TOPS in Lexington September 2016

SEPTEMBER models and remodels

Remarkable Remodels 52

FEATURES

Tour Of Homes:

Old World Opulence

Fall Fashion:

68

Model Behavior

122

PHOTOS Out + About

32

TOPS Preview Party

34

A Summer Soirée

38

Belles & Beaus Ball

40

Keeneland Concours Kickoff Dinner

46

A Night to Unite

204

A Taste of Grace

206

Black & White Ball

208

Picnic with The Pops

210

Freedom Fest

216

TOP Shots

226

226 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.

12

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

FUNDAMENTALS AT HOME Remarkable Remodels

52

Gardening: Benefitial Bugs

66

Tour of Homes: Old World Opulence

68

FACES + PLACES 88

Tops Cares: Mission Lex ington

96

Meet The Media: Hayley Harmon

101

New & Noteworthy: Haven Home & Garden

105

CUISINE

117

J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar

108

Beer of the Month: Shocktop Twisted Pretzel Wheat

112

Wine of the Month: EgoBodegas Fuerza

113

Skinny Mom: Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops

114

Taste of Thyme: Savoring the End of Summer

117

Top 5 Dining: Indian

118

Southern Lady Cooks: Chocolate Eclair Cake

119

LIFE + STYLE

154

16

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Fall Fashion: Model Behavior

122

Outfit of the Month: Cherried Away

152

Wow Wedding: Erin & John

154

Wedding Trends: His Big Fat Geek Wedding

159

FUNDAMENTALS FAMILY

165

Family Cares Spotlight: I Am 3rd

162

Super Mom: Kim Nicol

165

In The Buf: Expectations

168

Parties: The Ultimate Tailgating Guide

171

Pets: Furry Children Get Arthritis, Too

172

Kids Room Tour: A Play Escape

174

EQUINE Horse Park Happenings

180

Filly of the Month: Katie Taylor

183

Colt of the Month: Marc Guilfoil

186

COMMUNITY

190

Sports: Welcome Back Moe!

190

Sports: Will This Be The Year?

193

Calendar: Lex in the City

220

CONTRIBUTORS Photographers Paul Atkinson Jim Burgett Tracie Dillon Michael Huang

Ron Morrow Ken Parks Keni Parks Woody Phillips

Interns and other contributors: Nolan Alt, Madison Rexroat, Hayley Robb and Liv Russell

22

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Writers Michelle Aiello Sarah Boerkircher Jesse L. Brooks Allison Davis Cynthia Ellingsen Dick Gabriel Brooke Griffin Amanda Harper

Marsha Koller Meredith Lane Ryan Lemond Buff y Lawson Michelle Rauch Jen Roytz Deanna Talwalkar

Judy Yeager

Have a great idea for a story?

Tell us all about it at info@topsinlex.com

everywhere you go,

STAY ON TOPS LOG ON TopsInLex.com Your digital home for the best and latest Who’s Who, What’s New, and What To Do.

TUNE IN All the things you love about TOPS Magazine and website are now on TOPS TV!

Sundays on ABC 36 at 11:30am Saturdays and Sundays on MYKY at 2:30pm Sundays on The CW at 8:00am

ADVERTISE

SUBSCRIBE

How many people would you like to reach? TOP Marketing Group can get your message in front of Central Kentuckians everywhere, through print, digital, TV and social media.

No more looking all over town for a TOPS Magazine.

You will always get the latest issue, hot off the press.

Get started today topsinlex.com/contact.php (859) 543-8677!

2 years (24 monthly issues): $60. Only $2.50/issue.

FOLLOW

Subscribe today at topsinlex.com/subscribe.php

PICTURE THIS + our TOPS Newsletter via email Get upcoming events and the latest photos delivered right to your inbox.

26

1 year (12 monthly issues): $36. Only $3/issue.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Interested in having TOPS cover your community event? Book one of our talented photographers today. topsinlex.com/book-a-photographer.php

NEXT MONTH

OCTOBER the inspiration issue Read inspirational stories of hope in our feature about cancer survivors.

Dive into why you’ll want to make Uncle Maddio’s a part of your family.

Get inspired by our tour of a fabulously Halloween decorated home.

in LEXINGTON est. 2005

Keith Yarber Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com Kristen Oakley Editor-In-Chief kristen@topsmarketing.com Danielle Pope Director of Promotions & Marketing Host of TOPS TV danielle@topsmarketing.com

Top Marketing Group 465 East High Street, Suite 201 Lexington, KY 40507 859.543.TOPS (8677) | 859.514.1621 (fax) TopsInLex.com

Volume 10 No. 9 Amanda Harper Digital Manager & Senior Designer amandah@topsmarketing.com

Teri Brock Advertising Sales Manager teri@topsmarketing.com

Bonni Jiunta Advertising Account Executive bonni@topsmarketing.com

Jen Brown Content Manager & Graphic Design jen@topsmarketing.com

Debbie Hodges Advertising Account Executive debbie@topsmarketing.com

Jenny Button Scearce Advertising Account Executive jenny@topsmarketing.com

Haley Walls Graphic Design haley@topsmarketing.com

Niki Dillman Advertising Account Executive niki@topsmarketing.com

Melissa Meatyard Art Director & Associate Editor melissa@topsmarketing.com

Keni Parks Photography Manager photos@topsinlex.com

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.

30

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

OUT + ABOUT | SOCIE T Y

Hurst Office Solutions Open House and Product Show

Kentucky American Water Company Waterfest

Link Belt Excavators Dig Deep

32

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Your Community Bank Woodland Arts Fair

Lexus Smooth Jazz Fest

A Mid Summer Night’s Run

PHOTOS | Preview Party Collins Bowling Center | August 3rd | topsinlex.com | Photos by Keni Parks

Billy White and Chris Mossman

Keith Yarber, Danielle Pope and Phillips Mitchell

Crinde Franke, Ralph Coldiron and Pamela Denny

34

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Aron Bunch, Anthony Campbell, Steven Standifer and Travis Clem aka “County Wide”

Courtney Barker, Marc Cobane and Bill Allen

Keith Bailey and Laressa Norman

Stephen & Kathy Ramsay

Malcolm Ratchford

Angie & Jay Ballard

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

35

PHOTOS | Preview Party Collins Bowling Center | August 3rd | topsinlex.com | Photos by Keni Parks

Ray Triscik and Leanne Brooks

Danielle Pope - strike or gutter ball?

Melissa Thompson and Ronda Collins

Kendra Steele and Diana Gevedon

Brie, Rick and Sasha Bowlby

Shay Spradlin and CJ Penn

36

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Lisa Fath, Natasha Lacy, Lynette Mitchell and Veronica Cornette

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

37

PHOTOS | A Summer SoirĂŠe Benefiting the Red Cross | Kentucky Horse Park | July 29th | redcross.org | Photos by Jim Burgett

John & Kathy Plomin, Susan & Ralph Coldiron

Steve & Amber Philpott Hill

Lisa Hart, Billie Dollins and Rob Davenport

Donnie & Lynne Washbish

Tucker Ballinger and Houston Hall

Megan Hale and Amanda Nelson

Connie & Piers Harvey

Barney & Renee Miller, Kerri Stein, Dirk & Nikki Browning

38

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Shark Attack!

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

39

PHOTOS | Belles & Beaus Ball Benefiting the American Cancer Society | RJ Corman Hangar | August 6th | cancer.org | Photos by Woody Phillips

Lisa & Michael Benson

Shawna Corman Bramblett, Luther Deaton and Lisa Deaton Greer

The Wooks!

40

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

JP & Aimee Miller, Don Jacobs, Daphne & Scott Brittain

Jordan Nalley, Eric Goff and j. stuart hurt

Dan Martin, Adam Boardman, Robbie Collins and John Boardman

Diana & Jeff Koonce

Blake Ferguson and Meredith Lane

A stylish belle

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

41

PHOTOS | Belles & Beaus Ball Benefiting the American Cancer Society | RJ Corman Hangar | August 6th | cancer.org | Photos by Woody Phillips

Billie Dollins, Linda Gillker and Lisa Hart

Steve & Amber Philpott-Hill, Noelle & Sam Dick

Heather Coleman and Danielle Pope Bill & Sophia Hurt

Molly Gosky

Anna Cline Ross and Lisa Everett

42

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Alex Carson

Eric Beatty, Mary Pat Sinclair and Rob Parmley

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

43

PHOTOS | Belles & Beaus Ball Benefiting the American Cancer Society | RJ Corman Hangar | August 6th | cancer.org | Photos by Woody Phillips

Kim Nixon, Alex Huber and Taylor Watson Meredith Moody, Jordan Spalding and Karen Mossman

Melinda Breslin and Alaina Pike

Kaitlin Black and Sheldon Kozee Tiffany & Ryan Mollenkopf

Chelsea Neal and PJ Cooksey

44

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Laura Hall and Kelly Price

Stephanie Pike and Austin Tiller

PHOTOS | Keeneland Concours d’Elegance Kick Off Dinner July 14th | keenelandconcours.com | Photos by Ron Morrow

Taft & Doug Rood

David & Lacy Freeman

Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Griffis, Cy Hanks, Cheri & Keith Clark, Mechealle Hanks and Tom Fawn

Frank & Sue Entwisle, Richard & Debbie Weber

Denise Lutz and Doug Rood

Hannah Scotts, Loryn McAnich and Wendy Bernard

46

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Mike Scanlon, David Fugate and Fred Rutherford

Torri Bernard

Connie Jo Miller and Lynn Cravens

Bill & Zella Daugherty

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

47

PHOTOS | Keeneland Concours d’Elegance Kick Off Dinner July 14th | keenelandconcours.com | Photos by Ron Morrow

Mary Diane Hannah, Anne & Wayne Graff Andre Pater

Lee Wegner

John & Janie Meyers, Eddie & Suzanne Riddlebarger

Vicki & Russ Hensley and Zella Daugherty

Jim & Rosemary Levenson Carrie Trapp

Teresa Jackson, Kevin Lindon and Wm. Jackson McReynolds

48

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Keith Clark

Lissa & Clive Pohl

AT HOME

51

AUGUST 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Remarkable Remodels

52

Gardening: Beneficial Bugs

66

Tour of Homes: Old World Opulence

68

THE SHOWPLACE AT LEXINGTON WINNELSON

BEFORE

The Kitchen was very dark before with poor lighting. The outdated master bath included soffits, columns and unused space.

AFTER

BACK Construction’s designer, Nicole McDonough, teamed with The Showplace at Lexington Winnelson’s Rachel Edmisson-Smith to select incredible plumbing fixtures to complete the look in this luxurious kitchen and master bath space. The plumbing fixtures became the exquisite accessory additions to the project.

They truly mixed fashion, a lifestyle and a sophisticated elegance in the new space to uniquely change the look and function of the Kitchen, Dining Room and Prep Area to include a Blanco Farmhouse sink, Brizo Faucets in Polished Nickel and Franke Accessories.

The Master Bath became a complete spa experience with a Brizo Virage shower system and lavatory faucets, a MTI free standing tub and Brizo tub filler. The separate dressing vanity space was completed with an optimal functioning water closet containing additional linen storage and a Heritage Vormax Toilet.

BEFORE

AFTER

52

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Rachel Edmisson-Smith The Showplace at Lexington Winnelson 211 Industry Pkwy Nicholasville, KY 859.885.9721 www.TheShowplaceLex.com

AFTER

BEFORE

This Master Bath was not a place where you would want to escape after a long day. Cultured marble was throughout the space with oversized mirrors. It had a one piece shower unit, dated glass door enclosure and standard chrome with brass fixtures, plus poor lighting. It was missing aesthetic touches that complement relaxing spaces. It had the possibility of all a true Master Bath could be with the right team.

Given a blank canvas, the homeowners selected a soft, sleek two-person MTI freestanding tub with elegant lines to be the focal point of their new Master Bath with upgraded lighting. They selected the Luxury of Brizo Faucets in Chrome from the Baliza Collection for their new lavatory faucets, new custom tile shower and a Delta Trinsic Freestanding Tub Filler Faucet. A new state of the art Heritage Vormax toilet (which American Standard calls the cleanest flushing toilet ever engineered) was used in the new water closet.

Conrad Construction owner Philip Conrad and designer Missy Brady partnered with The Showplace at Lexington Winnelson’s showroom manager Kimberley McCullough to complete this fabulous master en suite.

AFTER

BEFORE

Kim McCullough The Showplace at Lexington Winnelson 211 Industry Pkwy Nicholasville, KY 859.885.9721 www.TheShowplaceLex.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

53

KITCHEN CONCEPTS

This original estate home was remodeled by Kitchen Concepts and Atchison Heller. Designed to work for the everyday use of a family, as well as entertainment, the homeowners had a wish list of key components they wanted to include. The original 9’ ceilings were removed, allowing for a spacious and open feel, with the wooden beams as a major focal point. A walk-through cabinet opens up into a full pantry. Other notable elements include a functional wet bar, a custom cherry stained hood with a brick surround, and an elegant island.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER This Chevy Chase remodel transformed a traditional and dark kitchen into a lively and bright transitional space. Kitchen Concepts worked with Atchison Heller to achieve a space that would wow anyone. A weight-bearing beam in the middle of the kitchen was removed, allowing the space to open up to the breakfast and family rooms. This kitchen is fit for a chef with a glass front Sub Zero as well as a Wolf commercial style stainless hood and range. The bar area includes a decorative sink, icemaker, wine cooler and built in coffee maker. All of these exquisite components are accented with full height marble backsplashes that tie in a custom island with a double-stacked slab of marble.

54

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Clay Leavell, Designer Kitchen Concepts 4001 Mall Road Lexington, KY 859.881.1766 www.KitchenConceptsKY.com

THE LUXE FOR THE HOME

BEFORE

MaryAnne has been a real estate agent and broker for over 33 years. Throughout her career, she has been staging her listings.

About 12 years ago, MaryAnne began acquiring furniture and accessories to stage and merchandise homes for sale. Over the years, she has become a certified Home Staging Expert (HSE) and a certified Pro in the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA-Pro); MaryAnne also does redesign of homes that are currently occupied.

AFTER

BEFORE

MaryAnne Simmons, HSE, RESA-Pro, CRS, ABR, RSPS, CIPS, TRC, GRI, Real Estate Broker, Principal exp Realty, LLC 193 Kentucky Avenue Lexington, KY 859.983.4663 www.theLUXEinLEX.com

To achieve this, MaryAnne outsources to contractors for specific needs, such as reupholstery, kitchen planning or cabinetry. In this home, she contracted one of the best professionals available to refinish the hardwood floors and to add new spindles to the staircases. She also hired experts to carefully move the furniture in and out so all the work could be accomplished. An interior designer helped choose the fabrics for reupholstery and new drapes, pillows and cushions. Together, they helped the homeowners purchase new lamps, rugs and accessories for a home MaryAnne had sold them in 1984! All these touches helped make the spaces more complete and visually engaging.

AFTER

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

55

BURNWORTH DESIGN

BEFORE

This house is familiar to many Lexingtonians. Known as the Sin ThĂŠ home on Lakeshore Drive, the exterior was clad in T-111, a common siding product from the 1970s. Rebecca and Cathy installed James Hardie panels with a metal reveal detail, as well as vertical cedar siding. A weak addition on the front of the home was removed, revealing large and dramatic windows overlooking the front yard. Their goal was to modernize the materials, but still use products that work nicely with the existing stone. The fish pond is being rebuilt, and the bridge to the front door replaced. The 50,000 gallon lazy river pool in the back yard was renovated, painted, equipment was upgraded and a putting green was added in the middle island. Old decking was replaced and pavement upgraded.

AFTER

BEFORE

Cathy May, Remodeler/ Decorator and Rebecca Burnworth, Architect/Designer Burnworth Design 859.270.9173 www.BurnworthDesignLex.com

56

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

The Master Bath needed cosmetic updating including the removal of a step up garden tub, glass block window and outdated materials.

The window was replaced with clear, fixed, insulated glass and the whole bathroom re-tiled to modernize the entire room. A walnut wall was installed behind the new and contemporary soaking tub. Custom walnut vanities with quartz tops were installed to match the walnut wall. New lighting and ventilation was added.

AFTER

Fans of the Sin ThĂŠ house may know that what is now the living room was once an indoor pool. What a find during construction! Once the pool was properly enclosed, efforts to cosmetically improve the living room were underway. Improvements include a sleek new fireplace, custom steel stairs, sliding rustic door and new hardwood floors throughout.

BEFORE

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

57

AFTER CREATIVE KITCHEN & BATH This 40 year old kitchen was in need of new cabinets and appliances, but more importantly, an updated layout for today’s modern lifestyle. Gone is the space-eating peninsula hood and cabinetry and in comes a space-efficient island with an under counter microwave drawer and island counter stools for casual snacking.

