tops february 2014

8 FEBRUARY 2014 | TOPSINLEX.COM

48 Dining: The Jax 52 Community Spotlight: Cure Kentucky Kids 58 The Heart Ball 69 TOP Women in Finance

94 Entrepreneurs96 TOP People to Know In Finance

104 A Look at What 2014 May Hold for Small Businesses 143 Behind the Lens: Ron Morrow 157 TOPS Tour of Homes: Classic Elegance with Comfort & Charm 194 WOW Wedding: Jessalyn & Travis Bridges

TOPS IN EQUINE 111 Horse Park Happenings 117 Fillies in the Workplace: Sherry Akers 120 Kentucky Equine Humane Center 124 Derby Contenders 130 Derby Glam! 132 Big Adventures of the LIttle Red Horse 136 A Brooke Runs Through It 140 Equine Out & About 141 The Herring’s Impact

FEATURES

136

194

CORRECTION: January Issue, 8: Susan Cox will be inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in June 2014. She has also been recognized and honored with induction into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2010. Susan is a USA Triathlon coach and the Team in Training Triathlon Coach for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society in Lexington.

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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.

23 Up & Coming

47 Sports: What I Hope is Happening in February

57 Fashion: Work It

59 Reader Photos

61 In the ‘Buf’: Red Flags

62 Parties: Four Sweet Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

65 Posh Paws: Dogs & Chocolate

66 Etiquette: Distinctive Dinner Décor

107 Family: Retirement Plan, Don’t Touch My Dials

148 Business News

154 Gardening: Winter Herb Gardening

199 Lifestyle: Valentine’s Day Quiz

200 Weddings: Creative & Inexpensive Hand-Crafted Bouquets

61

57

199


14 fridayThe Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra: Love7:30p Singletary Centerlexphil.org

Memphis8p Lexington Opera Houselexingtonoperahouse.com

Havana Nights Valnetine’s Salsa Party9p-11p DoubleTree Suitesthesalsacenter.com

A Dance A� air: Valentine’s Dinner and Ballet7:30p-10:30p Artsplace Gallerylexingotnballet.org

15 saturdayESPN College Gameday: UK Men’s Basketball v Florida9p Rupp Arenaukathletics.com

Circus Oz8p Norton Centernortoncenter.com

Motown Magic7p Lyric Theatrelexingtonlyric.com

Heart, Sole & Glove 5K Run/Walk10a-12:30p Embassy Suites

Cardinal Hill Roundball BASH5p-9p Lexington Convention Center

Memphis2p & 8p Lexington Opera Houselexingtonoperahouse.com

16 SundayDisney Junior Live1p & 4p Rupp Arenarupparena.com

Circus Oz1p Norton Centernortoncenter.com

Memphis1p & 6p Lexington Opera Houselexingtonoperahouse.com

18 tuesdayIndoor Polo5:30p Kentucky Horse Parklexingtonpolo.com

20 thursdayIndoor Polo5:30p Kentucky Horse Parklexingtonpolo.com

Casting Crowns7p Rupp Arenarupparena.com

Up & Coming

RUARYFEB

FEBRUARY 2014 | TOPS MAGAZINE 25

21 fridayLUMINOSITY Unveiling Ceremony5:30p Triangle Parklexingtonartleague.org

STRIDE Winter Ball6p Tierney Storage Warehousestrideky.org

Luke Bryan Rescheduled Concert7:30p Rupp Arenarupparena.com

22 saturdayUK Men’s Basketball v LSU7p Rupp Arenaukathletics.com

Night: An Evening with Simone Dinnerstein and Tift Merritt8p Norton Centernortoncenter.com

Lexington Rescue Mission Walk for Warmth10a-1p Triangle Parkwalkforwarmth.org

DanceBlue2p Memorial Coliseumdanceblue.org

23 sundayFlat Stanley2p Lexington Childrens Theatrelctonstage.org

25 tuesdayIndoor Polo5:30p Kentucky Horse Parklexingtonpolo.com

26 tuesdayRock of Ages7:30p EKU Center for the Artsekucenter.com

27 thursdayUK Men’s Basketball v Arkansas7p Rupp Arenarupparena.com

Indoor Polo5:30p Kentucky Horse Parklexingtonpolo.com

28 fridayPink Martini7:30p-9:30p Singletary Centersingletarycenter.com

LUMINOSITY Opening Reception6p-9p Loudon Houselexingtonartleague.org

Dance SCAPA8p Lexington Opera Houselexingtonoperahouse.com

Bourbon and the Bayou7p-11p Red Mile Clubhouselexingtoncasa.com

Up & Coming

RUARYFEB


4 tuesdayUK Men’s Basketball v Alabama7p Rupp Arenaukathletics.com

5 wednesdayThe Pink Floyd Experience7:30p EKU Center for the Artsekucenter.com

6 thursdayDon Giovanni7:30p Lexington Opera Houselexingtonoperahouse.com

7 fridayKentucky Crafted: The Market9a Heritage Hallartscouncil.ky.gov

Don Giovanni7:30p Lexington Opera Houselexingtonoperahouse.com

Blue Grass Trust Antiques & Garden Show10a-6p Kentucky Horse Parkbgantiquesandgardenshow.org

8 saturdayKentucky Crafted: The MarketHeritage Hallartscouncil.ky.gov


9 sundayKentucky Crafted: The Market9a Heritage Hallartscouncil.ky.gov


14 fridayThe Miracle WorkerLexington Opera Houselexingtonoperahouse.com

Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra: Gold Rush7:30p UKlexphil.org

Lexington Comic & Toy Convention5p-10p Lexington Convention Ctrlexingtoncomiccon.com

15 saturdayShamrock Shu� e 3K8a Downtownshamrockshu� e3k.com

Tango Meets Jazz8p Norton Centernortoncenter.com

Up & Coming

MARCH

Dining


Sometimes, a ant’s name can tell diners a bit about what they are about to get into when they walk through its doors. In the case of � e

ame, along with other details of its logo, paint a pre� y accurate

Co ngs Aimee and Brad Lovitz opened the restaurant back in May. e name is a playful reference to a timeless children’s game, the orn pass in its logo reveals another layer to the restau-rant’s culinary

W lik t bally inspired, locally infused,” Aimee said.

THE ATMOSPHEREMany people are probably very familiar with � e Jax’s location if they frequent downtown Lexington. It stands on 101 W. Short St., which was formerly home to restaurants/bars such as Annabelle’s, Mia’s and most recently Rose� a.

� e space’s large windows still give diners great views of the lights and liveliness of Short and Limestone, but � e Jax’s interior is cozy, inviting and modern thanks to rich colors and designs of Morocco.

THE DRINKSFor starters, � e Jax’s specialty drinks, referred to as “rituals,” all come courtesy of mixologist Jeremiah Cox, head of � e Lexington Bartending School. Needless to say, there’s at least one of them that should quench your thirst and kick o� your evening properly…especially its Moscow Mule served in a traditional copper mug.

Outside of the signature cocktails, wine by the glass ranges from $5 to $12, they have numerous cra� and local beers by Country Boy Brewing and West Sixth on dra� or in bo� led form and, for any of you big spenders, they o� er bo� le service a� er 8 p.m. every night.

THE FOODWhile the interior may be inspired by one country in particular, the menu is all over the map. You’ll � nd appetizers, entrees and desserts inspired by Mexico, Cuba, Italy and various parts of Asia, while making sure to include a few classic American staples, all courtesy of chef Natalie Blake.

Regardless of where the inspiration comes from, � e Jax is a scratch kitchen and tries to remain loyal to its local food providers, whether it’s ge� ing its pasta from Lexington Pasta Company or several of its breads from Great Harvest Bread.

WHAT I LIKEWhen it comes to � e Jax, the food won me over thanks to the unex-pected twists it occasionally throws your way.

Its popular Bangkok, a � ai dish you can get with either chicken or shrimp, is not only super � avorful but it has a surprising presentation with the help

of coconut black rice. A simple cheese dip appetizer gets an unusual treat-ment by combining mascarpone, Swiss and cream cheese with sautéed cremini mushrooms and caramelized onions. And shareable plates like the Rico� a & Rhubarb is something I would have never dreamed up, but its combination of smooth creaminess and sweetness coupled with cinna-mon-dusted toast points is something I could eat to start or � nish a meal.

Speaking of a good � nish, ditch the usual sweet treats and try the restau-rant’s Cuban Plantains, fried just right and bursting with sweetness topped with caramel sauce, toasted coconut and served with coconut whipped cream.

Where most restaurants may decide to give you a condensed version of its dinner menu with a few di� erent items for lunch, � e Jax’s lunch menu is a completely di� erent experience, focusing on sand-wiches, soups and salads, including a killer Cranberry Turkey sandwich with Great Harvest cranberry bread, romaine le� uce, house-made mayo, avocado and cranberry

chutney. It’s garnished with pickles, which you should de� nitely eat since they are made in-house.

Aside from a welcome price point (only a few entrees on the dinner menu exceed $20.) I appreciate its dedication to not only being a great place to eat but also a great place to hang out. Lexington can certainly bene� t from more genuine lounges like this, and with its daily double social hours from 5 to 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., you can get $5 apps and desserts, glasses of wine or premium liquor and drinks. You could also spend a solid week-end being entertained at � e Jax thanks to live music on Friday, DJs spin-ning on Saturday and its new Sunday Bingo nights (you read that right) hosted by popular Lexington comedian Christopher P. McKnight.

� e fact that I’m pleasantly surprised by what � e Jax o� ers on a variety of levels isn’t an accident, at least according to its owners.

859 72 2339 0 W Short Street jaxlex com

Co-owners Aimee & Brad Lovitz

“We’re gvng guests what they need and what they don’t know that they want.”

– Aimee Lovitz

SSometimes, a ant’s name can tell diners a bit about what they are SSometimes, a ant’s name can tell diners a bit about what they are about to get into when they walk through its doors. In the case of � e Sabout to get into when they walk through its doors. In the case of � e

ame, along with other details of its logo, paint a pre� y accurate S ame, along with other details of its logo, paint a pre� y accurate SCo ngs Aimee and Brad Lovitz opened the restaurant SCo ngs Aimee and Brad Lovitz opened the restaurant back in May. e name is a playful reference to a timeless children’s Sback in May. e name is a playful reference to a timeless children’s game, the orn pass in its logo reveals another layer to the restau-Sgame, the orn pass in its logo reveals another layer to the restau-rant’s culinary Srant’s culinary

W lik t bally inspired, locally infused,” Aimee said. SW lik t bally inspired, locally infused,” Aimee said.

THE ATMOSPHERESTHE ATMOSPHERE

Community Spotlight


Here in Lexington, the high-pro� le husband and wife team of Joy and Ma� Minner (parents of four healthy kids) are raising awareness and funding for research of childhood cancer in Kentucky, through their non-pro� t endeavor, Cure KY Kids, LLC. Concurrently, to reinforce the reality of the impact of this insidious disease, a local banker is sharing the story of the all too brief life of his beloved daughter, who died at the age of 8 from a rare form of cancer.

THE MISSION

Joy and Ma� , both A� orneys, are each frequent non-pro� t entity volunteers. Joy’s involvement with children’s hospitals makes her keenly in tune to the need for more awareness and research funding for pediatric oncology in Kentucky.

Ma� , the Managing Partner with the Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton, LLC o� ce in downtown Lexington, has chaired many fundraising campaigns for the bene� t of children a� ected by illnesses and other socio-economic hurdles.

� e Minners, along with founding board members Dr. Karry Wilkes, a Pediatrician & Partner in the local Wilkes and Warner practice; Tucker Ballinger, local Forcht Bank President, and George D. Smith, an a� orney with Stoll Keenon and Ogden, set out to accomplish their mission to raise funds for childhood cancer research and services in Kentucky, supporting children with cancer as well as their families with a unique plan.

Equally commited to the cause are other CURE KY Kids Board Members ( Jacky Space, Meredith Jenkins, Jenifer Duncan and Nick Phelps). Kentucky’s kids deserve no less than an all-out e� ort to focus resources, leading to clinical advances to conquer this disease.

by Mary Ellen Slone

SHARING A SIMILAR GOAL

A Cure for

Pediatric Cancer

Joy Minner

Matt Minner

Community Spotlight


The GOAL

Having recently obtained approval from the Kentucky Transportation Department for the “Curing Childhood Cancer” specialty license plate, this initiative must secure a minimum of 900 commitments from Kentucky passenger vehicle owners to each purchase and proudly display the uniquely designed “Curing Childhood Cancer” license plate.

As soon as there are 900 confirmed supporters, the KY DMV will produce these special plates – each purchaser may either personalize his or her own 5-character lettering/number sequence, or, have the DMV assign the letter/number sequence.

The cost? $44 for a regular plate ($69 for a personalized plate). The reservation fee of $25 is to be paid in advance, with the balance due after notification from the KY DMV that the tags are available for pick up at your local tag office. Ten dollars from the sale of each plate will be donated to support pediatric cancer research and programs across the Commonwealth. The more special plates that are ordered, the more exposure this initiative will have, and the more its message will resonate across the Commonwealth. From Florence to Bowling Green, Paducah to Pikeville, passionate individuals have been reserving plates in honor of special people in their lives and to help raise awareness for the cause. According to Mr. Minner, “The individuals who make up the initial 900 commitments to put this specialty plate into production will be a part of a legacy that will have a huge impact on the lives of Kentucky’s children who are fighting the battle against cancer today and in the years to come.”

