"God bless us, everyone!" exclaimed Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol.
And so we extend our heart-felt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors of Anthony Torrone who raised money to pay for his first print run of Anthony's Prayers: Thank You Father for Everlasting,
to the businesses in Anthony's neighborhood who sold hundreds of copies: Frank's Market, The Bitter End Coffeehouse, Nawara Brothers, Carol's Hair, The Other Way Ministries, and Servant's Community Church (see right side bar for contact information and directions),
to Schuler Books and Music for hosting Anthony's book signing and for selling hundreds of copies of his books and donating their commission back to Anthony's Trust.
Thank you. You have helped make a very special man's dream come true. And what better gift at Christmas.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2012.
~Charles Honey, Laura Hughes, Ken Postema, Pat Shellenbarger, Lance Wynn
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
More books available
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| Pick up from Great Lakes Bindery |
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| Packing boxes for local deliveries |
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Anthony is Front Page News!
Congratulations, Anthony!
You can read Tom Rademacher's Mlive story here. And see more photos by Press photographer Rex Larsen and others here.
Books are available on the West Side at Frank's Market, The Bitter End Coffeehouse, Carol's Hair, Nawara Brothers, and The Other Way Ministries. (See the side panel for directions.)
Books will be available at three local Schuler Books and Music stores mid-week.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Book-signing packs Alpine Schuler's
Today was a remarkable testament to how many people Anthony's sweet spirit has touched over the years. Dozens of friends lined up in Schuler Books & Music on Alpine Avenue NW to get autographed copies of his book. The store sold out of more than 100 copies. Another batch will be printed ASAP to meet demand and shipped to stores by mid-week.
Many were current or former neighbors who held fond memories of Anthony. One was a young woman who met him when she worked as a school safety. Another was a childhood playmate. Another was a neighbor whose bottles and cans Anthony faithfully collects and redeems.
"This is his dream," said Marianne Mallekoote, who met him in a Bible study about 10 years ago. "He'd call us every day: 'I want my book published!' He's wonderful. We love him to pieces."
Some dabbed tears as they watched Anthony sign copy after copy in his careful, painstaking script.
"This has meant so much to him, and to all of us," said Linda Mroz, whose children once played with Anthony. "It's just been a joy."
So far more than 300 copies of "Anthony's Prayers" have been sold with very little publicity. A story on his book by Tom Rademacher is due out any day in The Grand Rapid Press, which should generate even more interest.
Many were current or former neighbors who held fond memories of Anthony. One was a young woman who met him when she worked as a school safety. Another was a childhood playmate. Another was a neighbor whose bottles and cans Anthony faithfully collects and redeems.
"This is his dream," said Marianne Mallekoote, who met him in a Bible study about 10 years ago. "He'd call us every day: 'I want my book published!' He's wonderful. We love him to pieces."
Some dabbed tears as they watched Anthony sign copy after copy in his careful, painstaking script.
"This has meant so much to him, and to all of us," said Linda Mroz, whose children once played with Anthony. "It's just been a joy."
So far more than 300 copies of "Anthony's Prayers" have been sold with very little publicity. A story on his book by Tom Rademacher is due out any day in The Grand Rapid Press, which should generate even more interest.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Book release gathers friends together
Long-cherished friends of Anthony came to his book-release party today, turning The Bitter End coffeehouse into a cozy scene of warmth and love. Anthony busily signed copies of "Anthony's Prayers" at a front table while far-flung friends and neighbors from the West Fulton business district chatted and took pictures. His de facto extended family, Dick and Helen Ter Maat of Grand Rapids and the DeVree family of Jenison, beamed to see Anthony's dream finally fulfilled.
"He's a blessing," said Belva De Vree, whose late husband, Ed, befriended Anthony 40 years ago when he offered him a mint in church.
Also there were Belva's son Mike and daughter Sue, her daughters Esther, Jacki and Jodie, and grandson Alden, who was fascinated by all the clicking cameras.
When someone congratulated Anthony on the book's release, he said, "That's better than what we hear on the news. We need happiness."
"He's a blessing," said Belva De Vree, whose late husband, Ed, befriended Anthony 40 years ago when he offered him a mint in church.
Also there were Belva's son Mike and daughter Sue, her daughters Esther, Jacki and Jodie, and grandson Alden, who was fascinated by all the clicking cameras.
When someone congratulated Anthony on the book's release, he said, "That's better than what we hear on the news. We need happiness."
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Anthony's Book Signing Dec. 3, 2011
Meet Author Anthony Torrone
Saturday, December 3, 2011
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids, MI 59544
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