PUBLIC HEARING -- Northeast Georgetown Traffic Study

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Until there is an official Cherry Blossom Homeowner’s Association once again, I will gladly continue to communicate to those of you who may want to know what is happening in Georgetown/Scott County which will directly concern or eventually affect our beautiful neighborhood.

This PUBLIC HEARING notice was in the Tuesday, March 24, Georgetown News-Graphic:

“Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission Agenda, Special Meeting on April 2, 2009”

Approval of Northeast Georgetown Traffic Study Final Report will be presented on Thursday, April 2, at 3:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Scott County Courthouse.”
(I personally think the time of day isn’t ideal, but the public wasn’t asked when it would be convenient for our working neighbors to attend.)

I have been watching this study since its beginning, and there are some great solutions to some current problems. The only answer is finding the money to complete the projects: state, county, and city budgets.

If you want to know more about this study, ,please go to www.gscplanning.com, look under “Current Projects” and you will find the Northwest Georgetown Traffic Study described.

I have a neighborhood blog and will give a blog report after the presentation . The blog can be found at: www.georgetownblossom.blogspot.com

I will be at the P & Z meeting on April 2. Hope some of you can make it.
If you cannot, we understand that you are currently working, which is a wonderful reason not to be there!!! J

If you do not want to continue to receive news of the neighborhood, please let me know, and I will delete your address. If you know of others who will want to know, please forward this message and others to them.


Barbara Combs

Restaurant Review - KEM's at the new Holiday Inn

Looking for a change in Georgetown dining, so we ventured over to the new Holiday Inn. The decor is very upscale and upbeat, although I couldn't say just what type of style it is. Had a $2 off an entree coupon, but didn't use it. The waitress/bartender/server/cashier (one person for all) told us that appetizers were half off until 7:00, we noted that it was 6:50 p.m. We decided to order three different appetizers for our meal. The three mini burgers were the best of the three, recently prepared with bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheese on a fresh mini bun. The next appetizer was the substitute for the Oriental Spring Rolls -- the Mexican Spring Rolls. We could tell they were pre-packaged and re-heated. Not a recommendation. The third was the chicken fingers. Again, nothing special.

I must mention that we were the ONLY diners in the resaurant while we were there. The unique feature is that each booth has its own television. Paul watched the NCAA game that was on at the bar, and I found "American Beauty" on our booth tv. Sort of like home -- we need more than one televsion to make us both happy!!!!

The "chef" came out and we chatted awhile about how he got into the cooking business. He was proud that they recently hosted the Bellterra group at this hotel, and they were impressed with the hotel and the food.

I checked out the meeting rooms for possible training programs, but we must have facilities that will seat at least 70 classroom, and theirs probably would have seated maybe 40 tops!

We will go back, but I will order something that needs to be prepared in their kitchen. The waitress/bartender was enjoying a delicious looking steak, with a huge stuffed baked potato, and a salad featuring field greens. I think that might be on my mind the next time we visit the place.

$3,742,000 SOLD

Cherry Blossom Golf (not Country) Club was sold this week exclusively to Luther Conley, according to the Property Transfers published in the Thursday, March 26, 2009, edition of the Georgetown News-Graphic. The tract of land sold for $3,742,000 from Luther and Vickie Conley, Jas Sekhon and Miriam Sekhon, Doug and Angelia Rogers, exclusively to Luther Conley.

We all breathlessly await some positive changes resulting from this complete ownership. We had heard that Conley needed to find 30 investers who each came up with $10,000 to help him in this transaction before March 31.

Looks like he was successful. We wish him lots of luck as the sole proprietor of this number #1 public golf course in Kentucky.

New Opportunity School for Women in Berea

It was a beautiful spring day, and the four of us filled the trunk of my car with slightly used women's clothing, and headed to Berea, the home of the New Opportunity School for Women. www.nosw.org

This agency provides training to middle-aged Appalachian women, who are trying to re-enter the job market. The are given two "interview" suits, plus any clothes they may need to enhance their image.

L to R - Barbara Combs, Diane Williams, Sandy Jans, and Christie Robinson.

After we delivered the clothes, belts, shoes, purses, etc. etc. we had lunch at the Main Street Cafe, and then enjoyed shopping the well-known Berea crafts.

Princesses on St. Patrick's Day

These are the Lexington Princesses who held court at Harry's on St. Patrick's Day. Myrna Wellsley(Princess Salvisa), me (Princess Satin Doll), Carol Aldy (Princess Madonna), Maxine Hackbart (Princess Fergie), Linda Scott (Princess Amex), and Joy (Princess Shutterbug).

