TOPS Lexington - June 2020

TOPS WHO’S WHO

TOPS TO PS

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WHAT’S NEW //

WHAT TO DO

LEADING plus...

ladies

JUNE 2020 • vol. 14 no. 6

Summer Accessories & Outdoor Living!

Volume 14 Number 6

JUNE

leading ladies

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COMMUNITY 32 37 38 62 65 69 70

Mommy’s Work Remembering the many roles of

Phyllis George Ladies of Lexington Breaking the Bronze Ceiling:

Ceiling Steering Committee Nonprofit:

Feeding Lexington Five Ways to Give in June TOPS Digital Playbook:

Targeted Display

LIFESTYLE

74 STAY CONNECTED Keep up with the Who’s Who, What’s New and What to Do by following us on social media, subscribing to our email newsletter and visiting our website!

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TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

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Fashion:

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Outfit of the Month:

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Savin’ Face:

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Wow Wedding:

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Weddings Unveiled:

Summer Accessories Sunny Side Up Summer Skincare Annalise & Adam All About that Glam

JUNE

leading ladies

AT HOME 94 112 121

Outdoor Oasis TOP People to Know in Real Estate Color Catalog:

First Light

EATS & ENTERTAINMENT

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124 128 132 135

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The Rackhouse Tavern Summer Dining Guide Recipes:

Skinny Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Loaf Equine:

Getting Back on Track

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STAY CONNECTED Keep up with the Who’s Who, What’s New and What to Do by following us on social media, subscribing to our email newsletter and visiting our website!

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Dining:

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

JUNE

leading ladies

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PHOTOS 136 138 140 142 144

Quality Time in Quarantine Nourish Lexington Feeds Firefighters Enjoying the Outdoors Good Deeds Celebrations!

NEXT MONTH

JULY Healthcare in Central KY

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Event photo captions are typically provided to TOPS by the event organizers. We do our best to check names and spelling… but we are all human and make mistakes. Please contact kristen@topsmarketing.com with any corrections and we will make note of it in the next issue.

STAY CONNECTED Keep up with the Who’s Who, What’s New and What to Do by following us on social media, subscribing to our email newsletter and visiting our website!

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TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

TOPS TOPS 465 East High Street, Suite 201 Lexington, KY 40507 859.543.8677 100 Executive Park, Suite 101 Louisville, KY 40207 502.780.7825

KEITH YARBER Publisher keith@topsmarketing.com

MEGAN MARTIN Senior Account Executive mmartin@topsmarketing.com

KRISTEN OAKLEY President/COO kristen@topsmarketing.com

TOWNES RAWLS Senior Account Executive townes@topsmarketing.com

JAYME JACKSON Executive VP of Sales & Marketing jayme@topsmarketing.com

DESTIN SMITH Account Executive destin@topsmarketing.com

PICTURE THIS Book one of our talented photographers at topsinlex.com/book-a-photographer.php.

ADVERTISE TOP Marketing Group can get your message in front of Central Kentuckians everywhere through print, digital, email and social media.

Email us at advertising@topsinlex.com.

TJ OLMSTED Account Executive tj@topsmarketing.com

SUBSCRIBE Get the latest issue, hot off the press.

1 year (12 monthly issues): $19 2 years (24 monthly issues): $36 Subscribe today at topsinlex.com/subscribe.

Business Manager billing@topsmarketing.com

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Digital Strategist lindsey@topsmarketing.com

CREATIVE STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Amanda Harper, Vice President of Production amandah@topsmarketing.com

Writers:

Haley Norris, Senior Designer haley@topsmarketing.com

DIANA GEVEDON

LINDSEY BALL

Vice President of Digital Marketing chad@topsmarketing.com

Jen Brown, Senior Content Director jen@topsmarketing.com

LOG ON The best and latest Who’s Who, What’s New and What To Do. topsinlex.com | topslouisville.com

CHAD HOWARD

Jesse Brooks, Amanda Harper, Kate Horning, Donna Ison, Jayme Jackson, Haley Norris Kristen Oakley and Jen Roytz Photographers:

Keni Parks and Woody Phillips

The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, TOP Marketing Group accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in TOPS in Lexington Magazine are subject to copyright of the artist or photographer as named, but not limited thereto.

Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

®

LETTER

FROM THE PUBLISHER

KEITH YARBER Dear Reader, Hello again. You and I have been through a lot in the last 30 days. The good news is our local economy is opening back up. People are out and about. Many are wearing masks.

Businesses are opening. Shoppers are out. Restaurants are welcoming diners back. The energy of our city is returning.

It is so good to see you!

As business owners, we believe there is a huge pent-up demand for products, goods, and services. I know many of us are looking for our hairstylists and salons!

It just feels so much better all around. The warmer weather is helping lift our spirits as well.

Readers of our magazine tend to be optimists. Tomorrow can be a better day than today.

Our lives and economies are all built on optimism. June feels like it is the beginning of our lives slowly returning to a new normal.

This month we are featuring “Leading Ladies”. It is a tribute to women who have been balancing work, motherhood, relationships, family, and health needs during the most challenging time many have ever faced.

My social media feed shows the range of emotions of those who have been “Healthy at Home” working their jobs from the kitchen table while trying to home-school young kids who don’t understand. All while trying to keep everyone safe. And sane. And happy. And everyone fed.

The cover depicts a mother with a child hanging on her leg. If there ever was an image that captures what many working women have been through in the last several weeks, this is a powerful one.

There are still many unknowns about this disease and the ultimate impact on our lives and livelihoods moving forward. Let’s remember to honor those who have lost their lives or have been impacted by COVID-19.

Please remember to show kindness and patience as we all get back into society. Business owners are trying as hard as they can to balance safety and customer service. There are some explicitly strong opinions and actions about what is right and who is right on social media and the news.

There is an old saying, “Choose your words and time wisely. Neither can be retrieved”.

Think before you post.

Let your optimism shine through.

Read the June issue as well as archive issues of TOPS Lexington for free at topsinlex.com or on issuu.com.

Until next month.

er

Keith Yarb

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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32 37

COMMUNITY

38 62

Mommy’s Work Remembering the many roles of

Phyllis George Ladies of Lexington Breaking the Bronze Ceiling:

Ceiling Steering Committee

65 69 70

Nonprofit:

Feeding Lexington Five Ways to Give in June TOPS Digital Playbook:

Targeted Display

COMMUNITY

Mommy’s Work

Mommy’s Work

by Amanda Harper

How mothers are juggling it all during COVID For the last several months, your social media feed has probably been a little different. ‘Rona disrupted everyone’s lives in ways we’ll probably be reckoning with for years to come. And everyone had something to say about it. Especially parents.

Memes showing mommy bloggers’ perfectly designed lesson and activity plans stacked up against most parents’ real-life go-to’s: an iPad and a hunk of Play-Doh. Wistful descriptions of the family vacations they’d love to be on – or the one they canceled to stay #HealthyAtHome. Ironic memorials to the casualties of CoronaChaos: crayon “art” on the walls, Spaghetti-O’s stains on the ceiling and – wait, why is the dog pink?!

As of press time, child care in Kentucky is set to resume on June 15th – with reduced capacity. That will mean that many parents went through three whole months of 24/7 at-home child care without the usual support of friends, family and schools.

And often, without the mental relief of date nights, playdates, educational excursions or even an hour alone for a bath, for Heaven’s sake.

Many women found themselves juggling multiple full-time jobs, serving as educators, cooks, housekeepers, spiritual leaders

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and nannies at home. Working women were also expected to somehow build a functional #WFHlife in the midst of the chaos.

Women entrepreneurs had to worry about their businesses and order hard-to-find supplies to meet COVID guidelines while Daniel Tiger is talking about going potty on TV. Women who were considered essential workers had to venture out into the world and face an anxious public every day then somehow bring a smile home.

Lifestyle brand Motherly conducted a survey that showed 74% of US mothers say they feel mentally worse since the COVID crisis began. The same report showed that for 31% of full-time working moms (a third of whom were considered essential workers), childcare was their leading cause of stress during the pandemic.

For our Leading Ladies of Lexington issue, we felt that it was important to highlight the unique struggles (and joys!) that women faced through the pandemic. We asked one Leading Lady, our own Kristen Oakley, to share her perspective as a mother of two, wife and the President of TOPS in Lexington.

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

Mommy’s Work

COMMUNITY

One Mom’s Perspective:

Joy, Distractions & Learning Together!

by Kristen Oakley

Being a mother is hard work, especially now during quarantine.

But I am oh so grateful for this dedicated time with my two sweet daughters and the husband I sometimes forget I have because life is just so busy and chaotic!

As a working mom, I rarely get to see my young girls’ brains tinker, their imaginations run free, their emotions get the best of them and their giggles turn to belly laughs. Normally, I see their school art projects or classroom work AFTER it is completed.

But seeing them actually work through the math problems and create their artistic designs is a whole new level of enjoyment!

During the hustle and bustle of “normal” life, I am the first to admit that I overlook and miss some of these precious moments.

This is a time I will look back on and cherish forever.

For me, and like many other moms, quarantine started out GREAT! It was such a luxury to be home with my family, get some odd jobs done around the house, organize closets, redecorate some rooms, exercise, cook great meals, take family bike rides, go on walk, catch up on Netflix, work puzzles, read a book and wear Athletic wear EVERY day! But when the reality of “HOMEschooling” set in after an extended two weeks of

‘spring break’, my world was knocked upside down.

Let me just paint a picture for you. Every morning, my first grader was presented with a list of class videos and assignments around 8am. They weren’t difficult, or long, or boring. In fact, I gotta hand it to the teachers for getting creative and being funny and interactive. But for a 7-year-old to sit attentively in front of a computer with no other classmates next to her as ‘examples of social norms’ or a skilled teacher with the right tone of voice, keeping her on task was impossible. Let’s just say, I am not cut out for elementary education. I just don’t have the patience.

Also – Moms, do any of your kids listen to OTHER adults better than they do their own parents? Or is “no” like an auto-fill answer to your questions or requests? Yeah – that’s a real thing!!

So back to the 7-year-old’s attention span (gee, I guess I know where she gets it). It’s tough to keep her on task… especially when her 4-year-old sister is playing in the next room.

“It’s not fair that she gets to play.”

“Why can’t I help her with the puzzle?”

“I’m hungry.”

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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COMMUNITY

Mommy’s Work

“Wait, I need to feed the dog!”

“I need to go potty…“ for the sixth time.

“Wait, the mailman just brought a package.”

You name it… there were a million distractions and reasons why she couldn’t get started on her work. So this required me to sit next to her from start to finish – and bribe her with snacks/ gifts/ice cream/iPad time – whatever I could JUST to get her to watch a class video. And if I so much as stepped away to attend to my other child, a work phone call or my own self-hygiene, I knew it meant a pause in schoolwork. Needless to say, my patience has been tested.

I have also struggled with time management because any time spent with my kids feels like cheating on work… and vice versa. Anytime I sit down to my computer for a work Zoom call or to send some emails, I feel guilty for not taking advantage of the precious time with my children.

