Ace Magazine Lexington KY May 2024

MAY 2024

Volume 35, Issue 5

www.acemagazinelex.com

@acemagazinelex

EDITRIX

Rhonda Reeves

CONTRIBUTORS

Evan Albert, Rob Brezny, Erin Chandler, Walter Cornett, Kevin Elliot, Atanas Golev, Trish Hatler, Austin Johnson, Bridget Johnson, Johnny Lackey, Paul Martin, Megan McCardwell, Michael Jansen Miller, Kevin Nance, Claire Ramsay, Kristina Rosen, Tom Yates, Kakie Urch

DIGITAL/ PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR

Chris Keith

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Janet Roy

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

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COPYRIGHT © 2024

Winchester Chamber Director Cindy Banks

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Jack Kain Ford, Sr Ray Sabbatine

Engage Lexington

Lexington’s Urban County Council has launched a new public input website, “Engage Lexington.”

Interested in what the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is working on? Visit engage.lexingtonky.gov to participate in the local decision-making process on your own time, in a place that suits you. CouncilMember Whitney Baxter says, “All comments, ideas, suggestions, and survey responses will be used by staff to inform the Council of community input when developing programs, policies, and legislation. Feedback will be used in conjunction with other types of public input, like in-person public comment, emails, and neighborhood meetings.”

Leadership Lexington

Applications for the 2024-2025 Leadership Lexington program are open now. The application window closes Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Leadership Lexington has been operating for more than 40 years. With a competitive application and selection process, the program admits only 50 class members annually.

Leadership Lexington consists of ten, informative day-sessions which are organized and hosted by local leaders. These day sessions help to broaden perspectives and provide an increased understanding of community dynamics, signature industries, and public issues. Each class completes up to four community-based projects during the duration of the program. Projects are pitched and selected by the program participants at an immersive opening retreat.

Baptist Health celebrated the opening of their Hamburg campus with a ribbon cutting.

Share the Love and Quantrell Subaru donated a check for $68,770 to God’s Pantry Food Bank, which will help create 412,620 meals.

IN MEMORY

Jack Kain, Senior

Jack Kain Ford, Sr. died March 26, 2024 a few months shy of what would’ve been his 95th birthday in June.

“Jack’s dedication to organ donation advocacy through Donate Life KY has inspired hope in so many.”

Life Kentucky

As the Jack Kain Ford dealership’s marketing director Donna Sturgeon pointed out, “The year he was born the Ford Model A Tudor cost $500.”

At the 2019 Red Tie Gala, The Woodford County Chamber of Commerce recognized him for his lifelong support of Woodford County, the Chamber of Commerce, and his many philanthropic endeavors.

Recently, the bluegrass chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored him on National Philanthropy Day in November 2023 for his “consistent and generous support of The Hope Center.”

He was elected to be the Chair of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in 2005, and was selected by his fellow Kentucky Dealers to be Kentucky’s nominee for the national and prestigious Time Magazine Dealer of the Year award.

Life Kentucky wrote, “Jack’s dedication to organ donation advocacy through Donate Life KY has inspired hope in so many. The mission of organ donation was close to Jack, as his children were on the transplant list, one receiving a lifesaving liver transplant.

Special Olympics Kentucky wrote in memory, “We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Kain Sr. As our organization began to expand across the state Mr. Kain was one of our earliest supporters and continued to support our athletes for many years.”

Fellow Ford dealer JP Miller said, “May his legacy continue to inspire us to prioritize quality and customer satisfaction in our work.”

Ray Sabbatine

Ray Sabbatine died April 20, 2024 at the age of 74. He was as well known for his reputation as a former restaurateur as he was for his longtime career in community corrections. Sabbatine’s Pizza was a popular Lexington fixture for a decade.

After retirement, he remained known for his culinary gifts in the kitchen, where he frequently treated friends and family to his signature Italian fare.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton wrote, “Ray Sabbatine was an innovative, forward-thinking leader in his approach to Community Corrections. As Lexington’s former Director of the Division of Community Corrections, he oversaw the design and building of the current detention center, which has been recognized across the country for its innovations and design. After his time serving with local government, he went on to help others form best practices in jail operations, with emphasis on classification, inmate mental and physical health, and supervision.”

