Its Everything West Texas: Recent Episodes

Floyd Miller

Hello I am Floyd Miller the host of It's Everything West Texas and I mean everything. Some of our topics are going to make you laugh and some will make you cry. I guarantee you all of them will make you think.It is the Podcast that highlights people and issues in West Texas. Our stories are relevant, interesting, informative and will be presented with integrity,In other words we don't want to talk over you, we don't want to talk past you,e\we don't want to talk about you but as a neighbor we want to talk with you. The goal is not necessary to get agreement but it is about understanding.We will talk Sports, Politics, Health, Education, Business, Finance and the Hot Topics in your community

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On Thursday May 22nd I met with Brandon Scott Thomas, senior development officer at TSTC and Kevin Staton, electrical powers control instructor for a podcast to discuss their money-back guarantee and other updates at TSTC.

According to Thomas starting this fall, TSTC will offer a money-back guarantee across all programs. "If you have not been hired in six months after graduation, you get your entire tuition back," said Thomas. "We believe in our job placement rate so much that we're putting our money where our mouth is."

The guarantee reflects the college's confidence in its track record. Kevin Staton, an instructor in the electrical power and control program, said TSTC's "graduation rate and job placement rate is over 87% right now."

"I have not graduated a student in my field that had not had a job unless he didn't want one," Staton said.

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I nor the West Texas Tribune or It's Everything West Texas is making an endorsement. However we will give all the council candidates an opportunity to be interviewed.

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I nor the West Texas Tribune or It's Everything West Texas is making an endorsement. However we will give all the council candidates an opportunity to be interviewed.

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I nor the West Texas Tribune or It's Everything West Texas is making an endorsement. However we will give all the council candidates an opportunity to be interviewed.

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I nor the West Texas Tribune ot It's Everything West Texas is making an endorsement. However we will give all of the council candidates an opportunity to be interviewed.

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I nor the West Texas Tribune ot It's Everything West Texas is making an endorsement. However we will give all of the council candidates an opportunity to be interviewed.

Exercise your right to vote.

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Betty Bradley has been the Executive Director for Meals on Wheels since July 1st, 1975. As Meals on Wheels prepare to celebrate their 50th Anniversary they are facing some financial challenges.

Betty and her Board of Directors have been good stewards for many years. However the budget cuts that are going into effect could take away 1.9 million dollars or about half of their budget.

If this happens it will take food out of the mouths of the most vulnerable people in our community. It is also a life saver from another standpoint. Those volunteers have found many sick or injured clients that they were able to get help for.

Our own Congressman Jody Arrington, is Chairman of the House Budget Committee that's doing the cutting. A call to him could possibly help. Here is the email contact jonathan.kupperman@mail.house.gov

I will make a donation to Meals on Wheels

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Karen Lindsey tells her story of overcoming sexual abuse and the power of forgiveness.

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Crystal King and Karen Light two individuals involved in the West Texas Right To Life organization discusses how and why Abilene, Texas was the first city in Texas to get the Safe Haven Baby Box.

We have also reprinted an article written By Kim Schwartz with Texas Right to Life by

Abilene became the first city in Texas to put up a Safe Haven Baby Box at a local fire station.

The box is temperature-controlled, padded, and monitored, providing a safe and anonymous option to parents wishing to surrender their children.

When someone opens the door of the box, a silent alarm alerts firefighters who then would take the baby to a hospital for a medical evaluation.

A local Pro-Life organization raised $20,000 to make this option a reality in Texas and it was finally installed at Abilene’s Fire Station No. 7 Tuesday.

Tragically, Texas leads the nation in infant abandonment, according to KLTV.

Texas’ “Baby Moses” law allows parents who may not be able to care for their child to safely place him or her in the care of those at a fire station, hospital, or police station with 24-7 employees within 60 days after birth. All 50 states have safe haven laws; the timing and manner allowed to surrender a child can vary by state.

Abilene Fire Chief Cande Flores told local news, “We’re in the business of saving lives, and we have lots of equipment to do that, and to us, this is another piece of the equipment that allows the public an opportunity to go to somewhere… Anonymous. It’s safe, and they can provide something for their child that, normally, they cannot.”

Texas was the first state to enact a “Baby Moses” law in 1999 after 13 babies were found abandoned within just a 10-month period. However, the policy did not allow the option to anonymously surrender a child in a safety device until 2023.

Safe Haven laws provide a crucial avenue for parents who may find themselves in difficult situations and in need of a safe and anonymous option to ensure their child’s well-being.

There are over 52,000 fire stations in the United States. Only a few currently offer baby boxes for new parents to safely and anonymously surrender their infants.

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Stephanie Ellison

Author, Host, Podcast, Speaker

Stephanie talks about the night her mother attempted to kill her. The following day Stephanie made the decision to leave her mother. The road had many curves and sometimes it was bumpy. However today she is living her best life and helping many individuals.

As a former foster youth, she was in and out of the system for over 15 years. In 2002, she began sharing her turbulent story of hope, forgiveness, and the power of education with youth, parents, and educators. Intending to help others see the good in the world, no matter what circumstances they face.

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The untold story of a basketball pioneer who broke the color barrier in Texas basketball.

Though another athlete who played in the NFL is often credited for being the first Black Texas basketball player, Bubba Ephriam broke the color barrier in his sport in March 1957. He led the Pecos High School Eagles to their first outright district title and the UIL state basketball tournament.

Bubba grew up in a migrant farm family during pivotal years of segregation and integration. The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision was announced on May 17, 1954, two days after his sixteenth birthday. His first game with the Pecos Eagles was on December 1, 1955, the same day Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, launching a historic 381-day bus boycott. Follow this inspirational story as Bubba plays the game he loves through a turbulent period before pursuing a distinguished career in the US Armed Forces.

Please consider supporting our podcast. You can do so by clicking on the link https://www.buzzsprout.com/782696/support

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No matter how hard we try to forgive, we may find ourselves struggling between two powerful and unrelenting forces - forgiving and unforgiving.

Ever wonder what happens in our brain when we struggle to forgive--our selves or others?

