Friday, August 18, 2017

My Vote

When I got the phone call last weekend that our mayor was going to request the removal of the Confederate statues, my first thoughts were that I don't want the crazies here. I was upset at him for putting us in a position that would invite the KKK and white supremacists to our city. 

But then I started to reflect on what those statues mean and why those statues have been unnoticed by me for the last 26 years I've lived in Lexington. I worked in that courthouse for several years and probably could not have told you who those men were that stood outside guarding the courthouse.  It's not that I don't know my history or appreciate my history. I don't think anyone can say that we should forget what happened during the Civil War.

As I sat last night listening to people speak quite eloquently, my mind went to my best friend from fourth grade who remains a very good friend to this day. She and I grew up going to school together, spending the night at each other's houses and gossiping about boys and our future. We grew up in a world where this white girl and black girl could do those things together. But the truth is our parents and grandparents could not. 

I don’t know about slavery myself and I do not know if anyone in my family ever owned slaves.  And my friend was never a slave herself, bought and sold.  But most of her ancestors were.

Last night, I started to look at those statues through her eyes, and tears came to my eyes.  

My vote was because it was the right thing to do.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

March Parks events

There are so many great things going on with our Lexington Parks and Recreation department. Below are activities in March!


Bell House Temporary Closure
Through Sunday, March 6
For more information: 233-0986

The Bell House will be closed for routine refurbishment. There will be no Senior adult or Therapeutic Recreation programs during this time.
Athletics Spring Registration Opens
Tuesday, March 1
For more information or to register: 288-2917

The athletics office will begin accepting registrations for Adult Tennis, Adult Pickleball, Girls Fast Pitch Softball, T-Ball, Baseball, Youth Kickball, and Youth Tennis. Register online, by mail or in person at 545 N. Upper Street.
Woodcock Watch
Thursday March 4, 7 p.m., Raven Run Nature Sanctuary For more information: 272-6105
Join us as we search for the elusive woodcock. This program is weather dependent so call the park beforehand.
Therapeutic Recreation Bowling
Saturday, March 5 – April 23, 1-3 p.m., Southland Bowling Lanes For more information or to register: 288-2908
Strikes, turkeys and spares are just part of the fun with the Therapeutic Recreation bowling league. Ramps are available. $5 per week for two games. Ages six and over.
Stargazing
Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Raven Run Nature Sanctuary For more information: 272-6105
View the night sky at Raven Run. The Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club sets-up several Dobson and Refractor telescopes for visitors to view binary stars, nebula and planets. Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescopes. This event usually lasts one to two hours. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. This program is weather dependent so call the park beforehand.

Author Series
Tuesday, March 8, 6-8 p.m., McConnell Springs For more information: 225-4073
In Venerable Trees: History, Biology, and Conservation in the Bluegrass, Tom Kimmerer describes how Kentuckians have been living in and amongst venerable trees since the region was settled and how ancient specimens have been integral to the region. In fact, an old bur oak was felled to build the first permanent structure in Lexington. Despite the many changes that the area has seen, including widespread development, trees up to five hundred years old still survive. Q&A to follow.
Bell House Senior Adult AARP Driver Safety
Wednesday, March 9 10 a.m. For more information: 233-0986
Outdoor Skills Class
Saturday, March 12, 9 - 10 a.m., McConnell Springs For more information or to register: 225-4073
Learn skills related to outdoor activities including camping, hiking, knots, orienteering, paddling and backpacking. Pre-registration is required.
37th Annual Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Downtown Lexington For more information: 288-2927
Festival begins at 11 a.m. at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion and continues until 7 p.m. Parade down Main Street beings at 1 p.m. Live music throughout the day. Visit www.lexingtonstpatsparade.org for more information.
Spring Equestrian Lesson Sign-ups
Saturday, March 12, 1 p.m. (Youth), 2:30 (Adults), McConnell Springs For more information: 253-0328
The MSP Equestrian Program is a riding program offered through Lexington Parks & Recreation. Participants will learn the basics of riding in a safe and fun atmosphere. We have a herd of 25 horses and are happy to offer lessons year- round with the benefit of our indoor riding arena. Classes offered include beginner, intermediate and advanced hunt seat for ages 10 and above. Spring session dates: April 11-June 3.
The Sunday Sessions presents Vandaveer
Sunday, March 13 6:30 p.m. Downtown Arts Center More information: 425-2550
Sunday Sessions is a new concert series offered by Lexington Parks & Recreation at the Downtown Arts Center. Music lovers will enjoy a curated musical experience with some of the region’s most talented performers. The event also features art, food and special surprises that make for a unique evening suited for the entire family. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.lexingtonky.gov/DAC or by calling 859.425.2550 

Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Aquatics
Monday, March 14-May 9 Times vary by session Beaumont YMCA For more information: 288-2929
Basic water skills/safety are introduced. One-on-one instruction is provided for most participants. Swim diapers/plastic pants (snug fitting) required if the participant does not possess bowel or bladder control. No online registration for this class. Ages four and older. Cost is $50. Session 1: 2:50–3:20 p.m. Session 2: 3:25–3:55 p.m. Session 3: 4–4:30 p.m.
Gallery HOP Reception, Crosstown Colors
Friday, March 18, 5 – 8 p.m., Downtown Arts Center More information: 425-2562
The latest exhibit in the City Gallery at the Downtown Arts Center features work by Lexington artists Blake Eames and Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch.
Primitive Camping
Friday, March 18-Saturday, March 19 1 p.m.-11 a.m., Hisle Farm Park For more information or to register: 225-4073
Adventure Programming offers a primitive camping experience at Hisle Farm Park. Registration is $20 per person.
Junior Naturalists “Birding”
Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m., McConnell Springs For more information or to register: 225-4073
Youth K–5th grade are invited to come out to McConnell Springs for their Junior Naturalist program. Participants will learn about birds in our areas. Call McConnell Springs to register for this free program.
Earth Hour Woodcock Watch
Saturday, March 19 7:30 p.m., Raven Run Nature Sanctuary For more information: 272-6105
Join us as we search for the elusive woodcock. This program is weather dependent so call the park beforehand.
Story Walk
Monday, March 21 10 a.m., McConnell Springs For more information or to register: 225-4073
Join the staff of McConnell Springs for a story and stroller friendly walk through the park.

Friday, February 19, 2016

City Happenings - February 19-February 28

CITY HAPPENINGS
Feb. 19 – Feb. 28, 2016
Friday, Feb. 19
No meetings or events
Saturday, Feb. 20
Junior Naturalists, “Invaders”………………………………………...…………10 a.m.
            McConnell Springs Nature Center – 416 Rebmann Lane
Salamander Search……………………………………………………………….1 p.m.
            Raven Run Nature Sanctuary – 3885 Raven Run Way
Sunday, Feb. 21
The Sunday Sessions, featuring Coralee……………………………..……..6:30 p.m.
            Downtown Arts Center – 141 East Main St.
Monday, Feb. 22
No meetings or events
Tuesday, Feb. 23
Design Excellence Subcommittee…………………..……………………...10:30 a.m.
            Conference room – 5th floor, Government Center, 200 East Main St.
Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee………………………1 p.m.
            Council Chamber – 2nd floor, Government Center, 200 East Main St.
Council Work Session…………………………………………………………….3 p.m.
            Council Chamber – 2nd floor, Government Center, 200 East Main St.
Wednesday, Feb. 24
Technical Committee Meeting………………………………………………..8:30 a.m.
            Division of Planning Office – 7th floor, 101 East Vine St.
Yoga at Raven Run………………………………………………………………3 p.m.
            Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way
Parks Advisory Board……………………………….……….…………………4:30 pm
            Picadome, 469 Parkway Drive
Board of Architectural Review……………………………..…………………….5 p.m.
            Council Chambers – 2nd floor, Government Center, 200 East Main St.
Clays Mill Road Improvements Project Public Meeting……………………….6 p.m.
            Lexington Catholic High School, 2250 Clays Mill Rd.
Thursday, Feb. 25
Planning Commission Public Hearings – Zoning………………..…………..1:30 p.m.
            Council Chambers – 2nd floor, Government Center, 200 East Main St.
Black History Month program………………………………….…………………6 p.m.
            Dunbar Community Center, 545 N. Upper Street
Black History Month program………………………………………….…………6 p.m.
            Kenwick Community Center, 313 Owsley Ave.
Friday, Feb. 26
Board of Adjustment Hearing…………………………………..……………...1:30 p.m.
            Council Chambers – 2nd floor, Government Center, 200 East Main St.
Black History Month program………………………………………….…………6 p.m.
            William Wells Brown Community Center, 548 E. Sixth St.
Saturday, Feb. 27
Weekend Workout………………………………………………...………..……10 a.m.
McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln.
Sunday, Feb. 28
No meetings or events
Note:  The Bell House will be closed for maintenance Monday, Feb. 22 – Sunday, March 6