“Ray Sabbatine was an innovative, forward-thinking leader in his approach to Community Corrections.”

Linda Gorton

Rediscover Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate

Lexington Locals, remember your school trip to this historic gem? It’s time to return and uncover new experiences! Explore the mansion of Henry Clay himself. Immerse in rich history and interactive exhibits. Discover the intriguing stories of those who lived and worked there. Don’t let memories fade –create new ones. Book your visit now!

Welcome to Beer Cheese Food Week

Winchester’s Beer Cheese Festival ‘Prequel’

BY CHAD WALKER

“It’s the cheesiest week of the year!” is the familiar battle cry of Winchester Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Banks. She is, of course, referring to the upcoming Winchester Beer Cheese Food Week, an annual May event that precedes the world-famous Beer Cheese Festival in June.

Every June, culinary aficionados, cheese enthusiasts and festival go-ers descend on

downtown Winchester for the Annual Beer Cheese Festival. While this citywide festival may be the main event for Kentucky’s favorite snack, locals know the real treat is Beer Cheese Food Week. Local restaurants and stores feature one-of-a-kind limited Beer Cheese dishes for a single week each year. If you miss it, you have to wait until next year to satisfy your Beer Cheese cravings.

“We started this event during the Pandemic as a sort of boost for businesses that were hit the hardest.” The event features 12 restaurants and while the main ingredient is beer cheese, creativity is a close secondary ingredient. “It’s just so much fun to see the crazy creations these places come up with,” said Banks. “They really outdo one another each year, with more interesting combinations and funny names. It’s just a blast!”

Participating establishments go head-to-head in a digital duke-out, where restaurant goers can vote for their favorite dish, via a QR code, assisting in crowning the Cheesy-Champion for 2024. Past winners were Hall’s on the River (2020 Champion), The Engine House Pub and Pizza Parlour (2021) Woody’s (2022) and JayK’s @ Forest Grove (2023). The only set parameter is that the dish offered must contain Beer Cheese and must cost $12.99. Recent offerings have included a Beer Cheese Burger from Loma’s, Beer Cheese Pulled Pork Waffle Fries served at Smokin’ Howards BBQ and Bell on Wheels Beer Cheese Smoked Brat.

“We look forward to participating in Beer Cheese Food Week every year. It’s a chance to really get creative with dishes and incorporate beer cheese. It’s a great warm up heading into Beer Cheese Festival. And it’s nice to have a little friendly competition with our fellow restaurant owners,” said Jill Walker, Co-Owner of The Engine House. “The Chamber makes

Full Circle Market Hot Beer Cheese

this event fun, and it gives us a chance to see everyone out before the festival really gets going.”

“You wouldn’t believe some of the dishes we have come up with that didn’t make it to the Beer Cheese Food Week,” said Stacey Lisle, Owner of Woody’s. “I mean, my staff is a little nuts. If they had an idea, we’d try it. Some would be too spicy; some wouldn’t be spicy enough. Some were just a little too weird. Then we would land on one, and we’re like, that’s the one!”

The “week of cheese” was originally created by former Chamber President Lauren Mink, whose idea came during a tough time for restaurants. “During the pandemic, we were looking for a way to help local Chamber restaurants. So, we came up with the idea of a Beer Cheese Food Week. Each restaurant could come up with their own unique twist on how to incorporate beer cheese into a featured plate.”

She goes on to explain how this event may have even swayed her to the level of cheesefanatic. “Even though I am not a beer cheese fan —I’m aware I’m in the minority here —I thought this would be such a fun way to drive patrons to the restaurants, encourage some fun competition for restaurants, all while promoting what Winchester is famous for: Beer Cheese! I tried every dish and they were all amazing —

turns out I do like Beer Cheese! I documented trying each dish to promote each restaurant on social media. This was such a successful event that attracted not only Winchester residents, but people from all over Kentucky.”

All the dishes can be viewed via the Chamber’s website and on social media, so a “flight plan” is advised by veterans of the event. “Order the menu item ‘as is.’ The chefs curate each item with the best ingredients for the outcome,” says City Commissioner Hanna Toole with sage advice for the event. Toole also highlights the charm of the event. “The city is filled with rich history and stunning architecture, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene. Its picturesque downtown area is lined with local shops, restaurants, and our newest art gallery, inviting visitors to explore and discover. Come see for yourself!”

