TOPS in Lexington Magazine, August 2014

10 AUGUST 2014 | TOPSINLEX.COM

52 TOPS Cares: Opportunity for Work & Learning 63 Higher Education 64 Moving Up 68 Meet Our College Presidents 98 College Prep 101 102 How to Pay for College 103 The Cost of College 106 Dorm Decor 101: What to Take to College 111 Going Back to School: Age is Just a Number 112 Tips for Going Back to School 122 God’s Pantry Food Bank 143 TOPS Tour of Homes: Vintage Detail & Classic Comfort 194 WOW Wedding: Kristen & Tyler Young

TOPS IN EQUINE 125 Equine Table of Contents 126 Fillies in the Workplace: Suneet Ashburn 131 Horse Park Happenings 136 Fasig-Tipton Sales 139 Belterra Park

FEATURES

194

68

102


27 Out & About

28 TOPS July Preview Party

30 Freedom Fest

32 July 4th Festivities

34 Red, White & BOOM

36 Keeneland Concours d’Elegance I

38 Keeneland Concours d’Elegance II

40 BBT Hospice Heroes

42 Ashland Lawn Party

44 Fairness Awards

46 Courtesy Acura Fun Day

174 Thursday Night Live

176 Children’s Charity Classic

178 Kentucky Bank Tennis Championship Kickoff I

180 Kentucky Bank Tennis Championship Kickoff II

182 Legacy of Flight

184 Junior League Horse Show I

186 Junior League Horse Show II

188 Third Thursday on Main in Paris

190 Patty A. Clay Auxilliary Ball I

192 Patty A. Clay Auxilliary Ball II

210 TOP Shots

TOPS AROUND TOWN

Captions for event photos 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 [email protected] with any corrections and we will make note of it in the next issue.

46

44176


IN EVERY ISSUE

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.

51 A Taste of Thyme: German Potato Salad

56 Sports: I Hate the NCAA

59 TOP 5 Dining: Campus Eateries

109 Health & Fitness: 15 Tips to Avoid the Freshman 15

115 Gardening: Learning through Gardening

116 Family: Shopping for School Supplies

119 Parties: Back to School

120 Fashion: Summer Fare

165 Posh Paws: Tug of War

166 Relationships: Playin’ Hooky

169 Etiquette & Entertaining: Wine Time

170 Business News

198 Weddings: Fifty Shades of Gray on Your Wedding Day

200 Lesley’s List

202 Arts & Entertainment

205 Up & Coming

120

119

169

Corrections to July issue: Page 81: Schroeder and Cosmetic were misspelled.Page 94: Dr. Ann Rodden’s name was misspelled and her title was mislabeled. Correct title is DO.Page 105: Dr. Erika Clark’s name was misspelled and her title was mislabeled. Correct title is MD.

TOPS Around Town


JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES

Downtown Lexington was � lled to the brim on Independence Day. This year’s theme for the 4th was “Heroes”, in tribute to the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and in honor of all the former and current men and women in service. A street festival, 4th of July Parade, Live entertainment at Cheapside Park and Fireworks were some of the many events held throughout the downtown area.

www.downtownlex.com

Photos by Keni Parks

Scan here to see all the photos for this event at

topsinlex.com

TOPS Around Town


98.1 WBUL-FM’S RED WHITE & BOOM

The Red, White, & BOOM Music Festival took place in front of a record crowd at Whitaker Bank Ballpark the weekend of July 5th-6th. Event-goers, clad in red, white and blue, at the two day festival watched 18 national country acts perform throughout the weekend on the same stage. The sold-out event was presented by WBUL-98.1 FM.

www.redwhiteandboom.com

Photos by Keni Parks & Ron Morrow


topsinlex.com

AUGUST 2014 | TOPS MAGAZINE 53

TOPS Cares

by the manufacturer. OWL team members share two significantly common bonds – pride and gratitude for having been given the chance to learn a marketable trade.

An entirely self-sustaining not-for-profit entity, OWL often com-petes against for-profit businesses for work project assignments. Last year, 53 individuals (each having successfully completed job-ready training at OWL) successfully transitioned into the area’s workforce.

Four years ago, OWL confidently entered the “temp-to-hire” busi-ness, under the name of Commonwealth Staffing Services. This as-tute initiative has proven to be a ‘win-win’ for area employers and OWL graduates.

Boggs, his staff and Board members are committed to the ongoing success of OWL’s mission; accordingly, during a recent tour, the CEO proudly and often commented, “We’re all about doing good!” By way of example, he noted that the innovative SHINE program was created to help women who have been abused, homeless, or substance abuse addicted, to regain self-respect while earning a de-cent wage and learning a marketable skill. “As each of these women becomes job ready we work with them to enhance their newly developed, internalized self-confidence. We have an inventory of gently worn business/job appropriate clothing from which each woman can choose her ‘interview’ wardrobe; we help with instill-

ing self-confidence, constructing a resume, and by rehearsing the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of interviewing.”

“Our male associates also benefit from our ‘how to present your-self most favorably’ make-overs and interview training. It’s amaz-ing to watch the progress of these folks as they are rebuilding their diminished self-confidence, and mastering a viable trade which can enable them to earn a decent living to support themselves and in many cases their families; and is the most rewarding part of what we do.”

Representative of the caliber of caring which pervades this organi-zation, the following comments are from two individuals, each of whom has first-hand-experience with this organization:

Benjamin Garcia, Quality Tech

“Opportunity for Work and Learning as an employer has been to me just that—an opportunity to work and learn or learn while I’m working. What sets this company apart from the rest is nowhere have I seen and felt the care and concern for the next person as I have seen and felt from the staff to the employees; as well as the commonality it brings. Whether you’re someone who may have a disability or not, one thing is for certain – OWL delivers a quality product. In my life, I personally have had and still have barriers, not just physical (my health is not perfect) but also mental. I used to suffer from depression and I used to think I was a ‘good for noth-ing’; but this place has helped me to overcome some of my barri-ers and has given me an awesome opportunity to work and learn so that I can be a productive citizen, which is what this place is all about. I am grateful and feel more than blessed to be part of this company.”

Bruce Walcott, OWL Board Director

“Clearly, OWL is helping our community by providing real-world experience for Kentuckians who have a barrier to entering the workforce. OWL also enhances the overall economic well-being of our area by providing quality manufacturing and other services for local companies such as Schneider, Trane, Webasto, Pilkington, MCI, Alltech, AdColor and others.”

Benjamin Garcia

Sally Lynam

Stephanie Hinson


Moving UP

small private college, in Eastern Kentucky, often even share meals with their professors in the one cafeteria offered on campus.

Smaller schools equate to fewer degree options. Very often, how-ever, unusual or innovative academic programs can be found at pri-vate schools, with many schools having become known for certain degree programs, while others strive to offer their students unique opportunities. Asbury University offers the only Police Mount Equine program in the nation, and again, it is the only school in the nation to have media students working as paid broadcasters at every Olympics.

Private schools often offer a variety of campus-based recreational activities, although at a much smaller scale than that of a larger school. You will find around seventy student organizations and clubs on the Transylvania campus.

Tuition costs are higher at private schools because they do not ac-cept public funding. The national average cost of tuition at a private school is $30,094 per year. Room and board runs about $10,462. This means the average student will pay around $40,556 per year to attend a private school. In general, private schools will work very hard to help students find grants and financial aid to help with the costs. According to Brad Johnson, Director of Marketing and Com-munications at Asbury University, “Asbury has a robust financial-aid program discounting the cost of its tuition with a variety of scholarships and grant programs.” Johnson goes on to say, “The re-ality is that more than 90% of the students at Asbury receive financial aid, and more than half of the student body has half of their tu-ition covered by gift aid.”

VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

Vocational schools, also known as trade schools, can be public or private. In contrast to a four year degree granting institution, where students often learn abstractly, stu-dents at vocational schools enjoy hands on training in preparation for a specific career. Students can finish their training in half the time – most vocational programs are de-signed to be completed in two years. After completion of the program, students should be prepared to pass certification tests to be-come licensed professionals in their field.

Vocational school is for the individual who learns by doing and who knows what he or she wants to do. Students gain the skills they need to get good paying jobs and be profi-cient at doing them. Arthur Posey, a retired high school guidance counselor and writer about educational issue says, “Vocational schools train people in skill sets that trans-late into job security. It does not matter how the economy is doing – the world will always

need more medical assistants, sonographers, mechanics, electri-cians, and dental hygienists.”

Vocational schools do not offer housing to students, therefore the campus life aspect does not apply when considering this type of school. Debbie Chadwell, a graduate of the Cosmetology Program at the Kentucky Community and Technical College, says despite this, “great relationships are formed…there is lots of opportunity to make really good friends. The really neat thing,” she adds, “is the relationships you form with your teachers. They have worked extensively within the field they are teaching. They are very good what they do and they enjoy passing on that knowledge. Beyond that, the contacts they have are invaluable. There are lots of oppor-tunities to take advantage of if students are interested.”

