Local author and News-Herald Community Media Lab blogger M.E. Betsy McMillan will be at Perry Public Library on May 3 (map). More information from a news release:

What can you possibly do for a person who is dying? What meaningful gift can you give to someone who no longer has the need or want of material possessions?

In her latest book, “A Mystery in the Mailbox,” local author M.E. Betsy McMillan discusses her long history of confronting this issue and her years of success in making the “gift of thought” a special way to give hope and inspiration to those who are fighting a long, hard battle.

Betsy will be appearing at Perry Public Library on Saturday, May 3rd where she will be talking with library visitors about how they too can give the “gift of thought” when nothing else seems appropriate. Signed copies of “A Mystery in the Mailbox” will be available for purchase.

About the Author
A native of Cleveland, Betsy and her family have resided in Perry, Ohio for the last 40 years. Betsy is the head writer and editor for a pharmaceutical research organization as a full time avocation, but still finds the time to write on her own time. “A Mystery in the Mailbox” is her fifth non-fiction book.

What people are saying about “A Mystery in the Mailbox”
“His Holiness sends prayerful good wishes for your work with the terminally ill. Invoking upon you the joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing.”
— Secretariat of State for Pope Benedict, The Vatican, 13 February 2010

“When one is ill and becomes a patient, the secret in caring for the patient, is caring about the patient. Betsy’s stories are fascinating and describe her twenty-plus years of caring and compassion for those in need. I highly recommend this book.”
— John L. Turner, M.D., author of Miracles and Manifestations: A Doctor’s Journey Through the Worlds of Divine Intervention, Near-Death Experiences, and Universal Energy

“One of the greatest blessings in life is to die having been loved and cared about. Betsy, through her wonderful and thoughtful book, has shown us how we all can express our love and care for those who need it the most.”
— Dr. Harold J. Bowersox, author of The Bowersox Protocol for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

“My tears flowed because of the simplicity of the idea, shared with such an open heart. Betsy writes, “There are times when I think I am getting much as in the sending as the recipient gets in the receiving.” To which I say, “Amen.” That is exactly the experience I have every time I do Reiki at the hospital. And her process does not involve any sort of training!”
— Elisabeth Petry, author of Can Anything Beat White? A Black Family’s Letters and At Home Inside: A Daughter's Tribute to Ann Petry

Betsy McMillan works as a writer and editor for Ricerca Biosciences in Concord, OH. She attended The Ohio State University and Cleveland State University. She is currently marketing her non-fiction books and has two novels that are scheduled for publication this year. McMillan also pens a blog at http://thefracturedanecdote.blogspot.com/.

Peninsula resident Susan Ellison Busch will be in Mantua on May 4 to sign copies of her book. More information from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-05-04

TIME: 1 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities, 9772 Diagonal Rd, Mantua, OH

WHAT: Ellison Busch. a resident of Peninsula, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Yearning for Normal.

I phoned for an ambulance. As I called, Mike paced back and forth in the kitchen saying, 'Just drive me. I'll be okay.' He told me that he had been cooking meatballs and his shirt caught on fire.  While waiting for the ambulance,

I got him some pants for modesty, covering his burnt waist and buttocks.

I remembered a little from nursing school about burns, so I tried to get him to lie down on a quilt since I knew he was in danger of going into shock.

This heartbreaking journey will take Susan Busch and her son, Mike, through hospitals, backyards, schoolrooms, psychiatric wards, a court room, a burn unit, and the corridors of Susan's own heart. But beyond the struggles of adjusting to life with this deletion, there is a tale of humanity, with all its sorrow, love, and hope. This story is not just for the parents of children with 22q.11 Deletion syndrome, but for their friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, speech therapists, social workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, ministers, and whoever else likes a good story.            

Area comics expert and News-Herald Community Media Lab blogger Chris Lambert will be making a few appearances next month.

