Author: Jillesa Shotts

March 3, 2021

What’s the Story?

I am thrilled, elated, ecstatic…you can see that not even by coupling the dictionary and the thesaurus together can I really find the proper language to communicate the excitement of this announcement. Have you heard the word that Next Chapter Book Club has come to Western PA? Next Chapter Book Club is a world-renowned club for adolescents and adults with...

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February 24, 2021

Capture the Beauty: River Bend Gallery

There’s something so exciting about when business and passions collide. It’s like a firework formula where success and life happens. You know I can’t overstate how pumped we get about supporting small or local businesses.  Well, this gallery isn’t in my neighborhood but the small town appeal with big quality product meant I couldn’t stay quiet about it. River Bend...

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January 13, 2021

“Start where you are, use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe.

Today’s article is not about tennis, but I think this pro athlete’s quote is fitting for many facets of our lives. Especially as one can be tempted these days to feel overwhelmed by the COVID climate. I hope via this article to give you a few minutes to just breathe…and then maybe spark your creativity right where you are. There...

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December 2, 2020

Power of Expression

As you’ve heard me say before I love words. I love reading them and writing them. Language intrigues me, but more than that I think it is communication that is so fascinating. From the various spoken languages around the globe to the dawn of ASL, from expressionism to impressionism, from telegraph to telephone people have found ways to communicate.  (Technology...

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November 4, 2020

It’s Purely Patrick!

Small, personal businesses are part of the heart of America. It is after all the “the land of opportunity.” Perhaps now, more than ever, people are recognizing the value of small business and the need to support them. Small businesses are born at the intersection of creativity, ingenuity, and passion. Purely Patrick is one such Vermont, thriving business.   Purely...

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August 19, 2020

Closer: One Page at a Time

Sure quarantine might have allowed you to grab your books a little tighter and sink in a little deeper (if the news channel was turned off) but the isolation is maybe getting to you. You’re starting to feel like the somber, lonely tick of the second hand on your wall clock; but what can be done? When all the social...

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July 1, 2020

Let’s Go to the School of Strength

I don’t know about you but these days being a homebody means I’m a whole lot more sedentary than usual. We’ve had some really gorgeous weather days that gave me the opportunity to get out in my yard for a bit of a walk but what about extra blazing hot days? I know the weather sometimes has me ducking indoors...

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June 10, 2020

Let’s Commit to Fit Pennsylvania!

COVID-19 might have suspended Special Olympics’ events but Pennsylvanians do not let that keep them down. SOPA (Special Olympics Pennsylvania) launched a virtual workout program called Commit to Fit. Athletes, volunteers, supporters, everyone can stay active together, though we’re social distancing, via the daily workout videos. You’re invited and encouraged to follow along on any of their social media channels...

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December 18, 2019

It’s a Doggie World

I recently discovered the Wisconsin based company, Gracie’s Doggie Delights. Having an adorable, rambunctious pup of my own, I was intrigued to sniff out what the buzz was about. As the name suggests, this company is all about making delicious treats for our furry buddies but what sets them apart is their commitment to be all USA product, all the...

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November 6, 2019

The Art of Sensitivity

Story. Dance. Music. Art enriches our lives so much and it is for me a great bonding opportunity. I believe stories are meant to be shared and it is in the sharing that somehow people find common ground and understanding. Have you ever been to the ballet? I’ve only gone once but that day stands out to me as a...

Categories Community/General