‘Kick-Off Event’ Featuring Monroe Big Band Set for Saturday
MONROE, Mich. – The One Book, One Community of Monroe County Committee has finalized the calendar of events planned around the themes in this year’s featured book selection, “All the Light We Cannot See,” the 2015 Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Anthony Doerr.
The One Book, One Community Kick-Off, in celebration of 10 years of reading together and keeping with the 1940s theme of this year’s book selection, will include a musical tribute to the Swing Era performed live by The Monroe Big Band – “River Raisin Jazz” on Saturday evening. The Kick-Off will take place at 7 p.m. in the atrium of Monroe County Community College’s La-Z-Boy Center, 555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe. Admission is free.
One Book, One Community of Monroe County, modeled after a program developed by the American Library Association, promotes the value of reading by recommending a compelling book that links community members in a common conversation through readings, group discussions, programs and other events.
“All the Light We Cannot See” tells the story of Marie Laure, who lives with her father in Paris within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of the locks. When she is 6, she goes blind, and her father builds her a model of their neighborhood, every house, every manhole, so she can memorize it with her fingers and navigate the real streets with her feet and cane. When the Germans occupy Paris in June of 1940, father and daughter flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast, where Marie-Laure’s agoraphobic great uncle lives in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall.
In another world in Germany, an orphan boy, Werner, grows up with his younger sister, Jutta, both enchanted by a crude radio Werner finds. He becomes a master at building and fixing radios, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and brutal military academy and, ultimately, makes him a highly specialized tracker of the Resistance. Werner travels through the heart of Hitler Youth to the far-flung outskirts of Russia and finally into Saint-Malo, where his path converges with Marie-Laure’s.
In this book, Doerr deftly interweaves the lives of multiple characters and illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.
Below is the calendar of events for One Book, One Community of Monroe County. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Exhibit: Fighting on the Home Front: Propaganda Posters of World War II
On display throughout April
Monroe County Historical Museum
126 S. Monroe Street, Monroe
Drawn from the collections of the Detroit Historical Society, this exhibit features a series of 28 American war posters from World War II. These original posters promote themes like material conservation, war bond drives, work safety, and many more wartime themes. The exhibition includes several informational panels detailing the government departments that created posters, their place in the war and relevant practices such as rationing. In addition, 15 posters come with expanded labels, which present information about the artist of the poster. The Monroe County Historical Museum is open daily: Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.; Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Thursday evenings until 7 p.m. Admission for Monroe County, Michigan resident is free (donations accepted). Non-Residents: $5 per adult, $2.50 per child/student age 5-17.
March 10
Book Discussion: “All the Light We Cannot See”
6:30 p.m.
Ida Branch Library
30161 Lewis Avenue, Ida
March 12
One Book, One Community Kick-Off
7 p.m.
La-Z-Boy Center Atrium
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
Join One Book, One Community of Monroe County to celebrate 10 years of reading together. In keeping with the 1940s setting of this year's selection, “All the Light We Cannot See,” the 2016 program will be kicked off with a musical tribute to the Swing Era performed live by The Monroe Big Band – “River Raisin Jazz.” A cake and punch reception will follow. The evening will also include a used book sale before and after the event. Copies of “All the Light We Cannot See” will be available for purchase.
March 13
Film Series: Flags of Our Fathers
2 p.m.
Ellis Library and Reference Center
3700 S. Custer Rd., Monroe
Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of James Bradley’s non-fiction book Flags of Our Fathers concerns the lives of the men in the famous picture of soldiers raising the American flag over Iwo Jima during that historic World War II battle. Battle scenes are intercut with footage of three of the soldiers who survived the battle going on a goodwill tour of the United States in order to sell war bonds. Many evening they are forced to reenact their famous pose, something each of them finds more and more difficult to do as they suffer from survivor’s guilt. Historical War Drama (rated R) 2006 - 2 hour 11 minutes. Mark Bergmooser, assistant professor of speech, humanities and tae kwon do at MCCC will moderate the viewing of this film. Complimentary movie candy will be available.
March 14
Book Discussion: “All the Light We Cannot See”
6:30 p.m.
Erie Branch Library
2065 Erie Road, Erie
March 16
Children’s Program: Dream it, Build it
4:30 p.m.
L.S. Navarre Branch Library
1135 E. 2nd Street, Monroe
Children will be able to show off their building skills at the Navarre Library during this event. Several different building materials will be available for kids to let their imaginations shine. This event is recommended for ages 8 and up.
March 17
The Riveting “Rosies” from WWII
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Warrick Student Services/Administration Building, Dining Room
Monroe County Community College’
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
Learn from original and current “Rosies” about why they are important in Women’s history and how the Detroit Rosies helped win World war II. This event is sponsored jointly by the MCCC Diversity Committee and One Book, One Community of Monroe County.