On May 3 — Free Comic Day — Lambert and Tom Batiuk (Funky Winkerbean, Crankshaft) will be at Comics and Friends at Great Lakes Mall from noon to 3 p.m.

The appearance will be the debut of Lambert's new sci-fi novel "Saucers," as well as his new comic book I-Qube, Hero in a Box. 

Also on Free Comic Day, Lambert will be at Comic Heaven on Robinhood Drive in Willoughby from 4 to 7 p.m.

On May 25, Lambert will sign autographs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Atlas Cinema Great Lakes Stadium in Mentor as part of Lake Effect Comic Con.

Author Julie Walker Mitchell, a resident of Solon, will be signing copies of her book April 12 in Brunswick. Details from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-04-12

TIME: 8:00am-5:00pm

WHERE: Grace Baptist Church, 3480 Laurel Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212

WHAT: Mitchell, a resident of Solon, OH, will be available to sign copies of her books, 365 Days of Hope and Praying through the Psalms.

In this world there will be much sorrow and sadness, and most people could use a little encouragement as they travel through this life. 365 Days of Hope provides scripture verses and hopeful thoughts for those who feel caught up by the trappings of this world. With each month centered on a different theme, this book can be read in any order the reader wishes. Each day begins with a scripture reading and is followed by words of comfort, guidance, strength, and hope. Whether a lifelong Christian, a new believer, or somewhere in between, 365 Days of Hope is an easy read that contains something for everyone.

How do you express yourself in prayer?  How do you pour out your heart to God?  Do you lift up your joys and sorrows and give thanks for your blessings?  The Psalms are filled with prayers mostly written by King David.  He was a 'man after God's own heart' and his relationship with God was strengthened by his time in prayer.  Does your relationship with God need bolstering?  When you are overwhelmed with the troubles of this world, do you need some encouragement?  'Praying Though the Psalms' gives you a place to start your conversation with your Heavenly Father.  After reading some verses from the Bible, Julie Walker Mitchell encourages you to develop and deepen your relationship.  There is a prayer written for each day based on the reading and you have an opportunity to write in your own prayer or prayer request.  Sometimes we are so stressed we don't know how to begin to talk to God.  This book is an excellent starting point for some and an opportunity to build a more solid spiritual foundation for others.  Prayer should be an integral part of our lives and a focal point for our spiritual growth.

Author Susan Ellison Busch, of Peninsula, will be at the Arabica in Richfield on April 11 to sign copies of her book. Below, details from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-04-11

TIME: 11AM-2PM

WHERE: Arabica Coffee House, 4174 Wheatley Road, Richfield, OH 44286

WHAT: Ellison Busch. a resident of Peninsula, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Yearning for Normal.

I phoned for an ambulance. As I called, Mike paced back and forth in the kitchen saying, 'Just drive me. I'll be okay.' He told me that he had been cooking meatballs and his shirt caught on fire.  While waiting for the ambulance,

I got him some pants for modesty, covering his burnt waist and buttocks.

I remembered a little from nursing school about burns, so I tried to get him to lie down on a quilt since I knew he was in danger of going into shock.

This heartbreaking journey will take Susan Busch and her son, Mike, through hospitals, backyards, schoolrooms, psychiatric wards, a court room, a burn unit, and the corridors of Susan's own heart. But beyond the struggles of adjusting to life with this deletion, there is a tale of humanity, with all its sorrow, love, and hope. This story is not just for the parents of children with 22q.11 Deletion syndrome, but for their friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, speech therapists, social workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, ministers, and whoever else likes a good story. 

