Middlesex author Bob Cerullo set to speak March 1 at D’ville library
The Middlesex County Public Library (MCPL) system’s special presentation by Middlesex author Bob Cerullo is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at MCPL’s Deltaville branch. Cerullo will talk about his recent book, “Patrick Levi Sweeney,” based on the true story of his great-grandfather’s adventures at sea during the golden age of sail. Refreshments and a book signing event will follow Cerullo’s talk.
The author’s presentation will explore the research and writing of the book, which draws on records and family oral histories that were passed down through the generations to reconstruct Sweeney’s life. He left the family farm in Ohio to go to sea and, starting out as a cabin boy, he rose through the ranks to become ship’s captain.
Along the way he encountered pirates, shipwrecks, was lost at sea, and had an interlude during the Civil War as a cavalryman, seeing combat at Gettysburg. In a review, Rivah reporter Larry Chowning described the book as “historically accurate and compelling” and “a very personal read.”
Cerullo is himself a licensed captain. In previous years, his work as a radio host on auto repair drew national acclaim, with appearances on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Good Morning America” and PBS. Locally, he is known for his work on Lancaster’s 103.9 WWND FM.
Talk on healthcare fraud coming to Urbanna library
MCPL is also hosting a program, “How to Prevent Healthcare Fraud,” presented by Lisa Walker of Bay Aging, at MCPL’s Urbanna branch on Tuesday, March 4, at 3:30 p.m. The presentation is part of the ongoing “Community Connections” series, a joint collaboration between MCPL and Urbanna-based Bay Aging.
Walker’s presentation will include an overview of the common scams that are going on, including ones that could affect insurance. She will also explore how to protect from being scammed, and what to do if you are a target of a scammer. Q&A and refreshments to follow.
Community Connections is a bimonthly series of programs presented by Bay Aging on topics surrounding day-to-day needs, ranging from housing assistance to transportation. The series is an opportunity to learn more about issues, find local resources on them, and connect with others.
MCPL’s much-loved Winter Carnival will be returning to the Deltaville branch on Saturday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The carnival, a perennial favorite before being paused by COVID-19, features games, prizes, food, balloon art, free books, and much more. It is geared to ages 2 through 12.
For information, call 758-5717 or email yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.
(Hartfield resident Michael Kunzinger is outreach coordinator for the Middlesex County Public Library system, which has branch locations in Deltaville and Urbanna. Email him at yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.)