March 20
Film Series: “Letters from Iwo Jima”
2 p.m.
Ellis Library and Reference Center
3700 S. Custer Road, Monroe
The island of Iwo Jima stands between the American military force and the home islands of Japan. Therefore, the Imperial Japanese Army is desperate to prevent it from falling into American hands and providing a launching point for an invasion of Japan. General Tadamichi Kuribayashi is given command of the forces on the island and sets out to prepare for the imminent attack. General Kuribayashi, however, does not favor the rigid traditional approach recommended by his subordinates, and resentment and resistance fester among his staff. In the lower echelons, a young soldier, Saigo, a poor baker in civilian life, strives with his friends to survive the harsh regime of the Japanese army itself, all the while knowing that a fierce battle looms. When the American invasion begins, both Kuribayashi and Saigo find strength, honor, courage and horrors beyond imagination. This film is a follow-up “Flags of Our Fathers.” The film is rated R and will last 2 hours and 35 minutes. Mark Bergmooser, assistant professor of speech, humanities and tae kwon do at MCCC, will moderate a viewing of this film. Complimentary movie candy will be available.
March 20
Pen to Palette Docent-Led Tour
2 p.m.
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe Street, Toledo
Using “All the Light We Cannot See” as inspiration, the staff of the Toledo Museum of Art has created a special hour-long tour for readers of the book. Join the docents as they take participants on a special tour highlighting the French landscapes and Impressionist collections.The tour is free, but there will be a $5 parking fee for non-members. Make reservation by calling Rachel Eagle at (734) 384-4153 by March 14. The tour will start promptly at 2:00 p.m. from the main museum entrance.
March 23
Writing Workshop for Aspiring Writers – Day 1 of 2 Day Workshop
4-5:30 p.m.
La-Z-Boy Center, Room 259
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
The focus of this first workshop will be on the process of starting a novel, such as finding topic, organization and more. At the end of the session, all the attendees will be given an exercise to work on and bring back to the next session for constructive feedback. Sponsored by the MCCC Writing Fellows of Monroe County Community College and Dr. Paul Hedeen, dean of humanities and social sciences at MCCC. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required. Call to reserve your space by calling Rachel Eagle at (734) 384-4153 by March 21. Day two of this writing workshop will be March 30.
March 23
Meet the Author – Teresa Irish
7 p.m.
La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
Teresa Irish, author of “A Thousand Letters Home: One World War II Soldier’s Story of War, Love and Life” will share the inspirational and life-affirming story of her late father’s service during World War II and the letters he wrote home. Teresa will tell stories, show photographs and play music from the 1940s. A heartfelt tribute to America’s history, freedoms, and family values, Teresa blends humor and history into a fascinating program for all and a call for citizenship in today’s world. This program is for all generations: veterans themselves, children, grandchildren and others will be left laughing, crying and reflecting. Hardcover and softcover books will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation. Attendees will have a chance to win a free Kindle Fire.
March 28
Film Series: “Hugo”
6 p.m.
Dorsch Memorial Branch Library
18 E. 1st Street, Monroe
Hugo is an orphan boy living in the walls of a train station in 1930s Paris. He learned to fix clocks and other gadgets from his father and uncle which he puts to use keeping the train station clocks running. The only thing that he has left that connects him to his late father is an automaton (mechanical man) that doesn't work without a special key. Hugo needs to find the key to unlock the secret he believes it contains. On his adventures, he meets George Melies, a shopkeeper, who works in the train station, and his adventure-seeking goddaughter. Hugo finds that they have a surprising connection to his father and the automaton, and he discovers it unlocks some memories the old man has buried inside regarding his past. The film is rated PG and will run 2 hours and 10 minutes.
March 30
Writing Workshop for Aspiring Writers – Day 2 of 2-day Workshop
4-5:30 p.m.
La-Z-Boy Center, Room Z-259-
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
The second part of the workshop will focus on the creative aspects of writing. The session will be dedicated to providing feedback on the homework exercise from the previous session. The MCCC English faculty and Writing Fellows will address specific topics raised by the participants, such as dialogue and character development. Registration and participation in the first day of this workshop is required. Call to reserve your space by calling Rachel Eagle at (734) 384-4153 by March 21.
March 30
Children’s Program: Sense It
4:30 p.m.
L.S. Navarre Branch Library
1135 E. 2nd Street, Monroe
This event will be an afternoon of sensory play. Children can come to the library and experience play with all of their senses; there will be a variety of sensory materials. Recommended for those ages 8 and up.
March 30
Panel Discussion: Fleeting Violence – Refugees or Migrants
7 p.m.
