MEADOWTHORPE MESSENGER
Meadowthorpe Neighborhood Association
www.mnalex.org
Volume 58 Issue 11 November 2007
“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men;
but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” ---E.P. Powell
DATES TO REMEMBER
General Membership Meeting: Tues., November 13th at 7pm. in the Neighborhood Center, 333 Larch Lane.
Leaf Collection: First Collection Nov. 19-23, Second Collection Dec. 17-21. (All of Meadowthorpe is Zone
C for leaf collection. To search for collection dates for streets in other neighborhoods, visit
http://www.lfucg.com/leaf/index2.asp.) The dates are subject to change. If leaves are not collected on the
scheduled dates, they will be collected the following week. Please rake leaves to the curb but NOT INTO
THE STREET. Leaves in the street clog the storm drains and piles of wet leaves can create a traffic hazard.
MNA Christmas Potluck Supper: 6:00pm, Saturday, December 15th, in the Neighborhood Center, 333 Larch
Lane.
Messenger Deadline: Please submit all items for the December Messenger by Wednesday, November 21st.
Call 254-3841, email marilyn_machara@yahoo.com, or drop in the mail slot at 1642 Meadowthorpe Ave.
MANY THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS!
The MNA has been fortunate to receive donations from many generous businesses. We owe a very big “thank
you” to Thoroughbred Restaurant for donating all the hot dogs for the Fall Festival and to Leestown Liquor for
donating 27 bags of ice! Thanks also to Vina’s Tea Room for donating a pie to the dessert reception for the
Neighborhood Center Reopening. We are grateful to Landscapers Corner for donating mulch for the garden in
front of the Meadowthorpe Neighborhood Center just in time to spruce things up for our Reopening event. Thanks
also to Curtis Grace and Associates for donating a wreath to decorate the center. Thanks to Meadowthorpe
Baptist Church for making a $25.00 dues donation. We also appreciate Lisa Saunders and F.A.R.M. Appraisals
for donating $25 toward Messenger printing costs for an ad that ran this summer. Messenger ads are printed for
free if space allows, but donations to defray the cost are always helpful!
DEPARTED FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Hillsboro Ave. resident Dr. Bill E. Jones died in October. Dr. Jones was the beloved husband of Bobbye Jones
and father of Geoph and Karole Jones (Steagall). His family remembered him as “quick witted and keenly
intelligent, a holder of grudges and self proclaimed "Aweist" (he who is in awe of all things). He embraced life
with a loving hug. He was a talented pilot, poet, potter and scientist. Proud of his Irish roots, he spoke Gaelic and
enjoyed good ale.” The MNA offers condolences to all of Dr. Jones’ friends and family.
Leestown Road resident Dianne Frye Hayes passed away on Tuesday, October 23rd. She was 63 years old. Mrs.
Hayes was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, a member of Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church and was
active with Meals on Wheels. In addition to her husband Tom Hayes, she is survived by a son, Mark Haydon
Sutphin, Hebron, KY; two daughters, Leighann Harmon, Belleview, FL and Cynthia Leigh Hayes, Lexington; a
brother, Robert Potter, Akron, OH, and five grandchildren. Memorial contributions are suggested to the
Alzheimer's Foundation or Hospice of the Bluegrass. The MNA offers our sympathy to Mr. Hayes, and to all of
Dianne Hayes’ friends and family.
DUES COLLECTION
MNA street reps began the annual voluntary dues collection in October. At press time the dues report was
incomplete, as all reps had not yet turned in their collections. If you have not yet contributed to the MNA, please
turn in your contribution to your street rep, or to MNA treasurer Carolyn Troyer (260 Larch Lane) as soon as
possible. Thank you for your support!
THANKS FOR MAKING THE FALL FESTIVAL AND DESSERT RECEPTION SUCCESSFUL!
We all had a wonderful time at the MNA Fall Festival and the Neighborhood Center Reopening Celebration.
Thanks so much to everyone who came out and participated, especially those who volunteered their time and
energy to make everything go smoothly. This year we had the wonderful addition of entertainment at the Fall
Festival. Meadowthorpe Avenue resident Almira Fawn Southworth was a big hit singing and playing guitar with
talent and skill beyond her young age. Almira is a student at Meadowthorpe Elementary. We also enjoyed John
Hasty and his daughters, Amanda and Heather, who came all the way from Richmond, Kentucky, to play and
sing for us as well! John works with Pepper Drive street rep Russ DiBella. We thank Russ for inviting them to
play. Many people pitched in to wash picnic tables, serve food and drinks, monitor the inflatables, contribute
dessert, and clean up after the festivities - too many to name without accidentally leaving someone out! However,
Terry Terry deserves special recognition for spending all afternoon in the Coke Wagon serving hotdogs. Jo Ann
McVeigh deserves special thanks for spending all afternoon in the Community Center pre-cooking hotdogs and
preparing the dessert reception. The highlight of the dessert reception was the movie slide show depicting the
transformation of the center from demolition to completion. Special thanks to Greg Stratton and Cassandra
Byrd for putting it together.
