NEWS & EVENTS
Press Releases – 2006
January 9, 2006
Internationally Recognized Children’s Book Author to Visit 10 Grand Rapids Elementary Schools
(Grand Rapids, MI) Thanks to a generous grant from Macatawa Bank, students at 10 elementary schools will have the opportunity to listen to an internationally recognized children’s book author who happens to “roll around” in their own neighborhood.
Grand Rapids native Johnnie Tuitel, who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair, is the author of The Gun Lake Adventure Series, a book series that teaches kids (and adults) about disabilities. Tuitel’s series received international recognition last April when Searching the Noonday Trail (Book 4), was selected as one of the best books for young people with disabilities by the International Board on Books for Youth (IBBY) in Bologna, Italy.
Tuitel, who also founded Alternatives in Motion, travels around the country sharing the importance of reading, writing, and giving back to the community. He will be visiting the following elementary schools from January 9 through February 8, 2006:
- Monday January 9th 12:00p.m Aberdeen Elementary, 928 Aberdeen St. NE GR, MI 49525 Shelli Otten 819-2868
- Tuesday January 10th 12:30p.m. Dickenson Elementary, 448 Dickenson SE, GR, MI 49507 Dorothy Johnson 819-2505
- Wednesday January 11th 9:00a.m. C.A.Frost Elementary, 1460 Laughlin Dr. NW GR, MI 49504 Pam Wells/ Deb Battjes 819-2550
- Wednesday January 11th 12:30p.m. Gladiola Elementary, 3500 Gladiola Ave. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 Judy Otten 530-7596
- Thursday January 12th 8:30a.m. Sherwood Park Elementary, 3859 Chamberlain Ave. SE GR, MI 49508 Judy Freeman 819-3095
- Thursday January 12th 12:00p.m. Madison Park Elementary, 851 Madison Ave. SE GR, MI 49507 Pearl Randolph 819-2786
- Friday January 13th 9:00a.m. Kent Hills Elementary, 1445 Emerald Ave NE GR, MI 49505 Michelle Coyne 819-2727
- Friday January 13th 12:00p.m. East Leonard Elementary, 410 Barrett St. NE GR, MI 49503 Marcia Hagen 819-2525
- Wednesday January 18th 12:00p.m. Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary, 1353 Van Auken St. SE GR, MI 49508 Maggie Antcliff 819-2696
- February 8th 9:00a.m. St. Andrews Elementary, 302 Sheldon SE GR, MI 49503
With increasing financial struggles in many public school districts, it is difficult for administrators to arrange these special events. “Macatawa Bank offered to give back to the public schools so we jumped at the opportunity,” Tuitel said.
For more information please visit alternativesinmotion.org or cedartreepublishing.com. If you have further questions, please contact Matt Chapman or George Ranville at Alternatives in Motion, Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Toll Free (877) 468-9335