It’s the day before the gala and we are all excited to see everybody’s gala outfits!
For those attending, please don’t forget to use the following on your social media posts: #SOARgala and #SOARGalaStyle
But this weekly roundup isn’t about the gala, this is about our Appalachian region and their most significant accomplishments throughout the week. Let’s look to see what our region is proud of this week …
SOAR reaches 100 ACP applicants!
SOAR’s Office of Digital Equity provides residents in Elliott, Jackson, Magoffin, Morgan, Owsley, and Wolfe counties support in applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
And we are proud to announce that we have successfully signed up 100 applicants for the ACP program in these six counties!
We could not be more proud of our Digital Navigator, Lizzie Gillum, who has taken on the role to help those needing affordable internet.
If you live in any of these counties, we encourage you to reach out to Lizzie and see the number of services she can offer you to help you with your digital connectivity needs!
Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition Application Deadline EXTENDED
The deadline for Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition application deadline has been extended to May 15.
We are looking to invest in Appalachia Kentucky’s next big idea! If that’s you, we want to hear from you.
The application is open for the 2023 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition, presented by Community Trust Bancorp. Our application is simple. A few simple questions could be the start of your dream becoming a reality.
Finalists will compete on Thursday, June 15 at Morehead State University for a shot at a $10,000 cash prize. By being a finalist, you are guaranteed $500.
Eastern Kentucky local named 23’-24’ Kentucky Poet Laureate
On Monday, Laurel County native and local award-winning author Silas House was named 2023-24 Kentucky Poet Laureate in an announcement during the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Writer’s Day in the capitol Rotunda.
House is a nationally bestselling author of the novels “Clay’s Quilt,” “A Parchment of Leaves,” “The Coal Tattoo” and “Eli the Good.” In 2012, he co authored “Same Sun Here” with Neela Vaswani. House’s most recent novel, “Lark Ascending,” was published last year.
House has been invited to read at the Library of Congress.
Congratulations House! Write on!
You can attend House’s book tour, where several of those stops are here in Kentucky, you can find that information HERE.
Foodstock in Somerset
A day of food, music and art at the fourth Foodstock festival in downtown Somerset, KY is planned for April 29th.
Foodstock features food trucks from across the state, spirit and beverage vendors, live art creation, and lots of fun music and activities for families. This year includes a featured event called Somerset Smoke Show.
At this Smoke Show you get the chance to watch grilling enthusiasts in action as they compete for Somerset’s first ever Grillmaster title, while enjoying demonstrations, tastings and free tips and classes from professionals.
Admission is FREE to Foodstock, however, if you want to purchase alcoholic beverages you must buy a $5 spirit wristband at one of the entrance gates.
You can learn more about what is in store for Foodstock HERE.
Annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup returns to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
The annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup returns to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park on April 29, 2023.
Volunteers are invited to welcome Spring by cleaning one of Kentucky’s most beautiful and popular sites, Cumberland Falls. Volunteer registration begins at 8 a.m. at the gift shop.
For more information about this upcoming event, you can click HERE.
BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky accepting applications
There is still time to apply for the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2023!
If you live and/or work in Eastern Kentucky, this program is for you.
BRIGHT Kentucky is designed to build the capacity of next-generation leaders (average age 21-40) in the Appalachian region of Kentucky to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development.
BRIGHT Kentucky engages bright, entrepreneurial minds from all sectors and regions to offer non-partisan, ethical leadership training, expanded networks, and mentors designed especially for residents of the 54 Kentucky counties of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
What are you waiting for?
Applications Open for the Appalachian Leadership Institute!
Appalachian Regional Commision is now accepting applications for the fifth class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, also known as ALI!
ALI is a free, nine-month leadership and economic development training program that helps prepare the next generation of Appalachia’s public, private, and nonprofit leaders to build a stronger future for the region.
ARC is looking for 40 Fellows from all 13 Appalachian states — and all walks of life — for the Class of 2023-2024.
Learn more and apply by June 1, you can find the application link HERE.
Want to Submit something for our Weekly Round?
Know of a program that needs applicants from our region?
Do you know of a grant opportunity that one of our Eastern Kentucky non-profits could benefit from?
or just have good news from your town?
Email us at: roundup@soar-ky.org
Future events to add to your calendar:
May
- 24th Annual Big Sandy Women Symposium, May 2
An action-packed day celebrating women and their accomplishments in the business world, hosted by the Kentucky SBDC.
Our very own Innovation team will be presenting at this years symposium, “Let’s get Digitial,” helping small businesses learn how to make their brand on social media!
Register HERE.
June
- Kiss the Goat Trail Race, June 24
If you enjoy trail running or want to train for something challenging, Kiss the Goat is unlike most races. You will be tested to your limits on a roughly 3.77-mile-long uphill course. Besides, what better way to treat yourself at the top of the hill than to blow a kiss to the goat? Yes, a real-life goat.
Don’t think this race is for you? Consider volunteering and spectating; you can even walk this course!
You can sign up for the event HERE.
- Bluegrass Mountain Cup, Perry County Park, June 25
A new and fast-growing trail system just down the road from downtown Hazard, KY, Perry County Park packs a lot of punch in a small area.
A bit of a climb to the top, but well worth the reward that you get coming down.
Creator of the Perry County hiking trails, Ben, and crew dedicated year around countless hours to making these trails some of the best in the state.
If you’ve not been there yet, you have to check this place out.
More details coming soon!
Registration is live HERE.