WRITERS: Frances Wolfe Haight of Kane wrote to tell us she enjoyed Donald Neal’s poem, “The Writers Group,” that appeared in the April 16 column.
“It brought back a lot of memories,” Frances said. “Back in the late 1990s, my husband and I lived on West Washington Street in Bradford. I started a writers group.”
Her last name was Williams back then.
“We had only 7 or 8 that attended but it was wonderful. The only rule we had was that we had to read aloud something new at each meeting. It could be out of a book or something they had just written. It was a challenge at times.
“We did not have officers, dues, refreshments, etc. They could bring a soft drink if they wished. We sat around my kitchen table and enjoyed the efforts of each other.
“One man wrote a story about a young Marine’s funeral. My daughter and I were in tears because it was almost exactly like the funeral for my son, Rick, who had also been a Marine.
“Another man, named Don, wrote songs and played them on his guitar and sang. He also wrote poetry, devotionals, etc. Very talented. We enjoyed his talent so much. The others read small verses, etc., but they were all special. We even did a program at the library once.
“Of course, moving away, we lost touch but Don has kept in touch by sending a Christmas card each year. Memories of this group will never leave me, I think, because of the enjoyment, and even the learning that I got. I would like to start one in Kane but no one seems to be interested. At least not that I have found.
“Keep up the good work, Don Neal.”
If anyone is interested in a writing group in Kane, let us know; we’ll pass your info along to Frances.
MAYFLOWERS: Joe Cucuzza of Lewis Run has once again carried on the spring tradition started by his grandfather in the 1960s: He found mayflowers behind the Valley Hunt Club over the weekend.
“That’s a sure sign that spring is here,” Joe tells us.
This year, he made the trip with his new dog, “Aggie,” that he adopted a couple of weeks ago from the SPCA.
“I had to get a dog to find mayflowers with,” he said.
