Sarasota's FWA member, John McCafferty, is a quiet, rather subdued man, but he is a people person extrordinaire. Whenever a need arises to help someone, promote something worthy, and devote time and effort above and beyond the call of group loyalty and assistance, I call on John.
I did so recently in my effort to help promote an amazing young man by the name of Garrett Frey. Garrett, due to an accident as a small child, was rendered a life of quadraplegia paralyzed from the neck down. Along with help and devotion from his mother, Charlene, and a local resident and Child Psychologist, Dr. Karen Pirnot, Garrett has accomplished things that no able-bodied person could even comprehend. Dr. Pirnot, an author in her own right, has dedicated a large portion of her life to working with Garret Frey. Now, with her assistance, one of Garrett's fondest goals has been met. He has written a life story that stands alone in stories of one life's accomplishments in his recently released book, "As I Am".
So, what does all this have to do with John McCafferty? Anyone who can get their hands on a copy of the Venice Gondolier for Saturday, May 2nd will see. John has provided, through hours of work and dedication, a full page story with continuation on two more pages of Garrett's new book and his special appearance at Venice Library next Tuesday, May 5th, at 3:30 p.m. The editor of the Venice Gondolier, Kim Cool, respects and values John's past community services with his stories so much that publication is a given if John presents her with a valid storyline. I want to thank the Kim and the Gondolier, as well.
My personal thank you to John cannot be adequately expressed in a blog post. I would ask with a grateful heart, that if anyone should read this message and find themselves able to attend the event for this remarkable young man, your presence is heartily hoped for. If it is impossible to attend, please do make every effort to obtain a copy of the Gondolier and read the work of one special man's telling of another special man's appearance in our community.
Too, Sviat at the Sanddollar Bookstore at the corner of Miami Ave and Nassau in downtown Venice is featuring "As I Am" at his store to coincide with the event. Sviat and the Sanddollar, also a friend to all local authors. Thank you, Sviat.
Lots of rainbows in our town . . .
Susan
