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Martha Voutas Donegan
MVD WASHINGTON DC, NOVEMBER 13, 1982: Surrounded by a crowd of 150,000 people, Martha re-meets an old classmate, Michael Creamer, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication in Washington, DC. She asks, “Are you Mike Creamer from Marlboro, Massachusetts?” • What unfolds is a love story between two unlikely people; Mike, a veteran of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, a Ranger Medic LRRP, haunted by his time in Vietnam, and Martha, a successful NYC entrepreneur and designer with a client list of fashion superstars. • Through their 3003-day journey, Mike explains harrowing episodes working in Zaire, Africa (The Congo) and missed attempts to find balance thereafter. Martha eloquently describes their effort to recover Mike’s “lost” self as he is diagnosed with PTSD. • Mike re-enlists in the Army and their letters back and forth from Fort Campbell, KY to NYC, bring on their passion for one another. They marry and attempt to find closure. Once out, Martha deals with her own recovery after losing their daughter, Merrill, probably poisoned by Agent Orange. • Now, Martha’s clients are dying of AIDS. It’s a story told partly through Mike's letters, from early romantic days; even more so, it’s a long look at the Vietnam Generation and choices thrust upon us all. • If you came into your 20s from 1960 to 1974, you or someone you know, was changed by Vietnam; it is something inside one can’t quite forget. Through Mike and Martha’s letters, 3003 Days of Mike and Me / And the Wars Between Us becomes all of our stories, A Collective Memoir. A True Love Story by Martha Voutas (Creamer) Donegan. Advance Praise For... 3003 Days of Mike & Me / And the Wars Between Us “The arc of this riveting narrative covers the full range of emotions—and the fraught fallout of our least 'popular' war. The story is told with bravery and candor, and even among the saddest, most desperate moments, there is some clarity and light. Bravo!” —Ken Burns, Filmmaker “Life is not a series of happy events with storybook endings. Yet adversity can make us stronger. 3003 Days of Mike & Me / And the Wars Between Us is riveting. A rough time in history is illustrated in this colorful book!” —Jan C. Scruggs, Founder of The Wall “Mike & Me is a beautifully written account of one man’s experience of the Vietnam war. About unlikely love, lost children, veterans’ struggles to reintegrate, suicide, and the limits of what even the deepest love can heal. It intelligently recounts one veteran’s life and tragic death, and will help readers understand what America continues to grapple with regarding Vietnam and the men and women who lived through it. Transcendent, original, and illuminating, 3003 Days of Mike & Me / And the Wars Between Us is an important, and moving, addition to the body of work surrounding the Vietnam War.” —N. West Moss Author of: Flesh & Blood: Reflections on Infertility, Family, and Creating a Bountiful Life (Algonquin 2021) “This snapshot in time, captured by the letters and Martha’s writing, resonates as true today as to the immediate and secondary effects of warfare faced by combatants and all who interact with them throughout their lifetimes. A must-read for junior officers and enlisted leaders as a preemptive training manual for the effects they and their soldiers might face.” —Steve Brignoli, President Chapter 1 173rd ABN BDE Association “It has been a long time since I've read a book that so vividly captures the heart and thoughts of two people living through the aftermath of the Vietnam War. It brings back memories of the mindset Mike and I shared and tried to ‘outthink,’ so we could get on with life. The writing is credibly accurate. It affords a look into both Mike and Martha and their endeavors to live in the present without the hauntings of war. —Peace.” —CSM Jeff Horne (USA-Ret) Served with Mike as an N/75 Ranger LRRP with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. Author Bios MARTHA VOUTAS DONEGAN, Author, 3003 Days... Martha Donegan lives in New Orleans, where she moved in 2011 from NYC. It was in NOLA that she wrote the lion's share of Mike & Me, editing the hundreds of letters, including the trauma of Mike's reenlistment in the USArmy, and Creamer's essays. Voutas Donegan began her career at Vogue; art directed Henri Bendel, and opened a studio/agency—MVP, for fashion clients. MVP performed successful publication redesign for Woman's Day, with co-creative director, Ann Shakeshaft. Notable clients include: Donghia, The Ford Foundation, Chaus, Liz Claiborne, Dana Buchman, Carmelo Pomodoro, La Louisiana, Bill Robinson, and Bergdorf Goodman. MVP won numerous design awards over its 16-year run. Michael's death was documented by Tom Brokaw in the New York Times; (widely distributed by UPI). Mike Barnicle wrote of Michael's death in the Boston Globe. The Hartford Courant also carried a feature. While studying at Omega Institute with Thich Nhat Hanh ("Healing the Wounds of War") for Vietnam Veterans and families, Martha was asked to appear in “Search for Spirituality,” a documentary that aired on PBS. She has written three plays also. Martha contributed content to the Perry Ellis book (Rizzoli) 2013. She created Ellis' logo, graphics and advertising (1978 - 1983) through Martha Voutas Productions (MVP 1978-1993). She's lectured for the Art Directors' Club (NYC), American Women's Economic Development, and for Letitia Baldrige's Creative Entertaining seminar. She served six years and chaired three on Mass College of Art’s Foundation Board, 