On Sunday, November 17th over 100 community members from the Somerset area attended a book and author brunch hosted by Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 380 DeMott Lane, Somerset.
The brunch was held in support of Canal Walk Hadassah and Chai Lights Hadassah. (Canal Walk, Rita Levy, rita4@yahoo.com, and Chai Lights Hadassah, Ruth Weinfeld, rweinfeld@msn.com).
The book featured was, Road to Valor. The inspiring, against-the-odds story of Gino Bartali, the cyclist who made the greatest comeback in Tour de France history and secretly aided the Italian resistance during World War II. Gino Bartali is best known as an Italian cycling legend that not only won the Tour de France twice but also holds the record for the longest time span between victories. In Road to Valor, Aili and Andres McConnon chronicle Bartali’s journey, from an impoverished childhood in rural Tuscany to his first triumph at the 1938 Tour de France. As World War II ravaged Europe, Bartali undertook dangerous activities to help those being targeted in Italy, including sheltering a family of Jews and smuggling counterfeit identity documents in the frame of his bicycle. After the grueling wartime years, this 34 year old underdog came back to win the 1948 Tour de France in an exhilarating performance that helped unite his fractured homeland.
Aili McConnon, author, made a guest appearance to discuss the book and the audience was captivated by her presentation and delighted to have their copy of her book signed by the author.
The group was served a wonderfully delicious, hot and cold buffet with eggs, French toast, bagels, spreads and much more.
by Marie Barnes – Marketing Director, Regency Nursing Centers
For further information about Regency Jewish Heritage, contact, 732-873-2000, or visit www.regencynursing.com.
