Thursday, April 30, 2009

Updated YOUNG WRITERS Post @ CSU System Site

click on the program for a bigger view


LIKE A SPORTS BANQUET FOR YOUNG WRITERS ...
But With Much Better Food & Music



The state winners in prose and poetry, to be announced at the Mark Twain House & Museum ceremony, will have their work considered for publication in Connecticut Review, the literary journal published by the Connecticut State University System (CSUS).

  • Connecticut Review


  • They will also receive cash awards.


  • CSU SYSTEM POST INCLUDES ALL 2009 COUNTY CHAMPIONS


  • Since 1998, the Trust has given more than $174,000 to Connecticut's best young writers. About 6,000 students have participated in the program.

  • Young Writers Trust


  • Eastern Connecticut's Young Poets & Writers En Route To Twain House


  • THE JEN ALLEN BIG BAND
    AND A TEAM OF VOCALISTS
    NOW IN REHEARSAL ...
    Updates To Follow


    Musical Finale, 11th Annual Dinner,
    IMPAC-CSU System
    Young Writers Competition, June 2008


    --
    2009 INVITATION
    Young Writers
    Annual Celebration
    Mark Twain House & Museum


    Click below on invitation to annual celebration
    @ Mark Twain House & Museum ..



    The Young Writers Trust is continuing to accept sponsorships for the annual celebration.

    Recent donations have been received from Michael Tomasso of The TOMASSO Companies of New Britain; Attorney Kevin Creed of Newman Creed & Associates of Bristol; Eileen Lieberman, Adolf Gordon Corporation of Vernon; Joshua Lieberman of Comprehensive Media Services LLC of Vernon; Vincent Michael Valvo, Group Publisher, The Warren Group [Commercial Record]; the Raap & Vigeant families, Village Pub & Restaurant, Litchfield; Franz Douskey, professor at Gateway Community College in New Haven and President Emeritus of IMPAC University, Punta Gorda, FL; Dr. David Carter, the CSU System Chancellor; Dr. Joseph Bentivegna of Rocky Hill, the eye surgeon and novelist; Dr. William Cibes, the CSU System Chancellor Emeritus; Pat Steier of PS Art Gallery, Litchfield; Anny Gentilin of Charleston, S.C.; Dr. Lauren Doninger, professor at Gateway Community; Fran and Michael Keilty of the Hickory Stick Book Shop, Washington Depot; Ted Murphy of E.J. Murphy Realty, Litchfield; Attorney Jack Horak of Reid & Riege, Hartford; Attorney Tim Moynahan of Moynahan & Minnella, Waterbury; novelist Denning Powell of West Hartford; Attorney Bill Crowe of Mayo Crowe, Hartford; David and Ginger Dean of Litchfield County Commerical, Torrington; and Jeff Lalonde of Torrington Savings Bank. In addition, the Trust has received a number of substantial pledges for the annual celebration from long-time sponsors.

    Thanks to our sponsors and volunteer laborers throughout Connecticut, we are able to sustain the program this year.

    SPONSORSHIPS
    Business Card Ads in Program, $250;
    County Award Co-Sponsors, $500.
    * The Trust has also gratefully accepted
    donations in smaller denominations.


  • English Teachers: Restart Your Engines With Performance Poet Elizabeth Thomas @ Twain House May 31



  • * YOUNG WRITERS TWAIN HOUSE LA CUPOLA DRAFT MENU

    this is a raw
    1st draft
    highlighting many of the possibilities ...
    Items will be added and subtracted


    Reception, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Sunday, May 31, 2009
    IMPAC-CSU System Young Writers Trust
    12th annual celebration

    CHEF-ATTENDED CARVING STATION
    Roasted turkey breast with whole grain mustard and imported rustic breads
    Over seared pochetta served with olive, sundried tomato pesto and rustic breads

    ITALIAN ANTIPASTO BOARD
    Dried cured meats, aged imported cheeses, pickled garden vegetables, rustic breads

    FRUIT DISPLAY WITH YOGURT SAUCE


    SEASONAL VEGETABLE DISPLAY
    Crisp garden vegetables served with Italian gorgonzola dip and roasted garlic hummus and assorted flat breads

    BUTLER PASSED HORS D'OEUVRES
    Tomato bruschetta
    Lump crab stuffed mushrooms
    Coney island franks
    Spinach risotto Arancia
    Lobster &corn fritters
    Asparagus tips with smoked salmon goat cheese wrapped in pastry
    Lobster tart cobbler
    Scallops wrapped in bacon
    Miniature Maryland crab cakes
    Lollipop baby lamb chops
    Chicken sate with olive, sundried tomato pesto
    Red and yellow cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella skewers
    Roasted tenderloin crostini with horseradish aioli and green onions
    Chicken tempura
    Goat cheese and wild mushroom strudel
    Shrimp wrapped with arugula and prosciutto
    Baked polenta with wild mushrooms and gorgonzola cheese
    English cucumbers with smoked salmon
    Figs stuffed with goat cheese and prosciutto
    Roast duck wrapped with arugula on brochette with aged balsamic
    Assorted pizzas

