It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year! Well, I said that last year, and then I said it again at Christmas. Let’s just call it the ‘ber months, those are the best ones! September, October, November, December. A chance to reinvent what the meaning of what “ cozy ” is, and get into the spirit of fall - that’s what is coming up in this issue Just the thought of Autumn is enough to get me excited Then, hit me with an actual crisp 55° day, a warm latte, a big sweater, orange and brown leaves crunching under my boots, and a pumpkin patch (Sally Gap Pumpkin Patch is my favorite), well you can call me one happy girl Fall in Jessamine County is so fun, and this year, we have plenty of activities for you to get outside and do with your friends and family. One of them I’m personally putting on for you, with the help of my best friend, Kara, owner of The Mercantile Coffee and Feed We hope you can come to our first annual Harvest Fest downtown Nicholasville on October 12! Your formal invitation will be on page 33!
Wilmore will be having their story-telling festival on September 13 and 14, and there will still be bands coming to perform at Performance Park. KCAL will have their Old Time Radio Show on October 25 and 26 at First Vineyard Winery We can’t forget Wilmore’s Treats on Main and Nicholasville’s Spooky Time on Main (both on Halloween) - these events are very well attended, and safe for the family!
I’m seeing more expansion of commerce and residential in the county, which leaves me hopeful for the continuing growth we see here at home I know that sometimes it feels like we are always adjusting to something new, but know that growth for the community is ultimately a good thing. It keeps jobs and dollars here in Jessamine County, which makes for a better local economy, and more businesses believing we are cool enough to open shop here It’s looking like we are a good bet for commerce Support the small businesses first, and say “thanks” to the advertisers you see in here - they believe in you and in me.
As Always - To More Octobers,
IN LOVE WITH JESSAMINE COUNTY
J e s s a m i n e C o u n t y , K e n t u c k y t r a n s f o r m s
i n t o a p i c t u r e s q u e s c e n e d u r i n g t h e
f a l l , m a k i n g i t a p a r t i c u l a r l y c h a r m i n g
t i m e o f y e a r T h e r e a r e s e v e r a l r e a s o n s
w h y t h e f a l l s e a s o n i s s o s p e c i a l i n
J e s s a m i n e C o u n t y , t h e f i r s t b e i n g t h e
v i b r a n t f a l l f o l i a g e ! T h e c o u n t y
b e c o m e s a c a n v a s o f r i c h a u t u m n c o l o r s
a s t h e l e a v e s c h a n g e T h e s c e n i c d r i v e s
a r o u n d t h e c o u n t y a l s o o f f e r
b r e a t h t a k i n g v i e w s o f v i b r a n t r e d s ,
o r a n g e s , a n d y e l l o w s , c r e a t i n g a
p e r f e c t b a c k d r o p f o r p h o t o g r a p h y , s c e n i c w a l k s , o r l e i s u r e l y d r i v e s
T h e n w e h a v e h a r v e s t s e a s o n F a l l
m a r k s t h e h a r v e s t s e a s o n , a n d
J e s s a m i n e C o u n t y ' s l o c a l f a r m s
c e l e b r a t e w i t h p u m p k i n p a t c h e s , a p p l e
o r c h a r d s , a n d c o r n m a z e s T h e s e
p r o v i d e n o t o n l y f r e s h p r o d u c e b u t a l s o f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y a c t i v i t i e s t h a t a r e
s y n o n y m o u s w i t h f a l l
I t ’ s a l s o i m p o r t a n t t o n o t e o u r m i l d
w e a t h e r T h e h e a t o f t h e K e n t u c k y
s u m m e r g i v e s w a y t o c o o l e r , c r i s p
t e m p e r a t u r e s i n t h e f a l l , m a k i n g i t a n i d e a l t i m e f o r o u t d o o r a c t i v i t i e s
W h e t h e r i t ’ s h i k i n g , b i k i n g , o r e x p l o r i n g t h e l o c a l p a r k s , t h e
c o m f o r t a b l e w e a t h e r e n c o u r a g e s
o u t d o o r a d v e n t u r e s .
W h a t w e
J
s s
m i n
E v e n t s l i k e t h e N E W J e s s a m i n e H a r v e s t
F e s t a n d o t h e r s o f f e r o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o e n j o y l o c a l c r a f t s , f o o d , a n d f e s t i v i t i e s
t h a t b r i n g t h e c o m m u n i t y t o g e t h e r
T h e h i s t o r i c a l s i t e s i n J e s s a m i n e
C o u n t y , s u c h a s C a m p N e l s o n H e r i t a g e
N a t i o n a l M o n u m e n t a n d H i g h B r i d g e
P a r k , g a i n a n e x t r a l a y e r o f b e a u t y i n
t h e f a l l T h e s e s i t e s o f f e r n o t o n l y a
g l i m p s e i n t o t h e p a s t b u t a l s o f e a t u r e
s t u n n i n g n a t u r a l s c e n e r y e n h a n c e d b y
t h e a u t u m n a l c o l o r s
W e a r e f i n d i n g m o r e l o c a l c u l i n a r y
d e l i g h t s c o m i n g t o t o w n F a l l
i n f l u e n c e s t h e l o c a l c u i s i n e , w i t h
s e a s o n a l s p e c i a l t i e s a n d c o m f o r t f o o d s
b e c o m i n g m o r e p r o m i n e n t . L o c a l
r e s t a u r a n t s a n d b a k e r i e s f e a t u r e d i s h e s
t h a t i n c o r p o r a t e a u t u m n h a r v e s t s l i k e
s q u a s h , a p p l e s , a n d p u m p k i n s ,
p r o v i d i n g a t a s t e o f t h e s e a s o n i n e v e r y
b i t e C o f f e e s h o p s a r e a l s o o f f e r i n g
f a l l - f l a v o r i n t h o s e l o c a l r o a s t s .
