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Donovan Forum Lectures   

Courses in this category will open for registration during Phase 1: Wednesday, January 7th at 10 a.m.

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  • 02.05 The Impact of Alzheimer's & Dementia in our Community  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/5/2026 - 2/5/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Diane Vance
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    Today, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia and over 12 million are unpaid caregivers. This is an escalating health crisis that affects our communities. "The Impact of Alzheimer's and Dementia in our Community" presentation is a broad-based overview of how this disease touches so many in our local community. The presentation covers: - basic introduction to Alzheimer’s and dementia - current methods for diagnosis and treatment options - tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy brain, - overview of the services provided by the association clear
 

  • 02.05 The Impact of Alzheimer's & Dementia in our Community  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/5/2026 - 2/5/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Diane Vance
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    Today, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia and over 12 million are unpaid caregivers. This is an escalating health crisis that affects our communities. "The Impact of Alzheimer's and Dementia in our Community" presentation is a broad-based overview of how this disease touches so many in our local community. The presentation covers: - basic introduction to Alzheimer’s and dementia - current methods for diagnosis and treatment options - tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy brain, - overview of the services provided by the association clear
 

  • 02.12 The Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/12/2026 - 2/12/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Tom Eblen
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    The Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame is a joint project of the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and the Kentucky Arts Council. It was created to recognize Kentucky writers whose work reflects the character and culture of our commonwealth, and to educate Kentuckians about our state’s rich literary heritage. Since 2013, 77 writers have been chosen for the Hall of Fame. The most recent seven will be inducted in March at a ceremony at the Kentucky Theatre that is free and open to the public. Tom Eblen will speak about the amazing stories of some of these great Kentucky writers.
 

  • 02.12 The Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/12/2026 - 2/12/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Tom Eblen
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    The Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame is a joint project of the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and the Kentucky Arts Council. It was created to recognize Kentucky writers whose work reflects the character and culture of our commonwealth, and to educate Kentuckians about our state’s rich literary heritage. Since 2013, 77 writers have been chosen for the Hall of Fame. The most recent seven will be inducted in March at a ceremony at the Kentucky Theatre that is free and open to the public. Tom Eblen will speak about the amazing stories of some of these great Kentucky writers.
 

  • 02.19 Current Kentucky Politics and the Legacies of Mitch McConnell  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/19/2026 - 2/19/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Al Cross
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    Seven weeks after the filing deadline for partisan offices in Kentucky, what is the outlook in races for the two major open seats, U.S. senator and 6th District U.S. representative? And what are the legacies of retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell? His last 10 years in office have been more consequential than the 40 years preceding. He is primarily responsible for the current Supreme Court, and apparently did not try to round up votes to convict Donald Trump on impeachment and disqualify him from office, though he blamed him for the Jan. 6 riot.
 

  • 02.19 Current Kentucky Politics and the Legacies of Mitch McConnell  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/19/2026 - 2/19/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Al Cross
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    Seven weeks after the filing deadline for partisan offices in Kentucky, what is the outlook in races for the two major open seats, U.S. senator and 6th District U.S. representative? And what are the legacies of retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell? His last 10 years in office have been more consequential than the 40 years preceding. He is primarily responsible for the current Supreme Court, and apparently did not try to round up votes to convict Donald Trump on impeachment and disqualify him from office, though he blamed him for the Jan. 6 riot.
 

  • 02.26 Beer, Wine and Spirits Tourism in Kentucky and Around the World  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/26/2026 - 2/26/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: R Scott Meuret
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    The talk will focus on the history, culture, and economic value from tourism on communities in which beverages are produced and will pay special attention to bourbon-related tourism in Kentucky. The course also has a global aspect as we learn about other beer, wine and spirit trails around the world.
 

  • 02.26 Beer, Wine and Spirits Tourism in Kentucky and Around the World  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 2/26/2026 - 2/26/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: R Scott Meuret
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    The talk will focus on the history, culture, and economic value from tourism on communities in which beverages are produced and will pay special attention to bourbon-related tourism in Kentucky. The course also has a global aspect as we learn about other beer, wine and spirit trails around the world.
 

