Mary ann coulson April 26th 1-3
Adam's Way
Meet the Author of Adam's WayThe Story of Adam’s Way Saturday April 26th from 1-3
I had two purposes in writing Adam’s Way. First, I wanted to share Adam’s struggle to get an education, because I know his story is not unique. The anguish will resonate with many families. Second, my decades of notetaking, research, and relentless advocati
Meet the Author of Adam's WayThe Story of Adam’s Way Saturday April 26th from 1-3
I had two purposes in writing Adam’s Way. First, I wanted to share Adam’s struggle to get an education, because I know his story is not unique. The anguish will resonate with many families. Second, my decades of notetaking, research, and relentless advocating for my son inspire me to offer advice and provide resources for parents in a similar situation. I understand their pain, confusion, and frustration, and I want to help.
I open the book chronicling our journey, which began in preschool when I realized Adam, although exceptionally bright, had learning differences. I continue through a series of public and private school experiences that run the gamut from well-intentioned to disastrous. Even with tutors, caring teachers, the help of experts, and a last resort of legal action, Adam finished eighth grade reading at a first-grade level. It was frustrating and heartbreaking. Adam, reluctantly, agreed to give The Gow School, the internationally renowned school for the education of students with dyslexia in South Wales, N.Y., a trial run in ninth grade. He flourished immediately, learned to read, recovered his self-esteem, graduated and was accepted at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned two degrees, and went on to a successful career.
I follow the story of Adam’s high school success with chapters sharing what we learned and suggesting how parents can advocate for them and employ strategies to help them negotiate their dyslexia. Appendices follow the body of the book, offering resources for remediation of dyslexia and a list of schools specializing in the education of students diagnosed with dyslexia.
About the author
About the Author:
Mary Ann Coulson enjoyed a distinguished career in financial services that spanned thirty-five years. She also gave of her time and talents across the spectrum of civic and philanthropic organizations, often in leadership roles. A past member of the board of trustees at the internationally renowned school for students wi
About the Author:
Mary Ann Coulson enjoyed a distinguished career in financial services that spanned thirty-five years. She also gave of her time and talents across the spectrum of civic and philanthropic organizations, often in leadership roles. A past member of the board of trustees at the internationally renowned school for students with dyslexia, The Gow School, she served as its chair for three years. She is also the mother of a son with dyslexia who fought for and succeeded in getting him the education he needed and deserved, and in the process became an advocate for children with dyslexia and their families. And now, she is the author of Adam’s Way: The Journey of a Child with Dyslexia and a Resource Guide for Parents.
Mary Ann was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She lived in Germany for three years and then
returned to the U.S., growing up in Pennsylvania and North Carolina while her father served as a Green Beret in the military. Mary Ann recently retired from her financial services career, having worked in various markets throughout her career, including Maryland, New York City, New Jersey, and Buffalo, N.Y. Mary Ann made Orchard Park, N.Y., her home in 1995 until she retired.
A graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics
Education, Mary Ann began her career as a high school math teacher and track coach. She
moved to Salisbury, Maryland, and in 1986 started her profession as a financial advisor and then moved into management positions. Although retired from financial services, Mary Ann
maintains her securities licenses and professional designations by completing continuing education requirements each year. Her licenses and designations include the Series 7, 9, & 10, Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®).
Over the years, she played an active role in her community, supporting organizations with
missions focusing on the support of children, education, women and girls. She is a past trustee and chair of The Gow School and past board member and president of Buffalo Prep. Mary Ann also served as a past board member of The WNY Women’s Foundation, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County Women’s Leadership Council Advisory Board, Junior Achievement of WNY, GNFC Boy Scouts of America, and the Academy of Finance. In recognition of her dedication to her community, Mary Ann has received numerous distinctions and professional accolades throughout her career. She was awarded the Buffalo Business First Women of Influence as a Corporate Executive, National Philanthropic Day Girl Scouts of WNY Distinguished Honoree, Buffalo Urban League Evans-Young Humanitarian Award, Athena Leadership Award for her ongoing commitment to helping women achieve professional excellence and gain important leadership skills, Morgan Stanley Community Leadership Award for the Eastern Division, WNY Girl Scouts Women of Distinction, GNFC Boy Scouts of America Scouter Citizen of the Year and Silver Beaver Award, Pathfinders Award for Exceptional Performance in Forging Partnerships that Benefit Students, and Business First of Buffalo’s Who’s Who in Banking and Finance.