T h e c o m
WHEN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 9A-4P WHERE:
E S S A M I N E
C O U N T Y
L I V I N G
THE ‘BER MONTHS ARE FINALLY HERE!
September October November
2 : L A B O R D A Y
7 - 1 4 - 2 1 - 2 8 : W I L M O R E F A R M E R S
M A R K E T
7 : L E X I N G T O N L E G E N D A R Y B O O K
B A S H
9 : J C S W O R K S E S S I O N
1 3 - 1 4 : B E E F C A T T L E C O O K O U T
1 4 : L I V E M U S I C A N D F O O D T R U C K
@ G H O S T F O X
1 4 : A P P A L A T I N H I S P A N I C
H E R I T A G E @ R I N E Y B P A R K
1 8 : S P A R K L I N G W I N E M A K I N G
D E M O A N D T A S T I N G E X P E R I E N C E
@ G H O S T F O X
1 9 : W I L M O R E N I G H T M A R K E T
2 0 - 2 1 : M O R E T A L E S W I L M O R E
S T O R Y T E L L I N G F E S T I V A L
2 0 : A N T I Q U E T R A C T O R S H O W A T
T H E F A I R G R O U N D S
2 1 : A N N U A L W H E E L S O F J O Y C A R
S H O W @ T R A C T O R S U P P L Y
2 3 : J C S W O R K S E S S I O N
2 3 : A L L T E C H M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E
G O L F S C R A M B L E
2 5 : R E A D B E T W E E N T H E W I N E S @
G H O S T F O X
2 6 : R E V I V E A N N U A L B A N Q U E T
2 7 - 2 8 : I C H T H U S M U S I C F E S T I V A L
2 7 : J E S S A M I N E C H A M B E R G O L F
S C R A M B L E P R E S E N T E D B Y
K I N E T I C
2 9 : B E R R Y M A N F A R M S A L A P A C A
F A R M O P E N H O U S E
4 - 5 : B E E F C A T T L E C O O K O U T
5 - 1 2 - 1 9 - 2 6 : W I L M O R E F A R M E R S M A R K E T
5 : W I L M O R E A R T S A N D C R A F T S F E S T I V A L
7 - 1 1 : J C S F A L L B R E A K
1 2 : R E V I T A L I Z E D O W N T O W N N I C H O L A S V I L L E H A R V E S T F E S T I V A L
1 2 : J C P L C O M I C S U R G E
1 2 : W I L M O R E S O L A R T O U R 2 0 2 4
1 2 : J E S S A M I N E C O . R E L A Y F O R L I F E
1 4 : C O L U M B U S D A Y / I N D I G E N O U S P E O P L E S D A Y
1 4 : J C S W O R K S E S S I O N
1 8 - 1 9 : J E S S A M I N E F A L L F E S T I V A L
2 0 : C H A L K F E S T 2 0 2 4
2 5 - 2 6 : K C A L O L D T I M E R A D I O S H O W A N D D I N N E R @ F I R S T V I N E Y A R D
2 6 : J U S T I N ’ S P L A C E V O L U N T E E R I N G E V E N T ( A G E S 1 2 A N D U P )
2 6 : N I C H O L A S V I L L E V I B E S M U S I C F E S T I V A L
2 8 : J C S W O R K S E S S I O N
3 0 : R E A D B E T W E E N T H E W I N E S @ G H O S T F O X
3 1 : H A L L O W E E N
3 1 : S P O O K Y T I M E O N M A I N
( N I C H O L A S V I L L E )
6 P - 8 P
3 1 : T R E A T S O N M A I N ( W I L M O R E )
6 P - 7 : 3 0 P
2 : N I C
P T S T U F F
W A L M A R T
U I S
3 : D A Y L I G H T S A V I N G T I
O N F E R E N C
D
5 : E L E C T I O N D A Y 5 : J C S N O S C H
P A R A D E
9 : P R O V I D E N C E C H R I S T I A N C H U R C H H O L I D A Y M A R K E T F R O M 9 A - 3 P
1 1 : V E T E R A N ’ S D A Y
1
:
:
O A R D
2 7 - 2 9 : J C S T H A N K S G I V I N G
B R E A K
2 8 : T H A N K S G I V I N G D A Y
2 9 : B L A C K F R I D A Y
3 0 : S M A L L B U S I N E S S S
2 9 - 1 2 / 7 : S H O P S M A L L
B U S I N E S S W E E K
THE 5 PILLARS OF A DEFENSIVE FINANCIAL PLAN
By: Morgan Murray
If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of finding cracks in the foundation of your home, you know it’s an issue that can’t be ignored for long without (expensive) consequence A healthy financial plan needs to rest on a solid foundation made up of five pillars Together, these create peace of mind for the unknowns of life
EMERGENCY CASH: A nice rule of thumb for considering how much to keep in a high-yield savings account is 3 months of living expenses (6 if you have highly variable income) A tip I often recommend to my clients is to write down a list of the expenses you will allow yourself to use this money for Once an expense comes up, refocus the next few months on re-filling the bucket.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: Many workplaces will offer different types of inexpensive disability insurance. For hopeful mothers, short-term disability insurance can create some income during a maternity leave. During your working years, long-term disability, which typically begins 3/6 months after unemployment and can last until retirement, can protect your most vital asset: your income. It’s been said that from a financial standpoint, disability can be worse than death
LIFE INSURANCE: With the myriad of options, this can be one of the more daunting decisions Unfortunately, many of us have seen or felt the impact of a loved one not having enough life insurance coverage There are options that can be low-cost, cash-saving, or even tied to the stock market
HEALTH INSURANCE: Unexpected health costs can set a plan back several years With the institution of the Affordable Care Act, options have never been so plentiful (and confusing) If securing insurance through your job isn’t an option, consult an authorized representative that can help you navigate the Kynect process
ESTATE PLANNING: 2 out of 3 Americans do not have a will or trust in place at death For families with minor children, the importance of assigning guardianship cannot be stressed enough There are local attorneys or services online that can prepare these vital documents for few hundred dollars or less Remember: if you won’t decide what happens to your assets at death, the government will No one looks forward to discussing many of these worst-case scenarios, but after the “defense” is established…the real fun can begin: “offensive” wealth building. Tune in to the next edition to read how you can start building the rest of your financial house!