We shared a lot of laughs, free Irish food (breakfast and lunch) and, of course, some green beer. We are reliving past cruises, and planning the next one in January, 2010.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Emma and I are all ready for our favorite holiday -- St. Patrick's Day. We don't have to buy any presents, but we get to wear our green outfits and jewelry. Maybe if we are lucky (as in luck o'the Irish), we will get to enjoy corned beef and cabbage and maybe an Irish Whiskey. While at the Antiques and Garden Show at Keeneland last Friday, I bought a Shamrock plant for my St. Pat's flower pot. We have a Shamrock wreath at the door, and we are ready for the day!! (I have a wonderful picture, but it won't upload to this blog).

Restaurant Review - Bistro La Belle, Midway, KY

Last evening we travelled to Midway where we met some friends for dinner at 7:00 p.m. This little restaurant, which has actually doubled in size since it first opened, remains to be one of my favorite places in the world to enjoy a marvelous meal. I love the decor, which I call French Equestrian, and the location on Main Street. If you are lucky, a train will rattle down the tracks while you are enjoying your meal. I ordered the Pecan Crusted Red Trout served over wild rice with spinach on the side, and I can't remember having such a wonderful dinner. The appetizers were good, the soup was over the top, and everyone enjoyed his or her own choice -- from Hot Browns, to Crusted Chicken Breast, to Sirloin Steak served over mashed potatoes. When ordering wine, be sure to check the price ($10/glass) before you agree to the waiter's suggestions.

Rainbow

This was a scene over our house one day last week which I saw as I was pulling in my driveway. I had to capture it with my trusty little Cannon Power Shot, which I almost always have with me these days. Somewhere over the rainbow... bluebirds fly.
And, hopefully, that means that spring is here!!

MM MM M

Sometimes there are unconnected happenings that, once you begin to link them together, are absolutely fascinating. I want to call it serindipidy. Sometimes life is just so interesting that I cannot help but make note of it. Hence, my blog today --

While in Columbus on February 20, we went to see "Menopause the Musical."
Last Saturday we used our Broadway series tickets and saw "Mamma Mia."
Nothing strange about that. We love to go to musical theater.
Then last night we were invited to to see a muscial group from Louisville who are called the "Monarchs"
While I was sitting there, loving every minute of the music of the 50's and 60's, I realized that every theatrical performance we have seen live within the last three weeks has begun with the letter "M", and that "M" was in the second word in the title of two. Wonder what else is in store for me?

Scott County Woman's Club

Two years ago I joined the Scott County Woman's Club. This week I accepted the positon of Corresponding Secretary, which means that I send out notices of monthly meetings, reminders, requests for volunteers, and I send greeting cards to those members who need condolences due to a death in their family or an illness or operation.

It is truly a great organization, because over the past 5 years, the SCWC has raised over $99,000 through fundraisers for local charities. The annual Pre-Derby Party is scheduled on Thursday, April 30. It will be a gala affair on a local horse farm. I am the Chairperson of the Publicity Committee. Details to follow.

Memories of NOLA

Mardi Gras yesterday brought back some wonderful memories of New Orleans with daughter Laura and her friend, Mary Rather. It was in May, 2007. We got a great tour of the French Quarter, rode in a horse-drawn buggy around the city, enjoyed typically wonderful Cajun food, and drove the neighborhoods that were abandoned since Hurricane Katrina.

Academy Awards

One of my favorite events of the year is the night of the Academy Awards. So, last night I was in pure heaven at the 81st Academy of Motion Picture Awards.I've been a huge fan for about the last 50 years, and must say that this one was one of the very best. Mostly because of the choice of this year's host--Hugh Jackman. I got about 50% of the categories right, which isn't too bad considering I didn't see any of the animated films, documentaries, or foreign films. "Slumdog Millionaire" is right up there with one of my favorite movies of all time.

The Power of the People

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, February 12, 2009

What a night we have had!!!

There must have been over 100 people from Cherry Blossom at the Court House tonight to speak against the rezoning of the Icon Property.

The P & Z staff (including Mike Sapp and Brian Shorkey (a U of M grad who spent some time in Howell, MI) were recommending the zone change to the Planning Commission. The Icon people had an attorney from Wyannt. Terrant and Combs (no relation), law firm in Louisville, to plead the rezoning.

There were not enough chairs for the crowd that came to testify against the rezoning. Some spoke, some did not. But our strength was in the numbers. It was such a great night, because it was just as if we had planned the whole thing because everyone spoke about a different subject: traffic, safety, vandalism, depreciation of property values, schools, 2010 Comprehensive Plan, Traffic Study, etc. etc.

The meeting lasted for over three hours of testimony, but when the vote came, we had all five of the members who were in attendance (two were absent) vote against the rezoning.
One of the best comments of the night was from John McNeil who said we didn’t want to help Icon with a “bailout” because they made a bad investment in property. He is an attorney, and he said some great things, but that was the one that almost had the crowd on its feet.

After the meeting we (Wehrs, Bees, Fields, Elliotts, Julie and Mike and us) went across the street to Galvin’s to celebrate our victory. Mike Elliott said it best: “Power of the People.”