There exists an urgent need for this initiative in Kentucky. According to CURE KY Kids Board Member, Dr. Wilkes, “From a professional standpoint, I see these children, walk through cancer with them as patients, and have felt very inspired by this personal connection with cancer and our passion for children to drive forward CURE KY Kids.”

PEDIATRIC CANCER

Sprightly, fun-loving 8-year-old Jillian Smalley, died from an exceedingly rare form of childhood cancer, all of those whose lives she touched would like you to realize:

•CANCER is the leading cause of death by disease among America’s children

•Approximately 150 Kentucky children (and 13,500 nationwide) are newly diagnosed with cancer each year.

•While over 40,000 children undergo cancer treatments each year, the causes of childhood cancer remain largely unknown.

•Despite the advancements in treatments, childhood cancer research remains vastly underfunded.

JiLLiAn’s sTOry

The heart-breaking reality of the need to fund research which will ultimately result in the long-sought CURE for pediatric cancer is epitomized by Jillian’s story, as told by her father, local Central Banker Jerry Smalley:

“Jillian was diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid Carconoma in her left lung at the UK Children’s Hospital in 2009 (fewer than 100 cases have been chronicled in the past 25 years.) She underwent chemotherapy one week out of each of the next 4 months, which required that she stay at UKCH. Although she was in remission in

Shane Stuber, Executive Director with the KY Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society said, “Childhood cancer, especially childhood leukemia, is an ever present problem that isn’t slowing down. Since there’s no known prevention, we have to fo-cus on research that will help us find cures. LLS has helped take cure rates for children afflicted with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) to over 90% – but we can’t stop until that number is 100%. KY will have nearly 200 children battling a blood cancer this year. We have to focus on cures and access for all of them!”

Community Spotlight


January 2010, the cancer returned and was detected on a follow-up visit in April of 2010.

She was transferred to MD Anderson/Houston’s Children’s hospital where we spent six full weeks. We almost lost her within the � rst week there because of a tumor pressing on her trachea. With surgery to implant a stent, she rallied, and we were able to do some site-seeing in the Houston area; we went to NASA, Galveston, the Zoo; she had manicures and pedicures with a new friend (also a patient) and we went shopping for HEELS!

Jillian loved to dress up in heels and she wore them when we went out to dinner in some of the � nest restaurants in Houston. Her favorite meal? Filet mignon, baked potato, and steamed broccoli!

In late June, she was stable enough for her mother and I to bring her home, knowing that we had to return on July 21st for a check-up. We made the most of that time—Jillian a� ended her so� ball team’s picnic, went to Indian Summer Camp for children who have, or have had cancer, and then drove back

to Houston. All during this odyssey, Luther Deaton, CEO, and several of my co-workers at Central Bank called daily to check

on Jillian’s condition. When we were advised that Jillian was about to lose her ba� le, the Bank o� ered to send a

plane for us so that our brave child could be at home when she passed, but the medical transportation

requirements were so complex we opted to stay in Houston with Jillian. God released her from

her pain, and she passed on July 30, 2010. Her mother (who had been by Jillian’s side around the clock) and I were holding her hands and her grandmother, uncles and a friend were there. Our daughter’s last meal – cupcakes and a hamburger.

Her funeral service was at St. Paul Catholic Church downtown, where her school classmates a� ended and her best friend, Madeline Sutherland, spoke. Because Jillian loved ‘silly bands,’ usually with an arm full of them, her classmates passed out baskets full of those colorful circles to everyone at the service.”

“We are grateful for the partnership between our Dance Blue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hema-tology / Oncology Clinic and Cure KY Kids, which is working to raise funds to support childhood can-cer research and services to bene� t the patients and families that we see and care for each day,” said Dr. Lars Wagner, chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. “The license plates are a great tribute to our patients who are battling cancer and a great way for citizens of the Commonwealth to give them support in their � ght against this disease.”

SUPPORT THE CAUSE!curekykids.org/license-plates

Fashion


by Beth ParkerFashion Blogger/Stylist

So here we are getting settled into the New Year. For us working folk, that means tons of initiatives, goal setting, business meetings, and the like. Many

of us are required to wear a business casual dress code for our 9 to 5. While people tend to play it safe with hues of grays, blacks, and browns, I always opt to infuse a little personality into my work wear. Because, while we hate to admit it, what you wear says quite a bit about who you are, be it professionally or personally.

Like many of us, I work in an extremely competitive work environment. There are many sales consultants similar to myself trying to build rapport and business relationships with potential clients. I have found that sporting something for your day gig that shows off your personality and style not only leaves more of an impression, but also gives you a little boost of confidence, too. If you feel good in what you’re wearing it will definitely come across when you’re meeting with business associates. But the question is, how in the heck do we do this?

Suits are easy, black slacks and a blouse are a simple go-to, and quite frankly, we just don’t have tons of time in the morning (or a desire for that matter) to get all creative before 9 am! Separates, prints, accessories, and color—that’s how we do this! What are some things you notice in all of the looks below? First off, there is a pop of color be it red, yellow, or orange. There are accessories in the way of necklaces and clutches. And then we have my two favorite prints in the entire world making an appearance, stripes and leopard. How about deconstructing your suits, by separating the blazers and pairing them with flowy skirts or a pencil skirt with a printed blouse? Try taking your black blazer and pairing it with printed slacks and a brightly colored blouse. Or maybe throw a sweater over a silk button down and toss on a gaggle of gems! It’s all about thinking just a smidge outside of the box and not limiting yourself to what the normal business casual dress code dictates. So let’s cheers to our most fashionable work year yet!

work it

seersuckerandsaddles.blogspot.com

Feature


THE HEART BALL

Each year, the American Heart Association hosts a party to celebrate its mission, volunteers, donors, and the invaluable lives saved from heart disease and stroke. It’s a night to re� ect on the past accomplishments and achievements as well a look toward the future ones.

� e Central Kentucky Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, March 8 at Lexington Center’s Bluegrass Ballroom. Now in its 26th year this black tie event has helped to advance the lifesaving mission that has impacted the lives of thousands of men, women and children in the Lexington area.

Hundreds of corporate and medical professionals will gather to honor survivors and those who made major contributions in cardiovascular research. � is year’s ball is chaired by Darby and Charlotte Turner, and will honor Warren W. Rosenthal for his Community wide achievements.

“Charlotte and I understand and appreciate all that the American Heart Association does in � ghting heart disease and stroke in Kentucky through education, advocacy and research--we look forward to a great event,” Darby said.

Guests of the Heart Ball will experience � ne dining, dancing and unique silent and live auction opportunities. All proceeds from the Heart Ball will support the American Heart Association, which funds public and professional education, advocacy and scienti� c research.

“� is is one of our largest and most important events,” said Mike Turner, Special Events Director for the American Heart Association. “During the evening, our survivors will be honored and their physicians spotlighted for their signi� cant lifesaving achievements. � is will allow the community, donors and supporters to see the results of the American Heart Association’s research, advocacy, educational programs and dedication at work.”

Tickets start at $200 per person with proceeds bene� ting the American Heart Association. � e Central Kentucky Heart Ball is sponsored by University of Kentucky HealthCare, Kentucky One Health and Baptist Health. For more information, call Mike Turner at (859) 977-4605 or visitwww.heart.org/LexingtonKYHeartBall

by Kathie Stamps

In the ‘Buf’


RED FLAGSby Bu� y LawsonRelationship Veteran

We have been warned and guided by them since the beginning of our dating careers. � ese relentless li� le parts of our brains that are referred to as the ever dreaded… ‘red � ags.’

� ese woefully haunting thoughts that lurk around our minds like a wino stalking a liquor store, desperate to yank our giddy li� le heads right out of those � u� y, happy clouds and plop us directly into reality. Even the most intelligent, logical, successful people trade their well-intended red � ags in for a fabulous, palatable, more romantic pair of rose colored glasses.

� ese magical glasses we wear prevent us from seeing the entire picture and make all � aws and shortcomings invisible.

And who can blame us? Falling in love can feel like such an amazing experience. It is the only time in the relationship that we actually believe we have met a truly perfect person. Because, regardless if it is a temporary situation or forever lasting, the newness of somebody is simply fantastic. Co� ee tastes especially amazing, we sing out loud to the radio with the windows down and it is impossible for anybody not to notice the bounce in our walk and annoying, yet charming gleam in our eyes.

� is is not a “woman thing” or a “man thing” it’s a “human nature” thing. Take for example the 53-year-old guy who was once a MAJOR hunk, who has recently begun losing his hair and is now sporting a slight round belly. � e � rst time in his life he is realizing that he is no longer a spring chicken. One evening at the annual company party “Randy” showed up hand in hand with “Mandy” a 22-year-old blonde haired bombshell. Now, keep in mind that Randy was a highly conservative very analytical and a well-regarded employee in the company. He was once married to a prominent a� orney for nearly 15 years and remained heart broken over the divorce for quite some time.

When the couple walked into the room that evening, Randy’s co-workers nearly gasped out loud. � e young woman was wearing a very tight � � ing, low cut yellow sundress that complimented her enormous… matching

earrings. Her young so� blonde curls must have taken hours to perfectly place and she posed there beside Randy as if she were on the red carpet. She soon made her way to the ladies room to powder her $4,000 nose. While she was gone, Randy found himself cha� ing with a couple of his buddies from the o� ce. “Wow, I know what you guys are thinking. You think it’s just her looks,” he proclaimed. “I am telling you it has nothing to do with that. I mean Mandy is AMAZING. She’s not just beautiful…I mean that’s obvious how pre� y she is…but on top of that she’s…really…really smart. Seriously. She’s perfect!” One of his friends replied…“So you aren’t seeing any red � ags here buddy?” “Absolutely not!” Randy replied.

Mandy sashayed back to her date and his co-workers extending her hand for a formal hello. “Hi!” she said in an extreme southern, high pitch tone, “My name is Mandy!” She giggled...“Isn’t Randy the best!!! It’s funny, too; our names an’ all…you know…Mandy, Randy, Mandy, Randy. Get it? � ey rhyme!!! Must be something in the stars. � at’s just such a seriously major coincidence!”

She showed the guys the leopard lining of her new Betsy Johnson purse and all three men remained focused on her accessories as she continued

rambling. Randy beamed. She got a phone call and excused herself for a minute. “See, what did I tell you” he said to the

guys as if almost ready for a group hug. “Speechless” replied his friends in unison with a kind smile. “Just

speechless.”

“� e only thing that I’ve been wondering that I’m not too sure about” said

Randy, “is that she swears that those ENORMOUS…uuhh, earrings are real. And I just don’t know if I believe

her. And if they are, I can’t help wonder if she might be a li� le bit…

awww, never mind. I’m just thinking out loud. Mandy is such a great girl. I can’t let something stupid like that cross my mind. Shhhh, here she comes…Wow, she really is perfect.”

Moral of the story: When one buys a pair of rose colored glasses,

the � ne print inscribed says: CAUTION: “THESE ROSE COLORED GLASSES WILL WEAR OFF VERY, VERY SOON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU WILL NEED TO REFER TO YOUR RED FLAGS.”

Parties


by Deanna TalwalkarParty Planner Extraordinaire

FOUR SWEET WAYS TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your love for entertaining. If you’re looking for some ideas to cele-brate this sweet holiday, we’ve got four sweet ideas for saying “Be Mine”. Your party guests will surely be delighted

with each of these Valentine’s Day party ideas.

Adult dessert PArty

If you want to throw a Valentine’s Day adult party for some of your favorite friends, you can skip the main course and go directly to dessert with your party. A couple of weeks before Valentine’s Day, send out paper or digital invitations for your all-dessert party. When hosting a dessert party, make sure you have a minimum of three dessert options. Many dessert items can be made ahead of time. Some items, like cookie dough, cakes, and brownies can be even be frozen a few days before the party. Remember to offer a couple of savory items to give guests a break from all the sugar. For the decorations, start with a color palette of pale pink and gold. Glittery gold accents will add a sophisticated touch to the party, too.

Kids PlAydAte

Even little ones can get in on the fun of spreading love during Val-entine’s Day. Hosting a play date for preschoolers or young kids will introduce them to the fun of the holiday. Serve healthy muf-fins, fruit and small sandwiches. Using a heart shaped cookie cut-ter, cut both the fruit and the sandwiches into little heart shapes. For a party activity, try a fun Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. Kids can search for Valentine’s themed items, like a person wearing red and something with a heart on it. Another party activity would be Pin the Arrow on Cupid – a Valentine’s Day twist on the traditional game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

FAmily Brunch

What better way to show your family how much you love them than with a delicious meal? Planning a Valentine’s Day brunch for the ones you love the most is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday. Start with a menu of Citrus Compote with Honey, Heart Shaped Berry Waffles, Cider Glazed Sausage, and Mini Quiche Lorraine. Remember to serve a fun drink, like Cranberry Mimo-sas or Pink Grapefruit Spritzer. All of these recipes can be found on TopsInLex.com. For a sweet activity, place a large heart at each place setting. During brunch, have guests write their name at the top of the heart, then pass it around the table. Everyone can write something they love about the person on the heart.

VAlentine’s craFt PArty

For another fun party idea, try a Valentine’s Day crafting party. Kids can get together and make heart shaped valentines for their friends and classmates. Cut out several heart shapes from cardstock or constructions paper before the party. Gather stickers, buttons, doi-lies, markers, glitter, ribbon, glue and sequins for the kids to use to decorate their valentines. Kids will love showing their loved ones how much they appreciate them with their handmade creations.

For these and more Valentine’s Day party ideas, please visit topsinlex.com.

