2016 Homecoming Honorees
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Robinson Premium Meats
Introducing our “Business of the Year” Award: Robinson Premium Meats. Robinson Sausage Co. that now does business as Robinson’s Premium Meats started in East Bernstadt in 1957 in the original 2nd National Bank building. My parents Roscoe and Vernie ran a grocery store there and my dad started butchering hogs to sell through his store, and my mom started making breakfast sausage that everyone really liked.
They sold it through the store’s butcher shop and some of the other local stores began to sell it too. Later, my brother Albert started delivering it on a truck to other towns. Many of those stores asked for other meat and cheese items so he began to distribute those products along with our sausage. We built a new plant in Pittsburg in 1960 and now service nearly half of Kentucky and some of Tennessee and Virginia. At one time we served some of Indiana and Ohio but chose to not continue in them. Next year in 2017, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of our business. To my knowledge, we are the 2nd oldest meat company in Kentucky.
“To stay in business over a long period of time one has to be persistent, and take the tough economic times along with the easy ones, and never give up. Also, try new things from time to time and eliminate the things that don’t work well. We are proud to carry on the business my parents started’, said Jimmy Robinson. “We presently have many of our products made to our specification literally from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from Florida to almost in Canada. I wish we had equipped ourselves to produce more items here in Laurel County. Maybe this will be in our future. I would like for it would be”, stated Robinson.
When asked about his childhood his reply: “My childhood and that of my brothers was different from most. Being reared in a family with a slaughterhouse is very unusual. In school, it helped though. We did know all about the bones, muscles, and organs in hogs and cows which gave us a great advantage in anatomy, physiology and health classes. Maybe some of us should have become surgeons!”
NON-PROFIT AWARD
United Way – Judy Nicholson
We are pleased to announce the recipient of our “Non-Profit” Award: Judy Vaughn Nicholson- United Way
Judy Vaughn Nicholson.
Judy graduated from Lily High School and attended Sue Bennett College and EKU. After 25 years as a case worker, she retired from Department for Human Resources . Since 2003, she has been director of United Way. (A non-profit organization which helps: Optimist Club, Adult Literacy, OPAC, Girl Scouts, Chad’s Hope, Shop With A Cop, Rescue Squad, 4- H, Sunrise Children Services, Life Center, CV Domestic Violence, First Priority, Laurel Heights Physical Therapy Facility, St. Williams Thanksgiving Program, Kids Life Camp.) United Way also administers the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Summer Feeding Program, Long Term recovery for natural disasters, school supplies and shoes for needy children. Judy has been instrumental in writing and securing grants for the summer feeding program.
This year will be the 60th year for the United Aid Auction . We are using the basic format that has been used for 60 years with local celebrities and volunteers answering the phones and working the bid boards. Items sold are donated by local merchants. It has improved over the years as the auction is now streamed live over the internet as well as being viewed on local TV and broadcast on radio stations. $20,000 is raised from the event.
“As United Way Director, it never ceases to amaze me the number of people who have supported us through the years. This support we are able to have such a huge impact on our community. We are continuing accessing our community needs and through partnerships or our own programs address these needs. A perfect example of this was our “Dance Your Shoes Off” event which raised hundreds of pairs of shoes for our children. There are now several other non profits who also do shoes drives to make sure our children have proper shoes to wear during the school year. We are proud to have identified an urgent need and are glad that other groups have joined us in seeing that this need is met.” Judy sits on World Chicken Festival Board, former Chamber of Commerce Ambassador with Red Bud Ride, Cancer Society, London Downtown, Empty Bowl Event, and St. Joseph, London, Health Fair, to name a few. United Way is also the current Chamber of Commerce non-profit of the year. Judy has one daughter, Tara, who is an occupation therapist and three grandchildren Chase, Berkley and Gannon.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Danny Pressler
Introducing our 2016 “Humanitarian Award” Recipient Danny Pressler: Danny Lee Pressler was born September 1951 to the late Sam & Thelma Earley Pressler at Bartholomew County Hospital in Columbus Indiana. He has 4 siblings: Tom Pressler, Veronica Hampton, Paul Collins and the late George Pressler. He attended Hope Elementary School in Indiana. Then, he moved to London where he attended London Elementary and London High School. He played basketball and was voted “Best School Spirit”. He graduated in 1972. He worked a few part times jobs until he was hired as a custodian at London Elementary in 1975. Due to a heart attack and various health issues he was forced to retire from manual labor. That didn’t stop him from wanting to mingle with his friends of the community.
