Below is the reminder letter from Pat O’Brien for the Rochester Writers Night- Thursday November 7th, 6PM. It’s always a great night, with a diverse set of poets, and Sue’s food at the Portable pantry is just grand.
Hi Everyone,
The next Rochester Writers Night takes place on Thursday November 7th at the Portable Pantry on 12 Hanson St in Rochester.
Sign-ups begin at 6 PM, followed by our feature performer at 6:15. After the feature we take a short break, and then begin the open mic portion of our program. Writers are encouraged to perform their original poetry, prose or music to a listening audience. There is a 5-minute limit per participant with extra rounds as time allows.
This month I will not be hosting the event. I will traveling and singing in Ireland! However, I have asked Doug Decker to do the honors, and he has graciously agreed. Please be patient, Doug’s getting older and he can get confused! 🙂
November’s feature writer is Jon Shutt. Jon has read for us before, and was met with great enthusiasm.
Jon Shutt has served twelve years in the Army National Guard as an Engineer. In 2004, he deployed with a Maine Engineer unit as an electrician where he spent most of his days doing construction projects around northern Iraq. In 2007 Jon earned his Bachelors degree in English Teaching from the University of New Hampshire and began teaching 5th grade in Lebanon, Maine in 2008. In late 2009 Jon put his teaching career on hold to deploy with a New Hampshire Infantry unit to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan he was primarily an assistant 240 gunner, but his Engineering skills kept him busy building tables, lofts, TV stands and other creature comforts in his off time. Upon returning from Afghanistan in late 2010, Jon found his love for building propelling him into teaching woodshop to young, eager minds and hands. Today he teaches 6th grade English Language Arts at Noble Middle School. He and his wife, Monique, live in Milton Mills, New Hampshire with their son.
Jon has published a book of poetry, Blood Red Dawn, which reflects the experiences of his deployments. His work is raw, edgy, and sometimes difficult to hear, but is a sensitive and frequently beautiful portrayal of his experiences. All profits from his book are donated to the USO. In honor of Veteran’s Day, please come to hear this talented young writer.
As always, the Pantry serves award winning food: homemade soups, artisan sandwiches, and sinfully delicious pastries! So, come early, enjoy the food, listen to our feature and read your own original work!
Hope you can make it!
Pat