Photo & Styling by Mirabelle Creations

To download the recipes mentioned here, visittopsinlex.com/Read/4892/Four+Sweet+Ways+to+Celebrate+Valentines+Day

Etiquette & Entertaining


by Sue Ann TruittEtiquette & Entertaining Consultant

There is no better way to show friends and family how much you care than in-viting them into your home for dinner. In today’s fast-paced world, guests in your home can be overwhelming, but the real secret to entertaining is being

creative and keeping it simple. The days of one person doing every-thing are over. House, garden , table décor and food – choose an area to emphasize while quietly compromising on the others. Make this the one thing that will wow the guests. So, let the fun begin as we concentrate on table décor creativity. Choosing a theme, holiday or season arouses excitement. For example, using tulips in February. Keep in mind: it’s all in the presentation!

Become a constant collector of all possible “props” – formal china, casual pottery, silver and all types of linens. Store them in an orga-nized fashion so they can be easily available. If not, these collectibles will not be used as often. Be diligent in fully using these treasures but not necessarily in the manner for which they were intended. Edit your collections carefully by not using too many at a time. Guests can become confused with clutter while they will respond with interest to items creatively presented.

Table CoveringsThe choices are unlimited. First, cover the table with a layer of felt, a thin blanket or a custom-made table pad for protection. Many fabrics pur-chased by the yard will yield a terrific effect as a table covering. For example, burlap, gingham and florals are readily available. Quilts, throws, scarves, wraps or even blankets can set the stage for a special effect. Thinking creatively, cover the table with sheet moss in the Spring or artificial snow in the Winter. Of course, traditional placemats always provide an interesting backdrop for a chosen look. In addition, a bare, well polished table gives a Colonial setting, especially with the reflection of lighted candles. Linen table-cloths provide a beautiful, formal setting which will allow place settings to be set closer together for greater seating capac-ity. Whether using mirrored mats outside to reflect the stars or Grandmother’s heir-loom cloth to provide formality, keep a consistent plan when selecting the rest of the parts to this picture.

China, PorCelain, PotteryThis is the element that provides the basis for your theme or seasonal plan. Begin with chargers (12 – 14 inch plates usually with brightly colored rims). They are placed on the table before the other pieces of dinnerware. Because the larger size, these plates can be used for buffets as they can hold both the salad and the entrée. At a seated meal, the charger stays on the table until time for the dessert course to be served.

When mixing patterns, the most versatile is the 7 – 9 inch salad/des-sert plate as it can also become a luncheon plate or be placed under a soup bowl. This is the logical piece to change to a different but com-patible pattern.

silverThis broad category encompasses flatware, coffee and tea set, trays, serving pieces and the most revered – Kentucky Julep Cups. Noth-ing is prettier than well polished silver reflecting candlelight in the evening. Silver is always in style whether in the Dining Room or in the Garden. So, use it and don’t save it for the next generation – they many not want it.

May this article ignite your imagination and inspire you creativity. Call your friends, get out of your sandbox and try something new – have a Dinner Party!

Distinctive Dinner DÉcor


TOP Women in Finance

DO

LLINS

BILLIESENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, RETAIL BANKING

COMMUNITY TRUST BANK

Billie started her career in banking 32 years ago, in the Trust Department for the former Citizens Union Na-

tional Bank. She worked in the Personal Trust and Consumer Lending areas before moving into retail banking in 1994.

“By far, the best thing that has ever hap-pened to me is accepting my current posi-tion, 4 years ago, as SVP of Retail Banking for Community Trust Bank,” Billie proudly states. “I learned a long time ago that to be successful, you need to surround yourself with good people. I am blessed to work with some amazing folks!”

Billie grew up in Danville and enjoys travel and golf. She attended Western Kentucky University, Mid-West Trust School, Ston-ier Graduate School of Banking and The Wharton School, where she received the Wharton Leadership Certification.

Billie is and has been involved with many community organizations including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Lexington Humane Society, LFUCG Courthouse Area Re-view Board, Living Arts & Science Center, Lexington Dream Factory, REACH, and Lexington Rotary.

Billie and her partner of 12 years, Lisa, have two sons, Hunter and Mac, two Bas-set Hounds and a Ragdoll cat. She credits a number of people with having a huge im-pact on her career. “They not only taught me the importance of being a leader, they showed me what it takes: integrity, kind-ness, genuineness,” she explains. “[And] always do the right thing.”



MCC

AIN

TAMARAVICE PRESIDENT, TREASURY MANAGEMENT

REPUBLIC BANK & TRUST COMPANY

What started as a part-time position in college grew into

a career for Tamara. She says much of her career was spent in Retail Banking until she had the opportunity to work in the Trea-sury Management department of a national bank. She has worked with Republic Bank since 2008.

This lifelong resident of the Lex-ington area is a wife and mother of two. She enjoys watching her stepson play sports, riding horses and spending time on her parents’ farm. Tamara is an avid college football fan who credits her parents with teaching her to be honest and work hard. She served as a chair of the Profes-sional Women’s Forum and The Blast.

“I love meeting people and my job affords me the ability to meet all kinds of people from all walks of life. I gain a great deal of per-sonal satisfaction when my cus-tomers treat me like a member of their team,” Tamara explains. “I strive every day to make their job easier. They have a business to run and I do my best to make sure that anything banking re-lated does not add any extra burdens to their real focus--their business.”



JEREM

IAH

NOREENVICE PRESIDENT / MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER

BB&T BANK

Noreen has been with BB&T for 5 years and in the field of Finance for over 30. Her career began in California, where she had a great management team help guide her through the banking community. “I have worked with outstanding individuals that were passionate to help others realize the American Dream of Homeownership,” Noreen explains. She now works in the Downtown

Lexington office of BB&T, assisting customers nationwide, from first-time homebuyers to those referred to her from the Wealth Depart-ment.

Noreen loves interior decorating, caring for her Shih Tzu and going to auctions, shopping and baking. She is a member of Southland Christian Church, Mortgage Bankers of the Bluegrass and the Homebuilder’s Association of Lexington.

“I can honestly say it grows more challenging, yet rewarding, every day,” she explains of her work in mortgage lending. “I love the growth and opportunity to help my clients achieve financial freedom!” Over the years, many of her customers have thanked her, and they keep coming back and referring friends and family. Because of Noreen’s exceptional service and experience, she achieved BB&T’s highest award for the Central KY region 2009-2012, as the Annual “Sterling Award Winner” for Outstanding Achiever in Residential Loan Pro-duction and Customer Service, funding over $150 million in loans since joining BB&T! She hopes to win again in 2013!



IRICK-VAUGHNA

BB

Y VICE PRESIDENT, WEALTH MANAGEMENTUBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Abby entered the financial world in 1981 at her late father’s request. After working at two local and one regional bank, Abby joined UBS Financial Services to be part of the “Alpha Financial Group” team. She had previously worked with Marc Cobane, Vice President-Wealth Management at UBS eight out of her 10 years at Fifth Third Bank Investment Advisor’s division. “When Marc

approached me to join their team of local professionals with over 80 years of combined industry experience, I was eager to explore the opportunity further,” she explains.

This wife and mother enjoys playing golf in her spare time. She also loves putting her self-studies of interior design to work by helping her husband stage homes. Abby has served with the American Heart Association, United Way, Lexington Humane Society, Lexington Art League, LexArts, Woodland Art Fair and Commerce Lexington. She has also served on the Henry Clay High School PTA with two of those years serving as President receiving Volunteer of the Year.

“My 32 years in the industry have afforded me the luxury of being able to come to work every day and do what I love most: assist clients in achieving their goals,” she explains. “I make myself available at all times because I want them to know how important their relationship is to me.”



RU

FFROWENA

INVESTMENT CONSULTANT LPL FINANCIAL AT TRADITIONAL BANK

Rowena moved to Lexington in 1996 from Oxford, MS to start a job with a local fundraising

company. When she felt there wasn’t enough work for a full time job, she turned to a stockbroker in Lexington for guidance. “He encouraged me to become an investment advisor. He believed in me and challenged me to go beyond my vision for myself,” she explains. In 1997 Rowena was hired at Morgan Stanley, passed her securities exams and trained at the World Trade Center in New York. A few years later, she started an investment program at a community bank, and then later helped to start another investment program at Traditional Bank, where she has worked for over 8 years.

Rowena is an avid road cyclist, reads many books and is a community vol-unteer. She loves animals and has 3 dogs. Rowena serves on the boards of The Chrysalis House, The Bluegrass Cycling Club and The Horsey Hun-dred. She recently organized a Bike Giveaway for the Kentucky Refugee Ministry.

“My position is much more than talk-ing and listening to clients and advis-ing them about investment plans – I sincerely care about my clients, and I am privileged to journey in life with them, advocate for them, and be there for them through their life changes,” Rowena says of her position with LPL Financial at Traditional Bank.



STICH

NO

TKATHY

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER YOUR COMMUNITY BANK

Kathy has been in the banking industry for over 25 years. She began her career as a teller and

following several advancements and the completion of a comprehensive Manage-ment Training program was promoted to her current position as an Assistant Vice President/Financial Center Manager. She has been with Your Community Bank for the past 9 years.

Kathy has been married to her husband Dan for 33 years. The couple has 3 lovely daughters, one of whom is married, and a dog. Kathy enjoys running, working out, needle pointing, and reading. She is a sports fanatic and the “#1 Tom Brady fan”.

Kathy has been involved with both the PTA and PTSA, serving at various times as treasurer for each. She was a Girl Scout leader for over 10 years, an Execu-tive Board member for Girls on the Run Central Kentucky, and an officer for her neighborhood association. She will be volunteering for the American Diabetes Association Step Out Walk scheduled for May 2014.

Kathy says she enjoys both the financial aspects as well as the customer interac-tions of her work. Additionally, the re-wards of helping a person or business re-alize their dreams help her stay motivated and passionate about banking.



WEEKSM

AR

TI FINANCIAL ADVISOR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS, INC. LOCATED AT BANK OF THE BLUEGRASS

Prior to coming into the Financial Services Arena, Marti worked for 18 years in sales and man-

agement serving primarily women. “My desire to make more of an impact led me into the Financial Services in-dustry and I’ve seen a lot of good suc-cess stories since choosing this route,” she explains. Marti began her financial services career a decade ago, building a business from the ground up at Ed-ward Jones before she chose to move her practice to IPI, a broker dealer partnering with Bank of the Bluegrass. “I like what both entities stand for: they strive to build into people’s lives by knowing them and doing what is right for the individual.”

Marti holds a Bachelor of Science de-gree from EKU in Recreation & Park Administration. Her minor was in cultural geography. She has additional hours of pre-grad work in Drafting and Design and post-grad hours in Education. “I come from a family of educators and tend to use that style in my business practice,” Marti explains.

In her spare time, Marti likes to sing, draw portraits, garden, cook, and play accordion. She serves by donating time or resources at the Lexington Rescue Mission, Chrysalis House and Shriner’s Hospital. She says her 11-year-old son is “talented in many directions” and her husband is “an in-credible business processes analyst” who has impacted her career.

“No Bank Guarantee | Not a Deposit | Not FDIC Insured | Not Insured by any federal government agency | May Lose Value All Securities and Advisory Services offered through Investment Professionals, Inc. (IPI), a Registered Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor and member FINRA and SIPC.”


TOP People to Know

PeoPle to KnowIn FInAnCe

toP

Publisher’s notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.


TOP People to Know

ChaseHolman

Mortgage LoanOriginator

A Lexington native and graduate of Georgetown College as well as St. � omas University School of Law in Mi-ami, Chase is a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in the state of Kentucky and a Licensed A� orney in the state of Mis-souri. Chase enjoys helping people make the best choice with one of the biggest decisions in their lives, � nancing the pur-chase of their dream home, and loves the impact Benchmark has on their clients’ lives and the community.

899.0528 | [email protected]

Jeff Koonce

President, Central KY

SuzanneElliott

Realtor®

Je� Koonce has been a consistent presence in Central Kentucky banking for the past 27 years. In September, Koonce stepped into the role of President, Central KY for Your Community Bank. “At Your Com-munity Bank, we work hard at hiring very customer-centric and talented employees and then encourage them to develop real and lasting relationships with their custom-ers.” Koonce serves on the Boards of Com-merce Lexington, Community Ventures Corporation, and Bluegrass Tomorrow.

244.7200 | yourcommunitybank.com

Suzanne Ellio� has assisted hundreds of clients in her 28-year career with Pru-dential A.S. de Movellan Real Estate. She has been the #1 Top Producer 16 years. Suzanne is pleased that on February 25, 2014, Prudential A.S. de Movellan will be-come Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices de Movellan Properties. Berkshire Hatha-way, and its Chairman and CEO, Warren Bu� e� , are known throughout the invest-ment world. Suzanne is eager to help you through the buying and selling process.

806.6234 | suzanneelliott.com

Susie Rodes

ABR,CRS,GRISRES AssociateBroker

A UK graduate and licensed Real Estate Broker for 18 years, Susie knows this mar-ket inside and out and LOVES her job! Her experience and education are key ingredients that have enabled her to suc-cessfully assist hundreds of buyers and sellers with their Real Estate needs. Over $21 million in sales for 2013! A great re-source for all things “Home related” and “Lexington Living”, give her a call today to help you with selling your existing home and � nding your dream home or farm!

