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Newsletter Spring 2025

Mon, 26 May 2025 15:17:42 GMT

Newsletter Spring 2025

Letter from the President

Neighbors,

The APNA Board continues to work to build connections throughout Ashland Park.

We have welcomed new neighbors in the past several months, delivering our welcome baskets filled with information about the neighborhood mixed with a mixture of Kentucky products. If you know of a neighbor moving in, let us know! Contact Hope Cottrill.
We are looking forward to our summer party on June 22. Watch for an invitation and come share the summer evening with your neighbors.
In the past several years, we created a number of small brochures highlighting special aspects of our neighborhood such as our varied architecture, our outstanding trees and canopy, the varying shutter designs on our houses, and the historic walk in our neighborhood, stretching all the way to Ashland, funded by a generous grant from a neighbor's family foundation. Over the next few months, we will update these materials and plan new adventures.
At the end of this newsletter, there are contact points for the current officers and board members. Call, visit, or email with questions, suggestions, and concerns.

Stay safe and neighborly! As the cold, snowy winter we just experienced highlighted, we need to continue to be aware of our neighbors and watch for ways to be helpful. Let’s keep an eye out and stay connected to see if one of our friends may need help.

As Past President Mark Streety reminded us several years ago: Go outside and select either your left or right-side neighbor. Check in with them. See if they're still ok or need anything. It will mean a lot to them, and to all of us. If you have extra time left over, check on the other side too. If you learn something that needs more help, every Board member can be contacted on our website.

Still more time left? Pay your APNA dues, consider a donation, or join an APNA Committee. And count your many blessings.

Thanks for being here,
Andrew Smith, President
859-221-0194
Andrew.R.Smith@Steptoe-Johnson.com

The Ashland Park Holiday Tree: A Beacon of Community Cheer

By Brian Burch

At the corner of Desha Road and Slashes Road stands a local landmark that’s quickly become a beloved tradition in Ashland Park: a towering 75-foot evergreen lit up with 7,500 programmable LED lights. Known affectionately by neighbors as The Ashland Park Holiday Tree, it’s more than just festive décor—it’s a symbol of community spirit, creativity, and a little Wildcat pride.

When we moved into our home six years ago, I couldn’t help but notice how perfect the tree’s shape and position were. It practically begged to be decorated. After some dreaming and a lot of effort, that vision became reality. The installation is no small feat—it took 80 hours, one very dedicated installer, an 80-foot crane, and a 40-foot lift. Naturally, there were challenges. One string of lights failed after being installed at the very top—of course—so we had to rent the crane again for a second trip up.

The tree changes with the seasons and the celebrations. I love matching the lights to holidays or even getting creative with color combos based on whatever sports team I’m rooting for. But above all, this tree bleeds blue. For University of Kentucky Football and Men’s Basketball games, expect to see a variety of Wildcat Blue patterns lighting up the night.
Looking ahead, we’re hoping to share the fun. Soon, you’ll be able to sponsor a night of lights by donating to the Ashland Park Neighborhood Association (APNA). Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or big game win by choosing your own colors or patterns. Interested? Reach out to me via Instagram to reserve your dates!

And if you’ve got a tree that’s begging to be decorated, I’m happy to help you get started—just send me a message.

Save the Date!

APNA Cocktail Party

June 22nd from 5-8 pm, 977 Fincastle Road
Hosted by Graham Pohl and Jane Fields

APNA Annual Family Picnic

September 28th from 4-7 pm
Harvey Park

Are You Tired of the Noisy Vehicles on Richmond Road?

I’m Bonnie Adkisson. I live at 1000 Richmond Road on the corner of Desha Road.

I’ve been working on the NOISE problem by meeting with council members, Mayor Gorton, police commissioner, chief of police office, and police officers. I’ve been at this for 2 ½ years now.

You can help abate noise and speeding by doing three things:
1. Keep calling the non-emergency number 859-258-3600 to report loud and/ or speeding vehicles. Complaints are logged and tallied by the police. It really only takes a couple of minutes to call.

2. Sign into “ Engage Lexington ”. This is a powerful Task Force made up of all the City Council Members, their aides, and city department heads. Once you sign in, you can write your own comment and/or comments on other people’s contributions. These comments are being tallied and will become the goals for the direction of Lexington. I have attended the StrEEEt meeting where the comments on Engage Lexington Bulletin Board are taken quite seriously. You will see my posting about noise under Enforcement. I hope you can take the time to sign in and comment. We can make a real difference.

3. Contact me, Bonnie Adkisson, at bonnieadkisson@gmail.com . Call or text me at 859-333-9330.

If you would like to be added to my NOISE database where I email folks in the neighborhood and report what I’ve been working on.

March Event Recap

Our best-attended event yet! More than 60 neighbors, including individuals and couples, joined us at our March gathering for a festive evening filled with good company and Irish cheer. A heartfelt thank you to Mike Elder and Jennifer Taylor for graciously opening their beautiful home to host the celebration. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Spotlight on the Hemlock Trees

Have you noticed the towering hemlocks lining the medians on South Hanover near the Slashes and the Fincastle roundabouts? These stunning trees were planted in the 1990s as part of a median plan originally designed by Jim Evans. Since then, they’ve grown into a signature feature of our neighborhood. Their impressive scale and graceful presence are a living reminder of the care and vision that shaped this community.

Reminders

Help us protect what makes our neighborhood special. If you see anything concerning in the neighborhood, please speak up. See something, say something. For non-emergencies, contact the Lexington Police Department at 859.258.3600.Dues are $35 per household and are collected yearly in September. If you have not yet paid your dues, you can mail a check to APNA, PO Box 22562, Lexington, KY 40502.

APNA Officers & Board Members

Andrew Smith (President)
Hope Cottrill (Vice President)
Wanda Jaquith (Treasurer)
Brian Burch (Secretary)

Deena Archey
Lesl i e Dodd
Sheila Evans
Roger Grey
Georgann Hobbs
Liz Jones
Jill Marion
Sara Smith
Emily Whitley

Newsletter Winter 2024

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 20:28:39 GMT

Newsletter Winter 2024

Dear Neighbors,

On behalf of the APNA Board, I wish you all a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and good company! Here's to another year of great memories together in 2025!

Cheers,

Jill Marion
APNA President

Second Annual Pie Contest Winners & Recipes

Photo Credit: Melissa A. Wilson

Congratulations to this year's winners from the Fall Picnic!

(Left to Right: Francis Short-3rd place; Angelia Thompson-1st place; Emery Burch-2nd place)

Photo Credit: Melissa A. Wilson

First Place: Angelia Thompson

Apple Cranberry Pie

Two cups fresh cranberries

1/4 cup orange juice

One cup sugar plus one tablespoon of sugar to sprinkle on top of the pie

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1/2 cup water one tablespoon cornstarch

3 1/2 lbs of sweet apples such as Fuji or Braeburn

One beaten egg white

Your favorite all butter dough for a double crust pie

First, bring the cranberries, orange juice, 1/2 cup sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil stirring occasionally while pressing the berries against the side of the pot until the berries are broken and juices thicken to a jam like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the water cooling to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Next in a microwave safe bowl, mix the half cup of sugar with the remaining cinnamon and salt plus the cornstarch. Toss in the apples, then microwave on high stirring every 3 minutes until the apples begin to be translucent around the edges in a thickened liquid. This will require approximately 15 minutes of microwaving. Cool for 30 minutes to room temperature.