5
Fall Beauty Secrets
Fall is a wonderful time to update your beauty routine because the cooler weather and changing seasons can have different effects on your skin and hair Here are some fall beauty secrets to help you transition smoothly and keep looking your best:
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
- Switch to a Richer Moisturizer: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin are great for locking in moisture
- Don’t Forget Your Body: It’s not just your face that needs extra moisture Use a thick body lotion or body butter after showering to seal in hydration
2 Exfoliate Regularly
- Gentle Exfoliation: As the weather cools down, your skin might start to feel a bit dull Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, but switch to a gentler exfoliant to avoid irritation A mild chemical exfoliant with lactic or glycolic acid can help brighten your complexion without stripping your skin
- Lips Need Love Too: Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently buff away dry skin, and follow up with a hydrating lip balm
3 Adjust Your Foundation
- Change Your Shade: Your summer tan might start to fade, so it’s a good idea to reassess your foundation shade Opt for a slightly lighter shade that matches your fall skin tone
- Go for Dewy Finishes: Matte finishes can sometimes emphasize dry skin in cooler weather Consider switching to a foundation with a dewy or satin finish for a more hydrated and luminous look
4 Embrace Fall Colors
- Warm, Earthy Tones: Fall is the perfect time to play with rich, warm colors like deep reds, burnt oranges, plums, and browns These shades work beautifully for eyeshadows, lipsticks, and even nail polish
- Berry Lips: A bold, berry-toned lip is a fall classic It adds a pop of color and can instantly elevate your look
5 Take Care of Your Hair
- Nourishing Hair Treatments: Cooler weather can make hair dry and brittle Incorporate nourishing hair masks or oils into your routine to keep your strands soft and healthy
- Scalp Care: Don’t neglect your scalp, especially if you experience dryness or flakiness in the fall Use a gentle scalp exfoliator or a soothing treatment to keep your scalp balanced
Good Neighbor Report: Presented
By: Randall
Chewning State Farm
Anessa Snowden: New director of Nicholasville Jessamine County Parks and Recreation
Nicholasville and Jessamine County have long been known for their vibrant community spirit and commitment to preserving and
enhancing the natural beauty of the area The Parks and Recreation Department plays a pivotal role in maintaining this ethos, providing residents with spaces for leisure, exercise, and community gatherings. With the recent appointment of Anessa Snowden as the new Director of Nicholasville-Jessamine County Parks and Recreation, the department is set to embark on an exciting new chapter
Anessa Snowden brings to her new role a deep passion for community wellness and a strong background in public service Her career has been marked by a commitment to creating inclusive, engaging, and accessible recreational opportunities for people of all ages Snowden has a degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from EKU and 18 years in the field serving
communities in Henderson, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Nevada and Lexington, KY She has experience programming recreation activities for individuals 4 years old to senior adults, including adaptive programming for individuals with disabilities, experience in operating recreation centers, summer camps, and large festival and events
Anessa Snowden’s vision for Nicholasville-Jessamine County Parks and Recreation is ambitious and forward-thinking She aims to build on the department’s strong foundation by introducing new programs and initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of the community “My vision for NJCPR is to enhance the quality of life for Nicholasville-Jessamine County residents by providing a wide variety of park amenities and programs to meet the needs of the community as a whole (youth, teens, adults, seniors, adaptive recreation needs, families, etc )”
I asked Anessa what her first actions will be as new director. “As the new Director, I plan on assessing our Parks and program amenities, getting to know staff, building community partnerships, and surveying the community on needs and wants from Parks and Recreation I am completing
current projects and finding creative ways to enhance our parks and programs while communicating with the public I hope to generate a new excitement for Parks and Recreation and for what our community can be ”
Lastly, I gave Snowden a chance to say what she would want to say to you, the reader and our neighbor:
1 Please be patient as I get started - I am working through a lot of things
2 Look for a survey coming out this fall that will allow us to take community feedback and shape our programs/parks If you have an idea or a recreation need that we are not fulfilling - please let me know
3 Get excited about what is coming, be a champion of Parks and Recreation and let's work together to make our city and county Parks system something amazing.
