D2 Neighbors,
I hope you enjoyed what I have called, “Shayla's Extended Summer” because brrr...it’s gone now! Those warmer days in November were awesome, but it looks like the winter cold is now here to stay.
This is the time of year for lots of fun gatherings. If your neighborhood is having a holiday get-together, I would love to attend! Email, call or text me your event details and LaShawn I will show up with our dancing shoes on. Additionally, if you would like for me to share your neighborhood events on social media or the newsletter, please email the electronic flyer to LaShawn and myself.
I would like to share my excitement and gratitude that you’ve entrusted me to continue serving you as your Councilmember for the next two years. It has been my honor and privilege, which I don’t take lightly. Both LaShawn and I truly look forward to continuing to deepen collaborative partnerships throughout the 2nd District. There are so many exciting things on the horizon!
Here’s to a new year with new possibilities and plenty of opportunities to make Lexington and the 2nd District the best place to live!
- With thanks,
Extended summer: Gone!
Shayla D. Lynch, Councilmember & Neighbor
Spotlight
on the 2nd
2nd district newsletter
out and about!
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
November/December 2024 Edition
Clockwise from left: tree planting at Oakdale Apartments; participating in the Partners for Youth scholarship program ceremony;
celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new playground at Whitney Young Park.
Trunk or Treat at the Family Care Center: Me in my touchdown pose (L) and
several Council Aides as “Paw Patrol” (R)
My 3rd VA5K and definitely not my last!
- spotlight on: 2nd District
What a time we had at our FIRST tree lighting!
Did you know we have an official 2nd District Christmas tree? On Sunday, Nov. 24, we “rang in” the holiday season with the crew of Fire Station 24 and the Fraternal Order of Firefighters by lighting our first 2nd District Christmas tree! I was proud to host this community event for us AND help gather some unwrapped toys for Fayette County neighbors in need.
To my neighbors: THANK YOU! You brought your talented kiddos, your Christmas knowledge, your karaoke skills, AND some unwrapped toys for the FOF Toy Drive! HUGE thanks to the African American Ballet Troupe for taking time amidst their busy holiday schedule and to Leestown Coffee for the delicious hot chocolate.
Finally - THANK YOU to Mayor Gorton, the Lexington Fire Department, the crew at Station 24, and the entire FOF “North Pole” crew for helping to make this day a magical one for the District!
spot”light” on a new tradition
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
After the event, Fire Station 24 is shining bright!
Isn’t she lovely?? I hope to see many families snap photos by our tree!
HUGE thanks to the African American Ballet Troupe! They gave us
a beautiful rendition of ‘Arabian Nights”, an excerpt from their
Ebony Nutcracker performance. Learn more about the Troupe at:
Mayor Gorton and I joined some of our
youngest neighbors in a little karaoke
from stage! Our rendition of “Frosty the
Snowman” will be hard to beat next year!
recreation - it’s also for winter!
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean Parks & Recreation has nothing for you to enjoy! Here are just a few events coming up that might interest you: Dec 15, 1p - Lexington Black History Guided Walk - Charles Young Park: Walk and learn about Lexington's African-American Heritage and visit some of the parks that are preserving Lexington's Black History. Starts at Charles Young Park. Dec 21, 6:30p - Fire Up Your Soul: Fire up your soul with an intentional and slow-paced outdoor mindfulness walk with Outdoor Programs staff as we celebrate Spring. We’ll wrap up our time gathered around the campfire with hot cider and cocoa. Ground sit pads will be provided. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring water and portable chairs if desired. Register at: https://lexingtonky.gov/parks. Winter Golf - special rates for the season! Visit lexingtonky.gov/golf.
spotlight on: city news
recycling center shutdown
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
Mark your calendars for Dec 5, at 4pm - you can learn more about the Grassroots Grant Allocations program from Partners for Youth! This annual program provides grant funds for organizations that coordinate youth activities. Applications are available online but act fast - the deadline is Jan 17! Apply here: http://partners4youth.org There is only the one technical session, so be sure to reserve your spot by emailing Charlene Walker at cwalker@lexingtonky.gov.