Author Susan Ellison will be signing copies of her book March 15 in Hudson. More information from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-03-15TIME: 1-3 pmWHERE: Learned Owl Book Shop, 204 N Main St, Hudson, OH
WHAT: Ellison Busch. a resident of Peninsula, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Yearning for Normal.I phoned for an ambulance. As I called, Mike paced back and forth in the kitchen saying, 'Just drive me. I'll be okay.' He told me that he had been cooking meatballs and his shirt caught on fire.  While waiting for the ambulance,
I got him some pants for modesty, covering his burnt waist and buttocks.
I remembered a little from nursing school about burns, so I tried to get him to lie down on a quilt since I knew he was in danger of going into shock.
This heartbreaking journey will take Susan Busch and her son, Mike, through hospitals, backyards, schoolrooms, psychiatric wards, a court room, a burn unit, and the corridors of Susan's own heart. But beyond the struggles of adjusting to life with this deletion, there is a tale of humanity, with all its sorrow, love, and hope. This story is not just for the parents of children with 22q.11 Deletion syndrome, but for their friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, speech therapists, social workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, ministers, and whoever else likes a good story. 

Maple Heights resident Douglas M. Graf will be signing copies of his book "Bible Principles for Christian Dating" next weekend at Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Maple Heights. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-02-15TIME: 3:00-6:00pmWHERE: Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 5780 Dunham Road, Maple Heights, OH
WHAT: Graf, a resident of Maple Heights, OH, will be available to sign copies of his book, Bible Principles for Christian Dating.While many Christian dating books focus on the relationship of Boaz and Ruth, Bible Principles for Christian Dating focuses on the union of Adam and Eve. As you may know, Eve was formed from a rib of Adam. When Adam awoke, he did not have to look too far to find his rib. Every man should be seeking his rib, and every woman should be seeking the body from which she came. This book explores and reveals the biblical principles applicable in Christian dating and marriage.
Bible Principles for Christian Dating casts a luminous light on various relationship topics in addition to framing a safe and accessible approach to Christian dating for teens, adults, and college students.

Artist Dan Gorman is making an appearance at Comics and Friends (in Great Lakes Mall next to Macy's) this weekend. Check out more information straight from a news release:

Artist Dan Gorman will be back at Comics and Friends Saturday January 25th 2:00 – 7:00 PM. He will be here in support of the new comic series “Only Human the Awakening”. This landmark first issue was written by Joseph A. Michael and drawn by Dan.
Synopsis: It's been a year since the Super Plague outbreak. Hundreds of thousands were wiped out. The threat has been contained thanks to Pharma Industries' "Miracle Cure" ,but the cure came with a price. People aren't themselves anymore. Now, Pharma Industries and Nova Corp. have emerged as the world's largest conglomerates through strong-armed corporate takeovers and strategic opportunities. A modernized zombie threat now looms over humanity as a ruthless dictator,Gretta Reid, will stop at nothing until she achieves world domination. The fate of the world lies on the shoulders of our two unlikely heroes: a 12-year-old make-believe ninja Wesley, and a 28-year-old amateur detective Fisher.
Dan will have copies of the comic along with: prints, shirts, hats, books, variants, sketch covers, and sketch cards. For more info check out www.facebook.com/onlyhumancomic.

Twinsburg residen Lyn Phoenix will be signing her book at the Twinsburg Library this weekend. Details below from a news release:

Author Lyn Phoenix Book Signing EventWHEN: 2014-01-12TIME: 2:00 pmWHERE: Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Rd, Twinsburg, OH
WHAT: Phoenix, a resident of Twinsburg, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, The Walk Home.“Thank you, Doctor, thank you very much. I know that you did all that you could for him and he did also.” Her voice was surprisingly calm after all that had transpired that day. As she handed the phone back to the nurse she thought of all the things they had been through since her husband’s diagnosis of colorectal cancer two and a half years ago. He was stage 4 when they found it in a routine colonoscopy. After major surgery to remove part of his colon, seven lymph nodes, and part of his liver, and eight rounds of various combinations of chemotherapy drugs, he lost the battle and died.
Vicky Raven is trying to move forward after her whole life has been shattered. Cancer has taken her husband, and time has taken her career and children. What is left for her but to rediscover who she is and what God has in store for her in the years she has left?
In this story of faith, courage, and tenacity, one woman must follow her heart and take The Walk Home. 

