Frank Minnifield.

As the founder and executive director of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, Frank Minnifield is on a mission to recognize football greats who were either born in Kentucky, played for one of Kentucky’s colleges, or simply have a strong connection to the Bluegrass state. And as the only state with a Pro Football Hall of Fame, thanks to Minnifield, Kentucky is in a league of its own. We talked with Frank about his days on the field, the honorees for this year’s Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in late June and what attendees can expect.

LORI KOMMOR: Not only are you the director of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, but you also spent some time on the field. Tell us about that.
FRANK MINNIFIELD: Well if I go all the way back, I started playing organized football when I was about nine, with other kids in the Lexington neighborhood of Castlewood Park. I loved it so much I kept on playing, into high school, then at the University of Louisville. Luckily, I was able to make a career out of it and played for the Cleveland Browns from 1984-1992. Ever since I was nine years old, I’ve always had football in my blood. And I still do.

KOMMOR: What do sports fans have to look forward to at this year’s Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony?
MINNIFIELD: This is an amazing event that really appeals to sports fans of all ages. It’s not only an opportunity to recognize these great athletes, but it’s also a way to give back. The Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday, June 28, at the Louisville Palace is also a fundraiser for the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center at the University of Louisville. They are working to help people, including athletes like football players, recover from spine and brain injuries sustained on the field – and others as well. So this cause is very close to our hearts and we hope this event can make a difference. We are also honoring the Harbaugh family – coaches (and brothers) John and Jim as well as their father Jack, with the Blanton Collier Award for Integrity. We’re so thankful for our sponsors, Sam Swope Auto Group, Clear Channel Radio and Brown-Forman for their support and helping to make this a great event.

KOMMOR: Who is being inducted this year?
MINNIFIELD: This year, we will honor Irv Goode, who was born in Newport, Ky., and played college football at the University of Kentucky then went on to play for the Miami Dolphins, winning the Super Bowl in 1972 and 1973. Also, Lander McCoy (Coy) Bacon was born in Cadiz, Ky., and had an amazing career, playing for the LA Rams, the San Diego Chargers, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Washington Redskins and the Washington Federals. He’s being honored posthumously. We’re honoring Otis Wilson, a linebacker for the University of Louisville who went on to play for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Raiders. In 1985, Otis was a member of the Super Bowl championship Chicago Bears team. Chad Bratzke played college ball at Eastern Kentucky University and went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL – five for the New York Giants and five for the Indianapolis Colts. Finally, we’ll recognize Roman Dissake Oben, who played for the University of Louisville and in the NFL joined the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Super Bowl championship team 2002) and the San Diego Chargers.

KOMMOR: You’ve had some pretty big names inducted in the past.
MINNIFIELD: Yes, indeed we have. We have inducted former University of Louisville football coach Howard Schnellenberger, who attended the ceremony last year. We’ve also welcomed Phil Simms who played for Morehead State then went on to achieve great fame for the New York Giants. We also inducted Phyllis George Brown, the first and only female – but wanted to show that we appreciate contributions by everyone, male or female. Last year we also honored the Manning family and Archie Manning was an amazing and gracious recipient.

KOMMOR: How can we learn more about the event and attend?
MINNIFIELD: Just visit our website, www.kyprofootballhof.org, to learn more. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased on the website, at the Louisville Palace box office or on TicketMaster.

BJ Murray.

BJ Murray recently relocated to the Louisville area to assume the position of executive director of YMCA Camp Piomingo. Each summer, hundreds of youth from across the region descend upon the camp for an experience they will likely remember the rest of their lives. Here, he shares his experiences, inspiration, lessons from summer camp and a newfound fondness for the Louisville area.

LORI KOMMOR: What inspired you to pursue managing summer camp as a career?
BJ MURRAY: While I was a student at Missouri State University I worked as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Wakonda, a relatively small camp with about 100 kids. There, I witnessed what summer camp can do for children, and the next fall I changed my major to Outdoor Recreation. I had never worked with kids on a regular basis, but was amazed at how the camp experience impacted their lives. Two kids in particular had a huge impact on me professionally and personally. One little girl, about 12 years of age used to joke that I could never make her smile. Through the course of her time at camp, I was told that she came from a troubled background and had suffered sexual abuse as a child. I treasured every smile I got from her. Another camper was a troubled boy enduring enormous stress at home with his father in prison and his single mother struggling to raise him on her own. Both situations taught me that we can never give up on these kids.

