Very few of us can say that we've experienced the excitement of competing on a nationally-televised game show . . .but this week's special guest is one of these precious few!! She is Mrs. Molly Sperling of Owensboro, who traveled to Dublin, Ireland last year to be a contestant on Season 4 of "The Floor" hosted by Rob Lowe. And, Molly enjoyed quite a journey on the show, advancing all the way to the Final Four! Come along as she shares a bit about her background as a former elementary school teacher, and her current post with GRADD (Green River Area Development District). She also describes her inspiration for trying out, the application/selection process she went through to become a contestant, and the general rules of "The Floor". Finally, she explains the aspects of the game which she found most challenging, and discusses the special relationships she formed with her fellow contestants (a few of which she now hosts a podcast with!). So pull up a chair and enjoy a look back on Molly's whirlwind adventure on national television . . .and be sure to listen and subscribe to "More from The Floor", the podcast she co-hosts, by simply following this link!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-from-the-floor-podcast/id1845934730.
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This week's guest is certainly near and dear to my heart...not only because he is my former Youth Director at First Methodist Church of Henderson...but also because his wide array of career pursuits gave me a considerable amount of water to tread during our conversation!! His name is Bert Montgomery, and he has worn various hats over the years ranging from Senior Minister, to College Professor, to even Juvenile Probation Officer! We'll learn a bit about his service as a Probation Officer in Jackson, Mississippi and Memphis prior to his full-time commitment to ministry work. We'll also hear about his experience teaching courses and leading a church at Mississippi State University, and briefly discuss two fascinating books he has authored: "Elvis, Willie, Jesus and Me" and "Going Back to New Orleans: Post-Katrina Re-Connections and Recollections". Feel free to drop Mr. Montgomery a line at [email protected], and be sure to visit his website linked here: http://bertmontgomery.com/.
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Extension can be of value and benefit to us in ways that we have probably failed to consider . . .which is why I'm proud to spotlight one particular area of emphasis within extension this week!! Introducing Tracie Ettensohn, an agent with the Henderson County Cooperative Extension Service, with a specialization in Family and Consumer Sciences. How would we describe Family and Consumer Sciences? What are the seminars, programs, and services through which Tracie helps families to thrive and prosper? Come along for answers to these and other questions, details on Tracie's monthly newsletter, and info on upcoming events/activities to mark on our calendars. Feel free to reach out to Tracie with any inquiries you may have by emailing her at [email protected], or calling the Henderson County Extension Office at 270-826-8387. And, be sure to visit Henderson County's Family and Consumer Sciences web page linked here: https://henderson.mgcafe.uky.edu/fcs.
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Got a glass of wine handy? That'll prove to be quite appropriate as you listen to this week's episode!! Join me in welcoming Mr. Chris Dunaway, a native Hendersonian who has firmly established himself in the wine industry. Chris currently serves as Wine Director at a 5-Star ski resort hotel in Aspen, Colorado known as "The Little Nell". Come along as he describes how he was drawn to the world of wine, and explains his earliest experiences with it as a wine bar employee in Nicholasville, KY. He also discusses the certifications he has earned while working his way up the wine ladder, sheds light on his previous service as a sommelier, and details his current duties as The Little Nell's Wine Director. Finally, he speaks of the hotel's many amenities, so you can make your travel plans accordingly, and offers advice to those intrigued by the thought of a career in the realm of wine. Feel free to reach out to Chris with any questions you may have regarding our conversation via email at [email protected]. You're also strongly encouraged to visit The Little Nell's web page linked here: https://www.thelittlenell.com/.
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For the first time in the history of "Blabbin' In the Bluegrass", I have the privilege of welcoming a professional event planner to the program!! She is Mrs. Amy Thomas of Glasgow, and she regularly provides skillful support to business owners in the coordination of employee appreciation, customer appreciation, and even holiday celebrations. Plus, Amy has occasionally been known to facilitate those blowout birthday and anniversary bashes! There is quite a story behind the launch of Amy Thomas Events, so open your ears as she treats us to it. She also sheds light on specific examples of events she has planned and organized, and tells us about a podcast she is personally part of called "Where Hustle Meets Grace". So enjoy learning about the means by which a seasoned event specialist can meet your needs! Find out more about Amy Thomas Events, and even schedule a free consultation, by visiting the web page linked here: https://amythomasevents.com/. To hear episodes of "Where Hustle Meets Grace", and subscribe to the podcast, simply follow this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-hustle-meets-grace/id1742871539.
