14Nov2025

Spring Fling 2026 Info ●NOW HIRING – Direct Support Professionals

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1764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW Cleveland, TN 37311

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NEWS
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Category: NEWS

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NEWS
October 27, 2025

October 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Greetings to all!
Cleveland Civitan Club’s annual dance was a source of so much fun, music, and laughter! The music was presented by DJ, Jordan Lubell, and he was joined by announcer, Shaun Fritts. Many thanks to Jonathan Gann for coordinating their efforts!

There is talent in the air! I hear country music, skits, jokes, and patriotism are in store for you at the
upcoming Life Bridges Talent Show on November 13th at the Lee University Dixon Center. It is a

special night of heart and soul.
Mark your calendar for the 2026
SPRING FLING – March 27th There
are many ways to be involved.

With your continued prayers, support,
and encouragement, we will keep
building a community where every
person is valued, included, and loved.
Together we are BRIDGING the gap,

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!

Save the Date:

Trunk or Treat

October 25, 2025
5:00 PM

764 Old Chattanooga Pike 

Quarterly Staff Meeting

October 28, 2025

Talent Show

Thursday, November 13, 2025
6:30 PM

Lee Dixon Center

Holiday Luncheon

Monday, November 24, 2025
11:00 AM

Cleveland High School Cafeteria

Civitan Fall Dance

If you spot a man wearing this sharp, custom-made Life Bridges varsity jacket, be sure to thank him for his generosity!

County Commissioner Milan Blake placed the winning bid for this one-of-a-kind jacket during our Spring Fling Silent Auction in March.

Thank you Mr. Blake for your continuous support of Life Bridges! A special thank-you as well to Custom Communitee for donating the jacket and for helping us all look great in our Life Bridges gear.

Mark your calendars!
Our next Spring Fling is set for March 27, 2026, at the PIE Center and it’s
going to be groovy! We’ll have amazing items up for both our silent and live
auctions, so don’t miss out.
If you’d like to attend or donate auction items, please contact
Karen Kelley at kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com.
Top photo: Diana Jackson-CEO with Commissioner Milan Blake
Bottom photo: Tricia Salter-Payroll/Employee Benefits Specialist
and Milan Blake

By Karen Kelley
Screenshot 2025-09-19 095937
NEWS
September 19, 2025

September 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Greetings to all!
We recently celebrated Direct Support Professional week and enjoyed a big breakfast, shout outs,
and appreciation for all who give so much to the people we support. THANK YOU to all who give so
much to impact the lives of others!
Fall brings many activities for all to enjoy. Be on the lookout for information about Miracle League
Softball, the Civitan Fall Dance, the Talent Show, the agency wide Holiday dinner, the Apple Festival, and country
drives to see the beautiful colors.
Mark your calendar for the 2026 SPRING FLING – March 27th There are many ways to be involved.
With your continued prayers, support, and encouragement, we will keep building a community where every person is
valued, included, and loved.
Together we are BRIDGING the gap,

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!

Save the Date:

Civitan Fall Dance

October 2, 2025
6:00 PM

St. Therese Catholic Church

Trunk or Treat

October 25, 2025
5:00 PM

764 Old Chattanooga Pike 

Quarterly Staff Meeting

October 28, 2025

Talent Show

Thursday, November 13, 2025
6:30 PM

Lee Dixon Center

Miracle League Fall Schedule/Bradley North Complex 6065 Eureka Road NW

Sept. 13

10:15 Orioles VS Pirates

11:00 A’s VS Braves

Sept. 20

10:15 Pirates VS A’s

11:00 Braves VS Orioles

Sept. 27

No Games

No Games

Oct. 4

10:15 A’s VS Braves

11:00 Orioles VS Pirates

Oct. 11

10:15 Braves VS Pirates

11:00 A’s VS Orioles

Oct. 18

10:15 Braves VS Orioles

11:00 Pirates VS A’s

Breakfast prepared by staff for DSPs… Life Bridges DSPs enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared & served by staff to show appreciation for their service and dedication. We are truly grateful for the DSP team!!