KOMMOR: A lot of people think of summer camp as just a fun time away from home for the kids, but it’s so much more than that. What is your philosophy about summer camp?
MURRAY: I have a laser focus on the kids. I tell my staff that the five most important things are the kids, the kids, the kids, the kids and the kids. They are central to our mission, and we have to remember that this is their summer camp experience. I want this to be an “upstream” experience for them – so they can learn skills, stay out of trouble, adopt important values and create friendships. It’s amazing to watch the kids talk to one another, cultivating newly-formed social skills and really learn how to manage human relationships away from family, school and, of course, technology. YMCA Camp Piomingo is a safe, welcoming and fun environment – and we want the kids to become self-sufficient individuals who grow on the inside by being outside.

KOMMOR: What do you tell parents considering YMCA Camp Piomingo?
MURRAY: I tell them that we see parents as partners, especially when it comes to making decisions about their child’s experience at summer camp. For instance, if their child is homesick, we reach out to the parent right away to let them know and find out what may be helpful to the child to bring them out of their shell or distract them from feeling scared. I also tell parents that our counselors are top-notch. How do we know? Because as I get to know the applicants, I ask myself “Would I want my own children to grow up to be like this person?” If I do, then most likely, they’ve got the job. And the great part is that our camper/counselor ratio is 4:1, so the kids form strong bonds with counselors by the end of their stay. Camp is critical because for many kids it’s their first time away from home, so it really creates an opportunity for youth development and independent healthy living. That’s what distinguishes YMCA Camp Piomingo.

KOMMOR: You are new to the area, living at the camp, which is located at Otter Creek Recreational Area in Meade County just outside of Louisville. What do you think of Louisville?
MURRAY: My wife and I love it here! It’s strange, she once predicted we might live in Louisville one day. And though we don’t live in Louisville, we do go into town often and love the rich diversity and, particularly, the kindness of complete strangers. We have learned that “southern hospitality” is indeed a very real thing!

KOMMOR: How can parents learn more about Camp Piomingo?
MURRAY: They can certainly visit our web site www.ymcacamppiomingo.org, call us at 502.942.2616 or they can visit us – on the last three Sundays in May we hold open house days for parents and kids. We invite everyone to come out, check out the place and meet some of the staff and counselors. It’s a great way for the kids to become familiarized in advance and for the parents to ask questions. There’s more information about the open house events in May on our web site.

Winny Wearren.

Stormy weather can’t dampen the spirits of those attending the Kentucky Derby! Whether you’ve made the trek from across the country or are a seasoned veteran, the rain-filled skies prove to be no deterrent. The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby turned out to be wild and wet! But, Derby-goers know how to react when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

It’s always fun listening to others’ Derby experiences and what keeps them coming back for more. I caught up with a couple that travels from California every year to attend the Derby, as well as local gal Winny Wearren, and asked them to share their Derby memories with us.

LORI KOMMOR: The Kentucky Derby is considered the most exciting two minutes in sports. Can you share with us the details of your most exciting Derby?
GINA KETCHER: My first Derby was my most exciting. My husband (then boyfriend) and I were sitting in the bleachers together. All our friends were in the infield. About five minutes before the race went off, as we were watching the parade of contenders, he was looking at the odds wall and turned to me and said “How much money do you have?” Now this was 1995 and we were not too far out of college and had bet the previous races that day without much luck. I had $50 left to my name and immediately handed it off to him as he ran for the betting window. He had seen the odds on Thunder Gulch and put my $50 on his nose and his remaining $50 on some other bets with Thunder Gulch. And wouldn’t you know it, Thunder Gulch hit it, paying $51 on a $2 bet. We have come every year since, with the exception of the year we got married and the year our second child was born.

Gina and Keith Ketcher.

KOMMOR: You’ve been to the Derby multiple times. How would you describe the Kentucky Derby weekend experience to someone who has never attended?
KETCHER: There is nothing else quite like Derby. It is a marathon weekend of dresses and hats and drinks and fun. It’s horses and racing and betting and people-watching. There really is nothing else quite like it.
KEITH KETCHER: The Derby experience is simply described. If you like gambling, if you like an adult beverage, and if you like pretty ladies, the Derby has far more supply for all three of these items than whatever demand you can drum up.

