Presentations by 10 authors are planning at the Springfield center in the weeks ahead.
Springfield native Harry J. Getzov - author "gOld: The Extraordinary Side of Aging Revealed Through Inspiring Conversation"
Harry J. Getzov is eager to come home to Springfield.
November is Jewish Book Month, and Getzov will be back in Springfield for Literatour, the annual Springfield Jewish Book Festival. It will feature 10 author presentations at the Jewish Community Center.
Now a resident of Vero Beach, Fla., Getzov is the son of the late Ramon M. Getzov, who served as the president of Temple Beth El in Springfield.
Getzov has interviewed more than 1,700 seniors from all walks of life, and his presentation will provide a glimpse of the wonder of older people. He will show some photographs, play some short video clips and read some quotes from his book, “gOLD: The Extraordinary Side of Aging Revealed Through Inspiring Conversations.“
His overall project is called, Eldercation (
“I feel our culture is missing the boat when it comes to how we revere seniors, and I feel strongly that it is time for us to change the way we view older people,” he said. “Certainly, the baby boomers have a vested interested in bringing about such a change in mindset.”
Getzov will speak on Nov. 14 at noon at Temple Beth El at 979 Dickinson St. The fee is $5.
Visiting authors will sign books after their presentations.
“These are all great authors and books,” said Jeffrey L. Rembrandt, assistant executive director of the Springfield Jewish Community Center.
Each event features Jewish books and/ or Jewish authors.
“People who love literature and love books will love these events,” Rembrandt said.
Elaine Wolf of Northampton, referred to as “The Anti-Bullying Novelist,” is one of the participating authors.
“She has a mission that resonates with everybody,” Rembrandt said.
Her two novels, “Camp” and “Danny’s Mom,” are springboards to discussions about bullying.
“These books have given me a literal bully pulpit, a platform from which to keep the anti-bullying conversation going so that, together with the professionals in our communities, we will make our camps and schools kinder, gentler places for everyone,” Wolf said.
As a former teacher and camp counselor, she knows that bullies can turn something as simple as waiting for the school bus – or the camp bus – into a nightmare. She encourages parents to become informed about the bully-prevention policies in their children’s camps and schools and to make bullying an ongoing conversation in their homes.
“I want parents to do everything they can to ensure that their children are comfortable speaking with them about anything. And parents shouldn’t hesitate to call guidance counselors and school administrators as soon as they perceive a problem; they shouldn’t wait for a bullying situation to get out of control before seeking help,” Wolf said. “And if their children are the bullies, then I hope they’ll seek professional help too. Little bullies grow up to be big bullies, and bullying is never OK. It’s up to all of us to make sure our children know that.”
She added, “My message to those who attend my presentation will be that we have an obligation to make our camps and schools safer for all kids. Bullying is not a normal part of growing up, and no one ever deserves to be bullied. Bullying can cause kids to drop out of school. It can lead to ongoing depression. It can even result in suicide.”
Wolf will present on Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. This event is free.
Rembrandt said the book festival is a way to contribute to the strengthening of the greater Springfield community through cultural events.
There will be a bookstore at the Jewish Community Center, offering the best in children’s books and the newest from the Jewish book world with a special section dedicated to Jewish and kosher cooking. The store is located off the lobby at the Neal Webber Building, 1160 Dickinson St.
Unless otherwise noted, author events – which are open to the public – will take place at the Springfield Jewish Community Center.
A complete list of author events is available at www.SpringfieldJCC.org. Brochures are available at the center or by mail. Call (413) 739-4715 to request a brochure or more information.