  • Jazz Scene Heating Up @ Twain House
  • Wednesday, April 29, 2009

    Eastern Connecticut's Young Poets & Writers En Route To Twain House



    New London & Windham County Champions
    With Dr. Louise Feroe, the CSU System Vice Chancellor, center,
    @ Eastern Connecticut State University Event 4-28-09
    Young poets and writers, from left to right, are: Jhyde Ryals, Kianne Gaylor, Yarelis Rivera and Hilary Sunderland
    -- Photo by Edward H. Osborn, Director, Office of University Relations

    Complete list of all county champions,
    their schools and titles of their works,
    follows
    this
    link:
  • YOUNG WRITERS IN THE NEWS: 16 County Champions To Mark Twain House
  • YOUNG WRITERS IN THE NEWS: 16 County Champions To Mark Twain House

    NEXT UP, AFTER 4 REGIONAL EVENTS:
    Annual Celebration Sunday, May 31, 2009
    Mark Twain House & Museum


    County Champions
    With Young Writers Supporters@ Southern Event
    From left to right: Franz Douskey, founding board member, Connecticut Young Writers Trust; Dr. Cheryl Norton, President, Southern Connecticut State University; young poets and writers Felicity Sheehy, Evelyn Benvie, Dillon Jones and Aliza Gans; Dr. David Carter, the CSU System Chancellor. Complete list of all county champions, their schools and titles of their works, follows ....
    -- Photo by Betsy Beacom, Assistant Director, Office of Public Affairs, Southern Connecticut State University


    A few recent news clips:


    Winners named in Connecticut Young Writers contest
    Norwich Bulletin
    Posted Apr 28, 2009 @ 8:09 PM

    Willimantic, Conn. — Four young poets and writers from New London and Windham counties were announced as regional champions Tuesday night in the 2009 Connecticut Young Writers Competition.

    During ceremonies at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, the quartet was among 37 poets and writers honored as county finalists.

    The poetry county champions are Jhyde Ryals, 18, of Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton, for her poem, “To Jhyde: From Daddy,” and Yarelis Rivera, 14, of Windham High School, for her poem, “I Said No.”

    The prose county champions are Hilary Sunderland, 17, of Griswold High School for her story, “Beauty in the Breakdown,” and Kianne Gaylor, 18, of Woodstock Academy for her story, “Illuminating the Shadows.”

    More than 580 students entered the state competition this year.

    The county champions each received $500 checks and are invited to the annual statewide ceremony and celebration May 31 at Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. The state champions in prose and poetry will receive additional cash awards during the annual celebration.

    On the Web

    Connecticut State University System Young Writers Page: www.ctstateu.edu/community/impac.htm

    Young Writers Trust: www.ctyoungwriters.org

    --
    Waterbury Paper Notes
    Litchfield County Champions In Prose, Poetry

    Sunday, April 26, 2009
    Page B1
    www.rep-am.com

    LITCHFIELD COUNTY
    Torrington, New Milford students win writing awards

    A Torrington High School senior and a New Milford High School freshman have won the top awards from Litchfield County in the 2009 Connecticut Young Writers Competition.

    Torrington’s Kevin Redmond,17, won the regional prize for his poem “The Cold Stare Of Infinity.” New Milford’s Clarissa Burch, 15, won for her story “Missing You.”

    The awards were presented during ceremonies Thursday night at Western Connecticut State University for Litchfield and Fairfield counties. The winners received $500 each.

    This year’s competition, which began in 1998, drew entries from 580 students throughout the state. Regional winners from each county will attend a statewide ceremony May 31 at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, where Connecticut’s best prose and poetry entries will be named.
    --

    JI Notes A Tolland County Champion,
    Area Finalists

    Journal Inquirer, Manchester, CT
    Page 4, April 25, 2009

    Local student wins writing contest; more than two dozen are finalists
    By Journal Inquirer Staff

    Rockville High School student Jessica Ruman was among four winners from Hartford and Tolland counties in this year’s Connecticut Young Writers Competition.

    Ruman won in the prose category for her story, "Photo." She was honored April 20 during a ceremony at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

    Some 580 students from across the state participated in county competitions, the third highest number of entries in the competition’s 12 years. The contest is sponsored by IMPAC and the state university system.

    County champions each receive $500.

    Area finalists in the prose category include:

    Kaelyn Kelly-Colon from Manchester High School for "Queenie: The Cain and Abel Complex," Ryan Juliano from Windsor and Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford for "Prologue To A Heist."

    Dawn Rzeznikiewicz for "Love You Too," Katharine Vannier for "Edelweiss Ghost," Melanie Lieberman for "A Bird in the Hand, Worth Two in the Bush," Allison Burg for "Cappucino Girl," and Rose Goldich for "Laughter," all from Rockville High School.

    Amanda Schroth from Ellington High School for "Pretty, Pretty Baby," Katie Angelica from Ellington Middle School for "Hearts Tide."

    And, Elise Ursin for "Lost," Connor Tracy for "Spam," and Catherine Stanford for "Calling Down a Statue," all from E.O. Smith High School in Mansfield.