National Direct Support Professional Recognition Sept. 7-13 Thank you DSPs for helping people and changing.
By Karen Kelley
Picture1
NEWS
August 19, 2025

August 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Greetings to all!

This summer brought a wonderful highlight – our annual First Baptist Church Camp Cherokee experience! The laughter, friendships, and joy we witnessed reminded us of the power of community and the importance of creating opportunities for the people we support to connect, grow, and thrive. From arts and crafts, to boat rides, singing, fishing and Bible teaching – the smiles told the story better than words ever could. Oh, and the great food was a hit too! We are so thankful for our partners at First Baptist and the Life Bridges staff who made this possible. A special thanks to David Luzader and Beth Jarrett.

 It is our joy to announce that the home on Wagner Circle was named in honor of Brenda Hughes, a long-time member of our Board of Directors. Brenda has been a mentor, advocate and steadfast supporter of our mission. Her faith, leadership, and heart for others have left a lasting impact on our agency, and it is only fitting that this home will carry her name.

We are thankful for a great summer and the opportunities ahead. With your continued prayers, support, and encouragement, we will keep building a community where every person is valued, included, and loved.

Mark your calendar for the 2026 SPRING FLING – March 27th There are many ways to be involved. Contact Karen Kelley: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com for details.

Together we are BRIDGING the gap, 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!

Save the Date:

Civitan Fall Dance

Thursday, October 2, 2025
6:00 PM

St. Therese Catholic Church

Talent Show

Thursday, November 13, 2025
6:30 PM

Lee Dixon Center

Miracle League Fall Softball at Bradley North Fields

September 13th-October 25th

Wagner Circle Home named in honor of Brenda Hughes!

Brenda served as a Board of Directors member for many years and continues as an advocate for the individuals supported by Life Bridges.

Her legacy will continue to inspire staff, families, and community members.

Seated l-r: Dale & Brenda Hughes, Diana Jackson Standing l-r: Staff-Damaris Betancourt, Ginger Davis, Family – Stephanie & Richie Hughes,board members-Dr. Raymond Brown, David Fair, Tammy Bentley, Eddie Cartwright and Peggy Pesterfield

By Karen Kelley
2025AllStarsHead
NEWS
July 19, 2025

July 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Greetings to all!

The hot temperatures in July have brought about picnics, movies at the cinema, and looking for cooler places to enjoy outings in the community. First Baptist Camp Cherokee has been rescheduled to August and many are planning for some days of fun in sun while boating, swimming, and fishing. A few will camp overnight and enjoy some outdoor camp fun around the fire with singing and storytelling.

Work and planning continue as we pursue the Duplex Project. How exciting to receive $50,000 from the George R. Johnson Family Foundation. See a picture and description of the award upcoming in the Cleveland Daily Banner. More to come!

We are very grateful for all the generosity of so many people in our community, including parents and family members. Mark your calendar for the 2026 SPRING FLING – March 27th. There are many ways to be involved.

Together we are BRIDGING the gap,

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!

Save the Date:

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
1:30PM – 2:30PM

Life Bridges – HOC

Family Meeting

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
5:00PM

Life Bridges – HOC

First Baptist
Camp Cherokee

August 5-7, 2025

Jimmy's Journal

Miracle League All Stars

By: James Long Eagle Kilgore, Person Supported, Life Bridges Reporter

Saturday, June 7th, 2025 this reporter went to the annual Miracle League’s All-Star game. Our team was named Bradley Hot Shots. I was second at bat for two innings with Amy Antonini. After the game, we got team photos, medals and a push-in. Carolyn Roush Kimsey was coaching for the Bradley Hot Shots. The team photo was awesome.

We had a great time!