grassroots grant program
You may have heard by now, but the Lexington Recycle Center will shut down from Dec 4 - 15 to install a new baler & fabric tent structure. The City will not be able to recycle anything during the shutdown. Learn more at lexingtonky.gov/recycle. Also, holiday lights should not be placed in recycling OR dumpsters - we collect those separately from trash and recycling. Find drop off locations at lexingtonky.gov/holidaywaste.
spotlight on: city news
Winter help for homeless and unhoused
The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has been working with partners and stakeholders to finalize our winter weather response plan for the 2024-25 season. LFUCG has secured a block of motel rooms that will operate during that time, has partnered with community organizations for supportive services, will maintain private security, and facilitate meals.To prioritize our neighbors with the highest need, there is an application process. Priority will be given to individuals/households without access to other forms of shelter and/or who have increased health and safety risks. Applications can be completed in-person at a host of physical locations OR with street outreach providers. Locations include: Community Action Council - Accepting applications: Monday through Friday (10 am – 3pm) 710 West High Street Dignity Station - Tuesdays or Thursdays Stationed at Lexington Rescue Mission (444 Glen Arvin Avenue) – Tuesday (11 am – 2pm) Stationed at Goodwill (130 West New Circle Road) – Thursday (11 am – 2pm) Compassionate Caravan will also be circulating in the community Lexington Rescue Mission - Accepting applications: Monday (9 am – 3 pm) and Friday (9 am – 4 pm) 444 Glen Arvin Avenue Lighthouse Ministries - Accepting applications: Tuesday through Friday (9 am – 11am, 1 pm – 3pm) 190 Spruce Street Mountain Comprehensive Care Center - Accepting applications: Tuesday through Friday (10 am – 3pm) 1060 Goodwin Drive New Life Day Center - Accepting Applications: Monday through Friday (8 am – 4 pm) 224 North Martin Luther King Blvd New Vista Drop-In Center - Accepting applications: Monday through Friday (8:30 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 4pm) 201 Mechanic Street As mentioned, individuals can also complete applications via street outreach teams. Community Action Council 859-233-4600 (office) 859-693-5334 859-880-1555 Hope Center: outreach@hopectr.org 859-551-8053 859-556-1870 Lexington Rescue Mission 859-381-9600 ext 244 859-554-6118
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
spotlight on: city news
Attention Pet Owners! Caring for our furry friends can sometimes be challenging and overwhelming, but help is out there! The Lexington Fayette Animal Care & Control has compiled a comprehensive Assistance Guide for Pet Owners with local and national resources to help you and your pets thrive. Included are Resources for: Pet Food Assistance Low-Cost Pet Care Items Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services Affordable Vaccines & Microchipping Financial Assistance for Vet Care Pet Medication Help and more! Access the guide online at https://bit.ly/3D7CWeQ
help for pet owners
Did you know the City recently broke ground on a new senior therapeutic recreation center? The facility has been in the works since 2021 and is projected to open at Shillito Park in 2026. Plans call for a 26,000-square-foot building with an estimated cost of $24 million. So...why another senior center? I’m glad you asked! I have learned quite a lot about our aging population and the significant needs we face serving this special population - I count this center as a BIG win! At the groundbreaking, Mayor Gorton explained that census records revealed that Lexington’s 55-plus population currently accounts for about 25% of our residents - and is growing! If you’ve ever been by the Center on Life Lane, you know it stays busy. This addition will be a great benefit for this growing population! City staff rom the Division of Aging and Disability Services will supervise programming for Seniors at the center, and Parks and Recreation staff will supervise programming for participants in Therapeutic Recreation. The new senior center will offer many of the programs that are offered at the Senior Center on Life Lane, including technology, arts and crafts. The therapeutic recreation portion of the new facility will support individuals with disabilities and special needs. Lexington Parks & Recreation is one of only three community-based programs in Kentucky offering Therapeutic Recreation, and the only program in Kentucky that is managed by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, educated, trained and nationally certified to program for individuals with disabilities. I hope you are just as excited about this Center as I am!
new senior center: coming soon!
