Vol 3
Free Publication
Issue 4
Jessamine Co. Living CHRISTMAS / WINTER 2023-2024
free publication
200 N. PLAZA DRIVE, NICHOLASVILLE
859-887-9292
JCL CHRISTMAS/WINTER 2023
anat ronen came to nicholasville to paint not one, but 3 murals!
what’s been going on in
Jessamine
COMMUNITY + EVENTS + GOOD WILL
10 EDITOR'S NOTE 8 EVENTS Jessamine County is buzzing this time of year, and for good reason! Both Nicholasville and Wilmore offer so much to do for your family.
20-21 EAST AND WEST JESSAMINE
BASKETBALL
Check out our local high school schedules and teams as we move into basketball season.
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ONLY HERE:
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS RECIPES THAT TASTE LIKE HOME. 16 WILMORE’S OLD FASHIONED
MUSICAL CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
13 ST. “NICH” FEST CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
kyelectrolysis.com 711 Millpond Road Suite #2 Lexington, KY 40514
859-549-SKIN
Danah Caudill
104 S. York Street, Nicholasville, KY (859) 887-0400 publicwellky.com
Get your home ready for the Holidays & Make Your To-Do List A Little Shorter
Bake Cookies Wrap Presents Decorate the Tree Grocery Shopping Paint Guest Room Patch Drywall Fix the Door Handles Hang Pictures Change Light Fixtures Caulk the Guest Shower
Christmas Music Coming 24/7 11/24 - 12/26
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOV 23 - Thanksgiving Day 24 - Black Friday 25 - Small Business Saturday 27 - Cyber Monday
2023 WILD LIGHTS SHOW DATES! FIND WILD LIGHTS’ DAZZLING DISPLAY OF LIGHTS AND A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. GATHER WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO WITNESS THE BEAUTY OF THE LIGHTS DANCING TO THE MUSIC.
1 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Jessamine County Courthouse Christmas Tree Lighting 1 - 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Jessamine Live@ Performance Park – Jessamine County Public Schools Holiday Music 2 - Wilmore’s Old Fashioned Musical Christmas 8 - 10 - KCAL’s Old Time Radio Christmas Shows 9 - Nicholasville’s St. “Nich” Christmas Fest 24 - Christmas Eve 25 - Christmas 31 - New Year’s Eve
DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 6 6P - 11P 112 BERNIE TRAIL NICHOLASVILLE, KY
DEC
JAN 1 - New Year’s Day 15 - MLK Jr. Day Black History Month 14- Valentine’s Day 19 - President’s Day
FEB
Anat Ronen Paints 3 Murals for Nicholasville
When you drive around Main Street in Nicholasville, you’re likely to see some new color on the streets. Adding murals to small town streets is a great way to make a statement and to be memorable. Anat Ronen was hired to come into town and paint 3 murals that were significant to Nicholasville. The project was paid for by Visit Jessamine, Jessamine County Fiscal Court, and the Nicholasville Mayor’s Office. Ronen specializes in large scale, illusionist-style artwork that looks 3D. She came here for the first annual Chalk Fest, and stayed to do our beautiful murals.
Chalk Fest was a great new event for the community, with many people coming out with their families for the day! There are more businesses opening in downtown, including new restaurants. There have been many improvements to the downtown area, with more to do for our residents including, Performance Park, Rock Fence Park and the shows that are put on there, and vendors markets. Downtown Nicholasville is turning into a destination for our locals and visitors alike. The tourism office is moving to the old jail to bring visitors to our downtown and revitalize an old building.
Our tourism director, Charla Reed, weighed in on the progress and changes we are seeing in Jessamine County. “Our community has so much to offer. The murals add a whole new element to downtown. We are so excited to add beauty and charm to Jessamine County, and we are hoping this is a good start to adding vibrance to our community, and give us all something to be proud of.” As for the future, Charla says there are plans for more murals around Nicholasville, with an art trail being the goal. There’s no question that the color looks great downtown, and we are so excited to see what’s next.