The story of Six Balloons is designed to help us gain an understaanding between these two strong dynamic, forces forgiving-- and unforgiving. As we struggle to forgive other portions of our bran bouquet are affected by our decisions.

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No matter how hard we try to forgive, we may find ourselves struggling between two powerful and unrelenting forces - forgiving and unforgiving.

Ever wonder what happens in our brain when we struggle to forgive--our selves or others?

The story of Six Balloons is designed to help us gain an understaanding between these two strong dynamic, forces forgiving-- and unforgiving. As we struggle to forgive other portions of our bran bouquet are affected by our decisions.

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About MarieI have held many roles as guardian, nurturer, end-of-life doula, sole-provider and mother to my now grown children. As an artist, I have found solace in clay, while my humble studio patiently hosted the sacred space for the dreams and visions of my soul to emerge.

I became degreed in fine art decades ago. Being an artist, however, is more of a description of how I’ve done life more than what I’ve done.

As messy as this medium is to work in, clay has been for me, like delving into a forgotten language, something indulgent, eternal yet ethereal. It is a soulful way of grounding, a way of discovery, with each piece a personal journey providing a path and connection to life and to others.

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What Is It?

Leadership Abilene, a program of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, began in 1979 and strives to expose participants to the many services, resources, organizations and businesses that make Abilene unique. Each month (of the nine-month program) the group will attend presentations, tour facilities and interact with representatives from local businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions and public offices.

Who Should Apply?

Anyone 21 and older who is interested in expanding your network and gaining deeper insight and access to all that Abilene has to offer.

This program runs one full day, monthly, from September through May. Usually on a Thursday or a Friday. A mandatory orientation and seven out of the nine program days are required to graduate from the program.

Take Away

Leadership Abilene participants will walk away with a broader and deeper perspective of the city and their role in it. They gain personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness both within the community and business environment.

Cost?

The tuition for participants of Chamber member organizations is $1,500. Tuition for non-member participants is $1,700. Tuition covers all meals, transportation, lodging, class shirts/nametags, and miscellaneous program-related expenses. The tuition is payable in full on or before September 11, 2024.

The fee may be paid by the applicant, their employer, or by a combination of both. To claim the Chamber of Commerce discount, the employer should be a member of the Abilene Chamber.

How Many People?

36

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Cinco De Mayo will be celebrated in grand style in downtown Abilene. Participants in the parade will line up at 5:30 pm and the parade starts at 6:00 pm.

Therwe will be several bands on hand Ballett Folklorico de Alvaro Munoz, , La Nsistencia Nortena,Alma de Nuestras Raices .

Food Trucks will be on site along with other business owners exhibiting their products.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Big Country CASA and The Floyd Miller TSTC Opportunties Scholarship.

A Special thanks to the generous sponsors : La Villa, Knights of Columbus, Mary's Paleteria, Oscar's Mexican Resturant, Abilene Christian University, La Voz 93.3 FM, Penns National Security Services, Abilene Auto Spa, RGF Insurance Agency, Taqueria Nuestro Mexico, Community Foundation of Abilene, Gay Beitscher, Monks Coffee Shop, North's Funeral Home, Arrow Ford, Melvin and Mary Ann Martin, First Financial Bank Sweetwater

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Kneikha Jernigan-Shanahan uses prayer, meditation and art to help her through some of the most difficult times in her life. In a presemtaion at the 1117 Studios and Gallery on February 23, 2024 Ms. Shanahan also known as Lady K explained how covid, divorce and depression led her to art.

In this podcast we expand the conversation that was started at the 1117 Studios and Gallery.

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Kevin and Khristian a father and son share their journey as it centers aroud autism.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.

Autism looks different for everyone, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

On average, autism is diagnosed around age 5 in the U.S., with signs appearing by age 2 or 3. Current diagnostic guidelines in the DSM-5-TR break down the ASD diagnosis into three levels based on the amount of support a person might need: level 1, level 2, and level 3. See more information about each level.

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Crane's Craft BBQ at the Historic Wagon Wheel Dance Hall in Tye, Texas, bordering Abilene, is a culinary gem that pays homage to the Lone Star State's rich history and vibrant culture. Established in 1958, the Wagon Wheel Dance Hall has been a beloved institution, fostering a sense of community and celebration throughout the decades. This iconic venue has borne witness to countless memorable moments and joyous occasions, creating an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia.
Under the skilled guidance of pitmaster extraordinaire William Crane, Crane's Craft BBQ introduces a new chapter to the Wagon Wheel's legacy. William, with a deep appreciation for Central Texas flavors and a commitment to preserving the essence of barbecue traditions, has crafted a menu that tantalizes the taste buds.
From slow-smoked brisket to mouthwatering ribs, the culinary offerings showcase the artistry of barbecue in every bite. Opening its doors in March 2024, Crane's Craft BBQ proudly stands as a veteran-owned and operated establishment, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication. It is also led by William's Hispanic wife, Erika Crane, adding a unique layer of diversity to the Texas barbecue scene.
Crane's Craft BBQ promises a delicate balance of renovation and preservation. Remodeled meticulously to maintain the historical charm, the space features exposed brick walls, original hardwood floors, sturdy trusses that tell tales of enduring structure, and distinctive wagon wheel chandeliers casting a warm, nostalgic glow. As
visitors explore the venue, they encounter a unique museum dedicated to enhancing memories. Adorned with evocative pictures, vintage records, and artifacts, this museum serves as a tribute to the rich tapestry of moments woven into the dance hall's history, ensuring that the essence of the past remains a vibrant part of the venue's identity.
This extraordinary establishment will soon become the home of Singer-Songwriter Kirk House, further enhancing the vibrant musical vibes that have been an integral part of the Wagon Wheel Dance Hall for decades. It will also serve as a showcase for local talent, fostering and celebrating the wealth of musical artistry within the community. With a commitment to honoring the past while creating new memories for generations to come,
Crane's Craft BBQ at the Wagon Wheel Dance Hall is poised to be a cultural and culinary landmark, where the timeless traditions of Central Texas barbecue and the soulful notes of live music converge to create an unforgettable experience.

