TOPS Lexington - May 2020 by TOPS Magazine

Volume 14 Number 5

MAY

homes & heroes

COMMUNITY 27 48 51 52

Hometown Heroes Non Profit Spotlight:

The Coronavirus Response Fund Five Ways to Give Surfing the Financial Wave of COVID-19

Advertising Section:

Breaking the Bronze Ceiling:

Support Local I am a Strong Woman...

LIFESTYLE

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! 8

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Editor’s Pick:

Outfit of the Month:

Savin’ Face:

Wow Wedding:

Weddings Unveiled:

Mother’s Day Gift Guide La Vie En Rose Quarantine Beauty Allison & Jordan Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop. Wedding Postponement Tips

MAY

homes & heroes

AT HOME

104

79 81

Advertising Section:

104 107

What’s the State of Real Estate? Real Estate TOP Listings TOP People to Know in Real Estate One Day DIY Color Catalog:

Romance

EATS & ENTERTAINMENT 110 115 116 119

115 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! 12

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Dining:

Dine On! Delivery & Carryout Dining Guide Crop Up Recipes:

Grilled Italian Flank Steak Pinwheels BBN:

Talk Show

MAY

homes & heroes

PHOTOS 120 122 124 126 128

120

#teamkentucky #homeschooling #healthyathome #socialdistancing #teamandy

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.

NEXT MONTH

JUNE Leading Ladies & Summer Fashion

122

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TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

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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.

LETTER

FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Reader. How are you? I hope that this ﬁnds you healthy and well, coping with our new normals in the best ways possible. So much has happened since our last issue. Let us all remember and honor the lives that have been taken by this terrible virus.

KEITH The good news is that, as of this writing, our governor has YARBER released specific dates for Kentucky to phase into reopening our economy. I do not think any of us will ever take for granted again the simple joys and freedoms that suddenly vanished from our lives around mid-April, a time we are normally enjoying days at Keeneland. While being “Healthy at Home” has mainly been a challenging inconvenience, the social and economic impact has been significant to most and devastating to far too many. This month, TOPS is proud to highlight and feature a few “Hometown Heroes.” We tried to think of different things to call them, but it finally occurred to us that no other words would do. These are friends and neighbors who put their own lives at risk going above and beyond to serve others. It is said that adversity introduces each of us to ourselves. We are so proud of the way that so many among us have stepped up to make a difference. It is an honor to shine a spotlight on some truly remarkable people. Some have found insightful new ways to provide relief for others in need. Others are bravely continuing their regular jobs, doing essential work for all of us in the face of danger. As the pandemic headlines hopefully slowly fade away, we do not want to forget those whose sacrifices helped to keep us all safe. There are not enough ways to say “Thank You” to all of them. Doctors, nurses, first responders, police, firemen, relief organizations, government agencies, businesses, teachers, community organizations, parents turned schoolteachers, volunteers, and so many others who put the needs of others before themselves. If we ever underestimated their service, we never will again. We hope you enjoy their stories. On a lighter note, Springtime is also the beginning of the home-buying season. TOPS is excited to introduce you to leading real estate agents in our local area, with fantastic listings that say now is the time to buy. Interest rates are very attractive, and sellers are motivated. I want to believe that the warmer weather, along with life slowly getting back to normal, will help most of us who have suffered from a bad case of cabin fever. Haircuts, anyone?

er b r a Y h t i e K Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

COMMUNITY

27 48 51

Hometown Heroes Non Profit Spotlight:

The Coronavirus Response Fund Five Ways to Give

52 55 62

Surfing the Financial Wave of COVID-19 Advertising Section:

Support Local Breaking the Bronze Ceiling:

I am a Strong Woman...

TOPS

presents

OMETOWN

heroes

Sponsored by:

espite all the amazing things today’s televisions can do, closed captioning in real-time broadcast is still sadly lacking, catching just certain things here and there and more often than not creating a jumbled word soup. That’s why people like Virginia Moore are so important. Virginia is a nationally certified ASL interpreter. ASL stands for American Sign Language, and it’s a primary form of communication for many hearing-impaired people in Kentucky. Standing beside Governor Beshear during his conferences, Virginia enthusiastically and concisely translates these important daily messages for those who cannot hear them. Virginia learned sign language as a child from her family, out of absolute necessity. “My parents are deaf, both Mom and Dad,” she told a reporter from Spectrum News 1 in Lexington. “I have a deaf sister. I have a deaf brother, and I have two other hearing sisters. So, my family taught me sign language. That was my first language.” Virginia, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is a strong advocate for ASL and hopes that it will become more prevalent thanks to her fantastic work. “My point really should be communication,” Virginia said in a video for Kentucky Hands and Voices. “We can use ASL, or we can speak, it doesn’t matter...I hope that everybody tries to learn.” Recently as part of his daily 5:00pm broadcast, Beshear has begun bringing Virginia directly to the podium to teach signed phrases to all of us watching at home. The first sentence was one of the governor’s mottos: “We will get through it together.”

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Hometown Heroes

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Drive-through Testing Team LEXINGTON CLINIC

lways up for a challenge to serve the greater good, the staff at Lexington Clinic has adapted to these challenging times. With full personal protective equipment (PPE), these expert healthcare workers are accommodating the many symptomatic patients via drive-through COVID-19 testing, as ordered by their physicians. “Knowing it takes an entire community to pull together in times of uncertainty, we are humbled to know our very own are showing up in the hardest of times,” says Dr. Andrew Henderson, CEO at Lexington Clinic. “They are working to serve our community and keep us safe while we all navigate through this pandemic together. We are enormously grateful to each and every worker on the frontline for the sacriﬁces they are making on behalf of all of us.” The Lexington Clinic team working the drive-through testing operation includes Elizabeth Ison, Carmen Burchett, Elizabeth Jones, Amanda Glass, Melissa Whitman, Tara Holmes, Cheryl Conner, Hannah Rice and Angela Baranchak. All of them have contributed to this vital cause and helped to make this potentially life-saving measure during a difficult time into a reality.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Hometown Heroes

COMMUNITY

Polly RUDDICK

Office of Homelessness Prevention

olly Ruddick works in the Office of Homelessness Prevention, and while tremendously dedicated to those she serves 365 days a year, she has stepped up even more during this time of great need. “Right now, I really don’t have anything resembling a ‘normal day,’” she says. “Each day brings new challenges. For one example, where we used to be able to feed our clients in dining rooms, we now need to get boxed meals to them, so that we can continue to help while also practicing safe social distancing. That means we need boxes, utensils, bottled water, everything necessary to make this a reality. This amazing team that I’m a part of is dedicated to making situations better for our clients. We still must provide every service.”