La-Z-Boy Center Atrium
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
From the Middle East to Central America, people are fleeing violence. Whether it’s a civil war in Syria or gang wars in Honduras, they’re driven across national borders to find safety in Europe and the U.S. Are they refugees who deserve our help or migrants trying to crash our borders? The reception they’re receiving ranges from welcoming hugs to barbed-wire walls. The Agora, the student newspaper at MCCC, will sponsor a panel discussion on the issue. Experts will discuss how the U.S. and Europe are reacting to the crisis, and how much fear of terrorism should change our policies.
March 31
Brown Bag Discussion: “All the Light We Cannot See”
12:30 p.m.
La-Z-Boy Center Atrium
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
March 31
Meet the Author – Teresa Irish
6:30 p.m.
Ida Branch Library
30161 Lewis Avenue, Ida
Irish will reprise her presentation from March 23 at MCCC for an audience at the Ida Branch Library.
April 3
Film Series: “Valkyrie”
2 p.m.
Bedford Branch Library
8575 Jackman Road, Temperance
A proud military man, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg is a loyal officer who serves his country, all the while hoping that someone will find a way to stop Hitler before Europe and Germany are destroyed. Realizing that time is running out, he decides that he must take action himself and joins the German Resistance. Armed with a cunning strategy to use Hitler's own emergency plan – known as Operation Valkyrie – these men plot to assassinate the dictator and overthrow his Nazi government from the inside. With everything in place, and with the future of the world, the fate of millions and the lives of his wife and children hanging in the balance, Stauffenberg is thrust from being one of many who oppose Hitler to the one who must kill Hitler himself. The film is rated PG-13 and is two hours long. Dr. William McCloskey, professor of English at MCCC, will moderate a viewing of this film. Complimentary movie candy will be available at this viewing.
April 3
Pen to Palette Docent Led Tour
2 p.m.
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe Street, Toledo
This is another offering of the tour previously offered on March 20. Make reservation by calling Rachel Eagle at (734) 384-4153. Tour will start promptly at 2 p.m. from the main museum entrance.
April 4
Film Series: Enemy of the Gates
2 p.m.
Ida Branch Library
30161 Lewis Avenue, Ida
Vassili is a young Russian sharpshooter who becomes a legend when a savvy political officer makes him the hero of his propaganda campaign. Their friendship is threatened when both men fall in love with a beautiful female soldier. As the battle for the city rages, Vassili faces the ultimate challenge when the Nazi command dispatches its most elite marksman to hunt down and kill the man who has become the hope of all Russia. This film is rated R and runs 2 hours, 18 minutes. Tim Dillon, associate professor of English at MCCC, will moderate the viewing of this film. Complimentary movie candy will be available at this viewing.
April 6
Book Discussion: “All the Light We Cannot See”
6:30 p.m.
Blue Bush Branch Library
2210 Blue Bush, Monroe
April 7
American Propaganda of World War II
7 p.m.
Monroe County Historical Museum
126 S. Monroe Street, Monroe
Today, we tend to view the term “propaganda” as primarily negative, but was it always that way? What truly qualifies as propaganda? It’s probably a lot more than you may think. In this presentation the origins of propaganda will be examined, including its different forms and the effect it has on people. Bill Pringle, curatorial assistant at Detroit Historical Society will be the presenter of this event.
April 8
Culinary tour of France and Germany
5 p.m.
Warrick Student Services/Administration Building, Dining Room
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe
The second-year culinary arts students at MCCC, along with Chef Kevin Thomas and Chef Vicki LaValle, will prepare a buffet featuring French and German specialties. Reservations are required. Tickets are available in person at the MCCC Cashier (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday) or by calling (734) 384-4272. Cost: $20 per person. Included are drinks, appetizers, salads, breads, entrees and a dessert buffet\
April 13
Book Discussion: “All the Light We Cannot See”
7 p.m.
Bedford Branch Library
8575 Jackman Road, Temperance
April 19
Book Discussion: “All the Light We Cannot See”
6:30 p.m.
Rasey Memorial Branch Library
4349 Oak Drive, Luna Pier
April 25
Book Discussion: “All the Light We Cannot See”
7 p.m.
Carleton Branch Library
1444 Kent Street, Carleton
Founding Partners of One Book, One Community of Monroe County include Monroe County Community College, The Foundation at MCCC, Monroe County Library System and The Monroe News.
Major Sponsors for 2015 include BAM!, Meemic/Leski Insurance Agency, LLC, and Siena Heights University.
Supporters include The (MCCC) Agora; Altrusa International; Diversity Committee of MCCC; Friends of One Book, One Community; Monroe County Historical Museum, and United Way of Monroe County.
Educational Reading Partners include Airport Community Schools, Monroe High School and St. Mary Catholic Central High School.