To enhance the open concept, glass bell jar lighting fixtures over the island and a glass chandelier over the breakfast table, keep the area open, light and unobstructed from heavy fixtures.

A Beverage Center easily becomes a multi-functional area with a glass door under counter refrigerator, additional storage and added serving space.

BEFORE

BEFORE

Honed black granite and white quartz are classic choices for the countertop. A hand painted blue tile insert by local artist Anne Little over the range completes the classic renovation of this beautiful kitchen.

Debra has specialized in kitchen and bath design for over 30 years. She is a member of American Society of Interior Designers, a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and a Certified Bath Designer (CBD).

AFTER

58

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Debra Willett Hupman Creative Kitchen & Bath 1141 Industry Rd. Lexington, KY 859.255.6838 www.CKandB.com

BEFORE

AFTER

The kitchen has become the primary gathering place in a residence. Here, Derrick has created a generous, open floorplan. Materials used include an Imperial Dandy marble waterfall countertop, floating stainless steel shelving, antique brass hardware, and reclaimed wood tabletop. He used clean lines, a natural palette and mixture of different materials to create a transitional style.

BEFORE In planning this children’s bath remodel, vanities accessible between two bedrooms with a shared private water closet and shower made for ideal functionality. Plenty of counter space, excellent storage and proper lighting are the basics a well-designed bath should include.

Materials used here are white Carrera marble, crystal knobs, painted cabinetry and a timeless tile floor creating a beautiful but functional space that addresses a growing family’s needs.

Derrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and began his career with Creative Kitchen & Bath in 1994. While his focus is kitchens and baths, he has extensive experience in all areas of residential remodeling.

AFTER

Derrick Whitaker Creative Kitchen & Bath 1141 Industry Rd. Lexington, KY 859.255.6838 www.CKandB.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

59

small space with big expectations is a challenge NATURE’S EXPRESSIONS ANature’ s Expressions doesn’t shy away from. They

began this project by handling drainage issues. They then created a sizable patio accommodating an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit and plenty of room for a table. The team finished by tucking in a vegetable garden and adding a splash of lighting . The clients had no idea they could get that much space out of their backyard.

BEFORE

AFTER PETRA DESIGNS

Andrew Moore, ASLA Landscape Architect & Tim Doyle, Designer/Sales-team Nature’s Expressions Outdoor Design & Construction 859.885.0015 www.KentuckyBackyard.com

The old kitchen was outdated with oak cabinets and paneled appliances. The small, dark floor plan was nonfunctional.

Will and Ed knocked down a wall to open up the kitchen, inviting interaction among friends and family.

They installed all new lighting and state of the art stainless appliances, including a gas cook top and custom hood. Floor to ceiling cabinets provide maximum storage. A distinctive herringbone backsplash, hand selected granite and composite sink complete the beautiful remodeled space.

BEFORE

Will Muetterties, Remodeler 859.221.6382 Ed Botkin, Decorator 859.221.4148 Petra Designs

60

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

AFTER

CORMAN KITCHEN & CLOSET DESIGN CENTER

BEFORE The original kitchen had a closed floor plan with a wall separating the kitchen from the dining area, as well as soffits on the top of the existing wall cabinets. During the renovation process, the wall separating the kitchen and dining room was removed in order to achieve a more open floor plan. The soffits were also removed, allowing for taller wall cabinets and crown molding going to the ceiling. The renovated kitchen features custom painted cabinets with a chocolate glaze, quartz countertops, backsplash tile provided by Louisville Tile, new stainless appliances and new lighting.

AFTER

The original bathroom consisted of a painted base cabinet with a cultured marble countertop and was replaced by a custom barrel vanity and a custom oak and copper towel holder.

BEFORE

AFTER

Jessica Mandt, Design Specialist Corman Kitchen and Closet Design Center 881 Floyd Drive Lexington, KY 859.233.0544 jmandt@cormans.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

61

KENTUCKY MARBLE AND GRANITE

BEFORE

The kitchen features granite countertops in Splendor White with 3cm Ogee edges. The new island has a square, flat background with a waterfall edge. The front features a curved shape that offers in-kitchen seating space for entertaining.

AFTER The bathtub is trimmed in a Statuary White marble with a 2cm Ogee. The front of the tub features a waterfall. The Jack and Jill white porcelain rectagular sinks are set in the beautiful Statuary White marble shared counter space, which features a 6� backsplash. The bathroom is both elegant and inviting, luxurious and modern.

Kentucky Marble and Granite is a family owned business with more than 21 years of experience. Their extensive knowledge of natural stone, from quality to installation, ensures the right choice for every setting and need.

BEFORE

Kentucky Marble & Granite has the only indoor slab room in Kentucky, carrying over 100 different stones in various colors available to create the ideal design for any space. The Orihuelas pride themselves on finding beautiful ways to make their clients’ dreams a reality.

AFTER

62

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

John Orihuela, Owner Tania Orihuela, Owner Carlos Orihuela, Owner (not shown) Kentucky Marble and Granite 1050 Elizabeth St, Suite 11 Nicholasville, KY 859.887.3555 kymarbleandgranite.com

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS This homeowner wanted a kitchen that is both modern and functional. They achieved the contemporary design by removing the old soffits making the ceilings appear taller and allowing more room for the custom Amish cabinets. New can lighting and blown glass pendants were installed. The floor was refinished back to its natural oak color.

BEFORE

Jeanne Sallee, DDCD Decorating Den Interiors 859.327.3737 www.decdens.com/jsallee jeannesallee@aol.com

AFTER

The award winning designers of Decorating Den Interiors specialize in kitchen, bathroom, and fireplace remodeling and offer an extensive selection of custom window treatments and furnishings for every style.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

63

SMALL BATCH KITCHENS AND INTERIORS

BEFORE

Anna Marie was delighted to work with a young and energetic family to give them a bright and fun new kitchen as well as a soft and peaceful master bathroom. Studio 89 was the contractor who helped make this remodel possible. The house, located in The Woods, was built in the ‘80s.

Anna Marie suggested changing the kitchen layout, shifting openings and making them larger on the first floor to make the house more open.

She also included various types of seating all within view of one another. This space uses satin brass, sparkling white and grey quartzite countertops, and fun pops of color to give it an updated and contemporary feel.

AFTER

BEFORE

Anna Marie Lewis Cutlip Small Batch Kitchens and Interiors 216 North Limestone Lexington, KY 502.751.6665 www.SmallBatchKitchens.com

64

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

They also updated the Master Bathroom to more contemporary standards by removing carpet and a jetted dub. The enlarged shower is now equipped with steam. The tub is a freestanding soaking tub and the separate furniture-style vanities include several drawers for each person to organize their own bathroom toiletries. They kept lots of floor space and accented the marble with a smaller chevron pattern in front of each vanity.

AFTER

Gardening:

welcoming beneficial bugs & pollinators

W

hile it may seem instinctually counterintuitive to work to attract insects into your garden, there are plenty of reasons to keep them around. Of the estimated one-million insect species in the world, you may be surprised to learn only a few are harmful to your garden. “Most people will gleefully tell you they hate bugs. By and large, insects are not entirely bad,” said Fayette County horticulture agent Jamie Dockery.

The Fayette County cooperative extension office recently hosted a lecture about attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. It’s part of their Gardener’s Toolbox series. I left armed with a wealth of information as well as six plants to grow in my garden that will attract “good” bugs.

The reason to invite insects into your yard is pretty simple: it balances the ecosystem. The so-called good bugs will exercise good old-fashioned survival of the fittest, doing the dirty work, controlling the harmful pests. “If we tolerate them all they will sort themselves out,” Dockery said.

Pollination is a pivotal point of vegetation. Right now there is a tremendous decline in the honey bee population as well as other insects we need. Many things are contributing to the problem: urban sprawl, loss of green space, and broad spectrum insecticides that kill indiscriminately. “Home lawn care in this country it the number one dump of chemicals in the hands of people least trained to use them,” Dockery said. Instead of contributing to the problem, take the time to identify the specific problem and treat it.

After altering your management practices, it’s time to turn your attention to the law of attraction. “Get over having a few weeds in your lawn,” Dockery said. In fact, it’s a good thing. Insects need food all year ,so it’s not the end of the world to have some dandelions popping up. They have value.

Single layer flowers like daisies invite pollinators because they have a landing pad and feeding center. Annuals to add include Alyssum, Bachelor’s button, Zinnias, Sunflowers and Marigolds. Recommended perennials for pollinators include Coneflower, Beebalm, Yarrow, Sedum, and Coreopsis.

If you have an herb garden you may already be doing your part. The best herbs to plant are Mint, Chives, Oregano, Dill, Thyme, Lavender, Chamomile and Sage. It’s recommended you let your herbs flower if you don’t mind the limited production. The more diversity in your yard, the wider variety of insects you will attract.

by Michelle Rauch Gardening Enthusiast

66

One last bit of advice. You may have seen boxes of beneficial bugs at the store or online. While it is tempting to buy that batch of ladybugs and release them in your yard, if you don’t have the food supply to keep them, you’ve just wasted your money.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

67

68

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER2016 2016||TOPSINLEX.COM TOPSINLEX.COM

Old

World

Opulence

by Michelle Aiello photography by Ken Owen

O

n the East side of Lexington, near the intersection of Man O’ War Boulevard and Winchester Road, sits a custom-designed home unlike any other. The homeowner, Norma Hope Baker, who is an interior designer herself, collaborated with a team of artists, decorators, contractors, and landscapers to transform her space into an original work of art.

She lives with her husband and their two dogs – Hershey, a brown poodle and Ollie, a Yorkie Poodle.

Norma and her husband live in Lexington, but also own a vacation home in Palm Beach Florida, where they like to spend the winter months. In Palm Beach, they live on the ocean right next door to the historic Breakers Hotel – a Renaissance Revival masterpiece built in 1896 and inspired by the Villa Medici in Rome. “I absolutely love the Breakers Hotel and I’m there almost every day when we’re in Palm Beach, so my vision for our home was largely inspired by its architectural style,” she said.

When Norma and her husband first bought the home, it was only a year old, but as she explained, “Everything was mismatched and the flow wasn’t cohesive – it was very dark and depressing, and it was not my taste at all.” She remodeled and decorated every room in the home, from top to bottom. During the process, her husband joked that it might be easier to just buy a new house, but Norma had a vision for the final result. “The house had good bones – I love the French Country style, and I could see what it would look like when it was complete.” Plus, she said, the area is very convenient and located near the family business, so it made the most sense to transform the home.

To make her vision a reality, Norma worked with a world-class team of creators. Belle Arti of Louisville, a full service decorative painting studio owned by Vince and Casey Murray, is responsible for the murals and custom artwork seen throughout the home. The Murrays also designed the window coverings in the basement pub, hearth room, and Norma’s closet. The outdoor décor, landscaping and water features were done by Nature’s Expressions, a Nicholasville company that specializes in unique and luxurious outdoor living spaces. Lori Stone at My Favorite Things in Hamburg helped select furnishings, assisted with placement, and designed many of the window coverings as well. The floor coverings were provided by Magic Carpet in Danville; Ferguson Lighting provided most of the light fixtures, selected with the help of a former employee, Anita Thompson, and American Residential Technologies of Lexington installed the home’s state-of-the-art, commercial grade security system.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

69

T

he formal living room, decorated in rich browns and taupes, features an incredibly detailed ceiling that is actually made from individual pieces of painted canvas and decorative molding. The same style of ceiling can be found throughout the large spaces and ballrooms in the Breakers Hotel. Norma was in Florida during the process, and the Murrays surprised her with their design. “I had no idea what it was going to look like, but it turned out fabulous,” she said. In addition to the room décor, Casey Murray also arranged the furniture and statement pieces, placing Norma’s extensive collection of Lladro porcelain throughout the shelves.

70

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

71

72

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

N

orma jokes that her husband’s office is also the dogs’ office because Hershey and Ollie love lounging on the room’s cozy window seat and in their dog beds. The ornate Habersham bookcase came from My Favorite Things, as did the hunt scene painting above the desk. The bookcase is actually not built in, but it fits perfectly into the space. And there’s a surprising detail – the floral painting in the center of the bookcase raises via remote control to reveal a television. “My husband loves to show that off – you know men and their gadgets,” she said with a laugh.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

73

74

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

T

hrough a beautiful natural stone archway is a room that Norma refers to as the hearth room or keeping room. She said that when they first moved in, it was her least favorite room, but it has undergone a complete transformation. The wood paneled ceiling was “dark and gloomy” and the small windows let in very little light. So Nature’s Expressions added two large windows on either side of the fireplace and Vince of Belle Arti stained the ceiling to make it a lighter color. The Hearth Room opens onto the pool area, and now with a comfortably coral colored sofa, and a cozy fireplace, it is one of Norma’s favorite rooms in the house.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

75

T

he dining room is one of the most extraordinary rooms in the home, and a testament to the incredible talent of the Belle Arti team. It took them over four months to create the mural featuring a blend of Italian Renaissance and French Rococo styles. The dining room was very plain when they began the project, but the transformation is outstanding. The painting even shows sunlight reflecting and fading off of certain areas of the landscape. The final touch was a pearl finish applied to the wainscoting and crown molding to ramp up the “wow factor”. At night, the trim shimmers in soft lighting, and perfectly accents the silk draperies and chair upholstery.

76

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER2016 2016||TOPSINLEX.COM TOPSINLEX.COM

The dining room table and chairs were designed by Norma and manufactured by Marge Carson in California via My Favorite Things. Lori from My Favorite Things designed the silk draperies. The chandelier is Swarovski crystal and the china and dinnerware are Versace. “That room is amazing to me,” said Norma. “I just want to reach out and touch one of those yellow roses. There is a tremendous amount of detail.” She said that Vince decided to add the peacock later on, as a reminder of their home in Florida. “He just pulled up a photo on his iPad, sketched and painted it freehand. He made it look so easy, which of course, it’s not.”

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

77

78

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

W

hile the spacious kitchen was not completely redone, it was given a “mini facelift” and had some minor details changed. The cabinets were washed in a soft gray and given new hardware, including sparkly knobs and pulls. The lighting and tile were changed, and Vince mixed several types of paint together to create the perfect silvery gray for the accent cabinets.

He also created and painted the decorative plaster panel over the hood range. The large island is ideal for food preparation and the dining table makes the kitchen an ideal space to enjoy smaller family meals.

The kitchen is connected to another dining area and to the hearth room via the stone archway. “It’s a great space for entertaining. There is plenty of counter space for multiple platters. And if several people are in the kitchen, we’re not bumping into one another,” Norma said.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

79

W

hen asked about her all-time favorite room in the house, Norma mentioned her walk-in closet without hesitation. It features a stunning French Rococo style design in feminine shades of pink and a stylish animal print carpet. Casey Murray sewed the draperies by hand and designed the mirrors and shelving. “I told her what I had envisioned, and she delivered above and beyond,” said Norma. The shelving system was built with plenty of space to display Norma’s designer handbags –a collection that she has been curating for years. The spherical crystal chandelier is from Ferguson Lighting. The mirror was there when they bought the home, but Casey created the decorative molding piece to make it appear like a built in, custom piece. The carpet is from Magic Carpet Danville, who were terrific to work with, according to Norma.

“Another thing Casey picked up on that I love sparkle,” she said.

“I think the world would be a better place with more sparkle.

It might be too much for some people, but it makes me so happy.”

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

81

T

he serene master bedroom is painted a soothing shade of blue (“The only paint color in the house that I kept,� said Norma), and features a beautiful recessed ceiling and a lovely quilted bed. Again, Ferguson Lighting provided the chandelier, and the draperies are from Marge Carson, designed and installed

by Lori at My Favorite Things. Spacious and quiet, the bedroom opens onto the pool and features a comfortable sitting area, perfect for relaxing, reading or watching television.

82

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

83

84

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

T

he basement, once a “big beige box” according to Norma, is now alive with character and creative touches. Vince and Casey worked their magic yet again, bringing Norma’s ideas to life and creating a striking design of playing cards scattered across the walls, along with a hand painted bar sign reminiscent of an English pub. Magic Carpet removed the previous laminate flooring and replaced it with natural stone tile. The paneling appears to be molding, but is just more creative painting. Casey designed and hung the window treatments, which feature a bold, Art Nouveau inspired design.

Vince also designed and painted the red and gold harlequin pattern on the hallway leading to the theater room, and handcrafted the sign that hangs above the theatre doors. “That is one of my favorite features of the house,” said Norma. “(The Murrays) are so incredibly talented and they don’t stop until they achieve perfection.”

The “windows” that peep into the vintage style theater room are just painted glass, but the effect is quite realistic, giving the room the style and character that ties it into the rest of the lower level living space.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

85

T

he basement features a large, lovely guest bedroom, with another quilted bed and plenty of space for lounging. The room has its own bathroom so it’s very quiet and private, with another door that leads out to the pool area.