4 Take pride in what we do have/offer and help us keep our parks beautiful. If you can adopt a park or simply leave it better than you found it, that's a great start
Snowden is committed to making the parks and recreation system a cornerstone of community life
D e a r n e i g h b o r s , f r i e n d s , a n d f a m i l y ,
F a l l i s h e r e !
T h e A n n u a l C h a l k F e s t i s c o m i n g b a c k t o
d o w n t o w n N i c h o l a s v i l l e ! V i s i t J e s s a m i n e h a s
p a r t n e r e d w i t h t h e C i t y o f N i c h o l a s v i l l e t o b r i n g
t h e a w a r d w i n n i n g s t r e e t a r t i s t a n d m u r a l i s t , A n a t
R o n e n b a c k t o t o w n . O u r c o m m u n i t y w i l l b e a b l e
t o e n j o y m u s i c , f o o d , s h o p p i n g a n d c r e a t i n g y o u r
o w n c h a l k c r e a t i o n w h i l e w a t c h i n g a s A n a t R o n e n
c r e a t e s m o r e p e r m a n e n t b u i l d i n g m u r a l s i n o u r
D o w n t o w n ! W e h o p e t h a t y o u ’ l l s a v e t h e d a t e a n d
j o i n u s i n d o w n t o w n N i c h o l a s v i l l e o n O c t o b e r
2 0 t h !
W e e n c o u r a g e y o u t o g e t o u t a n d s e e t h e l e a v e s
c h a n g e c o l o r b y u t i l i z i n g t h e t w o m i l e s o f t r a i l s
o n f i f t y a c r e s o f w o o d e d l a n d s u r r o u n d i n g t h e
a q u a t i c c e n t e r a t R i n e y B I f r u n n i n g i s n ’ t w h a t
i n t e r e s t s y o u , i t i s a l s o e q u i p p e d w i t h a n 1 8 - h o l e
d i s k g o l f c o u r s e
W e a r e c o m m i t t e d t o m a k i n g q u a l i t y o f l i f e a
p r i o r i t y f o r a l l o u r c i t i z e n s b y a d d i n g r e c r e a t i o n a l
a c t i v i t i e s ! E x c i t i n g a d d i t i o n s t o o u r N i c h o l a s v i l l e
P a r k s a r e c o m i n g s o o n w i t h t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f
n o t j u s t o n e b u t t w o p i c k l e b a l l c o u r t l o c a t i o n s a t
C i t y C o u n t y P a r k a n d L o n e O a k . Y o u s o o n w i l l b e
a b l e t o p l a y a g a m e o n o n e o f o u r s i x c o u r t s a t
C i t y - C o u n t y P a r k a s w e l l a s f o u r p i c k l e b a l l c o u r t s
a n d t w o t e n n i s c o u r t s a t L o n e O a k .
W e h o p e y o u e n j o y e d o u r c o n c e r t s e r i e s a t t h e
P e r f o r m a n c e P a r k i n d o w n t o w n N i c h o l a s v i l l e t h i s
s u m m e r a n d w e l o o k f o r w a r d t o b e i n g b a c k a n d
b e t t e r t h a n e v e r n e x t s u m m e r .
A l e x C a r t e r
N i c h o l a s v i l l e M a y o r
A V I D W E S T ’ S L E T T E R
A s w e m o v e i n t o t h e c r i s p d a y s o f f a l l , J e s s a m i n e
C o u n t y i s a b u z z w i t h a c t i v i t y a n d c o m m u n i t y s p i r i t T h i s
s e a s o n , w e h a v e e x c i t i n g e v e n t s t h a t s h o w c a s e t h e
v i b r a n t l i f e o f o u r c o u n t y A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e c o u n t y i s
h o s t i n g t w o e v e n t s t h a t p r o m o t e e n v i r o n m e n t a l
i n i t i a t i v e s O n S a t u r d a y , O c t o b e r 2 6 t h , t h e a n n u a l F a l l
H a u l w i l l b e h e l d f r o m 8 a m t o 4 p m a t t h e C o n v e n i e n c e
C e n t e r . A d d i t i o n a l l y , w e w i l l b e h o l d i n g a W a s t e T i r e
C o l l e c t i o n e v e n t f r o m S e p t e m b e r 2 6 t h t o 2 8 t h , i n
p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e K e n t u c k y D i v i s i o n o f W a s t e
M a n a g e m e n t . E n j o y t h e a u t u m n c h a r m o f J e s s a m i n e
C o u n t y , a n d l e t ’ s c o n t i n u e t o w o r k t o g e t h e r t o m a k e o u r
c o m m u n i t y t h e b e s t i t c a n b e .