We were pleased that Mayor Newberry, Council Members Linda Gorton and Tom Blues, the Director of Parks and
Recreation Jerry Hancock and some of his staff, several of our donors, and officers from the Oakwood and
Georgetown Street Neighborhood Associations were able to join us for our celebration. Mayor Newberry was kind
enough to recognize Meadowthorpe and our successful renovation project at the Urban County Council Work
Session on October 9th. To see the Mayor’s remarks, visit www.lfucg.com. Click on “Archived Meetings” in the
black GTV3 box at the top right corner of the page. Select the video for the Urban County Work Session for
October 9th. Use the “Jump To” feature to go to the agenda item VIII. Mayor’s Report.
MDRC REPORT
On October 24th the Meadowthorpe Development Review Committee and members of the MNA board met with
Kroger representative Todd Metzmeier, Meadowthorpe Manor owner Bob Cole, and Chris Taylor from LFUCG
Planning and Zoning. Mr. Metzmeier confirmed that the new Kroger is scheduled to open December 12th. Kroger
plans a grand opening event for January (probably January 9th). Mr. Metzmeier also presented a proposal for
adding Kroger gas pumps to the Meadowthorpe Manor Shopping center on the Leestown frontage in 2008. The
MDRC committee and board members unanimously voted to disapprove of this proposal because it violates the
deed of restrictions for the shopping center and would exacerbate the traffic problems in the shopping center
entrance. The committee made several recommendations for alternative plans to Mr. Metzmeier and Mr. Cole,
who both professed a desire to work with the neighborhood to come to an acceptable proposal. Mr. Taylor
confirmed that because of the deed of restrictions on the property, the recommendations of the neighborhood
would carry considerable weight with the planning commission when considering any amendments to the
development plan. The general consensus of the MDRC was that the MNA might consider approving gas pumps
for the center if a suitable location and design could be agreed upon. If you have an opinion about whether the
MNA should support or oppose the location of Kroger gas pumps in the Meadowthorpe Manor Shops under certain
circumstances, a suggestion for an acceptable location, or other design recommendations, please contact one of the
MDRC co-chairs, David Banks (396-3924, DBanks@elanhomesystems.com) or Jim Stone (254-8640,
stone11@insightbb.com).
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER RENTAL POLICY CHANGES
The MNA Executive Committee and the volunteer key holders for the neighborhood center recommended several
policy and fee changes for neighborhood center rentals to board members at the special meeting called on Oct.
24th. These changes were made at the suggestion of Parks and Recreation staff and in response to some recent
unfortunate incidents with renters at our own center and other facilities in Lexington. The changes were approved
by board members on October 24th and will take effect immediately. Hourly rental fee: $50.00. Cleaning Fee:
$50.00. Refundable Security Deposit: $200.00. Refundable fireplace deposit (if used): $100.00. All fees and
deposits are due 15 days in advance and deposited immediately in the MNA account. Refundable deposits are
returned within 10 days after the event. For more information, here are the answers to some Frequently Asked
Questions:
Q. Who owns the Meadowthorpe Community Center (MCC)?
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) owns the Meadowthorpe Louie Mack Park and all buildings
located on the premises. This includes the community center.
Q. Who dictates policy guidelines and approves rental procedures for all community centers in Lexington?
The LFUCG Division of Parks & Recreation.
Q. Why are there rules and policies?
Written rules and policies prevent discrimination of all those who rent publicly owned facilities such as the MCC. Rules and
policies ensure the safety of all those who use the facility and help to protect the property and its contents.
Q. Why has the rent for the MCC been raised?
The rent has been raised to compare with the rent of similar facilities in Lexington, thus avoiding over use of the MCC and
overworking MNA volunteer key holders who open and close the facility. The increased rent will also help pay for keeping the
center cleaned and maintained in top condition.
Q. I pay voluntary dues to the Meadowthorpe Neighborhood Association (MNA). Why don’t I get free rentals?
Having one rate for MNA residents and another for non-residents is desirable, but offering free or reduced rate rentals to MNA
residents would be discriminatory and the LFUCG does not allow discrimination in the rental of their properties.