  • 03.05 A Sense of Place  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/5/2026 - 3/5/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Kathy Plomin
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    The Sense of Place" initiative recognizes and celebrates Lexington's Historical black Hamlets and their impact on the evolution of Lexington. The "hamlets" were established after the emancipation when freed slaves established settlements near the farms that they had worked. Most of these hamlets were located in rural Fayette County and only a few remain vibrant today. A cultural center to house artifacts and provide story telling will be showcased in the former Rosenwald school located in the Cadentown hamlet, The school is the only one of the five Rosenwald schools remaining today in Fayette County. The Center will be open to the public.
 

  • 03.05 A Sense of Place  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/5/2026 - 3/5/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Kathy Plomin
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    The Sense of Place" initiative recognizes and celebrates Lexington's Historical black Hamlets and their impact on the evolution of Lexington. The "hamlets" were established after the emancipation when freed slaves established settlements near the farms that they had worked. Most of these hamlets were located in rural Fayette County and only a few remain vibrant today. A cultural center to house artifacts and provide story telling will be showcased in the former Rosenwald school located in the Cadentown hamlet, The school is the only one of the five Rosenwald schools remaining today in Fayette County. The Center will be open to the public.
 

  • 03.12 What it Takes to Become a Jockey  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/12/2026 - 3/12/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Remi Bellocq
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    The BCTC Equine Studies Program is the only such 2 year program in the U.S. Part of our program provides skills training for those wanting to learn how to ride race horses. This presentation will give an overview of what it takes to become a professional jockey or exercise rider.
 

  • 03.12 What it Takes to Become a Jockey  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/12/2026 - 3/12/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Remi Bellocq
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    The BCTC Equine Studies Program is the only such 2 year program in the U.S. Part of our program provides skills training for those wanting to learn how to ride race horses. This presentation will give an overview of what it takes to become a professional jockey or exercise rider.
 

  • 03.19 Closing Pandora's Box: Understanding and Safeguarding Artificial Intelligence  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/19/2026 - 3/19/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Brent Harrison
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    In this talk, Dr. Harrison will provide an in-depth overview of how modern machine learning systems, such as GPT and Stable Diffusion, generate output. He will also review some of the common pitfalls people fall into while working with these tools, and how potential misuse can be identified and mitigated.
 

  • 03.19 Closing Pandora's Box: Understanding and Safeguarding Artificial Intelligence  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/19/2026 - 3/19/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Brent Harrison
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    In this talk, Dr. Harrison will provide an in-depth overview of how modern machine learning systems, such as GPT and Stable Diffusion, generate output. He will also review some of the common pitfalls people fall into while working with these tools, and how potential misuse can be identified and mitigated.
 

  • 03.26 A Whole Human Approach to Workforce Development in Eastern Kentucky  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/26/2026 - 3/26/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Colby Hall
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    Accessing the American Dream has never been more challenging. In this talk, I will discuss how meaningful employment is central to dignity and purpose and how SOAR is helping put more Eastern Kentuckians back to work by deploying a "whole human" approach.
 

  • 03.26 A Whole Human Approach to Workforce Development in Eastern Kentucky  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 3/26/2026 - 3/26/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Colby Hall
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    Accessing the American Dream has never been more challenging. In this talk, I will discuss how meaningful employment is central to dignity and purpose and how SOAR is helping put more Eastern Kentuckians back to work by deploying a "whole human" approach.
 

  • 04.02 Tuition-Free, Impact-Rich: Berea's Model for Educational Equity  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/2/2026 - 4/2/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Lisa Turner
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    This presentation looks at Berea College’s tuition-free model and how it has helped make education more fair and accessible in Kentucky and beyond. By removing the financial barriers and focusing on rural and Appalachian communities, Berea opens doors for students who might not otherwise attend college.We’ll explore how its work-study program, strong community ties, and other efforts have made Berea a national example of inclusive and impactful higher education.
 