- J u d g e D a v i d K W e s t
H A R O L D R A I N W A T E R ’ S L E T T E R
F a l l i s i n t h e a i r , a n d W i l m o r e i s r e a d y t o c e l e b r a t e
a n d e n j o y s o m e c o o l , s u n n y a u t u m n d a y s . W e a r e
a l w a y s e x c i t e d t o h a v e a l l o u r s c h o o l s , p u b l i c a n d
p r i v a t e , r e s u m e t h e i r a c a d e m i c s c h e d u l e s . A n d w e
w e l c o m e n e w v i s i t o r s , o l d f r i e n d s , c o u n t y
n e i g h b o r s , a n d r e s i d e n t s t o o u r s m a l l t o w n . C h e c k
o u t t h e E . M a i n S t r e e t s h o p s , b u s y a d d i n g n e w
m e r c h a n d i s e f o r t h e c o m i n g h o l i d a y s e a s o n N e w
b u s i n e s s e s i n c l u d e L o s A l t o s M e x i c a n R e s t a u r a n t ,
C a k e s b y B e B e , a n d B l u e b i r d B o o k C o m p a n y
F a r m e r s M a r k e t c o n t i n u e s t o b e a s o c i a l a n d
s h o p p i n g d e s t i n a t i o n o n S a t u r d a y m o r n i n g s
L o o k i n g f o r a “ s p e c i a l ” n i g h t o u t ? C h e c k o u t
F i b b e r ’ s F e a s t , a c a t e r e d d i n i n g a n d s h o w ( $ ) h e l d
S e p t 1 9 , p a r t o f t h e M o r e T a l e s F e s t i v a l w e e k e n d
T i c k e t s a v a i l a b l e a t
h t t p s : / / s q u a r e l i n k / u / l e G l o V R G T h e r e a r e s e v e r a l
f a m i l y f r i e n d l y a n d f r e e e v e n t s w h i c h y o u w i l l w a n t
t o a t t e n d , s u c h a s t h e M o r e T a l e s S t o r y t e l l i n g
F e s t i v a l ( S e p t 2 0 - 2 1 ) , A r t s & C r a f t s F e s t i v a l ( O c t
5 ) , a n d o u r V e t e r a n s D a y P a r a d e ( N o v . 9 ) . W a n t t o
s t a y i n f o r m e d a b o u t W i l m o r e e v e n t s ? R e g i s t e r f o r
o u r e l e c t r o n i c n e w s l e t t e r w h i c h i s r e l e a s e d t h e l a s t
S u n d a y o f e a c h m o n t h . G o t o w w w . w i l m o r e . o r g a n d
s i g n u p ! C o m e t o W i l m o r e w h e r e y o u w i l l b e
g r e e t e d w i t h a h a n d w a v e a n d s m i l e !
H a r o l d R a i n w a t e r , M a y o r o f W i l m o r e
Boone Contracting, located in Lexington, KY, not only excels in delivering highquality residential and commercial construction projects but also embodies the spirit of true craftsmanship and community engagement Established in 2016, this company has rapidly become a cornerstone in the local construction industry, known for its meticulous attention to detail and a client-focused approach
Their services range extensively from constructing new buildings to custom renovations and creating dynamic outdoor living spaces Boone Contracting is particularly noted for its ability to seamlessly integrate clients' styles and visions into each project, making each construction unique and personally tailored. Whether it's a dream home or a commercial entity, they manage every project from the ground up with precision and professional integrity.
The team at Boone Contracting is composed of highly skilled professionals, including Jarrod Gabbard, the president and owner, who brings a personal touch to all engagements. They are not just builders; they are partners who walk you through every step of the process, ensuring that all aspects of the project are handled with care and transparency. Their commitment to client satisfaction is matched by their dedication to the community sourcing locally and supporting other small businesses in the area.
In addition to their building expertise, Boone Contracting also offers an array of specialty services that include but are not limited to, advanced architectural designs, comprehensive site grading and excavation, and intricate interior design planning Their portfolio, showcasing diverse projects, illustrates their versatility in handling complex construction demands and adapting to new trends and technologies in the building industry
For those in Lexington and beyond looking for a reliable contractor with a heart for community and an eye for innovation, Boone Contracting offers a trustworthy and quality-driven choice For more details on their projects and services, visit their website at [Boone Contracting] (https://www.boonecontractingky.com).
a note about family recipes in autumn: by the editor
DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY RECIPE YOU THINK OUR JESSAMINE COUNTY NEIGHBORS WILL LOVE TO INTRODUCE INTO THEIR OWN HOMES? EMAIL BRITT@SIMPUBLICATIONS COM WITH YOUR RECIPE AND A PICTURE AND I’LL PICK SOME TO PUBLISH IN UPCOMING EDITIONS OF JESSAMINE COUNTY LIVING!
There is something comforting about a family recipe that’s stood the test of time, trial, and error. Something about the way the spices and ingredients all mix together to create a taste we can describe as “familiar”. Sometimes, a family recipe is one that takes us back in time with a sense of nostalgia, or one we look forward to sharing with our kids and grandkids so that we know it came from the past, but has a place in the future. A family recipe can be a secret, can be measured with heart instead of measuring spoons and cups, and can be cherished when something so simple seems small, but is actually monumental. I look forward to seeing your family recipes, and I hope I can share a few of them in upcoming editions.
Wellness in the New School Year
Establish a Routine
Consistent sleep, meal, and study schedules help children stay balanced and focused. Ensure they get enough sleep each night according to their age recommendations.