Hi, Neighbors! Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year, and the most wonderful edition of JCL of the year! I look so forward to this edition, because it gives me such gratitude for this county. I see community members volunteering and stepping up to donate and contribute to Jessamine County in ways that only our neighbors can. I also see small business owners, the city and county, and chamber of commerce coming together in countless meetings to bring events to you this time of year. We have Wilmore’s Old Fashioned Musical Christmas coming up on December 2nd, and Nicholasville’s St. “Nich” Fest on December 9th. NJCPR (Parks and Rec) is planning Christmas at the Coolidge, and The Oaks is planning their Vendor Fair. The County will have the annual tree lighting, and there will be a parade on Main Street. I encourage you to come out to these! They are perfect for kids and the family, but also perfect for just you, or just you and a couple of friends. I say this what seems like every edition, but ‘tis the season, so remember to shop small. Local businesses depend on you for their survival. Everyone can agree that we would like to see more local businesses in town, but we can’t ever get there if we aren’t supporting them. You don’t even have to support them by buying something necessarily. You could like them on social media, share their posts, or tell a friend. Anything like that makes such a big difference to our small business owners. I especially love seeing you all support our advertisers here in this magazine. I, too, am a small business owner. The advertisers you see here in JCL are some people who decided to support me by talking to you on these pages. By doing so, they make this magazine possible, and also make it free for the whole community, let’s please show them our appreciation. Lastly, but certainly not least, thank YOU. Merry Christmas. I appreciate you picking up this magazine, and reading and supporting these advertisers like you do. I do this for Jessamine County because I genuinely love YOU and this community. Thank you for making this career possible for me. Happy New Year!
Driving Commerce
These 3 ladies are a driving force for business in Jessamine County. We want to recognize their contribution to the local economy and their leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. They have been instrumental in organizing networking events, business seminars, and community outreach programs that have helped countless entrepreneurs and business owners thrive in the region. Their dedication and commitment to economic development have made a significant impact on the local community.
Ronda May Ronda has been the Chamber Director for 7 years. Her passion for making Jessamine County the BEST place to Live, Work & Play is evident when you meet her. She strives to connect business leaders with the community to showcase how great the county is and the places where improvements need to happen. Being one of the fastest growing communities in the State there is always a struggle for growth to keep us competitive but not lose our small-town charm. People love Jessamine County for its southern hospitality, quaintness of our cities and the relationships that are built over shopping small, dining local and giving back. Ronda works hard at making our residents and visitors realize just how much Jessamine County has to offer. Ronda has raised her son and daughter here and is now enjoying the life as a Nana and seeing our town through the eyes of a child. She loves, lives in and supports all things Jessamine County.
Jonna Perdue Jonna Perdue is a philanthropic leader in Jessamine County and makes an effort to stay involved in the community by volunteering time and resources to make Nicholasville and Wilmore a better place to live and work. Jonna is the president of the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce, and surpassed the usual one-year time frame and took on a second term. I asked her why: “So my motto has been "Better Businesses Build Better Communities. " We are lifelong Jessamine county residents that want the community to know we are here to try to support our hometown in any way possible to improve our community and provide good paying jobs. Working with the Chamber helps to bring awareness, support, and promotion of all of local businesses small, medium, and large in our community. By networking and supporting other businesses in the community , we can help to make Jessamine County a better place to work, play, and call home. We are from here. Our children and grandchildren all live here. Our employees families all live here. Improving relationships between businesses here in the community is an important step to making progress for Jessamine County's future as a whole. Our support for Habitat for Humanity of Jessamine and Garrard County is something we feel is important to give back, but also encourage families to work hard for home ownership. Habitat is a hand up, not a hand out. Helping families find affordable housing and helping with safety and beautification projects for those who need a little help is a way we can give back to our community. We want to continue to strive to make Jessamine County the best it can be by making it our business to continue to provide job opportunities and resources when and where we can!
