Steves Emails on Our Picnic
RW 2024 Picnic After-Action Report
Well, as projected, the weather did cooperate nicely for our picnic - which wasn't exactly a picnic, but was a fun and eventful party in its final realized form. Fully 20 people participated (plus one dog) -- as members, spouses and children feasted the afternoon away. Twenty true believers in the fellowship of the Riverside Writers cause showed up who knew how to make the most of a rich and full membership (and who also happened to have their calendar free, which I know several members didn't). One person even gave up a family reunion for us! Twas splendid. We had twice last year's turnout, and after a brief president's update we had stories, poems ...and songs! Amazingly enough, in addition to some great written work, we had four singing presenters - 2 in English, one in Chinese and one in German. Wunderbar! And, added to the delight afternoon's sum, William the Conquering Treasurer took in dues for a new member – our official paid-up member #50 !
For member successes, we collectively had Beth Spragins' poetry accepted into a soon-to-be=published anthology, as well as William Tang, who has a story coming out in the latest 'Chicken Soup of the Soul' anthology. RW member in Florida, Madalin Bickel, had some poems published in the ‘Weekend Avocet’ poetry nature journal, and Jorge-Robert-Saavedra, RW member and Texas poet, participated in a multi-artist art fusion experience, wherein an artist painted a picture based on his poem (among others) hanging on a gallery wall (and later joined by the painting). No doubt about it - our members are a talented and creative bunch! And the best thing is that there is next week, and there is next month ...and time enough for everybody to define and grab their very own brass ring of creative satisfaction. Who's next?
Anyway, good times, lyric spirits and warm hearts! Dave Kula recorded the presentation portion of the festivities, and hopefully we'll be able to post the event on YouTube. ...I'll letcha know. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your amazing June, friends, and I'll see you at our next meeting on July 13th.
Steve
Steven P. Pody
President, Riverside Writers
Well, as projected, the weather did cooperate nicely for our picnic - which wasn't exactly a picnic, but was a fun and eventful party in its final realized form. Fully 20 people participated (plus one dog) -- as members, spouses and children feasted the afternoon away. Twenty true believers in the fellowship of the Riverside Writers cause showed up who knew how to make the most of a rich and full membership (and who also happened to have their calendar free, which I know several members didn't). One person even gave up a family reunion for us! Twas splendid. We had twice last year's turnout, and after a brief president's update we had stories, poems ...and songs! Amazingly enough, in addition to some great written work, we had four singing presenters - 2 in English, one in Chinese and one in German. Wunderbar! And, added to the delight afternoon's sum, William the Conquering Treasurer took in dues for a new member – our official paid-up member #50 !
For member successes, we collectively had Beth Spragins' poetry accepted into a soon-to-be=published anthology, as well as William Tang, who has a story coming out in the latest 'Chicken Soup of the Soul' anthology. RW member in Florida, Madalin Bickel, had some poems published in the ‘Weekend Avocet’ poetry nature journal, and Jorge-Robert-Saavedra, RW member and Texas poet, participated in a multi-artist art fusion experience, wherein an artist painted a picture based on his poem (among others) hanging on a gallery wall (and later joined by the painting). No doubt about it - our members are a talented and creative bunch! And the best thing is that there is next week, and there is next month ...and time enough for everybody to define and grab their very own brass ring of creative satisfaction. Who's next?
Anyway, good times, lyric spirits and warm hearts! Dave Kula recorded the presentation portion of the festivities, and hopefully we'll be able to post the event on YouTube. ...I'll letcha know. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your amazing June, friends, and I'll see you at our next meeting on July 13th.
Steve
Steven P. Pody
President, Riverside Writers
Another update for our picnic from Steve June 5, 2024 (A member asked a question)
Good morning, Is this for members and SO’s only, or might children attend?
Don Bishop Fantasy Author “T.S. Pedramon” www.pedramon.com -The Grendhill Chronicles-Nightshade Unicorn-
Steves answer:
Well, Don, several risks are inherent in plunking children in the midst of a 40-acre untamed and fully natural forest – which, as a fantasy writer, you can no doubt appreciate. Our host, William, has assured me that his mystical sylvan acres are stocked with any number of wicked witches -- with the occasional un-zoned drunken-chicken-and-gingerbread house thrown into the mix. ...Fire-breathing drunken chickens, if I'm not mistaken. However, we invent as we stumble along Don. If you think the children could stay still and quiet during recitation -- and would be genuinely interested, as the local intelligentsia wandered into walls, trees and imaginations whilst spouting pithy prose and baked-bean-fueled poetry, then I have no objection. Hopefully, food, drink, bathroom facilities and festive humor will accommodate all, sir.
Steven P. Pody President, Riverside Writers
THE PICNIC INFO from our President sent June 5 2024
Please note:
P.S. The cursed bits of the Enchanted Forest also have a touch of Poison Ivy. An off-the-path word of caution
to all who wish to enter...
Well, yippee-skippy, it looks like the extended weather forecast for Saturday, June 8th is now within credible projection range. At the moment, it looks like our 1 o'clock to 3:00 o'clock picnic is going to be graced my mostly sunny weather and a temperature of 80 degrees. Bueno. This picnic will replace our June monthly meeting that would otherwise be at the library. Let the festivities commence!