Healthy Eating
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains fuels children’s bodies and minds. Packing nutritious lunches and snacks can help maintain their energy levels throughout the day.
Regular Physical Activity
Encourage regular physical activity, whether it s through sports, playtime, or family activities. Exercise is not only important for physical health but also for mental well-being.
Hydration
Teach children the importance of drinking water throughout the day. Keeping hydrated is vital for cognitive function and overall health.
Mental Health
Pay attention to your child s mental health. Back-to-school can be a stressful time, so open communication and support are key. Consider setting aside time to discuss their day and address any concerns they may have.
Preventive Healthcare
Ensure that all vaccinations are up-to-date and schedule regular check-ups and dental visits. This helps prevent illnesses and addresses any health issues early.
Hygiene Practices
Reinforce good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of germs.
Safe Environment
Create a safe, quiet place at home for homework and studying to help your child focus and feel comfortable while learning.
HEAD COACH
Sports Sports Sports
Zone Zone Zone
TRENTON FIELDS 2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 | HOME | Danville | 6:00 pm
8/30 | AWAY | Anderson Co. | 7:30 pm
9/6 | HOME | Henry Co. | 7:30 pm
9/13 | HOME | North Bullitt | 7:30 pm
Jags Jabber 2023 Season Stats
Head Coach: Mike Bowlin
District: 5A District 7
Division: Division 5A
Overall Record: 2-9
District Record: 0-3
9/20 | HOME | Garrard Co. | 7:30 pm 9/27 | HOME | Russell Co. | 7:30 pm 10/4 | AWAY | Madison Southern | 7:30 pm 10/18 | HOME | West Jessamine | 7:30 pm 10/25 | HOME | Montgomery Co. | 7:30 pm 11/1 | AWAY | Lafayette | 7:30 pm
Jessamine County Schools (JCS) is thrilled to welcome Sara Crum as the new superintendent With a longstanding career in education and administration within the district, Sara Crum brings not only a wealth of experience but also a deep-rooted passion for nurturing a supportive and loving environment for both students and staff
Sara Crum graduated from Georgetown College, and her senior year, Kathy Fields was the principal at Nicholasville Elementary and was a fellow Georgetown graduate, looking to hire others from Georgetown in the education field. In 2000, Crum then went through the process of applying and interviewing, and by the time she graduated, she had a position in a town she had never been, at Nicholasville Elementary, teaching 5th grade for 7 5 years She became assistant principal, then after 7 5 more years, she went on to become principal at Nicholasville for 5-6 years. For the past 3 years, she has been the director of operations at the Board of Education Fields went on to become Superintendent, and now, full circle, Sara Crum has gone to do the same
How can the community get involved with the district? “Mentors! All of our schools need mentors, and all of the family centers do food bags We have multiple community partnerships with banks and small businesses that will sponsor a chosen number of kids. They will bring food once a month: mac and cheese cups, fruit snacks, little bags of graham crackers, etc We send those home with the kids who need them on the weekends ”
Her advice is to pick a school that is convenient to you location-wise. Then get in touch with the family center director and let them know that you are a community member who would like to mentor students or donate to the family center Sometimes they need underwear, socks, leggings, flip flops, etc
Clothes like t-shirts and pants just need to be clean and laundered, while underwear would need to be new
What are the big goals for the year:
GOAL #1 - Intentionally providing clarity in our teaching & learning to increase student achievement.
Crum is a “homegrown leader” and is no stranger to the halls of Jessamine County Schools. Having served in various roles within the district, she has built a reputation as a dedicated educator and leader Her journey within JCS has been marked by her unwavering commitment to excellence in education and her belief in the potential of every student Sara’s experience spans from classroom teaching at Nicholasville Elementary, to administrative leadership, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the needs of the district
“We have an incredible team here! I’ve had a lot to learn,
but it has felt very natural and I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be.”
At the heart of Sara Crum’s vision for Jessamine County Schools is a simple yet powerful principle: love She firmly believes that when students and staff feel loved, valued, and supported, they are more likely to thrive, and love being here This philosophy will be the cornerstone of her tenure as superintendent She loves this community and has raised her girls here as well Ellie is a sophomore year at Asbury, and Olivia is a junior at West.
Increase proficiency/reduce novice
Meet or exceed growth targets
Increase graduation rate
All schools- GREEN (or beyond)!
2 GOAL #2 - Consistently demonstrate a positive school culture to ensure our schools are places where students & staff feel safe, loved, and valued.
Sara Crum’s vision is to reconnect the community to our school system For the past few years, there has been an unintentional divide between the community and the involvement in our schools since COVID Pretty much anyone in the community can volunteer to make the day-to-day operations easier at our schools, from making copies, bulletin boards, walking guests to where they are supposed to go, and more
Lastly, Crum updated us on some exciting new projects that will be tackled or has already started The baseball and softball fields at both East and West Jessamine High Schools are getting new turf. There will also be new tennis courts and band towers The field behind West Middle will be turfed, and there will be an all new turf field on the East side Sara is excited to embark on these projects that will host a sense of pride for our students, staff, and community, and a public show of love to our schools
“Our schools should be a place where every child and every staff member feels genuinely cared for,” says Crum “When people feel loved, they are more engaged, more willing to take risks, and more motivated to succeed. That’s the kind of environment I want to cultivate in our schools ”
Great Apps for Kids
KHAN ACADEMY KIDS PERSONALIZED LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS PRE-K THROUGH 1ST GRADE DUOLINGO A LANGUAGE APP THAT USES GAME ELEMENTS TO TEACH NEW LANGUAGES
GONOODLE GETS KIDS MOVING WITH DANCEALONGS, YOGA, AND MORE!