Shannon Harris Shannon Harris is the first person you will meet when visiting the Chamber of Commerce! She is originally from Georgetown, KY but considers herself a local girl after living here nearly 20 years. Shannon is married to Mark Harris (who works at WesBanco) and has a 12 yr. old son, Jaxson. She has worked in different careers including interior design, real estate, and the most important role of stay-at-home-mom. While Shannon has held different careers in her past, she says working for the Chamber of Commerce has been the most enjoyable! She loves meeting new people and watching new businesses flourish. From my time working at the Chamber, I’ve learned that Jessamine County is full of wonderful people who are willing to support one another. My biggest piece of advice to new businesses is to get involved! Meeting people and making connections will benefit you in your personal life, as well as your business. The Chamber is a great place to start making connections! Stop by the office, I’ll be behind the desk!!
Saturday, December 9, 2023 9A-11A PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Nicholasville Baptist Church - 131 S Main St Enjoy delicious Pancakes and get your picture with Santa
9A-2P PICTURES WITH SANTA Farmer's Bank - 200 N Main St Petting Zoo, Kids Crafts, Meet the Grinch
9A-2P MAKE AN ORNAMENT City National Bank - 150 S. Main St Hot Cocoa, Refreshments
9A-3P ST. LUKE’S CHRISTMAS MARKET
10A-5P THE MERCANTILE 213 N Main St Craft Vendors, Make Reindeer Food, Story Time, Food Trucks
10A - 5P JESS PUBLIC LIBRARY
St. Luke Catholic Church - 304 S Main St Vendors, Lunch with Santa 11 - 2 (free for kids) Homemade meals for purchase
600 S Main St Artisan Fair, Vendors, Workshops, Live Music, Whistle Stop Coffee Truck Gift Basket Giveaway worth over $200
9A-4P CHRISTMAS AT THE COOLIDGE
11A - 2P URBAN VILLAGE
The Coolidge Building - 501 E Maple St 39 Craft Vendors Holy Smokes Food Truck Santa and the Grinch will be making appearances
210 S 1st St Open Gym, Make an Ornament
9A-4P NICHOLASVILLE TOWN CENTER Old J's Place Building - 101 S Main St Hot Cocoa, Live Music, Kids Crafts, Vendors, Family Fun Photos
9A-4P COMMON GROUND 104 S 2nd St Visit the Tree/Wreath Trail (bidding online) 11a - 3p Make Smores & Watch Christmas Cartoons
9A-4P ANIMAL SHELTER 120 Fairground Way Pet pictures with Santa - $5, Silent auction, Kids Crafts, light refreshments
10A-5P THE OAKS 205 W Oak St Craft Vendors, Christmas Bingo (winner will receive all the fixins for your Christmas Meal)
11A - 4P LEXINGTON FIRST INS 502 N Main St Picture with the Grinch, Treats for Kids, Refreshments
4:00P MAIN ST. ROAD CLOSURE Road will be closed from Dan's Discount to Chestnut Street for the Parade and Ugly Sweater 3k
4:30P UGLY SWEATER 3K Starts at the Coolidge Building To register, contact Nicholasville Parks and Rec
5:30P ST. NICH CHRISTMAS PARADE Begins at Dan's Discount and Ends at Maple Street. Come early and grab your seat!
AFTER THE PARADE: FREE photos with Santa and FREE hot cocoa at Nicholasville Town Center
Jessamine County Health Department is Expanding Since 2012, the Jessamine County Health Department has grown from 22 employees to 39 employees. Due to this growth, the 16,000 sq ft facility is at capacity with employee sharing of some space. The COVID pandemic only amplified our need for resolution of the facility space issues and the need to expand and renovate our facility. This project addresses 3 key areas of need 1. Harm Reduction: The Harm Reduction team is spread throughout the building reducing ability to coordinate and interact for client needs. 2. Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS): They have been using a storage room for space, but individual office space is needed for HIPAA compliance. 3. A larger community room: This would
meet the needs of their growing staff relative to staff trainings, meetings, Healthy & Safe Community workgroups, public health emergency response capacity for Department Operations Center, storage capacity for records currently stored off-site and possible future office expansion. “I’m proud to say that we are going to be able to support this project with no financing at all.” – Randy Gooch said at Groundbreaking Ceremony prior to his retirement as JCHD Executive Director. JCHD applied for and received 2 grants that will cover a portion of the cost, and the rest will be paid with local funds. The expansion will be called the McCaw Wing – named in honor of Dr. William C. McCaw, DVM for his 40+ years of voluntary service leading the Board of Health (BOH). • Estimated completion – Summer 2024
Merry Christmas!