Although the event is still relatively new with just four years under its belt, the Beer Cheese Festival, occurring two weeks after the Beer Cheese Food Week, is in its fourteenth year. Whether you’re coming to town to sample beer cheese poppers, delicious cheeseburgers, bacon beer cheese chicken sandwich or drunken turkey pizza, the Beer Cheese Food Week is an event uniquely Winchester.

Beer Cheese Food Week 2024

Enjoy the 2024 Beer Cheese Food Week at these participating Winchester locations!

Local Winchester Restaurants will make a dish featuring beer cheese as an ingredient. The public votes for their favorite.

The celebration is scheduled for May 20-26, 2024.

• Amy’s Asian Kitchen

• Bell on Wheels

• DJ’s

• Engine House

• Full Circle Market

• Hall’s on the River

• JayK’s

• La Trattoria

• Loma’s

• South Main Grocery

• Smokin’ Howards

• Tacos Luna y Mas

• The View

• Woody’s

Bell on Wheels

Engine House

Tacos Luna y Mas Smokin’ Howards

Jay K’s

FEST

MayFest wraps up today in Gratz Park

PLANT Feral Folk Spring Market noon to 4 pm, West Sixth Brewery

READ Bite Club: A Cookbook Club for Food Lovers 2 pm Northside Library

HOME

Photographer Kevin Nance will sign Geneva’s Garden: Four Seasons of Beauty in Lexington’s Gratz Park,1 pm, garden of Elvis and Geneva Donaldson, 304 W. Third St. Comment end

FUNDRAISER Be the Light Night benefiting Sayre Christian Village, Jeff Foxworthy 6 pm Southland Christian (Harrodsburg Rd)

COMEDY

Ms. Pat 7 pm

Lexington Opera House

FEST

LEARN Celebrate World Bee Day by learning to turn honey into mead 5 pm Eastside Library

FILM Coming Home Again 1 pm Downtown Library

LEARN Lost Arts Club, Candle Making 5:30 pm Living Arts & Science Center

IMPROV Wyllie Caudill 7 pm Al’s Bar

MUSIC Big Band Jazz Series 7 pm Moondance

FILM Sacred Alaska 7 pm Kentucky Theatre

DRINK West Sixth Beer Garden Pop Up, Woodland Park

TNL Kimberly Carter & Carryin On, 5 pm Pavilion

MUSIC Southland Jamboree New South Tribute Band 7 pm Downtown Library

COMEDY Jerry Seinfeld

Louisville Palace

ART Gallery Hop, downtown

EAT Taste of the Bluegrass, KY Horse Park

Founder’s Day is the annual celebration of the founding and naming of Lexington, 10 am to 3 pm, McConnell Springs

SHOP Gear and Beer, 11 am J & H Outdoors

FEST Sheep & Fiber Festival, Masterson Station

PETS Yappy Hour 6 pm Veterans Park

TNL Honeychild 5 pm Pavilion

CONCERT Emmylou Harris 7:30 pm Kentucky Theatre

MUSIC Big Band Jazz Series 7

MOVIES Harold and Kumar go to White Castle (sliders & fries by Tuk Tuk Snack Shop) 10 pm Kentucky Theatre

FEST DiverCity Festival, Noon, new Courthouse Plaza EVENT Kentucky Chataqua Daniel Boone 2 pm Downtown Library

UK Breaks New Ground

The University of Kentucky broke ground on the new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, located across from UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital on South Limestone. The 550,000-square-foot facility will become the new home to the UK Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as a Comprehensive Spine Center,

ambulatory surgery space, and other outpatient services. The Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building and an adjacent 2,400-space parking structure are slated for completion in 2027.

“This precision programming is the next level in clinical research

that may bring critical, early diagnosis and individualized care for far better cancer outcomes than we experience today,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. “Investing in this project now is investing in the next generation of healthier Kentuckians.”

Currently, Markey’s outpatient services are located in six different areas across the UK Chandler Hospital campus. The new facility will bring Markey Cancer Center’s outpatient clinics and oncology support services under one roof – providing convenience for patients and fostering collaboration among Markey clinicians and researchers.