I hope that a good many of you are planning to be there. You are only good as a writer if your commitment is solid, and we are only good as a club (your club) if our commitment and contributions make it so. Please come and show your support and, if possible, bring a potluck contribution - posted on Riverside Writers: Refreshments (signupgenius.com) so we know what items are covered, or are not yet making a critical appearance.
Bring a chair / folding chair.
Bring a short sampling of your writing for an informal open read after the eats.
Bring comfortable shoes - our host, William, has a short trail through the woods you may wish to enjoy in a late-Spring promenade.
Your target is William Tang's property, at 1440 Hartwood Road, off of Route 17, heading west from I-95 (north of the Rappahannock). Take Rt 17 to Rt. 612. Once on Rt. 612 (Hartwood Road), 1440 will eventually show up on the right as a driveway leading to his house (Times cited on the map are from Salem Church Library. The trip from the library is about 18 miles).
Good morning, Is this for members and SO’s only, or might children attend?
Don Bishop Fantasy Author “T.S. Pedramon” www.pedramon.com -The Grendhill Chronicles-Nightshade Unicorn-
Steves answer:
Well, Don, several risks are inherent in plunking children in the midst of a 40-acre untamed and fully natural forest – which, as a fantasy writer, you can no doubt appreciate. Our host, William, has assured me that his mystical sylvan acres are stocked with any number of wicked witches -- with the occasional un-zoned drunken-chicken-and-gingerbread house thrown into the mix. ...Fire-breathing drunken chickens, if I'm not mistaken. However, we invent as we stumble along Don. If you think the children could stay still and quiet during recitation -- and would be genuinely interested, as the local intelligentsia wandered into walls, trees and imaginations whilst spouting pithy prose and baked-bean-fueled poetry, then I have no objection. Hopefully, food, drink, bathroom facilities and festive humor will accommodate all, sir.
Steven P. Pody President, Riverside Writers
THE PICNIC INFO from our President sent June 5 2024
Please note:
P.S. The cursed bits of the Enchanted Forest also have a touch of Poison Ivy. An off-the-path word of caution
to all who wish to enter...
Well, yippee-skippy, it looks like the extended weather forecast for Saturday, June 8th is now within credible projection range. At the moment, it looks like our 1 o'clock to 3:00 o'clock picnic is going to be graced my mostly sunny weather and a temperature of 80 degrees. Bueno. This picnic will replace our June monthly meeting that would otherwise be at the library. Let the festivities commence!
I hope that a good many of you are planning to be there. You are only good as a writer if your commitment is solid, and we are only good as a club (your club) if our commitment and contributions make it so. Please come and show your support and, if possible, bring a potluck contribution - posted on Riverside Writers: Refreshments (signupgenius.com) so we know what items are covered, or are not yet making a critical appearance.
Bring a chair / folding chair.
Bring a short sampling of your writing for an informal open read after the eats.
Bring comfortable shoes - our host, William, has a short trail through the woods you may wish to enjoy in a late-Spring promenade.
Your target is William Tang's property, at 1440 Hartwood Road, off of Route 17, heading west from I-95 (north of the Rappahannock). Take Rt 17 to Rt. 612. Once on Rt. 612 (Hartwood Road), 1440 will eventually show up on the right as a driveway leading to his house (Times cited on the map are from Salem Church Library. The trip from the library is about 18 miles).
..But first, a word about the most imminent occasion of all -- our annual Riverside Writers club picnic on June 8th. Rain or shine, this event will be held at the house of our treasurer, William Tang.
I will send maps in a few days, but for now, we (as in you and me) need to sign up for this potluck-style event.
Kindly go to: Riverside Writers: Refreshments (signupgenius.com) and volunteer to bring something nice for your peers and friends. Go to the proper date (6/8/2024) and hit the 'Sign-Up' button. It will look like nothing happens, but actually a 'Save' button will show up at the bottom of the page. Hit that and you will be taken to another page to put down your name and contribution. ...Also bring some light material to read to the gathered and enthusiastic throng (or sing!). Then, after the gala of a great picnic, you may again revert to being whatever flavor of hermit you wish, and write in high-standard excellence for the next 364 days with hardly a further social squawk (except for Dec 14th) from your busy-body president.
Also, next week, along with maps, I will send out rules and particulars for both the Golden Nib 2-tier contest and the Riverside Writers Anthology. DANGER: Club Active/Creativity Ahead.
I will send maps in a few days, but for now, we (as in you and me) need to sign up for this potluck-style event.
Kindly go to: Riverside Writers: Refreshments (signupgenius.com) and volunteer to bring something nice for your peers and friends. Go to the proper date (6/8/2024) and hit the 'Sign-Up' button. It will look like nothing happens, but actually a 'Save' button will show up at the bottom of the page. Hit that and you will be taken to another page to put down your name and contribution. ...Also bring some light material to read to the gathered and enthusiastic throng (or sing!). Then, after the gala of a great picnic, you may again revert to being whatever flavor of hermit you wish, and write in high-standard excellence for the next 364 days with hardly a further social squawk (except for Dec 14th) from your busy-body president.
Also, next week, along with maps, I will send out rules and particulars for both the Golden Nib 2-tier contest and the Riverside Writers Anthology. DANGER: Club Active/Creativity Ahead.