Polly is a mighty advocate for the homeless and those at risk, and she asks you to hesitate before you judge the less fortunate.”I believe that housing is a fundamental right,” she says. “We meet people where they are and strive to educate the public. I always ask you to consider your own “but fors.” By that, I mean the times where, for instance, but for $300 from your family when you needed it, you might not have been able to pay your rent, or if not but for someone lending you their car, you would’ve missed work and lost your job. It’s real people who get into these situations, and if it never happened to you, you’re very fortunate.”

Casey JACKSON

ICU Nurse Medical Disaster Relief Volunteer

y the time that you read this, Casey Jackson will be in the New York area caring for people suffering from COVID-19. Casey is an ICU nurse typically working in both Fayette and Clark Counties, but she's going to the epicenter of the outbreak, the place with the greatest need of her skill set at this time. "It's overwhelming to watch patients struggle with this virus, but Kentucky residents are doing a great job of adhering to health care professionals' suggestions, and our COVID numbers are staying relatively low," says Casey. "The number of patients admitted to hospitals in Kentucky is manageable. Currently, the number of admissions in NYC is not."

Before we encountered this new normal, Casey had a very different routine. She worked night shift as a Cardiac ICU nurse. Typically, she was assigned two patients to care for, usually fresh from major surgery. Now, most surgeries are postponed. "Lately, our patients are acutely ill, many with severe respiratory issues, and by the time the ICU receives them, they're often the sickest they could be," she says. Although one can't help but be impressed by her dedication, Casey says it's the average person whom she finds to be most deserving of credit. "By definition, a person on the frontline is one coming into first contact with the opponent. For this purpose, our opponent is the virus," she says. "People at home are true front liners. They're struggling, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, yet choosing to follow recommendations to protect themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately, as providers, we can only help patients after they're symptomatic, as there is currently nothing we can do preventatively. It's up to the public to try to keep themselves from getting it." Casey has two young children staying in Kentucky while she battles COVID-19 in New York. "It's hard to leave my two boys for this long, but helping is something I feel passionate about during this crisis."

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Nourish Lexington Team FOODCHAIN

or far too many kids, this extended time away from physically attending school means more than missing their classmates. Some kids depend on school lunches for the nourishment they need, and without it, it’s far too easy for them to fall through the cracks and go hungry. There have been several organizations that have stepped up to help. One of them is FoodChain, a local non-proﬁt dedicated to making a difference. FoodChain created an indoor aquaponics farm, a form of urban agriculture that grows ﬁsh and greens in one interconnected, resource-conserving system. It’s a great help to people in our community who have a lack of readily available resources for fresh, nutritious food. “We hopefully help make positive change,” says Morgan Miller, FoodChain’s Administrative and Communications Coordinator. “We are dedicated to connecting people to fresh, local food.” When the school system took a time out from the programs they utilize to keep kids fed during Spring Break, Food Chain picked up the slack, leading an initiative that included United Way, Dupree Catering, and Aramark at UK Dining, ultimately raising thousands of dollars and bringing many meals to those in need. FoodChain, with the support of Visit Lex, Keeneland, the EE Murry Family Foundation, went on to create Nourish Lexington. That’s a thoughtful initiative that puts hospitality workers recently made unemployed by the current crisis back to work. These restaurant experts are creating and delivering meals to those in need, effectively creating a fantastic solution to two problems at once. “The spirit of hospitality is very much alive in this program,” says Niki Goldey, Communications Director at Visit Lex. “Nearly 7000 meals went out in a recent week.” This is a challenging time for everyone, but it’s good to know that thanks to the hard work of some truly dedicated souls, the most vulnerable among us have a safety net.

Top: FoodChain’s Operation Manager, Leandra Forman transferring a tray of boxed meals. Bottom: Lesme J. Romero Boutto of Lexington Pasta Garage assisted with preparing and distributing meals.

Sponsored by:

Photos courtesy of FoodChain and Nourish Lexington

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Hometown Heroes

COMMUNITY

Rick & Tonya Founders of Feed UK Hospitals ER

PARSONS

t’s hard to know the best way we can help in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. Thankfully, folks like Rick and Tonya Parsons have found a way we can all lend a hand. “Right from the onset of all this, we heard from a doctor at UK about the extreme stress that those in the medical field were already encountering,” says Tonya. “We wanted to find ways that we could relieve stress.” Rick adds, “We knew that we wanted to do something for these people there on the front line. We learned that medical care professionals are on the go constantly, and they just can’t easily leave. They need food, and that’s how we knew we could help out.” Rick and Tonya work together in Small Business Accounting; they are both experts at problem-solving and coming up with ideas that put their entrepreneurial spirits to good work. They created Feed UK Hospitals ER, a group you can easily join via Facebook. All the money you donate is used by Rick and Tonya to buy food from local restaurants that go directly to the staff at UK hospital. In addition, restaurant gift cards are also given to these front line responders. As of this writing, donations are over $12,000. “All of this has really restored my faith in humanity,” says Rick. “We see so many people doing what they can where they can, and there are many good causes. It’s been fantastic to help create a sense of community. Hopefully, people will continue to find ways to be charitable, that this spirit continues after the pandemic.” “It’s nice to be appreciated, but it’s not necessary,” Tonya says. “First-line responders are the heroes.”

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Jason

Registered Nurse at UK Healthcare

STOUSE

ason Stouse is a registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at the University of Kentucky. He is currently enrolled in Murray State University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – Program of Anesthesia as a student registered nurse anesthetist, graduating as a CRNA in 2022. “The CVICU at UK is known for providing care to some of the sickest patients in the state of Kentucky,” Jason says. I care for patients diagnosed with a variety of cardiac conditions and recovering from surgical procedures. I often see patients at their worst. It never gets easy providing care for those patients and families in end of life situations; you just learn to adapt and cope. For every tear shed with a patient, the good outweighs the bad. I have held the hands of patients as they took their last breath, and I have had the privilege to hold the hands of patients as I told them they’d be receiving a life-saving transplant. Life is precious. I don’t consider myself a hero. I consider myself a nurse.”

Top: Jason Stouse standing UK proud at UK Healthcare Albert B. Chandler Hospital. Right: Jason Stouse. Bottom: UK Nutter Field Hospital. Photo by Mark Cornelison and courtesy of UK.