Lastly, transfer the cooled cranberry mixture to your dough lined pie plate and spread evenly. Place the apple mixture on top mounding slightly in the center. Then weave dough on top of the pie leaving 1 inch overhang on each side to fold and flute. Brush the top and edges of the dough with egg white and sprinkle with the remaining sugar. At 425° bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Reduce to 375° rotating the pie and bake until a deep golden brown approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

Second Place: Emery Burch

Emery Burch’s Award-Winning Chocolate Cream Pie*

Cookie Crust

16 Oreo cookies, broken into rough pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted/cooled

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325°. Space pulse cookies in food processor until coarsely ground, space about 15 pulses, then process to fine, even crumbs, about 15 seconds. Sprinkle melted butter over crumbs and pulse to incorporate, about 5 pulses.

Sprinkle mixture into 9-inch pie plate. Using the bottom of a dry measuring cup, press crumbs into even layer on bottom and sides of pie plate. Bake until crust is fragrant and appears set, 13 to 18 minutes; Transfer to wire rack. Following pie recipe, use crust while it is still warm or let it cool completely.

Pie Filling

2 1/2 cups half-and-half

1/3 cup sugar (2.5 oz), divided

Pinch of table salt

6 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons cornstarch

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

6 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped fine

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bring half-and-half, 3 tablespoons sugar, and salt to simmer in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Whisk egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining sugar in bowl until smooth.

Slowly whisk 1 cup of warm half and half mixture into yolk mixture to temper, then slowly whisk tempered yolk mixture into remaining half and half mixture in saucepan.

Whisking constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened and registers 180°, 30 to 90 seconds (mixture should have consistency of thick pudding).

Off heat, whisk in butter, semi-sweet chocolate, and unsweetened chocolate until completely smooth and melted. Stir in vanilla.

Pour warm filling into cooled crust and spread into even layer. Spray piece of parchment paper with vegetable oil spray and press directly against surface of filling. Refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of table salt

Using stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt on medium low speed until foamy, about 1 minute.

Increase speed to high and whip until soft peaks form, 1-3 minutes.

Whipped cream can be refrigerated in fine mesh strainer set over small bowl and covered with plastic wrap for up to 8 hours.

Spread whipped cream attractively over pie. Serve.

*Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen, Desserts Illustrated

Third Place: Francis Short

3/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups hot milk

two squares of semi sweet chocolate

two well beaten egg yolks

one teaspoon of vanilla

Mix together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.

Then add to the hot milk and stir until thickened using a double boiler.

Stir constantly while adding the squares of chocolate broken into small pieces.

Continue to stir until smooth.

Add the chocolate mixture to the egg yolks and blend well. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cornstarch mixture and stir again until completely smooth.

Cool before adding vanilla.

Pour chocolate mixture into your favorite piecrust and bake 30 to 45 minutes at 350°.

Short Term Rental Complaint 24-7 Hotline

Please see the following from Councilmember Liz Sheehan's November Newsletter

"Finally, in some exciting news, the city has officially launched a 24-7 hotline and website for short-term rental (STR) complaints! This update has been in the works for many, many months. I am thankful to my colleagues for allocating funding for this vital resource, and for the administration for their work in selecting a vendor and getting this up and running! Individuals who wish to file a complaint can call 859-710-9048 or visit https://secure.hostcompliance.com/lexington-fayette-urban-county-ky/complaints/type . The hotline and online tool will be available 24 hours a day."

News Worth Sharing

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:30:13 GMT

News In the Area

Please see the update from Jeff Tuttle, President of Ashland Neighborhood Association. Update on the conditional use permit for un-hosted short-term rental (STR) at 1009 Fontaine Rd.

Several members asked about the outcome of the Board of Adjustment meeting Monday afternoon concerning the conditional use permit for an un-hosted STR at 1009 Fontaine Rd. The Board of Adjustment did grant the permit to the property owner.

The petition was the last permit discussed at the end of an eight hour meeting. I would like to thank our members, neighbors and advocates who attended the meeting and/or spoke on the presence of STRs in the Ashland neighborhood. Five neighbors from the ANA and APNA were present at the meeting and spoke on behalf of the neighborhood. Several more were present at the beginning of the meeting, but had to leave early due to the time.

The owner of 1009 Fontaine, Adam Parritz, joined the ANA and gave me permission to share his contact information in case there are problems or concerns with his Airbnb. He can be reached at adam.parritz@gmail.com or 651-503-5530 . Adam lives close to Ashland on Transylvania Park and plans to visit the property regularly.

As a reminder, the city has a new hotline for complaints or concerns about STRs in the area. For non-emergency complaints about neighborhood STRs (parties, noise, illegal parking, etc.) please contact the city at 859-710-9048 or by clicking this link . You can upload photos or videos documenting the concerns through the online portal.

Lastly, as many of you are aware, the City Council has updated the ordinances relating to STRs in order to further control their numbers and locations in the city. These new regulations apply to un-hosted STRs and will go into effect tomorrow. The changes will allow the Board of Adjustment to deny permits if there is an existing rental within 600 feet or if 2% of the homes within 1,000 feet are STRs. They will also decrease the number of people in an STR from 12 to 10. Based on the locations of existing STRs in the Ashland neighborhood, there are few locations for new STRs that are further than 600 feet from an existing one.

As always, I can be reached at jptutt0@gmail.com or 859-576-6359 .

Summer 2024

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:03:23 GMT

Newsletter Summer 2024

Happy Hour on Hanover Recap

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to mingle and enjoy neighborhood camaraderie! Stay connected for more forthcoming!

Important Neighborhood Reminder

A recent home invasion and assault in our neighborhood is a strong reminder for all of us to take safety precautions. Please ensure you lock your vehicles, doors, and gates. If you see anything suspicious, contact the police immediately. The police also recommend removing valuable items from your vehicles, installing motion lights or cameras if possible, and displaying security system signage. Please stay vigilant and safe.

APNA Walkabout

Nineteen of us gathered at a home on South Hanover on Thursday, May 2nd for another fun Walkabout to show support of our nearby businesses. We had perfect weather to stroll over to the new Spice and Tea Merchants shop on Euclid. www.spicemerchants.biz We were greeted by the co-owners, Nancy and Sonny, husband and wife, and given a tour of the gorgeous new shop. We were introduced to 200 exotic spices, 200 gourmet teas, and a wide assortment of gourmet condiments as well as irresistible gift items. Then we stepped next door to the Beer Trappe to marvel at 500 unusual craft beers. www.thebeertrappe.com We ordered a terrific dinner at The Bear and the Butcher www.bearandthebutcher.com - the deviled eggs were exceptional - which was delivered to us at the Beer Trappe. We hope you'll join us for our next Walkabout! Plans are in the works - stay tuned!

Deed Searching

- Roger Reynolds & Melissa A. Wilson

As you may be aware, the dates listed on properties on the Fayette Property Valuation Administration website are typically off by a couple of years as to when our houses were built. Instead, the following type of deed search can prove the age of our houses.

