195 Millennium - Twenty-first Edition SOCIAL WORK, PUBLIC SERVICE, NONPROFIT AND HUMANITIES complex histories with the public. Ms. Parker is active in the Elks Club and the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs and considers her commitment to community service to be a key value. In the coming years, Ms. Parker plans to maintain her current level of involvement with the Bedford Boys Tribute Center, with plans for extended outreach as a part of the center’s mission, including a trip to Normandy to dedicate a plaque and anniversary observations on her calendar. She attributes her success to her empathy and ability to truly listen and understand others’ experiences. She considers her greatest accomplishment to be launching the museum and seeing its meaning and impact on those with ties to its subjects. everyday stories of individual service members. The center hosts hundreds of local students annually, many of whom have family ties to the Bedford Boys, and Ms. Parker hopes to secure an endowment that will allow it to continue its educational mission for future generations. Prior to opening the Bedford Boys Tribute Center, Ms. Parker made a name for herself as the author of the three-book “Austin & Charlie Adventures” children’s series. She has promoted her books nationwide with readings and presentations and continues to work directly with children to promote literacy and history. In 2024, she completed a documentary film, “We Have Casualties…,” and she looks forward to exploring other media avenues for sharing
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