“This facility will enable our talented clinicians and researchers to work together like never before, accelerating innovations that will directly translate into better outcomes for our patients,” said B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of the UK Markey Cancer Center. “In a state that still holds the highest cancer rates, this

building represents our commitment to expanding care, growing our capacity, and ultimately, conquering cancer in the Commonwealth.”

The building will house Markey outpatient clinics including chemotherapy infusion, radiation medicine, multidisciplinary oncology, gynecologic oncology, breast care center and hematology/ bone marrow transplant. Designed to provide a streamlined patient experience, the facility will also include a full spectrum of cancer care services including imaging, lab, urgent care, pharmacy, palliative care and rehabilitation.

“The new facility embodies the researchdriven, transdisciplinary care that is the hallmark of an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center by providing the infrastructure to expand clinical trials, accelerate discoveries, and ensure our patients have access to the most innovative treatments available,” said Robert S. DiPaola, UK provost and co-executive vice president for health affairs.

The UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building was designed with patient input to ensure a streamlined and supportive experience. Design features include generous green spaces, abundant natural light, and dedicated areas for meditation, dining, and collaboration to promote wellness for patients, families, and staff.

The complex was also designed with shelled space for future growth, reflecting UK HealthCare’s dedication to meeting the everevolving needs of cancer patients from Kentucky and across the region.

In the past 10 years, Markey outpatient clinic visits have increased by 57 percent, including more than 120,000 patient visits in fiscal year 2021.

Construction for the project is being funded by UK HealthCare. State and private funds will be used to support Markey programs and services in the new facility. In 2021, UK HealthCare announced a historic $10 million gift from Central Bank – the largest in UK HealthCare history – to help expand patient care. The gift launched a joint campaign with the Markey Cancer Foundation to raise $90 million to improve cancer care in Kentucky.

Lfor?” That’s not exactly what he said, but close enough. Traditionally, May has been all about bourbon balls, Derby brunches, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day picnics. This year, cheese is giving all of those classics a run for the money. Dairy enthusiasts everywhere can celebrate with everything from Louisville’s mac and cheese festival to Beer Cheese Food Week in nearby Winchester.

BIRTHS

The Cinci-based Mazunte Bodega has opened a location in Lexington’s Distillery District.

TRANSITIONS

Crēaux downtown has been listed for sale by Bluegrass Sotheby’s as a “highly visible, turnkey, established restaurant and bar with real estate included. Located at 310-312 West Short Street in downtown Lexington… priced at $1,350,000.” The popular spot remains open with the owners clarifying via facebook, “Yes! Everyone has seen that we listed the business and the real estate for sale but we are still open.”

Marikka’s on Southland Drive has been listed for sale at $10.7 million.

Mayor Linda Gorton joined Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Rickey Medlocke and Johnny van Zant at Greyline Station to officially welcome Bespoken Spirits Inc. to Lexington.

OBITS

The Meadowthorpe location of Vinaigrette has closed after ten years, with the owners saying of their original location, “we’ve made the tough decision to close the Townley location for good. We have loved serving you all and will continue to do so at our other Vinaigrette Salad Kitchens around Lexington and Louisville.” Their downtown, Hamburg, and Palomar locations remain open.

ACE EATS OUT CALENDAR

FRI MAY 10

Celebrate Lexington’s Craft Beer Week, May 10 through May 19.

SAT MAY 11

Feel like a road trip? Unless you’re among the lactose intolerant, head to Louisville for the Mac and Cheese festival.

SUN MAY 12

Happy Mother’s Day! For a selection of local options and events, visit acemagazinelex.com.

THU MAY 16

Enjoy the West Sixth Beer Garden Pop Up, Woodland Park.

FRI MAY 17

At Taste of the Bluegrass, guests will sample treats from local restaurants and drinks from wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The night

will feature the fan-favorite bourbon pull, a silent auction, and friendly competition. Kentucky Horse Park, benefiting God’s Pantry.

MON MAY 20

Celebrate Beer Cheese Food Week in Winchester! (thru May 26).

WED MAY 22

FEAST is a fundraiser designed to impact food insecurity, showcasing culinary delights from the kitchens of some of the leading female chefs in the United States. The goal is to bring about positive and long-lasting change for children, families, and individuals battling food insecurity. This year’s FEAST is Wednesday, May 22 at Fasig-Tipton, featuring more than two dozen acclaimed national and local chefs.