Vocational school costs less than a traditional college or university. The Kentucky Community and Technical College estimates the cost for students to participate in one of their degree programs is $11,280 per year - that is if they are living at home with their par-ents. If not, that estimation goes up to $14,066 per year. Just like traditional colleges, technical training also qualifies for financial aid and grants, making this type of training even more affordable.

With this many choices, the tough part is deciding where to go. One thing is for sure, the potentials are limitless. Brad Goan sug-gests students “do their research, talk to current students and visit campuses.” It is all about finding that right fit and moving up.


Meet the Presidents

Dr. Eli CapiloutounivErsity of KEntuCKy

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Eli Capilouto previously served as Provost of the University of Alabama-Birmingham and the Dean of the UAB School of Public Health. He holds a doctorate in health policy and management from Harvard University.

Dr. Capilouto became the president of the University of Kentucky on July 1, 2011.

Since his arrival, he has led a process to enrich the UK academic experience by investing in priorities that maintain affordability and access. He has also worked to support the institu-tion’s talented staff and revitalize the living, learning and research facilities across campus. Dr. Capilouto is committed to enhancing UK’s research enterprise and graduate education programs through high-quality partnerships, recruiting and rewarding top scholars across the world.

The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving peo-ple’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service and health care. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, UK plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human well-being. The university is con-sistently among the nation’s top schools in a variety of categories. With 16 colleges, a gradu-ate school, 93 undergraduate programs, 99 master degree programs, 66 doctoral programs and four professional programs, UK offers a wide range of educational opportunities for its students. The university aims to be a Top 20 public research institution by the year 2020.

Dr. Capilouto and his wife, a former Dean of the UAB School of Dentistry, have one daughter. He enjoys jogging, traveling and reading history and biographies.



College Prep 101

Preparing for college starts early these days. Parents compete to get their toddlers into the right accelerated preschool, future scholarship athletes are identified before they can spell NCAA and pint-sized college gear flies off the shelves at bookstores across the country. What does it take to get into col-lege? More importantly, what does it take to get into the right col-lege? Parents and students want to know. They’ll pay thousands of dollars and spend countless hours (studying, practicing and worry-ing) striving for that ultimate goal of a college education. Ideally, a college education will bring with it the promise of a lifetime of ad-vantage and opportunity. What does it take? The answer is scary for some and liberating for others. The answer is—there is no answer.

Oh, no. The college planner at a highly competitive private college preparatory high school says there is no answer? How can that be? The truth is, college admissions is not a game to be won. There is no magic formula that will guarantee anything. Students must em-brace their authentic selves, do the best they can, and approach the college admissions process as a journey. Now I realize that this ad-vice isn’t necessarily the most practical or helpful. I can see parents cringe. It is simply important to point out that there are opportuni-ties found in the college admissions process for personal growth, self-discovery and plain old “growing up” that are invaluable. I want students to give themselves the opportunity to experience those things. Focusing on the journey and not just the destination is re-ally important here.

After thirteen years in college admissions, I was offered the op-portunity to provide college planning services to the students at Lexington Catholic High School. I don’t just tell them to enjoy the journey and enter into a Zen-like state as they approach the college admissions process. There are real, practical tips that help over 95% of Lexington Catholic students gain admission to their first choice college every year.

AcAdemic PrePAration

The most important thing a student can do to prepare for col-lege is to take the most challenging course of study available. This is commonly shared advice that is absolutely true. Honors, Ad-vanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses are deemed highly valuable in the college admissions world. However, it is important for students (and parents) to realize that taking the most challenging courses and earning low grades does a student absolutely no good. Taking classes that fit the academic interest and ability of the student is critical. The grades will be higher, the student will be happier, and the admissions committee will get a better idea of the strengths and genuine academic interests of an applicant.

Don’t take a study hall. Enough said.

While a number of colleges and universities have become standard-ized test “optional” in recent years, the vast majority still require ap-plicants to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission consideration. Enter the most stressful and potentially nightmarish part of the col-

lege admissions process for most (if not all) high school students. YOU ARE MORE THAN A TEST SCORE. I tell students that almost every single day as a college planner. The scores earned on these standardized tests are tossed around among students like gre-nades. “I got a 35. What did you get?” Poor kids. Test anxiety is a real thing and I would argue that every single high school kid who sits down to take the ACT or SAT has it. Diagnosable at least for the four hours they are taking the test. That being said, it is a reality and something that must be tackled if a student has college aspira-tions. My best piece of advice is to read. Yep. Just read. Reading is free, it can be tailored to individual interests and it also just so happens to help students score higher on standardized tests. Sit-ting down at the kitchen table and taking practice ACT tests with a timer is a great way to prepare. Again, this is free. If money isn’t an issue, there are a number of ACT/SAT prep classes available to students. These classes can do nothing but help. Remember that most students improve their scores after taking the test for the first time—with or without an expensive test prep course. My rule is to take the test no more than three times. The first time in the spring of junior year and the last time before Christmas of senior year. Taking the test more than three times generally doesn’t improve scores significantly and it can put an incredible amount of stress on students and parents. YOU ARE MORE THAN A TEST SCORE.

outside of the clAssroom

Students should be building a life and not a resume. College ad-missions officers around the country will say that it is the quality of the activities, not the number of activities that students partici-pate in that really matter. There are a lot of clichés in the college admissions world. The quality over quantity thing is actually true. Soccer players who play year round and don’t have time to serve as president of the Beta Club or start a not-for-profit are not at a disadvantage when it comes to college admissions. Students who have to work to help support their families or have unique care-


How to Pay for College

Student LoanS

A simple way to pay for college after a degree is earned rather than before is through student loans. These take the pressure off mak-ing payments during college and allow students to repay them after they’ve completed their education. Students can manage college expenses by taking out loans to pay for tuition, books and living expenses and repay the debt through a repayment process which begins six to twelve months after graduation. Loans are paid (typi-cally) through monthly payments until the entire deficit is paid off. There are two types of student loans available for college students: federal loans sponsored by the federal government and private student loans which generally include nonprofit or-ganizations or institutional loans provided by universities.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships are an easy and avail-able option that isn’t emphasized enough for its benefits. Private scholarships are grants or scholarships offered by many or-ganizations and individuals throughout the country. These private organizations award scholarships due to many different motiva-tions or qualifications and usually entail the student being involved in a certain club, association, church, etc. Some may require a copy of your FASFA or high school tran-script for the application process. Remember, thousands of private scholarships are available in the U.S., but might not be simple to find—research local organizations or companies in your city to see if they offer any specific scholarships.

KEES Money

KEES scholarships are grants available only to students who at-tended high schools in the state of Kentucky. If a student attended high school in Kentucky and is attending a college within the state as well, scholarships can be granted based on the following quali-fications. KEES money is determined by high school GPA, ACT scores, or any AP classes taken and a student must have earned higher than a 2.5 GPA each year they attended high school. The state will award students with a set amount of money each year of college based on the ending GPA of high school, the highest re-ceived ACT score, and the score on an AP test taken. In order to keep receiving the full amount of KEES money earned each year, a student must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Keep a high GPA during high school and college to earn some easy money.

FASFA

FASFA is a government run program which stands for Free Ap-plication for Federal Student Aid and is the primary application for need-based financial aid. Every student should apply for FAS-FA, regardless of demographics, because even though it can be a

lengthy process, students can receive federally insured low-cost loans. FASFA determines the distribution of scholarships through information about the student’s parents’ household income, assets and basic facts about that household demographic. Another im-portant reason to apply is colleges use FASFA results to determine which students receive their financial aid grants and even schol-arships. To apply for FASFA and download the form, go to fasfa.ed.gov and results will be administered within one to three weeks.

2-year community college

A smart and cost effective way to save money on tuition is attending a community college for two years to complete the basic required classes then transferring to a regular university for the duration of the student’s education. Many community colleges offer the same general education courses and classes a normal university requires at a discounted tuition rate. Combine this with cheaper living costs, especially if a student chooses to live near or at home, and a substantial amount has been saved while still earning a degree. This is an inexpensive way to have the real college experience without having to pay full four years of a regular university’s tuition rates.

Employment: part-time jobs, work study, etc.

Having a part time job before and during college can help you save money for future and current college expenses, starting as early as the age of 16. Saving money from paychecks during years prior to college can add up to a huge savings for college. Having a job dur-ing college can provide students with money for any extra expens-es. A part time job option convenient for students is the federal college work study, in which the university provides students with part time campus jobs in order to subsidize educational expenses, many pertaining to the area of study. In order to be eligible for work study, students must submit their FASFA application to the univer-sity. Any extra amount from a job can help fund all the expenses of college.

Health & Fitness


Avoiding the Freshman 15

by Josh BowenPersonal Trainer

15 Tips

Going o� to college usually means freedom. Freedom from your parents, freedom from house chores and the ability to eat whatever you want. With that freedom comes the responsibility of going to class,

a� ending social events, and watching what you eat. We have all heard of the dreaded “Freshman 15” where freshman are away from the consistency of life as they knew it for 18 years and are now thrown in a high

pressure situation where they must fend for themselves. Making poor eating decisions and having the added stress of college life causes the extra weight gain. Here are 15 tips to avoiding the “freshman 15”.