Mary Ann is a Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts, member of the International Dyslexia
Association and the American Association of University Women. She is also a member of the
Garret Club (an historic women’s club in Buffalo) and St. Catherine’s Golf and Country Club.
Since retirement, she enjoys golf, cooking, gardening, writing, and reading. Mary Ann lives in
Niagara Falls, Canada, with her husband of twenty-seven years, David.
author john masiulionis may 2nd 6pm-7pm
Walking Each Other HOme
How do you say goodbye?
For Zachary, it’s unimaginable. His doctor says it’s cancer…like that has some meaning to an 8-year-old, whose life is just beginning.
Zachary is scared until a powerful dream provides him with a special mission: building a place for kids just like him.
Join Zachary, his loving family, and the Earth Angels as they he
How do you say goodbye?
For Zachary, it’s unimaginable. His doctor says it’s cancer…like that has some meaning to an 8-year-old, whose life is just beginning.
Zachary is scared until a powerful dream provides him with a special mission: building a place for kids just like him.
Join Zachary, his loving family, and the Earth Angels as they help him fulfill his dream. Together, they triumph through loss and heartache, and learn that lasting love never fades…
about the author
I’m a debut children’s author and a seasoned public relations professional with over a decade of experience in the field. As the founder and owner of PR From The Heart, one of the leading PR firms in the KidLit community, I collaborate with children’s book authors worldwide, helping them build powerful platforms to share their meaningfu
I’m a debut children’s author and a seasoned public relations professional with over a decade of experience in the field. As the founder and owner of PR From The Heart, one of the leading PR firms in the KidLit community, I collaborate with children’s book authors worldwide, helping them build powerful platforms to share their meaningful stories. My passion for storytelling and my commitment to fostering emotional and spiritual wellness have made me a trusted name in the world of children’s literature.
My career began in an unexpected but heartfelt way during my tenure as the host of the award-winning wrestling radio show, Monday Night Mayhem. Through this platform, I formed a long-standing relationship with the Child Life Department at Women’s & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, creating life-changing moments for ailing children. When major wrestling companies toured Buffalo, I connected their star athletes with hospitalized kids, ensuring these young patients experienced unforgettable joy.
These treasured encounters planted the seeds for my dream of building a children’s hospice in La Jolla, California—a space combining the compassionate support of a hospice with the vibrant energy of a Child Life Department, where terminally ill children have the opportunity to meet their favorite athletes, musicians, authors, and professional wrestlers before they transition—a place of healing and joy in their final moments.
aLICE lOWEECEY sAT mAY 3RD FROM 1-3
DEMONS & rAMEN
"...a fun occult detective romp that will appeal to fans of John Constantine, Anita Blake and Harry Dresden." – Brian Keene, bestselling author of The Rising
Father Denis Kaine has spent his life fighting demons, but nothing could prepare him for losing his twin brother, Xavier. When the Vatican declares Xavier's death a suicide, Denis k
"...a fun occult detective romp that will appeal to fans of John Constantine, Anita Blake and Harry Dresden." – Brian Keene, bestselling author of The Rising
Father Denis Kaine has spent his life fighting demons, but nothing could prepare him for losing his twin brother, Xavier. When the Vatican declares Xavier's death a suicide, Denis knows better. Something made his brother pull the trigger. And he's gonna hunt it down.
Fueled by rage, whiskey, and a reckless disregard for his own survival, Denis scours the dark underbelly of Rome, exorcising every creature that slithers up from Hell to get in his way. But his search takes a dangerous turn when he stumbles upon a Vatican-sealed crypt and accidentally releases something far older, far more powerful than any demon he's ever faced.