By Karen Kelley
EFD2025ParachuteUp
NEWS
June 21, 2025

June 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Greetings to all!

As we come to the end of spring (and the rainy season), many people supported by the agency have been enjoying community activities, employment, and skill development. First Baptist Camp Cherokee has been rescheduled to August and Fun in the Sun with the Elks Lodge members was a huge success. Miracle League softball has been exciting for many and some of the people at Life Bridges were chosen for the elite team.

Work and planning continue as we pursue the Duplex Project. We recently received notice that we will be awarded a grant from the George R. Johnson Foundation for $50,000. Also, $5,000 from our local United Way. This will be added to the Spring Fling totals. We are on the MOVE!

We are very grateful for all the generosity of so many people in our community, including parents and family members. Mark your calendar for the 2026 SPRING FLING – March 27th There are many ways to be involved.

Together we are BRIDGING the gap,

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!

Save the Date:

Family Meeting

Dinner Buffet Provided!

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
5:00PM

Life Bridges – HOC

Quarterly Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
1:30PM-2:30PM

Life Bridges – HOC

Camp Cherokee
Rescheduled

August 5-7, 2025

Elks Lodge Fun Day - 2025
Medical Clinic Update

Welcome Jennifer Hanson, FNP

We are excited to have Jennifer Hanson, Family Nurse Practitioner, join our dedicated team at Life Bridges. Her expertise and compassionate care are a valuable addition to our clinic.

Clinic Availability

The clinic is open and ready to serve all staff and their families, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.

 

Scheduling Appointments

To schedule an appointment with the practitioner on duty, please contact Rachel Anthony at 423-303-1945. She will assist you in finding a convenient time for your visit.


Services Offered
  1. Acute Symptoms: We treat acute symptoms such as common colds, flu, sore throat, and nausea.
  2. Physicals: School and sports physicals are available for your convenience.

Arrival and Check-In Procedure
  • Upon arrival, please check in at the front window.
  • Complete a personal and family history form and present your insurance card.
  • If you do not have insurance, a $20 office visit fee or $40 for physicals will be deducted from your payroll. Any additional charges for supplies used will also be deducted. If you have insurance, there will be no deductions from payroll.

Insurance Information
  • For those with TNCARE, it’s essential to change the Primary Care Provider (PCP) to Dr. Joseph Mazzolini before your appointment. This change can also be made during your visit if necessary.

Our Commitment

We are committed to being a valuable resource to our Life Bridges family by providing affordable healthcare services. We strive to make healthcare accessible and convenient for you and your loved ones.

By Karen Kelley
May2025Head
NEWS
May 17, 2025

May 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Greetings to all!

The people of Life Bridges have been working hard to be in shape for Special Olympics. The weather was not in our favor. Although the actual day was rained out, we are working on some field events that many will be able to participate in very soon!

Work and planning continues as we pursue the Duplex Project. We recently received notice that we will be awarded a grant from the George R. Johnson Foundation for $50,000. Also, we are in the final review for a grant from our local United Way. This will be added to the Spring Fling totals. We are on the MOVE!

We are very grateful for all the generosity of so many people in our community, including parents and family members. Mark your calendar for the 2026 SPRING FLING – March 27th There are many ways to be involved.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!
2025 Miracle League Spring Schedule

Bradley North Complex

Teams: | 1 = A’s | 2 = Orioles | 3 = Braves | 4 = Pirates |
Field Saturdays April 12 April 19 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31
B 10:00AM 2 vs 3 4 vs 1 2 vs 1 4 vs 1 2 vs 3 3 vs 4
B 11:15AM 4 vs 1 2 vs 3 3 vs 4 2 vs 3 4 vs 1 1 vs 2

Bradley North Complex | 6065 Eureka Rd NW | Cleveland, TN 37312

2025 Miracle League of Bradley County

Play Ball. . .
By Karen Kelley
6vans2025
NEWS
April 19, 2025

April 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Greetings as we welcome Spring and warmer temperatures!

