Events Archives

Upcoming Author Events for October 2022

AdventureKEEN September 30, 2022 0 Authors, Events, Jenny deFouw Geuder

There are so many wonderful author events all around the country this October. Whether you’re looking for some spooky fun in New England, paddling the rivers across the state of Georgia, or pitching a tent with your family in Colorado, our authors are out there hoping to meet you and hear about your experiences. Check out the list of author events to see if any are happening near you!

Author L’Aura Hladik will be giving presentations and signing her two books: Ghosthunting New York City and Ghosthunting New Jersey.

October 1: Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library, Brick, NJ, at 3 p.m.
October 3: Hunterdon County Library System, Flemington, NJ, at 7 p.m.
October 6: Gloucester County Library, Gibbstown, NJ, at 6:30 p.m.
October 8: Ocean County Library, Toms River, NJ, at 3 p.m.
October 13: Middletown Twp. Public Library, Middletown, NJ, at 7 p.m.
October 16: Parsippany-Troy Hills Library, Parsippany, NJ, at 2 p.m.
October 17: Emmaus Public Library, Emmaus, PA, at 6 p.m.
October 27: Old Bridge Public Library, Old Bridge, NJ, at 7 p.m.
October 29: Plumstead Branch of Ocean County Library, New Egypt, NJ, at 12 p.m.

Author Jeff Morris will give presentations and sign his books: Cincinnati Haunted Handbook, Nashville Haunted Handbook, Twin Cities Haunted Handbook, and Chicago Haunted Handbook.

October 3: Delhi (Cincinnati) library at 7 p.m.
October 25: Oakley Library (Cincinnati) at 6:30 p.m.

John Kachuba, author of Ghosthunting Ohio and Ghosthunting Ohio, on the Road Again will be signing books and attending author fairs.

October 11: Cincinnati Public Library, Anderson Branch, Cincinnati, OH, at 7 p.m.
October 15: Licking County Library, Newark, OH, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
October 20: Cincinnati Public Library, Madeira Branch, Madeira, OH, at 7 p.m.
October 25: Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY, at 6:30 p.m.
October 27: University of Cincinnati Emeriti meeting, Cincinnati, OH, at noon

Coauthors Kathryn and William Mayo will be signing their book The Mysterious North Shore of Lake Superior.

October 1: Barnes & Noble, Miller Hill Mall, from noon until 2 p.m.
October 8: Fitgers, in Duluth, from noon until 2 p.m.

The amazingly talented watercolor artist and Drawn to Birds author Jenny deFouw Geuder will be giving a talk and holding a book signing.

October 8: Herrick District Library, at 10 a.m.

Paddling author Suzanne Welander will lead an afternoon paddle and sign her book Canoeing & Kayaking Georgia.

October 27: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 2-5:30 p.m.

Out west, camping and outdoors author Monica Stockbridge will be signing her book Best Tent Camping: Colorado.

October 29: REI Denver, Adventure Station, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Highlighting the Hike for Hope 2021

Travis Bryant June 1, 2021 1 AdventureKEEN, Company News, Events

The Saturday, June 5th, is Hike for Hope, here in Alabama. This annual event is hosted by the Alabama chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and AdventureKEEN is a supporter this year. They have a lot going on building awareness around suicide prevention, community solutions, and helping draft governmental policies. We caught up with Amber Henderson, Board member and volunteer coordinator for the Alabama Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and asked a few questions ahead of their Hike for Hope event.

Q: In helping people throughout Alabama, what are a few of the things your group focuses on throughout the year?

A: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. We create a culture that is smart about mental health through education and community programs, research and advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide.

Through the work of our local volunteers, walk participants, advocates, and partners, we are helping to change attitudes about suicide and mental health. The Alabama Chapter engages with families, mental health professionals, community and local business leaders, and school administrators and faculty, as well as others interested in preventing suicide. By working together to improve the health and well-being of Alabamians, we are connecting people to resources and programs and removing barriers that stand in the way of people finding hope and healing.

Q: There are lots of ways to raise money. Why hiking?

A: Physical activity has been shown to improve mental health, and studies have indicated that spending time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Hiking seemed like a natural choice to promote well-being.

Q: How have things been for your organization during the pandemic?

A: Navigating through the uncertainty and restrictions of the pandemic has definitely been an adjustment for us, but we feel the work we’re doing is more important than ever. We quickly adapted many of our prevention education programs to a virtual format, and since last year, the Alabama Chapter has hosted over 900 attendees through our virtual and in-person prevention education programs, speaking engagements, Advocacy Forum, and Survivor Day event.

Q: Generally speaking, how have things been for the people your group is advocating for?

A: Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in this country. It touches millions of lives—people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds—but the research is clear: suicide is preventable, and the more people who stand up for suicide prevention and mental health, the more lives we can save.

It may be some time before we can fully know the extent of COVID-19’s impact on rates of suicide in 2020 and 2021, but it’s fair to say that the pandemic has created stress for people, with many feeling isolated from their loved ones and from their pre-pandemic routines. It’s also worth reminding ourselves (and others) that Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities in particular have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a variety of challenging experiences for people, no matter if you have a personal struggle, are concerned about a family member or someone close to you, or have experienced a loss. It is crucial in this time that we focus on shoring up our mental health and well-being.

Q: What is the biggest challenge facing your group right now?

A: While our work and goals remain the same, our challenge now is to determine how we can best engage and bring hope to people in a post-pandemic world. We know our work is needed now more than ever. Mental health and preventing suicide must continue to be a top priority.

We are thankful for the work that AFSP is doing and hope you will check in with those around you, talk openly about mental health, and take care of yourself—you are not alone! To register or learn more about Hike for Hope, visit www.afsp.org/ALHikeforHope. To learn other ways you can get involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, visit www.afsp.org.

We are in this together, and help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.