86

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

87

O

utside, Nature’s Expressions worked to create a space that is both luxurious and relaxing. “We are outdoor people, and we love the soothing sound of water –whether we’re in the pool or watching television or just hanging out back here.” The team, including designers Ken Owen and Dave Miller, was responsible for the extensive landscaping including many mature trees for privacy, an expertly designed 10-foot wide waterfall, fire bowls, an outdoor fireplace, covered grilling area, and much more. “Nature’s Expressions were great to work with –very meticulous, and high quality. I can’t say enough about them,” said Norma. “The pool area was nice when we moved here, but they took it to another level; it’s like a private resort back there now.”

The outdoor décor was Norma’s husband’s vision, including the grilling area, whimsical frog statuary in and around the fountain, the patio umbrellas and the outdoor furniture, all of which came from Frontgate.

While she and her team have done an incredible amount of work, Norma still describes her home as a “work in progress”. Certain areas are not entirely how she envisions them to be, but she doesn’t mind taking the journey to get there. Her next plan is to have Belle Arti come back and paint the ceiling in their bedroom. “Sometimes I almost have to pinch myself,” she said.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

89

90

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER2016 2016||TOPSINLEX.COM TOPSINLEX.COM

“I can’t believe I live here. It’s an amazing place to call home.”

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

91

FACES + PLACES

95

AUGUST 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

TOPS Cares: Mission Lexington

96

Meet the Media: Hayley Harmon

101

New & Noteworthy: Haven Home & Garden

105

TOPS

Mission Lexington SERVING THOSE THAT NEED IT THE MOST

BUT CAN AFFORD IT THE LEAST

by Sarah Boerkircher

M

ission Lexington brings healing and hope to those who need it the most and have nowhere else to turn. As Executive Director Chris Skidmore explained, “Mission Lexington provides free dental, free primary medical care, free medicines and free mental health care to uninsured, adult residents of Lexington, Ky. All services are provided by skilled volunteer physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other licensed, volunteer medical personnel.”

Ten years ago, Skidmore began volunteering at Mission Lexington because he attended a church which was one of the founding organizations that started this incredible nonprofit. In September 2010, Mission Lexington hired him to become a part of the team in a more official capacity as Executive Director.

“Many of our volunteers first found out about the transformational work of Mission Lexington because their congregation supported the organization,” said Skidmore. “Mission Lexington is operated by volunteers, pastors and congregants of Mission Lexington’s partner churches: Calvary Baptist, Faith Lutheran, Good Shepherd Episcopal, Maxwell Street Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, South Elkhorn Christian and Immanuel Baptist.”

BRIDGING A GAP There are several criteria to qualify for care, which vary slightly depending on service. First, Mission Lexington operates by appointment only. For the dental clinic, patients need to be over the age 18, a resident of Fayette County, without dental insurance and at or below the federal poverty level. For the medical clinic, patients also need to be over the age of 18, a resident of Fayette County, without medical insurance and at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. To have a prescription filled at Faith Pharmacy, the patient needs to be referred to the pharmacy and the prescription can be written by a physician in central Kentucky.

Although the patients do not have to pay a copay or anything out-of-pocket, everything else is similar to a regular doctor or dentist office visit. For example, at a first dental appointment, a patient will have x-rays and start a treatment plan.

“If the dental clinic extracted 100 percent of someone’s teeth, we work with a local lab that gives dentures to Mission Lexington at cost.

We then subsidize Dr. Robert Henry, who recently retired from his volunteer position as dental clinic director, has faithfully volunteered at Mission Lexington Dental Clinic since it opened in 2006. He was instrumental in the cost and the little opening the dental clinic, recruiting volunteers and treating hundreds of patients for free. cost that is remaining is applied to the Mission Lexington patient,” said Skidhas provided more than 18,000 patient visits totaling more than $5 more. “After receiving dentures patients explain, this is the first million in free services since the dental clinic opened in June 2006, time that they are able to meet with potential employers and greet the medical clinic followed in December 2008 and Faith Pharma- them with a smile.” cy merged with them in January 2015. The dental clinic, medical Currently, Mission Lexington is seeking funding to offer additional clinic, mental health clinic and Faith Pharmacy are all united under social services for its patients and community at large, like transa 501c3 and under one roof. While Mission Lexington has helped portation. While conveniently located near the city transit center, the community, the organization strives to provide comprehensive having the ability to offer additional services would allow the orgacare that transform lives. nization to continue to better serve the community.

96

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

mitted to improving patients’ health, transforming their lives and helping them gain the appearance and health to obtain a job. He recruited dozens of volunteer dentists and motivated even more dental students to service. He saved the organization tens of thousands of dollars in renovation costs by recruiting in-kind donations and pitching in on the work.

Support Mission Lexington One hundred percent of donations made to Mission Lexington are used locally to provide dental, pharmaceutical, medical or mental health care to those who need it the most, but can afford it the least. Supporters can invest in the work of Mission Lexington online at missionlexington.org/support.html or mail checks to: Mission Lexington 230 South Martin Luther King Blvd Lexington, KY 40508

“Our hope is to help patients to get a leg up in their current situation,” Skidmore said. “We’re seeking to bring more people on staff to help our patients overcome hurdles so that they can succeed.”

All services are free of charge: dental, mental health counseling, prescriptions, medical tests, lab tests and fees. As Skidmore explains, the only thing holding them back from serving more patients is the ability to pay staff and pay for supplies to operate.

While their waiting list has 60 individuals on it, and there may be up to a 12-month wait time for care, once someone becomes a patient they will not have to wait to follow a treatment plan or for continuity of care. There is no longer a wait list for the primary health and mental health clinics.

“The care Mission Lexington is able to provide is made possible because of the generosity of donors in our community who invest in this life-saving work,” Skidmore said. “Currently, one night a month, they offer an all Spanish-speaking clinic. Mission Lexington needs interpreters. It would be most helpful to have an englishspanish-dental and english-spanish-medical interpreter. Interpreters are our biggest need at the moment.”

A COMMITMENT TO CARE In June 2016, Mission Lexington honored Dr. Robert Henry, who retired from his volunteer position as dental clinic director last winter, to celebrate the organization that he built. Henry served as the dental clinic director for almost 10 years and was instrumental in opening the dental clinic, recruiting volunteers, and treating hundreds of patients with skill and compassion. He has been com-

• When Frances came to see Henry because of gum disease that resulted in all her teeth needing to be extracted, her treatment didn’t stop there. All her life, she had been unable to speak clearly because of a cleft palate. Henry contacted a specialist who was able to make dentures that covered her cleft palate and enabled her to communicate clearly for the first time in her life.

• Irv, whose cancer treatments left him, in his words, “with rotting teeth and unable to work,” said that Henry saved his life.

• Eugene, whose bad teeth prevented him from entering the army, had his bad teeth removed and was given dentures. Eugene was then able to enlist and is now serving on active duty.

Three years ago, along with Dr. Judy Skelton, a UK College of Dentistry faculty member, Henry helped to create a communitybased public health dentistry elective for dental students. It has become the most popular elective at the dental school. Limited to eight senior students (because of the small clinic size), there is a lottery that occurs in the fall for the opportunity to volunteer.

As Skidmore explained, the students have become so passionate about the mission of the organization that that they coordinate two fundraisers each year for Mission Lexington.

Henry’s full-time job is dental clinic director for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lexington. He is also a faculty member at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. He has been faithfully volunteering at Mission Lexington Dental Clinic weekly since it opened in 2006. Before that, along with volunteers from the area churches, he picked up a hammer, shovel, trowel and paintbrush to get the original clinic space ready for patients. He was so successful, and the need was so great, that Mission Lexington moved the dental clinic two years ago to a space that allows double the amount of examination chairs.

“Mission Lexington volunteers have huge hearts,” said Skidmore.

“Often they work all day and then volunteer until midnight. Our goal is to preserve the patient-doctor relationship and bring healing and hope to those that need it the most.” •

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

97

10

Save the date for Mission Lexington’s Fall Fling Dinner Gala

th

Anniversary Celebration

When: Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 from 6-9pm Where: The Signature Club Grand Ballroom 3256 Lansdowne Drive, Lexington, KY Why: A fundraiser to bring healing and hope to those that need it the most. For more information, please visit missionlexington.org/fling.html.

Mission Lexington provides free dental, primary medical care, medicines and mental health care to uninsured, adult residents of Lexington, Ky. All services are provided by skilled volunteer physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other licensed, volunteer medical personnel.

Mission Lexington has provided more than 18,000 patient visits totaling more than $5 million in free services.

Thank you Lexington!

Mission Lexington needed $20,000.00 by June 30th to meet their budgetary needs and provide healing and hope to those who need it most.

Past and present members of the Mission Lexington Board of Directors pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations given before June 30, 2016 so Mission Lexington could raise the $20,000 they needed.

The community really came through!

Together, they exceeded their goal and raised a total of $21,880.00 for their free medical clinic, free mental health care, free pharmaceuticals, and free dental care.

98

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

MEET THE MEDIA

Hayley Harmon

by Michelle Rauch photos courtesy of Hayley Harmon

S

tarting the day with morning news is second nature to Hayley Harmon. “That’s what I watched as a kid and that’s why I love it, because I connected with the people. I felt like I knew them,” Harmon said. Mrs. Harmon knew her daughter would end up on the other side of the camera one day. “She said I would always get up before school and watch the news with her,” Harmon said.

Harmon was born in Memphis and grew up in Lebanon, TN, a suburb of Nashville. She is the middle child in her family with an older sister and younger brother. As the daughter of a veterinarian, animals were a large part of the family, too.

“I grew up loving animals. I am a dog person. I am allergic to cats, which is ok.” At one time the Harmon household was home to four dogs, four cats, and a guinea pig who, sadly, was literally scared to death by one of the dogs. She can tell the story with a smile now.

“He died a tragic death. It was a heart attack,” she said. Sadly, Harmon’s schedule and apartment living aren’t conducive to having a pet. “When I have a yard I will get a dog—or a host of dogs!”

Harmon has very fond memories of her childhood. She attended a private co-ed school growing up, which she loved. “It was small. I liked that, because I felt like I got a lot of personal attention.” She played soccer and was a cheerleader; getting any more information out of her proved to be difficult. “It’s so hard to talk about yourself,” she said.

Harmon is more at ease talking about television. “When I was a kid I watched it a lot. I have a big personality and when I got into high school people would say I should be on TV or be an actress,” she said. Harmon admits she cannot act, so TV seemed like a natural fit.

Although she grew up bleeding orange and thought the University of Tennessee was her destiny, Harmon ended up at Middle Tennessee State University where she studied broadcasting. It was close to home and has a good reputation. “I loved it. I got such a good education,” she said. She admits the broadcasting program was hard and very intimidating at first. The experience prompted her to give the following advice to those who are considering it as a career.

“Don’t get into this if you just want to be on TV. There is so much more to it than just putting on lipstick and smiling on TV,” she said.

Prior to moving to Lexington and joining LEX18 in the fall of 2014, Harmon interned at Country Music Television as well as News Channel 5, the CBS affiliate in Nashville. She got her first paid experience at WBKO in Bowling Green. She admits she was terrified when she started her first job as a reporter. In less than a year, she moved from reporter to weekend anchor to weekday morning anchor.

“I got to do three different jobs in two years there and learned so much. I cannot sing the praises enough. If you are going to be in

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

101

news, start in a small market. Don’t try to jump too big. You can mess up in a small market you learn to do every job there,” she said. She passes the virtues of small market TV on to all the interns she meets. “Anytime an intern comes here and says ‘I want to be a reporter here,’ I always say that’s a good goal, but don’t overlook those small markets.”

Next stop: Knoxville, TN. Harmon was the weekend morning anchor at the ABC affiliate. “It was so fun even though working weekends was not the best,” she said. With each move comes an admission. “I am terrified every time I get a new job,” Harmon said. The experience of a faster pace in a larger city prepared her well for the move to Lexington.

Loving Lexington A mutual friend of Harmon and LEX18’s former morning anchor, Julie Dolan, made the introduction that opened the door to the opportunity in Lexington. “It was so awesome of her to think of me.”

A good word was put in and News Director, Bruce Carter, followed up with an invitation for an interview. Four days later she was here and hired.

“It was such a God thing. God really led me here,” she said. Just like that—her life changed. Harmon moved to Lexington in October, 2014. “Time is flying. Chris, Tom and Lee were so welcoming,” she said.

Their first morning show together was a breeze. “I think we were

102

JULY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

all amazed how smoothly it went. You never know because people are used to someone else.” She felt like it was a good sign of things to come.

“It’s such a great fit.” They are a team that genuinely likes each other.

“We really do. We chit-chat during commercials and often come back laughing,” she said. The comfort level is so good Harmon forgets there is a large audience watching. “I am always amazed when someone mentions something from the show; it’s like they really are watching!”

Harmon is now getting the same feedback she felt about the morning weather anchor she grew up watching in Nashville, Lelan Statom.

“Whenever I go home and see him on the air, it is so comforting,” she said. Now, when people say that about her she knows what they are talking about.

“I love being a part of people’s routine. I know what that feels like. You are easing into your day and it’s comforting to hear the same voices every day. It gets your day off to a smooth start,” Harmon said. She is a morning person by nature. “My alarm clock goes off at 2:20 am,” she said. So when everyone else’s alarms go off, she is ready.

Harmon looks at the morning news as an opportunity for viewers to start the day knowing what’s going on in the world while they get the coffee started and the kids ready for the day.

“I like to get people’s day started in a positive way.” She also enjoys feedback from viewers, especially when they tell her the team is en-

ergizing. “That is something we hear a lot. We have a lot of excitement in the morning and we try to make it fun,” Harmon said. She says her rapport with Chris Goodman is a natural fit. Lee Cruse keeps her on her toes. She also has a great deal of respect for Tom Ackerman. “He is such a great man. A solid guy and family man,” she said. Harmon admits it can be tough being the only woman sometimes, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Outside of the morning show, Harmon produces a segment called “Making a Difference” which shines a light on people who are making a difference in the community. “It’s awesome to see.” To date she estimates she has done nearly a hundred stories. “It’s one of those things that if we didn’t have that segment ,you would never know these people are in this community doing things quietly for other people. We only find out about it because a friend calls us.”

Harmon enjoys highlighting people who expect nothing in return.

“I think it’s great to get feedback from viewers who say it’s nice to hear something good in the news instead of bad news.”

Outside of work With her crazy schedule, it’s not surprising Harmon loves naps.

“I am the nap queen. I love naps, they are the bomb!” She also loves trying new restaurants. Every time a new one opens, she grabs a friend to try it out. Among her favorites, The Sage Rabbit in Chevy Chase and Wallace Station, where she says she discovered the best burger she has ever had in the middle of the scenic Kentucky back-

roads. For breakfast and brunch The Village Idiot is her ‘go to’ spot.

“I love newness. Life can be so routine. I crave it; that’s why I try new places. I love something I have never eaten before.” She also appreciates different approaches to a typical dish. “I am trying to get into cooking myself, but all these chefs do a better job,” she joked.

Yoga is a new interest and a great stress reliever after a long day. She also loves to travel. “If I could go to a new state, country, or new beach once a month, I would spend every dime I have just to have the new experience.”

Harmon traveled to Hawaii last year for her birthday. The rich history of Pearl Harbor was striking. “You couldn’t open your eyes wide enough to see the beauty of everything. I could not believe how blue the water was,” she said.

Living in the Bluegrass has also been eye opening. Especially coming from Tennessee. “It was an adjustment. I have grown to appreciate the passion of Kentucky fans,” she said. Harmon admits she even wants Big Blue to win. “I can deal with all this blue I have around me!”

Harmon also attended the Kentucky Derby for the second time.

“What an experience. Getting to dress up, and the hats, I didn’t know it was such a big deal.” Kentucky and its traditions have made this a place worthy of calling home. “I am very lucky indeed,” Harmon said. •

JULY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

103

104

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Haven Home & Garden

L

ocated along East Short Street in a cypress-sided warehouse adjacent to the renovated former Hurst Office Furniture building, Haven Home & Garden is Lexington’s best kept secret when it comes to home furnishings and gifts. Well it was…until now!

With an eye for style, owners/designers Sara Luftman and Dottie Maloney feature an ever-changing selection of unique finds and treasures, mixing sleek new furnishings with antiques and eclectic objects. The style gods definitely blessed these women, because their taste is impeccable and it shows in every piece in their showroom.

The ladies chose downtown Lexington for their store’s location so it could be a part of the city center’s rapid transformation into a dining, shopping and entertainment destination. Their goal with Haven was to provide a cool, hip furniture store that marries a big city feel with Southern, sophisticated charm.

While many of their pieces can be purchased off the showroom floor, Haven also offers customized furniture that includes a lifetime warranty. And unlike big box furniture stores, they also offer personalized, professional design services. Their goal is to create timeless, classic and comfortable interiors with a modern feel.

