A Roomful of Talent

March's meeting had the energy of spring, with talent bursting forth from every corner. There were thirteen in attendance.

Carol Causey, our president, was back after a long winter season. (Her husband had surgery on his Achilles tendon, so you know she was busy.) She announced that she will be posting a Letter from the President each month on our website as a way of greeting those who find us here.

Meena Thottam was also back this month. Another one of her many stories, "Love When Snow is Falling," was published in the March issue of 50plus Senior News, Dauphin County Edition. She also read to us a celebration of Easter.

George Appelt, whom we have missed for several months, announced that he has finished his third novel. He read the first chapter to us.

George Sheldon, our co-founder, returned for the second month in a row. After listening to George Appelt, he could barely contain his enthusiasm. He had to declare, then and there, "George Appelt will be published!" He emphasized, though, that it is not just talent that will get him published, but the fact that he is so disciplined.

Another blast from the past has found her way back to us. Margie Cullen was an original charter member from 1985. She reminisced a bit about how much CPWO meant to her then, and expressed her happiness to have found that we are still here. I hope we can all grow together.

Rich Barley shared with us some frustration with his fictional character, Pastor Gerste. In 2006, Rich published a collection of his stories called Home to My Village. He has more material already written, but asked the group for some advice on the best way to present it. One of the advantages of a group like ours is you will not walk away without fresh ideas.

Alison Beard, who began attending our meetings just this year, read to us her first rejection letter. It's something to treasure, indeed.

Ed Guion brought his ukulele. After reading us a story about the assylum where he spent some of his childhood (not as a patient!), he entertained us with a song. The song was about a tomcat's unfortunate experience, from the cat's point of view.

The evening would not have been complete without the appearance of our very own Gary Gates. Ironically, at the beginning of the meeting, George Appelt and Carol told us they had just come from Borders where Gary's How to Speak Dutch-ified English, Wolume 2(Twoah), Adwanced Wersion was being prominently displayed.

It's a good thing we have such a large space in which to hold our meetings. Otherwise, I fear, so much talent could not have been contained in just one room. So, to our writers, well done. And keep it coming.
Rita J. Morrow, Secretary/Treasurer