LASALLE – Join the Canal Corridor Association on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 12–2 p.m. for a book signing with local author Jeanne Roppolo for her newly published book “Grandma Goes to New Zealand & Australia” at the Lock 16 Café & Visitor Center.

Jeanne Roppolo, after spending five months working in Antarctica, meanders back home to the United States. From McMurdo Station, she visits the Land of the Kiwis before traveling to the world’s smallest continent and largest island. In her newly published book “Grandma Goes to New Zealand & Australia,” Jeanne will show you the vibrant scenery, museums, teach you about the Maori culture, and experience the thrills at the “Adrenaline Capital of the World” and attend a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

For the last 20 years, Roppolo has been abroad, out of state, and back in the Midwest. Due to her unique outlook on life, this Chicago-born mother and grandmother has been a movie extra for Kevin Costner’s Waterworld, volunteer firefighter, clothing model for Sears, founding member and board member of Waimea Main Street, creator and manager of a Hawaiian bed and breakfast, and motivational speaker.

Roppolo continues to relish life’s treasured moments as she travels to distant lands, encounters new friends, and explores other cultures.

Lock 16 Café & Visitor Center is located at 754 First St. in LaSalle. For more information call (815)220-1848 or visit www.iandmcanal.org.