1) Strength train – strength training increases your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories.

2) Walk to class – instead of driving or catching a ride, walk to class. � is added bit of exercise will add up a� er a while.

3) Take an active elective class – soccer, basketball, weight training anything that will force you to be active.

4) Join an intramural team – most colleges have a variety of sports to pick from, anything to stay active.

5) Sleep – sleep is valuable when going to college, it allows your body to rest and de-stress from your day.

6) Drink water – hydrating your body properly will reduce waste and combat water retention.

7) Don’t Stress – try to relax. Stress causes the release of cortisol, which will increase the likelihood of body fat retention.

8) Don’t Skip Meals – eat at least three meals per day, this will regulate your blood sugar and not let you crash.

9) Limit sugar intake – try to stay away from processed sugar like cakes, sodas and donuts.

10) Easy on the pizza – on most college campuses there is a ton of pizza. Keep it to a minimum.

11) Limit alcohol consumption – beer and other “adult” beverages pack a lot of empty calories. Keep it to a minimum.

12) Eat protein – chicken, lean beef, and � sh will help repair muscles and keep you full longer.

13) Eat your vegetables – most veggies pack a nutri-ent punch to help keep those

pounds o� .

14) Take an omega 3 supple-ment – ge� ing your essential fa� y

acids in will help keep you healthy and keep the pounds o� .

15) Enjoy yourself – college should be fun, but it shouldn’t pack on a bunch of un-

necessary weight.


Going Back to School

by Bonnie Dailey

Going Back To School

TipS

Decide on a MajorBy deciding on a major before

enrolling, you will not waste time taking

courses that don’t count

toward your major and

will be on the fast track

to getting a degree.

Don’t Overwhelm

Yourself

Start slowly with a couple of

classes. Once you’re

comfortable with

the workload, add

another class.

There’s no rush.

It’s better to be

successful in all

aspects of your life

than none at all.

Follow

Your Dreams

Do this fo

r you!

Don’t let a

nyone

try ta

lking you

out of g

oing

back to

school or

betterin

g

yourself.

Don’t Be Intimidated

As an adult, everything about going back to school can be scary. Be

proud of the fact that you’re building your skillset

through higher education.

Pick the

Right School

For You

There are

many

different

options to

choose from,

especially in

Kentucky. After deciding on a

major, find a school th

at specializes

in your area of interest.

Sharpen Your SkillsAttend free seminars to help brush up your skills before hitting the books. This will prevent frustration and prepare you

for what lies ahead.

Have A Plan

Plan ahead to

ensure you can

accomplish

your goals.

Consider your

other responsi-

bilities like family,

work and personal

interests.

Tell Your Fans

Form a support group you can

turn to when you

need help. Tell them your plan

of action. Your employer may work

with your schedule or even pro-vide financial help.

Time Management

Education is expensive. Applying for scholarships and financial aid can

save you major cash.

Get Your

Financial Aid Together

Make time to study. Start now by setting a couple of

hours aside each day. By getting into a routine, you will have time carved

out for studying by the time you need it.

Gardening

AUGUST2014 | TOPS MAGAZINE 115

by Michelle RauchGardening Enthusiast

Learning through GardeningTo dig in the dirt and plant the seeds that will grow into beautiful flowers and edible delights is a source of enjoyment and relaxation for me, as it is for many gardeners. There is also a tremendous opportunity to tap into the educational value of gardening. Schools across central Kentucky are taking science, health, and environmen-tal lessons out of the classroom and into the garden. Yates Elementary in Lexington started their school garden eight years ago. It was a beginning. When the school was renovated in 2011, the garden was bulldozed which enabled sci-ence lab teacher Josh Radner to start from scratch and expand. “I use it to teach all my life sci-ence and ecology. It would be really hard to teach with-out it. Even if we don’t take the kids out into the garden every day, I will bring stuff in from the garden,” Radner says. From observing leaves and plant life cycles, to catching a praying mantis and learning about insects, it’s putting sci-ence into the context of our daily lives.

The garden at Yates is divided into sections. There is a wild ecosystem designed to attract birds, butterflies, and other critters. There is a rain garden, herb garden and, of course, a vegetable garden. “I have had a lot of success getting kids to eat things they would otherwise not eat because they didn’t see how it was grown,” Radner says. The kids are eating the homegrown vegetables by the mouthfuls for snacks. Surprisingly, radishes have been a big hit. So has the lemony, leafy green perennial, sorrel. “The kids just devour it as soon as it grows and eat it right there in the garden,” Radner says. Carrots have been another popular snack. During the summer, the kids have an opportunity to take home the fresh vegetables by the bagfuls. “For the majority of these kids, it’s the only time they will pick something from a garden,” he says.

In addition to learning about the health benefits of homegrown food, the students are learning about recycling back into the earth through composting. They take the food waste from the cafeteria and compost it for the garden. Maintaining the garden takes an investment in time

and resources. Radner says it wouldn’t be possible without support from the community. John Michler, owner of Micheler’s Florist and Greenhouses, donated the plants that got the garden started.

Gardens are popping up at more schools. Three years ago Locust Trace opened as part of the Fayette County Public

Schools technical school system. The school is surrounded by 82 acres of farmland,

complete with a state of the art greenhouse, gardens, orchards,

and wildlife habitat. The programs give high

school students hands on experience for

those who may want to pursue careers in the agriculture areas. While the idea is being cultivated in

more schools each year, school gardens

are not new. The federal government

established the Office of School and Home

Gardening within the Bureau of Education in 1914. By 1918,

every state had at least one school garden. The U.S. Department of Agriculture helped

cultivate the movement by providing seeds and garden plans. The need for local food during World War I prompted an increase in the movement. A motto was born—A garden for every child, a child in every garden; and so was the United States School Garden Army. Students took a pledge for food production and conservation.

Starting a school garden lends itself to customization. The themes are limit-less—butterfly or hummingbird garden, sensory garden (think scratch and sniff) medicinal garden, the makings of a salad or pizza garden, fruit garden, or a picture perfect art garden, offering visuals for sketching and painting. Studies have shown that test scores are higher among students who are exposed to garden-based learning. For more information about school garden-ing, including resources for teachers, visit edibleschoolyard.org

Parties


by Deanna TalwalkarParty Planner Extraordinaire

Back to School! fter what seems like a short summer, it’s already time for the kids to go back to school. For most kids, the first day of school is a mix of excitement, joy, and a little trepidation. With a few creative ideas you can ease some of those jitters and help encourage the en-thusiasm for back to school. The following five ideas will help you celebrate the arrival of the first day of school!

End oF SummEr GEt toGEthEr

Before the first day of school, take time to celebrate the end of summer by inviting over your child’s favorite school mates. A swimming party, ice cream social, sleepover, or simply an afternoon play date would work. Serve a few school themed snacks, such as apple shaped rice krispie treats or cupcakes. Also, after spend-ing some quality time together, your child and his or her school friends will look forward to seeing each oth-er at school.

mAkE A BAck to School trEAt For tEAchErS

Before the first day of school, el-ementary school children will enjoy making a back to school treat for their teachers. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate treat, just a little gift. most kids love giving gifts, especially ones they helped to make or pick out. This simple gesture will get kids ex-cited about their first day and meet-ing their new teacher.

one inexpensive treat idea is a candy filled push up pop that resembles a glue stick. The containers for this treat can be purchased at your lo-cal craft store or even some grocery stores in the baking section. Some grosgrain ribbon, a sticker and tag make this a fun project.

collEct School SupplIES For othErS

For many, back-to-school supplies simply don’t fit into the monthly budget. Several local organizations

accept donations of extra school supplies for the neediest of stu-dents. They will also provide a list of needed items. So, this year, make the school supply shopping a fun event. have kids pick out a few items from the charity’s school supply list to add to their school supply shopping. Shopping for others will give your kids a sense of pride in doing a small act of kindness for someone else.

BuS Stop BrEAkFASt

If your kids ride the bus to school, consider planning a bus stop break-fast. Fill up your wagon with fun breakfast finger foods, like muffins, doughnuts, juice boxes, apples and bananas. tell other parents to meet at the bus stop about 10-15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to ar-rive. parents and kids can enjoy a fun breakfast treat before the kids get on the bus.

If you have middle school or high school students, they probably won’t want you showing up at the bus stop with a wagon. But, most teens wouldn’t turn down a box of dough-nuts to take up to the bus stop to share with their friends.

pAck A SpEcIAl lunch

If one of your little ones is feeling nervous about the first day of school, planning a special lunch will help ease some of those nerves. have your child pick out something special for lunch, something you might not nec-essarily pack in their lunch box on a daily basis. In addition, when pack-ing the lunch, tuck a note of encour-agement into the l u n c h -box.