Oh – and I should probably mention that most of my Zoom calls are “Zoom bombed” by one or both girls.

Most of the time, they just want to say “HI” and show off their cute faces (apparently, only I know the terror that lies behind the cuteness) but sometimes they are fighting/crying/needing something and I have to quickly turn “video off” and run after them yelling, “I’m on a WORK call!!”

And let’s not forget the number of spills, stains, broken pieces of furniture/picture frames/who knows what that have occurred by just BEING in our home 24/7 for eight straight weeks.

Of course, on the flip side, we’ve managed to get to some of the home projects that needed tending to; the broken kitchen cabinet door, the wall that needed painting, the patio that needed pressure washed, the bathroom grout that needed scrubbed. I guess you gain a little/give a little.

All that aside, our little family of four is tighter-knit now than

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we EVER were before. My husband and I have bonded and connected on a new level. Somehow, we have gained a new level of respect and admiration for one another. My children and I have a new understanding for the emotions that we each experience. Being together has reminded us that WE are the most important parts of our lives.

And truly, nothing else matters when you scrape EVERYTHING else away. It’s not about how many extracurricular activities we put our kids in (although I can’t wait to start some of them back up), or how many social commitments we have with friends/co-workers (although I can’t wait to say hello to a babysitter and goodbye to my kids and head out the door for a date night), or how many hours we spend in our office because sometimes work can be done remotely (although I went into the office this week… and MAN if felt good!)

COVID-19 has affected every single person in this world in one way or another. I’m fortunate and grateful that my family is healthy and safe and that we have a roof over our heads and food at each meal. I’m grateful for an employer who worked hard to keep his employees on payroll and continued producing a product that our community loves. This is not the case for everyone. So, while I jokingly have gripes about how this virus has sent my life into a whirlwind, trust me when I say the biggest takeaway for me is how fortunate I am and how much I admire the true heroes of today; the healthcare providers on the front lines fighting this pandemic, the teachers who have worked so hard to alter education as we know it, the families burdened by illness and death with little ability to heal or grieve their loved ones, the business owners who lie awake at night wondering if/how they will open their doors again, the employees who are without work and the volunteers who have given their love and time wherever they can.

The moms haven’t had it easy… and we all deserve a big glass of wine, a massage, and a beach vacation with a private waiter. But until then, WE WILL SURVIVE! Because that’s what WE do!! •

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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Remembering the many roles of

COMMUNITY

Phyllis George

by Amanda Harper

Kentucky-made products. In 1981, she founded the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft in Louisville to build interest in the state’s craft heritage.

Few women leave such an indelible mark on whatever they touch as Phyllis George.

Born in Denton, Texas, Phyllis was crowned Miss Texas in 1970 and went on to become Miss America 1971. She traveled to Vietnam with other Miss America contestants for a 22-day USO tour for American troops. She served as a long time member of the Miss America Organization Board of Directors.

On top of those many roles, Phyllis was a businesswoman. She founded two companies in the course of her career, Chicken by George and Phyllis George Beauty. She also wrote or co-authored five books. She was a founding member of the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship.

After a brief stint as the host of Candid Camera, Phyllis was approached by CBS Sports producers about becoming a sportscaster. She joined The NFL Today in 1975, making her one of the first women to have such a prominent, national role in sports coverage. Working alongside Brent Musburger, Irv Cross and Jimmy the Greek, Phyllis was known for her interviews with players.

We featured Phyllis George on the cover of our February-March 2008 issue of TOPS in Lexington. She spoke of her home life and shared with our interviewer about caring for her mother, who was struggling with and would eventually Phyllis served as the covergirl of one of the succumb to Alzheimer’s. She was named first issues of TOPS in early 2008. an Alzheimer’s Champion by the national Alzheimer’s Association and was presented with the Rita Hayworth Alzheimer’s Award for her When criticisms came that her credentials didn’t suit the job, advocacy. Phyllis also presented the Phyllis George Outstanding she said she knew plenty to get by. “I’m from Texas, and down Caregiver and Advocacy Award in honor of her mother and best there, you follow the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys friend, Louise George. or you don’t belong,” she told People Magazine in 1976.

Phyllis always believed that one of the most important roles in Musburger tweeted, “Phyllis didn’t receive nearly enough credit her life was that of mother to CNN White House Correspondent for opening the sports broadcasting door for the dozens of Pamela Ashley Brown and Lincoln Tyler George Brown. She also talented women who took her lead and soared.” cherished her role as a grandmother.

From the CBS Morning News to The Muppet Show, horse racing Family friend Wolf Blitzer read this statement from her children to talk shows, Phyllis graced the airwaves countless times on air: “For many, Mom was known by her incredible accomplishments throughout her career. In 1994, she hosted her own prime-time as a pioneering female sportscaster, 50th Miss America and First Lady. talk show, A Phyllis George Special, where she interviewed thenBut this was all before we were born, and never how we viewed mom. president Bill Clinton.

To us, she was the most incredible mother we could ever ask for and it Most Kentuckians remember Phyllis George best as the First is all of the defining qualities the public never saw, especially against Lady to Governor John Y. Brown. Many credit Phyllis’s megawatt the winds of adversity that symbolize how extraordinary she is more smile and Southern charm as helping Brown win his post. than anything else. The beauty so many recognized on the outside was “Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky,” the former governor said only a mere fraction of the internal beauty, only to be outdone by an to the Louisville Courier-Journal. “We had a great partnership. I unwavering spirit that allowed her to persevere against all the odds.” think we enjoyed every single day.”

What many people did not know was that Phyllis battled During her time as First Lady, Phyllis helped raise funds to renovate the Governor’s Manion in Frankfort, which was aging badly. She oversaw its restoration. She also worked to promote Kentucky arts and crafts. She got Bloomingdale’s to sell

Polycythemia vera for much of her life. Phyllis was diagnosed with this rare, progressive blood cancer some 35 years ago.

Phyllis passed away from complications from the disorder on May 14, 2020 at the age of 70. •

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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TOPS in Lexington | Sponsored Content

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COMMUNITY

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Leading Ladies

TOPS in Lexington | Sponsored Content

Liz Hodge

REALTOR®, Lifstyl Real Estate KY "I'm a motorcycle momma!

I love my two wheels!"

Tell us about your work.

After years of being in the medical profession, I wanted to become an entrepreneur and boss lady! Over 6 years of hustling hard and learning from scratch, I am a top producing agent in Central Kentucky. I have the Accredited Buyer’s Representative certification, as well as the Military Relocation Professional certification.

While I love working hard for each of my clients, I am also passionate about the recovery community. I co-founded a non-profit in Lexington called A Running Start. As Executive Director, I lead by running along side my brothers and sisters overcoming substance abuse disorders.

What is your secret weapon?

Care. If you really care about those around you and your clients, it shows. These days, that's what people want most... someone that just deeply cares for their needs.

What motivates you?

Showing my daughters that a woman can be both a fierce competitor in the business world and also care for her family and neighbors. They really can have it all!

A huge challenge we face in the business world is the harsh stereotyping of successful women. We are not hard or angry, we're not just money-driven, we're not ignoring our families. We find joy in overcoming obstacles and finding new strengths in ourselves and others. We are the whole package: warm and caring and professional and successful!

Who inspires you?

So many women! Any woman who can rise up and take on the challenges set before her with bravery and compassion and power is an inspiration to me.

As a writer myself, I adore Maya Angelou!

How has COVID changed the real estate industry?

In real estate, we are very used to blending our work/life into one! It's a normal thing to work from home at night and fill up our weekends with appointments and closings.

I am so grateful for technology like Zoom and electronic contracts. It affords me the ability to continue to represent my clients in transactions safely while protecting my community.

What advice do you have for other Leading Ladies?

Get involved locally and find places that have a need. There is always a lock that needs a key; be the key. Your community and network are essential to your success: never forget who your friends are!

859-333-9933 // liz hodge.lifstylrealestate.com lizsellbluegrasshomes@gmail.com Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Kristina Ping

CEO, Powerful Legacy Insurance and Financial Services "I love collecting wine and bourbon for the cellar in my home."

Tell us about your career.

After being in the insurance industry over 15 years, it is the most amazing career I could have ever imagined. I feel that I am able to help so many people have more secure lives. No day is ever the same.

Being a leader in this industry, my passion for client service sets me apart.

What motivates you?

My ultimate legacy – my sons – are my inspiration. Watching them learn and grow is a daily enjoyment!

What are some of the challenges you face?

With my industry, there are more and more women becoming leaders everyday.

The challenge of caring for my children as a single mother and being successful at work can sometimes be difficult. But I feel more strength than struggle in this challenge and it feels amazing to keep it all in check!

My family is first, work is constant and social is a bonus. Enjoying time in each gives me the mental balance I need, even when the actual balance may be tipped.

How has COVID changed your workday?

With family being first in my own life, COVID-19 has given me the encouragement to keep others' families first, too. We are all staying safe and supporting each other through this.

What advice do you have for other Leading Ladies of Lexington?

Everything you need to be successful is here! Lexington is a wonderful place to enjoy growth in business and in every stage of life.

859-893-5099 3260 Blazer Pkwy. Ste. 100 yourpowerfullegacy.com 42

TOPS in Lexington | Sponsored Content

Suzanne Powell

Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor, Meridian Wealth Management, LLC

"I am the board chair for Arbor Youth Services."

Tell us about your career.

I have over 20 years of experience in managing ďŹ naces and investing. I started my career as a bank teller. I was promoted to assistant branch manager before becoming a licensed investment banker in 2004.

I love being able to continually add value in all aspects of my client's ďŹ nancial life, from saving them money on car insurance and their mortgages by referring them to local professionals, to how to best navigate the stock and bond market, to protecting their retirement income with proper planning.

What are your biggest challenges as a Leading Lady?

Part of what drives me is having very aggressive goals, both personally and professionally. That can lead to me feeling overextended. So my biggest challenge is always ďŹ nding enough time in the day to accomplish everything I set out to do that day.

How do you balance all of your obligations?

It takes a village to manage work and family expectations. My mother, my husband and even our combined 6 kids all chip in and do their part with household chores at home. I have 3 assistants at work to help with all aspects of this growing advisory business.

Sometimes though, when not everything can get done, it's best to let it go and hire it out!

Who inspires you?

I think my biggest inspiration come from women who started from humble beginnings and conquered their fears and life's challenges in order to add value and help the world.

What advice do you have for other Leading Ladies?

Don't be afraid to be vulnerable.

250 W Main St. Ste. 3150 // 859-806-8368 // CSGWealthManagement.com Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Tania T. Sigler-Orihuela, PsyD., MBAHA

CFO, Kentucky Marble and Granite, Inc. "I can take a Yamaha 80 motorcycle apart – and fix it!

I learned when my sons used to race motocross."

Tell us about your work.

Entrepreneurship has always been a staple in the family. In 2007 Kentucky Marble and Granite, Inc. was created with Carlos Orihuela and John Orihuela. We love this industry when you can transform a kitchen in a week and create a dream for the homeowner – that is a great day in my book.