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Cynthia Lampkin , co-chaiperson of the Abilene Woman's Club fundraising project discusses why this fundraiser is important. The fundraiser is called Movie Mania and a fashion show has been build around that theme. Individuals will be modeling clothes that replicate what favorite actor or actress wore in different movies.

Tickets are $50.00 each whic includes a meal, a great show along with helping out a worthy cause.

  • Program note I kept saying Abilene Women Club when it is actually the Abilene Woman Club Foundation. Please accept my apology.

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Amber Monroe, is the artist and creator of a coloring book that celebrates the beauty of diversity, body positivity, and the unique features of African-American women. Each page is a representation of the unique beauty founded in shared experiences as diverse women. From the intricately drawn hairstyles to the carefully crafted features and nuances, to the inspiring affirmations, her intentions were to showcase the immense versatility and richness that lies within each person.

Amber dedicated her coloring book to her mother , sister and daughter. She said " I dedicate this love letter of diversity to you. Thank you for showing me what it means to embrace all that I am as a woman. You have both been my constant support, my guiding lights, and my inspiration since I was old enough to hold a pencil, drawing fashion sketches at the kitchen table late into the night." " Through your unwavering love--and unwavering belief in me--you are as much a part of this book as I am." She also said "To my daughter, this book is also dedicated to you. May you never question the beautiful face that stares back at you in the mirror. May you always carry pride in your heart knowing you are a precious child of God."

To the young, and the young at heart, Amber invites you to join her on this colorful voyage of self-love, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. As you bring these illustrations to life with your own personal creativity, may it also ignite a spark of pride within you that you pass along to the women in your life as well.

Amber's book can be purchased on amazon just search Reflections by Amber Monroe, There is also a link on her Facebook page
linktr.ee/HealthyLifeHappyWife

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Henry Flint is a man that talks openly about God probably more than anyone else I know in Abilene. It's always praise the Lord or some phrase similiar to that. He is the founder of KVVO 94.1 Abilene's One and Only Black Gospel Station.

At one time Flint would have been one of the least likely people to find a Gospel station. God and the gospel was far from his mind.

Flint who grew up in the segerated racist south in the state of Georgia wanted nothing to do with God or Georgia. He said that he was "about ready to blow Georgia up". He said his mother encouraged him to leave.

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Introduction I must confess that the idea to write this book was not my own. Church members and friends over the years have been asking me to pull together some of the prayers that I’ve been led to write and pray during worship services, Wednesday night dinners, Bible studies, and other times when God’s people have gathered. I confess that I questioned how seriously to take this request. Would people really be interested in reading a book of prayers? Would it be presumptuous to share my prayers as if anyone needs words other than their own to pray? I’m also aware that there are people who deem spontaneous prayers superior to those written. The thought is that because they are spontaneous, they are more sincere and God-directed than those that may have been written days or even decades earlier. I haven’t always found this to be true. What I do know to be true is that praying with a pen or on a computer helps me pray more earnestly, since committing words to paper allows time for reflection, pondering, and reconsideration. I’ve also experienced epiphanies during times of prayer—insights and thoughts that seemed to come straight from the One who nudges us to pray. The memory of these special moments continues to offer reassurance of God’s presence and participation in prayer—written as well as spontaneous. In an attempt to make Confessions of a Female Pastor more relatable to your own life experiences, I have included stories and scripture passages that lend a context to each of the prayers being shared on these pages. My hope is that this collection will prompt you to reflect on your own journey, and by so doing, you’ll recognize, or be reminded, of God’s invisible footsteps alongside your own as you continue the journey. I also hope that the next time it occurs to you to pray, you will imagine God tapping you on the shoulder and saying, “Talk to me,” and

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Calvin Davis, district director of the Small Business Adminstration discusses how the Small Business Adminstration (SBA)works. If you are in business or thinking about starting a business this podcast could be very helpful.

A successful business owner must have a strong belief in themselves and the task before them. Calvin tells the story of his mother, she did not own a business but she did have a strong belief in God and herself. I believe her story demonstrates how belief translates into running a successful business or being successful at anything one may choose.

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Floyd Miller visited with Kay Berry aiong with Beverly and Lou Voit about Doug Montgomery performing at The Paramount to benefit The Abilene Woman Club, Inc.

The event is Thursday November 2nd staring at 7:30 pm. Tickets maybe purchased online or by calling the Paramount. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

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Is there someone you need to forgive and you know it, but yet you have not followed through. Have you ever heard someone talk about a hurt from 50 year ago, and it sounds like something that just happen yesterday. They just don't seem able to let it go.

Well there is more going on that we can not see. Dr. Gray who is not a neuro-scientiest has done some research in neuroscience and believes that he has isolated a part of the problem.

Dr. Gray takes us a journey that's easy for the average person to understand. He gets rid of the big words and lays out an amazing story.

Paul faced a similiar dilemia " For what I do,I do not understand.For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate" Romans 7;15

In the next episode Dr. Gray will take us into the cave to deal with Amos and Flash.

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Sheryl Etter and Susie Dyck are leaders in the Upside Down Club of Abilene a 501c-3 non-profit that advocates for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Cheryl and Susie each has a child with Downs Syndrome. Their story is so powerful and they tell it in a way that connects. This is worth listening too if you have a special needs child or not. I think any parent will be able identify with them.

Every year about 6000 babies are born with Down Syndrome. Most babies with DS are born to younger women under 35 years of age. Between 1 and 10% of those have a dual diagnosis. About 50% of babies have heart issues compared too one percent of Neuro typical children.

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Dee Moore, president of the Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce recently attended (TAAACC) Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce Convention in Pflugerville, Texas.

In this episode she discusses what's happening on the local level as well as the state and national level as far as black chambers are concerned. Apart of that discussion is the Business Navigator Program which is administered by the (SBA) Small Business Adminstration.

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This interview with Mr. Robin Calloway Walls is very similiar to a conversation that you might have with a friend or neighbor sitting on the back porch or at a coffee shop. It covers several subjects but the theme always centers around positive ideas and solutions. An amazing conversation with a man that use to spend a lot of time " in the streets".

Mr. Walls focus at this time is developing 11 acres of land that he owns in the Pasadena Heights Community. He plans to have 55 plus afforable house on that property.