She's not a ghost. She's not a demon. But she’s hungry, and she’s not leaving without raiding his fridge.
Now, exiled from the Church and stuck with a thousand year old roommate named Emma, Denis is forced into an uneasy alliance. If he wants to know the truth about Xavier's death, he'll need Emma’s help. Armed with a messenger bag full of holy water and their habit of making bad decisions, they dive into the darkest corners of faith, power, and the Vatican's buried secrets.
And something is watching. Hell isn't the only thing hunting him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Baker of brownies and tormenter of characters, A.M. Loweecey grew up watching Hammer horror films and Scooby-Doo mysteries, which explains a whole lot. When A.M. isn’t finding new ways to scare the pants off readers, she's growing vegetables in the garden and water lilies in the koi pond. A.M. also has 9 books in the Giulia Driscoll PI
Baker of brownies and tormenter of characters, A.M. Loweecey grew up watching Hammer horror films and Scooby-Doo mysteries, which explains a whole lot. When A.M. isn’t finding new ways to scare the pants off readers, she's growing vegetables in the garden and water lilies in the koi pond. A.M. also has 9 books in the Giulia Driscoll PI mystery series (as Alice Loweecey) and 2 stand-alone horrors as Kate Morgan: Staking Cinderella and The Redeemers. She also has several anthologized short stories. .
bARBARA EARLY SAT MAY 3RD FROM 1-3
MURDER SHE WROTE; SNOWY WITH A CHANCE OF MURDER
In a nod to Rear Window, this newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series finds Jessica Fletcher coping with an injury that leaves her homebound—and a murder just outside her window!
Jessica Fletcher has taken a nasty spill on the ice, leaving her in a wheelchair for several weeks. She tries to work on her latest m
In a nod to Rear Window, this newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series finds Jessica Fletcher coping with an injury that leaves her homebound—and a murder just outside her window!
Jessica Fletcher has taken a nasty spill on the ice, leaving her in a wheelchair for several weeks. She tries to work on her latest manuscript but finds herself distracted by a new neighbor moving in across the street. There’s good reason for her to be distracted, because soon after unpacking his sparse belongings, Mr. Rymer is out in the front yard, building somewhat risqué (read: naked) snow sculptures.
While Cabot Cove debates whether the sculptures are a protected form of art or a public display of lewdness, someone starts destroying them at night. Rymer doesn’t seem upset. He just makes new ones. No need to get the police involved over a little snow, he says. Especially when there’s plenty more of it and a blizzard in the forecast.
The morning after the storm, Jessica looks out the window to see a new sculpture across the street—and the body of Mr. Rymer half-buried in the snow. Can Jessica catch a cold-blooded killer from her chair by the window?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Early earned an engineering degree, but after four years of doing nothing but math, developed a sudden allergy to the subject and decided to choose another occupation. Before she settled on murdering fictional people, she was a secretary, a schoolteacher, a pastor’s wife, and an amateur puppeteer. She and her husband live in West
Barbara Early earned an engineering degree, but after four years of doing nothing but math, developed a sudden allergy to the subject and decided to choose another occupation. Before she settled on murdering fictional people, she was a secretary, a schoolteacher, a pastor’s wife, and an amateur puppeteer. She and her husband live in Western New York State, where she enjoys cooking, crafts, classic movies, campy vintage television, board games, and spending time with her two granddaughters. Before teaming up with Jessica Fletcher, she wrote the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series and the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries (as Beverly Allen).
AL
Alice Loweecey<alice.loweecey@gmail.com>
author miriam smith may 3rd 11-1
My Story; An amazing true near death experience and autobiography
Life was pretty normal until it turned upside down one day. I was driving my mom to the grocery store when life changed right before our eyes. It was a bright, sunny, winter day in New York. We went through one white-out, then another. However, in in the second one we slid on some black ice and hit a truck. Then another car came along an
Life was pretty normal until it turned upside down one day. I was driving my mom to the grocery store when life changed right before our eyes. It was a bright, sunny, winter day in New York. We went through one white-out, then another. However, in in the second one we slid on some black ice and hit a truck. Then another car came along and hit me in my driver's door. As I prayed between consciousness, the Lord had everything under control. He provided Christian EMT's and Paramedics to help me. They prayed with me.