A


God’s Pantry

Hunger. We’ve all experienced it at one time or another. The embar-

rassing tummy-rumble when meeting a client due to a delayed lunch or the mid-morning lack of focus resulting from a skipped breakfast. While tem-porary hunger-pangs are universal, what is it to be truly hungry? Who is af-fected by hunger in our state and what can we do about it? According to the CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank, Mar-ian Guinn, one in seven people living within the 50-county service area that the Food Bank reaches face malnutri-tion, uneasy or painful sensations resulting from insufficient or irregular food intake, and insecurity over where their next meal will come from. This means that over 330,000 people are struggling each day to feed themselves and their families in central and eastern Kentucky. Hunger diminishes the lives of many Kentuckians by draining resources from the elderly and forcing mothers to sacrifice meals so their children don’t have to. Additionally, in recent years, the economy has taken its toll on the greater population, leaving more and more households with a con-sistent lack of enough food to meet nutritional requirements. It strikes with unforeseen needs, overwhelming any who might be in a tight spot needing a helping hand. Fortunately, hunger is a curable problem, and today God’s Pantry Food Bank works with more than 275 partner agen-cies to fight hunger and alleviate the symptoms that accompany it.

Founded in 1955 out of the basement of her home, concerned citizen Mimi Hunt decided to take action and began distributing food to assist those in need. Over the years, God’s Pantry Food Bank grew into the large-scale hunger relief organization it is today. It was incorporated in 1979 and in 1984, God’s Pantry Food Bank became a member of Feed-ing America, the nation’s largest non-governmental, domestic hunger relief organization. Similarly, God’s Pantry Food Bank is also a mem-ber of the Kentucky Association of Food Banks, joining together the seven Feeding America Food Banks working in Kentucky to optimize

the effectiveness and reach of the ef-forts being made to best serve the state. Feeding America’s network extends over 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations serving every county in the U.S. to create a hunger-free Amer-ica. “Working with God’s Pantry Food Bank provides the opportunity for one person to make a difference in a big way,” shares Marian, the Food Bank’s CEO. Marian has been with God’s Pantry Food Bank for 17 years and lives for the challenge of improving health of all Kentuckians. Prior to her

time with the Food Bank, Marian worked at the University of Kentucky Hospital for ten years seeking to make a difference in providing excep-tional healthcare to the citizens of the Bluegrass and has transitioned her passion for providing exceptional care to providing healthy and nu-tritious meals to all those in need. She explains, “the simple actions and efforts to provide food and reduce hunger is critical to the overall good of our community and state through cooperation and making the best possible use of all available resources.” And with Marian at the helm, God’s Pantry Food Bank is doing just that.

On July first of this year, the agency launched their new fiscal year and Marian, along with the rest of the GPFB team, are excited about the projected growth and continued expansion of the organization. One such example features the construction of the distribution center in Morehead, Kentucky slated to open in January of 2015, providing a nice addition to the warehouses located in Prestonburg, Winchester and Lexington. Marian explains, “God’s Pantry Food Bank is so special because it’s small enough of an organization to be nimble and flexible in what we do but large enough to have the resources to identify the needs of each given community to effectively offer solutions.” In order to con-tinue innovating ways to provide nourishing meals, God’s Pantry Food Bank brings in food resources from all across the country, not just from here in the Bluegrass and of these resources, close to 50% of the food

God’s Pantry Food Bank—Waging War on Hungerby Lauren Henry


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Filly in the Workplace:Suneet AshburnAmerican Animal Nutrition

Suneet Ashburn has a new job related to an old love. As of July 1, she is employed by American Animal Nutrition, a wholly owned subsidiary of Missouri-based National Enzyme Company. “I am going to be their accounts manager as they launch into the equine side of their business, which is going to be their � rst foray into animal health,” Ashburn said of the parent company. “I’m very excited. I get to use everything in my background.”

Her background includes training in business, knowledge of the equine industry, and experience in horse racing TV produc-tion. Born in Puerto Rico, Ashburn’s dad was from India and her mother, who grew up riding the hounds, was English. � ey lived in a brownstone in Brooklyn and had a 50-acre farm in rural upstate New York.

“Even then, when I was li� le, I knew how cool it was,” Ashburn said. For generations her family members have been “very ordinary peo-ple but we’ve been land rich.” On the family farm, Ashburn and her sister rode their horses on miles of trails and old logging roads. Two farms over, John Lennon owned some land. “At the time, Yoko did not go up there very o� en,” Ashburn said. “Now she and Sean have adjacent houses.”

A city kid during the winter, Ashburn was a country girl in summertime. “I can milk a cow, ride a horse and negotiate a subway system,” she said, “but I get lost in shopping malls. Suburbs confuse me.” Growing up, she was active in 4-H. In addition to learning about head, heart, hands and health, there was another “H” Ashburn learned: hypol-ogy, the study of equine muscles and move-

ment.

� e house she grew up in, in Brooklyn, was around the corner from a block referred to as Sportsman’s Row. “When I say around the corner, I mean literally 50 or 60 yards,” Ashburn said. In the 1880s, brothers Phil and Mike Dwyer, owners of Dwyer Brothers Stables, and jockeys Jimmy McLaughlin and Snapper Garrison all lived on the same street. “Maybe there was something in the air that drew me to racing,” she said.

When it came time for college, Ashburn le� her native New York for Ohio State, to get an undergrad degree in organizational com-munication. � en she studied at the University of Louisville’s Equine Industry Program, where she had internships in the mar-keting department at Hollywood Park Race Track in California and in the publicity department for � oroughbred Racing Com-munications, based in New York. She also worked at International Management Group in New York City. IMG is a sports marketing agency. � at year and a half of experience in equine and sports mar-keting shaped the course of her career. “It was like ge� ing a master’s

degree in sports business,” she said.

During her stint with IMG she was able to work as a runner on the Triple Crown series when ABC Sports handled the televised broadcast, running errands for the broad-casters and helping in the tape truck. She was also hired as a spo� er for the camera operators on NBC’s broadcast of the Breed-ers’ Cup, which she continues to do on a freelance basis. She has worked every Derby, Preakness and Belmont since 2001, and Breeders’ Cup races since the mid-1990s.

By Kathie Stamps

“I can milk a cow, ride a horse and negotiate a subway system, but I get lost in shopping malls. Suburbs confuse me.”

Kenny Rice and Suneet Ashburn for NBC Sports

AUGUST 2014 | TOPSINLEX.COM 127

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Suneet Ashburn and Stormy (photo by Keni Parks)


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Other equine-related production events include the Rolex Kentucky � ree-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park here in Lexington.

Her role with NBC’s coverage of horse races has grown so that now she is the one who gets to hire people. “You’re right there in the thick of the action. It’s extremely exhilarating,” she said. Ashburn and her team make sure cameras are catching facial expressions of certain owners and trainers during a race. � ese reaction shots help docu-ment the history of the sport. “� e broadcast of these races has so many moving parts. We’re just one teeny tiny piece, one less thing for the producer and director to worry about,” she said. “To work with these people that I used to watch on television when I was younger, it’s really cool. It’s an honor and a privilege. We work hard.”

Before her regular freelance gig in television production began, Ash-burn earned an MBA from � underbird School of Global Manage-ment. “It was the � rst institution to o� er international business stud-ies on a graduate level,” she said. A� er business school she had a job with Grey Advertising in New York City, working on a dot-com ac-count. In the early 2000s the dot-com bubble was crashing. Ashburn was downsized, so she decided to try her hand with animal health pharmaceuticals for P� zer. She was sent to Colo-rado to be the territory manager for P� zer’s dairy ca� le business.

“I was selling the pharmaceuticals to the dairy farmers and veteri-narians in Colorado, parts of Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas,” she said. She was based in Colorado for almost seven years. When that job ended a� er a merger and downsize, Ashburn chose to move to Lexington. “I could do anything I wanted with my life and I wanted to come back to Kentucky,” she said. Plus, she missed the so� , green grass of the Bluegrass. She has lived here since 2012 and hopes to stay inde� nitely.

One of her favorite places is Keeneland, and she calls the track kitch-en at Keeneland one of the best experiences in town. (Did you know it’s open year-round? Yep, at 6 a.m., except on major holidays.)

“Keeneland is such a gem,” she said. “I’m so glad we’re having the Breeders’ Cup here. I have no doubt that that team is going to � gure out it all out. � ey’re going to put on a world-class event.” She has the dates, Oct. 30-31, 2015, marked o� on her calendar, and plans to work the event with NBC. With the November Sale on the heels of the Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland will be a� racting people from around the country and beyond. “� e world’s racing industry is going to be even more intensely focused on Lexington during next year’s Breed-

ers’ Cup,” Ashburn said. “It’s going to be fantas-tic.”

Follow Suneet on Twi� er: @suneet66


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is in the ring. And while this may induce some mishaps, most of the young riders have the rewarding experience of their hard work paying o� – whether they walk away with a ribbon or not.

