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

JUNE 7, 2018

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Tim Philippart, Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Palmeri, Amy Brailey, Al Koch, Ruthann Graczyk, Katherine Flotz, , Caren Von See, Bob Philpot, Gail Galvan, Mary Ellen Beecher, Neil Bedeker

GUESTS: Tammy Breitweiser

OLD BUSINESS:

A vote of approval for the May 17. 2018 minutes was given by GAIL GALVAN and seconded by RUTHANN GRACZYK.

NEW BUSINESS:

TAMMY BREITWEISER Tammy explained the types of writing she does. Her genres including short stories, flash fiction, poetry, and children’s books. She has also started a novel.

Members completed an introduction of themselves to Tammy, explaining the different types of prose and poetry they write as well.

SHARON PALMERI asked GAIL GALVAN if she knew of any news about Amazon not posting new E-books or submissions within the past three-four months. Gail was not aware of this and offered to check into it.

LITERARY NEWS:

TIM PHILLIPPART stated he had attended a poetry workshop and the Indiana Writers Consortium. He has been working with two writing groups called Small Town Poetry and Montana Mouthful. He has recently published four poems and written e-poems submitted to Montana Mouthful.

READINGS

CAREN VON SEE read chapter four from her book My Treasurer Chest. About Antonio and Sara driving to Casole d’Elsa, Italy. They check into the hotel, Terre di Casole and will stay there until construction is completed on their bedroom at the estate.

AL KOCH read his article title, Holding Hands. The article progresses through the various stages of holding hands and what those various stages represent -- through childhood, grade school, adolescence, high school, adulthood and eventually through the role reversal from independent adults to dependent adults needing assistance.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her funny short story, Armed and Dangerous about an airport security incident and the miss-happened word choice of Bazooka for a traveler’s knife. As it turns out, Bazooka is the brand name of the knife purchased by the traveller as a youth; payment for the knife included Bazooka gum wrappers and a shipping charge.

GAIL GALVAN read her poem, THINK ABOUT IT: Deadly Roadways, about the distracting use of cell phones by drivers and the deadly accidents cause by that distraction.

TIM PHILLIPPART read his short story, Pursuing the Sale, about a salesman’s foray into Michigan and his terrifying experience on a snowmobile, all for the sake of a “sale.”

NEIL BEDEKER read his story, Incident on the Egret, about a the cantankerous owner of a 27 foot boat taking an argumentative group of men on a fishing trip

SHARON PALMERI shared her memoir, The Lonely Rose, a tribute based on her mother’s life which utilizes the image of a single rose to represent stages of her mother’s struggle to find meaning in the midst of her loneliness. The story weaves the theme of a mother’s isolation in the midst of a world continuing to turn while her daughter searches for ways to communicate her love and challenge her mother towards meaningful connections. (commentary by Amy Brailey)

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

CAREN VON SEE