One day, Danny saw an ad in the Sentinel-Echo for a Newspaper Salesman. So after about six months of retirement, he was hired. He was given a tricycle to help him travel around town. Later the community of friends and businesses went together and purchased him another one with a box on the back to keep his papers dry. Though he wasn’t doing this for money, it was for the love of his friends and HIS town of London. His favorite thing to do is picture taking at events of his family and friends. He always loved to go to the Homecoming and help anyway he could. He was always wanting to help everyone. In July 2014, his life changed. He became very ill and has since been battling several health issues. But, he has always been in the thoughts and prayers of everyone that knows and loves him.
Danny has spent his life giving of himself to others. If there was any type of event in Laurel County, you would find Danny in the midst. He has met National and State leaders as well as people from every social level imaginable. One thing, however, status meant nothing to Danny. He never judged someone by their clothing, their speech, what they drove, where they lived or the
amount of money they had. Danny wanted only one thing from the people he met – a reciprocation of his love and his hugs. If you were around Danny very long, you would see him flipping through the photographs in his fanny pack. He would come out with a photo to give you. One he had taken at some time and place just to capture your laugh and your smile. He would smile from ear to ear as he handed you the photo. Payment for these photos was the feeling he had as he gave the gift.
The humanitarian award encompasses an array of definition. Compassion, humane, good Samaritan and social reformer are some of the definitions. I especially love the social reformer. The reason, how much better would this world be if all of us gave freely of our gifts, our hugs, our hearts and our love? How much would this world be reformed?
The following scripture comes to mind when I think of Danny: John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Judy Mays House
Introducing our “Woman of the Year”, Judy Mays House. When I was born, my mother named me Julia. She said “I was a jewel.” She must have changed her mind quickly , because I have always been called Judy! I grew up on a farm in rural McWhorter – the oldest of 3 siblings – where I helped grow a garden and chopped tobacco for countless hours in the blazing hot sun. I will always be eternally grateful for the work ethic that was instilled in my at a very earl age. The highlight of every week was hitchhiking into London on Saturday morning with my Mamaw to spend the day. She would give me a dollar and let me browse the aisles at Hoskins Five and Dime and then buy me a cheeseburger at Dyche or Begley Drug.
My childhood past time was playing paper dolls. My neighbor, Vee McGee, always had a stash of catalogs and she would give them to me. When I outgrew the dime stores of downtown, it was inevitable that I discovered Latanes Town & County Shoppe It was like the Paperdolls that I cut from catalogs – truly came to life. I was in awe of the beautiful clothes and the elegant lady who owned it – Latane Cook. I am still in awe of her. I will always remember the day I wanted a pair of Aigner shoes and my Mom didn’t have enough money to buy them. So, Latane let her
charge them and make payments. One never forgets such acts of kindness.
As we all must do, I grew up and graduated high school. Spent one year at college and hated it. I worked several jobs until I was eventually hired at Circle J Western Wear – a fabulous retail store that opened in Dog Patch Center. From the moment I walked in the door – I knew I had found my niche You see, retail was like paper dolls for grown ups! 15 years later, in Sept 1996, a dream came true when I opened Paperdolls Ladies Boutique on East 4th Street. That same month, at 40 I was granted a miracle and 9 months later Hunter House was born. When Hunter was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was what I call the time of the 3 B’s – business, baby and breast cancer. By the grace of God and the love and support of the wonderful people surrounding me, I can honestly say that I am stronger and better and more grateful because of it.
In was in 2001 that Latane Cook asked me if I wanted to move Paperdolls into her building on Hill Street. It was at that time that my life came full circle. Often I am asked why I don’t move to a different, more visible location. I say its because I choose not to – this is my destiny. 4 1/2 years ago, my passion for still laying Paperdolls extended across the street to a very unique loft area inside Carousel Florist and Hill Street Loft was born. I believed London needed a hi-contemporary boutique and, thankfully, I was right. The Loft quickly outgrew its space and has since moved next door My sister and niece have taken ownership of that store and I am so proud to mentor and be a part of this retail legacy.
In my spare time, I love to sing and write gospel songs. I am currently in the process of recording some of the songs I have written and hope to be finished this year – with the help of my friend and master musician, Kirk Hacker. I enjoy acting and was an avid supporter of the local theaters. Sadly, they no longer exist My shining moment was getting to portray Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias. My great joy on earth is my son, Hunter and all of his endeavors.
I especially enjoy the role of a soccer Mom. Next month, I will celebrate 20 years in business at Paperdolls in my beloved downtown London. On any given day, there are hugs and tears and prayers and “I love you’s”. It is my ministry and I am blessed – and strive to be a blessing to all the old and new friends who choose to walk through my doors.”