Title Search on 117 Desha Road

The Ashland Park Subdivision lies in the northern and western corner of the original 525 acre farm purchased by Henry Clay in a series of transactions between 1804 and 1830. The estate was sold several times after 1865 until Henry Clay McDowell Sr., (not a blood relative of Henry Clay but married to Clay’s granddaughter Anne Clay McDowell) purchased the farm in April, 1884. Henry Sr. died in November, 1899 and appointed his son Henry Jr. as trustee for the six McDowell siblings. The children agreed to sell a significant portion of the property for development and Henry Jr. employed the Olmsted Brothers landscape firm in 1904 to plan the subdivision. The Olmsted firm prepared a series of plats outlining their vision of the neighborhood between 1904 and 1915. Although streets, utilities and even a trolley line were physically in place, no lots were sold for development until Henry McDowell Jr as trustee sold the subdivision to a syndicate including James T. Stone on July 6, 1919 for the then unheard-of price of $175,000. This transaction is documented in the Fayette County Clerk’s office deed records at Deed book 195, page 5 (hereinafter cited as “195/5”.) The Stone syndicate sold the property then to Security Trust Bank (196/74), which bank sold approximately 60 lots at auction in August, 1919.

The house at 117 Desha sits on Lots 12 and 13 of Block A as shown on the final plat for the subdivision. T.J. Cassidy bought lots 10, 11, 12 and 13 at the lot auction on August 9, 1919. Based on the City Directory for 1923, it does not appear there was a house at 117 Desha until T.J. Cassidy sold lots 12 and 13 to Callie and J.C Brandenburg on April 12, 1924. Book 223, p. 537

The PVA lists the present house as built in 1929 but it seems more likely to have been built in 1924 or 1925, as the Brandenburgs lived at that address until they “sold” it to the Citizens Bank and Trust, possibly in foreclosure, on May 25, 1933. 277/609. Citizens Bank sold the house to Robert and Serelda O’Dear on June 28, 1937. (297/577)

The O’Dears lived in the house until they sold it to Joe and Mildred Brumbacher on June 28, 1952 for $16,000. (523/196). Joe Brumbacher sold the house to Anna and W.H. Bassham on October 7, 1955 for $26,166.73. (587/329)

On June 2, 1956, Elsworth, Frances, and Lillian Gillespie purchased the property from the Bassham’s (601/199) ; Lillian Gillespie, the only surviving member of the family, in turn sold the house to Henry and Aletha Armatis on April 23, 1976. (1144/1370)

Which brings us to the present owners, Melissa A. Wilson and Richard Allen Ford, who bought the house on August 31, 2006 from the Armatis for $350,000.

- Roger Reynolds

Purchase of 117 Desha Rd in 2006

To me, this progression over time illustrated by each deed transfer as explained by my back door neighbor, Roger Reynolds is extremely interesting. My husband, Rick Ford and I had been looking for houses in this area for three years! Interest rates were around 8%. The houses that we were interested in either sold for cash more than the asking price or sold before we could even enter the home to take a look. My very good friend, Leslie Dodd who lives on Desha called me one Saturday afternoon and said that her neighbor across the street had just placed a for sale by owner sign in her yard. I grabbed my two-year-old son and immediately drove over and knocked on the door. The owner, a widow, told me that I would have to make an appointment with a friend from her church who was assisting her with the sale. The first appointment available was the next Monday morning at 9 AM which I was unable to keep as I was in court. I knew I would not be out of court by 10 AM either so I made an appointment for 11 AM. Then I recruited two of my friends to fill in both the 9 AM appointment and the 10 AM appointment so that no one else could see the house and buy it before I could get there. I made an offer upon arrival and signed a contract that I drafted myself following my 11 AM appointment. Subsequently, we gutted the house, top to bottom, plus built a four-story brick addition on the back! Then in 2008 when we finally moved in the housing market spectacularly collapsed. But we have no regrets!

If your deed search shows that your home is now 100 years old, let us know and we'll deliver a yard sign for all to admire!

- Melissa A. Wilson

New APNA Landscaping
- Melissa A. Wilson

With funds raised by our Ashland Park Neighborhood Association we have been able to underwrite new landscaping for the gateway into our neighborhood from East High. We have a new boxwoods, hostas, and Oakleaf hydrangeas for all to admire. Thank you to our volunteers for maintaining this green space. Additional landscaping has been begun around the curve on the second green space as you drive up South Hanover towards Richmond Road. If there any neighbors with green thumbs that would like to help maintain or add plantings, please let us know. Traveling on up South Hanover, please notice our new trees (that can be identified by the "gator bags" for watering purchased by APNA a few years ago for newly planted trees then and now re-used). The City donated two Redbuds, two Dogwoods, and two Buckeyes. All of us are very grateful to Bill Loggins for coordinating this along with Chair of the Tree and Landscaping Committee, Roger Reynolds. And thank you to Janie Fergus and John Myers, Carol and Robbie Carter, and Julie and Roger Reynolds for volunteering to water our new trees. Please also notice the beautiful blooming flowers and numerous flowerpots in our green spaces on South Hanover, Slashes, and in Harvey Park. Thank you also to those volunteers who donated the flowers and who keep them healthy with watering. Gratitude goes to Sara Smith, Frances Short, and Melissa A Wilson.

Find a Bird's Nest?

Here's a handy guide to assist you in identifying the momma bird. Protect that nest and keep your cat and dog inside when the chicks fledge if you can!

Beware the Bite: The Hidden Dangers of Mosquito Sprays

As summer approaches and mosquito season kicks into high gear, many of us turn to mosquito sprays to keep these pesky insects at bay. While these sprays can be effective, it's important to be aware of their potential dangers.

Health Risks

Mosquito sprays often contain chemicals like DEET and permethrin, which can pose health risks, especially with prolonged exposure. Short-term effects may include skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness. Long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health issues, such as neurological damage and hormone disruption.

Environmental Impact

These chemicals don’t just disappear once sprayed. They can linger in the air, settle on plants, and contaminate soil and water sources. This can harm beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, disrupt local ecosystems, and even affect pets and wildlife.

Safer Alternatives

Consider using natural repellents like citronella candles, essential oils (e.g., lemon eucalyptus), or installing mosquito nets. Eliminating standing water around your home, where mosquitoes breed, can significantly reduce their population.

By staying informed and choosing safer alternatives, we can protect our health and the environment while still enjoying a mosquito-free summer.

April 2nd Storm Damage
- Melissa A. Wilson

On April 2nd a destructive storm demolished too many of our grand old heritage trees for blocks around especially on the third block of Desha and on Fontaine. Fontaine, along with other Chevy Chase streets, was closed for many days due to giant trees being down across the street blocking car travel. Please consider replanting those trees that reach great heights so that our tree canopy can be maintained in the proper proportions. See the Lexington Fayette County Urban government website for recommended street trees and the desired percentage of the tallest trees.

Another Neighborly Reminder

Please remember to cut back any tree limbs and bushes near sidewalks. Keeping these areas clear ensures safe passage for our many pedestrians and dogs and helps maintain the beauty of our neighborhood. Thank you for your cooperation!