This story will encourage your heart and strengthen you faith in the Lord. When we doubt God, we can trust the Lord to accomplish His purposes in our life. In Job9:10, 12 it says, "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that can not be counted...Who can say to HIm "What are You doing?" No one. We don't need to know what the Lor dis doing. We just need to trust him.
Meet the author miriam martin-smith and hear her story in-person may 3rd from 11am-1pm
Author Stephen Eoannou May 10th 1-3pm
yesteryear
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, when from out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver! The Lone Ranger rides again!
Who was the mind behind The Lone Ranger?
It’s 1930s Buffalo, New York and the Great Depression rages. Playwright Fran Striker needs to write the pilot for a new radi
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, when from out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver! The Lone Ranger rides again!
Who was the mind behind The Lone Ranger?
It’s 1930s Buffalo, New York and the Great Depression rages. Playwright Fran Striker needs to write the pilot for a new radio show but, first, he must overcome writer’s block, defeat a magical curse, foil a plot to assassinate FDR, and recover stolen diamond rings belonging to an alcoholic boxing champion.
Who was that masked man? Based on the controversial true-life story of Lone Ranger creator Fran Striker, Yesteryear takes us on a magical journey leading to an icon’s debut, a show that provided hope to Americans during the country’s darkest days. Populated by characters of the era—radio actor John Barrett, Mafioso Stefano Magaddino, former lightweight champion Jimmy Slattery, and president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt—Eoannou’s latest novel breathes new life into the immortal Lone Ranger, and the man who struggled to create him, echoing the spirit of W.P. Kinsella’s Shoeless Joe, Bernard Malamud’s The Natural, and Daniel Wallace’s Big Fish.
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about the author
Meet Stephen May 10th from 1-3pm
Stephen G. Eoannou grew up in Buffalo, New York reading Hardy Boy Books and watching old Humphrey Bogart movies on The Late Show. His love of history and writing led him to SUNY Buffalo (BA), Miami University (MA), and The Queens University of Charlotte (MFA). He is the author of the short story collectio
Meet Stephen May 10th from 1-3pm
Stephen G. Eoannou grew up in Buffalo, New York reading Hardy Boy Books and watching old Humphrey Bogart movies on The Late Show. His love of history and writing led him to SUNY Buffalo (BA), Miami University (MA), and The Queens University of Charlotte (MFA). He is the author of the short story collection Muscle Cars and the historical novels After Pearl, Yesteryear, and Rook. Yesteryear was awarded the 2021 International Eyelands Award for Best Historical Novel, The Firebird Book Award for Biographical Fiction, and Shelf Unbound’s Notable Indy Books of 2023. After Pearl is the first in The Nicholas Bishop Mystery Series. Eoannou lives in Buffalo, New York with his two children and one-eyed dog. When not writing, Eoannou can be found restoring his 1865 Second Empire Victorian home and hunting for antiques to furnish it. He stills stays up late watching Bogart flicks.
about the author
about the author
1942. War rages in Europe. Pearl Harbor still smolders. And alcoholic private eye Nicholas Bishop wakes up on a hotel room floor with two slugs missing from his .38 revolver. The cops think he’s murdered lounge singer Pearl DuGaye, mobsters think he saw something he shouldn’t have, and Bishop remembers nothing… Together with his indomita
1942. War rages in Europe. Pearl Harbor still smolders. And alcoholic private eye Nicholas Bishop wakes up on a hotel room floor with two slugs missing from his .38 revolver. The cops think he’s murdered lounge singer Pearl DuGaye, mobsters think he saw something he shouldn’t have, and Bishop remembers nothing… Together with his indomitable assistant Gia Alessi, who he may or may not have fired, a WWI vet who often flashes back to 1918, and a one-eyed female dog named Jake, Bishop tries to piece together the events that took place during his disastrous five-day bender. Along the way, he stumbles across a dirty politician, a socialite and her unfaithful husband, and a cabal of American Nazis who are undoubtedly up to no good. Written in the spirit of classic noir, Eoannou adds his own unique voice and flair to the genre in this, the first action-packed outing of the Nicholas Bishop Mysteries…
author Al Ferreira May 17th 11-1
Serving from the heart
Faith-Driven Stories and Transformative Strategies for Servant Leadership and Lasting Impact
Co-Authors: Tricia Andreassen, Coni Myers, Al Ferreira, Wendy Gunn, Natalie Martin, Jacklyn Nagle, Cindy Craig Hall, Garret Milby, and Karen Storey
Transform Your Leadership. Inspire Change. Leave a Legacy.
