Senior Writers

Senior Writers Take to the Stage

          The Merrick Senior Center’s Creative Writing Workshop will hold its annual presentation Wed. June 12 at the Merrick Theater and Center for the Arts, 2222 Hewlett Ave., Merrick from 1 – 3 p.m. Admission is free, and a coffee hour will follow.

          The writers will read samples of their work, which includes poetry, prose, memoirs, fiction and “vignettes” or mini dramas, the latter prepared especially for the stage. The group was invited to share its efforts with the public several years ago by directors Tony Georgan and Joe Mauro of the Merrick Theater and Center for the Arts after Mr. Georgan attended a classroom session and was impressed with the talent and dedication of the participants.

          This is a special year for the program, as it is celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Musings of Maturity,” a booklet that is published in the fall. The workshop is sponsored by Poets and Writers, Inc. and the Town of Hempstead Department of Senior Enrichment and meets for 16 weeks between February and June. The instructor is Paula Rodenas of Merrick.

          The workshop was originally initiated almost 30 years ago by Helen-Marie Keogh of the Hempstead Department of Senior Enrichment. She is now retired, but has handed over the reins to Lisa Wetterau, who continues to encourage its progress. Many of the writers have been attending for years, proving that age is no deterrent to learning and growth.

For information call the Merrick Senior Center, 516-474-0268, the Town of Hempstead Department of Senior Enrichment, 516-485-8100 or the Merrick Theater and Center for the Arts, 516-868-6400.