They’re doing it. The space itself transports you to a big city, with the vibe of a New York or Chicago loft space. The ladies love furniture and wanted Haven to not just provide purchasable design options for customers, but also be a unique space that transports their clients to a different time and place. They designed the space to inspire their customers and help them create unique décor in their own homes.

Haven can start from scratch and help clients with paint, flooring and lighting selections in new builds or renovations, or they can

help with smaller-scale projects, like styling a home with items a client already has in their home. They can mix in new pieces like a cool lamp or rug with an antique piece, such as grandma’s old sideboard or a fun sofa table found at a thrift shop.

Their design services include custom upholstery, and they offer beautiful fabrics including Kravet and Schumacher. They also have fabulous wallpapers and unique furniture lines that can’t be found anywhere else in the Bluegrass.

Sara and Dottie also can’t resist bringing in handmade jewelry and funky table top accessories from some of the hottest artists in the south. Among my favorite items currently in the shop: fabulous limited edition equine photography, which customers can buy with or without a frame. They also sell everything from jewelry to fabulous and unique cutting boards, real coral decorative pieces, rugs, candles, diffusers, throw pillows and pottery. There’s so much more there too, but I’ll just let you be surprised when you go see it for yourself.

Sara and Dottie’s goal is to hand-select pieces for their clients that take the guesswork out of design, while showcasing current trends mixed with timeless style. And they’re just so fun to chat with too, you will leave the store feeling like you just made some new friends!

Check out Haven Home & Garden on Instagram, havenlex.com or in person at 333 East Short Street.

by Meredith Lane, City Scout

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

105

CUISINE

107

AUGUST 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Dining: J Renders Southern Table & Bar

108

Beer of the Month: Shocktop Twisted Pretzel Wheat

112

Wine of the Month: EgoBodegas fuerza

113

Skinny Mom: Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops

114

A Taste of Thyme: Savoring the End of Summer

117

TOP 5 Dining: Indian

118

Southern Lady Cooks: Chocolate Eclair Cake

119

FROM TRUCK TO TABLE

J. RENDER’S SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR DELIVERS UPSCALE BBQ IN A STYLISH SETTING

by Michelle Aiello photos by Keni Parks

F

or Ren and Gwyn Everly, making the leap from food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant was not exactly a long-term plan. But after four successful years running their food truck, “Big Red”, along with a steady catering business, word began to spread about their delicious smoked meats and sides. And on May 31, the Everlys introduced their brand new restaurant, J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar. Located at 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle, the restaurant has seating for about 95 inside, with another 25 on the patio.

When asked about the origins of the name, Gwyn said, “My husband’s name is John Render Everly – Render was a family surname on his father’s side.

Southern Table is a nod to the fact that we offer Southern Fare along with BBQ. It took about a year for the Everlys to find the ideal space, but they are convinced it was worth the wait.

“We wanted something that wasn’t too big,” Gwyn said. “Plus, we wanted to have a full bar, a patio, somewhere to park our food truck, and plenty of parking for customers. When they found the Puccini’s space (which had stood vacant for two years), they knew it was the ideal location.

The space has been given a complete makeover.

They worked with contractor Drew McLellan of HM Homebuilders to transform the former pizza joint into the chic restaurant they envisioned, with natural wood details, exposed ductwork, a modern bar, and local art. According to Gwyn, “HM Homebuilders did a fabulous job, and every person Drew brought in to work with us (Kenny Isaac’s Interiors, Puckett Electric, Cecil’s Plumbing & HVAC, Certa Pro Painting & Centric Concrete) has been fantastic.” They gutted the space, removed the drop ceiling and replaced it with black painted exposed ductwork, and removed the tile and carpet floors to make way for sleek, polished concrete. None of which would have been possible without the backing of Mark Herren and Bank of the Bluegrass.

For interior design, they hired local architecture and design firm Nomi Designs. The goal of the project,

108

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

headed by designer Rebecca Cox, was to create a modern, upscale look with plenty of texture and natural materials. The steel logo was designed and created by Spurr Services and the exposed wood walls were fashioned

by Luke Lilly of Branch & Bark Carpentry. “People have commented that the décor isn’t like most BBQ places,” said Gwyn. “Our goal was to create a bar where we wanted to hang out.”

between two slices of American cheese on grilled Texas toast, and the Havana Day Dreamin’ Cubano – their version of the original Cuban sandwich with hickory smoked pork loin, ham, swiss, and pickles on a grilled hoagie roll with Gwyn’s mojo mayo. Diners who want a taste of the different meats J. Render’s has to offer will love the Triple Threat Sliders – a trio of hickory smoked pulled pork, chicken, and beef brisket served with pickles and their specialty sauce.

J. Render’s also displays an impressive collection of art, some of which Gwyn picked up at Market 301. A photographer friend, David McRae, is When asked about her favorite dish on the menu, Gwyn said, “The Smoked responsible for the equine photos that line the dining Chicken Salad is my absolute favorite. Basically it’s room walls. Near the bar is a local artists’ wall that will our BBQ Quesadilla without the bread, so it’s perfect J. Render’s change periodically (Liz Foley is the current featured for those who might want a healthier or low carb opLive Music Schedule artist), and in the bathrooms are a variety of cheeky tion. Our female customers love it.” She recommends Fall 2016 greeting cards that Gwyn framed. the chicken salad and a Cosmopolitan for the perfect 9/2 - Dock Steffey Ren got his start in the food business by owning Domlunch or dinner. ino’s franchises, and Gwyn describes herself as “a bit of 9/9 - Tripping Roots Home cooked food and hospitality aside, J. Render’s a rolling stone” – she worked in the mortgage business offers customers a chance to “step it up” from the ca9/10 - Lissy Taylor (American Mortgage Service Company) for several sual atmosphere of most BBQ restaurants. For exam9/23 - Jason Hugg years, and later graduated Summa Cum Laude with a ple, while most offer counter service, J. Render’s offers degree in Electrical Engineering from the University 9/24 - Ben Lacy a full bar and table service. “I think that differentiates of Kentucky. Following that, she worked for Lexmark us from other places,” said Gwyn. She has person9/30 Dave Britt on and then earned a Master’s Degree in Education from ally tasted every wine on their list (her current favorGeorgetown College to teach high school math, but 10/1 - Trippin Roots ites are OZB Zinfandel and Apothic Red). They also ultimately ended up in the food service business along 10/16 - Joanna James offer mixed drinks and a rotating tap with local beers, with her husband. including Country Boy’s Cougar Bait and West 10/17 - Be Square When the Everlys bought their truck four years ago, Sixth’s IPA. it was primarily because they needed a kitchen to run Until opening the doors at J. Render’s Southern Table their catering business. Gwyn explained that they & Bar, Ren and Gwyn had one employee, Andrea Lathrem, and together, never intended to have a food truck, but at the time, they couldn’t find a they did all the cooking. Now Lathrem is the kitchen manager and Gwyn commercial kitchen to rent. “So then, we thought, ‘we have this really cool has taken on a more administrative role, but she still loves to cook. “We had food truck, why not take it out?’ and that’s how J. Render’s BBQ was born.” last Sunday off, so what did we do? We had about seven people over for The food truck was such a success that their catering and delivery business dinner.” Their daughter Lauren Lovely handles online reviews and social began to grow as well. “We got to the point where we were turning away more business than we could do,” she said. “So we felt like the next logical media, and their son-in-law David Lovely works as a manager, so it’s truly step was to get a commissary kitchen. And if you do that, you might as well a family business. “We have an awesome, fabulous staff and a great Gensell the food out of the front door, too. So we decided to take the leap and eral Manager, John Zielke, so we are not spending all of our days and nights open a restaurant.” The food truck will still go out almost as much as before here, which is rare in the first two months. I recognize and appreciate that,” – mainly for lunches at office parks, catering jobs, and other events around Gwyn said. town. Plus, now that they have the restaurant, they are able to accept more Overall, the Everlys are happy with the way things are going. They’ve had last-minute catering jobs. When they only had the food truck, their scheda successful opening, the restaurant is busy, and our catering business ule was often booked months in advance. remains healthy, and continues to grow. “We try to offer a full range of When it comes to food, Gwyn says, you’ll see many of the same dishes they options for our customers,” Gwyn said. “We have a food truck, a sit-down make for friends and family at their home. “We’re home cooks – we don’t dining experience, pick-up, and full service catering. And, I believe that we have any formal training, but we know good food,” she said. “Ren is the Pit are the closest restaurant and bar to Keeneland, so we’re looking forward Master. He has been smoking meat recreationally for about twenty years to a busy fall.” and he really enjoys learning the craft and experimenting with different J. Render’s Southern Table and Bar is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, from 11 smokers. And I’m all about the sides. My daughter says, ‘Mom, it’s so weird a.m.-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday. to sit down at a restaurant and eat food you’ve made.’”

Happy Hour is daily from 3-6 p.m., with $1 off all drinks and select appetizers Customer favorites include the Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip – a baked, for $6. Late night happy hour takes place from 9-11 p.m on Friday & Saturday creamy mixture of pulled chicken breast, cheddar cheese smoked in-house, nights with the same pricing, and on Wednesdays during happy hour, bottles of and buffalo sauce, served with a side of club crackers, carrots and celery. wine are half price. Enjoy live music on the patio from 8-11 p.m. on Friday and Other favorites include the “Oh No You Didn’t” Grilled Cheese – pulled Saturday nights when weather permits and inside during inclement weather. pork with a touch of sweet BBQ sauce and smoked mac n’ cheese nestled

SEPTEMBERº 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

109

Q&A REN & GWYN EVERLY Where are you from? We are both from Kentucky.

Tell us about your family. We have been married for 28 years. We have a daughter, Lauren Lovely (and son-in-law David Lovely), a grandson, Jack Lovely and son, Jared Everly.

Tell us about the overall concept at J Render’s. What inspires you when creating menus? J. Render’s is some of the best Southern BBQ you’ve ever had, but also much more. We offer Southern Fare as well as BBQ, so even if you aren’t a BBQ fan (but seriously, who isn’t?), you will find something to suit your tastes.

What is the last thing you cooked for yourself at home? Spaghetti and homemade meatballs.

What is one of your favorite foods from your childhood?

Gwyn’s is meatloaf, and Ren’s is fried chicken.

How would you describe working in your kitchen? In a word, “fun”. We are always laughing, making jokes and enjoying ourselves in the kitchen. When our employees were learning our recipes they jokingly called it “Cooking Adventures with Gwyn”. Life is too short to not have fun.

What chefs do you look up to (Lexington or others)? Myron Mixon (4-time World BBQ Champion) is one of Ren’s most admired chefs.

Something in your fridge or freezer that would surprise people? Maker’s 46 What’s your favorite weekend road trip? Heading down to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

Any tips for at-home BBQ cooks? Don’t go by time, go by temperature. You can’t rush good BBQ – it’s done when it’s done.

If someone wanted to be a chef, what three pieces of advice would you offer? Invest in a good thermometer, good knives, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

What are some of your customers’ favorite things to order?

Our signature “Oh No You Didn’t” Grilled Cheese. But our Smoked Chicken

Wings are fast becoming a customer favorite, along with our Smoked Fried Chicken and Apple Glazed Baby Back Ribs.

Favorite meat & way to prepare it? Beef Brisket, smoked low and slow.

What does “hospitality” mean to you? Making someone feel welcome, whether it is in the restaurant or in our home. We love to entertain and cook for people in our personal lives, so this also translates to our vision for J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar. When you’re here, you’ll enjoy the same food that we would serve guests in our own home.

Quote you live by? “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right”. -Henry Ford Any last words? Be fearless, you never know what you can accomplish until you try.

J. RENDER’S SMOKED BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP 20 ounces chicken breast, cooked and chopped 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup ranch dressing ¾ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce 1 ½ cups shredded smoked cheddar Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in shredded smoked cheddar cheese.

Transfer to slow cooker and serve warm.

Makes about 6 cups.

110

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

111

Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops Add pineapple on top of a succulent pork chop to give it a tropical twist. Your family will love the bold and sweet flavors that transport your kitchen table to the islands!

Prep Time: 10 minutes + 2 hour marinade time | Cook Time: 10 minutes ⅓ cup Tropicana® Trop50® orange juice

½ teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

4 (4-ounce) boneless pork chops, trimmed

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

½ teaspoon ground ginger

4 thickly sliced fresh pineapple rings

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and garlic powder to make a marinade.

2. Place the pork chops in a large re-sealable bag and add the marinade to coat.

Seal the bag and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours up to overnight. If possible, turn the bag every hour or so to evenly cover the pork chops with the marinade.

3. Transfer the pork chops to a shallow dish. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan.

4. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into 2 teaspoons of cold water to make a slurry. Place the saucepan of marinade over medium heat and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the slurry. Cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to use as a baste for the grilled pork chops and pineapple.

5. Preheat an indoor grill, grill pan, or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly coat the grill rack of the indoor grill or grill pan with cooking spray.

6. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145° F, 4 to 5 minutes per side, brushing often with the baste as you grill.

7. Add the pineapple slices to the grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on both sides.

8. Let the pork chops rest for 2 to 4 minutes before serving.

9. To serve, place one grilled pineapple slice on top of each pork chop and serve with any remaining marinade sauce.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 pork chop and 1 pineapple slice Calories 210 | Fat 9g | Carbohydrate 13g | Fiber 0g | Sugar 9g | Protein 24g | Smart Points: 4

by Brooke Griffin Skinny Mom

Griffin is originally from Corbin, Kentucky and strives to educate, motivate and inspire other moms to live their healthiest life.

114

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

116

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Savoring the End of Summer

What a sublime summer we have had in the bluegrass! With all of the sunshine and rain our garden is just flourishing, and it’s hard to believe fall is here. However, I must say this grilled melon salad with caramelized onions & cherry tomatoes topped with a raspberry mint vinaigrette has been worth the wait. It is so colorful, so refreshing, and such a fantastic combination of flavors you will be looking forward to and savoring this “thyme” (could not resist) every year.

Food Photography bourbonbelleco.com

Summer Mixed Melon Salad Vinaigrette Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 pounds seedless watermelon, sliced into triangles, rind removed

1 red onion, thinly sliced

½ cantaloupe, deseeded, cut into melon balls using a parisian scoop

8 ounces feta cheese crumbles

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped ½ cup fresh raspberries 3 tablespoons honey splash of bourbon

½ pound arugula 1 lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil

3-4 whole fresh thyme sprigs 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil 2 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar

1 pint cherry tomatoes

salt and pepper to taste Vinaigrette Directions Using a food processor or vitamix blender, add all of the ingredients except the oil and blend until smooth. Slowly add the oil in a small stream until the mixture is emulsified and evenly blended.

Salad Directions Heat a grill or a cast iron grill pan to a high heat. Once the grill is smoking hot sear the watermelon on both sides (about 2 minutes per side), set aside until ready to plate.

In a small sauce pan heat the butter or coconut oil on a medium high heat. Add the sliced red onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize to a deep golden brown. Add in the cherry tomatoes and reduce the heat to medium low and continue to caramelize until the tomatoes start to pop open and sweat. Add in the balsamic vinegar, thyme sprigs and sugar, continuing to cook and reduce until syrupy (stir occasionally). Remove the thyme sprigs from the pot before adding the tomatoes to the salad.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, add the arugula and mix with the fresh lemon juice and about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Once the cherry tomato mixture has reduced and caramelized (about 15 minutes) remove from heat and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before adding to the salad. To assemble the salad start with a bunch of the arugula mixture, topped with slices of the grilled watermelon and three to five melon balls. Top with feta cheese crumbles and cherry tomato reduction. Drizzle on the raspberry vinaigrette and garnish with additional mint leaves or chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy immediately! A salad this good should be consumed with joy and anticipation!

by Allison Davis Chic Chef

wildthymecooking.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

117

DINING

by Hayley Robb

cuisine

INDIAN

MASALA INDIAN CUISINE

Masala Indian Cuisine must be your next stop if you’re looking to add a little “spice” to your life. Some of the favorites on the menu include: Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, and Goat Curry. For all of you vegetarians out there, their irresistible meat options are not the only things on the menu; Masala offers options for everyone with its “Vegetarian Delights” section, each served with long grain Basmati rice. Masala Indian Cuisine provides a quiet and relaxing dining experience, featuring chandeliers and dishes served on a white tablecloth, all right here in the heart of Lexington.

3061 Fieldstone Way • (859) 224-0001 • eatatmasala.net

TAJ INDIA Known for its modern interpretation of classic Indian dishes and congenial hospitality, Taj India is a hidden gem located near Richmond Road. It has retained its pleasant atmosphere that existed with previous owners and takes pride in its original dishes consisting of appetizers like Paneer, a white cheese stuffed with spices and herbs and Aloo Tikka, an onion-studded mashed potato patty. They’re also known for their Samosas, which can be stuffed with vegetables or meat, as well as Biryani, another highly seasoned dish served with rice, meat or vegetables. Taj India offers more than authentic flavor: the chef and staff provide a personal level of customer service and hospitality that will inevitably make this place your go-to spot.