    In the poetry category, area finalists include:

    Thelma Boamah from East Hartford High School for "The Memories of Virginia Tech," Miriam Thompson of Manchester and Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford for "Nuclear."

    Lauren Kidd for "Weeding," Amber Murphy for "The Guardians of Life," Kathryn Johndrow for "Early Frost," Jocelyn Weaver for "Champagne Dreams on a Beer Budget," Anne Buller for "Andrew," Patrick Crane for "Memories are Just as Flammable as Gasoline," Jordyn Woodtke for "Circuitous," and Amy Zylberman for "Falling into the Mosh Pit of Love," all from Rockville High School.

    And, Aubrey Haboush for "Georgia O," Rachel Fuller for "Alarm Lullabies," Seanna Cottle for "The Secret," Caitlin Parmelee for "Something New," Miles Wilkerson for "The New World," and Jamie Phillips for "Longevity," all from E.O. Smith High School in Mansfield.


    COMPLETE LIST
    OF COUNTY CHAMPIONS / STATE FINALISTS


    The poetry county champions are: Jhyde Ryals, 18, of Fitch Senior High School of Groton, for her poem, "To Jhyde: From Daddy;" Yarelis Rivera, 14, of Windham High School, for her poem, "I Said No;" Amanda Ball, 17, of Greenwich Academy, for her poem, "Snapshots Denied;" Kevin Redmond, 17, of Torrington High School, for his poem, "The Cold Stare Of Infinity;" Cara Dorris, 15, of Glastonbury High School, for her poem, "hors de Paris;" Jamie Phillips, 17, of E.O. Smith High School, for her poem, "Longevity;" Dillon Jones, 16, of Old Saybrook High School, for his poem, "Ode;" and Felicity Sheehy, 16, of Westover School of Middlebury, for her poem, "Evening Conversation."

    The prose county champions are: Hilary Sunderland, 17, of Griswold High School, for her story, "Beauty in the Breakdown;" Kianne Gaylor, 18, of Woodstock Academy, for her story, "Illuminating the Shadows;" Emma Lowenberg, 16, of the Lowenberg Home School in Redding, for her story, "Bernard;" Clarissa Burch, 15, of New Milford High School, for her story, "Missing You;" Leah Shafer, 16, of Simsbury High School, for her story, "Snap;" Jessica Ruman, 17, of Rockville High School, for her story, "Photo;" Evelyn Benvie, 18, of Valley Regional High School of Deep River, for her story, "Once More;" and Aliza Gans, 16, of Educational Center for the Arts of New Haven, for her story, "The Mile."

    The competition has inspired the participation of over 580 students this year -- the third highest number of entries in the competition's 12 years -- and is sponsored by IMPAC and the Connecticut State University System.

    Regional ceremonies were held Tuesday at Eastern, Monday at Southern and last week at Central and Western Connecticut State Universities.

    Since, 1998, the Trust has given more than $174,000 to Connecticut's best young writers.

    About 6,000 students have participated in the program since 1998.

    The county champions each received $500 checks and were invited to the annual statewide ceremony and celebration May 31 at Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. Resuming a long-standing practice, the state champions in prose and poetry will receive additional cash awards during the annual celebration.

  • Twain House Invitation
  • Tuesday, April 28, 2009

    AT THE PRINTER ...


    INVITATION
    2009 Young Writers
    Annual Celebration

    Mark Twain House & Museum


    Click below on invitation to annual celebration
    @ Mark Twain House & Museum ..





  • Young Writers Featured In Meriden, CT Paper


  • Coming Soon:
    More
    Recent
    News
    Clips
    ...

    Saturday, April 25, 2009

    Young Writers Featured In Meriden, CT Paper


    -- SOUTHERN'S ADANTI STUDENT CENTER

    Via
  • Meriden Record Journal


  • Thornton Wilder
    &
    Connecticut Young Writers
    Competitions

    Essay About Cross-Country Trip
    With Jewish Youth Group
    Among Contenders
    @ Southern Connecticut State University Monday


    04/24/2009
    Cheshire students' writing honored

    On Monday, Brown, a senior, will attend Southern Connecticut State University's reception where the Connecticut Young Writers Competition winner[s] for the New Haven and Middlesex region will be announced ...

  • COMPLETE LIST OF COUNTY FINALISTS


  • CSU System Young Writers Page


  • ... Her essay is about a six-week cross-country trip she took with a Jewish youth group in the summer of 2007. Brown said she wanted the memoir to be more than a travel piece or just a coming-of-age story, although her relationship with herself and others is a major part of the essay ...


    By Jesse Buchanan
    Record-Journal staff

    CHESHIRE - Cheshire High School sophomore Alex Nicoll got the idea for his poem "The Deerfield River Fish," while reading through newspaper stories of people who find dead bodies.

    In the poem, a fisherman who isn't catching much falls out of his boat and comes face to face with a dead body in the river. The poem ends with the narrator saying he's never fished since.

    Nicoll's poem won him first place and $600 in the Thornton Wilder writing contest last month. Another town high school student, senior Julie Brown, has been recognized for her writing in the Connecticut Young Writers Competition.

    Both students also attend the Education Center for the Arts magnet school in New Haven.