619.8730 | homesinlex.com

David Smyth

FinancialPlanner

David specializes in retirement planning and tax efficiency for working professionals. Da-vid founded Family Financial Partners with his business partner, Alex Roig, in 2005. Their team provides families with concierge services that include legacy planning for generations to come. Investment Advisory Services offered through O.N. Investment Management Company. David Smyth is a Registered Representative of and offers secu-rities through The O.N. Equity Sales Com-pany, Member FINRA/SIPC. 219.1006 x102 | familyfinancialpartners.com

LawrenceYork

Chief INVESTMENT Offi cer & CEO

Lawrence is a seasoned entrepreneur, nationally-published � nance writer and founder of ProActive Advisors. He formed his own independent investment � rm in 1989. Morningstar, Inc. honored him as a Five Star Portfolio Manager for his management of WWW Internet Fund. Lawrence received his BA in Politi-cal Science from Berea College and MBA in Finance and Marketing at Ga� on Col-lege of Business & Economics. He resides in Lexington with his wife and 2 sons. 263.1117 | [email protected]


Money

What stresses small business owners the most? Our conver-sations with them and the research we come across suggest it’s a lack of clarity. Well, there’s no small business crystal ball — at least one we are aware of — but if one existed, here’s a look at what it might reveal for 2014:

HELP FROM WASHINGTON?Look for a more conciliatory attitude in Congress. Lawmakers’ collabora-tion on a budget deal in December is a sign that they’ll cooperate on issues affecting small business, including tax reform, says Barbara Kasoff, president of Women Impacting Public Policy, a group that advocates for women and minorities in business. The deadlock over the budget and government shut-down in 2013 hurt small businesses including federal contractors.

The safest bet? An increase in a tax code provision that allows businesses to deduct up-front rather than depreciate the cost of equipment like vehicles, computers and machinery. Without action by Congress, the 2014 deduction is $25,000, down from $500,000 in 2013. With many companies still strug-gling and congressional elections in November, lawmakers may boost it.

REVENUE STRAINSA tepid economic recovery will continue to frustrate small-company own-ers, says Susan Woodward, an economist with Sand Hill Econometrics in Menlo Park, Calif. Small retailers are struggling even as consumers spend more. Growth in online shopping and a tendency for people to patronize stores owned by big companies (choosing Starbucks rather than the local coffee shop, for example) will continue to be a challenge.

Small businesses shouldn’t expect goldmines from government contracting. Agencies will spend carefully. Some small federal contractors reported even before the $85 billion in spending cuts in 2013 that agencies had been cut-ting back. Contractors will prospect for business with companies to make up for budget cuts in 2013 and to diversify their revenue streams.

A sustained surge in construction of single-family homes could be a game changer, Woodward says. Growth in housing spills over to manufacturers, retailers and other businesses.

LABOR MARKET CHALLENGESExpect small businesses to struggle to find skilled workers for jobs like high-tech manufacturing. It’s not a new problem. Surveys throughout 2013, in-cluding monthly reports from the National Federation of Independent Busi-ness, showed that owners had positions they couldn’t fill.

The situation may change if employers of all sizes keep adding jobs at the stronger pace of the second half of 2013, says Peter Cappelli, a professor of human resources management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. A shrinking pool of workers would force small businesses to train new hires, something many have been reluctant to do.

Health care may become a recruiting issue. Owners who say they can’t afford to buy insurance under the health care law could find it harder to attract top talent.

FINDING CAPITALCompanies hoping to borrow from a bank or raise money on the Internet may get their wish.

Rules governing how companies solicit money from individual in-vestors online may be completed after a long wait. The Securi-ties and Exchange Commission published them in October, 10 months later than expected. Web-sites are already preparing for the day when the rules go into effect.

Banks are expected to continue gradually increasing their lending to small businesses. At the end of the third quarter, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. tallied $284 billion in small business loans, up 2 percent from a year earlier. Banks are more likely to lend, particularly to the smallest businesses, if Congress doesn’t get bogged down in budget battles and the stock market remains healthy, says Jeffrey Stibel, CEO of the credit rating company Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDSThe number of small businesses that use cloud computing is likely to keep soaring, but owners may feel some pain as cloud providers start charging more. In 2013, 43 percent of small businesses used the cloud, storing data and software offsite and accessing them via the Internet. That’s up from 5 percent in just three years, according to a survey by the advocacy group Na-tional Small Business Association.

Cloud providers are starting to price their services like cable TV companies, says David Rosenbaum, president of Real-Time Computer Services, a tech-nology services company in New York. Businesses get attractive introduc-tory offers, but they’re likely to pay much more in the future, especially if they decide to move their data elsewhere.

There’s room for small businesses to expand into social media in 2014. More than a quarter don’t use it at all, according to the NSBA. Companies will get more sophisticated in how they use it. They’re starting to use social media tools that allow them to reach out to customers locally — even to customers walking past their stores, says Ramon Ray, a journalist who runs a website called smallbiztechnology.com.

HEALTH CARE2014 will give business owners a chance to understand the complexities of the health care law. Insurance brokers and benefits consultants have said it would take a year of the law being in effect for owners to get a sense of its impact on their profits.

Many businesses avoided the law’s requirements by renewing their 2013 policies before the year ended. They’ll need to get up to speed before renew-ing in 2014.

A look at what 2014 may hold for small businesses

by Joyce M. Rosenberg , AP Business Writer

Family


I tend to think I’m taking middle age pretty well. I do what I can to stay healthy and postpone the inevitable as long as possible. Much as I hate ex-

ercise, I drag myself out of bed more days than not, and work up a good sweat in the name of reducing stress and prevent-ing heart disease and osteoporosis. I quit my nightly ice-cream habit several years ago, and take whatever herbal supplements the latest medical studies show will stave off memory loss and keep me performing at optimum capacity.

Still, I’m saving up for retirement, in more ways than one.

Because every once in awhile, I catch a glimpse of how I do not want to end up, and it makes me want to run farther and take more ginkgo.

Awhile back, my daughter and I were waiting at the doctor’s office, both absorbed in our music downloads and reading ma-terial. Out of the blue, I heard my daughter – a feline fan – say, “oooh, kitty!”

Sitting on the check-in counter was a beautiful white angora cat, whose owner was proudly stroking it. After a few seconds, I had a bit of a reality check, and wondered, “who brings a pet to the doctor’s office?”

There was a crowd of people gathering to see her pet, when I heard, “meow.”

That, I knew immediately, was not a real cat.

Sure enough, as I looked closer, it was obvious: this was not a real pet, but a battery-operated faux cat.

Aside from the obvious benefits of a robotic cat — no feeding, no cleaning — I refuse to believe it is a legitimate replace-ment for the real thing.

I heard the woman’s caretaker talking about how she had read studies that prove having a pet slows down the onset of demen-tia in many older patients.

Honestly, if you are walking around with a fake cat, hasn’t de-mentia already progressed past the point of no return?

I thought about my elders – grandparents, parents, friends – facing the aging process. Even the sharpest of them reached the point where their human hard drive maxed out, and they had to either remove old data or quit storing new information. For

some, it meant they could no longer filter their thoughts into “things I should share publically” and “things I should keep to myself.”

At some point on the timeline, conquering new technology re-quires finding someone under the age of 25 to adjust all the settings. And darn it, no one dare touch it after that!

With technology changing at its current rate, I have already be-gun to fall short of setting all my preferences the way I want. I honestly regret making fun of people who couldn’t set the clocks on their VCRs. I wish we still had a VCR, because I can’t even operate our family’s home entertainment system – which used to be a television.

At least I have real pets that don’t need their settings adjusted.

Which is why I’ve started the bribe-my-kids fund.

I plan to give them all money to keep a room for me at their home. There are four of them, so I figure three short months a year, I will be there to annoy and frustrate them. Their job will be to make sure I exer-cise and take my ginkgo. They’ll also need to ad-just settings on my elec-tronics.

And I’m bringing my pets. Live ones.

RETIREMENT PLAN: DON’T TOUCH MY DIALS

by Hallie Bandy

Motherboardoverv


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cones and taking them out; bin races require pu� ing objects on a bin at full gallop, and one race involves popping balloons on the ground,” he explained.

With three to six competitions held at the Kentucky Horse Park each year, the mounted games are just another facet of the horse world that is highlighted at the Park. With USMGA’s � rst outing at the Horse Park in the fall of 1998, the � rst o� cial competition occurred in 2000 as the BlueGrass Finale. In the following year, a spring competition was debuted, the BlueGrass Open. Since then, both competitions have become an annual tradition. “� e Kentucky Horse Park is a unique, incredible place for competitions that meets the needs of the competitors and allows access to visitors who are interested in learning about the wondrous horses at the park,” Greiling remarked. “� e Alltech Arena is probably the � nest indoor arena in the country.”

� is year’s competition is a wonderful opportunity to view the best talent compete for the highest honors.

Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director Set to Retire

John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse

Park since June 1, 1997, announced his retirement which will take e� ect April 30. Nicholson is the longest-serving executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park in its 35-year history and has served at its helm during its greatest period of growth – garnering world-wide recognition for the facility.

“With our recent 35th anniversary, I started to think about my own history with the park and all that we have accomplished during this tenure,” Nicholson said. “It has been a di� cult decision to consider retirement because I love the park and highly value the team of people I work with, but a� er 17 years, this is the right time for the park and for me personally. I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities. I leave knowing that the park is now a serious and relevant player in equestrian sport around the world, and that it provides an international calling card for Kentucky; not just in a� racting and hosting major events, but also acting as an important cultural and economic driver for the Commonwealth.”

Under Nicholson’s leadership, the Kentucky Horse Park has a long list of notable achievements crowned by the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Nicholson spearheaded a multi-year e� ort by the Kentucky Horse Park, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, local government and private partnerships to win

Image Courtesy of the United States Mounted Game Association


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the United States’ bid to host the World Equestrian Games. � e Games, which are the world championships for eight equestrian disciplines, had never been held outside of Europe. Nicholson served on the board of the World Games 2010 Foundation that organized the event which was televised internationally to 500 million viewers, and had an economic impact of $201.5 million on the state’s economy.

� e Kentucky Horse Park has been steadily transformed into the � nest equestrian competition facility in the world. Nicholson has overseen its expansion to include $80 million in capital improvement projects, including the 5,500-seat Alltech Arena, the 7,300-seat Rolex Stadium, new stabling barns, an 8,500-square-foot museum wing addition, and, numerous new buildings within the park’s National Horse Center – a collection of national, regional and state equine organizations.

Nineteen of the current 33 National Horse Center tenants have relocated their national headquarters to the park or expanded their o� ces during Nicholson’s tenure, including the governing body for most equestrian sports in the country, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Formerly known as the American Horse Shows Association, the USEF completed a move to the Kentucky Horse Park in 1999 a� er being recruited

away from New York City, its location since its founding in 1917. � is move was a major development within the equestrian world. � e organization’s presence at the park was an important factor for the incredible growth of the number and quality of horse shows and competitions at the park, for tenants in the National Horse Center, and for Kentucky securing the bid to host the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

In addition to growing the park, Nicholson has concentrated on improving its public perception and increasing private sector support. One of his � rst actions as the park’s executive director was playing a major role in raising more than $1.2 million from concerned citizens and racing fans, and securing an additional $1.5 million in state funding to purchase the historic Calumet Farm trophy collection in 1998. � e collection had been on loan to the park’s International Museum of the Horse since 1982, but was scheduled to be auctioned as part of the farm’s bankruptcy se� lement.

In 1997, the park was presented with an opportunity to host one of the largest exhibitions ever to come to the United States from China. Stipulating that no tax dollars would be used to fund the project, Nicholson led e� orts in raising the necessary $1.2 million from the private sector to fund the exhibition, valued

John Nicholson with Lee Carter at last year’s Rolex Three-Day Event (Photo by Keni Parks)


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at $100 million. Imperial China: � e Art of the Horse in Chinese History” opened in 2000 and was seen by more than 200,000 visitors.

One of the most signi� cant international cultural events in the history of the Commonwealth, the exhibition helped increase economic ties between Kentucky and China through a major trade conference that was a� ended by the Chinese Ambassador. It also ushered in a remarkable decade that, under Nicholson’s leadership, saw the park produce two more exceptional international exhibitions, “All the Queen’s Horses,” in 2003, and “A Gi� from the Desert,” in 2010.

In 2008, Nicholson’s outstanding leadership was recognized with the park receiving an Eclipse Award, the highest honor in the � oroughbred industry from the National � oroughbred Racing Association, National Turf Writers Association, and the Daily Racing Form. In 2010, he received the prestigious Equine Industry Vision Award from the American Horse Publications, an award that recognizes outstanding leadership, creativity and meritorious contributions in the equine industry. Nicholson accepted on the park’s behalf the USEF’s Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy which honors distinguished service in equestrian sport. In 2011, Nicholson was named one of the Chronicle of the Horse magazine’s “Overall Horsemen of the Year.”

“� e park is at the crossroads of a remarkable past and an extremely promising future,” said Nicholson. “I am proud of the legacy I leave and am pleased to participate in a great and model transition, which will be the latest example of how the park has always tried to conduct business in a forward-thinking and exemplary manner.”

February 7 7pm-11pm H’Artful of Fun, Alltech Arena

February 8-9 Snowball Series Mounted Games, Covered Arena

February 8 7:30pm Bluegrass Warhorses Indoor Football, Alltech Arena

February 9, 2pm Frigid Franny 4-Miler Run/Walk, Parkwide

February 14, 6:30pm Oak Hill Farm: A Jewel of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Horse Park

February 15-16 Kentucky Round-Up, Alltech Arena

February 16, 8am AKC Tracking Dog Test, Parkwide

February 21-22 KHSAA Wrestling Championships, Alltech Arena

February 22, 8am-5pm Snowbird Dressage, Covered Arena

February 28-March 2 HBA Lexington New Home & Remodeling Marketplace, Alltech Arena

March 2-3 & 15 US Mounted Games Association, Covered Arena

March 7-9 Blue Grass Trust Antiques & Garden Show

March 13-16 Road to the Horse, Alltech Arena

FEBRUARY 2014 | TOPSINLEX.COM 117

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Fillies in the Workplace: Sherry Akers Owner, Dapple Advertising

Sherry Akers (Photo by Keni Parks)

For those who wear many hats, it is Sherry Akers’ job to make sure those hats—and jackets and shirts—look good. She is the owner of Dapple Advertising, a company that sells ap-parel and promotional products cus-tomized with corporate logos.

