Author: Jillesa Shotts

February 14, 2024

Love the Community, Raise Employment Opportunities: Luv Michael

Work, work, work. We all have to do it. But do you ever consider that you get to work? You get to wake up and go. You get to serve with whatever capabilities, skills, and education you have. Not everyone has that privilege. Or rather than privilege, is it a basic human right? So often our community takes for granted...

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December 6, 2023

Dorothy Paad Writes for Others to Reach Full Potential

The arts have a way of grabbing us like nothing else. Stories and their creative expression in many mediums and styles reach across the divide of age or experience. They bring relatable perspectives that can speak to many hearts. The golden ones inspire us. Two publications are already growing in their reach and impact on the next generation. Dorothy Paad...

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November 1, 2023

Holiday Shopping Guide is Here!

Do you ever consider that the world is made up of a lot of little communities? Maybe you like to stroll by the shops and pizza parlor of your local, small town. It’s long been said that small businesses are the heartbeat of America. Do you ever support those businesses? Do you ever look at the faces behind that brand...

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May 24, 2023

A Writer’s Got a Right!

Every person out there, providing support or receiving support has creative potential. The options are endless for how people express themselves and pursue creative outlets. However, today I just want to consider the writers. I know, dear readers, indulge this humble writer. Do you ever consider the person you support could be the next great, American Novelist? Poet? Or magazine...

Categories General/Resources

April 12, 2023

Mac’s Cafe: Breakfast, Lunch, and Employment Success

What do you do? Where do you work? These are the first questions Americans love asking other Americans. Our country is one of doing, acting, and making an impact on the world around us one way or another. Today I want to share one local gentleman’s positive difference to our Butler community. I zipped over to Mac’s Route 8 Café,...

Categories Community/General

December 7, 2022

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Superhero Expert!

What do you get when you cross books, superheroes, and advocacy? The perfect combination, just like bravery, strength, and determination make a great superhero. Being a millennial, I of course grew up with Spidey, Super Friends, Batman, X-Men, and all the rest to appreciate a good superhero. But did you know that there is a superhero expert living in our...

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September 16, 2022

Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week 2022

We are celebrating ALL Direct Support Professionals for the work you do every day, giving your heart, time, and dedication to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The following people were nominated by their agency for the amazing services they provide. Thank you for your service. You are so important to the system you support. ARMSTRONG COUNTY Robin Steffy, Evergreen Homes BUTLER...

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August 31, 2022

Silence the Power of Addiction; Give Voice to the Victims

News about the COVID pandemic has covered our globe. It has been plastered on every form of media and everyone knows the concerns, precautions, and fatalities. But another national epidemic continues to grow under the surface. It may not have been broadcast in our local news hours or published in bold, capital typeface but the seriousness of statistics should not...

Categories General/Resources

July 6, 2022

The Community that Walks

I’m walking on sunshine, woooah I’m walking on sunshine, woooah And don’t it feel good! Yeah, I don’t sound like Katrina and the Waves but I do love walking out on a gorgeous summer day, how about you? Walking is one of my favorite things to do. It gets me off the couch and moving, which gives me a change...

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February 16, 2022

That’s the Power of Love!

Ok before you skip off to youtube or rewatch 1985’s Back to the Future that featured Huey Lewis’s fantastic single “The Power of Love”, I want to share some thoughts with you this Valentine’s week. Romantic love gets a major spotlight on Valentine’s Day but let’s not forget nor underestimate the power of friendship. Think about what having a friend...

Categories Community/General