KAHOOT!
Prohibition Secrets:
The Fascinating Tale of Chinn’s
Cave House
WRITTEN BY: AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN, JONATHAN SMITH
When traveling south on Highway 68, the traveler crosses from Jessamine County to Mercer County when crossing the bridge over the Kentucky River
Not far after that, a cave is visible in the rock face palisades That cave was blasted out with dynamite by George Morgan Chinn, who operated “Chinn’s Cave House” during the Prohibtion era (1920-1933)
Back then, there was a gas station in the front that sold sandwiches and soda pop, but inside the cave, adults could get the drinks that were prohibited during Prohibition
Patrons could also gamble on slot machines When Chinn was busted for operating illegal games of chance, his trial defense was that it was not a game of chance because the games were so rigged that everyone lost The jury acquitted him
Chinn was a larger-than-life character. Born in 1902, he played on Centre College’s 1921 football team the one that shocked the world by beating Harvard 6-0.
He served in the United States Marine Corps and is credited with designing the MK-19 Grenade Launcher during the Vietnam War He also served as the personal bodyguard to Governor Happy Chandler
Chinn passed away in 1987 Today, just a a few feet off the roadway, some unsteady fencing attempts to keep vandals and trespassers out of Chinn’s Cave, created and operated by one of the truly interesting characters in Kentucky history.
MORGAN MURRAY FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Outstanding Student
S
l o v e f o r a n i m a l s c o m e t o g e t h e r b e a u t i f u l l y i n h e r v o l u n t e e r w o
C o n t r o l , w h e r e s h e t a k e s p i c t u r e s a n d v i d e o s o f a d o p t a b l e a n i m a l s t o h e l p t h e m
f i n d t h e i r f o r e v e r h o m e s . S o p h i a a l s o l e n d s a h e l p i n g h a n d d u r i n g t h e i r W e d n e s d a y
S p a y a n d N e u t e r s u r g e r y c l i n i c s , s h o w i n g h e r c o m m i t m e n t t o a n i m a l w e l f a r e a n d
c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e
S o p h i a B o w l d s e x e m p l i f i e s w h a t i t m e a n s t o b e a d e d i c a t e d s t u d e n t , a c a r i n g
c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r , a n d a w o n d e r f u l b i g s i s t e r H e r h a r d w o r k , b i g h e a r t , a n d
p a s s i o n f o r m a k i n g a d i f f e r e n c e a r e t r u l y i n s p i r i n g W e a r e p r o u d t o c e l e b r a t e h e r
a c h i e v e m e n t s a n d l o o k f o r w a r d t o s e e i n g t h e i n c r e d i b l e t h i n g s s h e w i l l a c c o m p l i s h i n t h e f u t u r e !
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s , S o p h i a ! K e e p s h i n i n g b r i g h t !
Outstanding Teacher
A g o o d t e a c h e r c a n p r o f o u n d l y
i m p a c t t h e i r s t u d e n t s ' l i v e s , b u t a
g r e a t t e a c h e r d o e s s o
c o n s i s t e n t l y a n d m e m o r a b l y
T h e r e a r e c e r t a i n q u a l i t i e s t h a t
d i s t i n g u i s h a g o o d t e a c h e r f r o m a
g r e a t o n e . O n e i s b e i n g
a d a p t a b l e , a n d s o m e o t h e r
q u a l i t i e s a r e s t o n g
c o m m u n i c a t i o n s k i l l s t o g a r n e r
u n d e r s t a n d i n g f r o m h e r s t u d e n t s ,
a s w e l l a s e m p a t h y a n d
u n d e r s t a n d i n g t o m a k e h e r
c l a s s r o o m s f e e l s a f e a n d h a p p y .
G r e a t t e a c h e r s a r e c o n t i n u o u s
l e a r n e r , a l w a y s g e t t i n g b e t t e r f o r
t h e i r s t u d e n t s W i t h a s t u d e n t -
c e n t e r e d f o c u s , p a t i e n c e a n d
p e r s e v e r a n c e , a n d b e i n g
r e s p e c t f u l a n d r e s p e c t e d , a
t e a c h e r l i k e H a l e i g h I s b e l l i s w h a t
y o u f i n d
H A L E I G H F A I N I S B E L L
H a l e i g h C e c i l i a F a i n I s b e l l i s a
f i f t h - y e a r t e a c h e r a t t h e
J e s s a m i n e E a r l y L e a r n i n g
V i l l a g e T h e o l d e s t c h i l d o f
D o u g a n d A m y P r i t c h e t t F a i n ,
s h e i s m a r r i e d t o R y a n I s b e l l
a n d h a s t w o c h i l d r e n , t w i n s ,
E l o w y n a n d L i a m .
