BEACHWOOD, Ohio — There's just something about 94-year-old Charlotte Burgin, resident of Wiggins Place.
She's quick-witted and loves to write.
"I have written a children's book. I enjoy homophones. They are words that sound the same, but have different meanings," Charlotte told us back in October.
Then, she recited a page from her book: "A is for ants, wee tiny bugs. It's also for Aunts, who like to give hugs."
She was a shoe-in for our pen-pal program. And, no surprise here: She instantly racked up nearly 20 new friends, including a local pen pal named Jami Drost. We introduced the two back in February over Zoom.
And, because of Charlotte's special ability to connect, we went back to see her this spring to share some wonderful news: Publishing company Gatekeeper Press will publish Charlotte's book, Charlotte's Webster, a Vary, Very, Little Dictionary.
Cleveland native and Gatekeeper Press president, Rob Price, saw our prior stories on Charlotte and says he couldn't pass up the opportunity.
"It was a no-brainer for me to offer to do these services for her at no cost. We work with authors of all backgrounds from traditionally published authors to self-published authors. We give 100 percent royalties to our authors and they retain 100 percent rights and have 100 percent control over the process ," Price said.
And, also, this mission is personal to Price.
"I have this connection with Menorah Park. My grandmother was there for a while, and sadly, only until a few months ago, she passed away. She would have been so happy to know that we're doing this," Price said.
With words of gratitude, Charlotte said this of Price's good deed:
"Well I care about children and so if other children will enjoy it then that's fine, and maybe develop an awareness of words, a love of words. And that would be important," Charlotte said. Thank you and their willingness to take a 94-year-old. And I really appreciate it and I know I'll enjoy it."
What started as a simple gift for her own family, will now be in the hands of children all over the world.
Are you interested in being a pen pal to the folks at Menorah Park? Click HERE.