Jessamine Public Health Director Gooch takes state post
A farewell reception was held in honor of Jessamine County Public Health Director Randy Gooch at the Jessamine County Health Department. After four years of service in Jessamine County, Gooch will assume the position of Deputy Commissioner for the Kentucky Department for Public Health in Frankfort. While in Jessamine County Gooch implemented a needle exchange program, supported the development of a trails network, helped to secure funding for a bike and pedestrian path, and modernized the health department’s website.
John Mackey Blood Drive
Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services is sponsoring the “Remember, Remember John Mackey Memorial Blood Drive” from 1 to 7 p.m., Tuesday in the Arby’s parking lot at 902 South Main Street in Nicholasville. Everyone who registers will receive a Kentucky Blood Center t-shirt.
Mackey, a Jessamine County paramedic, died while on duty in November 2015. Mackey’s wife Janine recently received the Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association’s Presidential Award for her efforts in enacting the Mackey Bill which extends line-of-death benefits to Kentucky emergency medical services workers. For more information contact blood drive coordinator Dawn Jett at 859-699-4108.
Old Woman of the Woods presents one-act story at First Vineyard
Storyteller Georgie Riddell, the Old Woman of the Woods, will present a dramatic interpretation of the history of the wine industry in North America on Saturday at First Vineyard Winery, 5800 Sugar Creek Pike in Jessamine County. The Wine and Dine Storytime program will include dinner at 7 p.m. followed by a one-act presentation.
See Facebook.com/firstvineyard for the dinner menu and pricing. Call Bobbye at 859-948-4208 for reservations or more information. Riddell was a historic interpreter at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. First Vineyard is the site of the first commercial winery in the United States.
Dupree Nature Preserve Hike
The Jessamine County Trails Association will host a hike at the Dupree Nature Preserve from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. The 3-mile hike is an introduction to the Preserve and portions of all of the trails will be hiked. Shorter hikes will also be available.
The hike will be led by Dupree Nature Preserve owner Ken Brooks, who will explain the geology of the area, the history of the Preserve and The Nature Conservancy.
To reach the Preserve from Jessamine County, take U.S. 27 south across the Kentucky River into Garrard County. Turn right on the first paved road, Ky. 1845 (Rogers Road). When the road ends at the Camp Dick Fire Station, turn right on Polly’s Bend Road. The Preserve will be on the left. The hike will occur regardless of temperature, however in the event of hard rain, snow or ice, it will be canceled.
Free GED testing
The Jessamine County Adult Learning Center is providing free GED testing in November for those seeking their high school equivalency. The four-part exam usually costs $120. For more information, call Joann at 859-887-9052 or drop by during school hours at 200 Computrex Drive in Nicholasville. The center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon Friday.
This story was originally published November 7, 2016 at 10:55 AM with the headline "Jessamine Public Health Director Gooch takes state post."