However, nine years ago I decided to go back to college and follow a career path that I hope to bring to fruition in a few years and be able to open a clinic to help children of special needs: I have just completed my PsyD! What motivates you?

My Family and our employees! The company is very family oriented, so we strive to make sure we do our best in order to be able to offer a stable working environment for our employees.

How do you balance all of your obligations?

Time management and knowing when to say no. Although it is easy to get caught up in wanting to participate in everything, knowing when is key to being able to be successful in all aspects of balancing work, family and social life.

What are some of the challenges you face in your career?

The biggest challenge I have faced is not losing sight of what was profoundly important in my life. As a Leading Lady, I want to encourage young women to know that we can have a family as well as being a leader in their profession.

What is your secret weapon to success?

Family! No matter the stage you find yourself in life, it can be your parents, spouse, children or grandchildren. They are the best support you will ever need and will always offer positive feedback and encouragement.

Has COVID changed your work/life balance?

Yes, it has. Knowing that the decisions I make in my everyday life especially of how I conduct myself out in the community can sadly affect another person's wellbeing is frightening. What we are facing in our lifetime has really prompted me to take extra precautions.

Who are some Leading Ladies who inspire you?

Sonia Sotomayor, Melinda Gates, Susan Wojcicki and Virginia M. Rometty, to mention a few.

What advice do you have for other Leading Ladies?

To follow the path they have laid out, never feel discouraged from being passed up in a promotion and finally to always stay true to who they are.

859-887-3555 // 1050 Elizabeth St. Ste. 11 kymarbleandgranite.com 44

TOPS in Lexington | Sponsored Content

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Amanda Stamper Owner/Instructor, Reform Pilates

"I am always pushing my boundaries: 'comfort zone' is not in my vocabulary!"

Tell us about your career.

I've held senior level leadership positions at several companies, including Fortune 50 and 500 companies. In 2006, I had my second child and found myself feeling guilty about taking additional time away from home after work to workout. So I let myself go, which in hindsight was not a good decision for my health nor my family.

In 2009, I decided it was time to start focusing on myself... without guilt. When I discovered Pilates, I fell head over heels in love. I decided to become certiďŹ ed to teach and in 2016, I started my own studio. Our style of teaching is athletic, innovative, fun and challenging.

What motivates you?

My clients' success is my success. Watching them grow stronger and more comfortable in and love their bodies inspires me to work hard every day.

What are your biggest career challenges?

The demands and challenges I put on myself can become overwhelming if I let them. So while I am always pushing myself and business to grow, I also take time to care for myself both physically and mentally.

How has COVID changed your workday?

Within 24 hours after shutting down the in-studio classes, we launched online mat classes to provide our clients a way to continue their Pilates practice from home. I've loved every minute of teaching those classes. It has been a new challenge and has deďŹ nitely kept me on my toes.

I've also spent hours preparing for our safe reopening. I've had new air purifying technology installed in the studio, deep cleaned every inch, and installed easy-toclean hand straps on the Reformers.

859-230-6059 309 N. Ashland Ave. reformlex@gmail.com 46

TOPS in Lexington | Sponsored Content

Karen C. Harbin President/CEO, Commonwealth Credit Union "I have an incredible bond with my identical twin sister, Sharen!"

Tell us about your career.

My Commonwealth Credit Union story began 34 years ago when I was hired as Chief Accountant. In 2000, a new chapter developed when through our credit union’s succession plan, I was slated to become the next CEO. Since transitioning to CEO in 2012, I’ve helped grow the credit union from 5 to 15 branches, reinvented the company culture from the ground up, and put the credit union on the map, earning national recognition among credit unions.

What is your secret weapon?

My leadership style and recipe for success is equal parts collaboration and inclusion, with a heaping cup of respect for others.

In 2014, I launched a corporate culture initiative. What I learned through this was that as a leader, you have to be vulnerable.

There was a great deal that needed to be changed at all levels, and that included me being more open to listening to the communication and concerns from my team.

What leadership advice would you offer to other Leading Ladies?

Being a leader is not about dictating or micro-managing, but instead empowering your team to bring their A-game every time they walk through the door. Our staff is encouraged to think outside the box to help our members; not just delivering the service requested, but building that relationship and really looking at the member’s unique story. I believe that leadership is found at all levels. Every team member at Commonwealth Credit Union has to lead themselves in order to increase their personal effectiveness and performance.

800-228-6420 417 High St. | Frankfort ccuky.org Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Lisa Parke Owner

ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES… 859.260.1000 adspecslex.com Tell us about your career.

In 1998, I was motivated to open my own business. With research and sheer determination, ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES was established. I love helping clients market their brand and image through the use of promotional products. They know when I say, “consider it done,” their order will exceed expectations!

What inspires you?

After years of personally delivering every product ordered, many clients have turned into friends, which makes it more than just the order fulfilled. Achieving success in this business is also measured by the relationships built over time.

What is your secret weapon?

First, if it is a secret, I can’t tell you!

Seriously, choose happiness and a positive attitude every day.

Tonya McCoy-Zganyayko Owner/Esthetician

Studio Z Skincare 111 Woodland Ave. studiozskincare.com Tell us about your career.

I had always struggled with acne, but I started seeing improvements when I discovered skin care treatments. I was inspired to go to school and get my esthetician license over 13 years ago.

When I had my first daughter 5 years ago, I knew I needed flexibility and wanted to do something on my own, that’s when I decided to open Studio Z. What inspires you?

I know from my own struggles how life changing feeling good about your skin is.

I work hard because I love helping people and contributing to my children's future.

How do you balance work and life?

When I'm at work, I'm totally present.

Then when I get home, I have to turn that off and be a wife and mom.

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Jessica Jones Croley

Medical Director, CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care "My mother was a nurse for nearly 30 years.

My father was a coal miner for the same.

Hard work and caring for others is in my blood."

Tell us about your work.

I am a Medical Director and Physician in Hematology and Medical Oncology at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care, which recently launched an affiliation with Cleveland Clinic. I have always been drawn to science and technology, but during the course of my undergraduate studies, watched my father and grandmother battle cancer. I pivoted from the lab or technical aspects of biotechnology to the medical applications. Oncology was a natural fit, combining my love for genetics and biochemistry while giving me an opportunity to engage in the “human” side of medicine.

What are the challenges successful women face in the medical field?

Getting a seat at the table for decision making and being heard can be a challenge. My experience at CHI Saint Joseph has been very fulfilling. Taking a leadership role within the cancer program early in my career, I learned from senior female partners how to network, develop relationships with administrators and ensure that I could advocate effectively on behalf of my patients and staff.

What advice do you have for other women?

Trust your instincts. Many times, women may not be as assertive in their requests or as persistent in working their path. Don't be dissuaded by others that may try to detract from your success. Know yourself to know when to ask for help, look for other solutions or just persist in the face of adversity.

859-629-7110 3470 Blazer Pkwy. Ste. 230 chisaintjosephhealth.org Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Tiffany Brewer

Owner, Commonwealth Audiology "During quarantine, I learned how to make multi-tier cakes from scratch!"

Tell us about your career.

Heading into college, Audiology wasn't even on my radar. I wanted to be a teacher. My dreams quickly changed.

Following graduation, I was able to work in both an ENT and private practice environment. In the spring of 2018, my husband and I decided it was time to take the leap of faith, and we opened Commonwealth Audiology. It has been quite the rollercoaster but I would not change the journey for anything!

I am passionate about Audiology and helping others; there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you have changed someone's life for the better.

How do you balance all your obligations?

I am not sure there really is such thing as balance, if I am being honest. We have to make choices to prioritize what is important to us. I have a list of those priorities. I read that list often to make sure I am staying true to my wants.

I have two daughters. I hope and pray my girls see what it means to be both a family focused woman and courageous business woman. I never want them to feel like I have chosen work over them.

When I work, I am all in and dedicated to my patients. When I am home, I am fully at home and attentive to my family. The emotional pull of wanting to put all I have into everything I do can be exhausting at times. It is absolutely worth it, though!

What is your secret weapon?

Being myself. For most of us, there are multiple professionals in the community doing the same thing. You are you for a reason. Be passionate, honest, humble and you! Others will ock toward genuine people.

502-642-4322 204 Bevins Ln. B | Georgetown commonwealthaud.com 50

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Melia Hord

REALTOR®, Melia Realty Group "I have lived in five states and two countries!"

Tell us about your career path.

I have been fully invested in this city as an active community and business leader in Central Kentucky for over 20 years. Over the course of my career, I've been involved in retail, accounting and commercial and residential real estate. I'm passionate about the growth, development and health of our community, so I like to help local and future residents make smart real estate decisions while connecting them to our community. I'm so glad to be finally doing my dream job!

What motivates you?

I learned at a young age that life is short so it’s not the number of moments you have, but rather what you do with those moments. I love that each day I get to wake up and to go to work, where I get to share the joy of being a small part in someone’s life story.

How has COVID changed your workday?

The Melia Realty Group has taken proactive measures to keep our team and clients safe, healthy and their emotions in check. We achieved this by utilitizing techonolgy to enhance our communication and implementing the procedures we use for our relocation and international clients daily for our local clients too. It made us sit and analyze our systems and processes to evaluate their effectiveness to work smarter and free up time to just “be present” for everyone around us.

Our goal is always to provide the ultimate client experience. We have used this time to be better agents, mentors and leaders. I smile every day watching other real estate professionals learn the secret we've known all along: that real estate isn’t about selling homes, its about building relationships.

859-490-1101 2424 Harrodsburg Rd. Ste. 101 meliarealty.com Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Lee Porter

Vice President Business Banking Relationship Manager

PNC Bank lee.porter@pnc.com pnc.com Tell us about your career path.

I started as a branch sales associate then went into the management role. After 16 years in the branch, I took the leap and joined the business banking world.

Who inspires you? What motivates you?

My mother is my rock when times are good and bad! Diane Richert, a PNC regional manager, gave me this opportunity to work for such an incredible organization.

Helping people and small business owners inspires me to work hard every day.

How do you balance work and life?

PNC has made maintaining a solid work-life balance among the company’s priorities. The PNC Grow Up Great early childhood education initiative, for example, provides an opportunity for me to be involved with something I like while not taking time away from my job.

Kate Powers Owner

Fluffy Flamingo 712 Henry Clay Blvd. fluffyflamingoboutique.com Tell us about your career path.

I spent the first 23 years working in Sales & Marketing. Much of that time was spent working with small, locally owned businesses, which sparked my interest to go out and do something on my own!

What motivates you?

One third of women in the US are considered plus size. We have a serious need for unique, affordable, fashionable plus size clothing locally. I work hard every day to fill that void in any way I can.

What advice do you have for other women looking to grow their careers in Lexington?

Own your success as a woman. It motivates you to work harder and achieve more. Confidence is essential. It is a huge part of your prosperity and growth. And if you have a dream, go for it!