“We also create custom web stores for clients who desire to sell their person-alized products online, or for those who need a more simpli� ed ordering system,” Akers said. “We pride our-selves on seamless, prompt and detail-oriented service in delivering quality goods that will improve any company’s image.”

Akers founded Dapple Advertising in 1989. “We started in the basement of our house, calling on clients,” she said. Her husband, Mike Akers, was in the early stages of his � oroughbred busi-ness. He owns Dapple Stud, a horse farm in Bourbon County, and a blood-stock agency called Dapple Blood-stock. In the horse world, dapples are those splotches of color that show up on horses when they shed out well in the springtime. � ere is a tradition of

By Kathie Stamps


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On Saturday, April 19, the Kentucky Equine Humane Center launches what they hope will become an

annual event, bringing a fresh, new and exciting twist to the traditional dinner and auction a� air. � e 2014 Great Restaurant Roundup will be an entertaining live auction featuring donations from participating central Kentucky restaurants, bars, co� ee shops, bakeries and more. Some of these exceptional participants include: Dudley’s, Jonathan at Gratz Park, Malone’s, Table 310, Coba Cocina, Cheddar’s,

and so many more!

Starbucks Susannah Harris of KyEHC explains, “We are so excited about the launch of this incredible event!” � e auction will be rapid � re with participants having the opportunity to buy certi� cates to their favorite places. All bids are for face value of the certi� cate. Donations range from a � ve-dollar co� ee shop to a $500 � ne dining establishment with more than 200 opportunities available to bid on certi� cates from your favorite spots. Bidders should

Restaurant Roundup

by Lauren Henry

The Kentucky Equine Humane Center Launches


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note that the � rst person to bid is � rst to get auctioned item. Attendees will be able to enjoy the musical stylings of our own local talent, Bu� y Lawson. Bu� y will be playing both before and a� er dinner and the auction. Further, each table will be provided with bountiful samplings from the participating restaurants who will chose what they do best and provide a selection for each table. � e VIP tables ($1000+) will also have tableside wine service as well as creative cocktails. � ere will also be two cash bars available for purchasing drinks throughout the night.

In addition, auction participants will delight in the extremely unique culinary experiences o� ered and interspersed throughout the auction selections. For example, attendees may have the opportunity to bid on a private plane trip to eat at the exclusive restaurant, Nobu NYC, or if attending the 2014 Shrimp Festival in style is more your � avor, you

have the chance to win a stay in a luxurious four bedroom, beachfront condo in sunny Gulf Shores, Alabama. Another awesome experience to bid on comes from Furlong’s and is aptly named, “Jambalaya with a Jockey.” � is o� ering features a dinner for two with a celebrity jockey dining with you for an in-depth, unique, behind the scenes peek into the thoroughbred racing world. � us, not only is there a fantastic auction o� ering for everyone, the best part about participating in this incredible event is that you will be supporting a wonderful organization that cares for abandoned, abused, neglected and discarded horses.

Founded in 2007, the Kentucky Equine Humane Center was established to address the growing need for a safe haven for horses from around the Bluegrass state. Due to increasing numbers of individuals who could no longer care for their equines of breeds other than thoroughbreds,


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the Kentucky Equine Humane Center was born. Today, they care for nearly 50 horses at a time on a tranquil, 72-acre farm in Jessamine County. Here, the horses are welcomed and taken care of medically, spiritually, retrained when necessary and ultimately, placed up for adoption. While some horses arrive at the center in good shape and just need a place to stay as potential adopters are sought, others arrive in desperate condition with severe malnourishments, crushed spirits and devastating injuries. � e dedicated sta� at KyEHC takes in these majestic creatures to lovingly shape their lives for the better. Out of the approximately 1,000 horses that have been received by the center over the duration of its existence, the majority of all of those have gone on to have successful “second” lives in new and loving homes.

Despite the incredible e� orts of the KyEHC, they cannot make this happen alone and resources are needed to care for more than the 40 horses daily in addition to operating the farm. � e Kentucky Equine Humane Center relies entirely on private donations, grants and volunteers to keep their doors open 365 days a year. With the exceptional gi� s horses provide for Kentucky, the thought at giving back to them in donating to this cause is upli� ing knowing you can aid those in need. Susannah explains, “Horses do so much for Kentucky, let’s do something for them.”

Not only is the 2014 Great Restaurant Roundup an exiting way to have fun and show your support for the horses, there are many opportunities to participate in and donate to this outstanding event. “If you are in the food and beverage industry and would like to donate a � t certi� cate or cool culinary experience, let the KyEHC know,” Susannah describes. She continues, “If sponsoring or attending is more your thing, there are several available opportunities for this as well.” Sponsorships range from $25 to $5,000 and o� er a wide variety of selections and options for the sponsor.

Regardless of how you get involved, this night is guaranteed to make your taste buds tingle and elevate your restaurant repertoire to new heights. So go ahead and mark the date in your calendar. Spring is right around the corner and you will not want to miss this original and spectacular event.


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Over the years if you had a graded stakes-winning 2-year-old or promising 3-year-old winning early in the year you’d be pointing them to the Kentucky Derby. As of last year you have to literally “point” your horse to get in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on the � rst Saturday in May. In years past, horsemen could punch their ticket to the Derby with a few rich graded stakes wins before a horse was even 3-years-old. In some cases, a single win in a $1,000,000 would guar-antee a horse a berth in the 1 ¼ mile classic, re-gardless of their perfor-mances leading up to the race.

� e Road to the Kentucky Derby is a 34-race series that awards points to the Top 4 � nishers in each race. � e Top 20 point earners nominated to the Triple Crown will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 140th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) on Sat-urday, May 3, 2014. � e Kentucky Derby � eld has been limited to 20 start-ers since 1975. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds every year since 2004, and 13 of the last 15 years.

While the new system ru� ed the feathers of many tradition-alists, the � rst year seemed to convert many of the naysayers. Like the NCAA brackets, the new approach let the players prove their legitimacy and the competition nudged the “best

of the best” into the facing each other in the coveted races of March and April as the time clock ticked down and the point system ramped up.

Emphasis was weighed toward horses that dis-played stamina through both their 2 and 3-year-old seasons leading up to the Derby. � ere were eight races that gave points to 2-year-olds and all were at a mile or lon-ger giving the top four 10-4-2-1 points. � ose races started and � nished in Kentucky at Churchill Downs the � rst was the Iroquois Stakes won by Cleburne and the last � e Kentucky Jockey Club captured by Tapiture. Be-tween those were Juvenile races from California to New York and Louisiana to Canada. Surprisingly, the rich Breeders’ Cup Juvenile has only deliv-ered one Derby winner – Street Sense in 2007, but Belmont Park’s historic Champagne Stakes which was � rst run in 1867 un-veiled the talented Count Fleet, Riva Ridge, Secre-tariat (disquali� ed and

placed second), Foolish Pleasure, Seattle Slew, Spectacular Bid and Sea Hero – all who went on to win the Kentucky Derby. Nonetheless, if you are a 2-year-old, 10 points is the best your get.

Races run for the now-turned 3-year-olds carry the 10-4-2-1 points until mid-February. While the points are modest,

The Contenders

Malibu Moon

Road to the Derby:

by John C. Engelhardt


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Into Mischief

these are important races for the development of these thor-oughbreds, many of who are tested around two turns for the � rst time. Success in these races will give trainers a target to aim at for what is dubbed as “� e Kentucky Derby Champi-onship Series” when the points system grows to eight races with a 50-20-10-5 tally. � e competition for points tops out starting on March 29th with races carrying a 100-40-20-10 weight starting that day with the UAE Derby in Dubai and the Florida and Louisiana Derbies.

While those with a precocious 2-year-old may view the new system of getting to the world’s most iconic race with a jad-ed eye, many see it as a blessing to allow a late developing horse to blossom as they mature naturally. Trainers are not forced to ask a young horse to perform outside of their natu-ral growth and if the talent is there, they can compete against the best of their generation when it really counts. While there may be a few races that were le� on the outside looking in or some that should be weighted more advantageously, the general consensus is that the new plan is a good one and we will see the 20 most accomplished steeds striding for a page in

racing history on the 3rd of May.

We have a few months to go until that date, but let’s take a look at the current headliners as others will rise and surprise in the months ahead. Undefeated Shared Belief became the rare non-Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner to be awarded an Eclipse Award in the 2-year-old male division. � e Candy Ride gelding who is trained by Hall of Fame Jerry Hollen-dorfer was three-for-three in 2013, including victories in the Grade 3 Hollywood Prevue Stakes and the post-Breeders’ Cup Grade 1 CashCall Futurity. He won those three races by a combined 19 1/2 lengths. Shared Belief was bred in Ken-tucky by Pam and Marty Wygod. He was purchased privately out of a seven-length debut win going six furlongs at Golden Gate Fields Oct. 19.

Shared Belief remains in training as a 3-year-old of 2014 and missed a scheduled workout Jan. 12 because of an ab-scess on his right front foot. � e injury, commonly known as a “grabbed quarter,” is minor, said Hollendorfer, who said he decided the prudent approach was to merely wait it out


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“I don’t have to work him, so I’m not going to, not until I’m perfectly satis� ed.” Shared Belief has been on the track for routine training daily. Hollendorfer has said that the Grade 2, $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 8 was the � rst race under consideration in 2014 for Shared Belief, but he has always said he would consider waiting for the Grade 2, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes on March 8 if he thought that was a smarter way to go.

New Year’s Day, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile win-ner � nished second in the voting for the Eclipse Award, sad to say he will not be a part of Derby conversation this year a� er sustaining a career ending injury. � e colt was purchased by Gary and Mary West as a yearling for $425,000 at Keeneland Septem¬ber in 2012.. “He is a horse that was beginning to reach his full potential,” said Hill ‘n’ Dale owner and president John Si-kura, who credited the Wests with looking out for the best interests of their horse a� er the injury was discovered. “I don’t know exactly what hap-pened, but it just shows you how in the blink of an eye you can go from dreaming about the Ken-tucky Derby to discussing a stud fee for a soon-to-be turned 3-year-old.”

Shug McGaughey was never a trainer who seemed to point his horses to the Derby which raised plenty eyebrows when Orb was covered with the blanket of roses last year for his � rst victory in America’s greatest race. He was always a patient conditioner that had clients content to let their horses grow into their own under his care and much success with older horses followed. It appears that he has been blessed with an-other early developing colt in Honor Code, a son from the last crop of A.P. Indy out of a granddaughter of champion Serena’s Song.

Looking down the road, Shug made a calculated decision to pass on the rich Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and its coast to coast ship and he stayed in New York to contest the 100th running of the Remsen Stakes. It was a wise, though challenging de-cision as Honor Code stumbled at the start of the race, was coaxed to split horses into the turn and then rallied gamely to get up by a nose over Cairo Prince. � e time of the race was not sensational, but the way he won it was. As with Orb, Honor Code is being brought up slowly to peak in Florida with his eye on the Fountain of Youth Stakes – the same race

Orb won prior to his authoritative win in the Kentucky Derby.

Prior to his score in the Remsen Honor Code � nished a fast closing second to the Todd Pletcher-trained Havana in the Grade 1 $500,000 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. Ha-vana went on to run second as the favorite to New Year’s Day in the $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita. Re-ports from the Sunshine State have Havana training briskly for his return and he may square o� against Honor Code for a rematch in the Fountain of Youth.

While the � rst three point earning races of 2014 won’t guar-antee a shot at the Run for the Roses, every chess game starts with that � rst move and these races all graduated winners with merit. Over its 144 runnings, the Jerome has been captured by the likes of Tom Fool, Bold Ruler, Carry Back and Kelso. It’s much too early to put winner Noble Moon in a category with those greats, but his e� ort over an icy cold inner track at Aqueduct was visually impressive. Sent away as the odds-on

Malibu Moon


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favorite he took over a� er a half mile in the 1 mile and 70 yard race and when challenged in the stretch he dug in gamely and repulsed his competition. A $200,000 Keeneland September sale purchase, Noble Moon is a son of Malibu Moon – the sire of Derby winner Orb.

Trainer Bob Ba� ert is no stranger to the winner’s circle on Derby day – he’s been there three times. One of his three winners, Real Quiet, is the Grandsire of Grade 3 Sham Stakes winner Midnight Hawk. A� er scratches, the 1 mile race at Santa Anita had a 4-horse � eld, but it turned out to be a two-horse race. Kristo, who sold at Keeneland for $500,000 looked like a million and he took the lead out of the gate. Jockey Mike Smith aboard Midnight Hawk was not about to let him get loose on the lead and he put Midnight Hawk

just to the outside of Kristo and they separated themselves from the rest of the � eld. Urged on by Smith, Midnight Hawk passed Kristo into the lane and then veered slightly towards the rail. Despite a determined run in the � nal stages by Kristo, the gray Midnight Hawk held sway to the wire. His sire Midnight Lute, was trained by Ba� ert to back-to-back wins in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint so the question remains – can Midnight Hawk go the distance?

