First, it was COVID and then it was “Snowmageddon,” two back-to-back disasters that made life miserable for just about everyone. But folks living in West Central Texas were lucky. They had the United Way of Abilene to help them through. Leading the way through those bleak times was Cathy Ashby, president and chief executive officer of the United Way since 2013. She had years … [Read more...]
Blossom Wigs
Stephanie Gallagher is now in the wig salon business, teaching others about wigs and connecting with women over hair loss. Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Zendaya, Keira Knightley, Gwen Stefani and Kim Kardashian have a couple of things in common. They are all celebrities, and they all wear wigs. For Blossom Wigs owner Stephanie Gallagher, a … [Read more...]
Abilene Author: Al Pickett
He didn’t know it at the time, of course, but the first book that Al Pickett wrote set a pattern for the ones to follow. It came at someone else’s request, just like his subsequent four books. Al was the sports editor at the Abilene Reporter-News for 15 years before leaving in November 2001. He started a freelance career in 2002 that continues today. He got a call in 2003 … [Read more...]
The Little EnGen That Could
Genifer Heath is affectionately known as Little EnGen on the roller derby track, and it’s a name she has rightfully earned. Despite adversity, Heath is an overcomer with her no-quit attitude, her grit and determination, her hard work and positivity. Heath fell in love with the idea of roller derby early on. As a teenager, she remembers watching her cousin take the track and … [Read more...]
Julie Denny: From Big Dreams to the Big Screen
Julie Denny loves a good story. So, when she ran into soon-to-be published author, Cole Thompson, at a party in 1995, she saw an opportunity to put her storytelling chops to good use. “Julie mentioned that she was interested in screenwriting, and I told her I had just written a novel,” said Cole. “It was still in manuscript form, but she read it and asked if she could … [Read more...]