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Leading Ladies

COMMUNITY

Shalimar Norris

Owner/Agent, Shalimar Norris State Farm "I love to dance in the kitchen with my family and cook new recipes!"

Tell us about your career path.

I accepted a position for a direct door to door sales person for the Kirby company about 15 years ago and I learned quickly that I loved being in charge of my own schedule and earnings, that I was a risk taker and that I wanted to work for myself. I ultimately opened my own distributorship alongside my husband who initially introduced me to the industry.

Almost 2 years ago, I knew I wanted to take the things that I had learned during those years, and create something fresh and new for myself and my family. I started dedicating my time and resources to my passion for becoming an agent and never looked back.

How do you balance your work, family and social obligations?

I bring my work home, if you will. I share my challenges and my successes with my family, and I count on them to share theirs with me as well. I don’t do anything work related on Sundays – that day is for just reconnecting with my son and husband, and I make sure to stay true to that.

Being a business owner sometimes means you are always at work, so having a family that is supportive and understanding while also sharing the vision of our family’s shared “bigger picture” makes it easy.

What advice do you have for other leaders?

Value the people that you serve, whether it’s in the restaurant industry, retail or owning a business of any kind. The people that need our services are the reason we’re able to feed our family.

When you ask them how their day is, really stop and listen: you'll find out how you can help them, and you never know when you’ll meet someone who will influence a positive change in your future somehow.

859-266-9820 108 Pasadena Dr. #100 shalimarnorris.com Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Cassie Slone & Lindy Hester The Foster Care Council "Studio ThriftyFor the Kids is only offered to foster families, at no charge!"

Cassie, tell us about your work.

In 2005, my family and I moved to Naples, Florida for my husband's work. There, I became very involved in a local charity and learned of the many unmet needs of foster children. In 2010, my family and I decided to move back to Lexington. I soon realized that Kentucky's foster children also had many unmet needs. In 2012 I ďŹ led for a 501c3 and started a charity to help provide this population of children with the resources they desperately needed and deserved. The Council has been operating for nine years thanks to our community supporters and volunteers.

How do you balance work and life, Lindy?

I am blessed to have a job that doesn't feel like work because I love it. Cassie and I, along with our Board of Directors, have a great working relationship. We have developed close friendships in the group which allows everyone to bring their particular strength to the table to get the jobs done.

It's certainly challening to make time for yourself and your family while keeping "all the balls in the air"!

How has COVID affected the Council?

We typically only have one family at a time shop at our gently-worn clothing boutique, Studio "ThriftyFor" the Kids, which is not open to the public. During COVID, we allowed only the case manager or one foster parent come and shop for their foster kids.

We really miss seeing their smiling faces and can't wait to see them back in the boutique.

Fundraising and grant opportunities have drastically decreased. Our foster children's needs didn't lessen because of the pandemic.

They need us even more now!

239-248-7699 2121 Richmond Rd. Ste. 105 thefostercarecouncil.com 54

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Christie Evans

Co-Owner, The Urban Squirrel "I am the go-to trip planner for all my friends and family!"

Tell us about your career path.

I began my career as an Interior Designer.

Working with some of the most creative and innovative female designers in that business taught me so much. I then went on to help run my family business, Interstate Fence Supply, which was invaluable in sharpening my business skills. These experiences lead me to where I am today!

What motivates you?

No doubt my children, Alley (15) and Case (13). I want them to see that hard work truly does pay off. They saw The Urban Squirrel go from a set of blueprints to what it is today.

How do you balance all of your obligations?

Well... it isn't easy. However, I have always been a planner. I make lists in my favorite planner and I use post-it notes... lots of postit notes! I over-communicate instructions and expectations to everyone involved. It truly is a team effort and I couldn't do it without my husband and co-owner, Vance.

Finally, I have to say no sometimes. I think women put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have to "do it all."

What are your secret weapons?

My mad multi-tasking skills, coupled with using technology to the fullest extent!

Having access to the latest and greatest technology (as well as people that can show me how to use it) is key. Plus, my willingness and ability to help a customer – all while watching a basketball game or a dance competition – allows me to keep on keeping on!

859-382-2265 203 Lisle Industrial Ave. StoreYourNutsHere.com Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Ranada Riley Executive Chef and Co-Owner

Ranada's Bistro & Bar 400 Old Vine St. #106 ranadas.com Tell us about your career path.

I've worked from the ground up. I’ve been able to work along side amazing James Beard and Michelin star chefs, birth 2 restaurants and lead countless efforts to raise awareness for local and national community initiatives through food.

Who inspires you?

The people we cook for every day. My amazing staff that puts in long hours and hard work to create great food and experiences. The entire restaurant community, especially during COVID19, who advocate for the importance of our industry.

What is your biggest challenge as a Leading Lady in your industry?

Having people doubt women’s ability to lead. Lexington is so rich with amazing female Chef/Owners! We can and do work together.

Kaelyn Query Founder and President

Lexington Event Company & LexEffect Venues 859-230-5365 lexingtoneventco.com Tell us about your career.

I started my career in hospitality and events while in high school. I've worked in almost every aspect of the industry. Our team works hard to not only support our many clients, but to support local nonprofit groups and other women business owners throughout Kentucky.

What advice do you have for other Leading Ladies?

Get a support system around you of other women in business who can help cheer you on, brainstorm and lift you up.

What are some of your biggest challenges?

Setting boundaries! Being a business owner, you don't get "off" hours. Things come up and you are the end of the line when it comes to making decisions.

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Dawn Wheeler

Leading Ladies

COMMUNITY

REALTOR®, United Real Estate Lexington KY "Where there's a will, there's a way – so I pray!"

Tell us about your career.

I have an addiction to all types of properties! I started investing in flipping a few properties because I have a passion for design. I can see the potential beauty in every home. That lead me to become a Realtor® and eventually, a Lifetime Member of the Top Producer Club. I am also a certified VA Realtor.

What inspires you?

My clients inspire me! I love seeing them so happy to either buy their first home or to upgrade, downsize or relocate.

Knowing that I can make someone happy and help make the transition as smooth as possible is so rewarding. I wouldn't be where I am today if I wasn't blessed with the amazing clients that have come into my life.

What is your biggest challenge?

There are at least five other Realtors as far as you can throw a rock, so in order to keep clients from going elsewhere, it's a struggle to hustle every day to get your business started and keep it going.

I didn't quit my full-time job with the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the first five years of being a Realtor, but it was the best decision for me. I have more availability to devote myself and time to all clients. In this career, your job is never done, even after closing; you need to keep the attention of all past clients, as well!

What is your secret weapon?

Building relationships with my clients and earning their trust the old fashioned, organic, personable way. My clientele know they can trust in me and that I'm not just looking for a sale.

859-433-9049 dawnwheeler71@gmail.com sellinghomeswithdawn.com

Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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COMMUNITY

Leading Ladies

Lauren West Co-Owner, Peplum & Owner, Drybar "I have Type 1 Diabetes, as do my two sisters. Living with a chronic disease has taught me to see the importance of always seeing life as 'glass half full'!"

How do you juggle your commitments?

Creating a life that I love to live and am proud of is my goal every day. There is no way I would have been able to accomplish the things I've done without such a strong support system. My mom does a lot of work behind the scenes and is such a great sounding board. My sisters and girlfriends give me feedback on business ideas. It's a blessing to have them in my corner. My team at work is all female and I feel so lucky to work with such talented and dynamic women. It really does take a village!

Don't get me wrong: there are plenty of times I choose to be vulnerable in my personal life, but toughness and grit have been invaluable to me as a small business owner, especially during unprecedented times like a worldwide pandemic.

What’s your secret weapon?

My secret weapon is a little trick I call "never let them see you sweat." Any time I am unsure, feeling unconfident or depleted, I tap into that deep place most of us don't even know exists within ourselves. I force myself to exude a calm, positive, confident demeanor and I will myself to push through.

What advice do you have for other Leading Ladies?

You must be relentless in the pursuit of your dreams. There have been many times I’ve felt discouraged or frustrated, and the natural human reaction is to quit. Those moments are when you have to force yourself to push through and get across the finish line. No one is going to do the hard work for you.

What motivates you in your work?

Other women! Our clients have become friends. Their energy and enthusiasm for our brand make us want to be better, and work harder everyday!

824 Euclid Ave #103 // 859-269-0009 // PeplumLexington.com 58

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Dr. Sarah Borders

OB/GYN, Lexington Women's Health "My husband and I have 2 very spoiled dogs who we treat like children."

Tell us about your career path.

I knew I wanted to be a doctor as soon as we studied the human body in the third grade – I never looked back! I started volunteering and shadowing at UK and physician's offices in high school. I was accepted into UK's combined BS/MD program where I received both my BS and MD degree in 7 years, compared to the normal 8 years. I decided to pursue a career in OB/GYN during my third year of medical school rotations. I received an offer to work at Lexington Women's Health upon graduating residency and have been here since August 2016.

Who inspires you?

My patients are a constant inspiration to me. They are some of the kindest, strong and most hardworking people I have ever met. I constantly strive to be a better physician to better serve them.

How do you balance your obligations?

Babies come at all times of the day, so being an OB/GYN is one of the more challenging careers to ďŹ nd balance. Thankfully, my husband is incredibly supportive and helps out with chores and cooking. My husband and I are about to celebrate 12 years of marriage.

We started dating when we were 16!

COVID-19 has changed my approach to work/life balance by making me realize I need to spend a little more "down time" to recharge occasionally. Exercise has always been extremely important to me. I make the time to exercise at least 5 days a week, no matter how tired I am. Balance is all about setting your priorities!

What is your secret weapon for success?

Perseverance with a positive attitude. Even though the work is challenging and the hours are long, keeping a smile on your face will help those around you remain positive which makes for a more collaborative work environment.

859-264-8811 1720 Nicholasville Rd. Ste. 702 lexingtonwomens.com Sponsored Content | TOPSinLex.com

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Are your customers

WOMEN

between the ages of 25 and 64?

Did you know?

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Over % of all affluent working women in Lexington read TOPS Magazine each month! *

more

When your business needs to reach of your target audience for

less money, contact us!

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PRINT • DIGITAL • SOCIAL Email advertising@topsmarketing.com for more info! *SOURCE: Media Audit, Lexington, KY [2017]

COMMUNITY

Breaking the Bronze Ceiling

Meet the Breaking the Bronze Ceiling Steering Committee by Rob Bolson Breaking the Bronze Ceiling—an initiative to erect a monument in downtown Lexington this August to commemorate the anniversary of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote—is powered by a small group of dynamic Kentucky women and men from varying backgrounds and diverse walks of life.

As fundraising for the noteworthy public art project continues and draws ever closer to the goal of $530,000, meet the steering committee faces behind the scenes these past three years from conception to near completion.

