Making. Living. Better.

When she was in third grade, Lucy Her and her family caravanned from California with nine other Hmong families and one U-Haul to start a new life in North Carolina. For Lucy, that life has evolved into a passion for helping others in Catawba County. At Goodwill, she is managing a day program that teaches people with developmental barriers the skills needed to become employed and self-sufficient. Listen in as host Hal Row asks Lucy to recount some of her favorite job coaching memories, including re-learning how to roller skate in order to teach a client how to deliver food on eight wheels.

He was hitchhiking in El Salvador while on a Peace Corps mission, and she was riding in the back of her cousin’s pickup truck. This chance encounter led to the perfect match (and another stint with the Peace Corps, this time together!) of two highly engaged individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others in the most interesting ways. Listen as Hal Row peels back the layers of their inspiring story to learn how this power couple is now making a difference in Catawba County, the community they call home.

Sometimes it really does take a village. For Kelly Stewart, a village of people in Catawba County helped keep a young boy from a broken home on track toward a solid future. Now a North Carolina State Trooper, this endurance runner is also a loyal husband, father, grandfather-to-be, U.S. Marine, and Rotarian. And in his free time, he operates a business organizing running events that give back to the community. Listen in as host Hal Row discovers the many interesting facets of this month's storyteller.

How does a barber who comes to Catawba County with just the shirt on his back rise up to become a business owner and elected official? And why exactly is the barbershop such a vital community gathering spot? Host Hal Row learns answers to these questions and more with this month’s storyteller, David Williams.

From industrial designer to cider maker, Justin Fox transformed his passion for making things into buying an orchard and crafting a life for himself and his family in Catawba County. Justin joins host Hal Row to talk apples and inspiration – and just how crazy his wife thought he was when he announced he wanted to become a farmer. Your Host:  Hal Row is the host of First Talk with Hal Row, a broadcast news magazine on WHKY radio weekday mornings featuring news, weather, sports, and conversations with local guests. Known as the voice of Catawba County, Hal is deeply connected to the community and has been recognized with numerous community service awards due to his ongoing volunteer work with local nonprofits. When he’s not behind the microphone or lending a hand, Hal enjoys golf, movies, and vacationing in North Carolina. What does Hal love most about living in Catawba County? “I don’t know of any other place where I could do what I love and receive the support and encouragement I have received from all over