2009 Lexington, Kentucky

June 25, 26 & 27, 2009

This year’s Ponditat for Humanity recipients are:

"Ashland Terrace Retirement Home"

Ashland Terrace Retirement Community is doubtless Lexington's oldest charitable home for women.  Originally named "Home of the Friendless" and later, "The Old Ladies Home", we have been a refuge for those in need since the mid-1800's.  We house, feed, transport and entertain thirty-five elderly women, whose average age is eighty-eight.  We also subsidize all rents through the help of an endowment.

In 1999, in conjunction with a renovation and expansion of our building, we built an accessible garden for our residents (twenty-one use walkers to get around), and included three water features.  Donations covered the cost of all hardscape, plants and features.  Our garden in now a public cutting garden for the community, as well as a sanctuary for our residents.

Our Koi pond is a favorite gathering spot for our ladies as well as citizens of our Chevy Chase neighborhood.  In the spring, summer and fall we are required to clean the filter in the skimmer system at least once and sometimes twice a day.  We know we're losing water, but can't determine where or how.  Every weekend I must come by and check the pond to insure that it's O.K., or find someone who can do it for me.

With our many other more pressing needs, all of which require funds that are difficult to obtain, revamping our pond can't be a project that has priority.  Your offer to nominate Ashland Terrance as a possible recipient of the Ponditat program's generosity is so appreciated, and if granted, an answer to a prayer.