TLC #1: Feb. 25, 2001
ISSUE #1
Well, here we go - the first issue of the link between you and your
hometown. It is our function to provide you with hard news, soft news, and just
plain whimsy. Please be advised we (editorial "we") are not bound by
any accuracy constraints. Nor will we pay too much attention to grammar and
punctuation. Spelling I'm good at (words is my life), so you'll have to settle
for that.
Shirley, the big bully, told me to explain TLC is The Lexington Connection
(not network), chosen because of the double meaning, hereinafter referred to as
double entendre. (I know if I misspelled that, I'll hear about it.)
First off, Lexington is undergoing a true renaissance (I have to quit using
big words!). It's contagious, you know. When one person/firm does a facelift,
often the neighbors follow suit. For those of you who haven't been here in a
while, the old town looks good.
We also have a number of new shops, mostly of the antique variety, and some
very good restaurants. Last week, for instance, an establishment by the name of
Antiques & Uniques opened. In the back of the shop they serve deli
sandwiches. It's in the location of the old Harry Smith men's shop.
This means that within walking distance downtown you have Maid-Rite (in our
blood, right?), Hardee's, A&U, Zachariah's, Riley's Irish Pub, the Victorian
Peddler, and two Mexican cafes. Dave's/Dragon/Den/TasteeLunch is closed,
regretfully. But there are two more restaurants slated to open sometime in the
future, one of which may be a steakhouse.
So we have plenty to eat, and it's good, but you cannot buy a pair of men's
dress shoes in town.
Place's, which came in after Mattingly's, sold out and is now a Pamida. We
have a Dollar General Store and a Family Dollar Store. And we have two grocery
stores: Harold's and a Sav-a-Lot.
Our biggest anticipation is the proposed movieplex (7, 5, 2 or maybe 1 - I
don't know) which is slated to go into what we now call the Franklin Hole. It is
where the old brewery was. Across the street is a popular establishment (where
Mr. Morrison had his bicycle shop) called The Coen Brothers (proprietors Louie
& Don), where just about anything can happen. Reportedly they repair and
refinish furniture, but sometimes they conduct classes, serve food and on
occasion, drink, but they also serve up plenty of, um, conversation.
I'm certain many of you wonder about our old high school building. It's in
very sad shape now, and certainly endangered, but there is a possibility it may
have a happy resurrection one day. Talk is of a possible museum. Personally, I'm
hoping for that but also think it would lend itself well to becoming an antique
mall or a cluster of small retail shops. With a kitchen downstairs, a food court
could be doable.
There was wonderful coverage on Lex during a recent Channel 5 (CBS
affiliate) newscast, footage of the town, and an interview with our Economic
Development Coordinator. The thrust was what will happen to our economy when the
new bridge/Hwy 13 do not go through town (construction has begun, slated to open
2004). Signage and a pleasing downtown will be crucial, so that's in the works.
We also have something like 7 B&Bs, most of which are Victorian theme.
We have a Habitat for Humanity house being built on Oneida (maybe Bloom,
can't remember) and the recipient happens to be a member of my Methodist Church.
Plans are to begin a Welcome Wagon program again, and a committee is
interviewing artists to create a mural - maybe more than one - on a downtown
building.
So that's how it goes in Lexington. Please send along news of your own and
I'll include it. Also questions are welcome. I will provide answers, and we can
just hope they match up. Until next time I am,
Your devoted scribe,
Susan
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