“As the Commonwealth’s health care provider for advanced and critical care, it is essential that we are prepared for any scenario to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community and the Commonwealth.” Dr. Mark F. Newman, UK Executive Vice President for Health Affairs

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

The rapidly changing nature of these days presents constant challenges. “Information regarding the coronavirus pandemic changes daily, which makes it very difficult to provide care for COVID-19 positive or COVID-19 ruleout patients,” says Jason. “One of the biggest challenges faced during this time is that of the unknown. The University of Kentucky has prepared for the worst by constructing a 400-bed ﬁeld hospital for a potential surge in patients. As we begin to reopen our economy, a process we should take very cautiously, I pray that we do not have to use it. Be kind to one another. This is a trying time for everyone involved.”

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Hometown Heroes

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Marcella MORTON

Nurse Tech at UK Healthcare

rom a very early age, Marcella Morton has always wanted to help people. She comes from a big family, and when her siblings would sometimes fall, she was always the ﬁrst to assist, ready to ease any injuries. “I guess it’s always been a part of my personality,” she says with a smile. Her passion for helping others turned into her career. Since 2006, Marcella has been proud to be part of the exemplary team at UK Healthcare. As a Nurse Tech, she provides care and support to patients, making sure that they have what they need at all times. Her talent and caring nature have never been needed more as we face COVID-19.

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Marcella has witnessed heroism every day at work. “The staff and everyone I work with here has been amazing,” Marcella says, “It’s all hands on deck. Everybody on the frontlines is doing such a fantastic job!” UK Healthcare has gone above and beyond during this crisis. From a nationally recognized patient intake system to rapid testing, telecare, curbside clinic visits and other proactive safety measures, both COVID and non-COVID patients are in good hands. While Marcella is on the frontline, she says, “I just want to urge everyone at home to keep on being careful and maintaining social distancing. Try to stay safe, because that’s how we can all get back to normalcy.”

Travis MAUPIN

Child Nutrition at Fayette County Public Schools

ravis Maupin is the Cafeteria Manager at Cardinal Valley Elementary School, and even during regular times, his work is vital- especially for kids who come from food-insecure homes. After a lifelong career in foodservice, he started working for Fayette County in 2008, which led him to Cardinal Valley in 2013. He’s been there ever since and found it to be a calling. “Feeding all the students is the most rewarding thing about this job, for sure,” he says. “I know that some might tend to overlook the importance of keeping school lunch programs going, but every day, I see how vital it truly is.”

That’s especially true right now. In the earliest days of this crisis, when schools were ﬁrst closed, Travis and his team saw just how much their efforts are needed. “The numbers kept going up and up,” he recalls. “We were taking buses out to the bus stops to feed kids along the way, and we could tell that this was not a small responsibility.” Thanks to his tireless work and the aid of his tremendous staff and volunteers, a system is now in place to assist those in need. “Now they can come to us,” says Travis. “We can feed people from the front of the school. It’s all thanks to this group of people who have really put in hard work. I appreciate every day they show up and work, even on hard days. There have been a lot of those, but I can see that it’s getting better.”

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Hometown Heroes

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Grace GIBBS

OBGYN Commander in the National Guard

octor Grace Gibbs is on the front lines in her daily profession as an OBGYN in Lexington. “COVID-19 has been terrifying to pregnant patients and their families,” says Tanya Bolton, who works with Dr. Gibbs. “There are more unknowns than knowns when it comes to the virus and pregnant patients. Everything is changing by the hour, but with the guidance of ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology) and the CDC guidelines, we are doing the best that we can to keep our patients, staff, and ourselves safe. We are doing everything possible to keep this virus from spreading.” In addition to an outstanding medical career, Doctor Grace Gibbs is also a Colonel in the Tennessee Air National Guard (Air Force). She is the Commander of the 118th Medical Group. Her unit is comprised of a team of 61 medical personnel, including physicians, nurses, medics, bioenvironmental technicians, public health and administrative staff. In early March, 27 of her members were activated by the Governor and placed on State Active Duty orders to help with the COVID Pandemic. Guard members have been dispersed across the state of Tennessee, and they are hard at work on vital projects. These include administering COVID-19 testing via drivethrough stations (this past weekend, her team administered over 8,117 COVID tests), evacuating nursing homes (the ﬁrst one had over 100 conﬁrmed COVID cases) and testing civilians at prisons. She is in close communication with her team daily, providing guidance and ensuring they are staying safe. Thanks to her commitment and strong leadership, the world is a much better place for having Dr. Grace Gibbs in it.

COVID-19 THE UK FIELD ANDHOSPITAL PREGNANCY According Additional info to the here? Center for Disease Control (CDC), the chance for contracting COVID-19 and the seriousness of the illness once contracted for pregnant adults is not yet known. However, based on current available data, pregnant people infected with viruses from the COVID family, influenza and other viral respiratory infections may experience more severe symptoms.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

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Hometown Heroes

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Charles BSN, RN + CCRN at CHI Saint Joseph

BEACH

or his protection, Charles Beach, BSN, RN, CCRN, dons layers of personal protective equipment when he enters the room of a patient who has been tested for the novel coronavirus. For the compassion in his heart, he takes time to put his patients at ease because of that personal protective equipment (PPE). “When you come into the room wearing all that, it makes them feel like we’re scared of them,” said Beach, 24, who’s been a nurse at Saint Joseph Hospital since November 2018. “They feel really uncomfortable.” He makes a point to clarify from the start that, until the test results come in, the clinical team needs to wear the mask, face shield and protective gown to keep them safe from COVID-19. They continue to wear that PPE if the test comes back positive. “I tell them, ‘I know it’s scary, but this is what we have to do for now,’” said Beach. Because the health care team has to limit exposure, they don’t get as many “touches” as they would otherwise. So Beach tries to make the most of each visit. He remembers spending extra time with an elderly patient who had trouble eating. After her lunch was brought in, Beach stayed in the room to help feed her while they watched “Little House on the Prairie.” “They don’t get family visits,” he said. (Hospitals are temporarily restricting visitors.) “They are sitting in a room and their only communication is with people who come in with all this protective gear on. It really helped me understand how these patients feel.”

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT On April 3rd, CHI Saint Joseph Health released a statement that said “CHI Saint Joseph Health has always been dedicated to building a healthy community in the spirit of service we were founded on, and we want to ensure that the community has the resources it needs in this time of crisis. If you have any items, including medical-grade masks or N95s – or other personal protective equipment – that you would like to donate, please contact CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations at foundation@sjhlex.org or call (859) 313-1705. All donations will be accepted on behalf of our communities to ensure that these items are available as our communities need them.”