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
To keep Lexington healthy and warm, we need your help! The Lexington Fayette County Health Department’s Harm Reduction Program has a Sharing Shelf to help participants who need warm supplies for the upcoming months (please note that we can only accept certain items): • socks • gloves • toboggans/warm hats If you’d like to help with a donation, there is a contribution box in the front lobby of the LFCHD building at 650 Newtown Pike. All donations must be new and appropriately packaged. If you have questions about donations, please contact John Moses at 859-288-2482.
help stock the sharing shelf
spotlight on: COMMUNITY
community events and activities
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
Winter Weather Awareness Week is December 1-7 for Kentucky. Throughout the week, the National Weather Service and other agencies across the state are sharing information on winter safety and preparedness. Follow along or learn more at the Lexington Emergency Management website: https://bit.ly/3AXabB3
events and activities
spotlight on: COMMUNITY
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
events and activities
spotlight on: COMMUNITY
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
spotlight on: COMMUNITY
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
spotlight on: COMMUNITY
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
spotlight on: city resources
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
LexCall 311 is the City's centralized service and information call center. LexCall 311 can assist you with services including garbage collection, potholes, trash and debris, graffiti removal, street sign issues and other city services. They can also connect you to any city employee or division. You may be asking: how can I request or report a service issue? Submit a service request online at https://www.lexingtonky.gov/lexcall/ServiceRequest. Download our app! Apps are free to download on your smartphone in the App Store (ios) or in the Google Play Store (Android). Potholes During normal business hours, Streets & Roads makes every effort to repair a pothole that has been reported to LexCall within 48 hours. To report a pothole on a city-maintained street, contact LexCall at 311 or (859) 425-2255. To report a pothole on a state-maintained road, call (859) 246-2059 or (859) 246-2355. Click here to learn more about city/state responsiblity of roads. Bulk Trash/Pick-up Got bulky items? Pick-ups for sofas, appliances and tires need to be scheduled by contacting LexCall at 311, (859) 425-2255 or lexingtonky.gov/lexcall. Once scheduled, set them on the curb on your regular collection day. Learn more at lexingtonky.gov/trash Did you know: Lexington residents can sign up for notifications about a variety of city services and programs such as curbside waste collection, special and volunteer events, sanitary sewer overflows. Here's how to sign up for text alerts: Waste collection schedule changes: text your regular collection day (MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY or FRIDAY) to 888777. Special collection events: Text collection to 888777. Volunteer opportunities: Text LexVol to 888777. Sanitary sewer overflows: Text SSOs to 888777. To sign up for any email alerts, visit lexingtonky.gov/311alerts.
spotlight on: city services
Getting around town can be difficult sometimes - check the online traffic ticker for updates on city streets: lexingtonky.gov/traffic-ticker.
Construction & Paving
traffic ticker
If you notice some signs or cones on the road, you can always check online to see if it is a city project in Divisions of Water Quality and Engineering (sewer/stormwater or paving/traffic) or if a utility company has a permit for work. Click here to view the Construction Projects map: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/construction-project-information.
lexcall 311
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
let us hear from you...
Would you like to submit a question for our Question Corner? DO IT! Click here. Ask about anything - budget, council items, paving, code enforcement, neighborhood assistance, and so much more!
Office of Councilmember Shayla Lynch | 859-280-8239 (office) | 859-475-4160 (cell) | slynch@lexingtonky.gov (email)
shine a spotlight on the 2nd!
This newsletter is about spotlighting the 2nd District - the local government actions that directly and indirectly impact you, the city activities for you to enjoy, and the amazing community we have in the 2nd. Look for the monthly newsletter to drop in your inbox and on our District FB page every month. Bookmark this link and check often - it's a website, so we can update it often! We'll always notify you of special updates, so never fear. :)
got some news to share?
Help us spotlight the 2nd: Nominate a Shining Star in your neighborhood or send us pictures of your neighborhood events, garden, rainwater/compost projects, school activities, and anything else you'd like us to celebrate. Request road improvements in the district with this easy form. LIKE and FOLLOW our 2nd District social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/lexkydistrict2/. and https://www.instagram.com/lexkydistrict2/. Please note: Social media is for informational purposes. To discuss an issue or concern and to let me know what's important to you, let's talk about those directly. I welcome the conversation! Email me directly for a meeting or phone conversation at slynch@lexingtonky.gov or call the office at 859-280-8239. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up to get a notification each month when the newsletter drops: https://eepurl.com/gdfbL9.