Despite its high-pressure reputation, the show is also a beloved social event for many of the kids. Old and new friends alike share their stories and make certain to have plenty of time in between rounds to hang out. Parents, too, o� en look forward to the event to celebrate–or sometimes, commiserate–with other parents!

� e pony auction that takes place in the Alltech Arena is another highlight of the show. With more pony deals done during this week than any other time in the year, the auction is a sight to behold. Ponies can go from a real deal to an outright bidding war. See if you can pick a favorite!

For more information, including schedule of events visit: www.pony� nals.org.

Hats Off to Kentucky’s Horse Industry Day: An Annual Celebration

� is year, Kentucky celebrated its annual festival that recognizes the horses and individuals who work in the $8 billion (per year in Kentucky) industry on Saturday, July 26. Over 15,000 people visit the Horse Park on Hats O� Day which o� ered free admission and plenty of fun things to do! All proceeds from the event go to equine charities. � is year, a cra� beer festival was introduced and took place during the world-class show jumping spectacle of the Rood and Riddle Grand Prix. Proceeds from the beer festival went to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. Breweries in the

tasting lineup included: Blue Stallion, Country Boy, Falls City, Goose Island, Highlands, Kentucky Ale and West Sixth among other selections.

New Vocations � rst began in 1992 as an avenue for retired racehorses to begin a new career. Since its inception, the program has grown to six facilities in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania and helps house over 400 horses each year.

“We were so pleased with the Hats O� to Kentucky Cra� Beer Festival. With over 220 a� endees, everyone got to taste some great cra� beer and delicious food. � e show jumping was top-notch and the weather was fantastic – we can’t wait to do it again next year!” said Sarah Coleman, Director of Education and Development of the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.

Recap: North American Junior and Young Riders Championships

Plenty of history was made during the NAJYRC’s 40th Anniversary year. As competition came to a close on July 20, it was a week that for one set of brothers was certainly memorable. Wilton and Lucas Porter became the � rst brothers to win Young Rider and Junior Individual Gold during the Championship. With four disciplines and a total of seven championships on the line for junior and young riders, the NAJYRC is one of the most premier equestrian competitions to be held in North American for junior and young riders (ages 14-21 are eligible to compete). Disciplines include the following: show jumping, dressage, eventing and endurance.

� e NAJYRC commenced with the Junior and Young Rider Team


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Tests competition in the USDF/ Platinum Performance North American Junior and Young Riders’ Dressage Championship. � e 74 riders competing in the events vied to earn the coveted medals awarded to the champions.

Morning dawned with a � urry of activity for the event riders when 61 competitors assemble to execute their dressage test routines with precision and style. � e USEA North American Junior and Young Riders‘ Eventing Championship cross county competition was then held on Saturday, July 19 with horse and rider winding their way through the bucolic � elds of the Kentucky Horse Park. On Sunday, the show jumping phase took place in the Rolex Arena that rounded out the event, and the championship was awarded. On � ursday, July 17, the USHJA North American Junior And Young Riders‘ Show Jumping Championship kicked o� with 67 competitors in the � rst individual quali� er. � e North American Young Riders’ Endurance Championship also got underway bright and early with a 6:30 AM start as 14 riders took on a 120 kilometer CE14* course.

Mustang Troop: A Program with Heart

� e transformative power of kindred spirits is evident in the Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop. � is outreach program, sponsored and hosted by the Park, brings together at-risk youth and mustangs provided by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Twelve candidates are selected each year a� er completing a

rigorous application process to experience the full spectrum of horse life including daily care, riding instructions, and public presentations. Dedicated to its’ tenet of participants not incurring any costs, the program is an immersive and therapeutic experience.

For the entire summer that continues through the school year with monthly Saturday sessions, youth and horse work to forge a simpatico relationship. Opportunities to learn life lessons abound even in the simplest of interactions between horse and young person–such as successfully leading the horse to its stall for the � rst time -that instill a sense of responsibility and achievement.

� e longevity of this popular program that is now in its 2oth year bespeaks to its positive in� uence on our more vulnerable youth. New program sponsor includes Noble Out� � ers. � is equestrian lifestyle brand has formed a partnership with the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and provides participants with riding apparel including boots, gloves, socks and other items. � e program is supported by private donations so partnerships like Noble Out� � ers help the program stay true to its mission.

Hot Stuff: Women’s Polo

� e inaugural Bluegrass Invitation Women’s Polo Series kicked o� with major girl power. From coast to coast, polo is becoming more and more popular. � e growth of women’s polo is skyrocketing

Opportunities to learn life lessons abound even in the simplest of interactions between horse and young person -such

as successfully leading the horse to its stall for the � rst time -that instill a sense of responsibility and achievement.

Plenty of history was made during the North American Junior and Young Riders

Championships’ 40th Anniversary year.


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mainly because of the Women’s Championship Tournament (WCT), created in 2005 to help promote competition and women’s participation in the centuries old sport. In its 9th year, the WCT has become a premier polo league. A� er ge� ing the festivities started at the Porto� no’s Restaurant – where polo players met with local fans, teams Hardwick Clothing Polo, Stuart Mercer Polo Team, Sotheby’s Polo Team and De Lago Polo headed o� with Sotheby’s presented with the winning title.

Original Makers Club: The “It” Club

Want an event that is sure to impress? Come out to the annual Original Makers Cup that showcases a trio of world-class polo events hosted by the Original Makers Club. � e Club invites polo and horse enthusiasts of all kinds to our one and only Kentucky Horse Park, the site for the Polo Kick -O� event, to enjoy the competition between the teams from Lexington Polo. � e grand prize is the Original Makers Cup designed by LV Harkness.

� e Original Makers Club was created with intentionality to

curating cities (Louisville and Lexington have been the trailblazers and Nashville, TN is on the heels). With cities guides � lled with the best places to eat and shop along with plain coolness – this is one Club to get in. Polo has been a mainstay event in the Club’s short but dynamic history. Honing in on the social aspect of the sport, tailgate spots are coveted � eld side with drinks served up and plenty of sightseeing to be had at the games. So what’s holding you up? Tickets are available to purchase at www.theoriginalmakerscup.com.

SUMMER SHOWS SEND OFF

Enjoy the summer weather (it’ll be all too soon before that chill in the air is back) and come out to support some of the best riders in the country. During August, the Kentucky Summer shows will be taking place and running through the month. Although we’ll certainly see some horse show action in the fall, the summer series is always a special send o� to summer. Take a stroll through vendor’s row and � nd that unique accessory or other merchandise that is be� � ing for life in the Bluegrass!


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On a sun-splashed July day in Central Kentucky, hundreds of buyers, consignors, and other horse industry enthusiasts from across the country and globe � ocked to Fasig-Tipton Pavilion for an action-packed � orough-bred auction that included a li� le bit of everything.

In spite of the warm tempera-tures, the atmosphere remained lively and upbeat as an eclectic group of horses—from year-lings, to horses of racing age and mares and weanlings from the Melnyk Racing Stable Disper-sal–were paraded for perspec-tive purchasers and enthusiastic bidding ensued.

In all, 109 horses of racing age sold for $8,426,000 and 162 yearlings fetched $15,253,000 at the sale, which was conducted in two di� erent sessions on the same day. Fasig-Tipton’s July auction is the � rst of the year that of-fers yearlings (horses that turned one as of Jan. 1) and o� en sets the tone for the rest of the selling season. Based on the results, which re� ected modest increases in both gross and average from last year, the horse industry is poised to con-tinue its positive upswing.

“I’m very happy with how many people are here—both domestic and international...it seems like there’s a really good vibe and the horses are selling well,” said Fasig-Tipton marketing assistant and client coordinator Anna Seitz said. “I think it’s a sale that’s go-ing to continue to build momentum and grow every year.”

“� e timing of this sale is good and it � ts with our criteria,” said Louisville-based trainer Pat Byrne, who bought three six-� gure yearlings for his client Charles San-

ford, including a $410,000 colt by Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Blame. “� is sale always has nice individuals; there’s a solid group of horses here. � ey’re selling a li� le bit stronger than I’d like, but that’s what every buyer says.”

A � ashy colt sired by multiple graded stakes winner Cowboy Cal topped the yearling sale when he was bought by North-west Stud for $550,000, while Bedford Land, a winning 2-year-old daughter of Speightstown, brought some � reworks to the horses of racing age sale when he fetched $1,075,000 from � ree Chimneys Farm.

Seitz said several horsemen had a� ended the sale with the inten-tion of only buying racehorses but had ended up making a cou-ple of yearling purchases as well.

“� at’s what we were hoping would happen...that (buyers) would � ow over into the yearling side and vice versa,” she explained.

� e Fasig-Tipton July sale is obviously an opportunity for horse-men to buy and sell high quality horses, but it also provides a chance for a� endees to mingle and socialize. � e auction com-

pany’s recently updated and modernized facilities feature two bars—one on the up-per level of the sale pavilion and one next to the picturesque outdoor walking ring—which allowed horsemen to relax and catch up with colleagues during and a� er long days of showing, examining, and bidding on horses.