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Dan WU

Founder of LexUNITE

ou might know Dan Wu as the culinary mind behind Atomic Ramen. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, he’s put his creative spirit to use in the service of those in need. “We shut down on the 16th of March,” Dan says, “Due to the nature of the meals that we serve, curbside service wasn’t really ideal. So we started to look into other things we could do, ways we could help out.” Dan worked with other restaurant professionals in town to start LexUNITE as a safe means for customers to continue supporting their favorite restaurants and other small businesses during this pandemic. In partnership with Maker’s Mark and The Lee Initiative, LexUNITE has turned the Boston Road Great Bagel location into a relief center for restaurant workers, giving out hundreds of meals a night. “It’s heartening to see everyone pulling together, all from different facets of the community, doing what they know best,” says Dan. “This kind of need won’t go away anytime soon, so we have to keep on helping each other.”

Photo by Anna Stepka

For more information or to donate, visit LeeInitiative.org, and use the pulldown menu to assign your donation to Lexington.

“We are ever grateful to Makers Mark and The LEE Initiative… Our humble bagel shop has transformed into a nightly relief effort and we have never been more proud to be in service to this community.” Great Bagel In a social media statement

Sponsored by:

Top: Photo of Dan Wu by Anna Stepka, courtesy of Dan Wu. Bottom: The Great Bagel kitchen preparing meals for COVID-19 relief. Photo courtesy of Great Bagel.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Hometown Heroes

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Central Emergency Physicians Mark Spanier, MD Lee Irwin, MD Eric Ruschman, MD BAPTIST HEALTH

aptist Health Lexington’s emergency department works as a team, with strength and training to take on any challenge, whether it’s treating COVID-19 patients or caring for other urgent medical needs every day throughout the year. Is it safe to go to the emergency room? It absolutely is. In fact, Baptist Health Lexington earned the top rating of “A” for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonproﬁt healthcare rating organization. The ER team is dedicated to treating patients with the same quality and compassion they have always shown. Physicians across the hospital, including hospitalists and specialists, are sharing innovative ideas for resolving problems and conserving supplies. They receive strong support from the hospital’s administration, who are fully committed to reducing patient suffering.

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“Kentucky is winning this battle thanks to our citizens and our healthcare workers,” said Dr. Mark Spanier, of Central Kentucky Emergency Physicians. “Social distancing has lessened the spread of COVID-19, allowed us to develop better treatment plans, and allowed for more resources to be obtained, all so that we in healthcare can keep more Kentuckians alive.”

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

COMMUNITY

Hometown Heroes

Tate RUSSELL

President at Kentucky Eagle

s you most likely experienced, getting a hold of hand sanitizer became very difficult, if not impossible, almost immediately here in our “new normal.” That was, unfortunately, equally as true for health care professionals as it has been for the rest of us. Luckily, people like Tate Russell of Kentucky Eagle, Inc. have stepped up to make a difference. “Many of our fantastic local distillers started to produce hand sanitizer,” Tate says, “However, getting it distributed quickly and efficiently is another challenge.” Tate’s family has been distributing adult beverages in our area since her grandfather bought Kentucky Eagle in 1948. Typically, the business handles both cases of products in bottles and cans marked for individual case sale that are delivered to stores, as well as beer ready to go on tap for bars and restaurants. “With all of those places closed, we suddenly had some spare trucks and manpower free, so we were happy to join the effort. Now, in a time of need, our workforce and machinery were put to use in a big way”, says Tate. Tate and the KBWA called Governor Beshear’s Office and offered to help, and that offer was accepted. Kentucky Eagle transported sanitizer made by those distillers and fellow distributor’s around the state just as quickly as it could be produced. Thanks to that, ﬁrst responders have been able to put it to good use, helping keep themselves protected as they do the critical work that we all need. Tate and her fellow distributors have remained humble. “We are all very good at moving large, heavy loads quickly and easily. We are thrilled that we have been able to help in that way.”

Sarah SMITHA

Founder of Front Yard Art Show

t all started with a tongue in cheek post on Facebook. “It all happened by accident,” Sarah Smitha recalls. “It was around the second week of March when the dread from social distancing was starting to set in. I just said in a post, ‘Hey, why doesn’t everybody decorate the outside of your house and create art in your yard, and we can all drive around to look at it?” The idea grew and grew and was shared by many. It quickly became apparent this was no passing fancy. Sarah recalls, “I was kind of waiting for someone to take the reins and make it a full project. It turned out that I was that someone.”

And so, the first Front Yard Art Show Lex was born, a grassroots, all word of mouth campaign in which over 150 people participated in filling their yards with their art for the passerby to see. A Google form for submissions and descriptions of locations around town led to a handy Google map, and over the last weekend of March, over 1000 people drove around to take a look at all the creativity Lexington had to offer. “The response has been so overwhelming. It turned out beautifully and was so cathartic.” Sarah said. It was such a success that Sarah plans to lead the effort once again with a show over Mother’s Day Weekend. You can find out more and even participate via the Front Yard Art Show Lex 2 Facebook event page. After you check that out, be sure to check out Candy Mountain Music. That’s Sarah’s interactive music and movement program for kids aged 1 to 7.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

COMMUNITY

Giving

The Coronavirus Response Fund is a coalition of philanthropy, government and business partners who united to rapidly deploy resources to communitybased organizations that stand at the frontlines of central Kentucky’s coronavirus response. Led by a partnership between the United Way of the Bluegrass and the Blue Grass Community Foundation, this fund will provide much-needed resources to organizations working with communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and its economic fallout. Funds have been released on a rolling basis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to the evolving needs of our community as the COVID-19 situation progresses. To learn more about the work the Coronavirus Response Fund is doing, visit uwbg.org.

God’s Pantry Food Bank Funds will support food access and availability for all Fayette County clients, and for Senior Citizens in surrounding counties. The Food Bank will be supplying supplemental nutrition to clients in-need by providing boxes that contain enough food for ﬁve days (for a family of 3). In counties where pantries are still open, but distribution centers for seniors are closed, delivery service will focus on seniors.

The Urban League of Lexington The Urban League operates senior housing facilities for lowincome and budget-constrained seniors. In all, the Urban League

is responsible for 120 occupied units in Fayette County. Funding will support individual needs assessments for each unit and supply seniors with food, medical needs, household supplies, and other items that are necessary as they shelter in place.