Chaired by Lexington City Councilmember Jennifer Mossotti and Vice Chair, Councilmember Kathy Plomin, the committee is made up of Rebecca Byers, Astarre Gudino, Georgia Henkel, Dr. Randolph Hollingsworth, Janet Holloway, Lisa HigginsHord, Dr. Jennifer Jackson, Heather Lyons, Lori Meadows, Victoria Meyer, Judge Melissa Murphy, Foster Ockerman, Jr., Kelli Parmley, Kathy Simon, Jenifer Wuorenmaa and former Lexington Vice Mayor Isabel Yates.

Support Breaking the Bronze Ceiling in erecting a statue in downtown Lexington to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote.

From government officials to artists and educators, authors and historians, arts consultants, lawyers, judges and other notable community leaders, these dedicated individuals along with several prominent and community-minded local businesses have all pulled together to ensure the outcome will be an engaging and lasting tribute to the important historical contributions of numerous strong women from Central Kentucky history—and something our entire community can look upon with great pride.

Visit breakingthebronzeceiling.com to donate and be a part of this important movement!

Learn more about the project and consider a donation of support at: BreakingtheBronzeCeiling.com.

This TOPS article is sponsored by: 62

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Nonprofit

COMMUNITY

Lexington // mind, body and soul!

by Donna Ison

In the words of writer Virginia Woolf, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Aside from nutrition being necessary for daily function, dining well serves a deeper purpose. A warm meal brings comfort, conversation and communion. In these trying times, it is more important than ever to be nourished in all ways. In Central Kentucky, existing organizations have mobilized and incredible initiatives have emerged to supply sustenance and comfort to central Kentucky’s food insecure population, front line workers and unemployed restaurant staff.

As they have been doing for the past 65 years, God’s Pantry Food Bank is making sure that Kentuckians have access to nutritious food. According to their website, “The mission of God’s Pantry Food Bank is to reduce hunger in Kentucky through community cooperation, making the best possible use of all available resources.” Serving as both a food pantry and food bank, they provide direct hunger relief to individuals, while also collecting and distributing food to hunger relief organizations in 50 counties throughout Central and Eastern Kentucky.

In these challenging times, God’s Pantry Food Bank (a member of Feeding America) has seen a significant increase in need statewide. Every county served some first-time clients while certain areas saw a rise of as much as 80%. Here in Lexington, they averaged 1,000 pick ups per week, doubling the number prior to the coronavirus outbreak. In April alone, they served 4,869 individuals.

To meet safety concerns, God’s Pantry has implemented masks and additional sanitation procedures within their warehouse and limited “shopping” within the pantries, instead providing pre-packed food boxes. According to Community Engagement & Communications Manager Misty Beard, “Everyone has stepped up to get food in the hands of the people who need it, in the safest way possible.”

Another organization joining the effort is Feed the Front Line Kentucky (FTFL-KY), which defines itself as a “nonprofit organization established by a group of students and young professionals who take pride in the state of Kentucky and want to serve the dedicated healthcare workers and local

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COMMUNITY

Nonprofit

restaurants who have been affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic.” FTFL-KY does this through collecting donations from individuals and corporations, using these funds to buy meals from locally-owned restaurants, and then providing the meals to our front line healthcare workers.

Brian Zhu, a computer science major at Georgia Tech and one of the founding members of the local chapter, explained, “We first heard about Feed the Front Line from my brother, Michael Zhu. One of his former colleagues works with the Charlotte division.

From there it was about establishing connections with hospitals and restaurants, as well as setting up our online presence. Our core mission is twofold: support local restaurants and their employees by purchasing bulk meal orders and support front line workers by providing them with free meals.”

Realizing every moment and meal counts, the team mobilized with surprising speed, going from filing nonprofit status to their first delivery in under eight days. “As of Friday, May 8th, we’ve delivered over 600 meals to healthcare workers at Good Samaritan, Chandler Hospital, the St. Joseph Hospitals and others with meals from Vinaigrette, DV8 Kitchen, Great Bagel, Pie 5 and other restaurants,” stated Zhu.

and we were up and running, feeding folks by Thursday night.”

Wu added, “Maker’s Mark provided the generous seed money and we’ve been continually supported by local individual donors, as well as organizations like Blue Accounting and Blue Grass Community Foundation.”

From March to May, the initiative handed out nearly 12,000 hot meals through their relief center at Boston Road Great Bagel.

In addition, essentials such as toilet paper, canned goods and infant necessities were available for pick up nightly.

All three organizations agree that in the process of feeding others, their souls have been fed through seeing the kindness and charitableness of our community.

Wu stated, “I’ve been awed and humbled by the generosity of time, money and resources people have put into this effort. I’m also gonna brag on my fellow small business owners because we know how to hustle and do a lot with very little. And to do it fast!”

Even with the efforts to support local eateries, many of the city’s restaurant workers found themselves without a paycheck overnight. Seeing the need of this critically affected group, the Restaurant Workers Relief Program (RWRP) was launched

by The LEE Initiative. Founded by Chef Edward Lee and Lindsey Ofcacek, the Louisville-based initiative was established to “come up with fast and forward-thinking solutions to address problems in the restaurant industry.”

Zhu echoed this sentiment. “I have personally learned how giving everyone is. From our launch, we have had support pouring in. From donations to support online, I see so many people that recognize they have something to give during these times,” he said. “I have also seen how dedicated our team members are. All of our team members are either working or in school full time, and still find the time to give it their all.”

If you want to help, the best thing you can do is donate at the websites listed below. Your monetary contributions are needed in a multitude of ways. As just one example, God’s Pantry Food Bank has 14 trucks that travel upwards of a thousand miles to deliver food, and they need fuel for each of these journeys.

Dan Wu, local chef and owner of Atomic Ramen, and his LEXunite. com team brought RWRP to Lexington. Wu said, “As we were in the early planning stages, Sam Fore had already been working with The LEE Initiative and got us connected to be an outpost of their RWRP. We got the grant money from Maker’s Mark on a Sunday

In closing, Wu eloquently encapsulates the most important lesson from the current situation: “In times of crisis, we’re all better off taking care of each other than just looking out for ourselves. And we can’t always rely on the powers-that-be to help us out of situations; we have to create the solutions ourselves.” •

To learn more about these incredible initiatives, and to find out how you can help, visit: God’s Pantry Food Bank // godspantry.org Feed the Front Line Kentucky // ftflkentucky.org Restaurant Workers Relief Program // leeinitiative.org

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Giving

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact central Kentucky, our local nonprofits are experiencing increased demand for services, and they need your help now more than ever. Here are some easy ways to give back this month: AVOL Kentucky’s mission is to end HIV in the Commonwealth.

The organization continues to help its clients with rent, utilities and resources to keep HIV numbers low. AVOL also provides monthly care packages containing toiletries, cleaning supplies, paper products and trash bags. To donate these items in-kind or to make a monetary donation to cover their cost, contact anthonys@avolky.org.

Natalie’s Sisters extends support to sexually exploited women.

While their Club and Jail Ministry are on hold due to the coronavirus, their Drop-In Center continues to serve dozens of women daily and relies on in-kind donations of snacks, food, individual drinks and toiletries. Natalie’s Sisters also accepts restaurant gift cards to help cover the cost of breakfast and lunch.

For more information or to sign up to provide a meal, contact jani@nataliessisters.org.

The Well traditionally provides a residential recovery and renewal program for women who have survived sex trafficking but is

COMMUNITY

expanding its services during this public health crisis to include other vulnerable populations, 80-90% of whom are living below the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. The Well’s Meals Program is providing basic sustenance to about 50 families a week and needs milk, eggs, bread, fruits, vegetables and other groceries, as well as dental hygiene items and toiletries. To donate, contact execdir@thewelllexington.com.

Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation is asking its volunteers to safely shelter at home and provide comfort to patients and their families by making items such as pocket prayer squares, comfort animals, prayer shawls, blankets, baby hats and chemotherapy hats. For more information about the Hope Crafters program, please contact the Saint Joseph Hospital volunteer office at 859.313.1290.

Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky is spreading awareness and raising money for child abuse and neglect prevention efforts throughout the state by hosting its 7th Annual Lexi Memorial 5K Run/Walk virtually from June through July. Race registration will be posted at www.pcaky.org. To register for the virtual race, or volunteer as a social media ambassador, contact Bbritton@pcaky.org. •

To learn more about these local nonprofits and hundreds of others, or to learn more about the work of Blue Grass Community Foundation, Lauren would love to hear from you! You can reach her at 859.225.3343 or lauren@bgcf.org. *The coronavirus pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation.

Before you make a donation, please contact these agencies to see if their needs have changed.

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

Lauren Parsons,

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications at Blue Grass Community Foundation

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COMMUNITY

Digital Playbook

One of our most cost effective strategies for any size business:

TARGETED DISPLAY ADS Do you ever wonder how the perfect ad always seems to find you? There is a method to the madness. With targeted display ads, you can precisely pinpoint customers demographically, geographically and generate trackable leads.

Targeted display advertising uses static images and video of various sizes to display advertisements on websites and apps while users surf the web. Targeted display advertising is digital marketing that targets potential customers based on a wide set of variables, such as demographics, online habits and interests.

Unlike Pay Per Click (PPC) or Cost Per Click (CPC) advertising, targeted display advertising is charged by the impression (CPM) and not by how many people clicked on the banners.

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TACTICS MATTER The first step to kick off your targeted display campaign is identifying your business goals and determining which tactics are most relevant to your campaign. In most cases, campaigns, will use a blend of tactics, such as: • Site Retargeting This tactic targets users who have visited your website. This is important because there’s a higher chance of conversion with someone who has already shown an interest in your product or service.

• Search Retargeting People searching for certain keywords and/or phrases will be targeted with your banners. The keywords selected are based on search volume and relevance to the campaign.

• Contextual Targets ads next to relevant content on a website • Geo-Fencing Targets people who visit specific physical locations, such as your competitor’s store or events happening in your city. Once a person enters the geo-fence, they can be targeted through their mobile device for up to 30 days.

• Advanced Audience Targeting Combination of demographic and behavioral information used to target ads The blend of tactics used in a campaign depends on of the needs and goals your business. Each campaign is uniquely designed to fully optimize your budget and provide the best results. The key is knowing your company and the audience you want to reach.

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LIFESTYLE

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Fashion:

Summer Accessories Outfit of the Month:

Sunny Side Up Savin’ Face:

Summer Skincare

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Wow Wedding:

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Weddings Unveiled:

Annalise & Adam All About that Glam

LIFESTYLE Summer Summer Accessories Accessories LIFESTYLE

Hobo travel pouch, $68 | Olive You Boutique

Beaded coral necklace, $88 and earrings, $34 in sea green by Spartina | My Favorite Things

Maverick sunglasses and case by TOMS, $124 | Olive You Boutique

Faux leather sandals with block heel in nude by Qupid, $55 | Peplum

sea green style Shades of kelly and sea green are the perfect pop of color to accent any summer ensemble..