Most horsemen traveling from out of state arrived in Lexington on Friday evening or Saturday morning before the sale to look at horses on the sale grounds. According to Seitz, the auction company reserves a large

Fasig-Tipton Sales

Photos Courtesy of Fasig-Tipton

by Esther Marr


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block of rooms at the nearby Gri� n Gate Marrio� Resort and Spa for horsemen, many of which enjoy meeting up for a drink at the hotel upon their arrival in the Bluegrass city.

“Saturday ( July 12) was a really good day of horse racing around the country so a lot of people stayed late a� er looking at horses and had a party at the upstairs bar and watched all the races,” Seitz said. “On Sunday ( July 13) everyone looked at horses early, and then the World Cup game was at 3 and a lot of them went upstairs again and had a party for that.”

Seitz added that the horsemen also frequent such local restaurant establishments as Dudley’s, Cole’s, Table � ree Ten and Malone’s in the days leading up to the sale.

“I love coming (to the July sale) because it’s a manageable sale in terms of size and Fasig-Tipton is easy to deal with,” said northeast-based a� orney Stuart Grant.

Grant, who also owns Camden Training Center in South Carolina and has an interest in Windham Hill Farm in Paris., Ky., added that one of favorite July sale traditions is ge� ing ice cream from the in-tern students at the Taylor Made Farm consignment.

“I also like eating at Azur (Restaurant and Patio in Beaumont Cen-tre)...it’s nice that everybody gets together and socializes a� er the sale,” said Grant, who owns Camden Training Center in South Carolina and has an interest in Windham Hill Farm in Paris, Ky. “I also like hi� ing up the downtown (bar) establishments and having a good laugh.”

Part of Seitz’ role is buyer recruiting, so she encounters an interna-tional mix of horsemen that choose to spend their dollars at Fasig-

Tipton. “Every sale, it seems like there are new big players, which is what we need in this industry,” Seitz said.

“� e second a new person comes on the scene that’s spending sig-ni� cant money with us, I try to get to know them,” she added. “It’s really fun because I get to meet people from all over the world. If we can get to know them, you can � gure out what they need and take care of them. We really try to give them a good experience, not only for our bene� t, but for the horse industry’s bene� t so they’ll continue to buy, sell and race horses and continue to be involved in our industry, because without them, we can’t move forward.”

Anna Ford, director of the racehorse adoption program New Voca-tions, a� ended the Fasig-Tipton sale to network with supporters.

“� e majority of the people that support our program are here from all areas of the country, so it’s always good to come to the sale because it’s a one-stop shop,” Ford said.

Fasig-Tipton is one of four auction companies that enables buyers and consignors to automatically contribute .05% of each transac-tion to the � oroughbred A� ercare Alliance, which in turn gives a grant to New Vocations and several other � oroughbred a� ercare non-pro� t groups.

Esther Marr is a freelance writer living in Lexington with her husband, Steven and daughter, Lyla. She also serves as Horse Advisory Council Chair for Run the Bluegrass.


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Take me to the River! � at would be the Ohio River, just over an hour drive from Lexington is North America’s newest race-track and - Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center.

Everything old is new again. While racegoers in the Cincinnati area � ocked to the track by ferry and classic cars in 1925, Pinnacle Entertainment has only enhanced the experience on many levels. While closing in on 90 years along the picturesque Ohio River they have maintained and enhanced the charmed racing program. � e “Wow Factor” is the Gaming Center with a 1,000 Video Lo� ery Terminals and amazing food options from the Nosh co� ee shop, Burger Brothers with made to order selections, the Marketplace Bu� et and its many unique stations and a dessert island to die for.

Looking for your sports � x? � e Stadium o� ers 40 large � at screens, a Hall of Fame of Cincinnati sports legends including memorabilia from Oscar Robertson to Steve Cauthen. Oh, did I mention – they o� er 100 di� erent beers! � e dining experience

Favorites rivals any in Cincinnati with their steak and pasta menu that has drawn rave reviews and has a private room for parties and a terrace that overlooks the live racing.

While the track has undergone an amazing transformation, its his-tory will be etched in the thread of Cincinnati sports venues for-ever. � e � rst race meeting at this oval took place on July 6, 1925 when it was named Coney Island. In 1937 the track was re-opened under the banner of River Downs. On January 28, 2011 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. announced the acquisition of River Downs. On May 1, 2014 the historic track entered a new era as Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center. It is worth a step back in time to appreciate the evolution of one of racing’s “Best kept se-crets.”

Dawn was breaking on a warm summer morning in 1925 and there was a unique air of excitement surrounding Cincinnati’s new showcase of thoroughbred racing. On the path leading from the backstretch past the racing secretary’s o� ce a muscular black colt

Racetrack and RacinoBelterra Park: America’s Newest

by John C. Engelhardt

Sean Fitzpatrick calls the horses to post at Belterra Park


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was led past the gates. A crowd of onlookers pressed against the white rail as the horse planted his hooves into the manicured sand surface.

� is was no ordinary daybreak at Coney Island racetrack, and the horse that disappeared into the mist o� the Ohio River was no or-dinary animal. It was opening day for action on the track, and the � rst horse ever to gallop past the � nish line was none other than the legendary Black Gold, the horse who still holds the record for most “Derby” wins in North America. Opening day marked the � rst or-ganized racing in Cincinnati since the closing of the Old Oakley Race Course some � � een years prior.

A crowd of 10,000 watched and wagered on the inaugural seven race card, wagering $83,000. Many of those came by riverboat on the regularly scheduled run from the public landing downtown to the Coney Island landing. � e track had been constructed at a cost of one million dollars and was � nanced by a group of New York businessmen who were associated with the politically prominent Tammany Hall Group. � e sensational race mare Princess Doreen thrilled the crowd at Coney Island that season. � e champion handicap mare defeated male rivals in the Cincinnati Enquirer Handicap while carrying a 129 lb. impost on her back.

� e quaint open-air grandstand allowed fans to see many greats perform over the years. � e eyes of the racing world were riveted on this Cincinnati oval on October 12, 1935. � ree weeks earlier, the 3-year-old � llies Myrtlewood and Clang performed in a stirring match race at Hawthorne Park, with Myrtlewood collecting the $2,000 purse for her nose victory. � e pair met here under exact conditions - 6 furlongs, under 110 lbs., but the result was exactly reversed. Clang not only turned the tables on her rival, but they hit the wire together in a world record time of 1:09 1/5!

� e legendary Seabiscuit made two appearances here in 1936. Trainer “Silent Tom” Smith shipped in from Detroit with jockey “Red” Pollard for two consecutive starts. On October 3, he ran third in the Western Hills Handicap and two weeks later he ran third in the Eastern Hills Handicap. He closed well and fast in both e� orts, that some may surmise they were used as training races. Seabiscuit then shipped to New York to the old Empire track and won the Scarsdale Handicap by a nose at odds of 12 to 1 in track record time.

A� er surviving the tragic � ood of 1937, the track re-opened un-der the banner of “River Downs.” Racing primarily in the summer months, the riverside racing facility would bloom with excitement and beauty. � e exceptional 7 furlong turf course was created in 1956, making River Downs the 13th track in America with a grass racing strip. Over the years, this well-groomed greensward has drawn rave reviews from horsemen across the country.

May 17, 1976 is a day that will long be remembered by the rac-

ing fans at River Downs. It was on that overcast a� ernoon that a baby-faced apprentice jockey won the eighth race aboard Red Pipe. It was the race that would launch the career of one of the world’s most renowned riders - Steve Cauthen. “� e Kid”, as he was fondly called, went on to be the leading apprentice and overall rider at River Downs that season. Local fans had goose bumps, when two years later; he teamed up with A� rmed to become the youngest rider to sweep the Triple Crown a feat that has yet to be repeated.

During the ‘80’s, the Miller Genuine Dra� Cradle Stakes grew to become the richest race for 2-year-olds in the state. � e 1983 win-ner, Coax Me Chad went on to record a rousing second-place � nish behind Swale in the Kentucky Derby. � e following year the 1984 “Cradle” winner did his predecessor one be� er - he won the Ken-tucky Derby. � e speedball named Spend A Buck not only took the roses in May, but went on to win ten races and over $4.2 million, eventually being crowned as Horse of the Year.

� e 2000 Miller Genuine Dra� was the deepest � eld ever to com-pete. � e race produced three graded stakes winners and one of the best runners of this generation. Ohio-bred Harlan’s Holiday went on to win over $3.4 million. He was sent away as the favor-ite in the Kentucky Derby a� er back-to-back Grade 1 wins in the Florida Derby and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. A� er his retirement he went on to become and extremely in� uential stallion.

Over the decades, the wooden grandstand began to strain under the weight of its loyal fans. � e current track owners and managers, who purchased the facility in 1975, elected to construct an entirely new grandstand and construction began immediately at the end of the 1988 racing season.