� e winner of the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds is a bit of a head scratcher as far as his connections are concerned. Now owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, who recently won Eclipse Awards for both owner and breeder, the colt was bred by Spendthri� Farm – not in Kentucky, but in Louisiana! A son of Kentucky stallion Into Mischief, the Ramsey’s of Nicholasville purchased him for $80,000. Named Vicar’s in Trouble he debuted at Keeneland in the fall and ran third. Shipped to the Fair Grounds by trainer Mike Maker he devastated 10 Louisiana-bred rivals by 13 lenghts while being eased up by jockey Rosie Napravnick. In the Lecomte, Vicar’s in Trouble was sent away the slight second favorite and Rosie had to hold him back just o� the pacesetter un-til the far turn in the 1 Mile 70 Yard race. When let loose he kicked clear of the � eld and changed leads smoothly when asked with a tap of the whip. At the eighth pole he dri� ed in slightly and then drew away under a hand ride. He’ll be one to watch in the 50-point Risen Star or 100-point Louisiana Derby at that New Orleans.

In our next installment of � e Road to the Derby, we’ll update the point standings and see what some of the la-dies are up to. � e connections of Ria Antonia and Rosalind, the 1-3 � nishers in the $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filles have indicated they are pointing their � llies to take on the boys in the Kentucky Derby.

Into Mischief

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]


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It’s never too soon to starting thinking about the Kentucky Derby! � e excitement and buzz for the legendary “Run for the Roses” is already heating up in the Derby City this winter as folks in-the-know start planning for the First Saturday in May.

Over the next few months, I will share the inside scoop on what’s going on with all things Derby: the best ticket options, latest fashion trends, celebrities in the mix, new hotels, popular restaurants, and of course, the top parties. Our sta� knows the Kentucky Derby—based on years of experience, relationship building and excellent service. If you have tickets, want tickets or need help with your Derby plan then read this column for expert advice. DerbyDeals is your Kentucky Derby resource!

Lucky Lexingtonians have the best of both worlds, living in the storied Bluegrass amongst magni� cent horses and delicious Bourbon as well as being located just a stone’s throw from the big city/small town lure of Louisville, especially during Kentucky Derby time. If you haven’t been to the Derby for a while or visited Louisville lately, you will be amazed at the new, exciting and fabulous experiences that await you in your own back yard!

So, what’s new? Talk around Derby town is all about the new Panasonic High Def screen that will be installed at Churchill Downs in time for the 2014 Kentucky Oaks and Derby. � is 12 million dollar high-tech TV is the size of three basketball

courts!! � e old joke that you can “attend the Derby and never see a horse” is soon to be an urban legend with this upgrade.

Buzz is also about the new luxury sections at Churchill Downs and the VIP lounges. Credentialed media folks used to have a prime press row location, but recent renovations moved them out and new high-end seating options in. � e Mansion, � e Veranda and the Library take extravagance and Southern hospitality to a whole new level! Also added are gorgeous new social VIP Lounges featuring leather couches, premium bars and catered food and drink. At Churchill’s Fall Meet, the lounges were sold out and all the local jet-setters were there to “see and be seen”. More details to come on these hot spots.

Fashion is always an important topic on the prepared Derby-goers agenda. Most agree, there really is nothing quite like the Kentucky Derby, except possibly Mardi Gras…but instead of getting undressed, we get dressed up! Fashion is a huge part of the Kentucky Derby and is also a source of great entertainment; fashion do’s and don’ts provide endless fodder for compliments and gossip. Stay tuned for the latest in equine fashion as Spring kicks in.

Parties, parties, parties are what’s on everyone’s mind as gala organizers now line up celeb guests. Folks are now starting to ponder the upcoming legendary and famous Kentucky Derby parties, wondering who may be attending (Golden-Globe nominee and Louisvillian Jennifer Lawrence?) and the best

Derby Glam!by Anastasia Austen


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way to get the invite.

What parties are people talking about? � e Taste of Derby on � ursday, May 1, is tremendously popular. � is deluxe food and wine tasting event features top-notch chefs from cities including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami showcasing regional foods and specialty wines and spirits. Live entertainment, beautiful presentation and quality are the emphasis for a special celebration of food and drink highlighting the cuisine of popular horse racing destinations across the country. Attendees mingle with celebrities, owners, trainers, jockeys and other beautiful people. A red carpet entrance and premium bar make it one of the poshest events of the week!

� e Barnstable-Brown Gala is over-the top as all Derby parties should be! For over two decades, A-listers in sports, � lm, TV and music have gathered to celebrate “Derby Eve” at the sweeping mansion of Patricia Barnstable-Brown. A Kentucky socialite, “Trish” and her sister Cyb were featured as the Doublemint Twins in TV commercials and help run the party with their mother, Willie. � e family hosts the most anticipated Black-tie party of the year for locals and visitors alike. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket, you will enjoy a masterfully themed party which may feature elves or mermaids gracing the long driveway to greet you upon the red carpet. Butlers roam the grounds with trays of champagne and cocktails among guests in tuxedos and evening gowns. A full bar and gourmet dinner is served to guests as well. � e entertainment can vary based on who decides to hop onstage! Spontaneous performances from luminaries such as Kid Rock to Graham Nash, � e Backstreet Boys and Meatloaf have wowed guests such as Aaron Rogers, Ashton Kutcher, Miranda

Lambert, Kate Upton and more. You never know who will be there—this party will be one to talk about for a long time!

Racing enthusiasts, celebrities, bucket-listers and horse racing insiders from all over the world dream of coming to the “most spectacular two minutes in racing”. Here we are, fortunate enough to live in the Bluegrass State, home of the Kentucky Derby! You don’t have to be a celeb or insider to make the most of this fabulous event and think big for your 2014 Kentucky Derby experience! Catch this column each month for the inside track —no pun intended—and enjoy the tradition and pageantry of a special Day at the Races at world-famous Churchill Downs!

DerbyDeals.com specializes in “Making Kentucky Derby Dreams Come True”, by purchasing, trading and selling the best Kentucky Oaks and Derby tickets in exclusive seating areas. We also provide all-inclusive packages, hotel accommodations, sought-a� er party invites, private transportation and amazing high-end luxury packages and concierge services. In addition, we have access to great seats for other thoroughbred action such as Churchill Downs night racing and the Breeders Cup. When you think of a Day at the Races, think DerbyDeals.com.

Anastasia Austen is the Brand Development Manager for DerbyDeals.com, a Louisville-area sports travel agency specializing in � oroughbred Horse Racing events and the Kentucky Derby. Originally from Carmel-by-the Sea, California, she earned her BS in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville and a Masters in Marketing from Webster University. She has worked in various aspects of the horse racing industry including equine fashion, sports journalism and special events.


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“� e sound of the announcer faded and all I could hear was the wind, his breathing and the sound of his footfalls. Everything fell away but the sheer joy of being with my horse.”

� is is how Karen Fetty � omp-son of Louisville described her � rst time riding Shakespeare in Love (“Will”) on a cross-country course. While other eventers will relate to Karen’s experience, this picture looks a bit di� erent be-cause Will is an American Saddle-bred. At 15, Will is showing why one of America’s oldest breeds is enjoying resurgence in the sport-horse world. A� er competing at traditional Saddlebred shows, last year this team started a new adventure in combined training. What began as an experiment quickly sparked a new passion for horse and rider.

� eir story began in 2004 when Karen showed the then 5-year-old gelding in saddleseat classes for owner Maurice Matson. � ey earned fourth place at the World’s Championship Horse Show. Soon a� er, Will was Karen’s. For � ve seasons, Karen and her little red horse competed successfully un-der saddle and even in harness. During a year o� in 2010 Will was bored and clearly wanted a new challenge. Karen explained, “like so many Saddlebreds, he is incred-

The Big Adventures of theLittle Red Horse:

Karen Fetty Thompson and Shakespeare In Love


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ibly smart, which can make him both a challenge and a joy to work with. He is always up for learning something new and gets bored with repeating the same thing over and over.” A friend’s casual suggestion made Karen consider the growing Hunter Pleasure division. Trainer Keith Harger agreed and Will, then 11, transitioned to hunt seat. � e transition took time. Will had to develop di� erent muscles to move in the proper frame. � ey have been a model for the Hunter Plea-sure division since their debut in 2011.

� eir success in Hunter Pleasure led, by accident, to their ex-periment in combined training. Karen wanted to teach Will to jump in order to qualify for the Saddle & Bridle Hunter Seat Classic � nals where teams may face one, small jump. In 2013, Karen sought help from Erin Pullen, trainer at Go Big Event-ing & Dressage in Louisville. Erin admitted her initial reac-tion to teaching a 14-year-old Saddlebred to jump for one class was “One jump, that was it. BORING.” But she was intrigued and found Karen’s enthusiasm infectious.

� ey started with basics like ground poles and low cavalettis. Erin recalled “by the third lesson, they were soaring over ver-ticals and small oxers.” Will loved it and they were ready to

compete by Fall. In November, a� er a personal best dressage score and clear show jump, Will and Karen sizzled through the cross-country course. Knowing the concerns with going too fast, Karen started apologizing to Erin, “I know we went too fast . . . , but Will and I were having so much fun!” It was Erin’s proudest trainer moment to date: “� ey talk to each other. � ey have FUN together. � at’s what makes an eventer.”

Karen has enjoyed watching her little red horse become a Saddlebred ambassador. � ey receive compliments on Will’s looks, his way of going and jumping ability, but for Karen, “the best compliment is how welcoming fellow competitors have been . . . and their interest in Will’s story.” Karen also wel-comes the chance to dispel misconceptions about the breed. For example, some competitors are surprised that Saddlebreds can jump, while older competitors remember a time when Saddlebreds were popular jumpers. Another misconception is that Will is not a typical Saddlebred in his ability to adapt to this new discipline. While every horse is an individual, Karen believes Will is very representative of Saddlebred work ethic and temperament. He was a pretty “hot” ride in his saddleseat days and still has a huge engine. It’s a matter of how and where


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he is taught to channel that power. “Some people have an image of the Saddlebred as a high-strung animal that can’t do anything but prance around a show ring. � ey don’t understand that what they see in that show ring is a controlled energy and an at-titude that these horses can turn on/o� or redirect depending upon what’s being asked of them.”

In 2014, Karen and Will plan to compete at Sadd-lebred shows and in eventing. She will also show Saddlebred, Juicy Fruit, in Country Pleasure classes. Karen has found more similarities between saddle-seat and combined training than she expected. � e horses move in di� erent frames, but the goal is still a “sound, supple and willing horse that drives from behind with balanced, � uid gaits.” Regardless of discipline, Will and Karen’s partnership is the key to their success. “He’s done everything I’ve ever asked of him and surprised me over and over again with what he has been able and willing to achieve.”

Anne Guillory is a partner in the Louisville o� ce of Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP. Her practice includes civil lit-igation and equine-related “risk management.” Anne grew up next to a Saddlebred farm in her hometown of Bowling Green. It wasn’t long before she climbed the fence and was grooming horses and cleaning tack. Now she is a member of the USEF, ASHA and the Rock Creek Riding Club. Anne enjoys competing on the Kentucky County Fair circuit.


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I � rst met Cindy Rullman on a photo shoot at Ashford Stud in the early ‘80s. She was working at the esteemed Ver-sailles, Kentucky breeding farm in their public relations depart-ment. My assignment was to shoot Storm Bird, who in 1980 was the highest-rated European two-year-old on the o� cial In-ternational Classi� cation. Cindy’s assignment was to escort me safe and sound in and out of the stallion’s paddock…or was it?

Eyeing the rather sizeable stud, who in turn eyed me, I glanced back at the stunning student of Eastern Kentucky Univer-sity on the other side of the fence. She shouted, “Don’t worry, he’ll stride towards you and then cut to the fence line.” What she failed to tell me was that a� er he gathered his steam, the cut to the four board fence would come with-in three feet of a knee-knock-ing photographer. I lived through it and she got a good laugh out of it and helped me walk o� my heart palpitations by visiting the broodmares and their foals. “� is is one of my favorites,” Cindy said, as a chestnut � lly nuzzled her face. I found out the brood-mare that stood protectively by was “� e Crowned Prin-cess,” Terlingua, a stakes win-ning, record-setting daughter of Secretariat, who when bred to Storm Bird would produce the phenomenal sire Storm Cat.

A natural around the equine species, Cindy was a hot-walker at Keeneland during her college days, a groom at legendary Spendthri� Farm working with both broodmares and yearlings and spent time working in the Intensive Care Unit for foals at Woodford Large Animal Veterinary Clinic. All of these experi-ences led to her heart-felt love of the horse and eventually eight years at the Kentucky Horse Park in public relations leading up to, during and beyond the highly acclaimed World Equestrian Games, while serving on the boards of directors of the Ken-

tucky Humane Center, Center for Women in Racing and prior to that, the Lexington Humane Society.

� rough a simple twist of fate, � e Brooke became a part of her heart and soul. Cindy stumbled across � e Brooke’s website a few years ago and then came across it again and eventually started donating money to the cause. � ey sent more infor-mation and she gained more respect for what they are doing around the world. She started communicating with them not

only as a donor, but as a vol-unteer fundraiser. Eventually o� cials from the London of-� ce invited Cindy to come there for six weeks to spend time as a volunteer giving her a chance to know them a chance for them to know her. Impressed with her passion, she was hired as their Fund-raising Development Manager for North America.

At that time a physical o� ce for � e Brooke did not ex-ist and they considered sites in Florida, Virginia, and the Carolinas near some of the large equestrian communities around the country. Accord-ing to Cindy, “� ey � nally set-tled on Lexington because it is the Horse Capital of the World and we knew the people here would have an appreciation and an understanding about

horses, and thought it would be a great place for an o� cial start to our North American fundraising e� ort.”