158 Patchen Drive Ste 68 • (859) 268-0055 • tajindialexington.com

CURRY HOUSE The aptly named Curry House is the place to go for curries and so much more. Conveniently located on Nicholasville Road, this restaurant is perfect for you and your family. They offer a special dinner buffet on Friday nights and a lunch buffet throughout the week. Of course, the curries are a favorite and no two are the same. Each has a distinct flavor, typically mild but can be spiced up to your liking, with a spice scale ranging from mild, medium, hot and Indian hot. So dine in and enjoy the buffet line or dine at home because this “spice spot” delivers as well!

2220 Nicholasville Road Ste 160 • (859) 219-0100 • curryhousenep.com

TASTE OF INDIA Taste of India gives Lexingtonians a taste of the exotic. Their menu features cuisine from several different regions in India and is made fresh upon ordering. Regulars suggest to start with the Chai Tea. The careful preparation and flavor of the tea will complement the unique scent and taste of classic dishes to follow, such as Tandoori Chicken, Butter Naan, Seekh Kabobs, mouth-watering curries and even desserts like the mango and pistachio Kulfi. This eatery beautifully combines quality food, service and value. Whether you’re rushing in for a quick meal at the buffet, stopping in for a classic meal or looking for a caterer at your next event, the Taste of India is sure to take your senses on an adventure.

2467 Nicholasville Road • (859) 260-1911

TANDOOR Surround yourself with beautifully painted red walls and gold accented decor to satisfy your Indian cravings at Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine on Mapleleaf Drive. If an all-you-can-eat buffet doesn’t lure you in, their large selection of not only Indian cuisine but Indian beverages definitely will. At the top of the list is the Mango Lassi, a thirst-quenching traditional blend of yogurt, spices and fruit. Tandoori Shrimp and Lamb Saag sautéed in spices and spinach are two dishes that you just cannot pass up. In this family friendly environment, it is impossible not to enjoy the flavors of India.

3130 Mapleleaf Dr Ste 170 • (859) 263-5771 • tandoorindianky.com

Hungry for more? Check out our Dining Guide at topsinlex.com!

118

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

T

Chocolate É clair Cake his Chocolate Éclair Cake is a classic. It has been around for a while but is a wonderful cake to take to church events, picnics, family gatherings or anywhere people get together. This is more like a pudding than a cake and you probably won’t bring any home. A great dessert anytime and one your family and friends will love.

This is better if you put it in the fridge for 24 hours before serving. You could cut the recipe in half. It keeps well for several days in the refrigerator. We love it with fresh strawberries!

Cake Ingredients:

Cake Preparation:

1 (14.4 ounce) box honey graham crackers (You can use chocolate graham crackers, too, and it will take almost the whole box of crackers) 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes French Vanilla Instant Pudding 3 cups milk 1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip Frosting Ingredients:

Place a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Mix the pudding with the milk and Cool Whip and spread half of it over the graham crackers. Place another layer of graham crackers over the pudding and the rest of the pudding over the second layer of crackers. Add one last layer of graham crackers on top.

Frosting Preparation:

1 stick butter (or 1/2 cup) 1/4 cup cocoa 7 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup nut pieces, pecans or walnuts (optional)

Bring butter, cocoa and milk to a boil in a saucepan on top of the stove. Remove and stir in sugar, vanilla extract and nuts, if desired. Spread over cake.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Judy Yeager of The Southern Lady Cooks had no idea when she started her food blog in 2008, that she would have such an amazing following... 800k and growing on Facebook! She loves to feature many traditional Southern recipes, along with family recipes and dishes created in her Kentucky Kitchen. She has two published cookbooks and a third on the way!

For more great Southern Lady recipes, visit www.TheSouthernLadyCooks.com

by Judy Yeager The Southern Lady Cooks

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

119

LIFE + STYLE

121

AUGUST 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Fall Fashion: Model Behavior

122

Outfit of the Month: Cherried Away

152

WOW Wedding:ERin & John

154

Wedding Trends: Big Fat Geek Wedding

159

Photography: Clay Cook Stylists: Kristen Oakley and Debbie Hodges Photography Assistants: Hunter Zieske and Sydney Darwin Production Assistant: Keni Parks, Natalie Rathburn Models: Maria Bohn, Tyrah Burton, Katya Estes, Nicole Upchurch Hair: Alexis Prince and Hollis Charles, Vocᝇ Makeup: Bethany Hood Special thanks to Oculus Studios for their hospitality 122

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Navy sweater; Multi-colored skirt; Bracelets and Necklace jewelry (LOFT at Lexington Green). Banden bootie in maple by Splendid (Monkee’s).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

123

Printed romper by Fashions 4 Young; Jewelry (Rose & Lime).

Yummy suede booties (Bluetique).

124

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

125

126

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Highrise denim by Fleetwood; Sleeveless turtleneck in natural by Ella Moss; Beaded tusk necklace by Betsy Pittard; Crossbody cowhide bag (Olive You).

FC-Uttara boots in tan

by French Connection (Dillard’s).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

127

Rupert top in burnt orange by Rachel Pally; Rosette fur vest by Cupcakes and Cashmere; Jewelry; Speedy handbag by Louis Vuitton (Monkee’s). Transcend denim by Paige (Evereve at Lexington Green).

128

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

129

130

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Halsey fringe top in denim by Julie Brown; Ankle denim in port by Tribal Denim; Envelope clutch in white; All jewelry (Cotton Patch).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

131

Denim dress by Before You; Wool vest in tan; Beaded tusk necklace (Queen Bee). Sunglasses (Bluetique).

132

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

133

134

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Ruthie blouse in white by Milly; Fur vest in midnight

by Amanda Uprichard; High waisted flare denim by Henry & Belle; Triple tassel necklace (Bella Rose).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

135

136

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

L: Fernanda blouse by Diane von Furstenberg; SoCal trench vest in beige by Veronica Beard; Small flight satchel in warm grey by rag & bone; Chantal low rise skinny Angelina jeans by L’Agence (Você). Moonstone earrings; Black rhodium bead stack rings; Black rhodium stack bangles (Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelry).

R: Tie neck tank in yellow by Willow and Clay; Transcend denim by Paige; Nicholson faux suede jacket in mocha by BB Dakota; Addington Chelsea boot in pebble by Sorel (Evereve at Lexington Green). Tortoise frames by Tom Ford (Monkee’s). Multi colorlink pearl necklace, shown on wrist (Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelry).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

137

Cashmere cape in erdeven sable by Weill; Sleeveless sweater in ivory by Belford; Pant in stone by Equestrian; Noah clutch by Babash; Brown earrings by Angela Caputti (Carl Meyers).

138

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

140

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Embellished tunic in black

by Vintage Collections; Leggings in mustard by Blue Fame; Beaded necklace ( Jerome).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

141

L: Triangle poncho with fringe; Platinum jegging and jewelry (Chico’s at Lexington Green).

142

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

R: Woven crochet top in ivory by Chelsea & Violet; Kiss Me Super Skinny denim in chocolate truffle by Jessica Simpson (Dillard’s). Black Rhodium fancy pink sapphire earrings (Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelry).

Leather foldover clutch (Bluetique).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

143

L: Red dress by Lilla B; Sunglasses; Tusk necklace and Gold cuff (Worlds Apart).

R: Casual dress in marigold; Jacket in olive green by Freebird; Gold earrings (Bluetique).

Snake-skin leather clutch by Hobo; Tortoise shell frames by Tory Burch (Monkee’s). Black rhodium pavé green Quartz ring (Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelry).

144

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Anisha knit shirt in Indian Summer

by Cremieiux (Dillards). Sweater and Fur infinity scarf by 2Chic; Alexa denim in dark gold feather

by Mavi; Necklace (Sash & Bow).

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

147

L: Alexa jeans in dark gold feather (Sash & Bow). Wool coat in mustard by Talbots (Sassy Fox).

R: Sweater in gray; Beaded medallion necklace and gold cuff (House). Lila Super Skinny jeans in Royal by Henry & Belle; Blouse in ivory by Tracy Reese (Bella Rose).

Batu bamboo cushion turquoise and Labradorite rings (Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelry).

148

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

149

150

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

151

1

3

4 2

5

OUTFIT

OF THE MONTH

Cherried Away

This month’s outfit is sweet and fresh... and cherry filled! One of our favorite summertime treats—and prints—is the cherry, which is why we couldn’t resist this cute little frock by REDValentino. Decorated with juicy cherries, this patterned dress is absolutely delicious. It promises to shine from day to after dark with metallic elements throughout the sweet design. The bodice is fitted to the waist and finished in a gathered skirt for a chic girly look. Mixing contrasting style elements can make for one amazing ensemble, so we took our footwear on the edgy route. The Christian Louboutin “Tropanita” sandal offers an unexpected twist to our luscious look. With a cactus inspired vamp heel and an understated mix of black and malachite patent with bold gold spikes, these cherry soled kicks are

by Jesse L. Brooks sure to reinvigorate any outfit. To further accessorize, we added an injection of effortless elegance via a quilted YSL purse. Topped off with the brand’s signature monogrammed logo, this bag has a pebbled finish and an optional chain detail shoulder strap that lifts it straight to the top of our style hot list. Keeping with the Saint Laurent brand are a pair of black acetate sunglasses. Shaped with a flat top and a D-shaped frame, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat in style. As always, we rounded things out with a must-have beauty item. To Tom Ford, every detail counts. His extra amplified, gloss and shine nail lacquer lets you express your mood and complete your look with high coverage and eye-catching charm. As summer winds down, there is no better way to get “Cherried Away” than with our perfectly styled, must have outfit.

1. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Smoke Red | 2. Christian Louboutin “Tropanita” Spiked Red Sole Sandal | 3. REDValentino Metallic Jacquard Dress 4. Saint Laurent Flat-top Acetate Sunglasses | 5. Saint Laurent Monogram Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag in Emerald Green

152

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

153

rin and John Ennis hail from two different parts of the world but were brought together by a mutual love for Lexington. John is originally from Longwood County, Meath in Ireland. He’s trained horses from England to Dubai, but ultimately chose to make his home in The Horse Capital of the World. Erin is originally from Springfield, Kentucky, but moved to Lexington nine years ago for college. She and John met during the winter of 2014, while downtown with friends. John asked her to attend “The Million Dollar Quartet” with him at the Opera House and after that first date, the two were inseparable.

Their Jack Russell Terrier, Ella, was right there to celebrate when Erin said, “YES!”

The following winter, Erin joined John for Christmas with his family in Ireland. The trip only confirmed what the two already suspected: they had found “their person”. Two months later, on Valentine’s Day, Erin returned home from a training session for the Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon to find John down on one knee.

The planning process for the wedding was thought out in detail, as Erin works as an Event Coordinator at Bayou Bluegrass Catering and has seen many, many events, and had several ideas of what she wanted their wedding to look like. According to the bride, planning the menu was probably the most difficult thing to decide on,

Erin and John were married on April 23, 2016 at St. Paul Catholic Church on Short Street. The two chose this venue because they attend the church and love its historic beauty. Following the ceremony, family and friends from the United States and Ireland celebrated with the newlyweds at The Round Barn at the Red Mile Racetrack. Erin and John were delighted to have so many friends and family under one roof and made sure there was outstanding food and entertainment for their guests.

Written by Cynthia Ellingsen Rebecca Coyle Photography

154

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

because she knew all-toowell the many options available. Ultimately, the couple decided on a Kentucky-centric theme to reflect the heritage of the Bluegrass State for out-of-town guests. This included an eclectic array for dessert, including a small wedding cake, cupcakes, and the bride’s favorite dessert from Bayou Bluegrass – New Orleans Bread Pudding with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce.

The décor was another detail the bride carefully planned out. She wanted something completely unique, and worked with Crist Creona Designs to achieve a modern, elegant feel with a color palette of champagne, navy, and salmon. The end result was stunning and the newlyweds celebrated their union in a beautiful, historic setting, surrounded by family and friends from across the world.

When asked what advice the couple would offer to those planning a wedding, they said, “If you take dance lessons, make sure you wear something to the lessons that is similar to your wedding dress; we had to cut our practiced dance the dayof because Erin’s beautiful dress was not made for it,” said John.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

155

156

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Details Wedding Planner: Planned to Perfection of the Bluegrass Florist: Crist Creona Designs Ceremony Location: St. Paul Catholic Church Reception: Round Barn Stable of Memories Catering: Bayou Bluegrass Catering Cake: Tinkers Cake Shop Rentals: Goff Tents Band: Encore Lexington Ceremony Musicians: Electria String Trio Photographer: Rebecca Coyle Photography Second Shooter: Shawn Myers Makeup & Hair: Pink Lou Lou Wedding Gown: Tara Keely from Twirl Boutique Bridesmaids Dresses: LuLa Kate from Twirl Boutique Suits: JoS. A Bank Videographer: Equilateral Productions Transportation: Gold Shield

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

157

158

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Wedding TRENDS

S

o your groom is a Comic-Con regular? He hides comics inside War and Peace? There are many ways to put eyes on the guys and let them enjoy a light-hearted twist on the wedding. Here are ideas to complement your superhero boutonnieres for more wedding day geek chic. If you both share a love of fantasy, turn up the nerd a notch and add more superpower to your wedding planning.

A word of caution – don’t overdo it, especially if you are having a big wedding. Years from now, you don’t want to look back at your photos laced with capes and masks and say, “What were we thinking?” The secret? Balance. (It all comes back to Yoda, of course.) A few discreet touches and your guests will say “Cool” in a big way. Here are a few secret weapons, compliments will come back to you like Batman’s Batarangs.

The Superhero Within Lurking beneath all of us is something more powerful and secretive than others see on the surface; that’s what makes life interesting. What better way to symbolize this than having the groomsmen sport hidden hero t-shirts under their wedding day apparel? The big reveal can come on the dance floor after the first dance, and lead to a dance with any damsel in distress (or in this case, damsel in this dress). This idea makes the cutest wedding photos ever, and the guys can have lots of fun with it.

Sock It To Me Another super photo op will present itself when the guys lift their trouser legs to show they are

Your Groom Can Have His Big Fat Geek Wedding

sporting superhero socks. This is a fun, understated surprise that will keep your guests checking out which villain or hero is lurking among them.

And the look is hotter than Iron Man’s suit.

Tie it Together Like The Lasso of Truth, superhero and villain cuff links tie the whole theme together. They are readily available in a wide range of prices and are a no brainer for the comic crowd. The combination of these fantasy cuff links, along with the super socks, will double as your groomsmen’s gifts, and that will help the budget. I guarantee they will wear them again and again, and think of you.

Two-Face Wedding Cake How fun to have a traditional wedding cake with a surprise on the other side as a salute to groom geekdom? Just like Superman opening his shirt onto his alter ego, your cake can reveal its inner hero. On the budget front, the groom’s backside (so to speak) of the cake can double as the groom’s cake, especially when that portion is done in a different flavor. This can save the cost of an additional groom’s cake and be another fun, whimsical surprise for your guests. Your wedding day should be about what you both love, and he will love you even more for having his interests at heart.

by Marsha Koller Wedding Consultant

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

159

FAMILY

230

MAY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Family Cares Spotlight: I Am 3rd

162

Super Mom: Kim Nicol

165

In The Buf: Expections

168

Parties: The Ultimate Tailgating Experience

171

Pets: Furry Children Get Arthritis, Too

172

Kids Room Tour: A Play Escape

174

White, Greer & Maggard

Fea

t u ri n g A l e x D ix o

n

I am 3rd is a Lexington sports league and recreation ministry at Centenary United Methodist Church. I am 3rd seeks to foster athletic and spiritual development for all involved and is based on the simple belief that:

Christ is First, Others are Second, and I am 3rd.

As the seasons change, kids are trading in their flip-flops for cleats ready to trample the fresh fallen leaves of autumn. With summer drawing near to an end, you can almost smell the crisp fall air and hear the crowds cheering for your favorite sports team. In fact, this season quickly brings another year for a very special sports league right here in Lexington.

Centenary United Methodist Church has hosted their recreation ministry sports league, I Am 3rd, since 1997. It is focused on planting “S.E.E.D.S” as they are committed to Serving, doing things with Excellence, Engaging, Deepening relationships and Studying scripture. Teaching families and children the importance of this belief has shaped I Am 3rd into what it is today. Their mission has been a part of the organization from the beginning and is now carried to Lexington and surrounding counties through basketball, equine, tennis, soccer and a variety of other sports, camps and recreation activities.

The organization began almost 20 years ago and has more than doubled in size over the past seven years. I am 3rd currently has over 4,000 participants annually. This season, however, they will have more than 1,400 kids and well over 120 teams participating in their fall soccer league alone.