Mother’s Day 2024

Make a few Memories

What does Mom want for Mother’s Day? The pleasure of your company, of course! In addition to the usual flowers and candy and brunch, consider taking her out for an experience for making memories.

TUE MAY 7

Local Lex is hosting “Because I’m the Mom” shopping on Southland Drive beginning at 2 pm. There will be refreshments, snacks, coffee and tea bar, raffles, local makers, local vendors, self care packages, and stations to build the perfect gift for the special Moms in your life.

SAT MAY 11

The Bluegrass Iris Society will host their Annual Iris Show on Saturday, May 11, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at the lower level of Lexington Green.

Celebrate spring at Wildside Winery’s Spring Market. Pick up Mom and head to Versailles, from noon to 7 for a weekend filled with local artists, crafters, farmers, makers, and food vendors.

At the Good Shepherd Music Gala, Master of Ceremonies, Winn Stephens, will guide you through an evening of hors d’ouvres, a cash bar, auction items, singing by Artist-inResidence Alicia Helm McCorvey and choir members, a buffet meal, and dessert. Tickets are on sale now. 7 pm, Christ Church Cathedral.

Join Raven’s Run on Mother’s Day weekend with a guided nature hike to the Kentucky River Overlook. The hike will be at a leisurely pace over approximately 1.5 miles. The terrain

is moderately difficult with some elevation changes. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Binoculars will be provided for interested participants. Open to all ages. If bringing young children, the hike is best for ages 5+. Registration is required.

SUN MAY 12

Mayfest Arts Fair is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition in Lexington. Swing by Gratz Park on either Saturday or Sunday for a juried art fair in a casual, familyfriendly atmosphere. Included are up to 100 Artist Vendors, performances by musicians, dancers, strolling performers, food concession vendors, and family activities. Let Mom pick out her own present from one of the many artists on site.

Indulge in Japanese culture with Ikebana at Kentucky’s only sake distillery. You will be directed on how to make a simple Japanese flower arrangement. All materials will be provided, but please bring flower cutters or scissors. Ikebana goes beyond mere flower arranging as it is rooted in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist philosophy. Collecting and making art with live materials teaches us to slow down and respect the beauty, harmony, rhythms and transient nature of our world. Noon to 1 pm, Void Sake.

The Harstad Fine Arts series presents Gravel Yard, an eclectic amalgamation of hard driving traditional Bluegrass juxtaposed with soulful Country and Americana flavor. 3 pm, Faith Lutheran Church.

ROB BREZSNY’S FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The world’s record for jumping rope in six inches of mud is held by an Aries. Are you surprised? I’m not. So is the world’s record for consecutive wallops administered to a plastic inflatable punching doll. Other top accomplishments performed by Aries people: longest distance walking on one’s hands; number of curse words uttered in two minutes; and most push-ups with three bulldogs sitting on one’s back. As impressive as these feats are, I hope you will channel your drive for excellence in more constructive directions during the coming weeks. Astrologically speaking, you are primed to be a star wherever you focus your ambition on high-minded goals. Be as intense as you want to be while having maximum fun giving your best gifts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I don’t casually invoke the terms “marvels,” “splendors,” and “miracles.” Though I am a mystic, I also place a high value on rational thinking and skeptical proof. If someone tells me a marvel, splendor, or miracle has occurred, I will thoroughly analyze the evidence. Having said that, though, I want you to know that during the coming weeks, marvels, splendors, and miracles are far more likely than usual to occur in your vicinity—even more so if you have faith that they will. I will make a similar prediction about magnificence, sublimity, and resplendence. They are headed your way. Are you ready for blessed excess? For best results, welcome them all generously and share them lavishly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend you enjoy a celebratory purge sometime soon. You could call it a Cleansing Jubilee, or a Gleeful Festival of Purification, or a Jamboree of Cathartic Healing. This would be a fun holiday that lasted for at least a day and maybe as long as two weeks. During this liberating revel, you would discard anything associated with histories you want to stop repeating. You’d get rid of garbage and excess. You may even thrive by jettisoning perfectly good stuff that you no longer have any use for.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Graduation day will soon arrive. Congrats, Cancerian! You have mostly excelled in navigating through a labyrinthine system that once upon a time discombobulated you. With panache and skill, you have wrangled chaos into submission and gathered a useful set of resources. So are you ready to welcome your big rewards? Prepared to collect your graduation presents? I hope so. Don’t allow lingering fears of success to cheat you out of your well-deserved harvest. Don’t let shyness prevent you from beaming like a champion in the winner’s circle. PS: I encourage you to

