2019 WOMAN OF THE YEAR HONOREE
Vicki Blair
Vicki Blair, a lifelong resident of Laurel County, wears lots of different hats. By day, she works as the Human Resources Director for Senture LLC where she has been responsible for the oversight of hiring over 15,000 employees in her sixteen-year career there and approximately 25,000 total in her thirty-year career in the human Capital field. She received her Senior Professional in Human Resources Professional (SPHR) accreditation from the Society of Human Resources Management in 2000.
During the evenings and late nights, she writes novels that are centered in Appalachia. She loves the vernacular, cultures, and traditions of this area and tries to incorporate them into her writing. She currently has three published novels: “Gravy, Grits, and Graves” and “Halos, Hollers, and Hell,” which detail small town corruption and the lives of the residents affected. Her most recent release is “Snake Dancer,” which gives readers a new perspective on the laws and traditions of the Holiness faith of handling snakes through the eyes of the preacher’s daughter during her final year of high school. Blair is currently finishing up “Bankers, Brothers, and Blood,” the third book of the McWhorter Trilogy as well as working on a new suspense, “Hostage Heartbeats.” She has written “The Presence of God,” a Bible Study, which she also teaches to women’s groups. She has had the privilege of being a guest speaker at various different schools and events and conducted a writer’s workshop for the Arnow Writer’s Conference at Somerset Community College. She also serves as her family’s “keeper of the pen” and eulogy writer.
Vicki graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Cumberlands. She has served on many committees and boards including the regional Workforce Innovative and Opportunity Act (WIAO) and held the state office of Secretary for the March of Dimes Organization.
But the hat she enjoys wearing the most is that of being a sister, wife, mother, and Nonna. Being the baby of her family, she has been spoiled by, as well as learned and inspired by each of her siblings and their spouses. She and Buddy, her husband of 35 years, have been blessed with three of the most wonderful children—Nik, Alex, and Gabe, who married three wonderful spouses, Courtney, Russ, and Sydney. Their family continues to grow as they have added Charlee Grace (2 1/2 years) and Bohannon (11 months) to their fold. They are expecting their third grandchild, Josie Rae, anytime.
2019 MAN OF THE YEAR HONOREE
Jamie Mosley
James Clarence Mosley (Jamie) was born December 7th, 1969 in Hazard, Kentucky. He is the son of Clarence and Debbie Mosley of London, and the grandson of late James and Helen Patrick. He has been married to his wife Kristie Mosley for 17 years and is the father to four girls; Chandler Mosley, Kennedy Mosley, Aubrey Mosley, and Jocey Mosley.
Jamie’s childhood was mostly centered around his love for racing, working alongside his Grandfather and Father who instilled an unmatched work ethic that he still embraces today. Jamie began working his first job at L & T Machine shop in Hazard at the age of 15. He attended Knott County Central as well as M.C. Napier High School where he graduated in 1988.
In 1991 Jamie moved to Laurel County where began working for WKDP Radio Station and Lowe’s Sporting goods. Eventually, his professional career path would begin with the Kentucky State Police as a Dispatcher where he would work three different post assignments throughout the commonwealth between 1995 through 2007, during the same time Jamie also operated a local sign company here in London. After his time with the State Police, Jamie transferred to Kentucky’s Department of Criminal Justice Training in 2007 where he would serve as a Certified Law Enforcement Instructor until filing as a candidate for the position of Laurel County Jailer in December of 2009.
While his commitment to criminal justice has always remained at the forefront of his adult life, Jamie never lost sight of his childhood dream to compete as a driver in the big leagues of NASCAR. In 2002 on a leap of faith Jamie along with a group of friends made their professional stock car racing debut by competing in the ARCA/Remax series at the Kentucky Speedway where they would go on to land a top 20 finish by placing 18th. Over the next twelve months Jamie would make 5 more starts before landing a fulltime ride in the NASCAR Busch Series for longtime car owner Jay Robinson at the Nashville Superspeedway in July of 2003. During the next 15 years Mosley would make numerous starts across the NASCAR Xfinity and NASCAR Gander Outdoors truck series. Today, when time allows, he still competes on a limited basis wheeling his open-wheel modified dirt car on many of the tracks where his dream began years ago.
In 2011, Jamie Mosley became Jailer of Laurel County. Of all the positions and titles he has held, he is most passionate about this one. Jamie often says that this is the most challenging position he has ever held, but also the most rewarding. Since becoming Jailer, Laurel County Corrections has become recognized as one of the elite correctional agencies in the state of Kentucky and the standard that other agencies wish to achieve .
Jailer Mosley has instituted a re-entry program as well as many other classes and programs to help inmates have a fair chance at a fresh start. Through various church organizations, programs, discipline, and a dedicated staff that share Jailer Mosley’s vision, lives are being changed and so is our community.
