As The Charles Bruce Foundation prepares to release one of the most exciting books of 2021, it is probably important to put this picture book in its proper frame. Devera Lang has compiled photographs between March 2020 and March 2021, a period of personal grief for her and pandemic challenges for us all. In the upcoming book, she states, "It became important to me, as part of my grief management, to capture at least one shot a day, of something beautiful, amusing, or unusual." This prompted her artist's eye to fall in love with the tiniest and most magnificent of her surroundings. We are both proud and pleased to be able to offer it to all of you. The hardcover coffee table book will be available in time for the holidays. You can pre-order yours with a donation to the foundation using the link below. Better yet, visit Whistlestop Books on November 27 from 12:00-1:30 and get Devera to sign your book. It's a great gift for people who want a beautiful way to memorialize a once-in-a-century event.

Winston Churchill once famously stated, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." Admittedly, it would be hyperbolic for the team behind the upcoming comic, Invisible, to make this claim about their ongoing efforts, but they have all put in a tremendous amount of work to bring Kickstarter backers and readers a moving and well-illustrated portrayal of the homeless veteran super-hero, Mack. Fittingly, on Armistice Day (sometimes referred to as Veteran's Day), November 11, 2021, Invisible will see its official launch, and you are invited to join in the celebration. The launch event will take place at the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 from 5:00-7:00 pm. The event will provide you with an opportunity to meet the authors and artists of the comic, mingle with veterans, and enjoy a cocktail hour while we all celebrate the completion of this vital work.

It may not be in Carlisle, but writers, artists, and musicians are everywhere! Because of this, The Charles Bruce Foundation is sponsoring a live book reading of the novel Under the Apple Tree (a novel about growing up during World War II) on Saturday, October 16 from 11 am - 6 pm in Indianapolis, Indiana to honor both Dan Wakefield's book and park. What can you do to help? If you are in the Indianapolis area at that time, we would love to have you join us as a guest reader. To be a reader, you can request a 10-minute time slot by emailing Max Goller at maxegoller@aim.com (or simply click the email link below) with your name, email address, phone number, and top three reading time preferences (available slots currently begin at 12:25 pm and end at 5:45 pm). You will receive a confirmation email for the time allotted to you. When choosing your time, be sure to allow yourself a 30-minute window before your assigned time as all readers will be allowed to use a copy of the book in an on-deck position to prepare for seamless transitions. Readers and spectators are welcome to come and go for any part of the event, or if you want the full joy of a storytime reading, bring your lawn chair, blanket, or other comfortable seating to Dan Wakefield Park, 6051 Broadway St, Indianapolis, IN 46205 as Pat LaMarche kicks things off at 11:00 am. If you aren't fortunate enough to be in the Indianapolis area on this date, share this information with others that you know who might be able to join us.

The goal for the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is a lofty 200 blankets, so any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Wherever you are, this gives you a beautiful opportunity to lend your artistic talents to the project while providing much-needed warmth for persons experiencing homelessness. Please join the Facebook group at the link below for project details.