, allows homeowners to tap into their home’s equity for everything from sprucing up the backyard before barbecue season hits to finally building a dream kitchen. Learn more about this option with UK Federal Credit Union.*†

Plan Ahead

Psst — Taxes are almost due. Use E-file for quick, online filing. Plus, file your federal taxes for free with their basic software plan.*

†Federally insured by NCUA and Equal Housing Lender.

Arts

🎨 Leave your art on LEX

A mural depicting a goddess with a beam of light coming from her heart

This work was created as part of PRHBTN’s 2021 Mural festival. | Photo provided by Joe King

Thanks to the countless creatives around here, we like to think of Lexington as an open-air museum. If you’ve ever had interest in contributing your talents to our vibrant city, now’s your chance.

Lexington’s Public Art Commission will host a workshop on Tuesday, April 23 at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m., where artists and organizations who are curious about participating in public arts projects can learn more about how to get involved.

Here, you can see presentations about our Percent for Art Program (which helps fund public arts), learn how to apply to the Collaborative Art program, and network with fellow creatives. Plus, experienced local artists will be there to answer questions and offer advice when it comes to seeking commissions and responding to Call to Artists.

The workshop is free and open to the public, but will also be recorded and shared to the city’s website for those who cannot attend.

The Buy

Your furry friend’s new spot to sleep. Say goodbye to traditional pet beds and pick your favorite print.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

This feels like a suitable song for the weather we’ve had recently.

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