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Abbey has a passion for working with the youth that live in the Big Country. 

Abbey has taken her experiences and channeled them in a positive way to help young people.

I would encourage you to listen to this this interview. I believe it can help individuals no matter where they ma be in life. 

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On Monday, July 10, 2023, 56 strangers boarded a bus in Dallas, TX committed to declaring and embodying a message Christians are rarely known for promoting. Over the course of eight days, they traveled 3,222 miles to Washington, D.C., and back to ensure the nation knew of our commitment to nonviolence and love in a world bent toward division and violence.

Two of those individuals were interview for this podcast. They are Rev. Amanda Watson , associate rector of Community Life at Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest and Dr. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action.

It is an honest conversation with two people from different backgrounds exploring how we may be able to erase the division that plagues our society. Mother Amanda Watson is an Episcopalian priest and Dr. Jerry Taylor is a Church of Christ minister.

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Jessie Davis sees his work as a ministry. He believes that individuals that can grasp that concept will have a more rewarding career and a  richer life.

As a CEO/Business Owner, are you ready to live out your spiritual calling to the marketplace? Are you asking yourself, "How do I transform my business into God’s ministry for His purposes?"  Join an Action Group! In monthly meetings over the course of a year, you’ll be equipped to develop a Kingdom culture within your organization, and foster a relational style of leadership with your leaders and team members.  Details:  Purpose-driven with high accountability. Small group setting led by an experienced facilitator and guide. Monthly meetings for 4-5 hours at a time.

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A memorial to the Buffalo Soldiers will open in San Angelo on July 28. The founder of the San Angelo NAACP Buffalo Soldier Memorial announced that the grand opening and dedication of the memorial is set for July 28-30. “We have planned and raised funds for just over a year, and we are now ready to make the memorial a reality,” said Sherley L. Spears, founder of the memorial. After assembling a core team of business and community leaders, local vendors and key funders, the memorial team will introduce the community to the one-ofa-kind memorial that gives honor to the four Black regiments who served the country in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. The memorial is designed to be an interactive and interpretive space with 10 8-foot monuments that provide history about various topics and soldiers who made an impact to the Buffalo Soldier’s American story. For the weekend celebration, the team has partnered with various organizations and planned activities and programming from across the San Angelo community, as well as special guest presenters from Arizona and Maryland. Activities will be family friendly, and childcare services will be provided during the Friday night honors and recognition banquet. Community partners include Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, San Angelo State Park, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, the city of San Angelo, the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA and several other groups. “The experience of creating this memorial has been one of excitement and joy,” Spears said. “We have been blessed to receive support from various donors and grants from Humanities Texas, San Angelo Area Foundation, San Angelo Ar

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Mickell and Ava Jones, are a mother daughter team that created a journal to bring mothers and daughters closer together.  In this podcast you will hear why it's important to have great relations with parent and child.

This fun filled podcast will give you several ideas you can use to build those stong relationships.

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Freddie Collins purpose in researching this sbject is to show the POWER that is behind the visible words of cretion. We read the bible and see the visible things that God created. ( The aquatic kingdom, the plant kingdom, the animal kingdom and man. We actually can't fanthom the power  of what we can't see. Mankind with God's intelligence, has learned the essence of the lives of  the things in this universe. The problem is they usally never give CREDIT where it is due. God created the universe.  Collins purpose for speaking on this subject is to give God the credit and to GLORIFY HIS NAME.

Freddie Collins is the author of six books. Her writing focus on the spiritual aspects of life.  She believes in natural healing and believes that God has given us everything for healing.
She has a you tube channel Holistic Guardian that focuses on those things. 

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The Prison System and Re-entry

As of December 31, 2019, the number of prisoners under the jurisdiction of Texas correctional authorities was 158,429 located in 61 state prisons and held in custody of private prisons or local jails. State operated facilities had a staff of 35,000 employees and a budget of $3,287,273,079.

The Community Corrections System

As of December 31, 2019, Texas's community corrections population was 367,753 under probation and 109,159 under parole.

The data is from the Texas 2019/National Institute of Corrections.

Andre highlights what his program does to help those coming home. Andre is also justice impacted.

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The Top 50 Plus banquet honors the top students in Taylor County. Shirley Olson, president of the Southwest Rotary Club discusses the history of the banquet and what to expect this year.

The banquet was first held May 3rd, 1960 at the Windsor Hotel in Abilene, Texas.

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Dr. Paul Fabrizio, is professor of political science at McMurry University. Dr. Fabrizio is a much sought out individual when it comes to politics whether it be on a nationail, state or local level.

Dr. Fabrizio does not endorse a particular canidate. His message however should encourage us all to continue to do research on the canidates and then vote for the one that might be most benefical to our community.

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Connie Smith had eye surgery that changed her life. As you listen to her story you will hear the voice of a grateful lady.

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Who We AreMISSIONA world where everyone has a decent place to live.VISIONSeeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.INTERNATIONALFounded in Americus, Georgia, USA, in 1976, Habitat for Humanity today operates around the globe and has helped build, renovate and repair more than 1,000,000 decent, affordable houses sheltering more than 4 million people worldwide.ABILENEHabitat for Humanity Abilene, Inc is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It was established in 1990 and has built or rehabbed over 162 homes, helping more than 200 adults and 400 children.How We WorkALL ARE WELCOMEHabitat for Humanity Abilene, Inc. has an open-door policy: in short, Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.HOW IT WORKSAbilene Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes, relying on community donations and volunteer support. Selected families are required to perform “sweat equity” as part of their commitment. They purchase Habitat houses at-cost with a 0% interest mortgage for 20 - 25 years. This saves our homeowners about $40,000 over the duration of their mortgage. With their monthly mortgage payments, our homeowners are “paying it forward.” Their principal payments help provide support to build additional Habitat houses in Abilene.NON-PROSELYTIZINGAs a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity Abilene, Inc. does not proselytize. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

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If you are loking for a fun weekend on March 3rd and 4th the Abilene Woman's cliub could be the destination. They are raising funds but it's got to be Everything Texas from the snacks to the wines and the Entertainment.

On March 3rd Boomtwn! By Texas Comedies will perform in an Adult Musical Comedy called Boomtown, which is an engaging , somewhat irreverant act based on local Texas history.