Created in 1934 in the United Kingdom by Dorothy Brooke who was married to a British Army General, the organization was formed by her e� orts to save war horses le� behind a� er World War 1. � ese well-bred English horses trapped in Egypt were basically sold into slavery and ended up being cart hors-es and working in brick kilns and plowing � elds in a country where there were no laws to protect animals, no culture of ani-

A Brooke Runs Through ItBy John C. Engelhardt


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mal welfare. By the time Brooke had coordinated her e� ort she had rescued 5,000 horses from the war that had served British, Australian and American forces. Sad to say, a� er she had pur-chased them, almost all had to be euthanized do to their poor treatment and subsequent ailments. � at is how the Brooke Hospital for Animals was established in Cairo and it has since expanded to 11 third-world countries, literally reaching mil-lions of animals over the course of the past eight decades.

Last year alone, through a sta� of nearly 1,000 worldwide, the Brooke reached more than 1.1 million working animals, and is striving to reach at least two million animals each year by 2016.

� e Brooke has some high-pro� le supporters across the pond, most notably Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, the wife of Prince Charles, who is serving her second year as Presi-dent of the organization. “She is a lifelong horsewoman and serves as President in much more than name alone,” states Rul-lman. “She has visited our programs in India, Egypt and Jordan to see our work � rst hand and is a great supporter.”

From the world of racing, champion jockey turned talented pro photographer Richard Dunwoody has combined his passions for horses and beautiful photography capturing the lives of working horses in a series of captivating shots for � e Brooke. A native of Ireland, he started riding racehorses at 12. He turned professional in 1984 and won his � rst Grand National in 1986 and again in 1994. He was champion jockey from 1993-95 and retired in 1999, with what was a record all time 1,699 winners.

His equine images have now appeared in various publications around the world, His collection of images from Guatemala, Egypt, India and Pakistan went on exhibition at St Martin-in-the-Fields in January 2014 in Trafalgar Square, London. It was the � rst time that his work had been displayed publicly and as the Brooke’s � rst exhibition it marked the 80th anniversary of the charity.

Cindy’s e� orts are to tap into the North American support-ers of equine care worldwide. Being based in the Lexington area is a great starting point and she has already made inroads through a downtown hot-spot. With 4 other investors, Debbie Long, owner of Dudley’s Restaurant, purchased � e Northern Bank Building, built in 1889 it was one of the most promi-nent buildings in downtown Lexington. � e doors opened in March 2010 to a gorgeous, two story restaurant that continued its award winning creative American cuisine and service to a steady base of local clientele while making newcomers and visi-tors feel welcome immediately. � e Brooke has been included in their welcome.

“We started with a fantastic core group of local horsewoman, beginning with Debbie Long who owns Dudley’s and Boo Har-dy who has been in the horse business for many years. � ese women, along with others like Ann Banks, Ashton Moynihan, Benny Bell Williams, Lisa Underwood, Dr Pamela Van Meter, Ellen Skidmore, and several more equally outstanding women, have formed a group we call the “Donkey Social Club” (by invi-tation only). � ey have been fantastic about holding fundrais-

The Brooke/Richard Dunwoody Photography


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ers and spreading the word in the Lexington community about the Brooke and the impor-tance of our work. � ey have been a Godsend to me and to � e Brooke, the way they have em-braced what we are do-ing and by jumping in to help.”

Several fundraisers are in the planning stages and will be posted on the website and in TOPS Lexscene. � e Brooke has established a 501(c) (3) organization in the U.S. called American Friends of the Brooke, so Americans can receive the full tax bene� ts of their donations. American Friends exists solely to support the over-seas work of the Brooke.

Another local supporter who has connections to a distin-guished institution is Jen Roytz of � ree Chimneys Farm. In addition to handling all of the storied farm’s media and special events, she oversees their a� ercare e� orts and outreach. “Jen has been wonderful to us and with her proactive approach for caring for any horse that was associated with the farm, she can relate to our e� orts,” said Rullman who as the Fundraising De-velopment Manager continues to expand her reach across the country.

“We are there to alleviate immediate su� ering, but also to pre-vent future su� ering. A great deal of our work is free, direct veterinary intervention – treating illnesses and injuries, ban-daging wounds, o� ering pain-killers, antibiotics, vaccinations, and we have to treat a tremendous amount of harness and saddle wounds that are very debilitating,” she explains.

“Most of these animals are working in a chronic state of de-hydration and malnutrition with no rest from back-breaking labor in extremely harsh environments. � e people they are working for are living from hand to mouth and the amount of work that a horse puts in each day will determine whether or not the owner makes enough money to feed his family that night. It creates a very desperate situation for the owner, which o� en leads to brutality toward the animal. � en, if something happens to that animal and it becomes too sick or injured to work or it dies – these people have absolutely no safety net. � ey don’t have welfare, health insurance, unemployment in-surance – they have no other income.”

� at is where a second phase of the program’s e� ort comes into play. “What we try to do is equip these owners to take really good care of their animals through solid, basic animal wel-fare and proven animal husbandry practices,” she emphasized.

“Everything that we do is sustainable and can be locally resourced in each community, regardless of the country where we’re working. We don’t

expect poor owners to buy expensive products. We teach them how to clean wounds, take care of their animals’ feet, groom them, lighten the loads, and provide plenty of food, water and rest breaks. Not only for the sake of the animals themselves, but also for the sake of the owners. If the animals are happy and healthy they will live longer, work without so much pain, and the families will bene� t from healthy working partners.”

Operating out of the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in the Kentucky Horse Park you can sense the passion Cindy has for the mission of � e Brooke and her responsibility as the only sta� member in North America. “� e thing that I am so amazed about is that this organization is very deep and there are so many programs that are so life-changing, it’s hard for me to hone in on one topic at a time.”

With emotion welling in her voice Rullman took a moment and continued. “I’m so impressed that this is an organization that cares a great deal about an individual animal, working in an obscure community in a very, very poor country – but it is also able to have a global perspective and approach to sustain-able, lasting change. � e Brooke is working simultaneously at a micro and a macro level very e� ciently and e� ectively, and one reason they are able to do this is because they have been in existence so long. � ey know what does and doesn’t work and have this down to a science. And while their heady do-nor list of celebrities, international diplomats, � nanciers, and equestrians continues to grow, and their programs continue to expand to new countries and millions of animals, they never lose sight of - or willingness to help - each su� ering animal.”

“We are very fortunate that we don’t have to beg for money to stay a� oat,” states Rullman. “We’re looking for partners who want to help us continue to expand our reach into new regions



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and new countries, to help more animals and their owners. We’ve been extremely blessed, particularly by our high-level donors and long-time supporters at all levels. Our donors are really in and they are changing the world. Isn’t that what we all want? We want to know that we matter and our donations matter and our partnership with an organization matters – and this really does. Not only are we helping animals but we are helping the poorest of the poor. We all know in our heart of hearts this is a bene� cial thing to do.”

With a successful model in place, Rullman takes pride in their continued growth. “We are going to be moving into Mexico next and have several other countries like Tanzania and South Sudan on our radar. So joining our e� orts is a way for donors at any level to bring lasting change to animals and people who are downtrodden and o� en hopeless. By partnering with us, they have a hand in literally changing lives and cultures for the long haul. We and they are not just addressing the symp-toms of a huge problem; together we are actually addressing the problems themselves, head-on, with practical solutions.”

Seeing is believing - take a few minutes out of your busy day and go to � e Brooke.org and witness the actual e� orts of this outstanding organization and learn about the process they have in place to care for these beasts of burden and the many lives and cultures they impact. If you would like to become a donor or become involved in a fundraising e� ort Cindy would love to hear from you at the following contacts – she is ap-proachable, personable and has a big heart - just be wary if she sends you into a stallion’s paddock and shouts, “Don’t worry.”

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]



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Two months a� er the auction, the dust has � nally se� led, and we have had time to re-� ect on our � rst ‘Sporting Art Auction’ with Keeneland. It was quite an event, all positives, and we accomplished what we hoped we would.

We had buyers from all over the world. If they weren’t physically here, they had someone representing them, or they bid ‘live’ by phone, or they le� bids. We had bidders from all over North America, South America, the Middle East, England, Ireland, and just about every Western European country that is involved in thoroughbred racing.

Everything was presented as only Keeneland would do. From start to � nish, and maybe the best ‘cocktail party’ I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to a couple.

You realize the importance of your friends. Many people called with potential buyers’ they wanted us to send catalogues to. And even more importantly, they called with peo-ple who had art to sell. It takes a village.

Many great stories evolved, but maybe the best:

Lot #5 ‘Farm Yard Scene’ by John Frederick Herring, Jr, was consigned by a ‘loving’ Kentucky grandmother, who had been partial � nancial support for her 14 year-old California granddaughter, Brigi� e, a ballet child prodigy. Bridgi� e’s father purchased the painting in a thri� store for $12.95, and knowing his mother’s love of horses gave it to her for a birthday present several years ago.

Last year NYC Ballet made an exception by extending Brigi� e an in-vitation to join their full time training program even though she was under their age of acceptance. Due to � nancial constraints she was un-able to go, so the ‘loving’ grandmother decided to sell the painting, and give the proceeds to her son, in hopes that the NYC ballet will again extend the o� er.

Perhaps in the near future because of the Herring, she will become a prima ballerina with the NYC Ballet.

The Herring’s Impactby Greg Ladd


Behind the Lens

Though Ron had always been interested in tak-ing pictures, he grew exasperated attempting to teach himself, frustrated with the more compli-cated cameras. Ron explains, “The passion was always there, but I decided to give up learning about photography until I retired from the postal service. After receiving a Nikon camera as a gift when I did retire, I wanted to learn how to take high quality pictures and took up studying and practicing photography once more.” He admits encountering difficulties at times, but friends and family continued encouraging him to keep try-ing. Because Ron desired one-on-one training regarding professional photography this required the support of certified American Sign Language Interpreters. Thus, he sought help from Voca-tional Rehabilitation to pay for the interpreters and the training. It took around one year for Ron to receive approval for financial support. “In ex-change for the financial support from VR, I had to agree to work a year in something related to photography to justify receiving financial help, which led me to TOPS,” clarifies Ron. Eight years prior, however, Ron first discovered TOPS while attending a festival and noticed the photographer taking pictures of the event. He continues, “This initially sparked my interest in working for TOPS and the sparks would get stronger whenever I drove past their building. I had to keep remind-ing myself that I needed to improve my skills in photography before I could even think about ap-plying for a job with them.”

Now Ron has developed quite the repertoire as a TOPS photographer, with his first gig as the pho-tographer for the “Hour of Jubilee” Banquet and Awards Ceremony for the Jubilee Jobs of Lexing-ton. Highlights of his career include photograph-ing several auction banquets, the Christmas Pa-rade, Thursday Night Live downtown Lexington, horse races and tailgates at Keeneland. Some of his favorite gigs involve anything UK athletics re-lated and he has a particular bond with the UK Women’s Basketball team and coach. He has also won both the Personal Achievement Award from the Kentucky Rehabilitation Association in Sep-tember of 2012 and the Personal Achievement Award from the Southeast Region Rehabilitation Association May 2013. What inspires Ron? “Cap-turing the special moments for someone that en-ables him or her to remember the little things that occurred at that moment through my lens,” he il-luminates. Ron advises, “No matter how old you are or the barriers you face, such as deafness or


Behind the Lens

communication, never stop trying to make your dream a reality!” He elaborates, “Every time I felt like giving up on learning how to take semi-pro-fessional photos, I recall learning about Abraham Lincoln who became the President of United States in spite of numerous failures. I achieved my dream to become a photographer after working 30 years for the United Postal Service with sup-port from Vocational Rehabilitation. I am very grateful for their help in achieving my dream and encourage others to pursue that which they love.”

TOPS: When you’re not Behind the Lens, where can we find you?

RM: I enjoy both UK football and basketball. I especially enjoy girls UK basketball games. I also love driving around different places in KY randomly and taking pictures of something in the area that captures my eye such as the Amish working on their farms in Casey county, a solitary bench at the Arboretum on UK campus or local horse farms around Lexington.

TOPS: What is the best advice you’re ever re-ceived?

RM: My photography trainer advised that before I snap a shot know why I am capturing that mo-ment that caught my eye, don’t just take a picture for the sake of taking one.

TOPS: What advice do you give to aspiring photographers?

RM: For anyone who desires to take high quality pictures they should understand why ISO, shut-ter speed, and aperture helps with lighting expo-sure for a good picture.

TOPS: What is the best souvenir you’ve col-lected travelling?

RM: I went to Israel in 1984 as part of a tour group and received an attainment pilgrimage document that I framed with a picture of the tour group.

TOPS: Best gift received and given?

RM: The best gift I ever received was the Nikon camera mentioned earlier. This motivated me to return to learning how to take semi-professional pictures. As for gifts given, I often pay for medi-cine for people who are in a rough spot and can’t afford to buy it due to high hospital bills.

TOPS: How long have you been with TOPS and what kind of work have you done for them?


Behind the Lens

RM: I have worked for TOPS since No-vember 2012 photographing various events around Lexington. I’m very supportive of TOPS and they have been extremely support-ive of me. From the president, Keith Yarber, to the other photographers; I cannot explain the gratitude I feel for the entire TOPS team. Moreover, I have definitely experienced a sense of camaraderie among the other TOPS photographers and to them, I want to say thank you for your kindness and support. I am looking forward to working with you in 2014.

TOPS: What is the direction of your pho-tography this year?