In addition to the $16 million grandstand, the paddock was dou-bled in size, accentuating the River Downs’ philosophy that fans like to be close to the action and the horses. On September 19, 1996, the track entered into a new era when state legislation � nally allowed for Full Card simulcasting to take place in the state.

Only months a� er the renovation of the River Downs RaceBook, the track fell victim to the “Flood of ‘97”. Waters � owed over the banks of the Ohio River in March at a rate that hadn’t been wit-nessed for over 50 years. � e entire lower level of the Clubhouse was � ooded, as was the entire � rst level of the grandstand, o� ce area and barn area (which luckily, was unoccupied at the time). Against all odds the track opened on schedule for live racing in late April.

A new era for the historic track began on January 28, 2011 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: PNK) announced that it has closed on its previously announced acquisition of River Downs Racetrack. Pinnacle funded the $45 million acquisition with cash on hand.

Anthony San� lippo, President and Chief Executive O� cer of Pin-nacle Entertainment, commented, “We are excited to o� cially wel-


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come River Downs into Pinnacle’s family of properties. Our intent remains to quickly move to revitalize River Downs as a new gam-ing, racing and entertainment destination if video lo� ery termi-nals (VLTs) become operational in Ohio. Its location is expected to complement our existing Belterra Casino Resort, less than one hour away.”

Pinnacle’s expectations came to fruition when in late May 2012 an Ohio judge dismissed a lawsuit blocking the state’s racetracks from operating slot machine-like video lo� ery terminals. Pinnacle’s commitment to creating a top-class facility and an improved racing product and environment for the horsemen would require demoli-tion of the aging grandstand, clubhouse and parts of the stabling area. Pinnacle Entertainment has far and above met the minimum requirements set by the state. On October 23, 2013 it was an-nounced that the track that was undergoing extensive redevelop-ment would now be known as Belterra Park Gaming & Entertain-ment Center.

Belterra was inspired by the term Terra Bella, which means “beauti-ful land” – and anyone who has taken in the spectacular vista facing the tree-lined Ohio River to the hills of Kentucky will understand just how appropriate that name is. Belterra Park Gaming & En-tertainment Center provides a best-in-market, entertainment des-tination featuring live thoroughbred racing, pari-mutuel wagering, 1,000 video lo� ery terminals (VLTs) and six dynamic restaurants that include casual and formal dining options

“� e development plans for Belterra Park have allowed us to honor the tradition of River Downs while growing our customer base in the market through enhanced o� erings for our guests,” said Bel-terra Park Vice President and General Manager Kevin Kaufman. “We expect to provide the best total racing, dining and entertain-ment experience in the region and we are thrilled to share this dy-namic destination with our guests and the Cincinnati community. In keeping some connections to its storied past, a special room will be dedicated to its nearly 100-year history. � e “River Downs Club” will feature original racetrack memorabilia and serve as the year-round simulcast center. � e imposing terra co� a horse head statues from the original grandstand will be on display on the lower level of the grandstand and the original, ornate cupolas have been incorporated in the new design.

� ere is the traditional open-air grandstand, a new paddock and jockey’s quarters and the track features Amtote with MBet func-tionality. People will be able to bet from Iphones, Androids or IPads. On the backstretch seventeen new barns have been con-structed as well as a new dormitory which will accommodate 150 beds.

� ough any project of this magnitude has to be a “team e� ort,” Kevin Kaufman was involved at every level. I can speak personally to this fact as the � rst day I came to meet him it was before the track

was to open for simulcasting on a snowy day. A� er I parked and was heading to the grandstand a guy who was plowing snow on a Bobcat headed my way. � e driver stopped and said, “Hi, are you John? I’m Kevin Kaufman grab yourself a cup of co� ee upstairs, I’ll be up in a few minutes a� er I � nish the lot.” � at’s the kind of guy you want to work for and top level management want working for them. With the worst winter on record in 30 years he coordinated contractors, constructions crews assembled an expanded sta� and somehow made it all come together for the scheduled opening day.

Dignitaries from the Ohio State Racing Commission, Anderson Township and the racing legend Steve Cauthen were on hand for the ribbon cu� ing prior to the � rst live race on May 8. As if it was scripted, Perry Ouzts, the last rider to win a race at River Downs won the � rst race at Belterra Park. Cauthen greeted him a� er the race 38 years a� er they rode side by side. Ouzts shook his hand and said, “When he � rst came here as a 16-year-old I easily won the � rst meet – once he got going in the second meet, he kicked my bu� !”

Belterra Park has garnered rave reviews for the new facility – you have to see it to believe it. Unlike many Casino/Racino facilities, it is not designed to keep you in one place. It stretches to outdoor patios with unique views of the morning workouts or a� ernoon races. If you want to take in races from around the country the River Downs Club is wide open and if you just want to watch some racing and sports while enjoying your choice of 100 beers and some great food just head to the Stadium where live bands perform every weekend.

Not only is it a short drive from the Lexington area, but you can parlay a great concert at Riverbend Music Center or family fun at Coney Island Amusement Park – both located right next to the track – or a Cincinnati Reds game with a day at the races.

Located just minutes east of downtown Cincinnati along the sce-nic Ohio River, Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center provides easy access from exits o� I-275 east on both the east and west of Kellogg Ave. Live racing takes place � ursday through Sat-urday and will take place until October 19. North America’s new-est racetrack has opened and they live up to their mo� o, “A Storied Past – A Fresh Future.”

John C. Engelhardt has been an equine photographer and turf writer for 30 years and served as the President of the Turf Publicists of America. He hosts a weekly radio show on winningponies.com. For reprints of his images or future assignments you may contact him at [email protected]


Tour of Homes


Tour of Homes

Smart and sophisticated, the study captures old world beauty with small but effective details that add refinement. Three sections of distressed cabinetry with decorative arches encompass the far right wall for books and storage. Distinctive Faux Artistry completed the look with a cof-fered ceiling painted in a faux leather finish and embellished with nail heads.


Tour of Homes

A playful change-up from the neutral tones recurring throughout the home, the girls’ bedroom reflects a youthful energy with its black, white and hot pink accent wall. Against this bold wall, two twin beds painted black are marked with custom silhouette portraits of the girls who occupy them. The silhouettes are the work of local artist Natalie Brockman. With sassy leopard print and polka dot comforters and hot pink pillows, this room shines with personality.

Etiquette & Entertaining


Photo by Nini Edwards for LV Harkness

by Sue Ann TruittEtiquette & Entertaining Consultant

Time

Wine Time—When is Wine Time? From a cartoon cocktail napkin, we find that it is “Anytime”. On an early morning flight from Zurich to Munich, breakfast was served with wine, not wa-ter. Often people arrive at a restaurant for lunch, where a wine list accompanies the luncheon menu. Wine is accepted to be an anytime drink, not just after 5 o’clock.

Now that the time to drink wine is established, which wine do you order, purchase, serve, or drink? Much study goes into this selection process. Reading copious volumes of written material, studying courses at major colleges and universities, member-ship in Wine Clubs, traveling to vineyards in the four corners of the Earth—all represent ways in which people are learning about this mysterious liquid. Many experts recommend the best way to discover your favorite wine is to – taste, taste, taste! Wine is a mystery and is magic. It is delicious to drink, it intensifies the flavors in foods and enhances the mood with consumption. A specially selected meal served on a beautifully appointed ta-ble and accompanied by fine wines stimulates conversation and creates feelings of comfort. Just as there is protocol for growing, harvesting and fermenting the grapes, there are preferred ways to choose, open and present wine.

Wine tasting began as soon as there was wine to taste, around 3000 BC. Over the centuries, special utensils have been designed for tasting and drinking wine. This practice reached a peak with the creation of the tastevins, small flat silver cups with handles and raised indentations that reflect the color of the wine. Vine-yards and wineries still produce their own tastevins, which are popular

with oenophiles (those who love wine). Today glass tumblers or stemware are more often used for tasting wines but for a special wine tasting event, there is nothing like providing sterling tastevins.

There are hundreds of shapes and pat-terns of wine glasses. A plain thin crystal with a bowl the size of an apple permits proper oxygenation of the wine, con-centrating complex aromas toward the tapered opening of the bowl. A Merlot experience benefits from such a large glass with a wide body. A Bordeaux en-

joys a glass with a generous bowl and a tapered shape which captures the bouquet. The balanced design directs the wine to the center of the palate. A Cabernet Sauvignon stem is a classic red wine glass which complements the largest number of reds. The shape of this glass directs the wine to the back of the mouth which enhances the enjoyment of the distinct flavors and aro-mas of red wines.

Decanting is the presentation of wine in a decanter, usually glass or crystal, which highlights the color of the wine and aer-ates it. The decanting ceremony is gracious while combining ritual, beauty and science. Opening the wine to air has long been known to improve the aroma and flavor. Louis Pasteur sci-entifically observed the effect of air on wine when he helped vineyards and breweries to solve their spoilage problems in the 19th century. He remarked that, “Wine is the most health-ful and most hygienic of beverages”. In decanting wine, it is poured through a funnel into a decanter. The best funnels have a curved spout which causes the wine to flow down the sides of the container exposing the wine to oxygen. A wine funnel also has a strainer which catches any sediment that might be pres-ent. These funnels have been used for years but have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity when they were produced in silver.