Lex Grow Trees - APNA City Grant Application Efforts
- Elizabeth Hardwick

The Ashland Park Neighborhood Association is applying for a City grant, Lex Grow Trees . The goal of Lex Grow Trees is to continue a proper mix of appropriate street and to facilitate many existing tree-related initiatives in our community. In February 2022, the Council allocated $1.5 Million of City funds for supporting and improving Lexington’s tree canopy.

There are four main areas of focus by Lex Grow Trees :

Monetization of community and neighborhood tree advocates and stewards;
Tree planting;
Tree Maintenance; and
Tree Education

However, in order for neighborhoods to be eligible for this grant to pay for new trees, each neighborhood association must have 80% membership of homeowners in that neighborhood. If you know of neighbors who are not members, please recruit them to join Ashland Park Neighborhood Association. Spread the word to meet this mandate so we can plant the correct type trees in our neighborhood with the appropriate height and age span.

Spring 2024

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:20:07 GMT

Newsletter Spring 2024

No Mow, No Water, No Weed, No Chemical Yard

- Melissa A. Wilson

Turfgrass in our lawns such as Kentucky Bluegrass or tall fescue rose to prominence because they tolerate mowing, fertilization and heavy usage. Of course, few enjoy the weekly mowing, fertilizers can be toxic to waterways and pesticides and fungicides kill everything even the bees and the butterflies plus the birds that eat them. We surround where we live with these commonly used poisons. Most yards are merely “decorative” and the very small amount of foot traffic doesn't justify maintaining a thick green but lifeless lawn with all the chemicals and excessive water use. Accordingly, more and more people are eager to convert their lawn to native pollinator plants primarily wildflowers and small woody landscaping. These native plantings can replace entire lawns or dedicated garden beds. Native plants reintroduce local species back into suburban areas. They provide a great introduction to our natural heritage as well as a proving ground for restoration of natural plant communities in a larger scale. And the variety and blooms are eye-catchingly beautiful. Consult the Kentucky Native Plant Society at https://www.knps.org How To Convert Lawns Into Native Plantings, December 10th, 2022. This article lays out steps to change your sterile costly lawn to a beautiful pollinator garden with low maintenance.

Grass lawns are sterile in that they support almost no biodiversity. Our lawns that are treated with fungicides and fertilizers of course cannot sustain native plants. We have come to value an empty false green expanse where no insects can live. Manicured and chemically maintained yards are a mirage of bright green disguising a wasteland. By contrast a diverse patch of native pollinators provides a foundation for a complex food web with a wide variety of pollinators, herbivores and predators. In contrast to grass, native plants make biodiversity possible because they are the foundation of food webs where plants are consumed by bugs which then are eaten by bigger animals in turn passing nutrition and energy up the food chain. We need our bees!

Meticulously manicured lawns sprayed by professional weed exterminators with a harsh chemical diet are one of the greatest single threats to habitat loss in our cities. In addition to being a biological dead space turfgrass is a massive resource sinkhole. The amount of energy in mowing, the gallons of water, and the chemicals cannot justify the look that has become popular in our neighborhoods. Our yards have the potential to be the biggest spaces for reviving healthy surroundings. Even a plot 6 by 6 of native flowers can attract and feed a wide range of native pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other insects. And no toxins! When native pollinators are planted densely together in about two years the growth will leave little room for weeds and then watering will rarely be required. Please consider making your small patch of earth a part of a healthy thriving alive and functioning ecosystem. https://www.lawntowildflowers.org Bringing Your Lawn Back To Life, January 29 2021.

Backyard Conservation Program

Participate in Fayette County's Backyard Conservation Program to get reimbursed up to $200 for establishing, enhancing, restoring, and/or maintaining a backyard conservation project. Applications open April 1st. Learn more here!
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Get Ready For SPRING!
- Hope Cottrill

As we happily look towards warmer weather, it’s a great time to get the garden ready for spring blossoms. We’re in hardiness Zone 7 and, although we know to avoid a frost you plant outside after Derby Day, there are some things we can do to prepare for the days ahead.

This is the time to perform a little maintenance on your gardening tools. Consider cleaning and sharpening your tools. This is a great time to get your lawn mower and edger maintenance up to date and the blades sharpened.

The longer days will stimulate your house plants as well, so some TLC for your indoor plants will be due. Fertilize, and replant if needed, all your indoor green friends as the sun sets get later. This is also a great time to get any dust off your household plants.

Although it may be tempting on an occasional nice day, consider waiting to clean up your garden debris until temperatures are in the 50s for a week. The leaves allow tiny creatures including pollinators that live through the winter in your yard debris, old plant growth as well as the leaves to have protection from the cold temperatures. All can then safely emerge for a chance to be part of a healthy ecosystem in your yard throughout the warm seasons. In addition, nutrients from the leaves are releasing during this time and a little delay will reduce the need for fertilizers in the warmer months. A light blanket of leaves will not kill your grass as some fear.

There is also some concern with overworking the soil. I have to admit that I occasionally do try to get a head start on the readily exposed weeds but be warned! Sometimes, I enthusiastically over garden and destroy perennials in the process as they are waiting to emerge. I have found that leaving plant tags helps me keep in mind all the plants in the garden waiting to raise their heads.

Of course, there is always the question of when to prune your hydrangeas:

Blooms on old wood (blooms from on the stems from the previous summer), prune in fall;
Blooms on new wood (blooms form on new growth in the current growing season), prune in spring.

Prune at a 45 degree angles above a bud. For more detailed information, visit Monrovia’s web site @ https://www.monrovia.com/be-inspired/when-to-prune-hydrangeas.html .

Happy Gardening!

Wanda Jaquith, Our Neighbor for Fifty Years
- Interviewed by Melissa A. Wilson

One Saturday in 1973, Wanda was driving through the neighborhood from her apartment on Fincastle and saw a “For Sale” sign posted on a tree in the yard of 252 South Hanover and soon excitedly purchased this house. This same year, Sheila and Jim Evans moved into their South Hanover home a block up the street. At that time, Bill and Mary Montague considered themselves the older residents of the neighborhood and Mary still lives in her stately white brick home across South Hanover.

Living on South Hanover Wanda, an English teacher and her late husband David, a pharmacist, quickly became fast friends with nearby neighbors. During the seventies, she fondly recalls porch gatherings at the home of Ruth and her husband Ed Parker, former Spindletop farm manager, along with nearby neighbors John, a musician and Carol Ireson, who has a doctorate in nursing. Sherry was a frequent drink of choice at 5:00 pm porch happy hour.

When Wanda and David moved onto South Hanover where the Chevy Chase Plaza now stands there was a Waffle House type late night eatery and a small grocery store. Across Euclid Avenue, Farmer’s Jewelry had been established 20 years earlier in 1950 and the Chevy Chase Inn was started in 1933. But Oram Flowers started in Lexington in 1877! Nearby, also on Euclid, was Candioto’s, supposedly a piano store but the inventory never changed and it was rumored it was a betting parlor. Other stories of more colorful neighbors cannot be printed!