RM: I plan to continue to take pictures for TOPS as well as continuing my project ‘365 Days’ of random shots of people, places, mo-ments and events that catch my eye around Kentucky every day of the year.

TOPS: What is your favorite moment you have had thus far when photographing?

RM: My favorite moment occurred while practicing taking pictures looking in a mirror. I was unaware that Benson, my Hearing dog, was watching me until I saw the picture and fell in love with that moment. He’s really good at helping when I’m cooking because he lets me know when the timer goes off, or when the doorbell rings, as well as alerts me regard-ing the alarms from my home security system and the smoke alarm. I’m able to benefit much from him being my hearing dog and I’ve had him for four years now. He is from Colorado International Hearing Dog Incorporated and I had to specially request him through an in-tensive interview process.

TOPS: Do you have any secret or hidden talents?

RM: I am talented at doing American Sign Language ABC stories. An ABC story tells a story while incorporating the hand shapes of the finger spelled alphabet into the story. The story starts with a sign that uses the “A” hand shape and so forth until the story ends with a “Z.” I also like doing comedy routines to make people laugh.

For more information about Ron Morrow, check out his website at ronmorrowphotography.com or contact him at [email protected].

Gardening


WINTER HERB GARDENING

by Michelle RauchGardening Enthusiast

� e winter months can leave gardeners longing for warmer weather and the op-portunity to dig in the soil. � e absence of homegrown goodness also leaves a void. But there is hope. Consider grow-ing herbs in your kitchen windowsill. If

you are new to gardening, starting with a windowsill herb garden is a great way to cultivate your green thumb.

Some herbs are easier to grow indoors than others. Among those: chives, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme. Af-ter you decide what you want to grow it’s time to choose a pot. Size ma� ers. 4-inch pots are optimum for growing and will � t nicely on a windowsill. Get creative with your container to add a decorative touch. Old co� ee cans, tea tins, cups or a traditional terra co� a pot make great containers for growing your herbs.

Good po� ing mix is important. Herbs require excellent drainage in order to thrive. A quality po� ing mix is adequate, but it will help to add equal parts of sand, peat moss and perlite for opti-mum results. Location, location, location. A south or south-west facing window is preferable, although east or west facing win-

dows will do. Adjustments may need to be made in watering or temperature if the light is low. Your herb garden requires at least four hours of full sunlight.

When it comes to watering the � nger test is you best bet. Test the soil before watering. When the top of the soil is dry that’s your cue. Overwatering will damage your garden. It could be a few days up to a week before it may need a drink. In order for your herbs to thrive it’s important to rotate them in the window and clip them regularly. Clipping the herbs will promote new growth. February is primetime for herb gardens that have been growing all winter. � at is when the sunlight is at its brightest during the winter months. By April you may move your plants outdoors or keep them indoors for convenience.

In addition to growing culinary herbs, you may want to consider herbs that will delight your senses. Lemon balm, lavender, and chamomile are excellent choices to make a dried sachet or sent a warm bath to soak in.

A windowsill herb garden o� ers convenience and the great taste of homegrown you can’t get in the store. It can also satisfy your need to grow during the long, cold winter.


Tour of Homes

A sturdy iron-rimmed door establishes a sense of for-mality at the entrance of the home, where a high-ceiling foyer painted in a soft beige welcomes visitors. A deca-dent bronze chandelier hangs from the ceiling, over an el-egant stairway outlined with a decorative iron railing custom designed by Kentucky Orna-mental Iron.

To the left, visitors enter into a dining room trimmed in clas-sic wainscoting. The dining table is surrounded by custom monogrammed upholstered chairs. The room incorporates several standout pieces, in-cluding a stunning chandelier from My Favorite Things, a rug from Lexington Furniture and a cherry heirloom buffet.



Tour of Homes

Just underneath the stairway, a short hallway to the first of two master bedrooms - a vi-sion of tranquility that would put even the most anxious souls at ease. A favorite room of the homeowners, the far wall is a floor-length glass window facing the pond at the back of the property. With three layers of floor-length custom draperies to shade the expansive window, the homeowners have the ability to temper the level of light exposure to the room. Nestled in front of the win-dow, a sitting area includes a pair of velvet swivel chairs and a small tufted ottoman.

Draped in layers of cream, gold and misty blue, the master bed is complemented by two tall mirrors above the side tables. Originally, the floor plan called for large windows flanking either side of the bed. The homeowner had hoped to incorporate large mirrors over each night stand and eliminated the windows to accommodate this vision.


Tour of Homes

Just off the kitchen is a powder room and laundry

room. Utilizing a well known trick to designers, Nancy had

an heirloom quality chest con-verted into a one of a kind vanity. An

antique aged Eglomise mirror and ex-quisite sconces were selected to comple-

ment the elegance of the vanity.

Repeating the quatrefoil motif that is seen throughout the home, the laundry room chande-

lier adds a touch of charm where you least expect it. A vibrant splash of color provided by the Ikat fabric

valance makes this room a stylish extension of the home.


Tour of Homes

oOn the opposite end of the third floor, the twin girls share separate but nicely coordinated bedrooms, which are joined by a Jack and Jill bathroom. This space is fit for two prin-cesses, incorporating crys-tal chandeliers, Carrara marble flooring and coun-tertops. Monogrammed valances, custom uphol-stered headboards and paintings done locally by an artist specifically for these rooms accentuate the innocence of these joined rooms.


Tour of Homes


Tour of Homes

The lower level opens up to a large family room that includes a pair of chairs facing a fireplace on one end and a larger entertainment area facing a drop-down television at the opposite end. The centered bar boasts earth-toned granite countertops and the floors are a sleek tumbled Travertine natural stone tile.

With a strong emphasis on natural tones and imagery, the spacious walk-out basement includes a comfortable living area with a moss-toned couch and plush chocolate rug. Sliding glass doors transition to a covered patio area bordered by stately columns that join arches overhead. A tucked away guest bedroom and bath on this level of the house allow for secluded privacy for overnight guests.


Tour of Homes

tThe lower level also features a special room that reveals a personal passion of the homeowner, a Level 2 trained sommelier. The wine cellar walls are covered in custom wood shelving filled with vintage and antique wines. This is as beautiful as it is functional and can hold up to 1400 bottles of wine and champagne. A grand iron chandelier illuminates an often uti-lized tasting table.


WOW Wedding

After the ceremony, the guests were ushered to the Headley Whitney Rose Garden for cocktails, which included the bride and groom’s “Seelbach” signature drink made of Maker’s Mark bourbon, bitters, Cointreau, chilled prosecco and a twist of orange, served in cham-pagne flutes.The reception was also held at the Headley Whitney Museum. The bride loved the idea of creating her own formal setting with beauti-ful views of Kentucky. A tent was erected and draped with white fab-ric. Eight chandeliers were hung throughout. The tables were lined with pink and white rose petals, driftwood and candles. Guests found their tables by cards attached to horse shoes that were kept as fa-vors. The meal included gourmet dishes designed to please the foodie groom, such as caramelized scallops, truffled risotto and braised short ribs with bourbon sourghum glaze.Outside the tent, a lounge area was constructed for guests to participate in a bourbon tasting and to enjoy a cigar that was hand-rolled on site.Everyone danced throughout the night to music provided by The Crashers. As a late night snack, guests enjoyed Chick-Fil-A sand-wiches and nuggets, a favorite of the couple. Dupree Catering also offered chicken and waffles with bourbon-pecan caramel sauce and crispy bacon. Guests showered the happy couple with rose petals as they climbed into their white Bentley getaway car.


WOW Wedding


Lifestyle


VALENTINE’S DAY QUIZ

by Cynthia EllingsenLifestyle Novelist

February is that time of year when we all start dreaming of warm weather. It’s the time when we � ock to Florida and California like migrat-ing birds. Or, maybe we just dream of a cer-tain holiday designed to put a li� le sunshine back into our lives…

Valentine’s Day! (Collective groan)

Come on, Valentine’s Day is fun. It’s a day of love. Of celebration. Of ro-mance and… (Boos)

Alright, alright. How about a li� le quiz to � gure out what Valentine’s Day really means to you? (Cheers!)

*SUPER SCIENTIFIC VALENTINE’S DAY QUIZ

1. When you hear the song My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion, you…

a. Laugh and re-enact the scene from � e Titanicb. Sing along, wailing and pounding your chestc. Hurl

2. What are the most magical three words in the human language?a. I love youb. Let’s get tantricc. Go Kentucky Wildcats

3. Finish this sentence. A gi� on Valentine’s Day is… a. Part of the funb. An integral part of our future proposal storyc. More gi� s?! Like I’m not still paying o� Christmas

4. Say you won a vacation to the most romantic spot in the world! � at would be…

a. Doesn’t really ma� er, as long as we’re all togetherb. Parisc. Bangkok

5. Finish this poem: Roses are red, violets are…a. Blueb. Child’s play, compared to my � ve-page sonnet c. A proven allergen

6. � is Valentine’s Day, will you make dinner reservations?a. Maybe… We might just have a romantic dinner at homeb. You know it. For 8 p.m., six months in advance and I’ll have roses wait-ing. Ooh, and maybe a tableside cellist c. I could live a thousand years without watching strangers feed each other

7. Have you ever made a homemade Valentine’s Day card?a. At some point. For friends, family, loved ones… b. Yes, and a song to accompany itc. I think I’m going to stop reading here and continue � ipping through this magazine to see if I can � nd my picture.

8. Have you ever eaten a candy heart with a message on it? a. Of courseb. I spell out cute phrases ahead of timec. Yes, and I broke my tooth

9. Do you have sel� e couple photos in your phone?a. *Blush* Maybeb. Yes, and as my screensaver, co� ee mug and matching ta� oosc. I have a couple of bathroom-mirror sel� es in my phone, yeah

10. What date night movie do you favor? a. Pre� y much anything snuggled up on the couchb. Casablanca (with a pre-reading from Romeo and Juliet to kick it o� )c. Sharknado

SCORE:

Give yourself 1 point for every a, 2 points for every b and 3 points for every c.

Ranking:

24-30: A Cherub Named Katniss. If you saw Cupid, you’d probably clothesline him. In February, avoid all restaurants, candy shops and � ower shops. But hey, in the midst of all the roses and ribbons, don’t forget what Valentine’s Day is really all about – sharing a li� le kindness with the people that you love.

15-23: Casanova-Romeo. Look at you, St. Valentine. � is holiday is your chance to take all of that passion and throw it around like a bouquet on a wedding day. You may experience a li� le disappointment when the big day is over – until next year rolls around, consider donating that big heart to a charity where some extra TLC is needed.

10-14: True Love. Every day is Valentine’s Day. You have a steady ap-preciation for the simplicity of love and put relationships at the top of your list. Keep doing the li� le things to show people that you care. As the Beatles said, “And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

*Cynthia Ellingsen is quali� ed to write this love quiz because she writes romance novels. Run, do not walk, to Joseph Beth’s, � e Morris Bookshop or Barnes and Nobles and get your copy of Marriage Ma� ers or � e Whole Package today.


Weddings

Creative and inexpensive Hand-Crafted Bouquets

by Marsha KollerWedding Consultant

For the non-traditional artsy bride who wants things to be just a little different, art crafted bouquets are a new and oh-so-interesting take on the traditional fresh flower hand-held bouquets, as well as coordinating boutonnieres. This will take some investigation to learn the craft, but online tutorials abound. With so much “Interest in Pinterest” doing an

unusual bouquet is very accepted, will be much admired and show off how clever you are. This is also great for a ‘green’ bride who doesn’t want to waste fresh flowers. Here is an overview of non-traditional bouquets, and we will explore some in more detail later.

For the Casual Bride

While these alternative looks may not work well for a very formal or large wedding, it is perfect for casual, intimate and outdoor weddings, and a perfect fit for the bride that doesn’t want to be fussy. If your style isn’t big bling and froufrou, this look is perfect for you, but can still carry an element of grace. Remember, it shouldn’t look homemade, but hand made.

PaPer PerFeCt

You can make stunning folded flowers out of paper, still achieving a floral design that will last. Paper flowers can range in design from ultra elegant with a near live look to whimsical, even made out of printed pages like vintage books or maps. This is a great option for today’s popular burlap and lace weddings, combining rustic paper flowers and burlap bows for a coordinated look.

Button uP Your Bouquet

Color coordinated button ‘flowers’ are one of my favorite unique bouquet options. Fabulous vintage and figural button finds really make these bouquets special. You can have all button flowers, or you can add interesting buttons to enhance paper flower creations. Use buttons in your wedding colors as the interiors of your paper flowers for an artsy mixed media feel.

shells For the BeaCh BuFF

If you are having a beach or lake wedding, what’s more perfect than sea shells, alone or mixed with tropical greens. Careful – don’t make these too big or they will be heavy! Even if you aren’t marrying beside the water but have a connection to the ocean, this is a sweet alternative bouquet look. Marrying a Cousteau, anyone?

Pearl Girls

Bouquet creations of all pearls are completely beautiful, and bridge the gap to a more formal wedding theme or setting, without using fresh flowers. Be careful here, as overspending on pearl picks and pieces can cost more than fresh flowers if you aren’t careful, so watch for notions sales and bargains online.

WeddinG Week time saver

While work on these pieces can be fun but time consuming, the real plus is that during your actual wedding day preparations your art crafted bouquets will be completely checked off your list – no worry about keeping these watered, cool, delivered or arranged the day of your event! Yours and your bridesmaid’s bouquets can be kept as a memory, and double as décor at your reception. The entire process will be a wonderful wedding memory in itself!

tops february 2014

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