meditate on the likelihood that your new bounty will transform your life almost as much as did your struggle to earn it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Ritualist and author Sobonfu Somé was born in Burkina Faso but spent many years teaching around the world. According to her philosophy, we should periodically ask ourselves two questions: 1. “What masks have been imposed on us by our culture and loved ones?” 2. “What masks have we chosen for ourselves to wear?” According to my astrological projections, the coming months will be an excellent time for you to ruminate on these inquiries—and take action in response. Are you willing to remove your disguises to reveal the hidden or unappreciated beauty that lies beneath? Can you visualize how your life may change if you will intensify your devotion to expressing your deepest, most authentic self?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If human culture were organized according to my principles, there would be over eight billion religions—one for every person alive. Eight billion altars. Eight billion saviors. If anyone wanted to enlist priestesses, gurus, and other spiritual intermediaries to help them out in their worship, they would be encouraged. And we would all borrow beliefs and rituals from each other. There would be an extensive trade of clues and tricks about the art of achieving ecstatic union with the Great Mystery. I bring this up, Virgo, because the coming weeks will be an ideal time for you to craft your own personalized and idiosyncratic religious path.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Hidden agendas and simmering secrets will soon leak into view. Intimate mysteries will become even more intimate and more mysterious. Questions that have been halfsuppressed will become pressing and productive. Can you handle this much intrigue, Libra? Are you willing to wander through the amazing maze of emotional teases to gather clues about the provocative riddles? I think you will have the poise and grace to do these things. If I’m right, you can expect deep revelations to appear and long-lost connections to re-emerge. Intriguing new connections are also possible. Be on high alert for subtle revelations and nuanced intuitions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s fun and easy to love people for their magnificent qualities and the pleasure you feel when they’re nice to you. What’s more challenging is to love the way they disappoint you. Now pause a moment and make sure you register what I just said. I didn’t assert that you should love them *even if* they disappoint you. Rather, I invited you to love them BECAUSE they disappoint you. In other words,

use your disappointment to expand your understanding of who they really are, and thereby develop a more inclusive and realistic love for them. Regard your disappointment as an opportunity to deepen your compassion—and as a motivation to become wiser and more patient. (PS: In general, now is a time when so-called “negative” feelings can lead to creative breakthroughs and a deepening of love.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I assure you that you don’t need “allies” who encourage you to indulge in delusions or excesses. Nor do I recommend that you seek counsel from people who think you’re perfect. But you could benefit from colleagues who offer you judicious feedback. Do you know any respectful and perceptive observers who can provide advice about possible course corrections you could make? If not, I will fill the role as best as I can. Here’s one suggestion: Consider phasing out a mild pleasure and a small goal so you can better pursue an extra fine pleasure and a major goal.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I invite you to take an inventory of what gives you pleasure, bliss, and rapture. It’s an excellent time to identify the thrills that you love most. When you have made a master list of the fun and games that enhance your intelligence and drive you halfwild with joy, devise a master plan to ensure you will experience them as much as you need to—not just in the coming weeks, but forever. As you do, experiment with this theory: By stimulating delight and glee, you boost your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author Lewis Carroll said, “You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic.” In my astrological opinion, this won’t be an operative theme for you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. I suspect you will be inclined to believe fervently in magic, which will ensure that you attract and create a magical solution to at least one of your problems—and probably more.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Which would you prefer in the coming weeks: lots of itches, prickles, twitches, and stings? Or, instead, lots of tingles, quivers, shimmers, and soothings? To ensure the latter types of experiences predominate, all you need to do is cultivate moods of surrender, relaxation, welcome, and forgiveness. You will be plagued with the aggravating sensations only if you resist, hinder, impede, and engage in combat. Your assignment is to explore new frontiers of elegant and graceful receptivity.