During the 60’s, Lexington Mayor Fred Fugazzi’s home was at the corner of South Hanover and Ghent saw a few gatherings of those protesting the Mayor’s stance on the civil rights movement. Liz Mims, also down the street, owned the much-missed Saratoga restaurant. Edsel and Nancy Rawlings lived two doors up from Wanda and David, where Edsel continued to live as a widower until his death last year. His lovely daughter, Molly, who grew up in this house, and her husband now reside there with Edsel’s big black friendly dog.

David Burg of South Ashland was one of the founders of Ashland Park Neighborhood Association. David was an active member up until his recent death. APNA has chosen to remain separate from the Ashland Neighborhood Association as the pressures from the adjacent Chevy Chase business district create unique issues for APNA. Over time, APNA has succeeded in preventing Chevy Chase Plaza from becoming a 15-story high-rise as originally planned, shutting down a bar on Euclid with out-of-control patrons partying in the streets late into the night, and passing historic overlay zoning--all with enormous support from neighbors. Over the years many trees have been planted by APNA to replace those planted when the neighborhood formed.

In 1990, Wanda and David bought 250 South Hanover, the house next door to the house they originally owned, from Buddy Rose and his family. Just last year she moved into Hanover Towers but is staying involved in the neighborhood. Wanda, a very active member of the Board of the Ashland Park Neighborhood Association over the years, has recently rejoined the Board. Her detailed knowledge of our history and our mission is invaluable. And, if anyone needs a special serving piece for a dinner party or a holiday decoration, Wanda is your go-to girl!

Short Term Rental Update from Councilmember Liz Sheehan

Because I know that you are very interested in short-term rental policy, I wanted to make you aware of this bill that was filed last week at the state level: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/24rs/sb234.html

If passed, it will greatly restrict what we are able to do at the local level.

Stay tuned for more information regarding a neighborhood meeting to discuss the Urban Growth Management ZOTAs.

Pets of APNA

Kelly and Bryan Mullins on South Ashland stroll through the neighborhood on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon with their two dogs. Martha is a six year old shy “Heinz 57 Variety“ Chihuahua and Terrier. Mike The Trike is a courageous 12 year old “Heinz Variety 57“ Terrier mix.

Neighborly Reminder to Bag the Doo: Scoop the Poop!

- Melissa A. Wilson

Don't we love our dogs! Most certainly the vast majority of us in APN are responsible pet owners and pick up our dog’s waste and carry it back to our own Herbie Curbie. Pet waste is more than a smelly unsightly nuisance on our neighbor’s lawn or left behind in our own yard. It is also a pollutant washed to our waterways by rain runoff. In fact, urban area pet waste and lawn fertilizers are at the top of contaminants in our storm water. Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria such as Giardia and Enterococcus that when exchanged with humans can result in resistance to antibiotics in humans. htps:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Environmental Contamination By Dog Feces Dec 2012. If you think picking up dog poop is unpleasant, try swimming in it. Poor water quality in our streams and rivers means higher concentrations of water treatment chemicals and increased costs. If you don’t want to “Scoop the Poop” then better not use the water from your tap.

Think about this: there are approximately 0.6 dogs for every US household and in a community the size of Fayette County this would be around 70,000 dogs. The EPA estimates that each dog produces 275 pounds of waste every year or over 19,000,000 pounds of dog waste per year here in Lexington. Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; American Veterinary Medical Association. If just one of our neighbors and any of those who stroll through our neighborhood on a dog walk are not disposing of poop properly they are creating a problem for all of us whether we have a dog or not. While this is preaching to the choir “DOO” the right thing and pick up after your dog. If you see someone walk away from their dog’s poo and if you are bold and polite and gentle you could always offer to provide them a plastic bag to SCOOP THE POOP!

GO CATS!!!

Save the Date! APNA Spring Walkabout

Thursday, April 11th
5:45 PM

After we visit a Chevy Chase business, we will gather at The Beer Trappe for dinner (and beer).
**Dinner will be ordered from Bear and The Butcher **

We hope you'll join us!

APNA 2024 Membership Drive

By now you should've received a membership form if you haven't paid this year's dues (if you have paid already, please disregard).
Please consider joining/renewing to support APNA's efforts!

Annual Member: $25
Lifetime Member: $500
Non-Resident Owner: $125

* Over 150 trees planted * Landscaping *Historic signage *New benches
* Seasonal parties * Annual fall picnic * Holiday gathering *Pop Ups
* Newsletters * Community engagement * City planning

JOIN OR RENEW HERE!

Newsletter Winter 2023

lizbjones@gmail.com (Elizabeth Hardwick) — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:00:40 GMT

Winter 2023 Newsletter

Hi, Neighbors!

It has been a busy year in our fabulous neighborhood! So good to see so many of you out and about! As we wrap up 2023, we hope you'll join us for hot chocolate (and/or an adult beverage) this Wednesday (see details below). Please enjoy the recap of a few recent events below. Thanks to Melissa Wilson and Sara Smith for your contributions to this newsletter and to the entire APNA Board for all you've done for our neighborhood in 2023!

Now that most of the leaves have fallen and we are in our second year of no vacuum trucks from the city, we all need to remember that cleaning up our leaves is our responsibility. Please do NOT blow or rake them into the road or along the curb. They will go into the storm water system and create havoc. Please arrange for their disposal or use the free bags provided by the city through their coupon program. If you need more bags, call 311 and request additional coupons. You can also consider "leaving the leaves" (see graphic below). Please remember neighbors who might need help in dealing with their leaves too.

Another opportunity we have at this time of year is to prune our bushes and hedges back off the sidewalk. This is a walking neighborhood and there are several places where shrubbery and hedges have grown over the sidewalk, making it impossible to walk. If your plants are in that condition, please address this by a hard prune if that is suitable for the plant material, or potentially replace them with less intrusive plants. When you are trimming, please allow enough room for next year's growth without impeding our many walkers.

Recap of Recent APNA Events

ANNUAL FALL PICNIC

With fine Fall weather, 70 plus neighbors with their children and dogs gathered to picnic in Harvey Park. The APNA Board and Hospitality Committee provided a superb selection of potluck and beverages. Live music by Ronn Chowder added to the neighborly fun along with an assortment of activities organized for children. Our first pie contest brought in ten contestants with the fabulous homemade pies judged by discriminating tasters Weesie Douglas, Tony Burgett, and Brad Ryczko.

Congratulations to our winners!!

First Place: Sara Smith for her pecan pie;

Bourbon Sorghum Pecan Pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Crust:
10-12 pecan sandies crushed
4 TB salted butter – room temperature
Mix crushed cookies with butter until it looks like sand. Spray pie pan with non-stick cooking spray and press cookie mixture into pan to form a crust. Blind bake the crust for 5-8 minutes

Filling:
Stir ½ cup corn syrup, ½ cup sorghum, 1 cup mixed brown and granulated sugar, 3 eggs (beaten), 2 tsp vanilla, and 1 TB bourbon together.
Fill the pie crust with pecan halves and pieces.
Pour the sugar/syrup/egg mixture over the pecans.

Bake for 60-70 minutes. When you remove from the oven, sprinkle 1TB bourbon over the hot pie.
Let the pie cool on a rack for a couple of hours. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Second Place Hope Cottrill for her rhubarb pie;

Angelia Thompson for her apple pie.