Community Action Council Funding will help provide non-food essentials to anyone in need, including diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, medical and cleaning supplies, and more. Supplies will be provided to community members and homeless individuals in-need across Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, Madison, Nicholas and Scott counties.

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Giving

COMMUNITY

Harrison Memorial Hospital

Mission Lexington

Harrison County is the epicenter of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Kentucky. Harrison Memorial is a 501c(3) community health organization. Funding will help expand testing for possible COVID-19 infection, as well as providing general medical assistance to those in need, including access to prescription medication and medical supplies for low-income and vulnerable populations in Cynthiana and neighboring counties.

Will use funds to provide prescription medications to lowincome and budget-constrained individuals. Faith Pharmacy is providing these services to seniors, but can also serve other vulnerable populations as a result of added funding.

RadioLEX Funding will help RadioLEX increase awareness and outreach regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. RadioLEX will serve as a general source of information for all listeners but will also focus outreach to Hispanic communities and other English Language Learners (ELLs) across its listening area.

ITN Bluegrass Will provide ride and delivery services to vulnerable populations, particularly seniors. Rides and delivery are now mainly focused on the delivery of groceries and sundries, and rides to or delivery of medical equipment, supplies, and prescriptions.

Bluegrass Families First Will provide diapers, formula, wipes and household supplies to low-income families and single mothers.

Childcare Council

Food Chain

Funding will support childcare agencies which have opened their doors to accommodate the children of ďŹ rst responders and medical personnel. The Council will provide roundthe-clock administrative and logistical support to those childcare centers, including offering free training and support to childcare workers and staff across the region while the situation persists.

Funding will supply 1,000 meals per day to Fayette County children during spring break, when few meal options remain available to them. Food Chain has brought together a host of partner agencies and businesses in order to accomplish this task: they will be able to distribute food to kids from low-income families at targeted sites across the city for the duration of spring break.â&#x20AC;˘

To make a gift to the Coronavirus Response Fund, visit: bgcf.givingfuel.com/coronavirus

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Giving

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact central Kentucky, our local nonprofits need your help now more than ever. Here are some easy ways you can help nonprofits this month. Want to connect with local refugee and immigrant families while safely staying home? Sign up for the Welcome, From Home program offered by Kentucky Refugee Ministries to virtually connect with a local newcomer family to provide social support, English practice, potential financial/in-kind support, and KRM-provided, accurate COVID-19 information in their preferred language. When all is declared safe, KRM will host a meet-and-greet family dinner party, so you can meet your new friends in person! Contact: dfeldman@krmlex.org Chrysalis House, a licensed treatment program for women with substance use disorders, continues to provide critical services to women and their babies. It takes a tremendous amount of resources to care for these families, and they welcome donations of canned goods, snacks, baby products, hygiene products, household goods, gift cards, toys and craft supplies. Contact: LisaMinton@chrysalishouse.org. Nourish Lexington is an initiative to utilize the skills and talents of hospitality workers unemployed due to the COVID-19 restaurant closings to provide prepared meals to those who need immediate access to food. Food service workers are paid to prepare and deliver meals to families and seniors in need. To learn how to receive meals, sign up to work a Nourish Shift, or donate to Nourish Lexington, visit nourishlexington.org.

COMMUNITY

The Kentucky Blood Center supplies hospitals across Kentucky, and they need your help to ensure the blood supply doesn’t fall short. Blood donation remains safe, and there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission from giving. For more info about donating blood during the coronavirus pandemic, go to kybloodcenter.org. Help the arts scene that makes Lexington so vibrant by donating to the Arts Resilience Initiative, a partnership of LexArts and Blue Grass Community Foundation that will provide financial relief for artists and arts organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Focused on lost income, the fund will quickly provide one-time relief to eligible artists and arts organizations on a first-come, first-served basis. Donate online at bgcf.givingfuel.com/artsresilience. Support the nonprofits on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic by donating to the Coronavirus Response Fund, a partnership of United Way of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Community Foundation. The fund has already deployed over $300,000 to nonprofits providing access to food, health care, transportation, information and other basic needs to central Kentucky residents who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Your support is needed to continue grantmaking! Donate online atbgcf.org/coronavirus. •

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.

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

Lauren Parsons,

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications at Blue Grass Community Foundation

COMMUNITY

Financial Wave

Surfing

the Financial Wave of COVID-19 by Dawn Anderson

“Your surfing can get better on every turn, on every wave you catch. Learn to read the ocean better. A big part of my success has been wave knowledge.” - Kelly Slater, Professional Surfer with 11 world surfing championships

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Financial Wave

the roiling seas of a global pandemic, leaning into fear and pessimism could lead to a financial wipeout. Turning to experienced, wellrespected financial advisors can restore your confidence and renew the strength needed to stay upright. Even in the best of times, everyone’s financial situation is unique, and not every piece of advice will apply to each individual or family. With that in mind, we asked local experts to offer both general principles and some more specific strategies that most anyone can apply or adapt to their own set of circumstances. The first steps to managing personal finances in times of economic uncertainty are to prioritize immediate needs and focus on the top priority first. “Get the bills paid,” says Larry Jones, Executive Vice President/Central Kentucky Region President of Community Trust Bank, Inc. in Lexington. Available funds go to rent/mortgage and utilities before anything else, even in the best of times. “Know what your cash revenue streams are going to be. Are they reasonably certain?” For those with financial difficulty prior to coronavirus mitigation efforts or for those who may have been dealt a blow since, being well-informed about severance and unemployment options is vital to filling in the gaps. Many more individuals qualify for unemployment and more compensation is available now than ever before. Being aware of the changes and following up on getting access to these funds is key. Billy Lanter, CFP®, CTFA, AIF® is a Fiduciary Investment Advisor with Unified Trust Company, emphasizes the importance of an emergency savings account in times like this. Having cash on hand and readily accessible will help to manage some debt load. Monitoring and eliminating some expenses – such as ongoing subscription services – is one way Billy recommends lightening that burden. Unless you have been mismanaging money all along, this is no time to reinvent the wheel. Larry also recommends evaluating expenditures, but he cautions, “You don’t need to run scared.”