We are very happy to report that the 2025 Spring Fling total was over $122,000. We are very excited as much of the money earned will be used to afford the cost of a project to build new duplexes to meet the needs of people supported by the agency. Many people we support need roll in showers and one level living due to their physical needs and the effects of aging. We are excited to be working to make this project a reality.

We are very grateful for all the generosity of so many people in our community, including parents and family members. Mark your calendar for the 2026 SPRING FLING – March 27th.

Happy Easter to all, as we remember the reason for the season.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!
Pictured: Diana Jackson, Life Bridges CEO, Representative from the Department of Transportation, Damaris Betancourt, Life Bridges COO.
Life Bridges Receives 6 Wheelchair Vans

Life Bridges received 6 Ford Transit Wheelchair Vans awarded from a Tennessee Department of Transportation grant.

The vans had been on backorder and are much needed to transport individuals who are transported in wheelchairs.

Multiple wheelchairs and seated individuals can be transported together in each vehicle.

Doug Ledford, Vehicle Maintenance Program Coordinator, and Damaris Betancourt worked together to request the vehicles.

Save the Date:

Easter Egg Bash

Family & Friends Welcome

Saturday, April 19, 2025
1:00- 3:00PM

Life Bridges

Quarterly Staff Meeting

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
1:30PM

Life Bridges
Hunt Center

Special Olympics

Saturday, May 3, 2025
Registration 9:00AM
Parade Line-Up 9:30AM

Cleveland Middle School

–> Camp Cherokee <–
May 20, 21, 22

2025 Miracle League Spring Schedule

Bradley North Complex

Teams: | 1 = A’s | 2 = Orioles | 3 = Braves | 4 = Pirates |
Field Saturdays April 12 April 19 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31
B 10:00AM 2 vs 3 4 vs 1 2 vs 1 4 vs 1 2 vs 3 3 vs 4
B 11:15AM 4 vs 1 2 vs 3 3 vs 4 2 vs 3 4 vs 1 1 vs 2

Bradley North Complex | 6065 Eureka Rd NW | Cleveland, TN 37312

No games on May 3rd due to Special Olympics.

Jimmy's Journal

Love of Baseball. . .

By: James Long Eagle Kilgore, Person Supported, Life Bridges Reporter

Saturday, April 5th, 2025, starts our opening day of Miracle League Baseball. Teams had changes to their schedules. It consists of Orioles, A’s, Braves, Dodgers, Pirates, and Giants. It is located on Eureka Road in Cleveland, Tennessee. For the first time in ten years. Eric Odom says, “In order to hydrate drink some Powerade”. This reporter hits really big towards left field twice in a game between the Athletics and the Dodgers. For more information, please contact Carolyn Kimsey at: www.miracleleaguebc.org.

Kenneth Myers receives 10 years of service recognition from Life Bridges CEO Diana Jackson and Board President Dr. Raymond Brown.
Congratulations Kenneth!
By Karen Kelley
2025FebruaryHead
NEWS
February 22, 2025

February 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy February and I hope your month has been filled with love!

The Life Bridges Leadership team, of nearly seventy people, recently met for a day of training utilizing principles from the Steven Covey book, The Speed of Trust. We are fortunate to have a team that functions well, wants to improve, and is willing to put the work into growth.

Our Residential and Day Programs have restructured in a way to join these teams for improved communication and delivery of service. We greatly appreciate the effort, dedication, and follow through in this project.

