Nonfiction November Author Signing
Schedule
Sat Nov 15 2025 at 11:00 am to 05:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
50 N. Railroad St. Ste. 1, Palmyra, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 17078 | Palmyra, PA
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Join us for a "Nonfiction November" celebration featuring local authors at Book Bar. Whether you're looking for your next cookbook, an inspirational memoir, a local history title, or educational title, you're bound to find your next great read with this excellent lineup of authors. The authors below will be available to chat about their works, their books will be available for sale, and you can get the books personalized/signed by the authors as well!
Schedule:
11am - 1pm: Stephen Sharp and Jessica Paholsky
1:15pm-3:15pm: John R. Haddad and Chuck Bechtel
3:30pm-5:30pm: Merrill Shaffer and Hillary Marotta
*schedule is subject to change
This event is free to attend and does not require pre-registration. So come on out, chat with authors, browse our shelves, and grab a drink at our beverage bar! See you there!
About the Visiting Authors:
Jessica Paholsky is a dynamic and accomplished marketing and communications professional. Throughout her college years and early professional career, she explored the cultures of 14 countries across three continents. Her cookbook, Once Upon a Pesto, showcases Jessica’s expertise in storytelling, travel, culture, and food—blending her academic achievements and professional experiences into an insightful global culinary journey.
Stephen Sharp is a Nationally Certified School Suicide Prevention Specialist, and worked with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pilot an electronic behavioral health screening for schools, which is now used nationally. He works tirelessly across nationally to provide education and training on mental health, technology, leadership and equity. Stephen frequently presents and writes on school counseling practice, leadership, technology, emerging career skills, mental health and race in education. Stephen was named the 2017 Pennsylvania Middle School Counselor of the Year.
John Haddad has taught at Penn State Harrisburg for more than twenty years. He offers classes on American history, literature, art, film, and popular culture. He has published four books, including his most recent title, Thrill Ride: The Transformation of Hersheypark.
Colonel Chuck Bechtel is a decorated Army Ranger who led a 40-man infantry platoon in Vietnam in 1968. He commanded soldiers at every level up to a 2,000 man Area Support Group during Desert Storm. He returned to Vietnam in 2022 with 11 other Vietnam veterans. His book is a combination of his memoirs as an infantry platoon leader and the story of a fantastic trip back to Vietnam, which for Bectel was very emotional but also therapeutic. Learn more at www.colchuckbechtel.com.
Merrill Shaffer is the author or co-author of four books related to sports, with specific emphasis on high school and professional football. He retired after a 22-year career in law enforcement and enjoys studying and researching sports history.
Hillary Marotta is an author, musician, and nonprofit specialist who loves to speak to groups about her love of music and handbells. She is the Director of Handbells at Zion Lutheran Church in Hummelstown, PA, and part of the national organization, Handbell Musicians of America. She also has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector on which she speaks, educates, and wrote her first book, the best-selling Head and Heart: How to Run a Smart and Compassionate Nonprofit. Marotta is also the household CEO for a husband, two teenagers, a dog, and a cat.
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Where is it happening?
50 N. Railroad St. Ste. 1, Palmyra, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 17078Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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