I Am 3rd’s growth is due in part because families have bought into its mission, vision and values. But also by living out those values and creating a sense of community for new families as well. Youth soccer coach and United Methodist member, Alex Dixon, can attest to the positive impact this organization has on the community. His firsthand experience with the soccer team has forever changed his life.

162

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Alex and his family moved from Shelbyville to Lexington in 2013. He was offered a lucrative job opportunity and could not pass on the offer. However, a week before he had planned to move, his mother unexpectedly passed away. After eight months of mending a broken situation, Alex was released from his new job position. As you can imagine, the series of unfortunate events left him in an undesirable state.

This was the point, however, when his life began to turn around.

Just days after losing his job, Alex attended a parents’ meeting for I Am 3rd soccer at the Centenary United Methodist Church. “Honestly, with the madness that was my life at the time, I completely forgot that we had signed our daughter up for soccer, or that I had volunteered to be an assistant coach.”

After three years and five seasons of youth soccer, Alex is in a place he never thought he would be. He proudly said, “My wife and I are now members of Centenary United Methodist Church, after spending much of my adult life identifying as agnostic. I work for the University of Kentucky as a data analyst despite being raised a Louisville fan. And I am a National E licensed soccer coach entering my sixth season coaching for I Am 3rd. I can say without a doubt, coaching youth soccer is my passion. Teaching kids about life through soccer is what I was meant to do.”

Through their sports teams and outreach programs many others, like Alex, have been positively impacted by I Am 3rd. Aside from the actual sporting events, the organization is involved in a league wide service day. “Others are 2nd Day”, takes place on the second game day Saturday of the soccer and basketball seasons. On this day the players, coaches and families all participate in providing wish list items and raise money for specific charities and organizations in need. Some of the charities include The Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Academy of Leadership at Millcreek Elementary, 4Kids at Cassidy Elementary and Morton Middle schools. Along with the charities, there are numerous mission groups and organizations around the world that I Am 3rd has contributed to.

I Am 3rd is also committed to providing scholarships for any child and or family in need. Due to over a decade long partnership with White, Greer and Maggard Orthodontics, I Am 3rd has been able to provide hundreds of scholarships to families, aid in providing the necessary equipment and facility improvements, as well as keep league fees low. I Am 3rd has created so many great memories is people’s lives, now it’s time to make your memory.

Follow Us! www.wgmortho.com | www.centenarylex.com/recreation

@wgmortho @iam3rdlex

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

163

SUPER MOM

Kim Nicol children, Lilly & Price

The positive growth that I see in Lilly and Price is my daily reward for being a mom. They went from being tiny preemies in the NICU 6 short years ago to these strong, loving, bright young children. They go to bed early and wake up even earlier, shuffling downstairs together so they can find me and give me my big morning hug. My son whispered in my ear not too many mornings ago, “Did you have happy dreams, mommy?” I couldn’t help but tell him, “Of course I did, Pricey.” These small moments are what it is all about, I think. And these small moments are worth the endless challenges.

I get outside with the twins as much as I can! In the spring, we love to camp and hike and in the summer we are always searching for swimming holes and pools—just about anything involving water. Last winter, we took the twins out west and introduced them to snow skiing. It is now our absolute favorite way to spend time together as a family. As a native of Las Vegas and lover of the desert, I never thought I would ever be excited about snow and winter. Now I can hardly wait to get the twins back on the mountain!

Written by Kim Nicol | Photos courtesy of Karen Powell

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

165

166

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

I’m inspired daily by the twins’ endless curiosity. I love to listen to their questions about the world and then watch the look in their eyes as they ponder my explanations. I love their smiles when I introduce them to something they’ve never seen before, from starfruit, to rock skipping, to a bumpy bike trail through the forest. These moments keep me searching for new places to visit and activities to try. These moments also keep me motivated to stay efficient with my work schedule so that I can devote as much time to the kiddos as possible.

I think all moms will agree that the biggest struggle in our day-to-day lives is managing the many roles that we have. And not just managing them, but doing each of them as well as we possibly can. I strive to be a successful small business owner, a loving mom, a supportive wife, a fair boss, and a caring and meticulous dentist. On top of it all, I want to stay healthy, rested and full of energy. It’s hard to do everything and to do it well—many days, it is simply impossible. I think all of us worry that some facet of our lives is not getting the attention it deserves. But I find that as I get older, I take it a little easier on myself. I accept my shortcomings and know that I can only do so much.

Staying organized and accepting help from others are the keys to managing my schedule. I make lists, I keep a simple and tidy house and I say thank you a lot. I also say no a lot. It took me a long time to learn to limit my daily responsibilities and to make fewer plans. When I made this change it was amazing how much free time I found for my family. Now, our meals are about sitting together and talking—not about chopping and dishes. Our weekends are about sharing new experiences with each other, and not about laundry, errands or racing to countless activities. In the last year we have hiked the desert in Moab and skied in Aspen. We’ve taken the twins backpacking in the Gorge and we’ve slept under the stars. We’ve spent long weekends away with cousins and friends that we haven’t seen in years and we’ve had more time with each other than I ever thought possible. The decision to cut out the busy-ness of our daily lives was the best decision I ever made, and I can’t help but smile thinking of the years ahead and what’s to come.

Staying organized and accepting help from others are the keys to managing my schedule. I make lists, I keep a simple and tidy house and I say thank you a lot.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

167

Expectations F

ew things are more exciting than the moment you decide to book your vacation. Your mind begins wandering and your imagination takes over and the research begins. You typically begin by studying every extraordinary photo that has ever been taken of that destination. You investigate the perfect place to stay, means of transportation, restaurants, golfing, fishing, deep sea diving and more! You research to the degree that many aspects of your trip have already been taken in your own mind by the time you have booked your flight. This will be the perfect vacation.

And yes, it is possible for your time to be just as incredible as the images on the computer screen and movie in your mind. But in my experience, when I really look forward to something and try to micromanage the situation, it never quite turns out as planned…

All packed up with luggage matching my shoes, I will arrive at the airport the two hours early as requested, fresh and perky! I’ll walk up to the counter with a happy grin greeted by a very grumpy, overworked employee who seems absolutely thrilled to inform me that my flight has been delayed due to who knows why, for who knows how long.

Then, on the plane after a six-hour flight, I am told that we would have to remain on the plane due to who knows why, for who knows how long.

Of course I would be sitting in the middle seat—with two large burly men on either side of me.

Finally, the torturous flight is over and I will do as planned, head to the rental car agent, who has apparently oversold all of the automobiles.

“Sorry ma’am. We can have a car for you next Tuesday. Will that work

for you?” So I then almost find myself in a shouting match with a sweet little old lady who is trying to flag down the cab that I finally fetched after waiting for well over an hour.

No longer looking fresh and perky, I finally arrive at my luxury spa hotel; prepared to be greeted with a refreshing mimosa, like that happy lady in the pictures! Uh. No mimosas available. They ran out of them due to spring break vacationers from the week before. And the elevators appear to be under construction. “So sorry ma’am.” After hiking thirteen floors to my OCEAN VIEW room, I walk out to the balcony just to learn that when they said, OCEAN VIEW, they really meant, “if you grab ahold of the balcony railing and stand on your tippy-toes, hold your neck out extending it to the far left you WILL see a tiny sliver of the ocean.”

So, you get my drift. We are planners with exceedingly high expectations. But the best adventures you may ever have often happen because you decided to hop in the car and drive. Quaint diners, antique shops, little towns, bed and breakfasts… lakes, creeks, ponds, YES even oceans! But you have to trust yourself to be open enough to find your way to the next neat spot. Throw caution to the wind, grab your best girlfriend and show Thelma and Louise a thing or two about a real adventure. Because who knows? Brad Pitt just might end up in the back seat of your car!

The one thing better than an ocean view…

by Buffy Lawson Relationship Veteran Images © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

168

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

169

s e i t r a P

:

The Ultimate Tailgating Guide

I

t’s now the most fun season of them all – Football Season! Get ready to bring your A-game for the next football game. This ultimate tailgating guide will take your tailgating party from good to extraordinary!

Remember Your Tent: The first thing to set up for a great tailgating party is a pop-up tent.

Not only do tents provide shade or protection from rainy weather, but they also define the space. Setting up a tent will help to create an outdoor “room” where all your guests can gather.

1

Include Plenty of Seating: Tailgate parties are usually an all-day affair, and can even continue after the game is over. Seating is a must-have for party guests. Chairs, coolers and actual tailgates can serve as seating for guests. If you’re bringing a television to your tailgating party, position the television so guests can sit and watch some of the many college football games televised on a fall Saturday.

2

Plan for a crowd: When planning the food and seating, you’ll want to plan for more guests than you think. A good rule of thumb to follow is about 25% more people will show up for the party than RSVP’d.

3

Start with Great Tablescaping: Although the food and drinks might be the most important aspect of a tailgate, don’t neglect the table top on which you are going to display your food. Table cloths can transform an ordinary folding table into a beautiful display. Start with a floor length solid color table cloth, then top it with a striped or patterned runner or smaller table cloth for even more interest. Also, when you place the food on the table, think about how you can vary the heights of your dishes for a more interesting look.

4

Eye Catching Accessories: Even though it’s an outdoor party, tailgates will look amazing with a few extra touches. Think about rustic or organic accessories you can bring to decorate your table. In addition to flowers, think about how you can use baskets, wood trays or even football items, like vintage footballs or team pennants, in your table décor. These little extra touches will make you party even more inviting.

5

Incorporate Team Colors: You will definitely want to include team colors into your party décor. But, you can also use team colors when planning what food to serve. For example, a few Kentucky Blue foods might include Blue Velvet Cupcakes, Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, Football Decorated Sugar Cookies and Blue Margaritas.

6

Seasonally Appropriate Foods: Take a cue from seasonal fruits and vegetables when planning your menu. For fall, incorporate apple and pumpkin flavors into the menu. The weather can also help guide your choices. If the weather is still warm, choose foods that will help cool you off, like fresh fruit and pasta salads. For colder weather, chili and other hot foods can warm up guests on a cool day.

7

by Deanna Talwalkar Party Planner Extraordinaire Photo & Styling by Mirabelle Creations

Portable Food: The best foods for guests to eat at a tailgate are those that can be eaten while standing. Mini sandwiches and biscuits, skewers and sides served in clear plastic cups will make it much easier for guests to eat and socialize during your party.

8

Activities for the Kids: A few simple activities will help keep any pint-sized guests occupied during a long day. Items like footballs, Frisbees and tennis balls are always irresistible. Corn hole can be played in areas where space is limited. Another great activity is to take a quick tailgating break and walk the kids over to view the Cat Walk when the players head into the stadium.

9

10 Snacks for after the game: If you

have ever sat through post-game traffic gridlock, you know that getting home after the big game may take a little time. Pack a few snacks in your car for after the game, especially if you don’t plan to snack during the game. Waiting won’t seem so bad if you have a full stomach!

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

171

V

Furry Children Get Arthritis, Too

ery soon Mother Nature will begin her transformation from the long, hot days of summer to the cold, dark nights of winter. Seasonal changes such as colder temperatures and increased barometric pressure can affect our bodies. Colder temperatures cause muscles and joints to tighten and become stiff. The increased pressure can be felt on joints, especially our weight-bearing ones. All of these symptoms may be signs of arthritis. Like humans, dogs and cats may also experience an increase in arthritic symptoms during the cooler months. For example, you may notice your dog taking a little longer to rise and get moving in the morning. You may catch them staring at a set of stairs before carefully climbing.

For cats, humans may think that their cat is jumping less because they are getting older, when in fact, they may be experiencing discomfort from arthritic changes. Additional signs that your cat may be experiencing joint pain include excessive grooming of their joints, sunbathing for the warming effect on the joints, and difficulty getting into their litter box. At times, a decreased appetite may also be a problem for arthritic pets.

However, like Mother Nature, who gradually transforms the earth into a dynamic display of color and beauty before she slips into her annual hibernation, you too, can gradually improve your pet’s arthritic symptoms by systematically making small lifestyle changes for your pet. The key to arthritis is long-term management. Adding appropriate medications and supplements, staying active, and maintaining a healthy body weight can improve joint and muscle discomfort. Consistent, low-impact activity such as walks two to three times a day is a good way to maintain muscle strength, control weight, and loosen joints. It should be noted that multiple, short walks are better for health rather than one, long walk. Instead

172

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

of going for one 30-45 minute walk, take your dog for three, 15-minute walks periodically throughout the day. Your dog will love you for it; and the process will provide greater health benefits for both you and your pet.

A visit with your primary veterinarian can help with management of joint health and pain control. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory and safe, pain-relieving medications, along with recommending simple additives and supplements, such as glucosamine/chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids to your pets diet. If these simple life-style changes do not significantly reduce your pet’s arthritis symptoms additional treatment options are available.

More advanced, cost-effective, pain-free treatment modalities are now available that provide even greater control of inflammation and pain for veterinary arthritis sufferers. These additional modalities include cold laser therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, formal rehabilitation, and even acupuncture. These treatment options can reduce soft-tissue and joint inflammation, discomfort from pain, as well as, promote healing. They can be used individually or in a combination.

The number of recommended treatment sessions will depend upon the severity of your pet’s arthritis and their response to treatment. If you are interested in pursuing some of these more advanced treatments, talk to your primary veterinarian about obtaining a referral to an integrative medicine veterinarian. As you can see, the secrets to arthritis are easier than you think.

Antu Radhakrishnan DVM, DACVIM-SAIM

photographed by: shaun ring 176

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

kids room tour a play escape This fun Georgetown home was designed with family time in mind!

The basement boasts a family TV area fit for all ages with bold patterns and a whimsical color palette of blues, reds, yellows and greens. This is offset by a very grown-up stone fireplace and classic shelving with plenty of storage, a perfect spot for adults to relax while the kids are at play.

A Cedar Works indoor play set keeps the kids busy in all seasons and all weather. Interlocking foam flooring keeps the little ones safe while they swing, slide and climb. An art table lets the kids’ imaginations run wild with sweeping views of the outdoors. Built-in nooks house play furniture and toys, giving the children lots of room for hide and seek.

The light maple details mirror the kids’ bedrooms upstairs. The shared learning library features a wise owl wall decal and cozy seating for story time. Three boards shaped like little houses offer a roll of butcher paper, a chalkboard and a corkboard, perfect for playing school.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

175

This fun space was designed to delight kids of all ages.

176

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Kids ‘R’ Kids

Learning Academy of Beaumont Maximize your child’s mental capacity through an exclusive curriculum focused on brain development.

Did you know 80% of brain development occurs during the first five years of life? Rich learning experiences during these early years provide the stimulation the brain needs to grow and form the neural pathways for language, cognitive, social/emotional, and physical development. Your child’s learning environment has an impact on brain development which will last for a lifetime.

At Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Beaumont, they strategically implement their exclusive Brain WavesTM Curriculum with their accredited program, innovative classroom technology, and highly trained teachers to propel your child’s educational foundation and success. Good nutrition, adequate amounts of sleep, and secure and loving relationships are all ways that they support the development of your child’s brain and maximize their mental capacity. Nature has provided the genetic framework for your child’s neural activity. Let Kids R Kids of Beaumont help you nurture the wiring.

They are now registering for Fall enrollment for Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K and After School.

Provide your child with the best foundation by enrolling them today.

Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Beaumont 3271 Beaumont Centre Circle | Lexington 859.224.3210 | kidsrkidsky.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

177

EQUINE

Horse Park Happenings: September 2016

180

Filly of the Month: Katie Taylor

183

Colt of the Month: Marc Guilfoil

186

Horse Park Happenings: September 2016 September has arrived! With the kiddos back in school, you might be searching for some great weekend fun. The Kentucky Horse Park has it in spades with great competitions, charitable events and interesting educational opportunities that are anything but boring.

Don’t forget that the Horse Park has two great exhibits ongoing: Trainers’ Treasures: Gifts From Saddlebred Professionals and Equine Treasures of the Bluegrass, both of which are included with your Kentucky Horse Park admission. Hurry–these two exhibits will be gone before the end of the year!

BLUEGRASS CLASSIC DOG SHOW The Horse Park has gone to the dogs! September 1st - 5th, this great show features more than 150 breeds. Sponsored by the Lexington Kennel Club, Inc., this event also includes junior showmanship classes, the AKC Owner-Handler Series, Canine Good Citizen Test and a Meet the Breeds event. Featured this year is a Dock Diving event, as well! For more information on the Bluegrass Classic Dog Show, go to BGClassic.org.

