Take a walk on the Cheapside
Cheapside Street, the one-block street that runs past the west side of the Historic Fayette County Courthouse, will be closed to all but pedestrian traffic until Nov. 1, allowing for more events in Cheapside Park.
Temporary barriers will be installed at both ends of Cheapside. Results of the closing will be evaluated; plans are for the street to close down again on April 1, 2009, and remain closed all during the festival season next summer.
Help Habitat celebrate its 20th anniversary
Lexington Habitat for Humanity (LHFH) will be celebrating their 20th anniversary beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 7 at Immanuel Baptist Church (3100 Tates Creek Rd.). Organizers are looking for individuals with stories, anecdotes, t-shirts, pictures or any other memories or memorabilia they are willing to share with LHFH, interested parties can contact LHFH20@lexhabitat.org.
Also, in August, LHFH celebrated their 300th home dedication to Rosey Coleman and family.
Fundraising begins for firefighter monument
Beginning in September, fundraising efforts will begin for the Monument for the Fallen, which would recognize those organizations that build, support and encourage Lexington Firefighters. The design, which was approved earlier this summer by the LFUCG Architecture Review Board, will compliment the existing Police Department Memorial in Phoenix Park.
Fundraising efforts will begin with the offering of brick purchases to active duty firefighters as well as retirees. In October, during the Lexington Fire Prevention Parade, the brick purchases will be made available to the public based on availability.
Walk MS moves to fall date
Walk MS: Lexington, the area's signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, will be held in the fall this year, a move from its traditional date in April.
Lexington participants will be able to walk along two scenic routes at the Kentucky Horse Park and have the opportunity to break at a rest stop along the way. The event begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 20. To register as an individual or a team (with four or more participants), visit www.walkMSky.org.
Girls on the Run readies for fall session
Girls on the Run Lexington, a program geared to teach girls to celebrate their unique and real selves through interactive activities and discussions of important issues, will begin its 12-week session Sept. 15. Lessons are designed to enable girls to grow and remain strong during adolescence; topics include dealing with body image and the media, resisting peer pressure, making healthy decisions and contributing to the community.
Earlier in June, the local organization sent four women to national training in Charlotte, N.C. Bernadette Madigan-Duncan, a local running coach for youth and former UK running star, will serve as the chapter's council director. For more information, or to register, visit www.gotrlexington.org, or call (859) 268-GOTR.
Environmental commission awards nominations sought
Nominations are now being sought for the Lexington-Fayettte County Environmental Commission's annual awards. Each year the commission recognizes individuals, organizations, businesses and/or institutions which have significantly contributed to the improvement of the local environment in an effective or unique way during the past two years.
Any project started or substantially completed in 2006, 2007 or to date in 2008 is eligible. Some of the criteria include: improvements in air, water and soil quality; elimination and/or reduction of litter and waste; aesthetics; and educational projects focused on environmental awareness. To nominate, contact jimr@lfucg.com.