    On Monday, Brown, a senior, will attend Southern Connecticut State University's reception where the Connecticut Young Writers Competition winner for the New Haven and Middlesex region will be announced. Brown is a finalist in the regional level of the competition, sponsored by the international consulting firm IMPAC and the Connecticut State University System.

    Education Center for the Arts writing department head Caroline Rosenstone worked with both Brown and Nicoll, and was impressed with their hard work and willingness to make numerous revisions.

    Brown and Nicoll spend their school mornings at Cheshire High School and their afternoons at the center in arts classes.

    The Thornton Wilder contest is held in honor of the author who lived for 30 years on Deepwood Drive in Hamden. Contest chairwoman Betty Mettler said about 75 students entered the contest, which is open to any high school writers in the state.

    Nicoll's poem impressed Mettler and the judges with its vividness.

    "His choice of words was wonderful," Mettler said. "It left you with the idea that it made quite an impression on the kid in the story."

    Nicoll doesn't fish, though, and he's never found a dead body.

    "At the awards ceremony, one of the professors asked me, but no, it's not a true story," he said.

    Brown was encouraged to submit her essay, "Body," by Rosenstone, who is one of her teachers. Brown said she was surprised when she was chosen as a finalist.

    "I was happy, but definitely surprised," she said.

    Her essay is about a six-week cross-country trip she took with a Jewish youth group in the summer of 2007. Brown said she wanted the memoir to be more than a travel piece or just a coming-of-age story, although her relationship with herself and others is a major part of the essay.

    "I tend to write about groups of people because there's so much going on," Brown said. "Humans are so complex."

    The youth group, and Brown, were all in their teens and awkwardly thrown together on the same bus for the trip. Brown describes how they began to form friendships and overcome their insecurities.

    The awkwardness wasn't enjoyable, but "at the same time, it was necessary," Brown said. "Otherwise I wouldn't be as comfortable with people and bodies as I am now."

    Brown had to overcome her own shyness and reservations to describe some of her insecurities in the essay, she said.

    "That piece was something I had to not be afraid to write," said Brown.

    She received guidance and encouragement from Rosenstone, who told Brown to "write from the heart."

    Brown plans to revise her memoir and focus on three particular characters. A trip last week to England might also produce material for future essays, Brown said.

    She has been accepted at Susquehanna University and plans to major in creative writing and possibly minor in English.

    "I'm not sure where it's going, but I want writing to be a major part of my life."

    jbuchanan@record-journal.com (203) 317-2230

  • First Home School Young Writers County Champion In Program's 12-year History


  • English Teachers: Restart Your Engines With Performance Poet Elizabeth Thomas @ Twain House May 31


  • Feature On Twain House


  • Mark Twain House & Museum Blog
  • Friday, April 24, 2009

    First Home School Young Writers County Champion In Program's 12-year History


    2009 Fairfield & Litchfield County Champions with Western Connecticut State University President James Schmotter and CSU System Chancellor David Carter Thursday night, from left to right: Kevin Redmond, Clarissa Burch, Emma Lowenberg and Amanda Ball.
    -- Photo by J Thompson Pease


    WestConn Young Writers Results
    APRIL 23, 2009

    NEWS FROM THE CONNECTICUT YOUNG WRITERS TRUST
    :

    DANBURY, CT, April 23, 2009 -- Young poets and writers from Fairfield and Litchfield counties were announced as regional champions Thursday night in the 2009 Connecticut Young Writers Competition. They include the first home school county champion in the program's 12-year history.

    During ceremonies at Western Connecticut State University, the quartet was among 45 poets and writers honored as county finalists.

    The poetry county champions are: Amanda Ball, 17, of Greenwich Academy, for her poem, "Snapshots Denied;" and Kevin Redmond, 17, of Torrington High School, for his poem, "The Cold Stare Of Infinity."

    The prose county champions are: Emma Lowenberg, 16, of the Lowenberg Home School in Redding, for her story, "Bernard;" and Clarissa Burch, 15, of New Milford High School, for her story, "Missing You."


    The competition has inspired the participation of over 580 students this year -- the third highest number of entries in the competition's 12 years -- and is sponsored by IMPAC and the Connecticut State University System.

    County champions for Hartford and Tolland were announced Monday during ceremonies at Central Connecticut State University.

    They are: Cara Dorris, 15, of Glastonbury High School, for her poem, "hors de Paris;" Jamie Phillips, 17, of E.O. Smith High School, for her poem, "Longevity;" Leah Shafer, 16, of Simsbury High School, for her story, "Snap;" and Jessica Ruman, 17, of Rockville High School, for her story, "Photo."

    The county champions each received $500 checks and were invited to the annual statewide ceremony and celebration May 31 at Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. Resuming a long-standing practice, the state champions in prose and poetry will receive additional cash awards during the annual celebration.

    Since, 1998, the Trust has given more than $170,000 to Connecticut's best young writers. Another $4,000 will be distributed next week.

    About 6,000 students have participated in the program since 1998.

    Two more regional ceremonies are scheduled:
    *Monday, April 27, at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, for Middlesex and New Haven counties; and
    *Tuesday, April 28, at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, for New London and Windham counties.


