West Hartford Holds One Book, One Town Celebration

From the Town of West Hartford:

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. (April 6, 2016) – West Hartford’s first One Book, One Town initiative will culminate on Thursday, April 21, with inspirational speakers and interactive activities. The free event will be held from 6:30PM to 8:00PM in the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street. All ages are invited.

One Book, One Town was launched in November 2015 and was designed to bring the community together by reading a common book, discussing its core themes, and participating in a series of events. The selected book, Outcasts United by Warren St. John, focuses on themes of acceptance, inclusion, diversity and being your best self.

West Hartford’s special event will feature keynote speaker Christine Ieronimo, author of A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water Across the World, emcee Brad Drazen, news anchor at NBC Connecticut, and sports speaker Steve Boyle, founder of 2-4-1 Sports (Life’s 2 Short 4 Just 1 Sport).

“The One Book, One Town culmination will be engaging, thought-provoking and memorable for all who participate,” said Jenna LaRiverie, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Community Business Development Manager.

Teens from West Hartford Public Schools Quest program will comprise the panel discussion that will open the event. Students will offer their perspective on Outcasts United.

“The featured presenters all understand the value of athletics in a child’s life as did Luma Mufleh, the central character in the true story Outcasts United, said Renée McCue, public relations specialist, Town of West Hartford.

Luma is credited with shaping the lives of a disparate group of young refugee boys when she starts a youth soccer team and, in the process, brings the community together. She becomes their advocate, coach and friend and teaches the boys how to achieve success through hard work, self-discipline and cooperation.

Steve Boyle’s business philosophy is children should be exposed to multiple sports to help develop their untapped athletic and leadership abilities that could inspire a lifetime of healthy, physical activity. He will share his belief in the power of being a multi-sport player and good sportsmanship.

The special event concludes with a multi-media presentation by Connecticut author Christine Ieronimo who will share global messages about hungry children and the value of clean water. Her book, A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water across the World, chronicles the journey of a young girl from her impoverished homeland in Ethiopia — where chronic hunger and long treks for water are daily realities — to a new home in Connecticut. A hands-on water exhibit in which participants can experience the difficulty of carrying water a distance will be available.

The April 21st event will end with a choice of activities: a small group discussion, a water carrying challenge, and a book signing.

Refreshments will be provided by Whole Foods West Hartford Center. Special thanks to the event sponsors and organizers: Barnes & Noble Booksellers Blue Back Square, Town of West Hartford, West Hartford Public Library, West Hartford Public Schools, Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, the West Hartford Human Rights Commission, and Starwood Retail Management.

For more information, click here or call 860-561-7521.