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK RUN/WALK CLUB Now that the weather has finally cooled off, enjoy your final few chances to get out with the KHP Run/Walk Club! Each Monday in September (the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th), enjoy a walk around the Kentucky Horse Park from 5pm-8pm. This free stroll is at your own pace and kids, jogger/strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Start at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Center to enjoy local craft beers, food trucks, information tables and meet-and-greets. As a bonus, all first time participants receive a complimentary general admission pass to come back and visit the Horse Park! For more information, visit KYhorsepark.com or contact Annie Hickey at 859.259.4267.

NEW VOCATIONS CHARITY THOROUGHBRED SHOW Support second careers for horses while having a great time! This show plays an important role in New Vocations’ mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome over 400 retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbred horses each year. Head to the Hunter Jumper Complex September 9th - 11th to enjoy this great show. Visit HorseAdoption. com to learn more about New Vocations and this show.

HORSES AND HOPE TRAIL RIDE Horses and Hope, a part of the Kentucky Cancer Program, works with Kentucky’s equine industry to increase breast cancer aware-

180

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

MORE EVENTS AT THE HORSE PARK: Park Equine Hospital Kentucky Classique Horse Trials September 2nd – September 4th Hunter Jumper Complex KYevents.net RMHA International Championship Show September 8th – September 10th Covered Arena RMhorse.com MSEDA Dressage at the Park September 9th – September 11th Dressage Complex MSEDA.org KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship September 15th – September 17th Covered Arena KHSHA.com Kentucky National Hunter Jumper Show September 21st – September 25th Hunter Jumper Complex TheKentuckyNational.com Jump Start Horse Trials September 30th – October 2nd Hunter Jumper Complex KeenelandPonyClub.org Dyslexia Dash Fun Run/5K October 2nd Kentucky Horse Park IDAKentucky.org UPHA Chapter 9 Kentucky Fall Classic October 5th – October 8th Alltech Arena KentuckyFallClassic.com Kentucky Classic Combined Driving Event October 6th – October 9th Carriage Driving Course KentuckyClassicCDE.com

ness, education, screening and treatment among Kentucky’s horse industry. The Horses and Hope Trail Ride benefits this important cause. Riders can choose either a Guided Tour of the Horse Park that departs at 10am or an On Your Own Tour between 10am and 1pm. On-site registration is $75 (or $25 for lunch only). Prizes will be awarded for the most “pinked out” riders and horses! Don’t miss this incredible event on Sunday, September 18th. Registration begins at 9am. Visit HorsesandHope.org to learn more.

KHP FOUNDATION BATTLE IN THE SADDLE This celebrity team penning event is one that can’t be missed! Battle in the Saddle pairs amateur team penning riders with celebrity guest riders. The teams compete to wrangle up a group of cattle.

This year’s celbrity guest list tentatively includes Officer Don, jockey Chris McCarron, painter Andre Pater, local news personalities and stars of the equine industry. The competition begins Friday,

More

September 30th at 7:30pm and is followed by a “Dancing in the Dirt” after party. General admission tickets are just $10 (kids 12 and under get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket.) Head over early for a vendor fair. To learn more about VIP tickets or this great event, visit KHPfoundation.org.

SAVE THE DATE: THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but what about an old horse? The Retired Racehorse Project is dedicated to building further careers for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. This Thoroughbred Makeover event shows off the horses’ “new tricks”. Over 350 Thoroughbreds are training for this event, each with the option to compete in up to two of ten different disciplines. Head out to the Covered Arena October 27th - 30th to see them in action. Visit RetiredRacehorseProject.org to learn more about this great organization. •

LOVE EQUINE EVENTS? There are more to discover! Visit www.kyhorsepark.com for a complete listing of all the Horse Park Happenings, and be sure to visit www.TOPSinLex.com/calendar for more great events around town and Central Kentucky!

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

181

182

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Filly of the Month:

Katie Taylor “There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise.”

– W. E. B. Dubois

Katie Taylor grew up in the blue collar-meets-blue blood family behind one of the Thoroughbred industry’s biggest powerhouse players, Taylor Made Farm. In many ways her grandfather, Joe Taylor, was the catalyst for the farm.

Joe’s reputation as both a legendary horseman and astute business man was respected throughout the industry and saw him managing Gainesway Farm, one of the most prominent Thoroughbred farms in Central Kentucky. Joe’s four sons grew up on Gainesway and soon developed their father’s insatiable work ethic, working on the farm in various capacities and off of the farm baling hay, raising cattle and growing tobacco.

Founded in 1976 by then-19-year-old Duncan Taylor (Katie’s uncle), Taylor Made’s original purpose was to care for mares being shipped to Kentucky to be bred to the industry’s top stallions and, in some cases, sell their offspring on behalf of their owners at the Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton sales. Today, the farm is run by the four Taylor brothers: Duncan (President and CEO), Ben (Vice President, Stallions), Frank (Vice President, Boarding Operations) and Mark (Vice President, Marketing and Public Sales), and childhood friend of the brothers, Pat Payne (Vice President, Sales).

The farm, located just outside of Lexington in Nicholasville, Kentucky, spans more than 1,400 acres and is the runaway leader in public Thoroughbred sales both nationally and globally, with more than $1.5 billion-worth of horses sold since the farm’s inception.

But the Taylors and Payne are far from a herd of one-trick ponies. The farm also boards and cares for 500 horses, mostly on behalf of clients, and that includes a 4-horse stallion roster that, by next year, will gain 2 new members in multiple G1 winner Mshawish and in California Chrome, Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup winner and North America’s Richest Racehorse in history. “[Champion stallion] Unbridled’s Song was our entry into the stallion business. It’s amazing what a good horse can do for your business, and he was as good as good gets,” said Katie of the farm’s equine patriarch of sorts, who passed away in 2013.

ROOTED IN HARD WORK Much like her grandfather, her father (Frank) and her uncles, Katie grew up learning the value of hard work.

Profile by Jen Roytz | Photos by Keni Parks

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

183

“In our family, in order to be considered to come back and make a career at the farm, you have to go off to school or spend two years working off of the farm in the industry,” explained Katie. “I took that to heart. I worked for a miniature horse trainer starting at age 13, and got to travel with them all over the country. Then, I came back to work at Taylor Made throughout high school, working primarily with the yearlings.”

Katie went on to attend college at then-Midway College (now Midway University), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Equine Business.

“I worked in Florida breaking babies, at Rood and Riddle as a veterinary technician and was the farm manager at Farfellow Farm in Paris, Kentucky when they raised Sum of the Parts (two-time winner of Keeneland’s Phoenix Stakes) before coming back to Taylor Made full time in 2012 and becoming part owner of the company in 2015,” said Katie.

Katie, along with three of her family members, Brooks Taylor, Joe Taylor, and Marshall Taylor and Payne’s two sons, Alex and Logan Payne, is part of the next generation rising into management roles at Taylor Made Farm. She is also the lone female in the group.

“I grew up working in the barns here at the farm and as far as working in the family business full time, I’m really the first of the girls to want to do that,” said Katie.

Katie’s current role at the farm is Director of Systems Development but she also assists with investor relations by managing the farm’s Bloodstock Investments packages.

184

“Our business has grown so organically over the years, and while we know we have a magic formula, we work hard to define and document what that formula actually is,” said Katie. “My main role is business development. Our goal is to give clients the ultimate Thoroughbred experience.”

THE CHROME FACTOR Taylor Made created a stir last year when it was announced that they bought in to California Chrome, who became the country’s richest racehorse in history after his victory in the $10,000,000 Dubai World Cup, and that he would take up stallion duties at the farm upon his retirement.

“Being involved with Chrome has been the ride of a lifetime. He’s taken us to Dubai and all over.

He’s like a throwback horse, like Seabiscuit or Secretariat, the way he draws people into horseracing and creates fans wherever he goes. There’s an aura of respect and admiration surrounding him.

Every country, every creed–he’s like a uniting factor. It’s amazing,” she said.

Katie said the current plan for California Chrome is to compete in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita and in the inaugural Pegasus World Cup, a new race created by horse racing magnate Frank Stronach. The race, which is slated for January 28, 2017 at Stronach-owned Gulfstream Park, will carry with it a $12 million purse, adding to Chrome’s already record breaking earnings.

“Historically we have looked for broodmare prospects on the track or mares carrying their first foals. We get them, get them foaled out if they’re carrying a foal, and get them back into foal to young, upand-coming stallions. This year, we branched out to buy some yearlings and weanlings privately,” Katie explained.

It’s funny,” says Katie. “Unbridled’s Song and California Chrome have each ushered in an era at Taylor Made. If you could put a logo on something, we had it for Unbridled’s song. He ushered in the era Taylor Made Stallions and was the launching pad for much of the marketing and branding we and other farms now do for stallions.

California Chrome is a whole new era because we’re getting into tourism and hospitality – he is the perfect ambassador for the sport and a popular tourist attraction.”

This year the program is off to a good start, selling one of the newly acquired yearlings for $400,000 at the recent Fasig-Tipton Select Yearling Sale in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The next generation of leadership of Taylor Made Farm is well on their way to not only picking up wherever their predecessors choose to leave off, but taking the ball and running with it.

Katie is a key part of making sure Taylor Made runs as a well-oiled machine as it continues to grow. Other roles Katie handles at Taylor Made include client relations, customer service and documentation and analysis of the farm’s organizational operations and systems.

“My generation divides and conquers,” said Katie. “We each have our niches and our specialties. Some of us are starting to take on bigger roles and we’re starting to see the previous generation pick and choose what they like about their jobs and start focusing on those things. It is an exciting time to be in the position we’re in.”•

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

185

Colt of the Month:

Marc Guilfoil

Born and raised in the Bluegrass State, Marc Guilfoil has taken the

reins at the helm of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Growing up in Glasgow, Kentucky as the son of a veterinarian, it’s of little surprise that Marc Guilfoil knows his way around a horse.

“My dad was a large and small animal vet. Where we grew up, there were a lot of Quarter Horses and Walking horses, and some of his clients had Standardbreds,” said Guilfoil.

A horseman through and through, Guilfoil is Kentucky bred and raised, just like so many of the horses he presides over as Kentucky’s Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) Executive Director.

Guilfoil’s life with horses is deep and varied. Perfectly at ease from a young age in a Western saddle, Guilfoil graduated from riding his family’s Quarter Horses – and from high school – to make the move to Lexington and attend the University of Kentucky. In Lexington he was immersed in horse country, both in the classroom (in the College of Agriculture, where he eventually earned his Bachelor of Science degree with focus on Agricultural Communications) and out, spending afternoons handicapping races at The Red Mile and Keeneland, exercising polo ponies and taking every opportunity to learn the horse business from the inside out.

Upon graduation, Guilfoil knew he wanted to work in horseracing regulation. Thanks to the foundation he had laid for himself through hard work and networking, Guilfoil was presented with two options: Director of Facilities on the Thoroughbred side or the

same position on the Standardbred side.

“I chose the Standardbred side and what a good choice I made,” reminisced Guilfoil. “Don’t get me wrong. As long as it’s fast, I like it – Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses. I like them all.”

That was 1988. Guilfoil remained with the Harness Racing Commission until the Thoroughbred and Standardbred commissions combined to form the KHRC under Governor Brereton Jones, and that is where he has stayed throughout his career, filling a number of roles, including as a steward for Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing.

TAKING THE REINS In January of this year, Guilfoil was appointed by newly elected governor of Kentucky Matt Bevin as the Executive Director of the KHRC, replacing former trainer John Ward, who had held the position since 2012.

“Marc brings a unique perspective to this position and I am very excited he will have oversight of this very important organization,” said Governor Bevin in a statement released by the KHRC. “Kentucky’s horse industry is one of the keys to the Commonwealth’s growing economy and Marc’s ability to relate to all facets of the industry is critical to its continued success.”

The KHRC’s main role is to oversee and regulate all horseracing Profile by Jen Roytz | Photos by Keni Parks

186

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

and pari-mutuel wagering within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which includes presiding over issues involving the safety and integrity of the sport.

“We are the voice for the horse,” explained Guilfoil. “The state has regulations pertaining to horseracing and we are here to make sure those rules are in the best interest of the horses and all interested parties and are followed.”

Often the first question asked of one taking on a new leadership role revolves around what changes they plan to make. For Guilfoil, it’s more about refinement of current rules, regulations and procedures than reinventing the wheel.

“There are very few bad apples in horseracing, but it’s those few that make the headlines. I think everyone wants the same thing.

We want to catch the cheaters and level the playing field,” he said.

While that is not a new concept, Guilfoil hopes to make some key changes in order to make that goal a reality.

“You want your racing commission to have a face on the backside.

Feet on the ground, security walking the barns. You’re not just going to catch people in the labs. You’re going to catch them in the barns too,” said Guilfoil. “A major part of this sport is clean, but if you have people walking the barns, following up on tips, building a comfort level with the backside workers…if you establish these relationships, over time, it works.”

For Guilfoil, relationships are key. He has made a name for himself over the years among horsemen and businessmen alike as being a communicator and a collaborator, a trait that serves him well in his role as Executive Director.

“I try to treat everyone the same, whether they’re a groom, a big owner – whoever. They all get treated the same. They all need to follow the same rules,” he said.

As often happens in politics, those tasked with creating or changing laws are not always those intimately familiar with the business. To many, those situations are where Guilfoil shines brightest.

“I have to take time to explain both sides – government officials and horsemen – what is behind a rule,” he said. “A lot of things seem logical to non-horse people in politics, but in real life, it just won’t work because you’re dealing with horses. Adding in the animal variable changes a lot of ‘in theory’ logic. I more or less act as a mediator trying to find common ground on both sides of an equation.”

SETTLING INTO FAMILY LIFE The past year has brought more than one big change into Guilfoil’s life. Last June, he married Elisabeth Jensen, founder of the afterschool literacy program Starting Gate and executive director and president of The Race for Education, a scholarship and academic development program for children of backside and farm workers.

The couple also recently purchased land in south Fayette County, Kentucky and plans to move their new blended family, which includes Guilfoil’s kids, John Austin (15) and Lily (14) and Jensen’s son, Will (11), to the property in later this fall.

“Married life is great and we’re all learning this together,” said Marc.

“Elisabeth is the strongest person I know. Smart, compassionate… words just can’t describe how I feel about her. I’m a lucky man.”

The couple plans to use the farm to raise Angus cattle and has already procured a herd of ten. Of course, there will be a few horses there as well.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve ridden regularly, but I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle,” said Guilfoil.

Having lived in or around Lexington since the early 1980s and often traveling to other racing jurisdictions around the country, Guilfoil has developed a deep appreciation for the city.

“The thing I love about this city is that it feels like a small town – everyone knows everyone,” he said. “Lexington is the epicenter of everything horseracing. It’s like nowhere else.”•

SEPTMEBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

187

COMMUNITY

189

AUGUST 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Sports: Welcome Back Moe!

190

Sports: Will this be the year?

193

Calendar: Lex In The City

220

Welcome back, Moe!

190

A

s you watch the UK running backs shuttle in and out of the games this season, you should know this: the best of them all isn’t wearing pads and a helmet, and he never will.

one man to beat to the end zone and did it, he said, “on pure adrenaline.

I don’t think I was as fast as I was running that day. I was not going to let him catch me. It was awesome.”

You may catch a glimpse of him on the sideline, or heading for a booth, high above the playing surface at Commonwealth Stadium. That’s him, dressed like a coach in a blue or white polo shirt, over khakis. And that same CWS field once upon a time was his personal playground. He is Moe Williams, and he is one of the all-time greats in Wildcat football history, come home to help.

Not many people did catch him, which is why he was able to skip his senior year and head for the NFL, where he spent 10 seasons, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings. After football he spent several years training thoroughbreds in Florida, eventually tiring of the daily grind. He decided to go back to school and lend his expertise, but he says it took a while before the current Wildcat runners accepted him.

“Just trying to give back and help the running backs wherever I can,” he said after a recent session at the new practice facility, which Williams dubbed better than anything he ever encountered in his 10-year pro career. “We didn’t have anything like this in the NFL,” he said. “Oh, my goodness. This facility is second to none. It’s unbelievable.”

“I think in the beginning they might have thought I was here just to pound my chest, not really here to help them,” he said. “I’m here to teach them the things that I’ve learned.”

It’s where he works now, as a graduate assistant coach, when he’s not going to school, finishing up work on his degree 22 years after an early departure from UK. Williams played at Kentucky from 1993 to ’95, leading the conference in rushing his junior year with exactly 1,600 yards – still a UK single-season record.

Williams says he’s impressed with the talent level, “but it’s like what Coach Stoops has been talking about – what’s going to make a difference here at Kentucky is what’s above the shoulders. We’ve got the talent. It’s just a matter of if we can sustain the mental capacity to play in the SEC.”

As a freshman he helped lead the Cats to a berth in the Peach Bowl, bursting onto the scene that year with a 70-yard touchdown run against Florida.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” he said. Williams recalls needing just

Moe Williams could help the Wildcats to another bowl game and if he does, he just might pound his chest after all – with pride.