  • 04.02 Tuition-Free, Impact-Rich: Berea's Model for Educational Equity  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/2/2026 - 4/2/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Lisa Turner
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    This presentation looks at Berea College’s tuition-free model and how it has helped make education more fair and accessible in Kentucky and beyond. By removing the financial barriers and focusing on rural and Appalachian communities, Berea opens doors for students who might not otherwise attend college.We’ll explore how its work-study program, strong community ties, and other efforts have made Berea a national example of inclusive and impactful higher education.
 

  • 04.09 Who Needs the Humanities and Why?  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/9/2026 - 4/9/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Bill Goodman
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    Kentucky Humanities is 54 years old. The council was formed in 1972 after Congress passed legislation creating the National Endowment for the Humanities. This is a brief history of the Kentucky Council and why humanities are as important today as it ever was.
 

  • 04.09 Who Needs the Humanities and Why?  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/9/2026 - 4/9/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Bill Goodman
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    Kentucky Humanities is 54 years old. The council was formed in 1972 after Congress passed legislation creating the National Endowment for the Humanities. This is a brief history of the Kentucky Council and why humanities are as important today as it ever was.
 

  • 04.16 The Story of the Jack Jouett House Historic Site  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/16/2026 - 4/16/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Linda DeRossett
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    Jack Jouett was a Revolutionary War soldier who saved Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Assembly from capture by British forces at a true turning point in the war. His dangerous 40-mile nighttime ride thwarted the British, and Jefferson and other well-known patriots escaped capture and near certain execution as traitors to the King. This talk will highlight Jack's ride, his later accomplishments and the work of his son, renowned artist Matthew Harris Jouett.
 

  • 04.16 The Story of the Jack Jouett House Historic Site  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/16/2026 - 4/16/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Linda DeRossett
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    Jack Jouett was a Revolutionary War soldier who saved Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Assembly from capture by British forces at a true turning point in the war. His dangerous 40-mile nighttime ride thwarted the British, and Jefferson and other well-known patriots escaped capture and near certain execution as traitors to the King. This talk will highlight Jack's ride, his later accomplishments and the work of his son, renowned artist Matthew Harris Jouett.
 

  • 04.23 Kentucky's LGBTQ History  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/23/2026 - 4/23/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Josh Porter
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    Join us for this free presentation as FMA's Assistant Executive Director, Josh Porter, shares the rich cultural heritage of Kentucky’s LGBTQ community though the stories housed at the Faulkner Morgan Archive. Highlighting key moments and figures in Lexington's LGBTQ history, from Sweet Evening Breeze's drag performances in the 1920s to the passage of the Fairness Ordinance in 1999, this presentation will celebrate the resilience and contributions of the queer community. By shedding light on these often overlooked narratives, we hope to foster a greater sense of belonging for LGBTQ individuals in Lexington while also promoting understanding and appreciation among the broader population.
 

  • 04.23 Kentucky's LGBTQ History  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/23/2026 - 4/23/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Josh Porter
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    Join us for this free presentation as FMA's Assistant Executive Director, Josh Porter, shares the rich cultural heritage of Kentucky’s LGBTQ community though the stories housed at the Faulkner Morgan Archive. Highlighting key moments and figures in Lexington's LGBTQ history, from Sweet Evening Breeze's drag performances in the 1920s to the passage of the Fairness Ordinance in 1999, this presentation will celebrate the resilience and contributions of the queer community. By shedding light on these often overlooked narratives, we hope to foster a greater sense of belonging for LGBTQ individuals in Lexington while also promoting understanding and appreciation among the broader population.
 

  • 04.30 Planning  In Person
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/30/2026 - 4/30/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: Lexington Senior Center
    Room: Multi Purpose Room A & B
    Instructor: Boyd Sewe
    Maximum Enrollment: 80

    General discussion of urban planning and what we do as planners.
 

  • 04.30 Planning  Zoom Only
  • Fee: $0.00
    Dates: 4/30/2026 - 4/30/2026
    Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 1
    Building: ZOOM
    Room:
    Instructor: Boyd Sewe
    Maximum Enrollment: 100

    General discussion of urban planning and what we do as planners.
 

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