Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at the For the Love of Books Podcast show hosted by author Emma Palova, and sponsored by Doc Chavent and Australian author Jennifer Raines. On this great holiday dedicated to women around the globe, the show is proud to present two great romance authors Jennifer Raines and Karin Beery.
In Masquerade, the main character Kate uses a disguise to prevent an old boyfriend from finding her. Liam was conned by his ex-lover who was working for the opposition. A masquerade, a road trip, a steamy attraction, and Liam and Kate discover the steps they took to protect their hearts might break them.
Sponsored by Doc Chavent and author Jennifer Raines
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at the For the Love of Books Podcast show hosted by author Emma Palova, and sponsored by Doc Chavent and Australian author Jennifer Raines. On this great holiday dedicated to women around the globe, the show is proud to present two great romance authors Karin Beery and Jennifer Raines.
Beery penned her fifth book Finally Forever about how winning the dance competition could land Caroline her dream job but at the cost of her heart.
So, relax and listen in for a chance to win signed copies of books from these romance authors.
Sponsored by Doc Chavent and author Jennifer Raines
Chelsea Hood is a stand-up comedian living in Chicago, IL by way of the comedy scenes in both Dallas, TX, and Brooklyn, NY. You may have seen her on WGN, The CW Network’s Eye Opener, or CW33’s Nightcap. She was also featured on Stand Up Records’ “Texas Mess” album recorded at SXSW.
She was most frequently a featured performer at the Limestone Comedy Festival, one of eight chosen as the Best of the Midwest at Gilda’s LaughFest, and a Comic to Watch at RIOT LA. Some of the clubs and venues she’s had the privilege of performing at include The Comedy Store, Caroline’s on Broadway, The House of Blues, The Improv, Zanies, Thalia Hall Chicago, and Upright Citizen’s Brigade NY.
Billy RenoSince starting a journey as a Comedian, Billy quickly became a club favorite and has performed at such notable clubs as Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, The Comedy Store, and The Holly Hotel. He has traveled the Country using his affable charm and quick wit to delight audiences young and old. As well as being a talented voiceover he has performed at Laughfest and the Border City Comedy Festival along with clubs and bars all over the Country. Billy Reno is sure to become one of your favorites because after seeing him you’ll feel better about yourself and your thought process.
The Usual Fine Print… There is no bar service, but you are welcome to responsibly bring your own adult beverages to the comedy shows, even open drinks from area bars and restaurants. We are in the Social District and honor that. We will provide concessions service with popcorn, soft drinks, and other snacks & treats. Our only rule is no talking during the performance and have fun!
The show is on March 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 in advance then $20 on show day
Interview with SowHope administrator Aaron Hoxworth about the International Women’s Day celebration in West Michigan.
EMMA – What is the main purpose of the planned activities for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8?
SOWHOPE- International Women’s Day is a global holiday that is celebrated with fanfare and parades in many countries. All people will march through the streets, playing loud music and waving flags of their native country. We wanted to bring this beautiful type of celebration to West Michigan, to honor women around the world, and recognize women leaders from our own community.
EMMA – What is the average participation in IWD events?
SOWHOPE- This is our second year having this style of celebration and we hope to bring 150-250 people to the event. In past holidays, depending on the type of event, we’ve had anywhere between 75 – 200 people attend. Thousands will turn out to this type of celebration in other countries.
EMMA – Why is it important to observe IWD?
SOWHOPE- As stated by the official International Women’s Day website, we believe observing International Women’s Day is “a great opportunity to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity.” This holiday gives the public an occasion to remember and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of women worldwide and in our local community.
EMMA – How and when did SowHope get involved?
SOWHOPE – SowHope has been one of the only West Michigan organizations celebrating International Women’s Day on its official day (March 8th) since the organization was founded in 2006. As an organization with the mission of inspiring women around the world by promoting wellness, education, and economic opportunities, we believe we must help the community celebrate IWD.
EMMA – What’s new this year in IWD?
SOWHOPE- We have three local female musical artists who will be performing original music at the event! The event remains free and open to the public.
EMMA – How do you get the word out?
SOWHOPE – We’ve contacted local businesses, partnered with the city of Grand Rapids and DGRI, and sent letters, emails, and invites through our social media. We’ve seen out a press release to local media and, finally, we’ve made phone calls and done our best with grassroots efforts. We encourage everyone to share our Facebook event page, social media posts, and website event page information!
EMMA – How does this event compare to other Women’s Celebrations? And how is it different?
SOWHOPE- It is the only one of its kind in the area! We’ve seen for years that the only consistent Women’s Day events in the West Michigan area are confined to conferences, many of which are not free or open to the public. This event is unique because it’s downtown Grand Rapids, outdoors; a very visible celebration of the holiday that’s free and open to the public. It’s a celebratory atmosphere, it’s loud and fun, and we want everyone to be able to walk away with a smile and a sense of honor for women. It’s also celebrated on March 8th, the official holiday!