COMMUNITY

He mentions the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic and the 2008-2009 recession. Just like those times of hardship, “We will get over it.” Billy agrees that (especially if you can maintain job security), “History is on your side from an investment standpoint.” Depending upon what retiree group you fall into, you may want to reevaluate your risk tolerance. As Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” With the swells and rogue waves out of the stock market lately, this is a scary time to peek at retirement accounts. “Just leave them alone,” says Larry, “Keep contributing what you’re contributing.” Billy thinks, “It’s okay to look, as long as you don’t react. It’s a snapshot in time.” Most retirement accounts rebalance automatically. Consult with a financial advisor before making any transactions, especially at this point in time. According to Larry, “Don’t sell right now and take a loss, especially if it’s a good company,” and “You can’t deal with long-term planning on short-term volatility.” Don’t operate on the Fear Index. “Managing volatility is more about managing emotions. If I keep you from making a bad choice, I’m doing my job,” Billy says. “Don’t trade anxieties.” Billy and Larry agree that this is a good time to consolidate and refinance to help with cash flow. But don’t go out and borrow if you can help it. They recommend putting a tax refund or stimulus payment toward basic household expenses, building on an emergency fund (through FDIC-insured high-yield savings, a money market account, or short-term mutual fund) or paying off high-interest credit card debt or auto loans. Billy cautions, “No luxury items!” He points out that a healthy balance sheet will be better for stimulating the economy in the long run. Consulting with a financial advisor and reevaluating money management strategies “should be more of a process than an event,” according to Billy. Similarly, Larry says to gauge those things by your own comfort level, “whenever you feel like you need that association,” but at least twice a year is suggested. They conclude with these considerations: Billy cautions against short-term emotions playing into long-term strategy. “History rewards stocks more than it punishes them. The risk right now will deliver returns in 3-5 years.” Larry boils it down even further: “Don’t panic. Understand that this is relatively shortterm. Don’t lose your confidence.” •

“Managing volatility is more about managing emotions.”

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

SPEND YOUR

DIMES IN THE

859

Support Local

COMMUNITY Support Local

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Support Local COMMUNITY

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY Support Local

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Support Local COMMUNITY

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

Support Local COMMUNITY

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

COMMUNITY

Breaking the Bronze Ceiling

I am a

STR ON G WO M A N because a

ST RO N G WOM AN raised me.

Happy Mother’s Day to all strong women. Your perseverance prevailed in the past, present and will carry us forward into the future. From: Breaking the Bronze Ceiling

Ways to celebrate Mom at home: Outdoor Picnic

Fill a picnic basket and grab a blanket for an al fresco celebration. Whether it’s sandwiches or wine and fruit, this easy idea always makes for a special memory. Pick wildﬂowers on the way and create a beautiful, meaningful bouquet.

If you’re apart this Mother’s Day, you can still make her day special. Have a Zoom or Facetime call with Mom. She’ll love seeing your smiling faces. Prepare a song to brighten her day.

Mail It

Breakfast in Bed

An oldie, but a goldie. Let Mom sleep in and rise to the smell of yummy pancakes or a delicious omelette. She’ll appreciate the R&R.

Give a Local Gift... and Dinner!

Zoom Serenade

Everyone loves getting something in the mail. Even if you’re in the same house, sending her gift through the mail will make it more exciting.

Donate in Her Name

Buy a gift via curbside pickup from a local boutique she loves. On your way home, grab her favorite meal as takeout.

Is Mom a generous spirit? Donate to a cause that’s important to her. During this trying time, your charitable gift will be all the more meaningful.

Breaking the Bronze Ceiling is erecting a statue in downtown Lexington to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. They have raised $450,000 of their $500,00 fundraising goal. To learn more and donate, head to breakingthebronzeceiling.com. •

This TOPS article is sponsored by: 62

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

LIFESTYLE

Editor’s Pick:

Outfit of the Month:

Mother’s Day Gift Guide La Vie En Rose Savin’ Face:

Quarantine Beauty

Wow Wedding:

Weddings Unveiled:

Allison & Jordan Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop. Wedding Postponement Tips

LIFESTYLE Mother’s Day Gifts

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream moisturizer, $265 | CosBar

Savannah candle by Barclay Butera, $33 | My Favorite Things TOPS Magazine Subscription, $19 topsinlex.com

Gia hair scarf, $16 | Morton James

Mother’s Day is upon us, which means it’s that time of year to shower those special ladies with everything they want and deserve. Yes, a sweet card goes a long way, but we’ve gathered a few great gift ideas that we know she will really like! Local stores are offering online shopping and curbside pickup. Check out their websites for more info on how to support local until they open back up.

Dooney & Burke Charleston East West leather tote in ‘bubble gum’, $166 | Dillards at Fayette Mall

Here’s a few to get you started... Draper James x Keds Kickstart shoe in chambray, $70 | Draper James

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Gifts LIFESTYLE

A curvy boutique gift card, any amount | Fluffy Flamingo Adore You shift dress, $46 | As You Go Boutique

Maria Flat sandal, $125 | Morton James

Gia dress, $72 | Simply Beautiful Boutique

On Cloudswift tennis shoes, $150 | Fleet Feet

Olivia Riegel 5x7 frame, $144 | My Favorite Things

Leather Embellished Round Saddle Bag, $298 | Draper James

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

LIFESTYLE Outfit of the Month

hile 2020 has been an emotional roller-coaster, we’re choosing to live ‘la vie en rose’ (life in pink) with this month’s charming new look.

Feminine codes are key at Dolce & Gabbana, as this ﬂoral print midi dress with an ever ﬂattering sheath silhouette proves. The sweet rose pairs nicely with simple accessories.

A pair of simple white strappy leather sandals is a lovely way to elevate your wardrobe as Gianvito Rossi offers one that is quietly elegant. We brought in some added color with a ladylike Tyler Ellis satin clutch, eye-catching Kendra Scott emerald stud earrings and polished things off with a spritz of ﬂoral infused Jo Malone perfume. Fashion is a great way to brighten even the darkest of days, and while this look may not change the world, it will help you see it through rose colored glasses.

get the look:

1 | Dolce & Gabbana Floral cady midi dress 2 | Kendra Scott ‘Ryan’ Gold Stud Earrings in ‘Emerald Green Cat’s Eye’ (Available at The Summit) 3 | Jo Malone ‘Peony & Blush Suede’ Cologne (Available at The Summit) 4 | Gianvito Rossi Manhattan leather sandals 5 | Tyler Ellis ‘Perry’ clutch bag

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

by jesse brooks

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

savin’ face story by Jayme Jackson

was Facetiming a friend last week and she said, “Oh my gosh Jayme! I just saw your eyebrows move for the first time”. I’m going to hug my Botox injector when I see her. I think the med spa will be my first stop when this is all over. Luckily, TOPS has been keeping me busy. Working from home has both its perks and challenges. I’d like to set the stage with the fact that I have raised 3 grown children so my house is that wonderful place of quiet, sleeping in late, taking walks - the things that parents of young children would kill for right now. All of that being said, I hope you can find 5-10 minutes a day to pamper yourself. As a beauty junkie, I started the quarantine thinking I would go light on makeup while home. That lasted 3 days. It took just as much time to do my “no makeup look” as the full regalia. So, I started getting up everyday and painting my barn just like I was going to work. Is it frivolous? Absolutely! But it is one of the few things that gives me a sense of normalcy and we all could use a little normal right now, right?