Apple Cranberry Pie:
http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/3920

Fool Proof Pie Crust:
http://www . cooksillustrated.com/recipes/3940

NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT EVENT AT THE CHEVY CHASE INN

On September 26th, about fifteen of us gathered at the raucous Chevy Chase Inn to be fed outstanding Cajun fare compliments of Kevin Heathcoat, co-owner of both Bourbon & Toulouse and the CCI. Kevin presented the colorful 65 years of history of the CCI along with inside information of all the various “interesting” owners that preceded Kevin. Equally sensational tall tales were relayed by Dave Palmer about his experiences as the last resident of the caretaker’s cottage at Ashland, The Estate of Henry Clay.

GREEN SPACE MULCH DAY

The City provided two big truck loads of nice quality mulch for neighborhood volunteers to spread around our trees in our common green spaces running down South Hanover and Harvey Park on the first block of Desha. On Sunday, October 15th, around a dozen of us, armed with wheelbarrows, shovels, and pitchforks had the mulch neatly distributed in one hour exactly. We worked on the first block of South Hanover and Harvey Park before we ran out of mulch. It is hoped to work our way down South Hanover with City donated mulch early next Spring. Stay tuned for details and don’t forget your work gloves!

WALKABOUT TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES

With perfect weather, 15 neighbors met on Thursday, November 30th to walk together to Stuarto’s on South Ashland. Co-owner Kelly Kern greeted us with the history of her business co-owned with her husband Stuart Litguard. We were shown the beautiful variety of infused olive oils and vinegars, enticing spices, unusual sea salts, and irresistible flavored sugars. Additionally, there is an assortment of olives, spreads, and interesting condiments. The gift baskets, on display or custom made, are perfect for this holiday season and Stuarto’s will ship.

Next we walked over to meet the new co-owner of Charlie Brown’s, Chris Behler, who welcomed us with a short overview of Charlie Brown’s past and some of us were relieved that our names were not mentioned. Did you know that Charlie Brown’s was originally called the Rusty Nail and the name changed to Charlie Brown’s in 1973? A fact known by all is the interior has not changed in fifty years. Cocktails were in order and we lingered to chat and enjoy superb appetizers. Another Walkabout is planned for late Spring. Details in the new year! Walk with us!

HILLENMEYER CHRISTMAS SHOP AT ASHLAND

What a special treat for our neighborhood to welcome the Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop to Ashland! The seasonal shop was open from November 20th to December 12th and offered fresh cut trees, wreaths, greens, and custom arrangements. Hoping you were able to stroll through and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

APNA Membership Drive 2022

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 17:37:24 GMT

Join or Renew Your APNA Membership for 2022

Dear Neighbors,

For over 50 years The Ashland Park Neighborhood Association (APNA) has existed to improve the overall quality of life in the historic Ashland Park Neighborhood and to support the commonwealth of its members. In past years we have managed an active social schedule, bringing neighbors together for adult gatherings and family picnics.

During the Covid era, those gatherings have been impossible to maintain safely however your neighborhood association has still been busy! Among other things we have:

Promoted the health of our neighborhood restaurants by sponsoring "to go dinners"
Created three self guided walks highlighting our healthy tree canopy, our architectural diversity while celebrating our 100-year-old homes, and the interesting and unique shutter cut-out designs in our neighborhood
Continued the tradition of providing a "welcome basket" to new neighbors
Celebrated spring with the distribution of zinnia seeds to each home and placed flowering pots at each of the historical signs in our neighborhood
Sponsored an evening holiday lights walk with cookies and hot chocolate available at 6 houses throughout our neighborhood
Monitored the requests for approval of changes to the exterior of homes through the Historic Commission
Managed the health of our trees, replaced trees where appropriate, and worked with the city to maintain our public spaces
Worked with neighbors who created a pollinator garden and placed a new memorial bench in Harvey Park
Monitored and advocated for action regarding a case of home abandonment and disrepair

Plans for the coming year include a curated walk through the Ashland Park historical marker trail in cooperation with the Ashland Neighborhood Association and the Ashland Estate, a bourbon tasting, a campaign to add benches in several places in our neighborhood and replace some of the benches in the Hanover median.

We will continue to advocate for our neighborhood, sponsoring a forum with the three candidates for Council, keeping you informed through our emailed newsletter and postings to our website: ashlandparklexky.com.

Please help us continue to improve the quality of life for ALL of our neighbors by renewing or joining the APNA. We will be dropping off a membership form to homes. You may renew via the website or by mail or drop off to our Membership Chair, Bill Loggins. Watch for our notice and for things happening in our neighborhood! Please call or email with questions, comments, or interest in getting involved!

Thank you! All the best for 2022!!
Sara

Sara Smith, APNA President
saragrinnellsmith@gmail.com
859.221.0459

APNA Holiday Newsletter

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 15:47:06 GMT

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Let's Light Up the Neighborhood!

We use holiday lights to banish the dark during this time of year and to celebrate several holidays. On Sunday, December 19th, bundle up and visit with your friends while walking our neighborhood and enjoying the festive displays of the season. We will be welcoming you with hot chocolate and cookies at two houses on each of Desha, South Hanover and South Ashland. And if you haven't renewed your membership yet for 2022, you will have the chance while getting your refreshments.

We've Got a New Bench in Harvey Park!

Thanks to Francis Short, a long time resident of the 100 block of Desha, we now have a second bench in Harvey Park to welcome you. Francis worked through the city requirements and with the APNA to place a beautiful bench as a memorial to her dear friend, Pat. Thank you, Francis. We will think of you and Pat each time we use Harvey Park.

Ashland: 100 Years of a Lexington Neighborhood

Dennis Carrigan, a long time resident of the Ashland neighborhood, has just published a history of the neighborhood. I have spent the better part of today poring through his work and I am having such a good time. Dennis has captured the history, along with details like correspondence between major and interesting parties (like the Olmstead Brothers) but has carried his work through to more modern day activities and happenings. If you love this neighborhood. . . get Dennis's book! This is a personal and delightful way to learn more. You can reach Dennis Carrigan at carrigan@uky.edu or purchase it from Worlds Apart or the Ashland gift shop. I just attended the December Ashland Park Women's gathering and kept running into long time residents who are in the book. Are you?

Happy Holidays to All!

Sara Smith, APNA President

APNA 2021 Late Summer Newsletter

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:50:40 GMT

APNA 2021 Late Summer Newsletter

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Neighbors!

Please read through this newsletter for updates and important information.

Fall is approaching and the break in the summer heat is most welcome! Children are back in school, UK and Transy are in session, and we have a little fewer daylight hours. Our pots of zinnias are declaring defeat in the face of late summer and heat. We have changed them out for early mums.

Memorial Tree

The APNA Board voted to establish a memorial tree to honor the long service of David Jaquith to the neighborhood. David passed away earlier this year and his steady service will be missed. We are currently identifying the location and type of tree to be planted this fall. Providing and dedicating a memorial tree is an opportunity available to APNA members. Details and guidelines are on our website at www.ashlandparklexky.com.

