Courage From The Heart, my fifth book will be going to press within the next few weeks. I share with family, friends, and colleagues that I have been writing this manuscript since the early 90's. This book reflects years of experiences with children, their families, and the wonderful retirees that I have come to know throughout the many years of facilitating intergenerational partnerships and mentoring programs. Courage from The Heart, honors the American women that served in World War II...they have made an everlasting impression on thousands of lives. Their strength, compassion, and their confidence was framed in courage and captures the true spirit of these brave and heroic women. I look forward to sharing "Courage" so nicknamed by it's talented illustrator, Jared Oriel and Michele C. Barnes, graphic organizer who is bringing this project together. I am fortunate to be working alongside these two professional and creative artists.
The Armed Forces
Retirement Home is one of America's oldest veterans' retirement homes. The Soldier's home was established in 1851 as
an "asylum for old and disabled veterans." Four of the original buildings still stand
and are listed as national historic landmarks.
Two of the buildings, Quarters 1 and the Lincoln Retreat served as the
summer White House for U.S. presidents-Chester Arthur, Rutherford B. Hayes,
James Buchanan, and most notably, Abraham Lincoln. Today, AFRH is a thriving environment for
America's finest. There is a wealth of
knowledge residing on this historic campus.
Throughout the years, it has been an honor for me to visit and volunteer
with the residents of Armed Forces Retirement Home. Recently, I was offered an invitation from
Christine Baldwin, Librarian of Armed Forces Retirement Home, and Carolyn Haug,
Volunteer Coordinator of Armed Forces Retirement Home to join a "Reading
Buddies" program that joins together the children attending the
International Charter School situated on the campus of AFRH and the residents of
the Armed Forces Retirement Home. As I
keep company with America's finest and the children of the International
Charter School, I know how truly inspired I will be.
During the weekend of
April 8, 9, & 10, I'll be hosting a book signing and sharing my "hot
off the press" book, Courage From The Heart, at U.S.
Quantico Marine Base, Quantico, Virginia.
April is The Month of The Military Child and it is a time throughout our
nation when we pay tribute to the children of those brave and honorable men and
women who have, and are serving in The United States Armed Forces. I'll be traveling to Carlisle Barracks,
Pennsylvania, and presenting my books April 22-24.
On April 30, Reading Is
Fundamental of Northern Virginia will host a 5K Run Walk at Burke Lake
Park, Burke, Virginia. The tireless
Board Members of RIF of NOVA that I so love to work with, will be
enthusiastically coordinating this initiative, in order to make a tangible
impact in their community by providing needy children with books that will
encourage an early and sustained love of reading. For race information and sponsorship
opportunities, please visit www.rifnova.org.
May 9-13, will lead me
to the beloved town of Newtown, Connecticut.
This will be my third visit to Newtown during the past three years. I have been invited to speak with Saint Rose
of Lima Women's Organization and to share my new book, Courage From The Heart
with different groups of people and places in Newtown. I look forward to this journey and I am
grateful to be returning.
Looking ahead....it's
exciting and filled with possibilities!
Most grateful, Glenna.