Savin’ Face LIFESTYLE

QUARANTINE BEAUTY take your

QUARANTINE BEAUTY TEST 1 POINT EACH GOT OUT OF BED

STYLED YOUR HAIR WITH HOT TOOLS

CHANGED OUT OF PJ’S

MADE COFFEE

BRUSHED HAIR

COOKED BREAKFAST

I am here to dispel the myth that the only reason women wear makeup is for men. It’s just me and the hubs at home and I’m wearing makeup for me. Do y’all think I own 58 tubes of lipstick to impress a man who can’t tell the difference between Nearly Nude and Russian Red?

BRUSHED TEETH

My SNS powder dipped nails proved to be more challenging than my makeup routine. After a week at home, it was time to soak these bad boys off. I had watched the salon do this a hundred times. I soaked them in acetone, wrapped them in aluminum foil, and I waited. And waited. And nothing happened. It was so bad that my husband went to Lowes and purchased a Dremel drill for me to ﬁle the layers off. I later learned that if you put on gloves over the acetone and foil and soak your gloved hands in hot water, they slide right off. Apparently, it was the heat factor I was missing. Unusual for this ﬁery red head!

DID YOUR MAKEUP

So after two months at home, here is my quarantine beauty advice: •

Lay off of the heated hair tools. Let your hair air dry. I’m living in a perpetual ponytail.

•

Let your nails go natural. No woman should have to use a drill on their own body.

•

Start an anti-aging skin care routine and wear sunscreen. Many med spas are offering curbside pick up for products.

•

Buy a gift card from your local aesthetic spa, manicurist, and hair dresser. They open back up on May 25th and can’t wait to see you.

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

SHOWERED

WENT OUTSIDE PUT ON PANTS WITHOUT ELASTIC WAIST BAND

IF YOU SCORED A 14 OR ABOVE YOU ARE A BEAUTY JUNKIE LIKE ME

oh hey,

ADD 5 BONUS POINTS if you have shaved anything (I don’t need to know the details)

LIFESTYLE

Allison & Jordan B Y A M A N DA H A R P E R

the vendor team PHOTOGRAPHER

Created with Grace VENUE

Warrenwood Manor CATERING

Type A Catering & Events SWEETS

Cakes by Coco WEDDING DESIGNER

Sparkles and Vintage FLOWERS/DECOR

Sunkissed Blooms RENTALS

Allison and Jordan wanted a venue that could accommodate an intimate wedding, both indoors and outdoors. Warrenwood Manor offered beautiful views of Kentucky farmland and a charming event barn for the reception. Located at an ideal halfway point for their family and friends, the Danville, Ky venue was perfect for this outdoorsy couple. Jordan is from Ohio while Allison grew up in Georgia. Their main goal for their wedding day was to incorporate subtle nods to both of those places, as well as their new home of Kentucky. From the Buckeye cupcakes to fresh Georgia peaches as décor items, they achieved this through clever touches sprinkled throughout the big day. Allison struggled to find the perfect wedding dress. When she expressed that to her aunt, Lisa Weller, the former seamstress and costume designer selflessly volunteered to create the bride’s dream gown. Years prior, Lisa had purchased beautiful, delicate lace on a whim, hoping to one day find the right use for the incredible material. As it turned out, that lace was just waiting for Allison’s wedding day. Lisa poured lots of love and countless hours into the one-of-a-kind creation. The day was made even more special as the string trio played selections chosen for the ceremony by the bride’s mother, a music teacher. Thinking outside of the box, the couple’s wedding designer (and friend of the bride) Blaire Kimball decided to host the cocktail hour at a different location than usual, in front of Warrenwood Manor. It showcased the reason the couple fell in love with the location and let guests experience the space in a new way. Guests could sip peach tea, the bride’s signature Peach Mojito or the groom’s Kentucky Mule. Local artist Mallory McCamy created a portrait of

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Bryant’s Rent-All BRIDAL PARTY

Azazie BRIDAL GOWN

Designed and handmade by Lisa Weller (Aunt of Bride) GROOM/GROOMSMEN

Kenneth Cole MAKEUP

Caroline Lee HAIR

Hair by Maddie Woff STATIONERY/CALLIGRAPHY

Lettering by Allison Rose MUSIC

DJ Southpaw and Strings in One

WOW Wedding LIFESTYLE the manor for guests to sign before exploring the bourbon tasting bar (made from bourbon barrels) or stopping by the Kentucky Derbythemed photo booth. The reception was held inside the barn. To make the dark space feel brighter, the designer used cream table cloths, white votives and silver vessels to reflect the twinkling fairy lights overhead. The florist used blush garden roses, butterfly ranunculus and Italian ruscus to create sorbet-toned arrangements that offered a Southern chic feel. A surprise performance stole the show at the reception. Back in high school, the bride’s father and pastor, along with three church friends, dressed up as NSYNC and performed “Bye Bye Bye” for the church’s annual talent show. Allison jokingly asked that the group perform at her wedding one day. Much to her surprise, her father along with two of his church friends and Allison’s pastor and brother came out in jerseys, Hawaiian shirts and baseball caps to break out a surprise comeback performance. Everyone danced, laughed and celebrated love beneath a beautiful Kentucky full moon.

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

LIFESTYLE Weddings Unveiled

can’t stop. won’t stop.

Tips from local wedding experts: Don’t let COVID-19 stop your wedding planning! We reached out to some of Lexington’s TOP wedding vendors to get some helpful tips on handling a wedding postponement and how to navigate these uncertain times.

