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A little gift and a little thanks go a long way in the times apart for our book club.

George Johnson, a member of our book club at The Soldier's Home, Washington, DC, and a character in my book, "Remembering With The Heart, Stories by America's Finest," is an avid reader and has opened so many windows of learning for all fifteen of us that participate in our weekly literary discussions.  As our book club looks forward to reuniting in person, we will continue on our same trajectory of reading our books together, and sharing our thoughts via email, texting, and even with phone conversations.  Recently, I delivered gift bags to my book club members.  George Johnson shared his sentiments that I would very much like to share with you: 

Book Club Treats

Books, tasty treats, and summer fun were delivered to the 14 members of my Book Club who reside at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. on Friday, July 10. My dear friend, Christine Baldwin, librarian at AFRH and book club member met me at the front gate with open arms and her wagon for transporting my gifts to these wonderful pals of mine. On March 1, due to COVID-19 the veterans that reside at The Armed Forces Home were quarantined. Since then, we have not been able to attend our weekly book club meetings; HOWEVER, through emails, phone calls, and letter writing, our "mighty literary group" has continued to read 7 books together. As we look forward to selecting our next round of interesting books to read together, my book club members will be keeping me informed of how they are getting along and staying safe!

Most grateful,
Glenna

AFRH Book Club on “In The Hurricane's Eye” by Nathaniel Philbrick

Dear Literary Friends,

I miss each and every one of you! It seems like forever that we have sat at our "discussion table" and not only conversed about some of the most incredible works of literature but enjoyed each other's company and all that we had to learn from one another. COVID-19 has been a learning experience for the entire world, and I am guessing that in the not too distant future, our Book Club will be back in order and at some point (to our liking) we will be reading a book together about this very topic.

OBX getaway!

For the past twelve years, our goodly friends,  Ann and Larry Sharp have welcomed our family to their beautiful home in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.   Each and every year brings about its own "memory maker," and this one was no different.  Grandson, Charlie, my husband Bob, our son Ryan, and his wife Stephanie relied on "Mother Nature," and the love of family for our entertainment..a truly wonderful week!

REACHING OUT and Reconnecting with VFW National Home for Children.

A promise is a promise! Recently, I reconnected with Meghan Mcbride, an event coordinator at the "VFW National Home for Children," Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Meghan works tirelessly on behalf of the children and their families at the "VFW National Home."

AFRH Book Club on “Double Cross, The True Story of the D-Day Spies”

Dear Literary Pals,

Our current read, "Double Cross, The True Story of the D-Day Spies," written by Ben Macintyre, both intrigued me and baffled me. Therefore, I am choosing to write about this skillfully woven together book in one big swoop. From the very onset of Macintyre's storytelling, he sets the stage introducing his cast of characters one by one in such a way that it becomes a challenge to put aside this spellbinding account that led up to D-Day, June of 1944. It is noted in "Double Cross," that while at the Tehran Conference in November 1943, the first of the "big three" meetings bringing together Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, Winston Churchill turned to Joseph Stalin and uttered a typically Churchillian remark that has become a sort of myth: "In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies." Stalin, who had little time for metaphor, replied: "This is what we call military cunning." The D-Day invasion would be protected and supported by a comprehensive, worldwide deception campaign, a body of lies to shield the truth. It was code-named "Bodyguard." And, the pivotal element in the deception of Operation Bodyguard was named "Fortitude." It is Operation Fortitude that author Ben Macintyre reveals in his gripping narrative, "Double Cross."

AFRH Book Club on “When Books Went To War” Chapters 7-11

Dear Fellow Book Club Team!

I have saved my copious notes, in order to have them in hand when we resume our weekly Book Club meetings at your beautiful residence, The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. Your first-hand experiences and knowledge about the content and story line in our book selection, "When Books Went To War," will be yet another classroom of learning for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Molly Guptill Manning's book. She expertly guided me through a topic that had such an impact on our country during WWII. I am adding this exceptional read to my on-going collection of "Glenna's Book Club," selections, and look forward to sharing it with friends and family!

REACHING OUT to Carolyn Anders on 'Remembering With The Heart...'

“Hi Glenna - finally had a chance to sit down and write a little review of your special book. I have attached the photo of my niece holding one of the books that I sent to her for her 4th birthday which was this past Saturday! We also sent a copy to Mark's nephews and his sister-in-law Lilian sent us a very kind thank you note (via text message) saying that both Connor (14) and Colton (7) really enjoyed reading the real-life-stories of our American Veterans.

Some Very Kind Words from Penny Rader on The Kind Kids Organization and Our Efforts.

“Glenna Orr's children's books are inspirational and informatively written, with gorgeous illustrations that keep even the youngest children mesmerized. Children, as well as adults, love the historical and patriotic stories that are based on the memories of special Americans, our Armed Services Veterans!

AFRH Book Club on “When Books Went To War” Chapters 1-6

Dear Fellow Book Club Members,

While reading "When Books Went To War," written by Molly Guptill Manning, I was reminded of some quotes that I would share with students of all ages throughout my years as a a career public school teacher. To name just a few, "Books Can Take You To Places You Never Believed Possible," and "The Written Word Is A Powerful Tool." I am so very glad that we are reading this particular book together. It is inspirational, optimistic, and compelling all at the same time! I look forward to hearing from you and learning your thoughts on this impeccably researched book!