Jamie has completely remodeled the current correctional facility using inmate labor saving countless tax dollars. Cameras have been placed in cells to reduce inmate assaults and monitor inmate behavior. Jamie has also pioneered the much-needed construction of a new, modern Correctional Center that is set to open this fall. The biggest project of its kind in Laurel County History.
Jamie often says, “You’ll never go wrong doing the right thing”. This mindset has been instilled in every decision that he and his staff make. It will continue to be the driving theme as he continues the work that he was elected to do.
2019 HUMANITARIAN HONOREE
Rev. Gene Greene
Some of Rev. Gene Greene’s earliest memories are loading up in a wagon with his parents and nine siblings and traveling to Levi Jackson park for the annual Homecoming, braving rough dirt roads and joining other wagons of people in the wooded area to celebrate the tradition established in 1935 – just one year after his birth.
Greene was born and raised in Laurel County but his education was limited. Due to the large family, he ended his formal education after grade school so he could work and help his family as the United States recovered from The Great Depression. Although he didn’t attend high school, he continued to study and educate himself with the dream of someday finishing high school.
That dream came to a screeching halt with the Korean War, and Greene, knowing he would be drafted, volunteered at the age of 17 1/2 – an act approved by his parents, who signed for him to enlist. In 1952, he left to defend his country and returned after the cease-fire and joined the Army Reserves for six years until his discharge in 1960.
His service to his country instilled a desire to serve others – a goal that he continues to fulfill today at age 77. He continues to write sermons, lessons, historical notes, and instructions for his family about how to handle the many trials that is experienced in life.
His service and faith in God brought him to serve as an ordained minister. That honor was bestowed on him by Rev. E. A. Gilpin of First Pentecostal Church in 1962, where he worked alongside Gilpin and Rev. Gene Huff. Greene has traveled to Europe and the Middle East where he visited the Holy Land. He has worked in revivals with many different preachers and pastors who helped him in his training and dedication to God.
Greene also worked different jobs throughout his life to support his five children. His vocations have included driving a milk truck, construction worker, heavy equipment operator, farmer and in the coal mines of eastern Kentucky. While many in the community see Interstate 75 as a faster connection for the north and south, Greene was on the scene to help build that road in the 1960s. Greene has also owned several businesses that include an excavating company and as an independent contractor for Kentucky Utilities.
His formal employment ended in 2001 when he was diagnosed with Myleodysplasia Syndrome. Even that, however, didn’t send Greene to the rocking chair of retirement. Instead, he continued his community service work. He has served as pastor of churches in Laurel, Barbourville and Floyd County and is currently the Senior Minister at Soul’s Harbor Church (formerly East London Pentecostal Church). He has also lead several radio programs at local stations in London
He has also served as chaplain at Laurel Heights Home for the Elderly for nine years and is now chaplain for the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. He served for seven years as director of Cooperative Church Ministry, now known as Come Unity Cooperative Care, and has served on the board of OPAC (Older Persons Activity Center) with one term as chairman. He is also a member of the Social Work Board in Frankfort as Citizen-at-Large, being commissioned by the past three governors. He is also a frequent visitor at the Capitol and Annex and has also given prayer at meetings with two sitting Presidents of the United States. Greene is also known as “The Courthouse Preacher,” where he serves through the County Clerk’s office to perform weddings, totaling nearly 2,000 marriage ceremonies all over the state and including the jail, hospital (one performed during labor), a cave, a houseboat, a pontoon, the courthouse and on a farm.
Greene has also witnessed the passing of many friends and family and estimates he has officiated at more than 400 funerals.
His constant quality, however, is his concern for others, his never ending realm of kindness and his extensive knowledge of history. He lives by the first Commandment – to love one another, and he does so without being judgemental or critical. He strives each day to love his neighbors – even if he doesn’t know them – and be a good example for all he meets.
These characteristics earned him this year’s Laurel County Homecoming’s Humanitarian Award for his dedication to his community, to his Lord, and to all those who need a helping hand.
2019 OUT OF TOWNER HONOREE
Jon Carloftis
Whether rustic or elegant, simple or extravagant, Jon Carloftis has done it all.
Raised in southeastern Kentucky near the border of Rockcastle and Laurel counties, Carloftis learned early on about a strong work ethic. He then developed his own interests and talents to become one of the most sought after garden designers today.
His works have been featured in numerous magazines including Southern Living, Garden Design, Edible Louisville, Sophisticated Living, Porches and Gardens, Country Living, Garden Structures and Container Gardens. His designs adorn rooftop gardens in New York and landscaping for residences and businesses across the United States. One of those of which he is proudest, however, is the one at his family’s business, Rockcastle Trading Company, just over the Laurel-Rockcastle County line.
