Bluegrass Region Voices and Views

Episode 66 One of Kentucky's finest citizens and public servants died in September 2026. He is Orville Cook. He was the most senior living firefighter in Lexington and Georgetown Kentucky. He died at age 96. I taped this conversation with him in 2023 when he was 93. This is a reposting of that conversation that was titled Stories by Senior Firefighter Orville Cook. Show notes and photographs are on my website at https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/honoring-orville-cook

Episode 65 Wes Blake is a writer, english teacher and writing instructor here in Kentucky.  He is also an advocate for equality in education in our public school system. In this conversation you will learn about his recently published book, Pineville Trace. You will also discover many opportunites to meet local writers here in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. Complete show notes including photos on our website at https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/wes-blake/  

Episode 64 I'm Tom Hailey and this is Bluegrass Region Voices and Views. I have a little announcement to make. I'm taking a three-month vacation from many of my usual routines. I say three months. It might be longer. As part of this change I won't be producing full length podcast episodes. I might drop by on occasion with a brief update. But I might not. But I probably will. I've not done this before so I'm not sure how I'll react to being on what I'm thinking of as a creative sabbatical. Besides travelling I'll be taking a course about video production and maybe one on writing. I'll also be experimenting with audio techniques. That will be enought medio projects for me for a few months. I'm excited to learn new ways to tell stories, and maybe even add a new visual dimension to Bluegrass Region Voices and Views down the road. So, for now, I'll be hitting the "pause" on full episodes, but not on curiosity. I plan to be back before long, sometime in 2026 - refreshed, with new ideas, and probably a few stories to share about what I've learned along the way. In the meantime, thank you so much for listening, subscribing, and supporting this show. I truly appreciate you being part of this community. Until next time - take care and stay curious. Bluegrass Region Voices and Views...hosting conversations with creative and inspiring people and spotlighting engaging activities, organizations, and places around the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. You can find complete show notes, links, and photographs on my website at: https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/retreat Thanks for listening. -Tom Hailey  

Episode 63 Helping children with special needs navigate the school system in Lexington in the early 60's was challenging.  In this conversation we'll hear from Bill McCann about how his family found a solution that worked for him. Today he is a playwright, member of the Dramatists Guild, a poet, flash fiction writer, essaysist, and occasional radio host. He's earned multiple college degress and teaches college classes on writing. Drop in on our conversation after I've asked Bill where he was born and raised. Show notes with links are on my website at https://bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/yearnings

Episode 62 Aging is challenging. In this episode I talk with the founder of the Aging with Grace program in Lexington, Kentucky. The programs include: The Adult Day Healthcare Center named the Fountain of Youth Clubhouse Independence Consultation and Case Management At Home Health Help Services Home Improvements You'll get to know DG Linton Gridley and understand her interest in our aging population. Links and pictures are in the shownotes on my website at: https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/clubhouse Bluegrass Region Voices and Views...hosting conversations with creative and inspiring people and spotlighting engaging activities, organizations, and places around the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. You can find complete show notes, links, and photographs on my website at: https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com Thanks for listening. -Tom Hailey  

Episode 61 The Digital Studio in Lexington, Kentucky is a gem for local creative people interested in podcasting, video, photography, music, audio books, and more. It is located inside the Northside Branch of the Lexington Public Library. Drop in on this conversation with the studio manager, Bryan Klausing. Bluegrass Region Voices and Views...hosting conversations with creative and inspiring people and spotlighting engaging activities, organizations, and places around the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. You can find complete show notes, links, and photographs on my website at: https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/studio Thanks for listening. -Tom Hailey  

Episode 60 Learn how you get help navigating the planning of your wedding. Sarah Burton has a wedding concierge service based in Lexington, Kentucky. You just might be amazed at all of the guidance she can provide. Bluegrass Region Voices and Views...hosting conversations with creative and inspiring people and spotlighting engaging activities, organizations, and places around the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. You can find complete show notes, links, and photographs on my website at: https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/wedding Thanks for listening. -Tom Hailey  My website is HERE    

Episode 59 Jennifer Longworth is the Executive Director of Awesomeness at Bourbon Barrel Podcasting located in Lexington, Kentucky. This is where she offers podcast production and coaching services. Get to know her in this conversation. Her website is at https://bourbonbarrelpodcasting.com/ More links and photographs are in the Show Notes on the Bluegrass Region Voices and Views website at https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/jennifer Bluegrass Region Voices and Views...hosting conversations with creative and inspiring people and spotlighting engaging activities, organizations, and places around the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. Thanks for listening. -Tom Hailey  

Episode 58 Stagefright, or even a little relunctance to stand up in a meeting and express ourselves, can be inhibit our growth and advancement in our jobs. Toastmaster is a perfect place to overcome that anxiety. I'll tell you about a great place to overcome all that here in Lexington, Kentucky. Bluegrass Region Voices and Views...hosting conversations with creative and inspiring people and spotlighting engaging activities, organizations, and places around the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. You can find complete show notes, links, and photographs on my website at: https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/club Thanks for listening. -Tom Hailey    

Episode 57 Greg Horn, Executive Director at Hope is Here in Lexington, Kentucky talks with me about overcoming desperation and some resources that are available to help. Links are in the show notes on my website. Bluegrass Region Voices and Views...hosting conversations with creative and inspiring people and spotlighting engaging activities, organizations, and places around the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. You can find complete show notes, links, and photographs on my website at: https://www.bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com/hope Thanks for listening. -Tom Hailey