Historic Markers Walk

Later this fall we expect to hold a “Covid-appropriate” curated walk of the historic markers in conjunction with the Ashland Neighborhood Association and the Ashland Estate. Each marker will be attended by one of our neighbors involved with the project to explain its significance and answer questions. Watch for a date upcoming!

Connecting Online

We encourage you to visit our website and to submit pictures and pertinent neighborly info to saragrinnellsmith@gmail.com. We are also using the Next Door app, limited to Ashland Park neighborhood, to send information as well so please sign up if you'd like!

Welcome Baskets

APNA provides wonderful welcome baskets to new neighbors. Let us know if we have missed someone or if you know of someone about to become our neighbor.

Getting Through Covid-19

In recent months we have seen a roller coaster of information, hopes and fears related to the Covid-19 issue. Currently infection numbers are up significantly. We continue to see illness, hospitalizations and some deaths. We are faced with a more vigorous virus at a time when we had begun to return to a semblance of normalcy with the knowledge that many of us had been vaccinated.

As a neighborhood, we have all tried to find ways to connect safely, and we will continue to do that as we work through this new surge of cases. Our neighborhood has held an annual family picnic, usually at the end of September. That was not held last year due to the Covid -19 situation. While we have pegged September 26 as the date for a gathering, if possible, it is clearly uncertain whether that will happen. On September 12, we will send a blast email and post on Next Door and our website if that gathering WILL happen. The decision will depend on seeing significant downturn in the number of cases and positivity rate in Fayette County.

If the September gathering is not held, we will send an email asking for your votes for the board seats up for election or reelection. Three board members are completing their first terms in 2021, Sara Smith (Desha), Sheila Evans (Hanover), and Andrew Smith (Ashland). Each has agreed to serve one more term in accordance with the APNA Bylaws. Therefore, your votes will be asked for reelection of those members whose bios will be included in the “Please Vote” email.

ADUs Are Up For Adoption

We are faced with an important issue being discussed by the Planning Commission and the LFUCG Council. The Planning Commission is reconsidering a county wide change to our residential zoning that would – in most neighborhoods including ours – allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to be developed, either within a home by creating a separate living space, or by a separate structure behind the primary home. The Council will hold a hearing on this issue at Council chambers on September 14 at 5:00PM. Due to the difficulty of attending a large gathering in person, letters, emails and phone calls are critical to express our individual opinions, whatever that may be.

The Planning staff has made some suggested changes since this was first passed by the Planning Commission two years ago, adding the requirement that the property owner live in one of the two living units. They have also reduced the permitted number of occupants from 4 adults to 2 adults with any children who may belong to them. Any homeowner can develop an ADU as a matter of right, with the only requirements being a building permit, consultation with the Planning staff to review the program (guidance not requirements) and if applicable, consultation with the H-1 staff. The ADU may be used to house anyone up to the 2 adults plus children limit, and can be used as a long term rental immediately. Should an ADU owner wish to use it as a short-term rental (i.e. Air B&B) they must get a conditional use permit.

The older neighborhoods of our city will be the ones bearing the brunt of this change as most newer subdivisions have been developed with deed restrictions that will prohibit these changes. There are no restrictions or requirements for off street parking, design guidelines, infrastructure capacity, etc. Structures are permitted to be within 18 inches of the property line.

The Planning Commission and staff are responding to a requirement to increase density within our Urban Service Boundary. It is the opinion of the APNA Board that while we agree that neighborhoods like ours which have a variety of types of housing (single family, duplex, four-plex, apartments) are beneficial, each situation calls for review and decision and should provide affected neighbors an opportunity for meaningful input. Density is a way to preserve our farmland but it should be thoughtful and appropriate. We are not in favor of the broad and sweeping change that will be a result of this change in zoning ordinances. We believe a step-by-step approach will allow us - as a community - to recognize unintended consequences before they occur and will preserve and protect our neighborhoods.

We believe this is a critical issue that requires study and a response. We encourage each of our neighbors to review information from the Planning Commission, the Fayette County Neighborhood Council and other sources through the links below and your own research. The APNA is scheduling a ZOOM discussion to enable a neighborhood discussion on September 7th. Please go to the ZOOM link to register for that discussion. Please reach out to our representatives and express your viewpoint.

Contact information is below.

Council:

1st District Councilmember James Brown: jbrown2@lexingtonky.gov

2nd District Councilmember Josh McCurn: jmccurn@lexingtonky.gov

3rd District Councilmember Hannah LeGris: hlegris@lexingtonky.gov

4th District Councilmember Susan Lamb: slamb@lexingtonky.gov

5th District Councilmember Liz Sheehan: lsheehan@lexingtonky.gov

6th District Councilmember David Kloiber: dkloiber@lexingtonky.gov

7th District Councilmember Preston Worley: pworley@lexingtonky.gov

8th District Councilmember Fred Brown: fbrown@lexingtonky.gov

9th District Councilmember Whitney Baxter: wbaxter@lexingtonky.gov

10th District Councilmember Amanda Bledsoe: abledsoe@lexingtonky.gov

11th District Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds: jreynolds@lexingtonky.gov

12th District Councilmember Kathy Plomin: kplomin@lexingtonky.gov

At-Large Councilmember Chuck Ellinger: cellinger@lexingtonky.gov

At-Large Councilmember Richard Moloney: rmoloney@lexingtonky.gov

Vice Mayor Steve Kay: skay@lexingtonky.gov

Links to information about the proposed ordinance change:

Fayette County Neighborhood Council

http://fcnc.org/index.php/2021/07/12/adu-information-sheet-fcnc-issues-and-concerns/

CivicLex

https://www.civiclex.org/big-issues/accessory-dwelling-units?mc_cid=b1d821cbbb&mc_eid=329ace0962

LFUCG Planning

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/08-06-2019/public-invited-give-feedback-accessory-dwelling-units-proposal

ZOOM Invitation

Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Sep 7, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tfuuhpj0tHNJJxXOXQd8ONZIU9icVLC6e

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thanks for your help! Cheers to a lovely holiday weekend!

Sara

Sara Smith

APNA Board President

ASHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT

The non-profit Ashland Park Neighborhood Association (APNA) exists to improve the overall quality of life in the historic Ashland Park Neighborhood and to support the commonwealth of its Members.

Spring 2021

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 15:46:43 GMT

APNA Newsletter

Greetings, Neighbors!

Following the early roll out of vaccinations in Lexington and a few remarkable winter/early spring storms, I am looking toward a brighter and warmer 2021. As we hope for the lessening of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have expanded ways in which to keep and grow our connections to the neighborhood and each other. Take a look at the website we reintroduced recently for news of upcoming events (www.ashlandparklexky.com).

The APNA Board is continuing to work to increase neighborliness, protect our tree canopy and landscaping in public areas, and keep our neighborhood connected, engaged, and safe. Your new officers are Sara Smith, President; Jill Marion, Vice President; Melissa Wilson, Secretary; and Rita Carlisle, Treasurer. New Board members include Rita Carlisle, Desha Road, who will also serve as our Treasurer and Brian Gardner, South Hanover. Many thanks to Departing Board members, Mark Streety and John Winn Miller whose contributions over their terms have been significant and important. Mega thanks to David Jaquith who has served as APNA’s Treasurer for years and is now critical to a smooth transition. Thanks also to Rodney Jackson, South Ashland Avenue, for accepting an additional term on the Board.