As a 10th generation Kentuckian, Jon graduated from University of Kentucky and moved to New York City in 1988. What was supposed to be a summer spent in the city before starting his business at home in Lexington ended up being a 25 year career of designing and installing rooftop gardens all over Manhattan.
Within a few years of living in Chelsea, he bought an 1850’s farmhouse in Bucks County, PA — close to all of his plant growers and carpenter, making it convenient… other than the daily trek in and out of the city. Although he has built gardens for famous people such as Julianne Moore, Edward Norton, Mike Myers, Google and many well known art collectors, his approach is very simple: First, figure out the problems that need fixed (views, noise, privacy, etc.) and then work with the interior of the space to pull the same feeling outdoors for a seamless connection. From traditional to modern, all of the gardens are built for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors through good design and knowledge of plants.
Now, the next chapter is unfolding back home in Lexington where he bought a historic 1851 historic home called Botherum that had fallen in disrepair and was boarded up. Within a year Jon and partner Dale Fisher received the highest honor in the state for historic restoration of the home and garden. Some amazing projects are ongoing such as the Maker’s Mark Distillery and the Castle & Key Distillery renovations, Governor’s Mansion gardens, EKU and University of the Cumberlands main gardens, several large horse farms and many roof gardens in both Louisville and Lexington.
2019 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE
Randell Brewer
A commonly known name in the Laurel community is that of Randell Brewer.
Known as a businessman and community leader, Brewer is often recognized for his many years as a Kentucky Farm Bureau agent. He opened the Laurel County Farm Bureau office on September 26, 1957 and grew the business to over 10,000 members during the 40 years he operated the business until his retirement in 1997. That business continues to thrive under the supervision of his son-in-law Stan Owens and granddaughter, Hannah Owens Brown and other dedicated employees. He also inspired and encouraged his nephew, Steve Berry, who operates Farm Bureau office is southern Laurel County.
He was born on January 10, 1934 in Laurel County on a small farm in the Laurel River community. He attended a one-room school – Laurel River School – from age four until the eighth grade. He worked as the janitor where his duties involved starting the wood burning stove in the winters, sweeping the floors and burning the trash.
He attended Bush High School and began playing basketball. After graduation he was offered a four year scholarship to Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg to play basketball, but instead chose a two-year scholarship offer from Red Little to Sue Bennett College so he could attend college, play basketball and continue to farm.
It was at Sue Bennett that he met Viola Benge in his freshman year. After completing two years at the London college, he went to Eastern State Teachers College, now known as Eastern Kentucky University. In 1955 he was drafted into the United States Army and spent two years serving his country, traveling to Fort Ord in Monterrey, California, Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and Selfridge Air Force Base near Detroit. In the summer of 1956, he married Viola and the couple has recently celebrate d their 63rd anniversary.
After being discharged in January 1957, Brewer returned home and completed his education at Eastern State Teachers College, receiving his temporary teaching certificate. He was offered a teaching and basketball coaching position at Bush High School. After much prayer, he decided to pursue a career with Kentucky Farm Bureau. That business was located just above where the Sentinel Echo newspaper office is located. During his career with Farm Bureau, he was chosen as “Agent of the Year” several times because of his hard work, dedication and commitment to his customers, community and the company. He still attends the annual Fish Fry for members.
Brewer has served on the First National Bank board of directors since 1978 and has been chairman of the board since 1983. He is currently President of the Laurel County Farm Bureau board and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, a Shriner and member of the Kiwanis Club where he served as President for one year. He has also been named as a Kentucky Colonel, an honor bestowed by the Governor.
He holds his instrument and Multi-Engine Rating Pilot’s License and in 1972, he bought the Leonard Conley farm on Ky.; 229. In 1992, he was one of the developers of Crooked Creek Golf Club.
His faith in God is another characteristic that defines Randell Brewer. For many years he attended Laurel River Missionary Baptist Church where he served as song leader, Sunday School teacher and was eventually ordained as a deacon. He later moved his membership to First Baptist Church of London where he has served as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and was ordained as a deacon there. He has served as chairman of the Deacon Board and on the Finance Committee and is still an active deacon and is Treasurer.
Brewer and his wife have two daughters, Susan and Jane and four grandchildren, Hazelee, Hannah, Randy Barrett and Ally, and three great grandchildren, Caroline, Owen and Millie. Both Susan and Jane are graduates of the University of Kentucky. Susan was a Speech/Language Pathologist and Jane retired as Director of Elementary Education for Laurel County School District. Hazelee and Hannah are both graduates of Georgetown College. Hazelee later attended Samford Pharmacy School and works at Saint Joseph London. Hannah is an agent at Laurel County Farm Bureau. Ally and Randy Barrett are both graduates of the University of Kentucky. Ally works for Varsity in the Louisville region and Randy Barrett is attending dental school at the University of Kentucky.