1981-1987. "Muffy Voutas" freelanced illustration for many magazines and books including: Shirley Lord's Book on Beauty, and Robert Renn Hair Color. She Art Directed Henri Bendel under Geraldine Stutz. Martha is published in Working Woman, Vogue, Traditions, and Self. She Creative Directed the relaunch of Rags (Gilda Radner cover) via The Village Voice. In 1973 she won a Mademoiselle Guest Editorship. Martha graduated from Massachusetts College of Art—BFA Graphic Design 1973, attended Boston Conservatory of Music— Drama/Musical Theatre. She is now married to 5x Emmy-winner, Dennis Donegan, Set Decorator; they have one daughter, Lilly. Other Contributors MIKE CREAMER, Letters and Essays, 3003 Days... Michael E. Creamer was born in South Boston; his parents moved to the burbs and in 1969, Mike enlisted in the Army, signing on as a Medic. He said he wanted to get to Vietnam before the war was over. Creamer served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Sep.), on a MASH unit of B Med until he won "Soldier of the Year," and got to choose his next assignment. He picked the LRRPs, Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols, 6-man teams that went out into the boonies to collect intelligence. Mike became an N/75 Ranger Medic. He served two tours, though in the middle of the second, the unit was disbanded and Mike was sent home. He signed on with Morrison-Knudsen for a bush medic's job on a construction crew in Zaire. Mike worked several construction companies building tunnels, stateside until he was convinced to enter nursing school. He lasted a year, acing his classes, but the OR training brought back the war. He left and moved home. Friends put him on a bus going to the Vietnam Memorial Dedication where he coincidentally met his friend, Martha Voutas in a concession line. They were married in 1986, in NYC. Michael later served with the 101st Airmobile out of Ft. Campbell, KY. The Army didn't stick; he came out after three years and worked for the Job Service in Torrington, CT. He died in 1991. JOHN CHANE DD, Afterword The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane DD, served as the 8th Episcopal Bishop of Washington DC. At the time he met Michael and Martha Creamer, he was asked to officiate at their baby's funeral. He was serving at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Southboro, MA. Chane was vehemently opposed to the Vietnam War in his youth, and eventually went into the seminary, realizing the need to work through changing the hearts of the leaders of the US. After Southboro, Rev. Chane served in San Diego, CA before ending up in Washington DC as Bishop. His last parish was in San Diego. John Chane continues to serve the Episcopal Church as an Assisting Bishop in the Diocese of San Diego and as Senior Advisor at Washington National Cathedral's Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation for Inter-religious Dialogue. The Center's work involves the Middle East. |
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Artist Reception / Opening May 27.
Matrix You are invited to MATRIX, a series of painted portraits of 15 women, their mothers, and their grandmothers (with relics and mementos from those portrayed) in the Gallery. There will be an accompanying event called Tea and Matriarchy. The participants in the gallery portraits will bring photos and stories to share about their mothers and grandmothers. You are invited to bring photos, too. Tea and cookies will be served . GALLERY OPENING: Saturday, May 27, from 3 to 6 accompanied by the snazzy tunes of Nick & Carol TEA and SYMPATHY: Sunday, May 28 at 4 Open Thursday - Sunday 11-5 |
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Saturday October 8. 2-4pm meet author Caroline Nastro
following the story behind the book : A few years ago, I became very interested in birds. I started learning about how amazing these little creatures are. Here are a few fun facts:
When I learned about these reluctant fledglings, it reminded me of when I was little and went to nursery school for the very first time. I hid in my cubby and wouldn’t come out. One day my teacher brought me hot chocolate and it smelled so good that I crawled out of my cubby for a sip. And so a story was born about a little bird who refuses to learn how to fly, like a little child who is afraid to try something new. When Little Birdlands by accident in a big city, he discovers that the world is more amazing thanhe ever imagined, and he finds the courage to soar. I collaborated on this book with a wonderful illustrator from Romania named Anca Sandu and the amazing publishing team at Clavis Books, a Belgian children’s book publisher. Caroline Nastro is a children’s book author. Her first book, “The Bear Who Couldn’t Sleep” (North South Books) was translated into German, Chinese and Spanish and was chosen as a 2019 Bank Street Best Picture Book of the Year in Spanish. “Fly, Little Bird, Fly!” has been translated into Dutch and BahasaIndonesian. Caroline is currently collaborating with illustrator Anca Sandu on two upcoming picture books: Outside Amelia’s Window (Two Lions, 2022) and The Peace Rose (Peachtree, 2022). She attended the Sorbonne University in Paris, France and has a master’s degree in theater from Stanford University. |
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How did Julia Child become one of America's most celebrated and beloved chefs? Her grandnephew reveals her story in this picture book that Jacques Pepin calls a "vivid portrait . . . an enjoyable read." Julia's kid-friendly recipe for Oeufs Brouillés (Scrambled Eggs) is included!
