Book read to return

NORWALK — Maple City Book Read, now in its second year, invites all of Norwalk — civic groups, elected officials, churches, senior groups, nonprofit boards, high school students and residents — to read and discuss our second book entitled "What's Right, NOT Who's Right (2nd edition)" by Robert S. Tipton. Tipton is a high-energy, innovative, and insightful facilitator, speaker, and author. Though primarily a business consultant, he is passionate about helping individuals, groups and other organizations. Seeing the division in our communities and families, he offers his eight strategies in the book. Hear this three-minute video from the author https://youtu.be/Nztyb16d3Tw. "Far too much time is wasted," Tipton says, "in business, marriages, family life, education, government etc. — because we're stuck in endless debate, in bickering, politicking and posturing. Shifting toward 'What's Right' and away from 'Who's Right,' means we need to reconsider whether it's more important to 'be correct' or to 'BE CONNECTED.'" Maple City Book Read kicks off in September and runs through the end of the year. Two studies are open to all at the Norwalk Public Library, beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 16. You can choose morning, 11 a.m. to noon, or evening, 6-7 p.m. The Senior Center offers a weekly study on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. beginning Sept. 10. Look for "What's Right, NOT Who's Right, 2nd Edition," by Robert S. Tipton (ISBN 978-1-7325377-2-9). It is available on Amazon for $12.99 and on Kindle for $6.99. A limited number of author-signed copies can be borrowed or purchased for a $5 donation at the Norwalk Public Library. The front desk at the library has details on the audio book read by the Author. Author Bob Tipton will be in Norwalk in November. All are personally invited to "CONNECT" with Bob for a lively discussion about "What's Right." Mark your calendar. • Thursday, Nov. 13: Bring your book for a signature. Refreshments at 5:30 p.m. Bob speaks at 6 p.m. Senior Enrichment Center, 325 Shady Lane. • Thursday, Nov. 13: Mayor Dave Light will host a brunch presentation with Bob Tipton for business and community leaders. • Friday, Nov. 14: Presentations on the book by Tipton to high school students. The Geotrac Foundation grant award is funding author Robert Tipton's visit to Norwalk. The goals in "What's Right Not Who's Right" align with the Foundation's objective to help "integrate the community with the future globalized society, culturally, educationally, economically, and holistically." A community-driven mindset of focusing on what is "right" regardless of others' backgrounds and personal beliefs will better position the Norwalk community to face future community initiatives, opportunities, or conflicts. Former elected officials and friends, Skip Wilde and I, shared a concern about the growing division within our community. We started the Maple City Book Read to help bridge the divide and open communication lines. Our team has grown to include Peggy Lonz, Sandy Lonz, Rose Perry, Marcia Roth, Linda Williams and Ben Kenny. The team shares three big goals for the read – right from Bob Tipton: 1. "Let's listen first. Let's empathize and see the humanity in each other." 2. "Let's treat each other with dignity and respect—even when (or especially when) we disagree." 3. Together we can make "a simple shift to regain our humanity and heal our relationships – at home and at work." In Norwalk!