This is the second zoning issue we have won in the past three weeks!!! What a wonderful community effort it was. We can now hope that the land will be used for the original intention: Upscale Retail, for which it was zoned in the year 2000!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Emma and her family wish you and those you love a Valentine's Week filled with lots of love.

New Art and Cultural Center Exhibit

We just returned from the new exhibit that opened today at the Scott County Art and Cultural Center (the renovated Old Jailers' House) on Water Street in Georgetown.

We were impressed with the newly created paintings, sculptures, greeting cards, weaving, and jewelry which make up the theme: "The Muse of Music and Art." All of the art work is enjoyed for free, or if you find something you can't live without, you may purchase any one of the pieces on display.

I'll be acting as a hostess for the exhibit on Tuesday, February 17, from 12-2. If you let me know you are coming, I'll have lunch waiting for you.

Any other day, the Center is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from noon until 4:00 p.m.

Rezoning from Business to Residential

The ICON sign that was posted several years ago, which promised "Upscale Retail" now has other signs posted on the property. There are two big red "Z" signs which is the official notice to the neighbors to alert us to rezoning of that property on Blossom Park next to the the Golden Corral.

The information on the sign for the P & Z Commission Meeting is Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m., on the 3rd floor of the Court House. An organizational meeting will be held soon so we can develop our plan to fight this rezoning which promises hundreds of apartments plus a very little retail.

Emma and Curbside Recycling

Emma helped carry out the bag of recycled cans and plastic bottles this morning. We saw just one other person who might have been recyling, too. Hard to tell recyling bags from trash bags, as we have had our Herbie Curbie container on our driveway for over a week. Trash is accumulating in front of our houses because the garbage trucks cannot get through because of the ice and snow.

Free Recycling Pick Up

On Tuesday, February 3, we will be able to put some of our recycling into a plastic bags and leave them in the drive way for pick up. Check out the website
www.180Recycling.com for the complete information.

Otter fishing on the pond

Here is one of our favorite pictures taken so far, because you can actuallly see the otter's four legs above the water. This is rare. Enjoy

Otter Watch

Forget what was written about four otters. Only one showed up today. This one didn't read that otters are nocturnal, as it was feeding on fish in the beautiful sunshine from 4 to 5 o'clock this afternoon.

Happy Birthday Haven

Today is the 16th Birthday of our beautiful granddaughter Haven Lee Steinebach!!!
Happy Sweet 16!!!!
We love you so much,
Grandma and Grandpa

Otter Watch -- They're Back

If you happened to up this morning between 2 and 3, you and Paul would have seen two of the otters playing on Lake Combs. No guess on where the other two are. Maybe they liked it here, and didn't want to face travelling in this weather. I don't need to tell the locals, but it is snowing again in Georgetown. Reminds us of our annual Christmas Trip to Northern Michigan.

Otters Have Gone to Florida

Here is the one picture of the first sighting of the first otter. The rest of the clan showed up when it was too dark to take pictures.

So, just about the time we are ready to call the newspapers and televison and announce to the world that we have four (4) Northern River Otters in our Lake Combs (previously referred to as "the pond"), they have left us. No sightings last night, this morning or tonight. (They loved the nocturnal scene.)

So we have decided that they met up with the other couple (their friends), and collectively decided that Georgetown was fun, but wanted to head to south to Flordia for the rest of this dreadful winter. Can you blame them? That's right Otis, Olivia, Oscar and Ophelia were only with us for the one night, as the were all meeting up and are now travelling further South.

Winter Freeze

It is official!!! We in Kentucky have been declared a disaster by our new President O'bama. We who are in the City of Georgetown in Cherry Blossom have electric and cable televsion (off and on), but our neighbors who live in the county do not. Trucks are out on 460 with their first concern to the nursing home where the dear old folks are.

Sapparo Hibatchi Grill

Tonight we were invited by our next door neighbors, The Wilsons, to have dinner at Sapparo Japanese Steak House, in the Wal-mart area, here in Georgetown. Our hibatchi chef was AXL, who is half Japanese and half Bali. (I had to sing "Bali High" from South Pacific.) He is far and away the best hibachi chef all of us have ever had (we are talking Lexington, Cincinnati, Texas, California). He was the most entertaining of all. If you go, ask for him. He's off on Mondays.
They were not very busy tonight (Wednesday -- ice storm), so he gave us some extra special treatment, I am sure.

Otters

When you are driving down Clubhouse Drive, take the time to slow down for a rare treat. Around dusk (6:00 p.m.) you may see the newest members of our neighborhood --Four (4) Northern River Otters have made their new home in the pond on the 12th hole of Cherry Blossom.

We have enjoyed their swimming, playing and hiding for over a week now. The Millers (Dave and Sheila)have named these two couples: Otis and Olivia, and Oscar and Ophelia. We will try to take pictures tonight and post them on this blog.

Stay tuned............