Burton author Karen Harden will be signing copies of her book in Chardon next week. Details from a news release:

Author Karen Harden Book Signing EventWHEN: 2014-01-11TIME: 1 pm – 3 pmWHERE: Beans, 121 Main St, Chardon, OH
WHAT: Harden, a resident of Burton, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Been There, Survived That.Imagine that feelings and emotions were there but never expressed. Words to some are just words, but to many they hold so much meaning. Many believe that words can never hurt us, but in truth they can. Words can also express such joy that we sometimes can't help but to express ourselves.
Who would we be without these feelings and emotions, and why is it so important to have them? We've had emotions since day one, but they show as we grow. To grow means that these feelings and emotions have made us who we are. Life isn't easy, but it does make us who we are.
In ways that are sometimes hard to express, Karen Harden wants to share with you that life has its many ups and downs, but we are able to bounce back and move forward. She hopes that this book can, in some way, help you in some form or other.

Cleveland resident Sandy Rozelman will be signing copies of her book "You're Gonna Laugh Your Tail Off" in Cleveland next month. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-12-07TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.WHERE: Backyard Nature Co, 830 Som Center Rd, Cleveland, OH
WHAT: Rozelman, a resident of Cleveland, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, You're Gonna Laugh Your Tail Off.How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?
Should there be rules for stray cats?
And what are some pet peeves that dogs have about humans?
You’re Gonna Laugh Your Tail Off when you hear the answers!

Lyn Phoenix, a resident of Twinsburg, will be appearing in Brunswick on Dec. 4 to sign copies of her book "The Walk Home." More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-12-04TIME: 7 pm – 9 pmWHERE: St Ambrose Church, 929 Pearl Rd, Brunswick, OH
WHAT: Phoenix, a resident of Twinsburg, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, The Walk Home.“Thank you, Doctor, thank you very much. I know that you did all that you could for him and he did also.” Her voice was surprisingly calm after all that had transpired that day. As she handed the phone back to the nurse she thought of all the things they had been through since her husband’s diagnosis of colorectal cancer two and a half years ago. He was stage 4 when they found it in a routine colonoscopy. After major surgery to remove part of his colon, seven lymph nodes, and part of his liver, and eight rounds of various combinations of chemotherapy drugs, he lost the battle and died.
Vicky Raven is trying to move forward after her whole life has been shattered. Cancer has taken her husband, and time has taken her career and children. What is left for her but to rediscover who she is and what God has in store for her in the years she has left?
In this story of faith, courage, and tenacity, one woman must follow her heart and take The Walk Home. 

Mary Lu Stary, a resident of Brook Park and author of "Charlie, the Brave Little Turtle," will be signing books next weekend at the Christmas Craft Boutique in Cleveland. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-11-23TIME: 10:00 am - 4:00 pmWHERE: Christmas Craft Boutique-Our Lady of the Angels School, 3644 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44111
WHAT: Stary, a resident of Brook Park, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Charlie, the Brave Little Turtle.Charlie isn't the biggest turtle, but the other turtles trust him to help them find a new place to live. Now join Charlie and his family as they take off on a grand adventure. It won't be easy, but if they stick together they can make it, and they might even make some new friends along the way.

Bectoria Stafford-Crandall, a resident of Avon Lake, will be making multiple appearances in the next couple of weeks to sign copies of her book "A Hunt for Christmas." More details from a news release:

WHEN: November 15-17, 2013 / 6:00 pm / Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Rd, Olmsted Falls, OH
            November 22-23, 2013 / 6:00 pm / Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Rd, Olmsted Falls, OH
            November 27, 2013 / 6:00 pm / Olmsted Performing Arts, 6941 Columbia Rd, Olmsted Falls, OH
WHAT: Stafford-Crandall, a resident of Avon Lake, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, A Hunt for Christmas Treasure.After the Christmas day excitement is over, the presents have been opened, and the wrapping thrown away, many families have a hard time keeping the enthusiasm of Christ's birth alive for the rest of the day. With this exciting book, families and children are whisked away on a biblical journey as the story of Christ's birth unfolds.
A Hunt for Christmas Treasure not only is a fun way for families to explore the nativity scene of Christ's birth, but get more familiar with their Bible.