While our traditional in-person activities have been postponed until a later and safer time, we are continuing to find ways to connect and share our neighborhood experience with each other.

Upcoming Activities:

March/April:

Hello Spring!

Watch for a special packet of flower seed delivered to you soon to plant in your front garden or in pots. We will be celebrating the blooming of our neighborhood together as spring moves into summer. Pots of these flowers will also be planted in some of our park and green spaces. Join in this colorful display!

April:

To-Go Supper from the Sage Rabbit

We miss our gatherings so let’s re-connect on Zoom on Thursday, April 8th @ 7:30 PM with a To-Go supper from the Sage Rabbit. We can chat and catch up with one another as we support and enjoy a superb dinner from a favorite restaurant in our own neighborhood, The Sage Rabbit. The menu is posted on line at thesagerabbit.com. Zoom link will be emailed prior to start of our virtual gathering. So looking forward to "seeing" you!

Instructions for Ordering: Just place your To-Go order no later than midnight Tuesday, April 6th by calling the restaurant’s voicemail at (859) 523-2095. Choose a time for pick up between 5:30 and 7:00 pm. (There is no option to place an order on-line.) You will receive a return call the following day confirming your order and you can pay for your order over the phone. (If the call is missed, a voicemail will confirm the order. You may either call back to pay after 4:30 PM on Wednesday, April 7th or pay when picking up order between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM Thursday, April 8th.)

For a $10 donation to APNA, a Board Member will deliver your To-Go dinner to you. Before 10:00 pm Wednesday night, April 7, please notify Melissa A. Wilson at (859) 396-3354 that you wish your dinner to be delivered for the $10 APNA donation and advise her of the time you scheduled the pick up on Thursday, April 8. Please call in your payment to The Sage Rabbit before the scheduled APNA Board Member pick up.

Meet Liz Sheehan!

Our new City Council representative will join us for a Zoom meeting on April 15th @ 7 PM to discuss upcoming issues that may impact our neighborhood and to fill us in on her priorities. (Zoom link will be provided)

May:

Ashland Historic Markers

Learn about the newly completed Ashland Historic Markers and the neighbors who worked to accomplish this remarkable project. We will hear from each primary author though a Zoom discussion. Walking the trail is fascinating and provides new insight on our neighborhood and its development. (Zoom link will be provided)

June:

Virtual Walkabout - Wines with Corner Wine

Meet Gary, proprietor of Corner Wine, and learn about the best deals in wines and wines most enjoyed by our neighborhood. (Zoom link will be provided)

Stay safe and neighborly! As the winter storms we experienced in the first few months of the year highlighted, we need to continue to be aware of our neighbors and watch for ways to be helpful. Let’s keep an eye out and stay connected to see if one of our friends may need help with clearing sidewalks, picking up downed limbs and branches, or whatever makes our experience here better.

Quoting Past President Mark Streety: “Go outside and select either your left or right side neighbor. Check-in with them. See if they're still ok or need anything. It will mean a lot to them, and to me. If you have extra time left over, check on the other side too. If you learn something that needs more help, every Board member can be contacted on our website. Still more time left? Pay your APNA dues, consider a donation, join an APNA Committee like Tree and Landscape. And count your many blessings.”

Call me anytime with suggestions or concerns.

Sara Smith, APNA President

859-221-0459

APNA 100th Birthday Celebration

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:57:31 GMT

APNA 100th Birthday: Tree Walk

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY!

First, a note on our neighborhood’s earliest history-

In early 1902, Judge Henry Clay McDowell (Henry Clay’s great grandson) began development planning along the western edge of the 660 acre Ashland Estate with a new road running from McDowell Blvd (now Richmond Road) to the Tates Creek Pike. This new road was named Hanover Avenue in honor of the Virginia county where Henry Clay was born. Hanover became the first residential street of Ashland Park noted in Lexington city directory (1908) and its median was a trolley route (1908-1938).

To design the development of this 95 acres, Judge McDowell contracted with the Olmsted Brothers of Brookline Massachusetts, an internationally renowned landscape architecture firm.

Their 1908 residential plan however was largely not implemented until after a group of Lexington businessmen purchased the 95 acre remainder in July 1919 and began building homes, thus giving birth to the first Ashland residential neighborhood- our Ashland Park.

This is why we regard 1920 as the start of our neighborhood. Home Construction proceeded quickly- by 1923 the city directory notes streets of Desha, Fincastle, Fontaine, and Slashes Roads, and by 1934 this development was fully built.

With this in mind, it is my pleasure and honor, on behalf of the APNA Board (itself founded in 1970, 50 years ago) to wish each and every one of our Ashland Park neighbors a Happy 100th Birthday!

And as promised last month, and also within the parameters of our ongoing pandemic, the Centennial Committee of the Board invites you and yours to the following first centennial activity for this great fall week ahead.

Ashland Park Tree Walk- as Lexington’s most forest-canopied neighborhood , we invite you to self-select a day and time best for you to walk our trees. We have map and 4 types of tree leaves printed in a small info brochure to guide and challenge and inform! Look for these brochures in the Free Take One realtor boxes installed adjacent to APNA Centennial banners beginning tomorrow morning, Saturday. These 2-3 banner and brochure pickup locations will be in our street medians.

Our Tree Walk coincides exactly with Lexington’s annual Tree Week if you have the opportunity to take advantage of those activities as well.

The Tree Walk and flyers will only be available for 1 week Oct 10-17 before the Centennial Committee announces its next fun and safe Walk activity that you may choose to partake.

My thanks to the Centennial Committee for so thoughtfully and carefully selecting and offering these activities enabling individually chosen, safe, and fun outside activity this Fall and offering a simple way to celebrate our Ashland Park 100th.

Happy Birthday, Y'all !

Mark Streety

421-2662

Friday, October 9

apna3

Newsletter Spring 2025

Newsletter Spring 2025

The Ashland Park Holiday Tree: A Beacon of Community Cheer

Save the Date!

APNA Cocktail Party

APNA Annual Family Picnic

Are You Tired of the Noisy Vehicles on Richmond Road?

March Event Recap

﻿

Spotlight on the Hemlock Trees

﻿

Reminders

APNA Officers & Board Members

﻿

Newsletter Winter 2024

Newsletter Winter 2024

Short Term Rental Complaint 24-7 Hotline

News Worth Sharing

News In the Area

Summer 2024

Newsletter Summer 2024

Happy Hour on Hanover Recap

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to mingle and enjoy neighborhood camaraderie! Stay connected for more forthcoming!

Spring 2024

Newsletter Spring 2024

Newsletter Winter 2023

Winter 2023 Newsletter

APNA Membership Drive 2022

Join or Renew Your APNA Membership for 2022

APNA Holiday Newsletter

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! ﻿

APNA 2021 Late Summer Newsletter

APNA 2021 Late Summer Newsletter

Spring 2021

APNA Newsletter

APNA 100th Birthday Celebration

APNA 100th Birthday: Tree Walk

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!