On March 4th Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys yu can dance in the Great Hall r on the patio if the weather permits.

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Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley gives an update on Taylor County and shares how he plans to operate as Taylor County Judge.

Also list is a short bio. Phil Crowley was born at Dyess Air Force Base and raised in Abilene, Texas. Phil
is a graduate of the Abilene Independent School District and Hardin-Simmons
University, where he also currently serves as an Adjunct Professor. Phil graduated
from Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law) in 2013
and returned home to practice law. Phil was in private practice for a year and half
prior to joining the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office in 2015, where he
spent seven and half years as a prosecutor. Phil won the Republican Primary for
Taylor County Judge in March, 2022 and was elected Taylor County Judge in
November, 2022 and assumed Office January 1, 2023. Phil attends Beltway
Parkway Church and is a board member for the Alliance for Women and Children,
Regional American Red Cross, and is a member of Kiwanis Club.

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Dax in his own words. I am a Christian. I am a proud husband, father, friend and counselor at law. You may be thinking, "what the heck is a lawyer doing talking about recovery?" Great Question!

My perspective comes from working with my clients who have legal problems, typically resulting from addictive behavior, and also from nearly a thousand hours of law enforcement training, the better part of a decade as a probation officer in Taylor and Dallas Counties, and literally thousands of hours in training, experience and observation working with people struggling with self-defeating behaviors and addiction.

I want to bring what I know together in one place for you, your family, and your friends for the purpose of helping you seek recovery and redemption.

I am NOT perfect and there's a pretty good chance you"ll find something here you don't agree with. That's okay! I encourage you to consume this guide and any other resources I provide. Just take out what you want and disregard the rest. In the end , I want this gude to leave you feeling hopeful and encouraged because your story matter. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/redeemingaddiction

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``` As politicians, lobbyists, and advocacy groups head to the state Capitol this January to make new laws that affect our community, there is one group that contains millions of Black and Hispanic Texans yet have little to no representation: renters. But we in Texas Tenants For Change are righting that wrong today.Our mission as tenant advocates from across Texas will be to march to Austin this January when the legislature meets, with a petition demanding change in hand. We want change in skyrocketing rents, changes in unjust evictions, changes in substandard living conditions, and prevention of landlord abuses. These simple asks are common sense provisions all Texans can get behind.Texas falls behind other states when it comes to protections for renters, especially rights for Black and Hispanic tenants whose eviction rates are significantly higher than their white counterparts. With millions of renters in the state of Texas, it’s time to realize that we should have power to match those numbers.Our petition can be viewed at Texas Tenants For Change - texastenantsforchange.org, Texas Tenants' Union - txtenants.org, Petition To Texas Government Officials.We are asking for basic human rights and we need your eyes, ears, and voices to make change at this legislative session.

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" Lady Bird Johnson" Claudia Alta Johnson wife of President Lyndon Baines Johnson explains the day President was assassinated from her perspective. from her perspective.

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Join Jessica B for “Celebrate Sooner! Clovis’ First Annual ‘Holiday with Hillcrest’”. Hillcrest Zoo in Clovis, NM is the second largest zoo in New Mexico, and is hosting their first animal holiday festival to raise money for a new and improved enclosure for their Bengal Tiger, Sooner, per guidelines set forth by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). This is two-part festival with something for everyone, from Santa Claus and a scavenger hunt for the kids, to wine, a silent auction, and live entertainment for the adults. Tune in for more information and contact Jessica at jessicabboisseau@gmail.com if you want to get involved or sponsor!

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Dr. Jerry Taylor, Founding Director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Actions is Hosting The West Texas Rally For Christians Against Hate. Dr. Taylor has done extensive research on religion and the current political. The purpose of our interview and the rally is to get Christians to stay focused on the way Jesus handled matters of the nature. The rally is October 23rd, 3:00 pm at the ACU AMPITHEATER. 

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LINDA GRAY, DCL | COMMUNITY ADVOCATE | FEDERAL GRANT SPECIALIST| is a nonprofit and small business consultant with more than 25 years of experience with expertise in small business mentoring, nonprofit start-ups, nonprofit management, grant research and development for community based nonprofits and faith-based or-ganizations. She brings a legacy of community outreach and engagement experience in multiple jurisdictions. She is an instructor for Collin Community College for 7 years which she developed the syllabus and curriculum for the Nonprofit Certification Series. helped to establish more than150 start-up nonprofit organizations, guiding them through their initial set-up and launch. Developed, submitted and won $5.5 million in grant awards. She brings extensive community mobilization skills, grant writing and administration experience. Has over 25 years in nonprofit management and assisted hundreds of nonprofit organizations and Churches with technical assistance in order to earn their IRS 501(c)(3) certification. She has been involved in Community Devel-opment Block Grant City programs and HUD Affordable Housing pro-grams. Professional affiliations consist of 20 year Certified Business Mentor for SCORE, Social, Enterprise Alliance-Dallas. She has also served as a grant reviewer for the AmeriCorp, US Department of Education, HUD Fair Housing Initiative and the US Department of Justice. Awarded a grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Founda-tion pilot project called Faith in Action which provided non-medical care for the frail el-derly in their home. In 2007 received the SBA Atlanta District Disaster Perseverance Award for volunteer service during Hurricane Katrina. Professional affiliations include Founding Board Member International Women Think Tank, Atlanta GA, National Non-profit Minority Association, In 2015 received an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Lead-ership, member of IOTA Phi Lambda Sorority Psi Chapter. Married to Robert L. Gray 47 years, 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren.

