GB Profile: Carol Channer

Hey there! My name is Carol Channer. Born and raised in southern New Jersey, I've been living in Central Florida since 1975, coming down to work as a lifeguard at WDW directly from my high school graduation ceremony! Over the years, I've also worked in the hotel industry, as a server in a few restaurants, and as a pharmacy technician, but eventually returned to the pool to guard and teach until I "retired" about eight years ago.

My husband Wayne and I have been married since 1980, raising two daughters and one son together. We now have two grandchildren, and are excited to be adding another in September 2009!

Wayne works for a international construction company, and is currently contracted with Orange County Public Schools as a P.M. overseeing the construction of several new schools. In his free time, he makes the most gorgeous stained glass creations around. I usually claim them as gifts for my family and friends, but he does manage to sneak a few into a local artist's shop for sale!

I've enjoyed writing poetry and short stories for many years, but it was only a few years ago that I joined a writer's group. Before I knew it, I was a published author! My devotional book, published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, is entitled “Strength for Today While My Soldier is Away.” Shameless plug, I know! Check out my website at www.StrengthDevotional.com.

I enjoy working within the Christian community, often writing inspirational poetry for special events, and working with the women’s, children’s, music, and Sign Language ministries in my church, as well as volunteering in the office once a week to do the bulletins. I am always happy to speak to groups who love and support our military, sharing about my book and the struggles, triumphs and humor of being a part of the military community. I'm also a dedicated member of the National Day of Prayer Task Force of Osceola County, and just for the fun and sheer joy of it, I still volunteer as a swimming instructor to the elementary school children in the public school system here in Osceola County every spring and fall.

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Simply Deb
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Posted 6:45pm January 26th, 2009
Hi Carol...
Welcome to the Growing Bolder community. I'm looking forward to learning more about you through your stories and pictures. I like the photo you are using for your profile.

In GB Friendship,
Debbie
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Posted 3:26pm January 24th, 2009

Hello Carol,

Welcome to Growing Bolder ! I am sure you will love it here - I certainly do ! There are many, many, many Fabulous people here that you will make friends and network with ! Enjoy your time spent here. We even have a couple of Red Hat Groups on Growing Bolder ! I have a friend with Tate Publishing. Thanks for the Friend request ! Growing Bolder sends out Newsletters with lots of great info each week. I hope your New Year is a Sensational one !

Blessings Always,

Shirley W. Mitchell, "The Golden Egg of Aging"

Last Login: November 9, 2009

Media Count: 18 items

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Birthday

55 Years Old

Address

Saint Cloud, FL
United States Of America

Status

Married

Orientation

Straight

Smoker

Religion

Christian - Other

Occupation

I say "Author", my hubby says I'm a professional volunteer

Hometown

Saint Cloud, FL

Family

My son and son-in-law are both currently on active duty in the military, which was inspiration for my book, as well as being the continuing source for the newer version that I hope to have published soon.

My son Joseph is now 23 years old, and Airborne Infantry Specialist with the Army, and has already completed a difficult 13 month long tour in Iraq. He is now deployed again, this time to Afghanistan, until at least February 2010 - and I'll once again be writing a lot! It's how I cope. He and his super-fantastic wife Nicole are usually stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. With Joe deployed, and since she is expecting their first child in September, Nicole has moved to Pittsburgh where she is surrounded by lots of loving family and support.

My son-in-law, David, who has been stationed overseas for several years as a Sergeant with the Army, has just returned from a 15 month deployment to Iraq and is finally at his new duty station in Georgia. The silver lining in Dave's deployment was that my oldest daughter Jennifer and my amazing and wonderful grand-daughter Mikah came to stay with us while he was away. What a joy it was to have them with us, we laughed every single day at the antics of our Mikah as she went through her not-so "Terrible Twos!"

My youngest is Kimberly, who lives here in Saint Cloud with her husband, O.P., and works at a server in the local hangout, the Koffee Kup. She' gave birth to ur first grandson on April 20, 2009! He fantastic!

Education

I graduated from Mainland Regional High School in Linwood, NJ in 1975, moved to Orlaando, and never looked back! I turned down a swimming scholarship to college, easily the stupidest thing I've ever done, but, then, I wouldn't be who I am today and have the great life I have now if I hadn't said to my high school swim coach, "No way, Coach! I'm going to work at Walt Disney World!"

Goals

I really want to get my book into the hands of our military families - it resonates with other military moms, especially, and the most frequent and touching comment I receive is, "I thought I was the only one who was feeling this way!"

People I'd like to meet

I always love to meet other military moms most of all, but I wouldn't mind meeting Rev .Billy Graham, Tony Dungy, and Beth Moore, as they have all touched and inspired my life.

Music

Love Leon Russell, southern gospel, classic rock from the 50-70's, easy listening