LIFETIMER AWARD
Brenda Lou McWhorter Martin
Introducing the 2016 “Life Timer” Award (given posthumously) to Brenda Lou McWhorter Martin: Brenda Lou McWhorter Martin was a paradox. On one hand, she was a gentle woman, wife, and mother, who loved her church, Twin Branch Methodist , and her husband, Ronnie, son, Brad, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and grandchildren, Hunter and Kaley, but on the other hand, she was a Steel Magnolia.
Brenda Martin was the engineer that kept the train on the tracks, when she and her group of friends, known as the Steel Magnolias, took over the production of the Laurel County Homecoming in 1979. It was the best of times and the worst of times for these ladies that undertook that job for twenty plus years. Some years everything went right, and other years, everything that could go wrong did. But one thing remained the same: Brenda Lou’s determination to produce the best Homecoming for the residents of Laurel County that she could never wavered.
The Homecoming Committee was in charge of every event during the annual week of the full moon in August. From Flea Markets to the Gospel Singing and talent shows to the Teen and Miss Pageants and everything in between, Brenda Lou dotted every “I” and crossed every “T.” There were donors and sponsors to be contacted, venues to be booked, teas to be planned and registration forms to be distributed and collected. There was a parade to be planned, city commission meetings to attend, police to be notified, and rules to follow. There were headaches and setbacks, contingency plans to be drawn up, and above all, a public to please.
In addition, there were improvements to be made to Levi Jackson State Park. The stage needed to be resurfaced. She spearheaded the endeavor. There was a crumbling stage backdrop that needed to be painted. She made it happen…. Twice!!! There were records to be kept, receipts to be carefully cataloged, donations to be collected, and a ledger to be carefully balanced. Through it all, she kept driving the train on down the tracks. Known affectionately as the “Church Lady” to the Steel Magnolias, not only because of her service to Twin Branch
Known affectionately as the “Church Lady” to the Steel Magnolias, not only because of her service to Twin Branch Methodist Church as their Secretary-Treasurer for many years, but also because of her unyielding commitment to her strong morals and character, Brenda Lou was a sterling example of what service to others really looks like. In addition to her service on the Homecoming Committee, Brenda Lou was also the Director of the “Miss Cumberland Falls Pageant,” a preliminary to the Miss Kentucky Pageant for several years.
In an article, published in the Sentinel-Echo, about the Steel Magnolias, one quote states, “They braved storms, heat, fatigue and more to bring us the Laurel County Homecoming and through it all these Steel Magnolia’s have remained best of friends.” What the Sentinel-Echo didn’t know was that there are over twenty years worth of stories, yet untold, about the sacrifice, joy and events that the Steel Magnolias lived during those glory days of the Laurel County Homecoming, and Brenda Lou knew every single one.
What a woman she was! What a life she lived! And what an example she was to everyone who knew her as a woman who loved her God, her country, her community, her family and her Steel Magnolia Sisters. She truly paid it forward, living her life for others.
OUT OF TOWNER AWARD
Nancy Allf
Introducing our 2016 ” Out of Towner” Award Nancy Allf: Nancy Allf grew up in Laurel County but spread her wings and has made an impact on the Las Vegas community. The daughter of the late George Allf and Juanita Allf Mendoza, she graduated from Laurel County High School and pursued a law career at Transylvania University, graduating in 1979, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Pre-Law and French. She received her law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 1982. After graduation she moved to Las Vegas and was admitted to practice in 1983.
Judge Allf entered private practice in 1983 where she focused primarily on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. Since mission to the bar Judge Allf has taken an active role in enhancing the legal community in Nevada. In 1999 she served as ident of the Clark County Bar Association and later as President of the State Bar of Nevada in 2007. In 2000 she served dent of the Board of Directors of the Clark County Law Foundation. She is currently an active member in the American Bar Association, the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys, and the Southern Nevada Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys.
In 1999, Judge Allf was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater, Transylvania University. Her law school named her as Alumna of the Year in 2010. Judge Allf has also been honored by the Clark County Pro Bono Project, for her service to the community. In 2005 she was named as one of the 300 women who shaped the history of Las Vegas by the of Diversity Project.
The Nevada Supreme Court appointed Judge Allf as a Settlement Judge from 1998-2007. In 2005 she was appointed to Judge in the Short Trial Program of the 8th Judicial District. The Nevada Supreme Court also appointed Judge Allf to the Court Task Force in March 2000 and the Pro Bono Compliance Committee in September 2002.
Despite her busy career, Judge Allf maintains a close family relationship with her family including her stepfather, Greg Mend sister Linda Allf Tabor and husband Rob, her niece Rachel Tabor. She is married to Dave Thomas, who has been prominent state and national election campaigns. Allf and her family reside in Las Vegas.
