My hometown of Orland has always occupied a special place in my heart. Last Thursday’s presentation and book signing made my lifelong love of that wonderful little town even stronger.
It all started when Orland historian and Friends of the Orland Free Library board member, Gene Russell, invited me to introduce my latest novel, The Outlaw from Newville, to the community of Orland. Orland Free Library Director Jody Meza took it from there and arranged for Kathy and me to hold the event at the beautiful Carnegie Community Center, the former Orland Carnegie Library, where I had studied as a boy.
Thanks to prior promotion by Gene Russell, Jody Meza, Kathy Callan, and Ron Anderson, writer for the Sacramento Valley Mirror, the historic building was filled to capacity before I began my program at 10:00. Jody and Gene each gave me glowing introductions. Gene surprised everyone by reading a few heartwarming words from my old friend and classmate John Friesen. The program came off with flying colors, and people from Orland, Chico, and the surrounding area were still coming in during the book-signing period that followed.
Thank you to the Friends of the Orland Free Library for inviting me to speak. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of you who came from near and far to share this wonderful day with Kathy and me.
September 4, 2025, was a day Kathy and I will never forget!
Please see below for a click-and-view slide show of the special day.
