Day: June 25, 2013

Hi. We will be having a Meet the Author event with Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop on Wednesday evening at 7:00. She will be reading from her new novel, The Why of Things, which is set locally on Cape Ann.

Could you post the flyer for the event on GMG? I’d very much appreciate it and would love to have you join us.

Thanks.

Joe

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Come Hear Gloucester’s Own, A. Austin Dorr, Speak at the “Tribute to Warriors” Event

Hello Gloucester,

We are getting closer to my “You. Are. Beautiful. – A Tribute to Warriors” art and charity event on Monday, July 8 at Minglewood Tavern (at LAT 43) in Gloucester.  Tickets are still available and are $20/person.  100% of your ticket will be donated to the Semper Fi Fund to help injured veterans.  If you cannot attend, you can still donate!  More details here:  http://youarebeautiful.eventbrite.com/

For my project, I had the opportunity to meet and photograph Austin Dorr, an 84 year old decorated Korean War veteran and former tuna fisherman for 35 years, who now splits his time among Gloucester, the Soldier’s Home in Chelsea and his camp in New Hampshire.  Some of you may know him personally or some of you may have heard of him when he made news in Gloucester at the age of 80, after building and launching his first boat.  When I first met Austin, he was a stranger to me.  I am proud to now call him a friend. 

At my event, we are raising money for wounded veterans, and I’m also honoring the five veterans I photographed for my project, including Austin Dorr.  The timing of this event is significant because it is a way to honor our military around this Independence Day.  It is also significant because on July 11, Austin turns 85, and I think that is a pretty big milestone.  During the speaking portion of the event (between 7:30-8pm), I plan to have the audience sing “Happy Birthday” to Austin when I introduce him (shhhh! don’t tell him!). 

Austin fought for our country during the Korean War.  The conflict has sometimes been referred to as “The Forgotten War.”  But Austin’s service and sacrifice should not be forgotten.  On July 8, we will thank him for his service and celebrate a life well-lived.  Feel free to take a look at a video I made for Austin the first time I met him:

Please join me at this important event to celebrate art and injured veterans.  Thank you and I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Thi Linh Wernau

Rockport, MA

(Note: all photos copyright Thi Linh Wernau and Thi Linh Photography)

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