Unlock the power of servant leadership to
Faith-Driven Stories and Transformative Strategies for Servant Leadership and Lasting Impact
Co-Authors: Tricia Andreassen, Coni Myers, Al Ferreira, Wendy Gunn, Natalie Martin, Jacklyn Nagle, Cindy Craig Hall, Garret Milby, and Karen Storey
Transform Your Leadership. Inspire Change. Leave a Legacy.
Unlock the power of servant leadership to create lasting impact in your life, business, and community.
What if this book could be the key to making significant shifts in how you lead and live—changing lives forever?
By embracing a leadership style rooted in empathy, humility, and the empowerment of others, you can inspire trust, build meaningful connections, and lead with purpose.
Serving From The Heart: Faith-Driven Stories and Transformative Strategies for Servant Leadership and Lasting Impact is a transformative collection of insights from diverse leaders who have reshaped their organizations and communities. This book combines candid storytelling with actionable strategies, showing you how to lead authentically and intentionally.
Discover how to:
• Transform your leadership by leading with empathy and purpose.
• Empower others to thrive and achieve their full potential.
• Overcome setbacks through faith, resilience, and courage.
• Inspire trust and connection through authentic, impactful leadership.
• Build a legacy that reflects your values and uplifts others.
Whether you’re an experienced leader, an aspiring change-maker, or someone passionate about serving others, this book will equip you with the tools to lead with clarity, confidence, and heart.
Step into the stories, embrace the strategies, and become the leader you were meant to be.
about the author
Born in Natal, Brazil, I immigrated to the United States with my family at the age of four. Growing up in Pasadena, California, I attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, earning a degree in Communications with a focus on Journalism and Organizational Communication.
My journey as a youth development professional began at
Born in Natal, Brazil, I immigrated to the United States with my family at the age of four. Growing up in Pasadena, California, I attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, earning a degree in Communications with a focus on Journalism and Organizational Communication.
My journey as a youth development professional began at the age of 15 when I joined the YMCA. Over the course of more than four decades, I’ve served in various non-profit leadership roles, directing and leading multiple YMCA and Scout camps. My efforts have positively impacted over 54,000 campers, creating meaningful experiences that foster growth and leadership.
For 43 summers, I have embraced the role of a servant leader, dedicated to empowering young leaders in outdoor educational and residential camp settings. My work has included recruiting, training, and mentoring thousands of teens and young adults to realize their leadership potential. My passion for leadership development has driven me to create progressive programs and facilitate organizational development experiences for youth, teens, college students, volunteer boards, and staff. My mission has always been clear: to provide lessons that inspire “Leaders for Life.”
As a certified coach, speaker, and trainer through the John C. Maxwell Team, I’ve further honed my ability to mentor and develop future leaders. I’ve had the privilege of redesigning the Easton Foundation’s Olympic Archery in Schools curriculum, now offered at over 170 schools and three major Foundation locations across the United States.
In addition to my work in youth development, I’ve co-hosted the Youth Development Leadership podcast with Michael Garcia and regularly contribute to my blog, Leadership from Al Ferreira Coaching, where I share insights and strategies for empowering others.
Among my proudest moments are the days my children — Alec, Kelly Rose, and Brian — were born, the day I married my wife, Lee Anne, and the day I became an American citizen.
“It is my passion to support those who lead and serve others.”