Reversible bucket bag in green, $158 | Draper James at the Summit

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Summer Accessories LIFESTYLE

r bright ’s time fo ur it s n a e which m le to yo is shining to bring some sty ries at some rns esso fun patte fun summer acc d n a rs lo co these e! Shop ues. wardrob al boutiq c lo te ri o v of our fa

T he sun

‘Sweet As A Peach’ milk glass water bottle, $15 | Draper James

All natural peach pulp and honey face mask, $56 | Stuido Z Skincare Pineapple paradise earrings, $12 | As You Go Boutique

cutie fruity Who says fruits are only for eating? Peaches and pineapples are super fun to rock during the hot summer months.

Moreland Pineapple Beach Tote by Spartina, $98 | My Favorite Things

Beaded parrot earings in green, $24 | Peplum

Carina Pineapple Wristlet by Spartina, $58 | My Favorite Things

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LIFESTYLE Summer Accessories Terry cloth tote with fringe tassel pull, $55/ea | Fluffy Flamingo

rainbow punch Don’t be afraid of color! Be bold and show off those rainbow hues with your weekend tote or earrings!

Harper sunglasses in blue, $148 | Draper James Soak Up The Sun beaded flamingo clutch in blue, $68 | Peplum

Summer Babe beaded wrapped oval & ball earrings, $24 | Peplum

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Cruel Summer cockatoo beaded clutch, $72 | Peplum

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

Margaritaville beaded lemon clutch in natural, $69 | Peplum

Summer Accessories LIFESTYLE Draper James x Lands’ End classic canvas tote in blue multi gingham, $39.95 | Draper James at the Summit

southern charm ‘Hey Ya’ll’ water bottle, $25 | Draper James at the Summit

For those of you who enjoy a little southern charm, you can’t go wrong with shades of blue and gingham.

Maribelle sunglasses, $78 | Draper James at the Summit

Threaded butterfly earrings, $16 | As You Go Boutique

Platform sandals in tan by VIVI, $30 | As You Go Boutique

Pom pom clutch in blue, pink and natural, $30/ea | Pirie Boutique

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LIFESTYLE Summer Accessories Hopper Flip 12 Cooler in coral by YETI, $249.99 | Water + Oak at the Summit

hiking chic Who says you can’t be outdoors and still be stylish? Find a neutral straw hat and a pair of shades and you’re ready to go!

Straw hat in natural, $98 | Draper James at the Summit

Avery sunglasses in tortoise, $118 | Draper James at the Summit

Fabric headbands in beige, $21 and rainbow stripe, $64 | Olive You Boutique

Luxe leopard tumbler by Corkcicle, $34.95 | Water + Oak at the Summit

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Sally Ann striped crossbody pouch in tan, $20 | Fluffy Flamingo

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

Summer Accessories LIFESTYLE

Tallulah sunglasses in black, $88 | Draper James at the Summit ‘Vacation Mode’ beach hat in white, $40 | As You Go Boutique

beach babe Headed to the beach?

Grab a colorful bikini, patterned tote and a floppy hat and you’ll be styling, even in the heat.

Emily Ann tiered dress with ruffle sleeve in fuchsia, $40 | Fluffy Flamingo

Tumbler in biscay bay

by Corkcicle, $29.95 | Water + Oak at the Summit

Carina flamingo wristlet

by Spartina, $58 | My Favorite Things

Draper James x Lands’ End smocked halter top bikini in yellow, $54.95 (top) and $39.95 (bottom) | Draper James at the Summit

Moreland flamingo beach tote by Spartina, $98 | My Favorite Things June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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LIFESTYLE Summer Accessories

Satchel with natural woven handle and crossbody strap, $70 | Fluffy Flamingo

moroccan style Even though we like color, we’re still all about the summer neutrals. Rust, taupe and orange are always a go-to choice!

Hoop earrings in gold, $88 by Julie Vos | Olive You Boutique

Multicolor double strap sandals

by MMMBop, $24 | Peplum

Barefoot Nights beaded diamond tassel earrings in coral multicolor, $26 | Peplum

Cleobella tote, $178 | Olive You Boutique

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10 oz wine tumbler in coral

by YETI, $24.99 | Water + Oak at the Summit

Dangle earrings in gold by Julie Vos, $155 | Olive You Boutique TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

Summer Accessories LIFESTYLE Assorted metal bangles, $25-$69 | Simply Beautiful Boutique

Assorted bracelets by Julie Vos, $75$375 | Olive You Boutique

Braided sandal in yellow by Qupid, $25 | Peplum

Wannabe wheel tassel earrings in purple multicolor, $24 | Peplum

tribal beauty Eclectic patterns and colors are a hot trend to start your summer off right! Don’t be afraid to accessorize with tribal patterns and textures.

Embroidered multipurpose pouch with tassel zipper, $22/ea | Fluffy Flamingo

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sunny side up

LIFESTYLE Outfit of the Month

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After what has felt like a gloomy year thus far, we are more than ready for some sunshine and happier days. This month’s look is all about bringing colorful joy through fashion, starting with a dress sure to make you smile.

Zimmermann’s ‘Brightside Palm’ minidress is saturated in a sunflower-yellow hue made from striking silk lace with beachy palm-tree motifs throughout.

We kept the spring-meets-summer vibe going with equally jubilant accessories including Aquazzura’s fluttery papillon sandals, a cobalt Tory Burch chain clutch, Madewell’s multi-colored beaded hoops and a pair of Quay navigator sunglasses.

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We even tossed in a pop of unexpected color for our beauty look with Dior’s On Stage liquid eyeliner.

We’re always game for looking on the bright side, and in this outfit you’ll be delivering nothing but happiness served ‘Sunny Side Up’.

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get the look:

1 | Quay Australia POSTER BOY Sunglasses (Available at Scout & Molly’s at The Summit) 2 | ZIMMERMANN Brightside Palm silk minidress 3 | Madewell Multicolor Bead Hoop Earrings (Available at Madewell at The Summit) 4 | Dior Diorshow On Stage Liner in ‘Matte Yellow’ 5 | AQUAZZURA Papillon butterfly-appliqué sandals 6 | Tory Burch Robinson chain clutch

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savin’ face

Savin’ Face LIFESTYLE

SUMMER SKINCARE

story by Jayme Jackson

ere comes the sun… I’m not sure if I actually believe it, given the cold, rainy weather we have experienced in Lexington for what seems like forever. In the spirit of optimism, I am preparing for the clouds to part and the sun to shine

by June 1st and with that said, I was on the hunt for the best sunblock on the market.

Age spots! I actually thought you had to be of a certain age to have them. Not so much. These brown, irregularly shaped discolorations that showed up in my mid 30’s are a total bummer. When you are younger, you hear “wear sunscreen and protect your skin”. Well, I was a teenager in the 90’s where we laid out every day at the pool, coated like fried chicken in baby oil and iodine while we prayed to bake to a glorious golden brown hue. No one really explained that even though it looked great in my youth, all of that unseen damage would rise to the top layer of my skin in my 30’s, 40’s and basically forever.

ZO- Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Neocutis Journee Revitalizing Day Cream

So, I have reluctantly started wearing sunscreen everyday under my makeup and you know, with the caliber of products for me to pick from, I’ve not even noticed the change.

My top facial sunscreen picks: 1.

Neocutis Journee Revitalizing day cream SPF 30 and it has antiaging ingredients (YAY) available at Skin Secrets

2.

ZO- Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 – really blocks out the sun. available at Hourglass

Peach Pulp and Honey Mask from Studio Z Skincare

After a day in the sun, treat yourself to the peach pulp and honey mask from Studio Z skincare. It soothes, hydrates and tightens the skin and is full of antioxidants and natural antibacterial properties from the honey I am now one of those ladies at the pool wearing “the” hat. Praying that not one ray of sun touches my face. Grab a baseball cap girls, ya gotta do what ya gotta do to stop further damage and the possibility of melanoma. Thankfully, there are even “bigger guns” in the arsenal to remove age spots that are already appearing like IPL (Intense Pulse Light). We will go into IPL this fall, it’s best to save those treatments for when you can promise to stay out the sun. So, from one tanorexic sun lover to another, let’s try to embrace the fact that Pale is Pretty because I’d rather be pale now y’all, than wrinkly later.

story by Jayme Jackson

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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LIFESTYLE WOW Wedding

Annalise

and Adam

story by amanda harper • photos by samantha moore photography

WOW Wedding LIFESTYLE

As native Lexingtonians, this couple’s love for Kentucky is interwoven into every part of their story. Having attended dozens of weddings together over the years, Annalise and Adam knew that they wanted an outdoor wedding that would make the most of the beautiful Bluegrass landscape. Annalise said, “There’s something charmingly rustic and romantic about walking out from a raucous wedding reception into the quiet, standing in dark grass under the trees while the party rages on across a field in the distance.”

The bride’s bouquet mirrored the floral décor and was wrapped with her grandmother’s handkerchief.

Before the couple was even engaged, they asked their close friend Brandon to officiate the ceremony, a promise he held without breaking a sweat in spite of the July heat. In lieu of a ring bearer, the couple had a friend fly the rings in on a drone, which captured a video of the ceremony.

The Polo Barn at Saxony perfectly embodied that vision. The fact that it is a fully functioning horse farm just brought home the Kentucky feel for the couple. The venue was theirs from Thursday to Monday, allowing them to have the rehearsal dinner at their wedding site.

Just as the last guests made their way back down the aisle, the sky opened up, sending guests scrambling to the cocktail hour.

Fortunately, the “good luck” rain cleared up in 10 minutes.

Guests enjoyed a bourbon tasting bar, featuring bourbons collected by the bride and her father. As they mingled, they sipped the couple’s signature drinks; the Mint Julep Spritzer and Old-Fashioned recipes were created by a friend.

For the ceremony, the aisle was lined with blue hydrangea blooms with eucalyptus in vases hung from shepherd’s hooks.

The couple stood beneath an arbor, made by the groom and his stepfather, looking out over the farm. Spray roses, light delphinium, eucalyptus and magnolia leaves covered the arbor.

Dinner was served inside a tent illuminated by string lights.

Tables in alternating shades of blue bore centerpieces with blue hydrangeas, white spray roses and Limonium in bourbon bottles that Adam and Annalise’s friends collected for the special day.

The couple spent a lot of time at The Most Magical Place on

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LIFESTYLE WOW Wedding Earth while Adam attended college in Florida, so “Happily Ever After” Disney pins were placed at each guest’s seat. Everyone loved the mac n’ cheese bar, as well as the Ghiradelli cookies the couple served as dessert (from Arby’s, since Adam’s dad owns a franchise).