KOMMOR: Can you share with us the details of your most exciting Derby?
WINNY WEARREN: I have attended the Kentucky Derby now for 23 years. I can’t imagine missing it. I have so many different memories with so many different groups of friends. My husband, Andrew, and I started going to the infield with friends back in college. We’ve done the paddock. We’ve had boxes on different floors and done the turf club. No matter where I am at Churchill Downs, when “My Old Kentucky Home” starts playing and the horses come out of the starting gate, it’s just as exciting for me now as it was 23 years ago. One of my most memorable moments at the Derby was in 2009 when a friend and I placed a bet together. We picked a long shot with 50-1 odds and have never screamed louder than when Mine That Bird exploded across the finish line first and made history!

KOMMOR: How would you describe the Kentucky Derby weekend experience to someone who has never attended?
WEARREN: The Derby experience for us usually begins on Thursday evening as out-of-town guests arrive and the parties begin. The girls usually meet up on Friday morning at one of our homes to have mimosas and do hair and makeup together. The husbands pick us up and we are off to an Oaks brunch before heading to the races. We spend the day at the track winning or losing, but either way having a ball. If our feet are holding up, we head to someone’s home for dinner and drinks and then on to the Maxim party at the Mellwood Arts Center. The next morning we start all over again! The best accessories to have at Derby are a great hat, good friends and a Mint Julep in hand. With that, you are guaranteed to leave the track a winner!

Julia Carstanjen. Photo by CHRIS HUMPHRYES | The Voice-Tribune.

Churchill Downs has gone through many transformations over the years, and this weekend they plan to unveil their latest makeover: The Mansion.

The new ultra-luxe, premium seating space is equipped to offer guests the ultimate racetrack experience – From the moment guests are escorted to their private elevator and greeted by a host in the foyer with beautiful Italian marble and dramatic light fixtures that help set the mood.

Upon entering The Mansion, your eyes are drawn to the stunning bar in the heart of the main room stocked with the finest wines and liquors to satisfy any VIP guest. Not to go unnoticed are the oversized custom made hats by Frank Olive hanging in, what’s referred to as, the living room. This is part of the art installation by Julia Carstanjen who has selected an eclectic array of art from local artists.

Art is something Julia is passionate about, and I caught up with her to find out what inspired her latest project.

LORI KOMMOR: The latest addition to Churchill Downs, The Mansion, is scheduled to open this weekend. It’s designed for guests seeking the ultimate in luxury experience as they enjoy the Sport of Kings. You have carefully selected the artwork that will adorn The Mansion. What have you chosen?
JULIA CARSTANJEN: There are over 100 great artworks in a wide range of media we selected for The Mansion, so it’s difficult to highlight only a few, but Bryce Hudson’s digital portraits from Zephyr Gallery, Brook White’s hand-blown glass sculptures from Flame Run, and (the) abstract works from Mellwood Art Center are amazing! In addition, Jo Ross helped us with having four custom, “larger than life” hats created by Gabriel Amar of Frank Olive, Inc. exclusively for The Mansion. They have been installed on clear wire from the ceiling so that they seem to “float in mid-air.” She also co-curated with me to have 26 hats on loan from the Science Center which have been arranged in museum quality display cases to evoke 139 years of hats worn by guests attending the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby!

KOMMOR: You felt it was important to support our local artists and maintain a sense of the Bluegrass in The Mansion. Why was this so important to you?
CARSTANJEN: Yes, it was requested by The Mansion’s project development team that this art collection feature our local talented artists, which I believe is a “win-win” for both the artists and Churchill Downs. Guests attending both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby may become new art collectors as well!

KOMMOR: Is it true the art can be purchased?
CARSTANJEN: Yes, the artworks are for sale, and information will be available and distributed to guests who inquire about them. There will be someone to assist with questions regarding the art and pricing.

KOMMOR: How has your background and expertise in art affected the art selection process?
CARSTANJEN: After graduating from New York University with a master’s degree in art management, I’ve worked in museum, gallery and corporate art advisory positions where I’ve helped research and organize art exhibitions for over 15 years. This is my dream job! It’s thrilling to connect an artist with a new collector.

Joey Wagner.

To say Joey Wagner has found his niche as one of Louisville’s premier event promoters is an understatement. In one of the toughest industries to survive, he’s proven he has his hand on the pulse and plans to hold it there. So, with Derby fast approaching it’s a sure bet Joey will be hosting some of our city’s hottest events!