A g r a d u a t e o f E a s t J e s s a m i n e
H i g h S c h o o l a n d E a s t e r n
K e n t u c k y U n i v e r s i t y , H a l e i g h
k n e w a s a m i d d l e s c h o o l e r t h a t
E d u c a t i o n w o u l d b e h e r
p r o f e s s i o n a f t e r b e i n g
i n f l u e n c e d b y h e r t e a c h e r ,
L a u r a P i t t s , a t E a s t J e s s a m i n e
M i d d l e S c h o o l
H a l e i g h i s a k i n d e r g a r t e n
t e a c h e r
S h e i s a t e a c h e r l e a d e r -
t e a c h e r l e a d e r s c o l l a b o r a t e
w i t h t e a c h e r s a n d o u r d i s t r i c t ' s
O f f i c e f o r T e a c h i n g a n d
L e a r n i n g t o p r o m o t e
i n s t r u c t i o n a l e f f e c t i v e n e s s i n
c l a s s r o o m s t o f o s t e r s t u d e n t
g r o w t h . H a l e i g h a l s o w o r k s w i t h
E L L a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s . S h e i s
a l s o o n t h e s t a f f e n g a g e m e n t
c o m m i t t e e p r o m o t i n g c u l t u r e
a n d c l i m a t e i n t h e J e s s a m i n e
E a r l y L e a r n i n g V i l l a g e b u i l d i n g !
Outstanding First Responder
g ry special about Kaitlyn Wingate I knew from the moment my inbox was flooded with her name when I asked the community to nominate an outstanding first responder that there was something about her that this town adored and respected, including her fellow first responders I asked Kaitlyn to write up her career from her perspective so that we could get inside the mind of a truly outstanding first responder
I believe that everyone has a purpose, call it a guiding force or an underlying driving attribute, that they were specifically placed on this earth to see through I fully believe that my purpose boils down to the simplest of them all, I was created solely to love and serve people While it might seem straightforward to some, my version of love is far from passive; it is radical and all-encompassing This deep immersive love for people has been the driving force behind my journey into Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and it is that love for people that pushed me to a new limit 4 years ago I had a friend that worked for JCEMS, and I was curious about his job He told me, without a shred of hesitation, that I would make a TERRIBLE (yes, in all caps) EMT Why? Because “I cared too much about people and you just can’t do that in this field” His comment, though blunt, only fueled my determination as where I drip love from every single pore of my body, spite is always riding shotgun I immediately enrolled in EMT class I spent the coming months in the
front row of my class hand up asking endless questions, 4:00am cram sessions, striving to be the best EMT student this instructor had ever seen I passed my class The morning after I passed my National Registry, I walked through the doors of the Public Safety Center, manila folder in hand that contained my application, cover letter and resume, ready to apply to the most progressive EMS service in the state I accepted my job as an EMT-B with JCEMS in May of 2021 Starting out, I was inexperienced and faced significant adversities To say it was an eye-opening and a challenging experience would put it mildly The initial expectations for me were low, and failure seemed inevitable Failure is not a word I often allow into my vocabulary, and this turning point in my life was no exception Not only did I pick up enough overtime in 5 months to earn a years salary so to gain the experience and knowledge in order to be the best provider I could be, I also continued my prehospital education by completing an AEMT course I became an Advanced provider exactly one year after accepting my job, which is nearly unheard of as it is recommended that most EMTs spend two years at minimum working as a BLS provider before seeking advanced level education However, if you’ll notice the pattern, I love a good underdog story Initially, I struggled to reconcile my inherent sensitivity with the demands of the job I tried to suppress my emotional responses and avoid getting too involved with patients However, over time, I
realized that this so-called "weakness" was actually my greatest strength My deep empathy allowed me to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, advocating for those in their most vulnerable moments This realization was a turning point, solidifying my belief that my commitment to genuinely caring for others is what makes a profound difference in their lives Currently, I am continuing my education in pursuit of my bachelor’s in psychology, as a full-time working mother of 4 and “Lollipop” of 3, with the love and support of my family, friends and peers from neighboring agencies More than anything, I want my kids to understand that there is nothing that is ever too far from their reach if they are willing to put forth the time and effort My grandfather is who instilled in me a tireless work ethic He is my hero to this day and I work everyday to make him proud My career in EMS is not just a job to me; it is a manifestation of my purpose to love and serve others with all my heart I am honored to contribute to my community and look forward to continuing this journey of service and growth Every single day I have the privilege of learning something new and I hope to never take those opportunities for granted
Local State Farm Agents Make Annual Donation
T h e f i v e S t a t e F a r m a g e n t s o f J e s s a m i n e C o u n t y
( J e n n i f e r H a w k i n s , R a n d a l l C h e w n i n g , S t e v e
P a g e , M i c h a e l C a y s e , a n d R i c h a r d W o o l u m s )
d o n a t e d t o t h e J e s s a m i n e C o u n t y S c h o o l
F a m i l y a n d Y o u t h R e s o u r c e C e n t e r f o r o v e r
$ 1 , 2 0 0 i n n e e d e d s c h o o l s u p p l i e s f o r t h i s
u p c o m i n g y e a r .
T h e s u p p l i e s w e r e g i v e n t o t h e F a m i l y a n d
Y o u t h R e s o u r c e C e n t e r s , w h i c h w i l l b e
d i s s e m i n a t e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e d i s t r i c t .
