Welcome to 2025 and a monthlong series of programs focused on personal wellness
250Lex events in January focus on wellness
By Liz Carey
Lexington wants to help you keep those New Year, New You resolutions with a focus on Wellness during January.
Part of 250Lex, the city’s yearlong celebration of the city’s founding 250 years ago, January’s wellness theme will see plenty of opportunities for residents to start on a new journey focused on good health.
“We are ready to hit the ground running...literally,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said during a December news conference announcing the month’s events.
Like so many of the 250Lex events, many of the events in January will be free, starting with free classes at the Y.
On 5, all four Lexington YMCA locations will be hosting free events, said Stephanie Arnold, YMCA of Central Kentucky Executive Director of Philanthropy and 250Lex Ambassador for January. To participate, simply log in to the YMCA’s website at ymcacky.org/schedules, and pick the event that interests you to sign up.
The Y has scheduled a number of events – everything from Exercise “Speed Dating” to free health screenings to yoga to an Afrobeat Dance Class. Not a member? Sign up anyway and check in with your ID at the Welcome Desk when you arrive.
“The 250Lex Health and Wellness committee is excited to bring activities and events to the community in 2025 to inspire and support our neighbors in setting goals for a healthier self,” Arnold said.
At the Kentucky Blood Center, January kicks off a campaign to encourage blood donation. The center and the 250Lex committee have a goal to have 250 new blood donors giving blood in January as part of a healthy start to the new year.
Interested? Stop by either the group’s donation center at 3121 Beaumont Center Circle in Beaumont, or at 3130 Mapleleaf Drive.
In Andover and want to join the effort? The blood center’s donation centers are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also schedule an appointment by calling (800) 775-2522 or going to https://www.kybloodcenter.org/.
The University of Kentucky Healthcare will hold a number of wellness initiatives throughout January, including a free lifestyle change program designed for those at risk for tTpe 2 diabetes. The virtual program will help registered and qualified participants with lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of the disease through losing weight and developing health habits.
The next series of 16 online sessions begins Jan. 29, but those interested can see if they qualify by taking a quick assessment test at https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/form/prediabetes-risk-assessment.
Other sponsors for events in January include Baptist Health, the Lexington Clinic and CHI St. Joseph Health.
Of course, wellness isn’t just about exercise and eating right, organizers said. It’s also about feeling good.
“From traditional wellness initiatives, like movement and nutrition, to exploring the mental and spiritual benefits of connectedness and community, there will be opportunities for the whole Lexington community to participate,” Arnold said.
To celebrate community and connectedness, the Lyric Theater will present a Jazz Blues Soul series on Thursday nights, Jan. 9 thru March 13. Shows start at 6 p.m. and will feature local bands, as well as those from the Central Kentucky region. Organizers said the series is more than just concerts, it’s an opportunity to come together.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with 250Lex and our neighborhood partners to create an inclusive, community-centered event that celebrates local musicians and fosters a warm, lively atmosphere,” said Christian Adair, executive director at the Lyric Theatre.
“We hope these Thursday evenings become a staple for friends, family and neighbors to enjoy music and make lasting memories together.”
A full schedule of concerts through March is available at https://historiclyrictheatre.com.
Organizers said the calendar for 250Lex is still evolving. A live listing of events is available at the celebration’s website - www.250Lex.com.
This story was originally published January 5, 2025 at 9:23 AM.