Architectural Associate sought by Denham-Blythe Company Inc (dba: Denham-Blythe) in Lexington, KY, who can conduct research and assist in developing project programs. MA Req. Email resume to denhamblytheky@gmx.com

CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, KY seeks Medical Technologists to work in hospital lab. Requires BS in Medical Technology or equivalent. Apply to marty.keith@commonspirit.org

HOME AND GARDEN

HG CALENDAR

MAY 7

Noon to 1 pm, Downtown Library. Solar 101. Attend a free workshop to find out if solar panels are right for your home.

The City of Lexington has partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society to launch Solarize Lexington. The program helps households reduce their reliance on the electric grid by making it easier to install solar photovoltaics (PV). Solarize Lexington will: Connect participants to a vetted solar installer, Solar Energy Solutions.

Provide a step-by-step walk-through of the solar installation process.

Give households access to discounted wholesale rates.

The program is open to all homeowners in Lexington-Fayette County. Other property owners (non-profits, small businesses, places of worship) are also welcome to apply. Participants are responsible for the (discounted) cost of solar panels and installation.

Please register only once per household. Each person does NOT need their own registration.

SAT MAY 11

The city’s next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 8:30 am –3 pm. Products that contain corrosive, toxic or flammable ingredients are household hazardous wastes (HHW). These materials include common household items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides. Improper disposal can pollute air, water or soil and pose a threat to human health. During these events, Fayette County residents can drop off the hazardous materials that have accumulated in their homes. The city will properly dispose of them, free of charge. This event is held at 1631 Old Frankfort Pike (enter via Jimmy Campbell Dr.)

SUN MAY 19

The Bluegrass Iris Society will host their Annual Iris Show on Saturday, May 11, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at the lower level of Lexington Green.

Photographer Kevin Nance will sign copies of his new hardcover coffee table book, Geneva’s Garden: Four Seasons of Beauty in Lexington’s Gratz Park,1 to 4 p.m. May 19 in the garden of Elvis and Geneva Donaldson at 304 W. Third St.

Sold In Lexington

About one fourth of Lexington homeowners recently received new property tax assessment notices and have expressed concern about the size of the increases. I also have serious concerns about the state of the housing market from an affordability standpoint in terms of not only buying and financing a home, but also renting and budgeting for taxes and other expenses. Therefore, I want you to have more information to help explain the process and the economic factors at play.

We are now four years into a period of rapidly escalating home prices in a housing market that was already robust. Home values are a direct reflection of local, current sale prices, which I have attached here in the form of a monthly, ten-year snapshot. Note the March column, the most recent data we have. Since 2014, Lexington home prices have exactly doubled, an average increase of 10 percent per year, every year.

“Since 2014, Lexington home prices have exactly doubled, an average increase of 10 percent per year, every year.”

The industry standard for determining a home’s value, whether for taxes, appraising for bank loans, or determining a listing price with a real estate agent is through the analysis of comparable sales. You identify a few sales, preferably in the immediate area, of similar size and style homes with adjustments to the sale price for differences between the home being

valued and the homes that sold for things like square footage, number of bathrooms, basements, garages, etc.

The Kentucky Constitution requires property be assessed at 100% fair cash value (what the property would bring in a sale between a willing seller and a willing buyer). And, while the KY department of revenue provides guidance for assessing property once every four years, due to government and industry shutdowns in 2020 and 2021, most homes since 2022 are being reassessed for the first time in five or six years, and this will also be the case in 2025.

Since prices are increasing at 10 percent and higher per year, reassessing every four years will commonly result in increases in assessments of 30% - 50%, which can be understandably surprising and concerning.

It is important for homeowners to understand the assessment process. I perform “mass assessing” not individual home appraisals. There are 114,000 properties in Fayette County and we only perform a “windshield inspection” of the property once every four years. The assessment you receive in the mail reflects our best, educated and technology-backed estimate of your home’s value. But that is not the end of the process. Carefully read the information contained within your assessment notice and utilize the protest process to share additional information that may result in a more accurate assessment. We have moved the protest process almost entirely online and it has never been easier for you to participate in the assessment process — so please do so.”

—David O’Neill is Fayette County’s Property Valuation Administrator