From welcoming wooden signs to festive throw pillows, we've got everything you need to deck out your space.
Thursday 9-6 Friday and Saturday 10-4 123 Means Dr, Nicholasville (859) 724-7325
One coupon per customer will be valid. Coupons will only be good for the respective sections of The Dixie Cafe and Quick Shop. No refunds will be given on purchases made without coupon. Not the same as cash. Must use by 2/28/24.
The City of Wilmore invites you to experience the charm of a small town Christmas this year. There is something special about shopping on a sidewalk, instead of a shopping mall. Feel the quintessential atmosphere of roaming the angel-lined streets, in and out of local shops.
“One of Kentucky’s Most Christmassy Towns” -2021 December Issue, Kentucky Living
This Season, Shop Local and Shop Small in Wilmore
2023 - 2024 Girls Schedule
Head Coach
Travis Frith
Head Coach
Matthew Chewning
2023 - 2024 Boys Schedule
Head Coach
Matt Hilkens
Taylor Harper
2023 - 2024 Girls Schedule
Head Coach
2023 - 2024 Boys Schedule
ANNUAL VENDOR FAIR DECEMBER 9TH, 2023 9 AM - 4 PM
Guess Who’s Coming to Town... 1007 Elizabeth St, Nicholasville
116 S Main St, Nicholasville
Brannon Crossing
By Suff’s Furniture and Starbucks
History of Camp Nelson National Cemetery Contributed by Benjamin Shelley During the Civil War, Camp Nelson played a vital role in supplying the U.S. Army, caring for the sick and wounded, and enlisting African-American soldiers. It featured barracks, hospitals, and recruitment centers. A small plot near the hospital was designated as a graveyard for those who died at Camp Nelson. Around 379 men were buried there, with another area, Graveyard No. 2, added later. Approximately 1,180 men were interred by February 1866. The U.S. government appropriated approximately eight acres here to establish a cemetery. After the Civil War, the federal government relocated and reinterred Union soldiers in national cemeteries. In 1868, over 2,000 remains from various Kentucky locations were reburied at Camp Nelson, including many United States Colored Troops (USCT). There are no Confederate soldiers buried at Camp Nelson, as Confederate prisoners of war were relocated elsewhere. The cemetery has expanded over the years, but the historic section is enclosed by a stone wall and includes a fully restored superintendent's lodge built in 1870.
give the gift of vision! Get new glasses for your whole family at Bluegrass Family Vision in Brannon Crossing 181 E Brannon Rd, Nicholasville | 859-971-2211 | bluegrassfamilyvision.com
Merry Christmas from John Clay’s Family to Yours!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas From Your Friends at
Expires 12-31-23 Code: Jesschamber
Community Recipes Holiday Cheese Ball
Pine(Apple) Cider
What you need:
What you need:
Two packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened. One can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained. One green pepper chopped finely. One onion chopped finely. Two teaspoons seasoned salt or more to taste. Two cups chopped pecans.
1 bottle of apple cider 1 small can of chunk pineapple 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks Simmer and enjoy!