REACHING OUT to Glenda Cheeks on 'Remembering With The Heart...'

"Remembering With the Heart, Stories by America’s Finest written by Glenna Orr an author of high ethical standards who cares deeply about America’s history and those who serve and have served our Country. Each character in this book teaches us history, sacrifice, and a love for serving as they share a little about their lives serving our country. This book is unique and the best of its kind. I loved each character as they told their stories.

Glenna, I am not much of a writer. Honored that you asked. Stay safe and I appreciate you as you encourage others in our journey through life." - Glenda Cheeks, City President, United Community Bank, Hayesville, NC.

AFRH Book Club on “Nathaniel’s Nutmeg” by Giles Milton

Reading "Nathaniel's Nutmeg," written by Giles Milton has been both an adventure, and a lesson in geography. As our Book Club at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. discusses and shares our thoughts about this interesting chronicle of the European race for control of the spice islands, I am certain that so much history of the 16th and 17th centuries will come into play. Please check back on my website Blog at www.thekindkids.org to read and learn from America's Finest!



As well...our next book to read together is "When Books Went To War: Stories That helped Us Win World War II," written by Molly Guptill Manning. Stay tuned! 

AFRH Book Club on "Hidden Figures" Final Thoughts

My Book Club with the residents of The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. has gratefully completed our second book, while being physically apart due to COVID-19. By emailing one another and engaging in phone conversations, eleven members of this remarkable group just wrapped up their writings and discussions for "Hidden Figures," an extraordinary book written by Margot Lee Shetterly.


We are looking forward to our next read, "Nathaniel's Nutmeg," written by Giles Milton as our Book Club continues to share their literary thoughts.

AFRH Book Club on "Hidden Figures" Chapters 10-18

Author, Margot Lee Shetterly opens up the lives of Mary Winston Jackson and Katherine Goble Johnson, in Chapters 9-18 of her extraordinary book, "Hidden Figures." Reading and learning about the likes of Ms. Jackson and Ms. Johnson in conjunction with Ms. Vaughn, is much like the learning that you, my fellow Book Club Members, have given to me over the past five years. Your endearing, selfless, and courageous lives will remain very much a part of the history of our grand nation and in some cases, our world!

Notes and Thoughts for "Hidden Figures" Chapters 1-9

Good Afternoon To My Illustrious Book Club!

As I am reading "Hidden Figures," I often pause and try to imagine what you all are thinking and remembering about the "times" presented in this wonderful book. My thoughts make me believe that you have much to say, and I so wish I were there to learn from you. :)

"The Wright Brothers," written by David McCullough

"As I am truly looking forward to rejoining my Book Club at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. once our present health risks subside, I am grateful that we continue to read together and discuss extraordinary books.  Our Book Club recently discussed "The Wright Brothers," written by David McCullough.  After reading my thoughts about this exceptional book, I hope that you take a look at the lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright...you will be inspired!"

Sharing a tasty treat for Family dinner!  Grandson Charlie, my husband Bob, dogs, Bolt and Mila, and myself have been spending our days and nights catching up on family activities and breathing mountain air."  Keeping everyone in our prayers and in our hearts. 

An Evening With America's Finest, Fellowship Across The Generations.

Smiles, laughter, and a sense of ease that can only come from a gathering where true fellowship is being shared, was the essence of the event, "An Evening With America's Finest."  On Saturday, 29 February, at the Parish Center of St. Rita's Catholic Church, 18 of my dear friends from The Armed Forces Retirement Center, Washington, D.C. joined my friends and parishioners of St. Rita's for an evening of delicious foods, wonderful conversations, and lively music.

Sharing The Love.

Bring out the glue, construction paper, the doilies, crayons and fancy marking pens, the glitter, and some funny decorations, and you have the makings for an afternoon of crafting some plenty incredible Valentine Cards! 

My Favorite Places, Brughs Mill Country Store.

It's always fun to visit one of my favorite places, Brughs Mill Country Store, Fincastle, Virginia.  Dalton Harper who works at this charming place of business shared this with me, "Mrs. Orr, our customers love your new book, Remembering With The Heart."  Penny Rader, the owner of Brughs Mill Country Store, has a very special display in her lovely store for my books...and for this I am grateful!

RIF Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Arlington, Virginia Book Reading.

In celebration of Black History Month, my colleagues of Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia and myself have been invited to Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Arlington, Virginia to read to students.   

We Got Gold Award!!!

Such an honor for my most recent book, "Remembering With The Heart, Stories By America's Finest," to be the recipient of the Mom's Choice Awards highest recognition-"A Gold Award of Excellence."  The storytellers/characters in "Remembering With The Heart," who reside at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. are so very proud of this book, and for that I am most grateful!

Glenna's Book Club At AFRH 2020....Looking Ahead To Reading And Discussing Extraordinary Literature.

January, 2020 at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. has given our weekly book club the opportunity to discuss two extraordinary books-"All The Light We Cannot See," by Anthony Doerr and "Leadership In Turbulent Times," by Doris Kearns Goodwin.