MAN OF THE YEAR
Garry Conley
Introducing our 2016 “Man of The Year” Honoree! Garry Conley is the Owner/President of Minuteman Press of London KY. A 1974 graduate of Laurel County High School, Garry continued his education at the Nashville Auto Diesel College with a goal of owning his own Diesel Shop. Over the next 30 years, he worked his way up the ranks of Whayne Supply Company to managing the Highway Truck Shop for nearly 20 years. At age 47, the opportunity presented itself for a total career change and he traded it all for a printing franchise.
“The Diesel Shop never materialized but in 2004, Amy and I both felt God was leading us in this direction. We cashed in our retirement, purchased a failing business in a field we knew nothing about, never really considering that something could go wrong. We both quit our jobs and put everything we have into this adventure. Looking back we realize what a leap of faith it was but at the time, it was the most logical decision I ever made.”
In 2015, Garry received the “Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award” from the area’s top small business supporters. Presented by EKU College of Business, KY Highlands Investment Corporation, Southern KY Economic Development and The Center for Rural Development this award represents the pinnacle of achievement after over a decade of long days and short weekends in a difficult economic environment.
Garry serves on the Board of Directors and as an Ambassador for the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce and is a Past President of the London Rotary Club. He enjoys being involved with Junior Achievement in the Laurel County School system with over 100 students so far completing “Career Success-How to Get Hired, How to Stay Hired”. He has also served on several career panels at both North & South Laurel High Schools in the area of Business Success.
For most of their 40-year marriage, Garry and Amy have been very active in Children’s Ministry and have served as Children’s Pastors at Corbin Parkway Ministries for over 26 years. Working with kids has been a tireless passion for them and the business offered another avenue when they began sponsoring Optimist Club Football and Little League Baseball. We have watched our football team win the league championship 2 years in a row and watched our boys baseball and girls softball teams that both had players that advanced to state and national tournaments. It is not unusual to see Garry running down the sidelines like any other parent cheering his team to victory. After all, these are his kids, too.
Garry and Amy are very proud of their family. Michael is employed with the US Postal Service in Chattanooga where he and wife, Jenna, live with their children, Grace, Jack and Audrey. Matt lives in Keavy with his wife, Jessica and their daughter, Rylee. Matt works in the family business as a digital and wide format specialist. Four-year-old Rylee also spends her days at Minuteman where she is in charge of employee motivation and customer entertainment. Of all the titles, they have won in their careers, the ones of which they are most proud are, “Papa” and “Mamae”.
RISING STAR AWARD
Morgan Philpot
Living in Laurel County has impacted my life from an early age, starting with my educational career. The quality education, care and love I received at Sublimity Elementary ignited my desire to learn and achieve success. The quality staff set an example for me and others to strive to always do our best. I have carried that same motivation instilled in me at such a young age throughout my academic, athletic and social ventures.
Levi Jackson State Park is a place I feel proud to be able to enjoy. Whether it’s a family gathering, spontaneous picnics, or sleigh riding at the amphitheater with friends, I will always cherish the memories I have made while enjoying the beauty of our park. I was privileged to participate in the time-honored Laurel County Homecoming Pageant this past year. Although I did not walk away with the crown, it was an experience that I will never forget!
I am impressed by the continuing expansion of Laurel County and enamored by the beauty of St. Joseph Hospital. I Feel it is a major event in the life of not just our community but that of the tri-county area. As it is now part of the KentuckyOne Health system, local residents can receive cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurologic, obstetrics/gynecologic, pediatric and hematology/oncology without have to travel to Knoxville, Lexington or Louisville to receive care. St. Joseph London has been recognized by Healthgrades for Providing Outstanding Patient Experience three years in a row while also being recognized as a Top 10 in the nation for Neurosurgery, Pulmonary Care and Stroke Care. I am thankful to have been able to witness this dramatic change and see the positive impact it continues to have on our health care system and economy.
Although I could not imagine a more perfect place to live, there is always room for improvement. There are changes that I believe could be beneficial to Laurel County. I see a need by our residents and our local government to more fully address the problem of homelessness within our community. As our nation’s economy falters, the impact will possibly be felt here in an even greater way than it is now. We had a homeless shelter that had to be closed due to lack of funding. We have wonderful leaders in Laurel County and I feel that they should step up and provide a plan for the homeless in our community. I also feel as if some of the responsibility should be placed upon the religious community. Businesses that are able and the community at large should be encouraged to assist the funding and promotion of this cause.
On a more personal level, I would love to see a shopping mall and greater choice in restaurants, especially a Chick-fil-a!
Laurel County has some of the greatest people on earth. Some have shaped and molded me thru their influences, others I have grown up with and no matter where our futures lead, I will be forever grateful for the lifelong friendships and memories. Laurel County is a place of interest and beauty and I am proud to be a part of its history.