Because Adam is an aerospace engineer, little nods to his profession were sprinkled throughout the day. Guests signed a star map of the night the couple got engaged at Shillito Park, the site of their first “sort-of-date” as teens. The wedding cake design was based on a starry sky at twilight, hearkening to the bride’s vision for their romantic, raucous outdoor Kentucky wedding.

the vendor team

PHOTOGRAPHER Samantha Moore VIDEOGRAPHER Love The Renauds VENUE The Polo Barn at Saxony Farm CATERING Bayou Bluegrass SWEETS Sassy Sweets LATE NIGHT SNACK Arby’s

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FLOWERS Thomas Ripley Flowers PLANNER Bit by Bit Events RENTALS/DECOR Purdon’s Rentals BRIDAL GOWN Twirl Boutique BRIDAL PARTY Azazie GROOM/GROOMSMEN Ralph Lauren

HAIR/MAKEUP Something Blu TRANSPORTATION Gold Shield Limousine ACCOMMODATIONS Embassy Suites Lexington Green CEREMONY MUSIC John Dennehy, Kierstin Quick & Morgan Quick SPIRITS Total Wine & Spirits BARTENDERS Amendment 21

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

LIFESTYLE Weddings Unveiled

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glam

all about that

There are some ladies out there that can’t get enough of the glitz and glamour; so naturally, when it comes to their wedding day, they won’t settle for less.

Lexington and Louisville have some pretty stunning ballroom venues to help create that glamorous atmosphere that will truly wow any wedding guest.

From the elegant high ceilings, gorgeous chandelieres and romantic ambiance, you’re sure to create that sparkling ballroom wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

Here is a list to get your search started!

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Outfit of the Month LIFESTYLE

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photo credits 1 | Carrick House | Lexington Kevin + Anna Photography 2 | Henry Clay | Louisville BG Photo Louisville 3 | Marriott Griffin Gate | Lexington Kevin + Anna Photography 4 | The Kentucky Castle | Lexington Lindsay Whiting Photography 5 | Marriott Griffin Gate | Lexington Kevin + Anna Photography 6 | The Signature Club of Lansdowne | Lexington Kevin + Anna Photography 7 | The Olmstead | Louisville Jeff + Michele Photography 8 | The Carrick House | Lexington Kaylie Plummer Photography

by haley norris Owner of Haley Michelle Designs

www.haleymichelledesigns.com

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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AT HOME

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Outdoor Oasis TOP People to Know in Real Estate Color Catalog:

First Light

AT HOME

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Outdoor Oasis

AT HOME

P H O T O S B Y S H AU N R I N G + J E F F WA L K E R D E S C R I P T I O N S B Y M I C H E L L E A I E L L O, A L L I S O N J O N E S + D O N N A I S O N

When it comes to creating that perfect staycation atmosphere, it usually begins with a gorgeous backyard. Now, we’re not just talking about a freshly mowed yard or some nice landscaping... we’re thinking bigger and better. Imagine your dream backyard and I’m sure these homes feature just that: sparkling pools, luxurious lounge furniture, outdoor kitchens and more!

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Outdoor Oasis

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he outdoor living area at this beautiful home is ready for the party of the year. The complete stainless steel outdoor kitchen and grilling area will inspire envy in any backyard chef, and the custom gunite, 20x40� heated pool with bluestone coping and a cascading waterfall is a sight to behold. The outdoor entertaining area is also equipped with a full sound system and custom hot tub with settings that can be adjusted from anywhere on the property via remote control.

The adjoining pool house is complete with a full kitchen, dressing room, half bath, shower, covered porch, surround sound and landscaped grounds. There is a mechanical room for pump and heater as well as a storage room for equipment and accessories.

This home is the perfect example of paradise right out your back door.

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AT HOME

Outdoor Oasis

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his back porch is truly an escape. With a deck that spans the entire back of the home, which backs up to a wooded area, it’s easy to see why.

The homeowners chose a relaxing, yet inviting color palette of blue, white and neutrals, creating a calming space that would not look out of place in a tropical atmosphere. Incorporating subtle patterns and textures brought a unique resort feel right in their backyard. The homeowners use this space as much as they possibly can and love the feeling of being close to nature.

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Outdoor Oasis

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he outdoor entertaining area is one of this home’s ultimate focal points and a space where anyone would be happy to spend time.

The patio is outfitted with over 2,500 square feet of entertaining space including a complete outdoor kitchen with granite countertops, warming drawers, ice maker, refrigerator and grill, plus expansive bar top seating. In less than ideal weather, the covered sitting area can be enclosed with a remote controlled screen. With 12-inch subwoofers embedded in the ground, a fire pit, outdoor wi-fi and recessed lighting, the patio can be party-ready in an instant.

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AT HOME

Outdoor Oasis

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t’s safe to say this house sitting on over 10 acres of property surrounded by beautiful Bluegrass farmland would host a pretty outstanding backyard.

From an outdoor kitchen with a Wolf grill, large in-ground swimming pool, ample relaxing furniture and more... you’re sure to find a much needed escape in this little piece of paradise.

With an expansive wrap around balcony, you can take in the gorgeous views from any spot out back.

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Outdoor Oasis

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he outdoor relaxation area of this home is truly breathtaking, which is complete with a covered porch, fire pit table, and flat screen television.

The pool area is reminiscent of a tropical hideaway. This lot sits on a corner lot and was designed with a side view instead of a back view, which makes the best use of the space.

Truly one of the most visually striking aspects of the home, the pool features a cascading waterfall and is flanked by privacy shrubbery and a collection of tropical plants, creating a gorgeous resort-like escape anyone would enjoy.

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Outdoor Oasis

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alk about homey. This backyard oasis features beautiful landscaping and a calming presence. The lush outdoor venue overlooks the expansive property and gives you a private and beautiful view to truly get away.

Sheltered from the elements, the seating area is arranged for optimal relaxation with ample seating and a flat screen TV for entertainment. It is the ideal extension of this gorgeous home for family and friend gatherings.

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Outdoor Oasis

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AT HOME

his home is for those who prefer being a little off the beaten path.

Probably considered the home’s most picturesque detail - this backyard features a beautiful pond that was created especially for the property. With a fire pit area and a dock with fishing poles, the scene is reminiscent of a painting or storybook. The pond has a rubber liner and reaches a depth of 14 feet, is fed by two wells and has a float switch to keep the water at a consistent level. Stepping stones lead to a jump rock with underwater steps on both sides, creating a fun spot for the kids to swim. Rock outcroppings and aquatic plants create both a beautiful and natural setting for fishing.

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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AT HOME TOP People to Know in Real Estate

TOP PEOPLE

TO KNOW in Real Estate

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AT HOME TOP People to Know in Real Estate

Maximize your real estate marketing the simple way Reach our

64,500+ Readers

TOPS TOPS

Reserve your ad space for July in TOP People to Know in Real Estate today!

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Color Catalog

AT HOME

Madeline Cocktail Table MY FAVORITE THINGS

Bamboo Touch Sconce NORWALK FURNITURE & DESIGN

CH25 Lounge Chair FRANCE&SON

Recycled Glass Demijohn ARHAUS

Color FIRST LIGHT o Looking for an airy alternative to beige or white?

Benjamin Moore’s First Light (2102-70) is a soft pink that plays well with other colors, creating a delicate backdrop for whatever life may bring.

If you find yourself dreaming of beach trips, First Light is a great choice for your spaces. When paired with midcentury accents and sea glass tones, this dawn pink can help any room feel like a beachside vacation retreat.

Make the most of your room’s natural architecture to create a quaint cottage resort feel. No dreamy vaulted ceilings in your home?

Paint only three-fourths of the way up the walls to make ceilings feel grander.

First Light is stunning in sitting rooms, mother-in-law suites, guest bathrooms and home offices. Since it’s a grown-up pastel, pair it with colors that pack a punch. Teal, flamingo pink and black will bring a fun throwback vibe. Natural woods, glass and woven fibers keep the look grounded.

PAIR WITH:

BRÖNDEN Area Rug IKEA

Blue Danube

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

Crystalline

Pink Peach

Tulsa Twilight

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EATS &

ENTERTAINMENT

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Dining:

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Summer Dining Guide

The Rackhouse Tavern

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Recipes:

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Equine:

Skinny Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Loaf Getting Back on Track

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Dining

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Dining EATS & ENTERTAINMENT

The The Campbell House restaurant features bourbon-infused cuisine along with over 300 bourbons and local brews on tap.

1375 South Broadway Lexington (859) 255-4281

Story By Kate Horning H EALTHY L IVING C HEF katehorning.com Photos By Keni Parks

W

ou

Tavern

ith the celebration of their 70th anniversary just around the corner, the Campbell House has recently wrapped up a multi-million dollar renovation and a new look, which includes an innovative restaurant concept, The Rackhouse Tavern. As you walk through the doors of the historic hotel and into the Rackhouse Tavern, you’re greeted by equestrian-themed modern decor blended with Southern elegance and a touch of rustic charm.

Inspired by the Bourbon Trail, the menu can be described as a bourbon-infused smokehouse with a twist on classic dishes such as Kentucky Burgoo, Lexington Hot Brown, Pulled Pork Nachos and House-Smoked Chicken Wings. “We’ve worked really hard to bring in the history of the Campbell House and put our arms around the flavors of Kentucky, specifically Lexington,” shares general manager, Rich Johnston. With a variety of seating options from oversized leather couches to high top tables, a wrap-around bar and community dining table, The Rackhouse Tavern really has something to offer every guest. “We really wanted to create something upscale and casual, so you feel comfortable whether you’re in jeans or a suit,” says Johnston. “Like friends popping over for a bourbon and a tasty meal.”

and relish. “We really want to highlight the flavor of the egg, so I keep things simple. I don’t even season the egg, I let the relish bring the flavor and salt,” says Peluso. After the eggs are filled, they’re topped with smoked pork belly for the perfect pop of flavor and pickled onions that impart enough acid to cut through the richness without taking away from the smoky essence of the dish.

While the menu is constantly evolving, a dish not to be missed is the Thai Basil Pork inspired by Peluso’s travels and an adaptation of traditional Taiwanese street food. “The dish is normally served with chicken but everyone does chicken, so I changed things up with pork that’s seared on a flat top and then cubed and slowly cooked until it falls apart and melts-in-your mouth almost like pulled pork,” shares Peluso. The pork is served with basmati rice, sauteed garlic and onions, a variety of spices and then topped with fried wontons, pickled onions and a fried egg. “It’s basically my version of bacon and eggs,” laughs Peluso, “It’s so good.”

As an official sponsor of the Bourbon Trail, it’s no surprise that they’re pouring over 306 different bourbons, including their own barrel selections of Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek and Elijah Craig, as well as an impressive array of bourbon cocktails including a customer favorite, The Rackhouse Manhattan. A classic combination of Kentucky’s own Knob Creek Rye, sweet vermouth, barrel-aged and orange bitters and garnished with a Luxardo cherry. “It’s simple done exceptionally well,” shares Johnston. “And while sipping your bourbon cocktail, you’ll want to add an order of our Deviled Eggs,” suggests executive chef, Anthony Peluso. Starting with Grandma’s recipe for boiled eggs, Peluso splits the eggs, removes the yolks and mixes it with a classic and simple combination of mayo, mustard

And then there’s the old Musselman family recipe for Kentucky Burgoo. Originating out of Lousiville, burgoo is a combination of stewed meats, onions, carrots, celery and mushrooms cooked low and slow until the meat falls off the bone and the marrow imparts a delicious richness into the stew. Finished off with okra, lima beans and potatoes, it’s a hearty classic originally created to use up what families had on hand but is now a sought after Kentucky classic. “A lot of our out of town customers come in for this dish,” shares Johnston, “but the locals love it too. People come for the food and stay for the hospitality”.

