John O' Hurley to sign books, read to area students before hosting National Dog Show

Actor and author John O'Hurley, of "Seinfeld" fame, will be in Collegeville/Oaks next weekend promoting his books and hosting the 2012 National Dog Show in Oaks. 

On Friday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m., Hurley will read from and sign his his two dog-related books, “Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy” (Hudson Street Press, 2007, 176 pp., $21.95) and the New York Times Best Seller "It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump and Other Life Lessons I Learned from Dogs,” (Plume, 2006, 176 pp. $12) at Towne Book Center, 220 Plaza Drive, Suite B-3, Collegeville, PA 19426, across the parking lot from Wegmans in Providence Town Center shopping center. 

The event is free. For information, call 610-454-0640 or visit www.trappebookcenter.com/event/john-ohurley-towne

The next day, Saturday, Nov. 17, Hurley will lend his signature voice and presence to the 2012 National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. He has been the host of Purina's annual National Dog Show every Thanksgiving since 2002.

Starting at 11 a.m., O'Hurley will give a special reading to some Spring-Ford Area School District elementary school students who are part of the Dogs Are Readers Too (DART) program as well as some therapy dogs.

Event information provided by the Spring-Ford Area School district doesn't specify what O'Hurley, who is best known for his turn on "Seinfeld" as Elaine's catalog job boss "Mr. Peterman," will be reading. I would venture that his selection will likely come directly from one of his books.

Following O’Hurley’s reading, the Spring-Ford Area Senior High School Honor Guard will open the day’s events at the National Dog Show prior to the national anthem.

WHEN: The reading at the National Dog Show will take place from 11 to 11:15 a.m. The Spring-Ford Area Senior High School Honor Guard will be featured at 12:50 p.m.

WHERE: Hall D of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, located at 100 Station Ave. in Oaks, Pa.

BACKGROUND: D.A.R.T. introduces certified therapy dogs into a classroom setting, where the animals lie down on a blanket with students taking part in the course. From there, students read with the animals for about half an hour. Educators have learned that students struggling with reading avoid the skill because it tends to be difficult, but when they are paired with the therapy animals, reading becomes an enjoyable experience.

The National Dog Show will be broadcasted nationally on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22. 

JOHN O'HURLEY WITH HIS DOGS

About Hurley (from Wikipedia):

A native of Kittery, Maine, John George O'Hurley (born Oct. 9, 1954) is an American actor, voice actor and television personality. He is known for the role of J. Peterman on the NBC sitcom "Seinfeld"  and was the host of the game show "Family Feud"  from 2006 to 2010.

Related link:

Check out this Nov. 6 column, "BOOK BOUND: John O’Hurley’s words of wisdom go to the dogs," by Nicolette Milholin, columnist for The Mercury's sister paper, Montgomery News. 

Local ghost stories told here: Charles J. Adams III to present scary tales at two area locations

Charles Adams III in ghost storytelling garb

Storyteller Charles J. Adams III, author of "Montgomery County Ghost Stories" and radio personality, will be recounting spooky tales at two area locations in the next week:

• Tonight from 7:13 p.m. to 9:04 p.m., Adams will present "Spooky Towne" at Towne Book Center and Cafe, Providence Town Center (across from Wegmans), Collegeville. His book "Montgomery County Ghost Stories" (Exeter House Books, 2000, $11.95) is available for purchase at the bookstore. The event appears to be free. To learn more, call Towne book Center and Cafe at 610-454-0640. 

• Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Road, Reading. Adams will present "Museum Mysteries: Ghosts in the Galleries." Cost: $5 for Museum member adults and all children 17 and under; $10 for non-member adults.

About Adams (from his publisher):

In addition to writing books, Adams has written travel stories for several publications. He has also been the morning air personality on radio station WEEU in Reading since 1978.

Adams has been a speaker at the International Ghost Hunters Alliance and GhostWorld conventions in Gettysburg and at regional paranormal conferences in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. He has been interviewed on ghostly topics in England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, South Africa, and on several American radio and television stations.

He has also appeared on The History Channel's "Haunted America: New York" and "Haunted America: Philadelphia" programs, and has served as consultant and on-air "expert" for programs on hauntings and ghosts on The Learning Channel, MTV, and The Travel Channel. His latest television work is a segment at the haunted Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia for The Travel Channel's "Mysterious Journeys" series.

Adams has also organized and escorted tours of haunted places in the United States, England, and Scotland.

He has produced, written, and conducted "ghost tours" in Lancaster County, Reading, Hamburg, and Philadelphia; Cape May, N.J., Greenwich Village, and New York City. His stories have been selected for inclusion in anthologies including "Classic American Ghost Stories" (August House Publishing). At the personal request of the producer M. Night Shyamalan, his book, "Bucks County Ghost Stories" was used as a prop in the 2002 movie, "Signs," which stars Mel Gibson.

Tony Danza to promote his new book at Ursinus College tomorrow

The below story was originally published in The Mercury on Thursday, Sept. 13. The event is at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Bomberger Auditorium on the Ursinus College campus in Collegeville. Tickets are $30 and include a signed copy of Danza's book.

Bookstore to host actor/author Tony Danza at Ursinus Saturday

By Brandie Kessler
bkessler@pottsmerc.com

COLLEGEVILLE — Spending a year teaching at a Northeast Philadelphia high school gave actor Tony Danza insight into the value of quality teachers.

In his new book, “I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High,” (Crown Archetype, Sept. 11, 2012, 272 pages) Danza delivers a message about the value of educators. The passion behind that message is what prompted Towne Book Center & Cafe of Trappe to bring Danza to Ursinus College Saturday to deliver it in person.

