Rozzie Reads Poetry
Rozzie Reads Poetry is a long-running monthly poetry series sponsored by the Friends of the Roslindale Library. The series is organized by a committee which includes Steve Babcock, Dorothy Derifield, Holly Guran, Mary McCusker, Maureen McElroy (coordinator), and Vivienne Shalom. The readings take place at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of the month from September-June (with a break in December) in the Community Room at Roslindale House, 120 Poplar Street, Roslindale, MA. (For map and directions, see below.)
At each reading there are two featured poets, followed by a lively open mic. Many find
this a comfortable place to try out their recent work. The events are free, but voluntary contributions are welcome. Refreshments are provided. For more information, contact Maureen McElroy (mcelroy55@rcn.com).
Biographies of Our Next Readers
September 19, 2024- Thursday, at 7:00 PM
Holly Guran’s recent collection Now Before and Ever appeared September, 2023. Author of Twilight Chorus, River of Bones and two chapbooks, Holly received a Massachusetts Cultural Council award. The popular reading series she coordinates encourages new writers to try out their work. Selections from her narrative poems based on the 19th century correspondence between a mill girl and the editor she married have been performed at the Lowell National Historic Park.
Will C. (aka Will Chalmus) is a dedicated facilitator of personal, communal and professional development. He is a highly respected educator, poet, playwright, hip-hop artist, and M.C. who performs solo acts and with numerous groups nationally.
Will C. is renowned for his international work with the Centre for Playback Theatre, including roles on the board of directors, various committees, and as faculty. Will C. has been instrumental in organizing three IPTN conferences, has founded several Playback Theatre companies locally, and has led programs, performances and consultations for numerous non-profit organizations in the US, Canada, Germany, Brazil, Belarus, Australia, Malaysia, Switzerland, South Africa, and Israel/Palestine.
Will C. is currently an adjunct professor at a prestigious university, a director of creative inclusion, an educational consultant for a year-long training program, and a 3-time member of the Lizard Lounge slam team.
Upcoming Readings
October 17, 2024 – Wheatley at 250, Danielle Legros Georges, et. al.
November 21, 2024 – Charles Coe and Jennifer Markell*
January 16, 2025 – Wendy Drexler and Gary Whitehead
February 20, 2025 – Tom Laughlin and Deana Tavares
March 20, 2025 – Linda Carney Goodrich and Toni Bee
April 17, 2025 – Mary Bonina and Mark Pawlak
May 15, 2025 – Anne Pluto and Richard Waring
June 19, 2025 – Kathleen Aguero and Sara Letourneau
*member of the Jamaica Pond Poets
Getting to Roslindale House, located at 120 Poplar Street
From Roslindale Square at the Library, go down Poplar Street. The entrance to Roslindale House is about 100 yards past the first corner (Florence Street) on the left. There is generally ample on-street parking on both Florence Street and Poplar street. Please do not park in the Roslindale House parking lot.