I sat down with Joey to find out the details of his upcoming events and where you can purchase tickets.

LORI KOMMOR: The fifth annual Jocktails celebrity jockey bartending charity event will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at PRIME Lounge. Can you share with us the event’s details?
JOEY WAGNER: Yeah, we are excited about our fifth annual Jocktails at the Derby presented by Sun Tan City and Planet Fitness. To get to five years was one of my goals when we started this event. Jocktails is our celebrity/charity bartending event that we started taking around the country at major sporting events and has really blown up. At (Jocktails at the) Derby, some of the Kentucky Derby jockeys bartend the event from 7 to 10 p.m. and raise money for charity. Jocktails is a private invite only event and is also sponsored by Maker’s Mark, Pinnacle Vodka, Old 502 Winery, Stella Artois and Stock Yards Bank.

KOMMOR: Making a difference in the lives of others is not to be taken for granted. Jocktails benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDFJ). Tell us how your event is making a difference.
WAGNER: Every year we donate 100 percent of the tips the bartenders make to the PDJF. The PDJF raises money for jockeys who have been injured while riding and the money we raise goes towards their medical bills and helps with financials for those injured riders. The PDJF has been amazing to work with. I cannot thank PDJF Executive Director Nancy Lasala enough. We look forward to raising as much money as we can for them each year.

KOMMOR: Can you disclose the jockeys who will be bartending at this year’s event?
WAGNER: Confirmed this year are Julien Leparoux, Gary Stevens, Jon Court, James Graham, Kent Desormeaux, John Velazquez and a bunch more jockeys will be announced the week of Derby.

KOMMOR: You are at the top of your game in one of the toughest industries. Your events have stood the test of time. Share with us the secrets to your success?
WAGNER: Keep the customer happy and produce events that people are going to remember. I love thinking outside the box and making my events different than a normal event. I have always lived by the philosophy with my events that I want people to walk in and be like “WOW” and when they walk out they can’t wait to come back to my next event. I think I have done a pretty good job with that, and that’s why I have been doing events in this city for over 14 years now.

KOMMOR: Derby is right around the corner, and with that comes our city’s busiest time of the year. What’s in store for the J Wagner Group Derby week?
WAGNER: Besides Jocktails, we will be producing the Grey Goose Lounge Thursday through Saturday and then doing some private hospitality for some big clients. The Grey Goose Lounge will be located at 104 W. Main (St.) Downtown. We will have celebrity DJ Eric D-Lux deejaying on Thursday night along with NFL Pro Bowler Shaun Phillips hosting the party. Friday night we have world famous DJ Irie (Official DJ of the Miami Heat, Jamie Foxx, Good Morning America, TNT Inside the NBA, and the NBA) deejaying the lounge. The Grey Goose Lounge is open to the public and (you must be) 21 and over to enter. If anyone is interested in VIP tables, they can email me at Joey@JWagnerGroup.com.

KOMMOR: Your Derby parties are known for attracting some of the hottest celebrities that come in town for the Derby. Can you disclose your celebrity list for this year?
WAGNER: We have a lot of celebs, agents, mangers, etcetera calling and e-mailing right now asking what we have going on. We usually don’t get confirmations (until) the week of, or I will literally get a call on my cell from a celeb or their manager the night of saying they are on their way. But we always bring in some of the best DJs in the world that the celebs know, are friends with and recognize from L.A., Vegas, Miami, etcetera, so that always helps.

KOMMOR: Where can tickets be purchased for all your upcoming events?
WAGNER: We only pre-sale VIP tables for our events, and (people interested) can e-mail me for information on that. (For) the Grey Goose Lounge, Thursday through Saturday Derby weekend, people can buy tickets at the door and those tickets will start at $10.

STORE DIRECTORY
Kelli’s Gift Baskets, www.gottagetabasket.com, Kelli@gottagetabasket.com, 502.417.0253.
Bedded Bliss, 3936 Chenoweth Square, 502.899.5153.
Etcetera, 4913 Brownsboro Road, 502. 425.9277.
Why Louisville, 1583 Bardstown Road, 502.456.5400; 806 E. Market St., 502.290.7778.
Cellar Door Chocolates, 1201 Story Ave., 502.561.2940.