Linda Sue Park and Gordon Korman also giving presentations at nearby schools

Press Release, Author’s Note

MEDINA – Two  #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning middle grade authors with nearly 135 published works between them, Linda Sue Park and Gordon Korman, will visit Author’s Note, Medina’s independent bookstore, for a special double-hitter event in conversation together at Author’s Note to discuss and sign their newest books, Just One Gift and Hypergifted, on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m.

Linda Sue Park, the acclaimed author of the #1 New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water, which has sold 3 million copies worldwide, constructed her newest title, Just One Gift, in a special format.

Using linked poems written in accessible verse that highlights transformative moments of connection, the new middle grade novel celebrates the ways, large and small, obvious and unanticipated, in which our lives are enriched by the people we encounter. Robert Sae-Heng contributes black-and-white art to this eloquent stand-alone read that is also a welcome companion to the author’s popular book, The One Thing You’d Save. Booklist, in a starred review, said the book “bursts with so much heart and community,” while Kirkus Reviews called it “charming, poignant, and thoughtfully woven.”

A #1 New York Times bestselling author of scores of novels, Gordon Korman, will share his newest book, Hypergifted. The novel is the third book about Noah Youkilis, a super-genius robot who graduates from middle school straight to college.

Friendship, education, and a robotic fish-out-of-water lend theme and charm to this heartwarming sequel to Ungifted (2012) and Supergifted (2018), in which Noah Youkilis attempts to learn how to fit into the wild world of a college campus while being bombarded with hilarious mishaps. Kirkus Reviews says, “Told from multiple points of view, the story is laugh-out-loud funny, and readers will be entertained as Noah and Donovan try to make sense of college life,” call the work “a hilarious romp.”

Ms. Park and Mr. Korman will present and read from their new works, sign books purchased at the event, and answer questions during their visit to Author’s Note on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:30 pm.

Linda Sue Park, a renowned author of numerous picture books and novels for young readers, won the 2002 Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard. In addition to writing essays for numerous publications, Linda Sue has served as a panelist for the National Book Award, the Kirkus Prize, the PEN Naylor grant, and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award. She will visit Merton Williams Middle School in Hilton earlier that day.

Gordon Korman is the #1 NY Times bestselling author of more than 100 books for kids and young adults, most recently HYPERGIFTED and SNOOP. His writing career began at the age of twelve when his seventh grade English assignment became his first published novel. Now, nearly fifty years later, he is a full-time writer and speaker, with over forty million copies of his novels in print in thirty-three languages. A native of Ontario, Canada, he lives with his family on Long Island. He will visit Avon Central School earlier that day, and York Central School the day following and Geneseo Central School the day prior.

Author’s Note anticipates a large turnout for this special event and strongly suggests preordering copies of both authors’ works at Author’s Note, 519 Main Street, Medina or online at authorsnote.com/events.

Due to both authors’ extensive bodies of work, signing books purchased elsewhere is not permitted at this event. For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered for pickup or free shipping at authorsnote.com. Contact Author’s Note for more information at (585) 798-3642.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Brett Decker, club manager at Shelridge Country Club, explains the rules to 112 golfers in their carts, waiting to tee off during a golf tournament to benefit the United Way of Orleans County. The organization is now known as Orleans Community Connects. This year’s tournament is June 5.

MEDINA – The annual charity golf tournament to benefit Orleans Community Connects (formerly United Way of Orleans County) is scheduled for June 5 at Shelridge Country Club, 10994 Telegraph Rd. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and tee-off is at 9 a.m.

“To community members, sponsors and golfers of all skill levels – you are invited to ‘Hit the greens and help the community’ at this major fundraising event,” said Dawn Winkler, financial manager for Orleans Community Connects.

This annual tournament plays a crucial role in supporting Orleans Community Connects’ efforts to give back to local organizations. One-hundred percent of all profits will benefit non-profits within Orleans County, helping fund vital programs that make a difference in the lives of residents.

“We are excited to see our friends and supporters at our first golf tournament as Orleans Community Connects,” said board president and golf chairman Dean Bellack. “The proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to the most deserving non-profits in Orleans County. If you have played before, please join us again, and if you have not had the opportunity yet, we are looking forward to meeting you. Let’s all Connect.”

Participants will enjoy a full day of golf, contests, prizes and community engagement. Each registration includes green fees and golf cart, lunch, beverages and dinner.

“Our golf tournament is absolutely essential to the success of our 2026 fundraising campaign,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “By joining us on the course, participants are directly helping other non-profits in Orleans County that are doing incredible work on behalf of us all.”

Golfers may register online or print registration form to mail in by visiting www.OrleansCommunityConnects.org/events.

 For the first time, the basket raffle will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on the lower level of Shelridge. Drawings will start at 3 p.m.

For more information, e-mail Events@OrleansCommunityConnects.org.