A book club can have several goals at once, including the social aspect of getting together with others in a relaxed setting and the focused activity of discussing various elements of a particular book that everyone in the group has (mostly) read. A recent survey by BookBrowse of over 5,500 individuals engaged in book clubs across the country reported that survey responders highlighted both the value of discussion focused on the chosen book AND the social nature of the group. In this first session of our yearlong CHWB Book Club, you’ll join Dr. Annette Kelly, an avid reader, and the board president of Neighbors Network, who aims to help you do both!

About the First Session’s Featured Book:

“The Body” by Bill Bryson, the first CHWB Book Club selection, has a subtitle that summarizes the work — “A Guide for Occupants.” This head-to-toe tour of the body will amaze and engage you, whether you enjoy a relatively basic understanding of how the body works or have already survived graduate-level anatomy courses. Bryson’s entertaining yet factual tour of the body may lead you to a new appreciation of your wondrous complexity as well as a recognition of your personal health and wellness possibilities.

Special Note: Participants are asked to purchase the paperback of the featured book prior to the program’s start date. Book clubs work well when participants have read the book, but this is not a requirement. Being open to the opinions and reflections of others is important, as is staying on topic. Other elements of a “good” discussion: making room for everyone who wishes to speak, being attentive when others are speaking, not interrupting, or arguing, and encouraging less talkative members to join in.

Mark Your Calendars and Stay Tuned: The CHWB Book Club will meet on the following dates in 2022: April 21, June 16, August 18, October 20 and December 15. Book selection details and registration options to come! This program is presented by Dr. Annette Kelly and hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

A note regarding COVID-19 safety protocols: At this time, all guests at the Center for Health & Wellbeing are required to wear masks in all indoor spaces, including during our education programs. Presenters may remove their masks in order to be better heard by audience members. Attendees, however, must keep their masks fully in place (covering the nose and mouth) during the entire presentation. In accordance with CHWB guidelines, our programs will also be limited in capacity and rooms set to account for social distancing.

Cancelling Your Reservation: If you are unable to attend a program, cancelling your reservation gives us an accurate count of how many to expect; for sold-out programs, cancelling your reservation also allows someone on the waitlist to attend in your place. Cancelling your reservation for this program is especially important as we are currently limiting capacities as part of our COVID-19 safety regulations. Cancelling can be done in two easy ways: by calling 407.644.2492 and selecting Option 1, then Option 3 to speak to a representative or by using the online ticket cancellation option in your original confirmation email from Eventbrite.

By participating in this program, you agree to CHWB’s Gracious Space policy.

About the Program Presenter

Annette Kelly currently volunteers as the board president of Neighbors Network, a local non-profit, whose mission is the independence, engagement, and connectedness of older adults in our community. She is also a retired nurse practitioner and nursing professor with experience locally as the former CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. She was the former assistant professor of Nursing at Florida Southern College. Kelly is an avid reader who has been married 58 years and enjoys spending time with her four children and four grandchildren.