Q. Why is the security deposit check cashed immediately?
The checks are cashed to insure that all fees are paid and to guard against NSF (Non-sufficient Funds) or Stop Payment checks.
Q. Why are renters required to pay a cleaning fee?
The staff of the LFUCG does not clean the center except by special request. In the past, renters have been asked to thoroughly
clean the center after each use but the results have been spotty, sometimes making extra work for the MNA volunteers. To
maintain our center in top condition, the building will now be cleaned by a professional cleaning service. The cleaning fee and a
portion of the rent will pay for the service. In return, renters will be relieved of major housekeeping responsibilities and the
center will always be kept clean.
Q. How is the rent money collected by the MNA spent?
The MNA is allowed to keep all the money. However the MNA is required to put the rental funds toward supplies and
furnishings for the community center and toward improvements of the center and park. The money can also be used to support
association sponsored events such as the Fall Festival and Christmas Potluck Supper. It is not used to pay the key holders. They
are volunteers.
Q. Who books the rentals for the (Meadowthorpe Community Center) MCC and who opens and closes for rentals?
Resident volunteers (currently there are 3 – Shirley Young, Jim Stone and Steve Troyer).
Q. Who maintains the park grounds?
The LFUCG contracts the mowing and maintains the exterior of the all buildings, the ball field and tennis courts. The LFUCG
is also responsible for electrical or plumbing issues and the HVAC systems in all buildings on the premises.
Q. Who owns the tables/chairs and other equipment in the MCC?
The MNA owns most of the unattached items in the center. Anything permanently attached is automatically the property of the
LFUCG.
Q. Who pays the utilities for the park and community center?
The LFUCG Division of Parks & Recreation.
Neighborhood News and Notes
Thanks to Jerry and Patty Wolf for mowing and
trimming the Boiling Springs median all summer!
You keep Meadowthorpe beautiful!
Help Wanted: Apply at Leestown Rd. SUBWAY in
the Meadowthorpe Center. Hiring part time, full
time, evening, and weekend.
Word of Truth 3rd Annual Bible Conference:
Meadowthorpe Baptist Church and Pastor Frank
McClanahan invite you to hear ten Godly men preach
the Bible. Come Friday, Dec. 7th at 7pm and
Saturday, Dec. 8th 9am-5:30pm (noon meal will be
served). 330 Larch Lane. 338-3368 or 252-7614.
Community Thanksgiving Supper and Service:
Tuesday, November 20th at Meadowthorpe
Presbyterian Church, 356 Hillsboro Ave. Please join
us for a chili supper at 6 pm with a variety of chilies
prepared by our members. At 7 pm, our Interim
Pastor, Kathy Riley, who has been with us since
April, will lead the service. We'd love to have you!!!
Landscapers Corner is “Your One Stop Shop” for
mulches, compost, pine straw, sand, decorative and
cut stone. 1305 Old Frankfort Pike. 225-9433.
Avon Products are now available from Katie
Charles, 1459 N. Forbes Rd. Call Katie at home
(264-7364), on her cell (533-5570), or e-mail
favorite_mama24@yahoo.com.
Yard Work: Leaf removal, mowing, and hedges
trimmed: $25.00 and up. Call Kyle 559-7572.
Tree trimming and complete removal service
available. Reasonable rates. Call Fryman’s Tree
Service at 229-1974.
Notary Service is available from Meadowthorpe
neighbor Terry Webb. No fee, but tips are
appreciated. Call 509-5746.
Share a great house in Meadowthorpe. Rent $487
per month gets the entire second floor with full bath.
Shared kitchen, dining room, and living room. Full
basement. Washer dryer provided. No pets. Call
Terry Webb at 509-5746.
Meadowthorpe Barber Shop in the Meadowthorpe
Shopping Center is open to walk-in customers M-F
8-6:30, Saturday 8-3:30. Closed Sunday. Haircuts
are regularly just $10.00! For more great savings,
bring in our coupon this month!
Jefferson Fitness Club is pleased to offer
Meadowthorpe residents a special on our "Gold"
level membership. Only $117 for three months and
no initial fee! This membership includes access to
our entire facility, classes and hot tub, steam room
and sauna. Call 255-2582 or visit online at
www.jeffersonfitnessclub.com.
Meadowthorpe Barber Shop
1417 Leestown Road, in the Meadowthorpe Shopping Center
Bring this Coupon for
$2.00 Off Any Service
Expires 12/01/07
Shaggy’s Barber Shop
$3.00 off any full service
with this coupon
(excluding eye, nose, and ear waxing)
Now at Three Locations:
Townley Centre, Center Court on South Upper, And Chinoe Center off Chinoe Drive