Especially important step- drain your crushed pineapple well. Soak on paper towels. This ensures your cheeseball will form appropriately. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, pineapple, green pepper, onions, and seasoned salt. Shape cheese mixture into a ball and cover. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning, roll your cheese ball in pecans. Serve with crackers. If you want to add meat, simply chop up ham or buy chipped beef and add it to ball while mixing. Serve with any cracker but I prefer to serve this with chicken in a biscuit cracker. Enjoy! Submitted by: Tanya Bolten
Holiday Catering
YOU CAN PLAN ON US
102 W Oak St, Nicholasville catering.gourmetgoodies@gmail.com
859-887-1027 gourmetgoodiesbythelma.com
Submitted by: Deronda Sears
Puppy Chow What you need: 1 Cup of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 1/2 cup of Peanut Butter 9 cups of Crispy Rice Cereal Squares 1 and 1/2 cups of powdered sugar Melt the chocolate first until smooth, then add in peanut butter. Then, remove from the heat and add the cereal, and stir until coated. Pour your powdered sugar into a large zip lock bag and add in cereal mixture. shake to coat! That’s it! You can add additional toppings like pretzels or m&Ms too if you want. Submitted by: Amanda Roberts
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Good Neighbor Report
We want to thank Randall Chewning for suggesting us for this feature in Jessamine County Living Magazine
Why Ozonated Water is the Gift that Keeps On Giving 10/10 dentist recommended Ozonated water for their patients! Ozonated water is water that has three oxygen molecules (O3) making it a highly powerful, natural disinfectant. It kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses within 5 seconds. It is made with only tap water and a portable electrolytic generator in two minutes. It is strong enough to kill viruses and bacteria but safe enough to drink! I am a registered dental hygienist and I found Ozonated water because of its effectiveness in killing bacteria that causes periodontal disease and gingivitis. Since the generator is compact, portable and only requires water, I travel with it and use as a chemical free, non toxic hand sanitizer and disinfectant! This is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates a more holistic health approach. Ozonated water has many health benefits, contact me to learn more and to purchase your electrolytic generator! Rdhhero3@yahoo.com. Miranda Adams, Registered Dental Hygienist
254 E Brannon Rd 859-279-4793
Someone You Should Know Donald Thomas Brumfield, the son of thoroughbred horse trainer, Edgar S. Brumfield, was born in Nicholasville on May 24, 1938. His grandfather, Thomas P. Brumfield, was a twenty-year police court judge in Nicholasville By age 16, Don was an apprentice horse jockey traveling the racing circuit with his father. Described as “a tiny, freckled youth” by one publication, he made his debut at Florida’s Gulfstream Park in 1954. He quickly became one of the leading jockeys and had a very successful career, winning 4,573 races over thirty-five years from 1954 to 1989. However, one win stands out among all the others, a race from May 7, 1966. In that event, Brumfield was aboard Kauai King, a three-year-old dark bay stallion. At the start, Don jumped Kauai King to the lead, and the strong horse never relinquished his place at the front, despite a furious finish by Advocator. In the last eighth of a mile, Don cracked the whip three times and whispered, “Lord, please help me now.” Whether or not divine intervention played a role, his mount was the first one across the finish line. Two minutes and two seconds after the fifteen thoroughbreds bolted from the starting gates, 27-yearold Donald Brumfield was a Kentucky Derby winning jockey, cementing the Jessamine Countian’s place in the history books, as the winning jockey of the 92nd running of the world's most famous horse race. by: Jonathan Smith, Central Kentucky Historian
You’re Invited to Church to Celebrate Jesus - The Reason for the Season
STEPHEN P. CURTIS Principal Agent / Owner Kentucky United Insurance 859-305-6036 www.kentuckyunitedins.com
ALex Carter Letter
David West Letter
Harold Rainwater Letter
What to Really Spend This Holiday Season... When planning finances for Christmas and the holidays, it’s important to start early and go by a budget. As we all know too well, the holiday season can be very costly, and with the price of everything on the rise, it helps to set a budget and plan in advance to avoid overspending and unnecessary financial stress.
can spend your money where it counts, and prioritize that. Also, take advantage of sales that many retailers and local businesses have this time of year, particularly after Thanksgiving. Sometimes, it pays to be a last minute shopper. ;) Shopping sales and using coupons can really help to stretch your budget further.
This year, consider homemade gifts and DIY decorations. They are often more thoughtful and unique than what you can buy in a store, and they are also costeffective, so you
Furthermore, it’s important to prioritize your spending, especially during the holiday season, when it’s easy to get lost in the magic of the season and seriously overspend. Determine what is most important to
you and your loved ones, and choose to allocate your funds accordingly. Doing this ensures the happiness of those who mean the most to you, but also proves to be a financial plus when buying gifts, and helps you make the most of the season. When you’re thinking about what to spend on the holidays, I suggest spending the most valuable thing you have in life, time, with the people you adore. Spending time is always an expense that’s worth it, and you’ll never regret spending a little more.
from your friends at Jessamine Dry Cleaners