Most people in town don’t know who Moses Y. Beach is. Should they? We think so. This book can change that. Join our Gift for a Gift campaign.

What is The Check Minus? It is a middle-grade historical non-fiction book with something for every age set in Wallingford CT. It is based on two true stories from the lives of Wallingford natives.

The Check Minus book can be yours with a minimum gift of $12. Our book launch ‘gift exchange’ happened at Celebrate Wallingford 2024. Our Gift Exchange continues every day at #wpaatv. Or invite us to your group to hear the behind-the-scenes effort to discover and reveal Moses Yale Beach to his community and the world.

Most transactions will be in person. If that does not work for you, shipping and handling is $6.

The Check Minus Gift QR Code — Please provide your email when you use this QR Code to make your Gift for The Check Minus Book Gift.

Book Review:

“The Check Minus” is a delightful read that offers a heartwarming perspective on the immigrant experience. It reminds us of the value of questioning information, the importance of standing up for what’s right, and the power of human connection in overcoming challenges. With relatable characters, a vivid setting, and a positive message, this story earns a well-deserved “Check Plus.” It will leave you wanting to learn more about Youssef’s journey and the story behind the mysterious Moses Y Beach.

Good little book, “The Check Minus.” I learned a lot from reading it.

————————————————————————State Representative Mary Mushinsky

“The book, The Check Minus’ demonstrates the value of both local stories and verifying information in the research process!”
Lian Kania (she/her)
Grants Manager, CTHumanities

Wallingford, Connecticut is a quintessential New England town with deep historical significance dating back to its founding in the 17th century. Its archives are filled with fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered. The Check Minus is a beautifully crafted story that illustrates the power of curiosity, inclusivity, and the importance of introducing local history to young students.

This deeply collaborative initiative highlights the ever-changing fabric of the Wallingford community, and invites further exploration of its rich history.

Dawn Gottschalk is a New England based researcher and writer

ACB Freeman, Host #AnybodyCanBeFreeman played by @Marc Kestecher Host at ESPN Radio Youssef Fam, AP Journalist played by Yassine Benzinane Director of Arabic & Middle East Choate Rosemary Hall The Book: Illustrated by Stefania Munzi, Design Solomon Sheffield Author #wpaatv Artistic Director Un Segreto Bello The Podcast: room art Amy McNamara, Artist & Design Consultant Production team #TeentigerTV 2024 Post Production Adam Benzinane, Youth Coach Sal DelGreco

Transcript

In Community: A Team of Creatives, Investigators, and Benefactors

The Moses Yale Beach Revealed Initiative began in 2017 with one goal: to discover why Mr. Beach was a footnote in the local history landscape when he appeared to be a 19th-century maverick and entrepreneur connected to the expansion of our country. There remains much more to excavate, but his story is no longer out of view. The conversations with experts in November 2022 provided the initial insight into his relevance for our time. This book is a window into his contributions, passions, and impact.

We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven and an anonymous benefactor for seed funding, which made this gift in story possible. This little book could not be willed into being without the talents discovered in our community and the support of local reviewers. Stefani Munzi, the last to join the team, contributed her talent as an illustrator.