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

by Dick Gabriel BigBlueInsider.com

192

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Will this be the year?

T

We’ve been close a few times.

he life of a UK football fan is hard to explain. I compare it to being a Chicago Cubs baseball fan. Every year we get our hopes up that maybe…just maybe…this will be “the year”!

Tim Couch’s record setting season in 1998 lead to the New Year’s day appearance in the Outback Bowl. The entire Commonwealth went football crazy. My colleague, Larry Vaught from “Vaught’s Views”, had always told me that, “Kentucky is really a football state!”

The way the UK fan base responded during the 1997 football season was proof of what Larry had been trying to convince me.

The rallying cry of the long suffering UK football fan is a direct copy of the Chicago Cubs adage, “Just wait until next year!”

But why is that? Why does a large section of the UK football fan base truly believe that the Cats are doomed to fail?

During a recent UK football game, the Cats had a lead going into the 4th quarter at Commonwealth Stadium, and one of the biggest UK football fans that I know turned to me and said as serious as can be, “I wonder how we’re going to blow it this time?”

I think it would take all of the world’s best psychologists to study the mindset of the UK football fan base to figure out why we not only fear the worst, we often expect the worst.

I admit that I struggle with this. I love everything about being a UK football fan. I love the tailgating, I love going to the games, and I’ll go no matter if they win or lose. BUT…and it’s a big BUT…I admit that it just seems like every year the “rug gets pulled right out from under us”.

Our hopes get up, and we often get disappointed. It makes me sad. I want this program to win and win a lot! I want to be a force in the SEC, but how and when will it happen?

One of the saddest locker rooms I’ve ever been in was after Florida beat Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium in 2003. It was a close game that once again saw the Cats lose a heartbreaker in the final minutes.

After the game, UK’s star receiver Derek Abney was crushed. His spirit was crushed. With tears filling his red eyes, Abney tried to answer the reporters’ questions after the game. He said some things that still haunt me to this day.

“When is it going to happen for us,” he asked the reporters out loud. As his voice broke again, he asked, “When is it finally going to be our turn?”

Every time I see the Cats lose a close game, or lose a heartbreaker, my thoughts always go back to what Abney said on that disappointing September evening. “When is it finally going to happen for Kentucky football?”

We were also close at the end of the “Rich Brooks era”. Every year ended with a bowl game.

Every year seemed to include a big monumental win, including the historic win over #1 LSU in 2007. The fan base was happy.

I was happy.

Which leads us to this season. I’m anxious to see how this season unfolds. For the first time in a long time, Kentucky actually has more talent than 3 other Southeastern Conference teams on their schedule – Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Missouri. Adding to the optimism is the fact that the Vandy and South Carolina games are at Commonwealth Stadium this year.

I strongly believe that Mark Stoops is the best man to be the head football coach at Kentucky. Stoops and his staff have been recruiting at a level that we’ve never seen here at UK. The talent level is way up. Stoops is doing something that I thought for years couldn’t be done here at Kentucky. I said many times, “It is impossible for UK to recruit against the ‘big boys’ in the SEC.” Stoops and company have been proving me wrong.

Which leads me to another belief among UK football fans, “If coach Stoops can’t win ‘big’ here, then nobody can.”

The coaches are better. The players are better. The stadium is better. The facilities are better. We’ve run out of excuses.

Now it’s time to go WIN!

by Ryan Lemond Kentucky Sports Radio/WLAP

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

193

WE BLEED BLUE

194

MAY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

WE BLEED BLUE

SEPTEMBER MAY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

195

WE BLEED BLUE

196

MAY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

WE BLEED BLUE

SEPTEMBER MAY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

197

WE BLEED BLUE

198

MAY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

WE BLEED BLUE

SEPTEMBER MAY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

199

WE BLEED BLUE

200

MAY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

WE BLEED BLUE

SEPTEMBER MAY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

201

WE BLEED BLUE

202

MAY 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

WE BLEED BLUE

SEPTEMBER MAY 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

203

PHOTOS | A Night to Unite Benefiting the United Way of the Bluegrass | The Grand Reserve | July 30th | uwbg.org | Photos by Woody Phillips

Dan & Cassondra Koett

Foster & Martina Ockerman

Mike & Susan Cassell

Carrie Boling and Yoshie Reid

204

Katie Williams and Jenn Goble

JIll & Kelly King Bakehorn

Angela Crow and Carol Bates

Mack & Patricia Justice

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Noelle & Sam Dick

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

205

PHOTOS | A Taste of Grace Benefiting Surgery on Sunday | Christ The King Cathedral | August 19th | surgeryonsunday.org | Photos by Jim Burgett

Jessa DeLuca, Darrel Fraley, Aly DeLuca and Michelle Fraley

Josh Bowen and Jaclyn Gibson

Tom & Terry DeLuca

Katie Terhune and Myra DeLuca

Bruce Lawrence and Gene Atkisson

Holly Moore and Anna Taylor

Don Deluca and Andy Moore

Ed Klee and Paul Prabell

206

Nick & Courtney Abedi, Becky Johnson

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Marianne Kehres, Diane Nicely and Leslie Hughes

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

207

PHOTOS | Black & White Ball Benefiting the Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center | The Speakeasy | August 6th | bluegrassrapecrisis.org | Photos by Ron Morrow

Ashley Cochrane, Anthony & Katie Basham, Teri Thompson and Aaron Beale M.E. Kobes, Adam & Melissa Edelen

Sam & Diane Tilley Marcus

Leeann Hayslett and Allie Morris

LexSwing Dancers

Ron & Marilyn Smedley, Sara Katherine & Tom Manning-Beavin

Charlotte Hunter, Patricia, Jefferson and Cari Calico

208

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Susan & Chris Anderson, Carolyn & Ray Strothman

Emily McKenzie and Adam Martin

John & Christi Hayne

David Lyons and Wendy Faircloth

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

209

PHOTOS | Picnic with The Pops Keeneland | August 19th - 20th | lexpops.com | Photos by Woody Phillips

210

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

PHOTOS | Picnic with The Pops Keeneland | August 19th - 20th | lexpops.com | Photos by Woody Phillips

212

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

213

PHOTOS | Picnic with The Pops Keeneland | August 19th - 20th | lexpops.com | Photos by Woody Phillips

214

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

215

PHOTOS | Freedom Fest Benefiting The Woodford Humane Society | Ashford Stud | July 23rd | woodfordhumane.org | Photos by Paul Atkinson

Greg Hofelich and Joe Graviss

Cindy Harpring and Linda Roach

Connie Simpson and Laurie Dorough

Rena Elswick and Donna Sturgeon

Peggy Bishop

Missie Wood and Lindsey McHatton

Dave Franklin and Helen O’Leary

216

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Joe & Kathryn Rasnick, Beth & Brad Pickrell

Kailee Phelps

Tom Kenny

Charlie Corgington

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

217

PHOTOS | Freedom Fest Benefiting The Woodford Humane Society | Ashford Stud | July 23rd | woodfordhumane.org | Photos by Paul Atkinson

Meredith and Susan English

Alice Stewart and Jack Kain

Elliot Campbell and Margaret Swim

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Riddle

Mike & Michelle Coleman

Chuck & Maggie Griffis

218

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Susan & Kurt Adams

John & Julia Stocker

FALL IS FINALLY UPON US. BYE-BYE UNBEARABLE HUMIDITY...HELLO FUN! Music fans have the opportunity to see two of the most talented bands around. Both Maroon 5 and The Dixie Chicks have upcoming shows nearby, where they’ll take you back in time with some of their most celebrated hits, as well as rock out to new material. Children and teens also have entertaining options. The Lexington Children’s Theatre will be putting on an ultra glam live show for the little ones with Fancy Nancy: The Musical. Based on the

SEPT 8

Central Bank Thursday Night Live : Ralph Curtis & The Nashville Imposters 4:30-9p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion

Party on the Square 7-9p | Downtown Georgetown

RMHA International Championship Show 8a-9p | Kentucky Horse Park

SEPT 9

KY Cork, Tap & Barrel

popular children’s books, Nancy will bring her brand of

5-9p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion

sass, style, and humor to the local stage. Speaking of

Lakeside Live : Triage

book lovers, if your teen is a fan of the ‘Harry Potter’ series,

6-9p | Lexington Green

then the Hoggstowne Village & School of Witchcraft &

Christ the King Octoberfest

Wizardry experience is a must. For four days students will take a break from the outside world and get a taste of the wonderful, wizarding life. And if you are really in the mood for fall, then you won’t want to skip Lexington Convention Center’s annual ‘Scarefest’. Get Halloween ready with strange, unique and extraordinary horror and paranormal items during this spooky filled weekend.

Whatever your extracurricular taste may be, grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte and start marking your calendars for a month filled with joy and amusement.

JESSE L. BROOKS Calendar Highlights

220 SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Sep 9: 4-11p Sep 10: 8:30a-11p | Christ the King

SEPT 9-11

Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey : Circus Xtreme Rupp Arena

SEPT 10 HarvestFest

10a-5p | Shaker Village

XtremeAIR 5K 8:30a-12:30p | Falling Springs Park

CASA Superhero Run 8:30a-2p | Kentucky Horse Park

Add YOUR event to our online calendar for FREE! Visit TopsInLex.com /calendar_submission.php

Lakeside Live : The Big Deal 6-9p | Lexington Green

SEPT 12

BC Wood Golf Classic

UK Football vs Florida

12-6p | Andover Golf & Country Club

3:30p | @ Florida

SEPT 14

CASA Superhero Run 8:30a-2p | Kentucky Horse Park

Waveland Art Fair September 10th | 10a-5p | Waveland Historic Site

Jefferson St. Soiree 6-10p | Jefferson Street

SEPT 15

Central Bank Thursday Night Live : Superfecta

Come browse, shop and meet some of Kentucky’s top 4:30-9p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion artists and their work. Enjoy a tour of Waveland’s main home, slave quarters, smoke house and ice house. Have lunch and taste wine from local Kentucky food and wine vendors. Children’s activities will be offered throughout the LexArts Gallery Hop event. For more details, visit parks.ky.gov.

5-8p | Downtown Lexington

SEPT 16

SEPT 11

Tri for Sight 2016

Lakeside Live : Greg Finger Band 6-9p | Lexington Green

7:45a | Spindletop Hall

[ Visit TopsInLex.com for our full calendar ]

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

221

September SEPT 16

SEPT 17

8a-5p | Kentucky Horse Park

4p | Commonwealth Stadium

Woodland in White

Festival Latino de Lexington

6:30p | Woodland Ave

4-11p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion

BRUNS

Lakeside Live : Tony Mac / Rural Electric

7-10:30p | 21c Museum Hotel

6-9p | Lexington Green

Seed to Feed Dinner Series

SEPT 19

Fall Classic Hunter Jumper Show

UK Football vs New Mexico St

9p | Willie’s Locally Known

Horses & Hope Trail Ride

SEPT 16-18

10a-6p | Kentucky Horse Park

RENT : Presented by Broadway Live!

SEPT 20

Fri: 8pm | Sat: 2pm & 8pm | Sun: 1p & 6:30pm Lexington Opera House

Recycle the Runway 11:30a-1p | Grand Reserve

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. To purchase tickets online visit ticketmaster.com.

Bourbon County Secretariat Festival Downtown Paris, Kentucky

222 SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

If you love fashion, and celebrating a great organization, then you will not want to miss this event. Returning for a fourth year, Recycle the Runway offers a unique fashion show, silent auction and luncheon where local designers unveil runway-ready fashions made out of “unsuitable” garments. Benefiting the nonprofit Dress for Success Lexington, the event is an opportunity for the community to participate in an exciting and impactful afternoon. Dress for Success has served over 400 women since opening their doors in October 2013. For more information on the event, and to purchase tickets, visit lexington.dressforsuccess.org.

Add YOUR event to our online calendar for FREE! Visit TopsInLex.com /calendar_submission.php

SEPT 22

Dixie Chicks

“DCX World Tour MMXVI” 7:30pm | KFC Yum! Center One of country music’s most memorable and groundbreaking girl groups are back on tour and making a stop in Louisville. Since their breakthrough album, 1998’s ‘Wide Open Spaces’, the music of the Dixie Chicks has stirred emotions in fans across the world making them one of the biggest and most influential bands of our time. Soulful songtress Elle King will open the evening. Tickets can be purchased on ticketmaster.com.

Central Bank Thursday Night Live : Big Black Cadillac 4:30-9:30p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion

SEPT 23

Lakeside Live : The River Rats

Howie Mandel & Nick Cannon September 24th | 8p | Norton Center for the Arts America’s Got Talent judge and host are teaming up to bring you the comedy show of a lifetime! Howie Mandel has been an unstoppable force ever since he entered show business over thirty years ago. From humble roots doing standup, to success in both television and film.

Nick Cannon has been a favorite since his early years on Nickelodeon, and from his lead role in ‘Drumline”. The twosome will bring their brand of funny to Danville’s Norton Center , along with a VIP Meet & Greet. nortoncenter.com.

SEPT 29

Central Bank Thursday Night Live : Blind Corn Liquor Pickers 4:30-9:30p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion

Maroon 5 7:30p | US Bank Arena

6-9p | Lexington Green

SEPT 30

SEPT 24

5p | Kentucky Horse Park

UK Football vs South Carolina TBA | Commonwealth Stadium

Lakeside Live : The Ark Band 6-9p | Lexington Green

Kicking Butt 5K Lexington

Battle in the Saddle Lakeside Live : Bebo Baxter 6-9p | Lexington Green

Black Jacket Symphony 8p | Lexington Opera House

8-11:30a | Coldstream Park

Woodland in White

Friday September 16th | 6:00pm

Progressive Dinner & Fashion Show

Tickets on sale at all Woodland Triangle shops! $25 / Adults $15 / Students $10/ Kids 10 yrs and under Many Thanks to our Sponsors: TOPS Magazine / Decorator Warehouse / LUXE For The Home / Cooley Medical / Blossom Park Dental

Live music by SolJam

[ Visit TopsInLex.com for our full calendar ]

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

223

October SEPT 25-OCT 2

OCT 1

Fancy Nancy

8a-2p | Connemara Golf Course

2016 ACL Charity Golf Scramble

2-3pm | Lexington Children’s Theatre Nancy Clancy adores anything “posh” and “elegant.” So when she finds out she’s been cast as a boring old tree in her school’s dance recital, she is “absolutely distraught!

(That’s fancy for “really sad.”) Will she find a way to be “overjoyed” once again? Join Nancy and her fancy friends in this musical adaptation of the “exquisite” books by Jane O’Connor. It’s sure to be “magnifique!” Nancy will bring her brand of fancy to the stage in a live musical at the Lexington Children’s Theatre. Ticket purchasing and more information can be found at lctonstage.org.

Racino 2016 7-11p | Keeneland

Lakeside Live : Leopold & His Fiction 6-9p | Lexington Green

UK Football vs. Alabama TBA | @ Alabama

OCT 6

Bourbon & Bites

Scarefest 2016

6:30-7:30p | ArtsPlace

3:30-4:40p | Lexington Convention Center

Lewis Black : The Naked Truth Tour

Hoggstowne Village and School of Witchcraft & Wizadry

7:30p | EKU Center for the Arts

Shaker Village

Central Bank Thursday Night Live : Mike Archer Band 4:30-9:30p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion

224 SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Add YOUR event to our online calendar for FREE! Visit TopsInLex.com /calendar_submission.php

OCT 7

Lakeside Live : The Wannabeatles 6-9p | Lexington Green

Keeneland Thoroughbred Racing Oct 7th-29th | Keeneland | No racing on Mon. or Tues.

OCT 8

OCT 13

Central Bank Thursday Night Live : Vinyl Richie 4:30-9:30p | Fifth Third Bank Pavillion

OCT 14

Big Blue Madness

Peppa Pig Live!

7p | Rupp Arena

5p | EKU Center for the Arts

Lakeside Live : Kudmani Kudmani

UK Football vs Vanderbilt

6:30-9p | Lexington Green

TBA | Commonwealth Stadium

Lakeside Live : Them Hamilton Boys

OCT 15

Kiss A Pig 2016

6:30-9p | Lexington Green

6:30-11p | Hilton Downtown Lexington

OCT 11

Lakeside Live : Same As It Ever Was

2016 KY Golf Classic

67-9p | Lexington Green

11:30a | Keene Run Golf Course

10th Annual Strut Your Smile Fashion Show 6p | Manchester Music Hall

[ Visit TopsInLex.com for our full calendar ]

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE

225

TOP SHOTS | SOCIE T Y

Hillenmeyer 175th Anniversary

Celebrating Talbott Todd

Kiss a Pig

226

SEPTEMBER 2016 | TOPSINLEX.COM

Kentucky Bank Tennis Championship

WROCK Picnic

Hats Off to Kentucky Horse Industry Day