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This week, our "Exceptional Educator" spotlight takes us to dear ole Webster County, as we visit with a retired teacher who spent her entire tenure at Dixon Elementary School!! She is Kim Farris, and her tireless efforts in the classroom enabled countless students to flourish throughout her career spanning nearly three decades! Tune in as Kim reflects on fond memories of her days as an elementary school student, her inspiration for teaching, and the grades/subjects she taught at Dixon. She also speaks of mentors who assisted her in her acclimation to the teaching world, and extends advice for the educators of tomorrow . . .and that's not all! So sit back and lend your ears to one of the finest to ever serve in the Webster County school system!
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Our first "Blabbin'" guest of 2026 has been a paraplegic since the age of 16 . . .but he has not, and will not, let this hinder his efforts in the realm of sports!! Meet David Hartsek of Lexington, a wheelchair athlete who competed in his 41st (forty-first) consecutive Bluegrass 10K race this past July! Join David as he describes the nature of the incident which caused his paralysis, reflects on his rewarding career in the field of I.T., and details his impressive triumphs in wheelchair athletics (ranging from basketball, to tennis, to road racing!). In conclusion, he also offers insight on resources through which we can learn of wheelchair sports availability in our necks of the woods. So enjoy listening to, learning from, and being inspired by David's remarkable story!
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On 2025's "Blabbin' In the Bluegrass" grand finale, I'm privileged to welcome two tremendous talents who help to make possible many of the athletics we enjoy on a regular basis . . .one of them is 84 years of age, and still actively officiating!! He is Henderson's Billy T. Haynes, who maintains a strong refereeing presence in high school basketball and volleyball, and even spent 22 years handling college basketball at the NCAA Division I level! Don't miss out on numerous stories of the players involved in games he called, and special friendships he formed through the years with coaches such as the late Joe B. Hall. Joining Billy is Mrs. Stacey Howell, a veteran volleyball official who met Billy during her coaching days. She describes her special bond with Billy, and what she believes to be his most commendable qualities as a referee. So treat yourself to plenty of grins and giggles, and more fun than the law should allow!!
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This week's special guest brings over three decades of ministry excellence to the table...making him beyond worthy of a "Preacher Feature"!! He is Pastor Jim Wofford, who served as Senior Pastor at Henderson's First United Methodist Church from 2012 to 2023. Jim has also skillfully ministered to congregations in Hardin County, Louisville, and Fort Thomas...and, he's currently Lead Pastor/Co-Planter with Arise Church of Northern Kentucky. Tune in as he describes the discovery of his calling to preach, the steps he took to become a minister, and many notable highlights of his impressive pastoral career. He also explains the Arise Church concept, and his quest to establish house churches in Northern Kentucky, before offering advice to youngsters who fill called to enter ministry. For additional information about Arise Church of Northern Kentucky, and how you can become involved, please email Pastor Jim at [email protected]. A website is still in the works...but for now, you can visit the web page of Arise Church Lexington, led by Jim's son Austin Wofford, by simply clicking here: https://www.arisechurches.com/.
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This week, I'm quite pleased to spotlight a "Notable Nonprofit" which has made a vital impact in the realm of education! My guest is Mrs. Stephanie Summers, a former 4th-grade teacher of mine, who proudly serves as a Professional Learning Consultant with the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). The NWEA has created various assessments to track student development, including the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth Test...but, a number of additional resources are readily available through the organization which shouldn't go unnoticed. Join Stephanie as she discusses her role with NWEA, the mission of this nonprofit, and its useful assessments that have become increasingly prevalent in school systems nation wide. She'll also explain the means by which NWEA caters to a wide range of stakeholders: from students, to faculty, to even district leaders! Don't hesitate to email Stephanie with any questions you may have regarding our conversation at [email protected]. Also, be sure to check out NWEA's web page linked here: https://www.nwea.org/.
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