Julia Child was born hungry, but she was not born a chef. In fact, Julia didn’t discover her passion for cooking until she had a life-changing luncheon in France and became determined to share her newfound love of food with everyone. In Paris, Julia devoured recipe books, shopped in outdoor markets, consumed all kinds of foods, and whipped through culinary school. And although she wasn't always successful in the kitchen, she was determined to "master the art" of French cooking. Through perseverance and grit, Julia became a chef who shared her passion with the world, making cooking fun, and turning every meal into a special event. Alex Prud'homme's firsthand knowledge paired with Sarah Green's vibrant and energetic illustrations showcases Julia's life and celebrates her enduring legacy. Sarah Green is a RISD educated illustrator and designer born and based in San Francisco. She is the illustrator of numerous picture books, including FIGHT OF THE CENTURY by Barb Rosenstock, DOROTHEA LANGE by Carole Boston Weatherford, and ELIZABETH WARREN by Susan Wood. Visit sarahgreenillustration.com. |
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Local Author Gregory Galloway ; )About the Author :
Gregory Galloway is the author of the novels The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand and the Alex Award-winning As Simple As Snow. His work has appeared in the Rush Hour and Taking Aim anthologies, as well as the Cornwall Chronicle. Greg is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He currently resides in Cornwall, CT. About the book : Career thief Rick, the narrator of this stellar noir from Galloway (The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand) set in an unnamed part of the U.S., learned dishonesty from his father, a crooked building inspector. After Rick’s girlfriend, Denise, gives birth to their daughter, the couple split, but Rick becomes concerned about the new man in Denise’s life, a drug addict. Rick seeks help getting the drug addict out of the picture from Froehmer, a friend of his dad’s, who agrees to take care of the problem. In exchange, Rick steals tools and equipment on demand from construction sites. Rick’s proficiency at boosting stuff leads to another request from Froehmer—to burglarize a home to steal a box. That successful assignment leads to other burglaries and to Rick’s eventual acquisition of a partner, Frank, who has the tech skills to evade alarms and surveillance. The partnership results in murder and the tightening of the screws around Rick. Galloway is as good at characterizations as he is at tight, and surprising, plotting. Michael Kardos fans will be eager for more from Galloway.Agents: David Halpern and Janet Oshiro, Robbins Office. (Oct.) |
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Fresh Air Author Event Saturday May 8. 2-5 pm
Come Look Up with Me was inspired by my appreciation for this life, our differences, our similarities and our precious time on this earth, which can not be defined. "In the eyes of God, we are all brothers and sisters." "A los ojos de Dios, todos somos hermanos y hermanas" My book is bilingual, written in Spainish and English. It has its own voice and speaks to all ages. It encourages inclusiveness and personal observation. Come Look Up with Me is a book which all generations and can enjoy together. Don't miss a moment of the beauty and magic which surrounds us. This book will slow your heartbeat, make your body relax and your eyes look towards the sky. Come Look Up with Me moves you through poetry into magical moments. It teaches you about appreciation and love. It is to be read to and by everyone and anyone you care about. Author, Vicki G Kinsella |
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Gently encourage mindfulness and critical thinking through this playful and witty exploration of negative space.
Can empty space be useful? Can it lead to new perspectives and new appreciation? Might it even be inspiring? Find out in a winsome book that draws on a child’s everyday experiences to prompt readers to look twice at their surroundings and notice the significance of sights, sounds, and spaces otherwise taken for granted. suitable for ages 4-7 and beyond |
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Sarturday December 14. 12-3 pm
Book Signing with Valorie Fisher and her latest Children's book Now You Know What You EatKirkus Reviews “...accessible and playful...Fun and fundamental food facts.” Publishers Weekly "Readers will explore the science behind favorite everyday foods... Bold and simply designed graphics present facts about the science of food, where it comes from, and what happens behind the scenes with favorites like pizza, honey, milk, maple syrup, vegetable soup, and more." Jean Little Library "Verdict: A delightful and fascinating look at the origins of food for curious minds, from kids to grown-ups. This is a great pick for your classroom library or bookshelves at home and kids will love poring over its pages... Recommended." The Book Report, " These books are seriously awesome. They take things apart visually and make things easier to understand." More about the Book : Valorie Fisher dives deep into the science of what we eat and where ingredients come from by exploring what happens behind the scenes of favorite, everyday foods like pizza, honey, milk, maple syrup, vegetable soup, and more! With the help of bold, eye-catching yet simple graphics, inquisitive minds will love discovering what makes popcorn pop, why bread rises, and how bees make honeycomb. With this book peppered with facts like how many eggs a hen lays in a year and how many gallons of sap it takes to make one gallon of syrup, readers will be fascinated by all the amazing things they never knew about the food they eat! Now You Know What You Eat also includes a glossary, and a graphic about the food groups, as well as an introduction to vitamins and minerals. With a growing focus on STEM for this early age group, this book encourages readers to ask their own questions about the world around them, and to fall in love with discovering the answers! valoriefisher.com |