Spring Fling 2025 Need: If you can acquire a silent auction item, gift certificates from any establishment, or donate a bottle of wine for the “Wine Pull” please let me know! This fund-raising event will be held on March 28th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build in 2025/2026. Thank you to so many of you who are already involved.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!
Save the Date:

April 12, 2025
Civitan Pancake Breakfast
Aubrey’s
8:00AM – 10:00AM
Monies collected help with
Special Olympics

Contact Diana Jackson:
djackson@lifebridgesonline.com

NO TAKE-OUT ORDERS
NO TO-GO ORDERS

May 3, 2025
Special Olympics
Cleveland Middle School

2025 Life Bridges Spring Fling Fundraiser

Thank You to Our Sponsors

PLATINUM

Ocoee Professional Pharmacy
Maxi Auto Service & Wilkey Motor Sports – Athens, TN
YMCA
E-Com
Regions Bank
Harry’s
Kobayashi
Bob & Melinda McIntire
Damaris Betancourt

GOLD

Marvin & Amy Schaefer
Boyd & Carolyn Williams
Beverly Phillips
Easy Auto
Cleveland Abstract & Title Insurance
First Horizon Bank
Flora Insurance Agency
Companion Funeral & Cremation
Southeast Bank
JHM Certified Public Accountants
Cleveland Utilities
Allstate Insurance – George Gray
Pinnacle Bank

Andy Anderson
Dales & Brenda Hughes
Ken & Dianne Webb
Pat & Janet Ensley
Peggy & Joe Pesterfield
Amy & Bill Reedy
Drew & Carolyn Robinson
L.E. Wooten
Martha & Charlie McDowell
Dr. Raymond & Donice Brown

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS:
David & Marcia Fair
Joe & Kathy Lee
Eddie & Milteen Cartwright
Bryan & Julie Turner

Broad Street United Methodist Church + Tim Tebow Foundation

Night to Shine Prom - 2015
By Karen Kelley
2024DirectorsChoice
NEWS
February 1, 2025

January 2025 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

The New Year is off with a definite chill – recently we woke up to 8 degrees! I trust you are safe and warm.

What a thrill it is to celebrate Life Bridges’ many employees who have had milestone anniversaries with the agency as of January 2025. It was a bonus to be joined by Life Bridges Board Chairman, Dr. Raymond Brown, to recognize this year’s employees.

Jerry Adams was awarded employee of the year, Kelley Ford was awarded Volunteer of the year, and Deanna Sandidge was awarded the Spirit of Life Bridges. Director’s Choice awards were given to Tricia Salter, Semyon Kanarski, Kayla Carrol, Jessica Johnson, Pamela Allen, and Amanda Forgey. I am so proud of each one of them.

  • 35 employees – 5 years of service
  • 19 employees – 10 years of service
  • 7 employees – 15 years of service
  • 8 employees – 20 years of service
  • 1 employee – 25 years of service

Mark your calendars for Spring Fling 2025 if you would like to purchase a table or be a sponsor. This fund-raising event will be held on March 28th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build beginning in 2025. Thank you to so many of you who are already involved.


Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!
2024

Annual Employee Recognition

Spirit of Life Bridges goes to Deana Sandidge l-r Diana Jackson CEO, Deana and Dr. Brown-Board Pres.
Employee of the Year goes to Jerry Adams L to R: Diana Jackson CEO, Jerry and Dr. Brown-Board Pres.
Life Saver goes to Saa Leno & Cecilia Ayala l-r Diana Jackson Employee of the Year goes to Jerry Adams L to R: Dian Jackson CEO, Jerry and Dr. Brown-Board Pres. Saa,Cecilia and Dr. Brown.
Directors Choice : L to R: Diana Jackson, Recipients: Semyon Kanarski, Amanda Forgey, Pam Allen, Tricia Salter, Kayla Carroll, Jessica Johnson and Dr. Brown
Volunteer of the Year: Kelley Ford l-r: Diana Jackson, Kelley Ford and Dr. Brown
25 Years of Service: John Blackburn L-R: Diana Jackson, John Blackburn and Dr. Brown
20 Years of Service: l-r: Diana Jackson, Marisa Ingle, Brittney Roland, Rhonda Bryant, Misty Hamby, Edward Johnson & Dr. Brown Not pictured: Keri Chastain, Valerie McCoy & Mildred McFarland
15 Years of Service: l-r Diana Jackson, Karen Williams, Harley Buchtel, Rachelle Anthony, Dr. Brown Not pictured: Jacqueline Arewa, Martha Beavers, Melvin Brooks, Troy Hammonds
10 Years of Service: front row l-r Liliya Lyashevskiy, Dr. Joe Mazzolini, Danielle Tate, Amber Travis, Windy Parman standing l-r Diana Jackson, Reena Davis, Andrew Campbell, Totiona Bowers, Kelsey Nickels & Dr. Brown Not pictured: Patricia Bullington, Yolande Cebert, Tatyana Lakatosh, Caitlyn Monroe, Kristy Osborne, Yesia Pitner, Kezmond Pugh, Carrie Sermons, Brandy Wilson Rachel Yancey
5 Years of Service: Front Row l-r: Maureen Miller, Chloe Norwood, Tina Hughes, Jason Boling, Serrina Lee, Chloey Tatum, Brianne Kennard Back row l-r: Diana Jackson, Timothy Legrand, Jeffrey Harden, Charles Hamby, Christine Campbell, Michael Blackwell, John Allman, Elizabeth Allen, Angel Coile, Kaitlyn Roe & Dr. Brown 10 Years of Service: front row l-r Liliya Lyashevskiy, Dr. Joe Mazzolini, Danielle Tate, Amber Travis, Windy Parman standing l-r Diana Jackson, Reena Davis, Andrew Campbell, Totiona Bowers, Kelsey Nickels & Dr. Brown Not pictured: Patricia Bullington, Yolande Cebert, Tatyana Lakatosh, Caitlyn Monroe, Kristy Osborne, Yesia Pitner, Kezmond Pugh, Carrie Sermons, Brandy Wilson Rachel Yancey Not pictured: Donna Bennett, Johnathan Brown, Jessica Burns, Melissa Callahan, Chelsea Coulter, Hailey Cronan, Catlin Danson, Georgia Dills, Seth Garner, Tammy Gibbs, Danielle Goins, Tamara Holden, Haley Loftis, Vickie Patterson, Tmesha Pitner, Lacey Plumley, Samantha Swafford, Chasity Watts, Angela Wilson
By Karen Kelley
HolidayLuncheon2024-E
NEWS
December 15, 2024

December 2024 . . . Lifelines

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Merry Christmas!

The Talent Show was a HIT for all who performed and for the many spectators. The Holiday – Thanksgiving/Christmas Lunch was attended by nearly 500 people and was lively as usual. The choir, the handbell group, and Nicole Rogers on the saxophone entertained the group and lifted the spirits of all in attendance. The Elks Christmas gathering was enjoyed by many and Santa had his work cut out for him!!

Mark your calendars for Spring Fling 2025 if you would like to purchase a table or be a sponsor. This fund-raising event will be held on March 28th and will be one of the funding sources for the new duplexes we are planning to build beginning in 2025. Thank you to so many of you who are already involved.

Life Bridges Partners – Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Together we are BRIDGING the gap!

Life Bridges received a warm welcome from the Cleveland High and Middle School Cheerleaders during the Annual Holiday Luncheon on November 25 at Cleveland High School. The Cleveland High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and the SRO team served a delicious lunch to nearly 500 guests in attendance.

Talent Show - 2024

Gary performs at the Talent Show -special appearance with his Mother.
Miranda sings with a dance solo by Beth Jarrett-Director of Residential & Day Service

Holiday Luncheon - 2024

Tennessee Technology Trailblazer

Shaun Fritts received the “Tennessee Technology Trailblazer” award in November from Commissioner Brad Turner at the Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging Technology Summit in Nashville. Maxine Frizell also participated in a panel discussion on how technology assists her daily life.

(Technology helps to have staff when needed to offer assistance)

By Karen Kelley