EMMA – If you could give me a final comment about your hopes and expectations from this year’s IWD?
SOWHOPE – We want to continue to create broader visibility for the global holiday. Our dream is to have thousands of people attend an International Women’s Day festival, parading around the city as a community, and sharing a celebration for the incredible achievements of women around the world and in our own community. Continuing to have this event every year, rain (or snow) or shine, is another step towards that goal.
A quote from Mary Dailey Brown, the President & CEO of SowHope:
“We are excited to bring the global festive spirit of International Women’s Day to the area! This is a day to commemorate the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women. All over the world, there are big celebrations for IWD, let’s join in West Michigan!”
Schedule of IWD activities in Grand Rapids
The activities are planned for Friday, March 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Grand Rapids with a one-mile walk beginning and ending at Calder Plaza.
Organizer SowHope has selected IWD’s honorees; they are Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss (left) who will be receiving the Political Achievement Award and Fridah Kanini (right) will receive the Cultural and Social Achievement Award.
Bliss is the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, while Kanini has created cultural awareness in the Grand Rapids area, and a sense of belonging for the African community.
“Join us in honoring these wonderful women leaders,” said SowHope founder and CEO Mary Dailey Brown.
The event begins at 12:00 p.m. with the awards presentation. Afterward, participants will march around the city of Grand Rapids in a one-mile-long walk holding flags of their native countries and wearing purple.
Local female musical artists Grace Thiesen and Carolyn Koebel will be featured after the march concludes.
Kanini is the owner and founder of A Glimpse of Africa (AGOA) which is a non-profit organization that serves and advocates for African immigrants and refugees in the Grand Rapids area and other parts of Michigan who are underserved. Fridah is a courageous and exceptional leader.
For the first two years of AGOA’s operation, Kanini wore multiple hats in the organization and she was relentless just to making sure her community was heard, seen, and served.
“Fridah’s resilience, continuous dedication, hard work and genuine love for her community is what I admire most about her,” Brown said.
Brown founded SowHope 17 years ago to empower women all around the globe.
Former educator Lynn Mason of Belding participated in several IWD events during her work in National Education Association ( NEA ) in the 1990s and 2000s.
“Of course, it’s an important event,” she said. “Especially in those countries where women’s rights are ignored. I went to the Women’s March in DC several years ago.”
Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Classen’s first novel started with a one-word prompt: Crystal. Find out how a short story writer takes a one-word prompt to a 256-page action-adventure fantasy novel Indiana Jones style.
The main character Isabella Carter is an archaeologist who is on the brink of discovery about how some ancient artifacts could change the future destiny of mankind. Unfortunately, there are evil forces led by the mysterious billionaire Lazarus Fane who are hellbent on suppressing and destroying the knowledge of the ancients.
Can Dr. Carter, her grad students, and reluctant adventurer Aiden McKenzie recover and decipher the Alexandria Code before the massive manhunt closes in? Join her on a trek that leads from Sault Ste. Marie to South America.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed hard copy of The Alexandria Code.
Cynthia Beach is a longtime professor of Creative Writing and author of Creative Juices for Writers and the novel The Surface of Water. Her articles, short stories, and contributions appear in newspapers, journals, and books like Hope in the Mourning, which is Zondervan’s grief bible.
Her novel tackles the complex theme of the celebrity status of megachurch pastor Matthew Goodman who is challenged by a 25-year-old new hire Trish Card in ways that awaken him.
Sponsored by Doc Chavent
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of The Surface of Water.
It really doesn’t get any better than this; the sound of waves, sand between my toes, and the warm Gulf breeze in my hair.
The crest on the waves forms white foam as the waves roll toward the shore. I lack nothing on this Ash Wednesday. The ashes were distributed this morning at the Epiphany cathedral after a beautiful homily with a poem written by a Cistercian monk about the love for God. I find peace on the beach and His love is overpowering.
It’s mid February and balmy 75 F degrees.
Service Club Beach in Venice Feb. 14, 2024Eternal waves and sunshine.
Copyright (c) 2024 . Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
When an introvert winds up at a summer leadership camp, it’s a comedy of errors and a romance she’ll never forget. Seventeen-year-old bookish Andy has no friends.
When her over-involved mother dares to ship her off to summer leadership camp, she’s thrust into an introvert’s nightmare.
Everyone is a Communicator with a capital C, icebreaker activities are scheduled into every waking moment, and horror of all horrors: there’s no coffee. Even the girls who take her under their wing are the self-assured people Andy could never dream of becoming.
Then she meets Lucas—hot, attentive, and everything Andy reads about in her books. Though the girls in her cottage try to warn her about him, she’s swept into the first romance of her life. But when she discovers her friends may be right, she’ll have to find her inner confidence to save her summer and become the leader she was always meant to be.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Andy and the Extroverts
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