August 15, 2019

The Meeting began at 6:10 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT: 

Diane Stratton, Al Koch, Dennis Mclean, Tim Phillapart, John Hunt, Bob Philpot, Marilyn Kessler, Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Sharon Palmeri, and Helena Qi

OLD BUSINESS: 

A vote of approval for the Aug.1, 2019, minutes was first given by AL KOCH and seconded by HELENA QI.

LITERARY NEWS: 

AL KOCH’s long awaited book has been published.  He’s expecting copies soon! (And will bring some to the meetings.  Reserve your copies now!)  Congratulations, Al!

READINGS:

DENNIS MCLEAN read the pages 22-25 of his novel entitled The Eye of the Gift Horse.  In this section, Spook has returned from the Snap up tree unharmed, and Sidney learns the secret of the tree.

AL KOCH shared “Hello” which gives a number of hilarious responses to the annoyance of telemarketers.

KATHERINE FLOTZ  shared a section of After the Pebbles which chronicles the events after her book A Pebble in My Shoe.  In this selection, we see Katherine and George’s marriage and wedding reception.

JOHN HUNT read The Sparrow’s Sad Song Chapter 2.  In this section, when moving vans come to take Caity’s things from her home after her accident, Ryan remembers his first meeting with Caity before returning home.   

TIM PHILLIPART read three free verse poems.  The first, “Send Water” looks at the way we respond to tragedy and extends that desire to help beyond natural disasters to the deeper problems in society. “Nicely Tailored” takes a nostalgic look at the snapping of green beans and what is communicated in the process.  “Sweet Delay” reminds us of the special places that feed our souls and make our daily lives more livable. 

MARILYN KESSLER read Chapter 5 entitled “Gold” from her currently untitled novel.  In this chapter, Papa is planning his trip home.  He has just found a rider when he learns his brother (The Kid) has been shot.  He has to change his plans to care for his brother.

DIANE STRATTON read “Story of a Life” in which a trip to the thrift store reveals a portrait which causes wonder.  What happened to the people in the portrait?  What, in fact, is the story of a life?

HELENA QI shared her response to a daughter’s tribute to her mother.  In the tribute, the daughter shared that her mother’s life sparked the desire to be a better person and influence others.  Helena’s letter encourages the daughter with the impact the tribute had.

DANIELLE JOHNSON read Chapter 3 from Love, Death, and Socialism.  This section is told from Tasha’s perspective and shares her home situation which has influenced her attitude.  She is dealing with her mother’s prostitution and the aftermath.

The Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by Amy Brailey