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VENTURE CALL LLC is a leading proponent of the entrepreneurial mindset movement that does ENGAGE individuals and organizations with the opportunity to activate the “chosen-ness” of their calling. Understanding the uniqueness of one’s calling is crucial to avoiding the groupthink, collective mindsets that inhibit creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication, and other entrepreneurial skills. History is replete with examples of those chosen to cut against the grain, unpopular in their time, but proven to be what their respective era absolutely needed. The authenticity of walking in sync with our unique design provides the world with something that no other person can provide. We are all “in business” as YOU, INC., providing your sphere of influence the power of your purpose. Whether a home-maker, in business, working in a non-profit organization, or serving in a government post, embracing an entrepreneurial mindset will connect you with your ultimate WHY – the most profound motivation for doing what you were designed to do. It is not the casual observer, nor the complacent worker who will typically respond to the venture call, unless there is a life-altering event that disrupts their comfort zone stupor. It is the person, the organization, that is unsettled enough with the status quo that is ready to be transformed by the renewing of their mindset…venturing into their unknown future to whom VENTURE CALL LLC is called. We stand ready to help with your personal and organizational need

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Under the Stadium Lights is a 2021 sports drama film directed by Todd Randall and starring Milo Gibson and Laurence Fishburne. It is based on the nonfiction book Brother's Keeper by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell.[2][3] The film follows the players, coach, and team chaplain of a high school football team in Abilene, Texas. The Abilene High Eagles were underdogs but they prevailed and won a state championship despite the many oersonal challanges the team faced. Formerly titled Brother's Keeper, the film was acquired by Saban Films in November 2020.[4] It was released in select theaters and on video on demand in the United States on June 4, 2021.

  • Laurence Fishburne as Harold Christian, who was somewhat of a local celebrity in Abilene and owned a restaurant (Harold's BBQ) which fed the players each Thursday night during the season.[6]
  • Milo Gibson as Chad Mitchell, the team chaplain and author of the novel this film is based on

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Lilly Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to enrich, educate and support the military and student theatre and music community. Our team consists of a diverse group of people working together to establish a theatre company that opens doors for military veterans and students. We are also artists, creatives, musicians, and community people from many different places and circumstances. Some of us are military veterans and supporters who are always willing to further our professional pedagogy to help strengthen our skills for inclusivity purposes. We are compassionate individuals who care about people, and we recognize the importance of having safe and supportive arts programs for the community. Our interests in the arts drive us, and we are passionate about working with our nation's military veterans, foreign military veterans, and students interested in building a foundation in the arts. We look for ways to share our art projects and programs, teach and inspire people.​We have seen many people lose hope in this world whether in the media, through our military experiences, or through our personal lives. Many people die far too often by suicide and we understand the many veterans who deal with mental health issues and students who may have learning differences who struggle to find community, including students on the autism spectrum. We challenge ourselves to learn approaches and strategies that help us impact all students and veterans who come to us. We are here to help remove the barriers to them participating in artistic programs.​Launched during the pandemic in May 2021 with four original plays already completed and released for online viewing. We continue to write, direct, and produce all of our productions with the most fascinating originality we can create, always pushing past what is expected from a theatre company. We go against any idea of what a theatre company is supposed to be. Our works are delivered virtually through various platforms and as well as in person. We address social challenges among veterans and students, we educate and encourage collaboration between our work and the community. We are also eager to deal with larger systemic issues that continue to hold people back by addressing these topics in our playwrighting. We also shed light on our own personal stories and value one another through civil and safe theatre practices. Within Lilly Theatre Company we offer opportunities for the community to register for music lessons, Coding, and an assortment of workshops as well.

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Malcolm and Bridgit Scott, have a Black Santa Claus collection. Listen to this podcast and find out why. You can also hear about their experiences with Santa Claus and Christmas when they were children. Malolm grew up in Baton Rouge, La and Bridgit grew up in San Franciso, Ca. They have created their own vision of who Santa Claus really is.  A heart warming story.
Malcolm is an Associate Professor in the Social Work Department at ACU and Bridgit is a serial entreprenuer and will be announcing a new business soon.
 Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

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This is a story about persistence, determination, and continuing when you don't feel like it.Stephon is the sencond longest employee in the Cotton Patch chain of resturants. On January 2, 2022 he will have 26 years.Listen to this episode and find out why he continues to show up. It also drops a few nuggets of wisdom that would help anyone in any walk of life.

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Our Unsung hero this month is one of Abilene’s native sons who did well. Retired Colonel Carl Lockett was born in Abilene, Texas. His parents were Tom and Lenora Lockett. Carl was the 4th of 10 children.

As a young man his family lived at the corner of 10th and Ash which was across the street from the old Woodson School. He and his parents moved to Plainview for a few years, however they returned to Abilene for Carl’s senior year. Carl graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School.

After graduating from high school, it was difficult to go to college if you didn’t have a scholarship. After being out of high school for a year Lockett got a scholarship to attend Prairie View A&M College a historically black university. Lockett graduated from Prairie View A&M after four years of study with a degree in industrial arts. He was also commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army as a military policeman. Lockett graduated as a distinguished military student. At that time if you accepted a regular Army commission you had to do a detail with one of the combat arms like infantry armor or artillery. Lockett chose infantry.

After graduating from Prairie View, Lockett was sent to Infantry Office Training and Airborne School in Ft. Benning, Georgia. His next destination was Vietnam. Lockett spent most of his time in an area known as the Central Highlands in Pelkie. When he first arrived in Vietnam, he spent some time in an area called Two Wawa on the southern coast of Vietnam.

A majority of the men under Lockett command were draftees. Lockett said “I only had one soldier in my unit that did not qualify to go to OCS and become an officer, so they were smart young guys.”

Lockett lost one solider under his command but had several that were injured. Speaking about that matter Lockett said “Fortunately for me and my unit I lost only one solider, he was a platoon leader”. “That’s a hard pill for an officer to swallow to see some of your men get killed.”

After Vietnam Carl was sent to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. It would be at this duty station that he would meet his wife Patricia “Pat”. He was sure after the second date that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. It took several proposals and a little more time to get Pat on board. Carl’s persistence paid big dividends; they had a full military wedding in the main chapel at Ft. Bragg.

Pat has been that dedicated wife, mother to their children and solid partner. They have been a team, now celebrating 53 years of marriage. Pat is a graduate of Bennett College and she also did graduate work at the University of Indiana. Carl said “She was the ideal military wife.”

One of Lockett’s most interesting assignments came when he was commanding a Criminal Investigative Services activity unit in Washington, D.C. This Unit was responsible for the security of General Colin Powell when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He said this Unit also provided security for General Norman Schwarzkopf after Schwarzkopf retired. Lockett said “it was related to some threats that Schwarzkopf and his family had received.”