LEXINGTON EVENT COMPANY Be patient. I know this is a stressful time but your vendors will work with you to ensure your new date is just as special as the original would have been. If you have a planner, get with them first and let them handle the logistics of the change. If you don’t have a planner, start with the venue to check their available dates. VENUE • Kaelyn Query | lexingtoneventco.com

THE MALICOTES Be patient with your vendor team. I promise you they are working extra hard to make your dream day happen the way that you envisioned it! This is their business and livelihood so they take your event as seriously as you do. Just remember that everything will turn out exactly how it was always meant to be. PHOTOGRAPHY • Kelsey + Matt Malicote | themalicotes.com

D U P R E E C AT E R I N G Here is a list of Do’s for rescheduling your I Do’s! • Do Not Panic • Contact all of your vendors and find out their policies for rescheduling and cancelling. • Be flexible on your dates and have an open and honest conversation with all of your vendors. • Make a decision on how to inform your guests. Even if you have not decided on a new date yet, it is best to let everyone know ASAP. CATERING Amanda Thomas Henderson dupreecatering.com

• Once you have selected a new date, embrace it. Update your wedding website and send out new invitations or Save The Dates. • If your original wedding date is while you are self isolating, celebrate it with your fiancé. Plan something fun and romantic. Now you have TWO anniversaries you can celebrate!

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Weddings Unveiled LIFESTYLE

GENO’S FORMAL AFFAIR Until retail opens back up, couples can shop our full wedding collection online or schedule a virtual appointment for additional styling tips and questions. If you find something you like and want to see it on, Geno’s is happy to offer our free groom try-on service for curbside pickup or home delivery. ATTIRE • Lauren Weissmueller | gfatux.com

THE MANE ON MAIN Take a deep breath. Even though everything feels chaotic right now, you have an industry full of people ready to help! Your vendors are your best friends in this season — stay in touch, be flexible and rest assured, it will all work out beautifully! VENUE • Heather Martin | themaneonmain.com

HALEY MICHELLE DESIGNS The best way to approach a postponement is to work with your wedding planner and venue to secure a new date. Create a spreadsheet of all booked vendors, the new potential dates in mind (best to narrow down to 2-3) and their responses of when they’re available. This makes it a seamless process to execute a new postponed date while keeping (hopefully) all of your vendors intact. When it comes to stationery, there are quick and cost-effective ways to get the new date to your guests without reprinting your entire suite! Work with your designer on creating a cohesive digital announcement that can be quickly emailed to your guests and shared on your wedding website for everyone to see! PLANNING + STATIONERY • Haley Norris | haleymichelledesigns.com

CONRHOD ZONIO PHOTOGRAPHY Don’t let the weight of the world or inconvenience let you forget to dream and plan in a manner that focuses on what is most important. There will be compromise, but your heart and motive to share and celebrate love should not be one of them. PHOTOGRAPHY • Conrhod Zonio | conrhodzonio.com

THE KENTUCKY CASTLE Unfortunately you may find yourself in the predicament of not being able to find an alternate date that works with every vendor you originally chose. To combat this, start by ranking your vendors in order of most to least important to you. If you bring on new vendors make sure to ask about a COVID-19 discount. A lot of vendors are offering deals for brides and grooms that have been displaced! VENUE • Christie Eckerline | thekentuckycastle.com

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

AT HOME

79 81

Advertising Section:

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the State of Real Estate? Real Estate TOP Listings TOP People to Know in Real Estate

104 107

One Day DIY Color Catalog:

Romance

TOPS in Lexington | May 2020

Real Estate

AT HOME

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has not only affected the real estate market but also how Realtors® are conducting business with the new social distancing guidelines. With the Governor’s order on March 25th, real estate and affiliated services were considered life-sustaining, or essential businesses. However, these groups are expected to practice by the established social distancing and hygiene guidelines set forth in the order. To meet these expectations, Realtors® are working from home as much as possible and limiting in-person activities to the absolute minimum.

What’s the

state

REAL ESTATE of

We asked an expert to explain how COVID-19 has changed home buying in central Kentucky... and whether it’s the right time for you to enter the market.

Fortunately, with today’s technology, they can deliver most of their services from a home office rather than in the field. They are utilizing digital platforms to send documents to clients and digital signatures for contracts. Many are conducting video meetings and digital presentations to clients with programs like Zoom and Facetime. Some brokerages and agents are investing in 3D imaging and virtual reality where buyers can walk through a house and see all the details without physically touring the home. In regards to the market, real estate sales in January and February were at record levels across all counties in LBAR’s jurisdiction. Sales in March were up year-over-year by 4 percent, but somewhat slower from the start of the year. Because of the demand and low inventory, prices have remained solidly strong, increasing 13% in March from the same time last year. Year-to-date, new listings are down around 6% although this trend was happening before the pandemic and we’re starting to see a few less homes go under contract as we look at the weekly data. Before the pandemic and the shutdown occurred, the economy was on solid footing and the real estate market was on a record pace. Through the crisis, housing demand in the region remains strong but with social distancing and hygiene guidelines in place, foot traffic to properties and in person showings have slowed. It is predicted that sales may decline through the spring season because of the unique economic and social consequences we are facing. Once society is able to return to a normal state, however, we anticipate that the market will rebound due to pent up demand. This may mean that we may see a stronger market than usual in the fall months instead of what is typically the case during the spring and summer. Prices should also remain stable throughout this period and sales, if inventory levels can keep up, will get a boost as well once the stay at home orders are lifted. Despite all that’s going on in the world, it remains a good time to list your home for sale. Lots of people need to buy and lots of people need to sell – and Realtors® are here to help folks be Healthy at Home. If you are planning to be in the market, now is a good time to start your online property search or to find a Realtor® to get the home buying or selling process underway. LBAR has resources to assist with lbar.com and a newly released app, Homesnap. In closing Realtors® are a proud part of #TeamKentucky and are appreciative of the work our health care professionals, first responders and government officials are doing to keep us safe. We all have to do our part and Kentucky can count on Realtors® to do ours.

Greg Buchanan, President of LBAR Board of Directors

May 2020 | TOPSinLex.com

TOP Listings

AT HOME

TOP

LISTINGS In spite of all that’s going on in the world, big life moments are still happening. That includes people choosing to buy a new home or making the decision to sell their current one. If you’re on the fence about whether this is the right time, Greg Buchanan (president of LBAR Board of Directors) shared some things to consider. Ready to make the leap? Check out some of Lexington’s TOP Listings in this special section.

////////////////

REASONS TO SELL: • Demand is still very strong despite having fewer buyers in the market • All-time low inventory levels mean your house will face less competition • Home prices remain strong, so you potentially realize more gains

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REASONS TO BUY: • Extremely low interest rates on mortgage rates • Less competition due to fewer buyers in the market • May be able to negotiate favorable terms i.e. seller concessions, close date and terms • Real estate overall is a great investment – lock in a fixed payment over the next several decades