  • Danbury News Times Features Regional Contenders In Young Writers Competition


  • MEDIA CONTACTS:
    Andy Thibault, Connecticut Young Writers Trust, tntcomm82@cs.com, 860-690-0211
    Terri Raimondi, CSUS Public Relations, raimondit@ct.edu, 860-493-0040

    IMPAC-Connecticut State University System
    Young Writers Trust
    231 Beach St.
    Litchfield, CT 06759

    * 800-814-6931 * Fax- 860-567-9119
    * tntcomm82@cs.com

  • CSU System Young Writers Page


  • Young Writers Trust


  • The Young Writers Trust is continuing to accept sponsorships for the annual celebration. Recent donations have been received from Vincent Michael Valvo, Group Publisher, The Warren Group [Commercial Record]; the Raap & Vigeant families, Village Pub & Restaurant, Litchfield; Franz Douskey, professor at Gateway Community College in New Haven and President Emeritus of IMPAC University, Punta Gorda, FL; Dr. David Carter, the CSU System Chancellor; Dr. Joseph Bentivegna of Rocky Hill, the eye surgeon and novelist; Dr. William Cibes, the CSU System Chancellor Emeritus; Pat Steier of PS Art Gallery, Litchfield; Anny Gentilin of Charleston, S.C.; Dr. Lauren Doninger, professor at Gateway Community; Fran and Michael Keilty of the Hickory Stick Book Shop, Washington Depot; Ted Murphy of E.J. Murphy Realty, Litchfield; Attorney Jack Horak of Reid & Riege, Hartford; Attorney Tim Moynahan of Moynahan & Minnella, Waterbury; novelist Denning Powell of West Hartford; Attorney Bill Crowe of Mayo Crowe, Hartford; David and Ginger Dean of Litchfield County Commerical, Torrington; and Jeff Lalonde of Torrington Savings Bank. In addition, the Trust has received a number of substantial pledges for the annual celebration from long-time sponsors.

    SPONSORSHIPS
    Business Card Ads in Program, $250;
    County Award Co-Sponsors, $500.
    * The Trust has also gratefully accepted
    donations in smaller denominations.


    Click below on invitation to annual celebration
    @ Mark Twain House & Museum ..

    Wednesday, April 22, 2009

    Danbury News Times Features Regional Contenders In Young Writers Competition


    ENTRANCE TO MARK TWAIN MUSEUM

    Excerpt From Eileen Fitzgerald's Story ...

    Danbury area student writers
    compete for state awards


    By Eileen Fitzgerald
    Staff Writer
  • The News Times

  • Updated: 04/20/2009 11:41:51 PM EDT

    DANBURY -- When 15-year-old Rachael Fulton of Redding opened a letter from WestConn recently, she screamed. The 10th-grader at Joel Barlow High School learned her poem "I Love You Not" was selected as a semifinalist in the 12th annual Connecticut Young Writers awards competition.

    The contest is sponsored by Impac, a worldwide company management productivity improvement company, whose owner, James Irwin, lives in Litchfield, and the Connecticut State University System.

    "I was excited beyond words,'' Rachael said. "Writing is something I love to do, so to have someone else like it made me so happy."

    Emma and Olivia Lowenberg, sisters who are home schooled in Redding, are semifinalists in the prose portion of the competition.

    Emma, 16, wrote about caring for an owl at New Pond Farm in Redding, where she works two days a week.

    She told about going into his cage and his slowly coming to accept her. "I've never been so excited to be close to a wild bird,'' she said.

    She also was excited to be recognized by the writing competition, because she doesn't consider herself a writer.

    Fourteen-year-old Olivia was chosen for her research paper on the 14th century Black Death pandemic.

    "I'm really excited. It's a huge honor. It's a big deal to be part of a statewide writing contest,'' Olivia said. "Doing research comes harder for me, but writing comes naturally. It takes effort to find good sources, create an outline, and turn it into a paper."

    A prose and a poetry finalist from each of the state's eight counties will be named in events throughout the state. Semifinalists from Litchfield and Fairfield counties will be announced Thursday at Western Connecticut State University.

    A statewide winner in each category will be announced May 31 at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford.
    INVITATION AT BOTTOM

    More than 580 Connecticut students entered their work in the competition this year.

    "With the help of many sponsors and volunteer laborers throughout Connecticut, we are able to say again to Connecticut's best young writers: 'Yes, you are a poet. Yes, you are writer,' " said Andy Thibault, chairman of Young Writers Trust.

    Cassandra Urban, a 16-year-old tenth-grader at Danbury's Alternative Center for Excellence, is a semifinalist for her poem about autumn.

    "I think I was more proud than excited," Urban said when she learned. "It makes me feel a lot better about my writing."

    Sixteen-year-old Daniel Holland, a junior at New Milford High School, is a semifinalist for his prose piece "Narrative of the Woods," in which he described for an English assignment what he saw during a walk in woods behind his house.

    "I didn't see myself as a writer,'' he said, but he decided he must be pretty good at describing things to get this far in the contest.

    RECENT RESULTS
    &
    WHAT'S COMING UP
    THURSDAY,
    NEXT WEEK,
    &
    MAY 31 ....