Lockett retired as a Colonel after serving 30 years in the service. During that 30-year period he would get a Master of Science degree from Troy State University and an M.A. from the Navy War College. After retiring he accepted a job with the U. S. Marshal System and moved to Houston. Lockett was in this job for only a short time. He said one day he was headed home from work when he looked down at his speed odometer and he was going 80 miles an hour and surrounded by 18 wheelers. At that point he said “My God, what am I doing? And then I decided that Houston was not the place for me”.

Lockett came back home and was hired by Assistant City Manager Kathy Merrill as Director of Planning and Zoning. He served in that capac

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Mr. William A. Boyd III is the Executive Director NAMI of Abilene (National  Alliance on Mental Illness) and also the Founding Director of The Phoenix House a facality for those who struggle with mental illness.

Mr. Boyd is a highly educated and accomplished individual that struggles with mental illness in his life. He is working to erase the stigma that's associated with mental illness. 

NAMI Abilene seeks to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness by providing support, education, and advocacy to individuals and their families in Northwest Texas.

NAMI Abilene focuses on the belief that people with mental illness can lead meaningful, productive lives.  We endeavor to promote a greater understanding about these illnesses–including those with a dual diagnosis, facilitate access to treatment and related services, and keep hope alive for people with mental illness and their loved ones. We further seek to eliminate stigma. We don’t see the illness; we see the person.

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In 2018, Lenora Peterson developed a Gentle Fitness Program to address the needs of seniors who could benefit from a low or moderate impact physical activity routine. The purpose of the program was twofold. First to inspire seniors to take control of their health, fitness, and goals in life. And second to reduce Senior isolation and to help them maintain an active lifestyle. Gentle Fitness classes are offered to seniors two days per  week on Tuesdays and Thursdays / 10am to 11am at Sears Recreation Center, 2250 Ambler Ave.  in Abilene, Texas.  

In Ms. Peterson’s research of the adult obesity rates in the US, she found that of the top 25 states represented, the state of Texas had an adult obesity rate of 34% and a rank of 19 out of 25. 

This was followed by Iowa with an obesity rate of 33.9% and a rank of 22 out of the 25 states cited. However, she also found that Mississippi had the highest obesity rate out of the 25 states listed with a rate of 40.8% and a rank of #1. (https://state of childhood obesity.org/adult obesity 2018). Realizing the significance of these findings, Ms. Peterson set out to design a fitness program in her community for the Senior population who could not engage in robust, high impact exercises. She decided to take a proactive approach to help seniors in their quest to lose weight, engage in fall prevention activities and maintain an active lifestyle. She solicited the assistance of the National Institute on Aging and was provided a plethora of resources including the Go4Life book that outlined basic strategies to promote fitness focusing on balance, endurance, flexibility and strength.   

Ms. Peterson also approached Texas and found that the Texas Health and Human Services encouraged Seniors to utilize their Tex-ercise Program (www.texercise.com) to engage in low impact aerobics.    

Through Ms. Peterson’s research, she realized that in order for seniors to gain maximum benefits from an exercise regimen, seniors should spend at least 150 minutes or 2 hours and 30 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity. With this in mind, Ms. Peterson monitored each senior’s capacity to engage in moderate exercises and encouraged them to move at their own pace. After carefully observing the seniors capacity, Ms. Peterson decided resistance bands were a viable and effective workout option for seniors. It was noted that the resistance bands helps in building total body strength, improve circulation and recovery time and further serve to improve seniors flexibility and range of motion.  A major benefit to seniors in using resistance bands is that they do not cost much, often under $10. The bands also caters to different fitness levels. This includes  young or old, beginners or experts. With a variety of resistance,  light, medium and heavy, resistance bands are easy to adjust the intensity level.  

During a Zoom presentation to the Blooming Boomers, Ms. Peterson demonstrated a variety of exercise techniques using resistance bands including chest pull, bent over row, bicep curl, chest press, squats, leg press, triceps press and calf press.   

Through Ms. Peterson’s  commitment to make a difference in serving seniors in our community, she has demonstrated how her Gentle Fitness model for seniors can be replicated in other communities and contribute to a healthy, aging lifestyle for seniors 

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Deydra Williams and Elyse Lewis are a powerful team when it comes to promoting women health especially when it comes to Breast Cancer.
They have a friendship that was born out of adversity and a vision. Deydra's motivation came from taking her mother, Sue Elliot to doctors appointments during Sue's battle with Breast Cancer. Unfortunately  Sue did not survive. Deydra had noticed that she saw very few African American women during those doctors visits.  She wanted to sound the alarm and encourage more African American Women to get mammograms'.  She was introduced to Elyse Lewis, Community Initiatives Coordinator at Hendrick Health.  Dedyra and Elyse had similar visions and they begin to work together.
The story did not end with them working together. About three years into their work together Dedyra was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  This podcast covers Breast Cancer from every aspect.

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Taking Flight – The Nadine Ramsey Story

This event would change the world for so many people in different ways. One individual who changed by it was Nadine Ramsey. Her story is told in the book “Taking Flight – The Nadine Ramsey Story”. A very inspirational story that tells all of her peaks and the valleys.

In October 1944 Nadine Ramsey was thirty-three and she was flying the cutting-edge

P-51 Mustang to New Jersey, its last stop before heading to the war in Europe. The irrepressible young woman from Wichita had long been determined to fly and the gathering storm clouds of World War II had provided an unexpected opportunity. Taking Flight is the inspiring story of a girl from Depression-era Kansas who overcame tremendous challenges and defied convention to become an elite pilot – one of the few American women to fly fighter aircraft during World War II.

Taking Flight follows Nadine as she became one of 1,102 women to join the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots and one of only 303 WASPs to take to the skies in military cockpits, transporting aircraft to bases across the nation for use in the theaters of war. This book marks her milestones: the first Kansas woman to earn a commercial pilot license; among the earliest women to fly the US Air Mail; one of only 26 WASPs who flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a fighter aircraft-and the first woman to own one; the only woman in the country to instruct male pilots to fly fighter planes after the war. Disbanded in late 1944 to make way for male pilots and barred from piloting for commercial airlines, the WASPs spent the next three decades fighting to win veteran status.