Nancy Virden, author of "Called to Live," will be in Cleveland on Nov. 21 to sign copies of her book. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-11-21TIME: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.WHERE: Nana's Italian Cuisine - Holiday Inn, 4181 W 150th St. Cleveland, OH 44135
WHAT: Virden, a resident of King of Prussia, PA, will be available to sign copies of her book, Called to Live.I have been asked before, "Will you please call me if you plan to hurt yourself?" To which I have always replied, "If I have the wherewithal to call you, I have the wherewithal to not hurt myself." This time I looked at it from a more "gray" perspective and allowed that the phone call could be made before I reach the point of no return.
This sometimes-quirky, sometimes-sad, sometimes cheery memoir follows the life of Nancy Virden as she recovers from her attempted suicide. Nancy takes the reader into the depths of a Major Depressive episode and beyond.
With a unique writing style and fresh outlook on life, Nancy documents recovery from what she thought was God telling her it was okay to commit suicide to realizing the act has consequences far beyond what she had imagined.
 As Nancy learns to accept life and herself, she provides a candid perspective on love, marriage, faith, and everything in between. Called to Live is a captivating account of healing from the lowest of lows, wavering between looking to the past and future, and ultimately being content with who and where you are.

If you like food, and Cleveland, and chefs, and Cleveland chefs, you will probably be interested in going to next week's program at Mentor Public Library. Maria Isabella, author of "In the Kitchen with Cleveland's Favorite Chefs," will be part of a program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4. Not only will she speak about her book and the chefs featured, but there also will be food involved.

More information from a Mentor Public Library news release: 

People can get a peek into the kitchen of Cleveland’s favorite chefs at Mentor Library MENTOR, Ohio… Want to know what Michael Symon cooks in his own kitchen for his friends and family? Or what Bar Cleveland chef Zachary Bruell makes for dessert?
 People can find out that and more when they meet Maria Isabella on Monday, Nov. 4 at the Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch. Isabella interviewed and compiled more than 100 recipes from 35 of the area’s most successful and famous chefs to write her book, “In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs.” Isabella considers herself a self-professed, wannabe foodie. “Albeit, not the snobby kind,” she said. Her talk at the library will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Main Branch’s James R. Garfield Room. Isabella will discuss her book and share her experiences with some of the chefs she wrote about. Then she will demonstrate two simple appetizer recipes that people can enjoy.
 She will also take questions from the audience. Amanda Densmore, the manager of MPL’s adult reference department, said she was excited to welcome Isabella to the library. “I'm sure she'll have some fun stories to dish about Cleveland's favorite chefs, and it will be great to try some simple appetizers,” Densmore said. A book sale and signing will follow Isabella’s presentation. Isabella’s talk is part of the Monday University series, which brings new guest speakers to the library each month to entertain and educate lifelong learners. The program is free and open to the public. However, people are asked to register for the talk beforehand. They can do so by calling Mentor Public Library at (440) 255-8811 ext. 215 or by visiting www.mentorpl.org.

