West Bloomfield, MI, October 06, 2023 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– This uplifting World Premiere event includes a screening of David Hoffert’s acclaimed documentary film, The Rhapsody, about composer and Holocaust survivor Leo Spellman who, at the age of 98, set out on a riveting and emotional journey towards artistic liberation, followed by a live performance of Leo Spellman’s 24-minute symphonic masterpiece, “Rhapsody 1939-1945.”
This is the first time anywhere that the film The Rhapsody will be paired with Leo Spellman’s symphonic piece that was lost and forgotten for more than 50 years, performed by MSU Symphony, conducted by Octavio Más-Arocas, Associate Professor of Music, Director of Orchestras at Michigan State University.
The event at The Berman on October 15 opens with a pre-talk at 2:15 featuring Amy Simon, William and Audrey Farber Family Endowed Chair in Holocaust Studies and European Jewish History, MSU’s Michael and Elaine Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel, James Madison College, and Department of History. The Berman program concludes with a talkback with the film’s producers, Paul and Brenda Hoffert, moderated by Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO of The Zekelman Holocaust Center.
Unfolding like a thriller, The Rhapsody chronicles composer and Holocaust survivor Leo Spellman’s secret wartime diary and long-lost orchestral masterpiece in a framework that brings his remarkable tale of survival to life. His eighteen months in hiding, fueled by fear, heroic resistance, and raw guts, are portrayed through bold artwork and animation narrated by award-winning actor Stephen Fry.
The documentary features concert performances in Canada and Poland, rare archival footage, and an uplifting finale that recognizes Spellman’s legacy in the Polish town where he narrowly escaped death.
The Berman is located at The J, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Tickets for Sunday, October 15, are $18 each and can be purchased by visiting https://theberman.org/.
For more information, please text or call: (248) 406-6677.
Author Denise A. Powis’s New Book, “Just be Yourself and No One Else!” Follows Three Punctuation Marks Who Try to Change Who They Are But Simply Cause Confusion
Copenhagen, NY, October 07, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Denise A. Powis, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoys painting, inventing, writing, and gardening, has completed her new book, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”: a heartfelt story that follows three punctuation marks who discover the importance of being true to themselves and what they do best.
In 2005, author Denise Powis received a bachelor of science degree from Empire State College, and she has worked for many years in the helping professions as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide, and substitute teacher for special education classes. At the present time, she teaches a Bible study/support group for women. In 1979, she won a 17 Islands National sailboat race.
In “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”, readers are introduced to a period, an exclamation point, and a question mark who all long for a change of pace and decide to switch places one day. However, they soon discover they are not well suited for performing their new roles, and decide that they were made perfect for their original purpose.
Published by Hawes & Jenkins Publishing, Denise A. Powis’s engaging tale will delight readers of all ages as they discover the importance of accepting one’s self and being true to who they really are. With colorful artwork and a powerful life lesson, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” will help boost confidence amongst young readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Readers who wish to experience this riveting work can purchase “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Hawes & Jenkins at 888-430-7450.
The release of Magical Musical Memories aligns with research indicating music’s capacity to reduce stress and rekindle recollection among people living with dementia. It also echoes widely shared experiences—from football legend Sir Alex Ferguson to the family of singer Tony Christie—of music’s unique ability to unlock the past.
Inside the Community Spirit
“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the moments that have defined us,” said Helen Davies-Parsons, Chief Executive of Dormy Care Communities. “Music can transport us back to a specific time and place. Through these recollections, memories will now live on.”
How to Buy the Book—and Support Local Charities
The coffee-table style book is priced at £15. Copies can be purchased by contacting any of the five homes directly; card payments can be taken over the phone and books can be posted. A portion of every sale will be donated to local charities.