After teaching 10th grade English at Northeast High School, a feat that was documented in the A&E program “teach,” Danza concluded that teachers aren’t thanked or appreciated enough. 

That is, at least in part, why Kit Little, marketing director for Towne Book Center & Cafe (formerly Trappe Book Center) was so thrilled at the chance of hosting a speaking engagement with Danza. 

“We want to reach teachers and educators and the community,” Little said. “This is not a Hollywood tell-all; it’s not about his show; it is specifically about challenges teachers face and the amazing tenacity of teachers.” 

DANZA

Danza will speak at the historic Bomberger Auditorium on the campus of Ursinus College at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets for the event may be purchased for $30 each, and that includes an autographed copy of Danza’s book, which was released Sept. 11. Little said Danza is expected to speak for less than an hour and then guests will have the opportunity to get his autograph. 

Additionally, teachers who purchase tickets may get a discount. To reserve seats, call 610-454-0640. 

Little said the event is not going to be a money-maker for her store, but the message Danza will deliver is a poignant one she wants people to hear. 

“I love being able to bring something like this to the community,” Little said. “I want to reach teachers, I want them to be inspired.” 

Little clarified that teachers don’t need Danza’s words to be inspired, but it’s nice to hear what others think of them and the importance they have in the world. 

“Teachers don’t get the super stardom they ought to, and this is a way he can bring a little attention to them,” she said. “I think it’s nice to have somebody that they can relate to and can relate to them and I guess, it’s kind of like a celebration, not a validation. It’s a chance to get together and celebrate what teachers do.” 

For more information, visit www.townebc.com

Follow Brandie Kessler on Twitter @I_M_BrandieK. Kessler covers police news, among other topics, for Pottstown's daily newspaper The Mercury. She is an avid soccer fan and youth coach and may often be found in goal for area club teams or in the bleachers rooting for the Philadelphia Union. Kessler is also an accomplished runner, yoga practitioner, and kayak enthusiast.

Young adult authors tour to stop at Collegeville's Towne Book Center (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Penguin Young Readers Group's Breathless Reads National Panel Tour will be making a stop in Collegeville later this month. What that means for you is I have a LOT of books to give away. And by a lot, I mean EIGHT brand new Penguin young adults novels from the esteemed publisher's Breathless Reads lineup.

Four Penguin authors: Marie Lu ("Legend"), Andrea Cremer (the "nightshade" series), Beth Revis (the "Across the Universe" series) and Jessica Spotswood ("Born Wicked), will be available on Saturday, February 18, beginning at 4 p.m. for book signings, autographs and discussions at Towne Book Center & Cafe in Providence Town Center (Routes 422 and 29, across the parking lot from Wegmans)

Learn more about the Breathless Reads tour on its Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/breathlessreads or by calling the store at 610-454-0640.

But back to the free books. I have two copies each of the four authors' brand new "pulse-pounding" (according to Penguin publicity) hardcover books to give away to you, reader.

When they say young adult novels, note that these look like they're intended more for the "Twilight" and "Hunger Games" audience than younger young adults. They're about werewolves, bleak future worlds and star-crossed/doomed lovers. So, while they may appeal to adults as well, likely you'll want to pass them along to the young adult reader in your life.

Enter to win one of the following books by shooting me an email with your mailing address (so I can mail a book to you) at mkaras@pottsmerc.com or posting it here as a comment. Be sure to state which book you fancy.

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

1) "Legend" by Marie Lu (G.P. Putnam's Sons, November 2011, $17.99, 305 pp., no age range given)

Book summary per the Legend website:

Los Angeles, California
Republic of America
Population: 20,174,282

MARIE LU

The flooded coast of former Los Angeles. Two warring nations of North America — the Republic and the Colonies.Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, 15-year-old June is a prodigy. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country, she is being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles.Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, 15-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths — until the day June’s brother is murdered. And Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together and the sinister lengths their country will go to in order to keep its secrets.

Watch the "Legend" book trailer here. 

About the author:

Lu, 27,  is the art director at Online Alchemy, a video game company, and resides in Los Angeles.

ANDREA CREMER

2) "Bloodrose" by Andrea Cremer (Philomel Books, January 2012, $18.99, 406 pp., for ages 14 and up) The third book in the "Nightshade" series.

Book summary per the "Nightshade" series website:
 
Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for aSll. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is. In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

Watch the "Bloodrose" book trailer here.

About the author:

Cremer teaches history at Macalester College, St. Paul, MN., and has spent much of her career studying slavery and sexuality in European and early American history.


3) "A Million Suns" by Beth Revis (Razorbill, January 2012, $18.99, 400 pages, for ages 12 and up)

Book summary from the "Across the Universe" series website:

Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed. She expects to wake up on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy's cryo chamber is unplugged, and she is nearly killed.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.

BETH REVIS

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again.

Click here to watch a YouTube video interview with author Beth Revis.  

About the author:

Revis, a resident of North Carolina, is a former teacher. "A Million Suns" is her second novel.

4) "Born Wicked" by Jessica Spotswood (Putnam, February 2012, $17.99, 330 pp., ages 12 and up)

 

A summary of "Born Wicked from the author's website:

JESSICA SPOTSWOOD

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship — or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word ... especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood — not even from each other.

Click here to watch the "Born Wicked" book trailer.

About the author:

Spotswood is a native of Biglerville, Adams County, Pa. She refers to her hometown as a tiny one-stoplight town. She resides in Washington, D.C. "Born Wicked" is her debut novel.

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Note: If you can't make it to the Collegeville Breathless Reads booksigning, there's one the next day, Sunday, February 19, at The Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main St., Doylestown.