Coasters are made of silver curved sides conforming around a wooden base which is covered with felt on the bottom. These came into use in the 18th century when the ladies excused them-selves from the table after dinner. Thus leaving the gentlemen to smoke and drink port which they “coasted” to each other across the polished wood table.

Wine is meant to be enjoyed with friends and acquaintances. Learn, experiment, taste and share. Drink to the ones you love!

Wine

TOPS Around Town


THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE

Central Bank Thursday Night Live, the popular concert series that started April 3rd and will end October 16th, brings in bands from everywhere. Now in its 19th season, the weekly outdoor party features food, beverages, free admission and, of course, live music. These family friendly concerts are held at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park.

downtownlex.com

Photos by Bonnie Dailey and Woody Phillips


topsinlex.com


WOW Wedding

a sentimental moment before meeting up with her mother on the lawn. Together, both Kristen’s mother and father walked her down the aisle.

The ring bearer soon followed and, instead of a traditional pillow, carried Kristen’s late grandmother’s Bible tied with a lace ribbon. The couple’s vocalist was a family friend and two poems were read by the bride’s cousin. The flower girl made everyone laugh as she gracefully dropped one petal on the aisle and then dumped the remainder in a big pile.

At the reception, the couple included their two dogs, Henry and Sophie, in the form of silhouettes created by silhouette artist Tim Arnold, “The Silhouette Man”. They offered guests a “Wish Tree” table to offer advice or congratulations and a Memory Table, in honor of late relatives from both families. The Candy Bar provided the couple’s favorite candies and wedding themed coloring books were available for the kids.

When asked to offer advice for couples currently planning their wedding, Kristen suggests accepting offers from family and friends to assist with the planning. She fondly remembers afternoons crafting with her mother, planning a playlist for the DJ with her best friend and taking a last-minute trip to a pumpkin patch with her parents to find thirty white pumpkins for the reception. Not only will accepting help reduce your stress, said the bride, “you will make some great memories in the process.”


WOW Wedding


Weddings


We’ve looked at the ho� est trends in colored wedding dresses, but one ‘sets the tone’ – a big trend in Hollywood weddings and

beyond is the gray wedding gown. At � rst glance this sounds a li� le dour – gray on your wedding day? But in reality these gowns are lush, subtle and ethereal – a dream walking down the aisle. Guests will whis-per, “What is that she’s wearing” and look on as if in a spell.

OLD HOLLYWOOD

� e reason gray gowns are so alluring, and so, so bridal, is the addi-tion of the gray tone; which is not the addition of a true color at all. It can make a gown appear as a subdued white, like it came from Tudor queens trousseau; or it can make you look like you are starring in Grace Kelly gray. It lends a true Old Hollywood glamour that many look for and cannot � nd in a white wedding gown.

As the gray tone gets bolder and deeper in a dress, bolder gray gowns cry out for the a� ention of brides ranging from avant garde to gothic, and are perfect for theme weddings from renaissance to period events. If you want your gown to be di� erent, but not colorful – gray could save the day.

NEW HOLLYWOOD

Yes, a fabulous dove gray strapless wedding gown even made an ap-pearance promoting one of the many Kardashion-esque weddings (Kim and Kanye), elevating this tone to a trend. While we may ques-tion motives, you can’t question their e� ect on trend se� ing and style watching. Now many brides have a gray gown on their “have to try on” list. According to ebay, gray wedding gown sales have increased 260% since these celebrity sightings.

Gray gowns have also walked down the aisle on Kate Moss, Real Housewives Cynthia Bailey and Adriana De Moura, even Camilla, � e Duchess of Cornwall. Katherine Heigl wore a gray backless wedding dress – train and all – walking the red carpet instead of down the aisle.

G� Y IS UNIVERSALLY FLA� ERING

Because gray is not a color but a tone, it actually looks great on almost all skin tones. Brides with darker skin look exceptionally magni� cent as a pale gray gown makes their skin glow, and very fair brides don’t look washed out like in some white gowns. Don’t choose a gown that’s too dark or you run the risk of blending in with mothers and grand-mothers of the bride.

PAVE THE WAY TO G� Y

Your choice of bridesmaid gown colors is open to almost any you wish if you are wearing a true gray, with no added blue or violet undertones. But to make a strong visual impact, a great look for your maids is to wear whites, creams, grays or blacks. Yum.

Remember, as always, not to ‘marry yourself ’ to the idea of a gracious gray gown – once in the salon white still tends to sweep most brides o� their feet! by Marsha Koller

Wedding Consultant

Fifty Shades of Gray on Your Wedding Day!


12 TUESDAYBig Band & Jazz Concert Series8:00a-5:00p Ecton Park lexingtonky.gov

13 WEDNESDAYLouis Ramsey 7:15p Comedy O� Broadway comedyo� broadway.com

14 THURSDAYLexington Legends vs. West Virginia 7p Whitaker Ball Park milb.com

Central Bank: Thursday Night Live4:30-9p Cheapside Parkdowntownlex.com

2014 Disaster Blaster: Flip Flop Fling7p Alltech Arenaredcross.org/bluegrass

15 FRIDAYSummer Nights in Suburbia7-9p MoonDance Amphitheater moondancelex.com

Lexington Picnic with the Pops 8:30-11p Meadow at Keene Barn lexpops.com

16 SATURDAYAFB Woodland Art Fair10a-5p Woodland Parklexingtonartleague.org

A Lexington’s Farmers Market Flash Blog7:30a-4p Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learningcarnegiecenterlex.org

Dentistry from the Heart9a-4p Pearson Justice Dentaldentistryfromtheheart.org

17 SUNDAYTunes in the Vines Series2-4p Equus Run Vineyard’equusrunvineyards.com

18 MONDAYGod’s Pantry Food Bank Golf Fore the Hungry 11a University Club of Kentuckygodspantry.org

21 THURSDAYGary Owen7:15p Comedy O� Broadwaycomedyo� broadway.com


22 FRIDAYWUKY’s Phoenix Friday5-9:30p Phoenix Park wuky.org

Up & Coming

AUGUST


Summer Nights in Suburbia7-9p MoonDance Amphitheater moondancelex.com

23 SATURDAYMonte Carlo Masq’fur’ade6-10p Hilton Garden Innsc4paws.org

Stargazing at Raven Run9p Raven Run Sanctuarylexingtonky.gov

DLC Artist’s Market8a-2p Front Lawm History Museumdowntownlex.com

24 SUNDAYKids Triathlon7-11:30a Beaumont YMCAymcacky.org

Touch - A - Truck1-5p Keeneland Race Coursecdcbg.org

25 MONDAYLexington H&S’s Sol & Glow Golf Charity Event1p-12a Spring Valley Golf Club moontowermusicfestival.com

28 THURSDAYBluegrass Classic Dog Shows8a-5p Alltech Arenabluegrassclassicdogshows.org


29 FRIDAY Lexington Festival of Ales5:30-8:30p 5/3 Bank Pavillionlexbeerscene.com

Summer Nights in Suburbia7-9p MoonDance Amphitheatermoondancelex.com

30 SATURDAYUK Football vs. UT Martin12p Commonwealth Stadium

Falling Springs Kidz Triathlon8:30a Woodford County Parkfallingsprings.net

The Great Family Vaulting Extravaganza3:30-6:30p Life Adventure Centerlifeadventurecenter.org

31 SUNDAY 2014 Tour De Coops12-7p Various Chicken Farmsclucklex.org

Up & Coming

AUGUST


3 WEDNESDAYCult Film Series: Big Trouble in Little China8p Al’s Baralsbarlexington.com

4 THURSDAYCentral Bank: Thursday Night Live4:30-9p Cheapside Parkdowntownlex.com

The President’s Own Marine Band8p Newling Hall Centre Collegenortoncenter.com

5 FRIDAYJimmy Pardo7:15p Comedy O� Broadwaycomedyo� broadway.com

In Residence Exhibition10a-4p Lexington Art Leaguelexingtonartleauge

7 SUNDAYRingling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1p & 5p Rupp Arenawww.ringling.com

Shaker Village Garden Summer6:30p Shaker Villageshakervillageky.org

8 MONDAYUnited Way Golf Classic8a Keeneland Trace Golf Clubuwbg.org

11 THURSDAYA Taste of Bluegrass Hospitality 7-11p Malone’s Banquetsbluegrasshospitality.com

Magical Evening6p Kentucky Theatrekentuckytheatrefriends.org


12 FRIDAY36th Annual Kentucky Women Writers Conference9a-5:30p Carnegie Center willieslex.com

Scarefest11a-10p Lexington Convention Centerthescarefest.com

Up & Coming

SEPTEMBER

Documents

TOPS in Lexington Magazine, August 2014