So whether you’re visiting the Rackhouse Tavern from near or far, it’s evident you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a carefully curated taste of Lexington Kentucky.

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

If hot browns are more your style, Peluso created his version by adding locally sourced country ham to make it more Lexington. “When people come here and see the different things we’re doing with the food, it’ll become a go-to spot,” shares Peluso.

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Dining

an

an

The Rackhouse Tavern

Ingredients:

2 oz Knob Creek Rye Kentucky’s Own 0.25 oz Sweet Vermouth 2 Dashes Barrel Aged Bitters 1 Dash Orange Bitters

&

Q A

with Chef

Anthony Peluso

What made you fall in love with food?

I grew up in an Italian family and I’ve been cooking forever.

My mom and dad always cooked in our house and I always had an interest in what was going on. My mom always used to yell “Get out of the sauce”!

Favorite veggie?

Corn that has been prepared simply or roasted brussels sprouts with a little bit of balsamic. I love to highlight the true flavor of the vegetable.

How do you stay inspired?

I stay inspired by going to different places and eating their food. I love to go on trips and talk to the locals and find out where they go. I also worked in Europe for a bit so I got to eat a lot of different cuisines.

Favorite dish from your childhood?

Angel hair pasta with clam sauce.

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Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain, garnish with a Luxardo cherry and serve.

If you could cook for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

I would love to cook for my parents again and I would make angel hair and clam sauce. They never really got to experience my cooking how it is now so I think it would be really wonderful to share what I have learned with them.

What do you love most about Lexington?

It has the feel of a big town but attributes of a large city and it’s centrally located.

When you're not working are you cooking or grabbing carryout?

A little bit of both, I love the restaurants here so I am always grabbing something new and then Monday when I am off, I cook whatever we’re in the mood for.

Can you share a piece of advice for someone who dreams of pursuing a career in food?

On the record, you need to really love and be inspired by food and want to make people happy. Off the record, say goodbye to holidays and weekends. Haha! But seriously, you have to really love what you’re doing.

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Summer Dining Guide

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INFINITY A SKYBAR & CAFÉ

Summer Dining

What makes your patio a great place to hang out?

Our patio provides the best views in the city. Our retractable roof made of glass allows us to be an open-air restaurant, so if the weather is not ideal, you are still able to enjoy the infinite views our restaurant provides.

Tell us a little bit about your restaurant's cuisine, drinks and overall "vibe".

We provide modern American cuisine with a focus on local and fresh ingredients.

Our cocktails are handcrafted with fresh juices and ingredients that pair perfectly with our menu. Our focus is taking care of our guests by providing them an amazing experience they can count on each time they dine with us.

What is the most popular dish on the menu for patio season? What drink would you pair with it?

Grilled asparagus with poached egg, salmon roe, radish pickled ramp and crème fraîche. Pair this with our popular cocktail, the Sizzled Word, which consists of aviation gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, flamed rosemary, simple syrup and fresh lime juice.

150 W. Main Street Lexington (859) 253-3000

Do you have any summer specials?

We will be featuring items all summer. Our menus will be filled with fresh, local, seasonal items from the farmer's market to create unique dishes that compliment the summer season.

SPONSORED CONTENT | TOPSinLex.com

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Summer Dining

GRAZE AT THE WOODLANDS What makes your patio a great place to hang out?

We feature a spacious covered patio where you can watch our little corner of Lexington go by!

Tell us a little bit about your restaurant's cuisine, drinks and overall "vibe".

We are a chef-inspired restaurant and are proud to use a farm-to-table approach when sourcing ingredients for our menu. We rotate our menu with the season to serve the freshest produce, so we always have something new to serve!

What is the most popular dish on the menu for patio season? What drink would you pair with it?

Our Peach and Brie Flatbread with a balsamic reduction is a customer favorite. It pairs great with a glass of your favorite Chardonnay!

111 Woodland Avenue, Lexington grazeky.com (859) 309-2490

Do you have any summer specials?

Each week, we do #ThankfulThursday where we team up with local charities and organizations as a way to give back to the Lexington community.

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EATS & ENTERTAINMENT Recipes

Skinny

Blueberry Lemon

YOGURT CAKE

Prep Time:5 minutes | Cook Time: 35-45 minutes

Ingredients: 1½ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together.

½ cup sugar

In a separate medium mixing bowl, stir together the yogurt, sugar, applesauce, vanilla, eggs, zest and lemon juice.

1⁄3 cup unsweetened applesauce

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

1 teaspoon vanilla

In a small mixing bowl, toss the blueberries in the reserved 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold these into the batter.

2 eggs 1 tablespoon lemon zest ¼ cup lemon juice 1½ cups fresh blueberries *Optional Glaze: (not included in nutrition calculations) ½ cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons skim milk ½ tsp lemon zest

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Preparation:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, and bake for 35-45 minutes, depending on your oven. Check the loaf at 35 minutes to see if a cake tester comes out clean in the center of the loaf. If not, reset the timer in 5-minute intervals.

When it comes out of the oven, allow the loaf pan to rest for 10 minutes on a cooling rack before flipping it out of the pan.

While the loaf is cooling, make the (optional) glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon zest in a small mixing bowl. Cool the loaf completely before drizzling the (optional) glaze over the loaf and slicing it into 8 pieces.

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

Recipes EATS & ENTERTAINMENT

Nutrition Facts: Yield: 8 servings | Serving Size: 1 slice Calories 182 | Fat 1g | Carbohydrates 37g | Cholesterol 44mg Sodium 229mg | Fiber 2g | Sugar 17g | Protein 6g

Recipe Courtesy of

Popculture.com is the nation’s go-to source for all things pop culture and speaks to fans that eat, sleep and play amidst today’s prevailing trends and provides an authentic, one-of-a-kind view of the contemporary landscape.

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Equine Update EATS & ENTERTAINMENT

Getting Back on Track Story by Jen Roytz

Horse Racing Working Toward Recovery After COVID-19 Shutdowns

T

he first Saturday in May had a distinctively different vibe this year. Like so many other businesses and industries, horse racing in Kentucky has felt the effects of COVID-19.

When you face unprecedented challenges, like a global pandemic, it calls for difficult decisions and changes to be made, such as Keeneland’s cancelation of its iconic spring meet and the postponing of the Churchill Downs spring meet and its signature event, the Kentucky Derby, which has been rescheduled for September 5th.

As we transition from the “Shelter in Place” orders of spring to the cautious and careful reopening of the country through the summer, racing officials and horsemen’s groups are working with the state and local government to create protocols and procedures that will allow a return of racing in the Bluegrass while complying with regulations. This will include putting unprecedented protocols in place for Churchill Downs and Keeneland’s summer and fall meets, as well as for the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, which are scheduled to be held at Keeneland on November 6 and 7.

“Keeneland means so much to our fans, our horsemen and the Central Kentucky community, and we are all excited for the fall meet and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason. “Keeneland is coordinating with other Kentucky tracks, local and state officials and health experts to plan and put protocols in place to ensure a safe environment for fall racing.”

In a normal year, the Churchill Downs spring meet begins the week after Keeneland’s spring race meet concludes, with the Kentucky Derby always slated for the first Saturday in May, however, the track was forced to delay both the opening of its stable area to horsemen and the start of its spring meet.

Churchill Downs executives worked with Governor Andy Beshear and his team to create a staggered plan for allowing equestrians from various parts of the country to return to the track and received approval from state officials to begin racing on May 16 without spectators.

With the lack of racing and sporting events for the past several months, fans welcomed the return of racing from home. According to Churchill Downs publicity department, more than $14 million was wagered on their opening day card, up a staggering 183.7 percent from the $5 million handle on the comparable date last year.

Like horse racing, many national sports are considering how best to handle a return to competition in the wake of COVID-19. Many discussions have centered around the possibility of spectator-less events, biosecurity and virtual (online) fan engagement. Keeneland and the Breeders’ Cup are hard at work, creating protocols that will mitigate potential health risks for the general public and horsemen while allowing racing to return. Churchill Downs, which offered Governor Beshear’s office what he termed as one of the most comprehensive return to business plans he had seen, will be refining their protocols as the state regulations and status of COVID-19 evolves.

While we might have to trade in our mint juleps for a pumpkinspiced variety and possibly swap a Derby hat for a fancy mask, cheers to the racing industry as they work to get back on track!

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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PHOTOS

Quality Time in Quarantine

BIG BROTHER HANDLES STORYTIME. PHOTO BY RANA THOMPSON

SCHROEDER FAMILY PORTRAIT

COOPER AND CARTER JOHNSON HAD A MOUNT EVEREST PARTY

KENDALL, JESSICA AND HARPER CULP WITH SHARON WOOLLAM AND KILEY THE DOG

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MACEY, CRYSTAL AND AJ NICHOLS

PHOTOS

WREN LOUISA WILSON BORN APRIL 28, 2020

TERESA BLAKEMAN AS DRAWN BY LYNN DAVIDSON

RUDIE WAS ADOPTED BY MEGAN MARTIN AND TYLER HAYES

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PHOTOS

Nourish Lexington Feeds Firefighters Red Mile | May 20 | nourishlexington.org Photos by Woody Phillips

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PHOTOS

June 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

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PHOTOS

Enjoying the Outdoors MAZIE WITH BUBBLES. PHOTO BY OWNER SHELBY SIPES

STEPHANIE AND JOSIE GORAL ENJOY FISHING QUARANTINE STYLE ON MOTHER’S DAY

SETH PARKER AND FAMILY PICNIC

SETH HILLENMEYER STARTS SON FORD ON YARDWORK AND THE FAMILY BUSINESS

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CORBIN AND ELLA VAUGHN

PHOTOS

ALEXA HAMPTON AND HER NEWLY PLANTED MARIGOLD

SARAH BAYS SIPS A SMOOTHIE POOLSIDE

ADDISON JOHNSON WITH FOAL NAMED PARTY DRESS

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PHOTOS

Good Deeds

LIZ AND AMELIA SHEEHAN MAKING MASKS

MEREDITH PRICE COMPLETED HER CENSUS

ADOPT A HEALTHCARE HERO

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BLUE WILLOW FARMS VISITING NURSING HOMES

TOPS in Lexington | June 2020

PHOTOS

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PHOTOS

Celebrations!

KAYLA AND MIA KATE MULLINS GRADUATION CELEBRATION. PHOTO BY GREER PRODUCTIONS

THE DERBY THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN

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SHELBY DAVIS 8TH BIRTHDAY

PHOTOS

SWEET 16 BIRTHDAY PARADE JAYDEN SMITH AND HALEY NORRIS

KYRAN CAMPBELL, KEY’ARRE BROWN, DARYN SEALS AND BRYSON FIELDS CELEBRATE PROM. PHOTO BY QUISHA RAY

CASEY AND RICHIE - PANDEMIC WEDDING. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUANG

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