JUNE 21, 2018

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Adam Sedia, Al Koch, Katherine Flotz, Caren Von See, Bev Stanislawski, Sharon Palmeri, Diane Stratton, Valia Hardarshan, Ruthann Graczyk, and Neil Bedeker

OLD BUSINESS:

A vote of approval for the June 7, 2018 minutes was given by BEV STANISLAWSKI and seconded by KATHERINE FLOTZ.

NEW BUSINESS:

A gazebo is to be built in memory of TOM and his wife Kathy. Seven carved stones, which are currently being carved by a mason, will be placed along the walk to the gazebo.

LITERARY NEWS:

ADAM SEDIA mentioned that he had poems published by The Society of Classical Poets, The Indian Voice and Journal, and The Demused. He is currently seeking an agent for his book. SHARON PALMERI suggested that he publish his book on-line, or go straight to a publisher.

BEV STANISLAWSKI received an honorable mention for a poem she submitted to the National Poetry Society.

READINGS:

ADAM SEDIA read two poems: The first poem, a rhyming quatrain, entitled A NAMELESS FOSSIL, was about a prehistoric, Paleozoic man entombed in stone staring forever up at an altered sky. His second poem, a sonnet, entitled, MY GARDEN, was about a gardener tending an errant garden.

AL KOCH read his article titled, THE GERIATIC ADVENTURE, which browses through the present memories of one’s youth, the role reversal of parents from independent to depend, and our surprise at how one’s body changes from vibrant youth to decreased capabilities. In the end, per Mr. Koch, the benefit of the geriatric adventure teaches us to appreciate those who touch our lives along the journey from childhood to our final rest.

KATHERINE FLOTZ read a free-verse poem title, A RAINY DAY. She paints a beautiful picture of clouds, sprinkling rain, fluttering leaves, and birds shaking off the raindrops, while duck and loons swim in pairs.

BEV STANISLOWSKI read two poems. THE DIVA is about a dancer lost in the lure of dance. Her second poem, ETERNAL AUDIENCE, is about a mesmerize listener enmeshed in the ethereal connection between the entertained and the entertainer.

CAREN VON SEE read chapter five of her book, MY TREASURE CHEST. In this chapter, Sara meets Antonio’s Uncle Lorenzo. The conversation turns to Antonio and Sara’s trip to the bank, which upsets Uncle Lorenzo. Antonio believes he’ll discover the reason for his uncle’s anxiety at the meeting.

DIANE STRATTON read a true-life story, LITTLE AUNT, LOTS OF LOVE, about the funeral of her favorite relative, Great Aunt Mary. The funeral was sparsely attended by Diane’s family—no other family members were present. But there was a group of elderly ladies sitting off to the side. The funeral home was virtually empty. Tearfully, Diane expressed her surprise at the realization that a lifetime of friendships can build the best family one can have in the most critical times of one’s life.   

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her story, THEY CALL ME RUSTY, about an injured Chihuahua rescued Sara. Thinking that the dog had a badly cut hind leg, Sara took the dog to an animal hospital. As it turned out, the dog had a fractured pelvis. Other than keeping him out of pain, there was nothing they could do. Mending was going to take medication and time.

NEIL BEDEKER read the final pages of his story, INCIDENT ON THE EGRET. The disagreeable Captain Bart continues to bark orders to his passenger, as Dick grapples to land a Kingfish. Landing the fish required a grappling hook, which Captain Bart maneuvered. Once the fish was in the ice chest, Captain Bart, intent on bringing the hook back accidently stabbed Dick in the shoulder, as the boat pitched with the waves. Dick shoved at Captain Bart as another wave hit, toppling the Captain overboard. The captain barked orders from the water to use the VHF radio and contact the coast guard. Several hours later and in a police vehicle, the men told the story of how they maneuver the boat in rough weather. As they neared the captain, another wave raised the bow and it crash on top of Captain Bart. The Coast Guard was still looking for his body. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

CAREN VON SEE