    YOUNG WRITERS NAMED
    HARTFORD & TOLLAND COUNTY CHAMPIONS -
    *1st of 5 events


  • COMPLETE LIST OF COUNTY FINALISTS


  • FROM THE CONNECTICUT YOUNG WRITERS TRUST:
    NEW BRITAIN, CT, April 20, 2009 -- Young poets and writers from Hartford and Tolland counties were announced as regional champions Monday night in the 2009 Connecticut Young Writers Competition.

    During ceremonies at Central Connecticut State University, the quartet was among about 50 poets and writers hailed as county finalists by an enthusiastic crowd of 200 family members, teachers and friends, as well as staff, professors and administrators from the CSU System.

    The poetry county champions are: Cara Dorris, 15, of Glastonbury High School, for her poem, "hors de Paris;" and Jamie Phillips, 17, of E.O. Smith High School, for her poem, "Longevity."

    The prose county champions are: Leah Shafer, 16, of Simsbury High School, for her story, "Snap;" and Jessica Ruman, 17, of Rockville High School, for her story, "Photo."

    Why spend your time writing?

    The question was asked and answered by Central English Professor Steve Ostrowski, the keynote speaker.

    "Because it's a way of getting something that is perhaps vague and unformed -- but nevertheless urgent -- out of your head or heart and onto the page," Ostrowski told the crowd. With time, reflection and revision, he said, the work will make its way into the world …

    He also spoke of the rewards of writing, including giving pleasure to others. Other rewards, Ostrowski said, include entertaining readers or provoking them to think in new ways, offering insights, or moving them into a deep emotional state.

    All of this, Ostrowski said, is accomplished through the creative use of language.

    His advice for young writers: "Be the kind of person upon whom nothing is lost. Be a sponge. Soak up life and experience. Take it all in. Notice details. Don't sleepwalk through life. Everything you see and do is raw material for your writing ..."

    The young writers also heard from Central President Jack Miller, Provost Carl Lovitt, CSU System Chancellor David Carter and Vice Chancellor Louise Feroe. Professor Susan Gilmore, a longtime judge for the competition, served as mistress of ceremonies. Administrative staff including Courney McDavid, Rita Cotarelo-Ward and Wendy Wilton set up the event.

    The competition has inspired the participation of over 580 students this year -- the third highest number of entries in the competition's 12 years -- and is sponsored by IMPAC and the Connecticut State University System.

    Three other regional ceremonies are scheduled:
    *Thursday, April 23, at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, for Fairfield and Litchfield counties;
    *Monday, April 27, at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, for Middlesex and New Haven counties; and
    *Tuesday, April 28, at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, for New London and Windham counties.

    The county champions each receive $500 checks this year and are invited to the annual statewide ceremony and celebration May 31 at Mark Twain House & Museum.

    "The worldwide economic crisis has affected all of us, even The Young Writers Trust," said Andy Thibault, chairman of the non-profit foundation. "We are dealing with a shortfall in funding of more than $10,000 this year. Consequently, we had to reduce the amount of the county champion awards from $1,000 to $500."

    Young writers and parents at the Central event said they were gratified by the recognition and pleased by the financial awards, which the CSU System Chancellor, Dr. David Carter, characterized as a "half a loaf" in hard times.

    The recipients and their parents also said that in the current economic climate they would prefer cash awards to an overseas trip for the state champions. The cash awards for state champions had been a long-standing practice of the Young Writers Trust until the past several years. In accord with these discussions and other fiscal realities, the board of the Young Writers Trust has decided to restore the practice of giving cash prizes to the state champions in prose and poetry.

    The Trust is continuing to accept sponsorships for the annual celebration, and will present additional cash awards during its 12th annual celebration May 31 at the Mark Twain House & Museum.

    Recent donations have been received from the Litchfield-Morris Rotary; Mark Macomber, President & CEO of Litchfield Bancorp and our founding sponsor; Franz Douskey,professor at Gateway Community College in New Haven and President Emeritusof IMPAC University, Punta Gorda, FL; Dr. David Carter, the CSU System Chancellor;Dr. Joseph Bentivegna of Rocky Hill, the eye surgeon and novelist; Dr. WilliamCibes, the CSU System Chancellor Emeritus; Pat Steier of PS Art Gallery,Litchfield; Anny Gentilin of Charleston, S.C.; Dr. Lauren Doninger, professorat Gateway Community; Fran and Michael Keilty of the Hickory Stick Book Shop,Washington Depot; Ted Murphy of E.J. Murphy Realty, Litchfield; AttorneyJack Horak of Reid & Riege, Hartford; Attorney Tim Moynahan of Moynahan& Minnella, Waterbury; novelist Denning Powell of West Hartford; AttorneyBill Crowe of Mayo Crowe, Hartford; David and Ginger Dean of Litchfield CountyCommerical, Torrington; and Jeff Lalonde, President & CEO of Torrington Savings Bank. In addition,the Trust has received a number of substantial pledges for the annual celebrationfrom long-time sponsors.