2019 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Alexander & Associates
Alexander and Associates was created by a Speech Language Pathologist with a dream of developing a welcoming place for kids and adults to receive the best therapy services locally. The owner, Greta Alexander, had a goal of providing a unique service to the community that was unlike any other. Her dream became a reality in a shorter time than estimated. Alexander and Associates began treating in patients 2016 inside a doctor’s office, in one room. It wasn’t long before a bigger space was needed with more therapists, office staff and the addition of Occupational Therapy. Alexander and Associates moved to 4th street and was located in the building with Christian Sturgeons. We operated out of four treatment rooms. The need continued to grow and a state-of-the-art building was completed with a custom gym and sensory room. We have grown to a staff of 17 and are outgrowing our current space with the recent addition of Physical Therapy.
At Alexander and Associates we believe in having open communication in the care of our patients and involving family in the treatment plan. We strive to be kind to everyone that comes through our doors. We treat every patient like our own family members. We at Alexander and Associates believe in hard work and dreams coming true. We could not have grown without the support of our community and families.
2019 NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Kentucky Mutts Animal Rescue
In 2011 our director, Vikki Crook, sent the very first Southeastern Kentucky shelter dog to one of our northern rescue partners, with the help of her daughter Amanda, who is a graduate of South Laurel High School, and was serving as the rescue coordinator for Louisville Metro Animal Services. In 2012 we began working with Ms. Marion Stevens & Mobile Mutts Rescue Transports, local shelters to save lives on a weekly basis. In 2017, our own rescue became an independent 501c non profit. Kentucky Mutts Animal Rescue (KMAR) is a group of dedicated volunteers on a mission to improve and save the lives of animals in Kentucky. Our rescue is based in Laurel County, but also includes fosters/volunteers across the state. We are unified by a common goal….every animal is deserving of a life full of love, security and care!
The animals that come to KMAR do so in a myriad of ways. We work with rural local shelters and pull dogs that were either owner-surrendered or strays that were never claimed; we respond to calls regarding animals in distress or being neglected; we are contacted by people finding strays; and the list goes on. Regardless of how the animals find their way into our homes and into our hearts, we help them! We are very much so a “boots on the ground” organization, intervening on behalf of the animals. We take in many medicals, seniors and special needs dogs.
We are foster based and partner with screened and approved rescues in the northern part of the U.S. to help insure that all of the animals we rescue are given a chance to live the lives they deserve. We do limited adoptions and often encounter animals who are too sick to make the trip northward, whether from years of neglect or chronic illnesses. These sweet souls become Hospice dogs and live their remaining days with love and comfort in the arms of one of our Foster Families.
KMAR receives no funds from any state or federal sources. We are a 501c3, tax-exempt all volunteer organization. All of the animals we house, feed, transport and provide vet care for are funded solely from donations!
Since 2012, we have saved on average 800 lives each year, and in 2018, we were able to save 614 dogs, with our primary shelter partner being from Laurel County. Our rescue along with partner rescues spent over $65,000 locally in this effort. We believe that education, working with the community and our shelter partners is the way to make change in animal welfare laws, but most importantly, to save lives. Visit our website at http;//mobilemuttsrescue.org or www.mobile-mutts.org.
2019 RISING STAR AWARD HONOREE
Amber Henson
A recent graduate of North Laurel High School, Amber Henson has already made her mark in a wide area.
Her many achievements and accolades demonstrate her dedication to her hometown and her community. Henson is an avid reader and wanted to share her interests with others. She got permission to launch a library at Regency Cinema 8 and kept a continuous supply of books for those wishing to enhance their own reading skills with the Free Little Library. She alternated those books periodically to spark the interest of those visiting the movie theater. She was featured in The Sentinel Echo’s Student Spotlight last year for that effort.
Her high school years reflected her continued interest and post-high school goals. She received numerous recognitions for her academic achievements and extracurricular activities through several scholarships. She was awarded the 2018 Prudential Spirit of the Community honoree and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, took dual credit classes at Somerset Community College and was named a SCC Honors Student. She also received the Charles G. Pearl Scholarship, Laurel County Lion’s Club “We Serve” scholarship, Somerset Community College Commonwealth Scholarship, the WYMT Student Achiever award.
Henson is the daughter of Dwayne and Lisa Henson and has one brother, Ryan. She is currently Somerset Community College where she is enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Henson also received the Laurel County Homecoming award for her essay on her feelings about her hometown. Homecoming President Nick Minton said there were several applicants for the award but that Henson’s composition was outstanding.
“She captured the true meaning of the Laurel County Homecoming. Her essay was excellent,” he said. Henson is honored with the Rising Star Award and a scholarship of $500.