Taking Flight: The Nadine Ramsey Story is a profile in courage of a woman who helped clear the flight path for today’s female combat and commercial aviators.

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This is an amazing story my wife and I over heard Mr. Collins talking as we were having lunch at a Denny's in Abilene.
Mr. Collins was in Vietnam at age 16 serving as a "Grunt, Jungle Rat", titles given to the men that did his type of work. I call him a HERO.
I think this is a very interesting interview in light of what's going on in Afghanistan. Mr. Collins has some thoughts on how we should be approaching it.

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Abilene Community joins the Jaramillo Family in fighting colon cancer. Peter at age 24 was diagnosed with colon cancer. Once diagnosed he and his family decided to fight this cancer as aggressively as possible. It started with their third grader starting a fundraiser to bring in some much needed income. The community soon joined the fight with their support. In this episode Peter and his wife, Lesley tell their story and how they are facing this crisis.
A story of faith, gratefulness, and determination. Peter and Lesly are the parents of 3 beautiful children Daviano, Elle, and Jazlyn.
If you would like to make a donation click here https://gofund.me/06e94ef1

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Daniel Willis, is a African American man who has not given up on his dream. Mr. Willis owns Zachs a dog food company. He is competing in a highly competitive business for shelf space. This episode is as much about not giving up as it is about dog food.
Willis , takes you on a journey that could have had many different endings. At several points Willis had to make tough decisions. 
He also has advice for other business people that are pursuing a dream.

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Juneteenth is an outgrowth of Gen. Gordon Granger arriving in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 and announcing that the slaves were free. This announcement was made 2 years earlier  to the rest of the Country.
Dee Moore, who currently serves as the President, of The Abilene Black Chamber talks a little about the Chamber, Juneteenth and some of the benefits of attending the celebrations.
Every citizen of Abilene and the surrounding communities are invited. Moore believes the celebration could be a catalyst for better understanding between  neighbors.

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Cathy A. Taff, BA, MSHRL, PHR, SHRM-CP    Director, Human Resources and Risk Management  Taylor County. Cathy discusses the proper way to interview for a job. She also addresses the value of work.  
She does an excellent  job of selling Taylor County as a place to work. She also discussed some of their current job openings.

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Memorial Day is a sacred and solemn holiday. It is the day that we remember men and women that paid the ultimate price for their country. In this episode the names of several men are mention that Parker or Miller were affiliated with directly or through associations.

Robert J Griggs Jr. He was a Korean War Era casualty on August 12, 1950. ★ He served with honor in the United States Army.

On 27 October 1967, Specialist Four Evaristo Martinez III was serving with A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. On that day, SP4 Martinez was killed in action after sustaining wounds from small arms fire.

2nd Lt. William Robert “Bill” Reese, 24, of Abilene, Tex., killed Feb. 14, 1968, near Ca Lu in fighting at “Valentine’s Ridge.” He was among six killed by a direct hit from an enemy mortar.

CPT Otha Lindsey Poole, he had enlisted in the United States Army. Served during the Vietnam War. Poole had the rank of Captain. His military occupation or specialty was Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander. Service number assignment was 5421450. Attached to 44th Medical Brigade, 68th Medical Group, 45th Medical Company. During his service in the Vietnam War, Army Captain Poole experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of life on February 5, 1969. Recorded circumstances attributed to: Died through hostile action, air crash on land. Incident location: South Vietnam, Long Khanh province. Poole was from Hempstead, Texas.

During this episode Parker recites his poem "Where was the Band" As we celebrate Memorial Day let's remember freedom is not free. Many men and women have paid the ultimate price for what we enjoy today,

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The Taylor Jones Humane Society is a place where animals are cared for with love and compassion. 
Melissa Oneill does an excellent job of explaining why the shelter exist. 

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Cinco De Mayo Day and Hispanics in Abilene

In our episode today I interviewed Mr. Mike Hernandez. Mike has served the nation and his community in an exemplary way.  
After high school Mike was drafted into the service. He was a marine and he received the Purple Heart from injuries received in Viet Nam. 
After he completed his military service, he returned to Abilene and he held several jobs. In 1979 he went to work for the Texas Workforce Commission. He retired in 1999. 
After his retirement he started to volunteer in the community, serving on numerous non-profit board and committees. He also started the web site HispanicAbilene.com where he covered committee organizations, mainly Hispanic events, for 12-14 years. 
 In 2012 he started the web site ArroyoCatclaw.com to archive the 100s of photographs that were taken during his time with HispanicAbilene.com.
He currently serves on the Hispanic Heritage Display committee, Habitat for Humanity of Abilene, McMurry College Education Advisory board, The Swenson House Historical Society, Military Order of the Purple chapter, and he is a Texas Veterans Commission commissioner.

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This interview tells how Shawnte went from being a quite person to a local activist. This change was brought about after the murder of George Floyd. Since Floyd's murder  Fleming has been appointed to the Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission.  She also founded the non-profit Let Us Breathe.

Let is breathe is a multi-cultural organization that's committed to raising up all the citizens of Abilene. It also focuses on bring people together.

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Michele Daniels is letting nothing stop her. After graduating from Texas Women's University with a degree in accounting she got her dream job.  After a couple years in the job she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Dyslexia and numbers is not the best combination. 
She was also diagnosed with ADD about the same time . She went back to school and trained to be a physical therapist. Things were going well until she begin to lose her sight.
Today Michele is legally blind but it has not stopped her. She has started her own business. Michele gives advice and hope to the downtrodden, and those dealing with depression because of their situation. Michele said that she just want to pay it forward. You can learn more about her business my calling 325 261 0465 or go to her website Mydailychoice.com/MLDaniels.

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This interviews looks at the lives of African Americans in the 1930's that helped shape Abilene.  It touches on the success they enjoyed and also some of the challenges. Penns, is hoping that the Curtis House Cultural Center can be a tool that unites the community.
This interview really is an invitation for you to go to the Curtis House and actually feel and to see what the life of a black person was like in Abilene.

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