Cleveland resident Sandy Rozelman has two appearances scheduled in the coming weeks. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-11-10 / 12:00 pm / Unity Center Church, 2653 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH
            2013-11-16 / 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / Half Price Books, 1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, OH
WHAT: Rozelman, a resident of Euclid, OH, will be available to sign copies of her books, You’re Gonna Laugh, Who Said Jews Aren't Funny? and Politics Is A Joke.A judge asks the prisoner, "What are you charged with?"
"Doing my Christmas shopping early," he replied.
"That’s no offense. How early were you doing this shopping?"
"Before the store opened."
People are more violently opposed to fur than they are to leather because it‛s safer to harrass rich women than motorcycle gangs.
The mother of three unruly young boys was asked whether or not she‛d have children if she could do it all over again.
"Sure," she replied, "just not the same ones."
Prosecutor: "Did you kill the victim?"
Defendant: "No, I did not."
Prosecutor: "Do you know what the penalties are for perjury?"
Defendant: "Yes, I do. And they‛re a lot better than the penalty for murder."
A Polish immigrant went to the DMV to apply for a driver’s license. First, of course, he had to take an eyesight test. The optician showed him a card with the letters: C Z W I X N O S TA C Z" Can you read this?" the optician asked. "Read it?" the Polish guy replied, "I know the guy." Birthdays are good for you:
The more you have, the longer you live.
The author, Sandy Rozelman, is happy to share her love of humor with you.                                                                   


OY VEY!!!  My children think I'm Meshugana so before I leave this world I need to prove them wrong.  For over 20 years I have collected humorous stories and jokes.  My kids would probably just throw them all away after I'm gone.
But . . . if I put them in a book, they wouldn't think I was so Meshugana after all.  Right?  So, here's my second book, Who Said Jews Aren't Funny? a compilation of the best of the best of the best Jewish humor I have amassed.  This book makes a great gift and belongs in every Jewish home.


If you have the campaign-season blues, Sandy Rozelman has just the cure you're looking for! Politics is a Joke is a compilation of political jokes sure to make you laugh away your blue (or red) state.

Strongsville author Cindi Ferrini will be signing copies of "No Regrets" in Cleveland on Nov. 9. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-11-09TIME: 1 pm – 3 pmWHERE: Mojo's Coffee and More, 600 Dover Center Rd, Cleveland, OH
WHAT: Ferrini, a resident of Strongsville, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, No Regrets.Having raised three children of her own, Cindi Ferrini understands the reality of every mom: relinquishing free time and missing me time!
She realizes that an honest mom will admit to desiring time for herself at the end of a full day. In No Regrets, Cindi writes poetically, capturing a mother’s heart and her struggle to find that me time, that free time for which she yearns, and the resolve she discovers.
Every mom will find herself between the lines of this story where her choices will not necessarily be fun, easy, or comfortable, but in the end, right.

Author and Brigadier General Dick Abel, a resident of Yorktown, Va., will be in Cleveland next week to sign copies of his book, "Vector Corrector." More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-06-24 (9:00 am)
              2013-06-25 (10:00 - 11:30 am)
TIME: 9:00 am & 10:00 -11:30 am
WHERE: St. Ignatius High School, 1911 W. 30th St., Cleveland, OH
WHAT: Abel, a resident of Yorktown, VA, will be available to sign copies of his book, Vector Corrector.
Brigadier General Dick Abel knows leadership. In Vector Corrector, General Abel collects the wisdom of many great thinkers in business, politics, and popular culture together into one book. Using these bits of advice, we can compare our progress to the ideal, and learn to make choices that will make us better leaders as well as better human beings. Perfect for perusal whether you're a parent, manager, coach, or CEO, Vector Corrector is the kind of book you'll read over and over again, discovering something new each time.

Strongsville author Cindi Ferrini — who recently appeared in Cleveland Heights and Seven Hills — will be signing copies of her book "No Regrets" in Chagrin Falls tonight. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-06-17

TIME: 7:30-9:00 pm

WHERE: Chagrin Men's Fellowship Pine Lake Trout Club, 17021 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, Bainbridge Township, OH 44022

WHAT: Ferrini, a resident of Strongsville, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, No Regrets.

Having raised three children of her own, Cindi Ferrini understands the reality of every mom: relinquishing free time and missing me time!

She realizes that an honest mom will admit to desiring time for herself at the end of a full day. In No Regrets, Cindi writes poetically, capturing a mother’s heart and her struggle to find that me time, that free time for which she yearns, and the resolve she discovers.

Every mom will find herself between the lines of this story where her choices will not necessarily be fun, easy, or comfortable, but in the end, right.