    SPONSORSHIPS
    Business Card Ads in Program, $250;
    County Award Co-Sponsors, $500.
    * The Trust has also gratefully accepted
    donations in smaller denominations.


    *The IMPAC-Connecticut State University System Young Writers Trustis a non-profit foundation affiliated by Charter with the International IMPACDublin Literary Award and classified by the IRS as a 501 C (3)Public Charity.Federal Tax ID: 31-1635811

  • English Teachers: Restart Your Engines With Performance Poet Elizabeth Thomas @ Twain House May 31


  • Feature On Twain House



  • Young Writers Event Moves To Mark Twain
    House & Museum, Hartford


    INVITATION
    Seating Limited


    You are cordially invited to attend the
    12TH Annual IMPAC-CSU System Young Writers
    Statewide Ceremony & Celebration

    Sunday, May 31, 2009

    Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington, Ave., Hartford

    2 p.m. Tour & Programs For Young Writers
    4:30 p.m. Workshops For Young Writers & Teachers (CEUs granted)
    5:30-6:45 p.m. Reception Catered By Frank Rosa's La Cupola Ristorante & Inn
    7 p.m. Awards Ceremony

    Special Guests
    Melanie Lieberman, 2007 State Prose Champion
    Victoria Nordlund, Poet & English teacher

    Rockville High School English teacher Victoria Nordlund [left] and senior Melanie Lieberman [center] with NBC 30's Tom Monahan
    Elizabeth Thomas, Teacher Workshop Leader / Performance Poetry

    ELIZABETH THOMAS

    Co-Masters of Ceremonies
    Rand Richards Cooper, Author
    Diane Smith, Author & Positively CT TV Host
    Ravi Shankar, Poet in Residence, English Professor, CCSU
    Colin McEnroe, Author & Columnist, Hartford Courant

  • Jazz Scene Heating Up @ Twain House

  • Reception Entertainment
    Jen Allen Big Band

    Reception Donation*
    $50 per person (teacher workshop add $25)

    PLZ MAKE CHECKS OUT TO IMPAC-CSU YOUNG WRITERS

    -RSVP by May 21, 2009

    ANDY THIBAULT
    IMPAC-CSU System Young Writers Trust
    231 Beach St.
    Litchfield, CT 06759

    800-814-6931 or 860-690-0211
    tntcomm82@cs.com
    www.ctyoungwriters.org

    *The IMPAC-Connecticut State University System Young Writers Trustis a non-profit foundation affiliated by Charter with the International IMPACDublin Literary Award and classified by the IRS as a 501 C (3)Public Charity.Federal Tax ID: 31-1635811



    Musical Finale, 11th Annual Dinner,
    IMPAC-CSU System
    Young Writers Competition, June 2008


  • Jen Allen Big Band


  • Bristol Teacher In Performance May 31 @ Mark Twain House


  • Young Writers Site Posts County Finalists 09


  • Mark Twain House & Museum Blog
  • Diane Smith's New TV Show Airs Thursday



    All Things Connecticut
    on CPTV
    Explores the Variety and Vitality of the Nutmeg State

    Hosted by Diane Smith


    Tune in to the Premiere Episode,
    Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m.
    (Rebroadcasts: Monday, April 27 at 11 p.m.; Wednesday, April 29 at 5 p.m.)


    HARTFORD , Conn. -- Connecticut is more than a state -- it’s a vibrant community.

    With All Things Connecticut, a new weekly series, Connecticut Public Television (CPTV, www.cptv.org) tells the stories that make the Nutmeg State a unique place to live, work and play. From the rugged low-tech joys of orienteering to eco-friendly recycled handbags, from fascinating biographies to stunning video essays, this new series focuses on every strange and wonderful facet of Connecticut life.

    A contributing staff of reporters, who have an intimate knowledge of the state, joins host Diane Smith, who has brought viewers the stories that are Positively Connecticut™ for 25 years. All Things Connecticut airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. beginning April 23, with rebroadcasts on Mondays at 11 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

    All Things Connecticut is a CPTV production made possible with support from People’s United Bank and Comcast.

  • Diane Smith Remembers Beverly Eckert And How She Held Government Accountable
  • Tuesday, April 21, 2009

    Obama Opens Chevy Dealership On White House Lawn


    -- The Used Car Section Is Doing Well ...

    Prez Slashes Prices
    On Malibus, Cobalts


    Customers calling the hotline complained that wait times were as long as thirty minutes and that Mr. Biden was overly chatty ...

    By ANDY BOROWITZ
    www.borowitzreport.com

    In a move signaling his most direct involvement in the U.S. auto industry to date, President Barack Obama announced today that he was opening a Chevrolet dealership on the White House lawn.

    As car-carriers dumped hundreds of unsold 2009 Malibus, Silverados and Cobalts onto the grass in front of the President's historic residence, workmen draped a banner in front of the White House portico reading "Buy a Chevrolet from the USA."

    Another crew of workers were busy erecting a new sign in front of the White House reading "Barry's Auto City," the name of Mr. Obama's dealership.

    In a new TV ad broadcast nationwide, the president was seen wearing an Uncle Sam costume and telling the American people, "We are slashing prices on 2009 Chevys to make room for the 2010s, if there still are Chevys by then."

    Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said that all Cabinet members were taking turns running the dealership, and that Vice-President Joe Biden was manning the customer service hotline.

    Customers calling the hotline complained that wait times were as long as thirty minutes and that Mr. Biden was overly chatty, but Mr. Emanuel stressed that the customer service department was "a work in progress."

    He added that once President's Chevy dealership is up and running, Mr. Obama will open a Chrysler dealership next to it.

    "This will be your last chance to get a low, low price on a Chrysler before it turns into a Fiat," he said.

    Andy Borowitz's Books at Amazon.com

    Sunday, April 19, 2009

    Feature On Mark Twain House & Museum

    Via
    The Norwich Bulletin

    Twain occupied the mansion during the most productive period of his career ...


    -- FAVORITE ROOM OF THE [CLEMENS] FAMILY, THE LIBRARY

    "His daughters Clara and Suzy fought like cats and dogs. Susy hit Clara with a new parasol and their parents paid Clara three cents a day not to fight with her sister. Visitors are surprised to learn Clara kept pet squirrels in the house ...

  • Complete Article


  • English Teachers: Restart Your Engines With Performance Poet Elizabeth Thomas @ Twain House May 31
  • DUI Hung Jury On point19

    Via
    Stamford Advocate


    Mistrial declared
    in drunken driving case


    -- ATTY. PHIL RUSSELL

    Birch's attorney, Philip Russell, has said Birch is hearing impaired, and if he could not perform the tests it was because he could not hear the officers.

    By Monica Potts
    Staff Writer
  • Stamford Advocate

  • April 17, 2009

    STAMFORD -- A judge declared a mistrial in a drunken driving case after the jury could not reach a verdict and one juror could not return for the fourth day of deliberations. Craig Birch, 54, of 8 Amelia Place, is charged with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol in March 2006.

    "It was clear the jury spent a great deal of time considering the evidence in this case and took their role very seriously," said the case's prosecutor, Assistant State's Attorney Dina Urso. Despite that, she said, they were unable to come to a unanimous resolution.

    Officer Jeff Booth testified during the trial that Birch failed two field sobriety tests. But Birch's attorney, Philip Russell, has said Birch is hearing impaired, and if he could not perform the tests it was because he could not hear the officers.

    An Intoxilyzer test given at the police department indicated Birch had a blood alcohol level more than double the legal limit, and Birch refused a second test, according to testimony.

    Russell presented a witness, Thomas Workman of Taunton, Mass., an attorney with an engineering background, who testified results on such tests can vary widely and can be altered by cell phones and other devices.

    The case remains on the court docket, and Birch is to appear April 27.

    --
    BEFORE THE MISTRIAL WAS DECLARED,
    PROMINENT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
    SAID THEY WERE SURPRISED THE JURY WAS STILL OUT ...


    "In a case where you have a Breathalyzer that says it's .19, where it's twice the legal limit, it's highly unusual that a jury would be deliberating for this length of time," said Francis O'Reilly, who represents clients in Stamford. "Usually they come back and, bang, you're guilty."

    Another defense attorney, Wayne Keeney, said it is because people are increasingly aware that field tests and Intoxilyzers are not exact.

    "For a long time . . . the public relied upon field coordination tests -- for example, touch your nose, walk the line," Keeney said. "More and more, what seemed like a gimme before is something the jury begins to look askance at."

    Friday, April 17, 2009

    Sunken Garden Young Poets 09



    Young Poets Competition
    At Hill-Stead Museum's
    Sunken Garden Poetry & Music Festival


    Dear CT High School English Department Chair or English Teacher:

    I'm happy to announce that Hill-Stead Museum's Sunken Garden Poetry & Music Festival opens in Farmington on Wednesday evening, June 10, 2009, with readings by former US poet laureate, Robert Hass, and Brenda Hillman. Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us. This summer also features poets Marilyn Nelson, Baron Wormers and C. K. Williams. For more information, be sure to consult the museum's website at www.hillstead.org.

    This summer marks the 17th season for the Sunken Garden Poetry &Music Festival. Since its inception, the Festival has featured "fresh voices" of all ages. The top two winners of our adult competition will read in the garden, along with college student poet winners of the CT Circuit prize. Founded by a former high school English teacher, our Festival has also featured the best fresh voices from CT's high schools since its inception in 1992.

    To do this we need your help. If you are an English Department Chairperson, please share this [notice] with your colleagues. If you are a creative writing and/or poetry teacher and have a student, or students, you think would be interested in being a part of our Festival, please share the [information] directly with them. To enter, students must mail or email up to five pages of original poems, with a maximum of two poems per page, to Hill-Stead before Thursday, May 7, 2009.

    They must also return the
  • entry form


  • Once we have received all submissions, we will select 15 to 20 student finalists to read in private reading at Hill-Stead on Friday, May 22, 2009. From this reading, four to six students will be selected to read at a public reading in the Sunken Garden on Wednesday evening, July 8, 2009. The poems of these student writers are also published in a student chapbook and winners receive 10 copies of this book.

    I hope that you will see this as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a young writer and share this flyer with your students. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to reading your student's work.

    With thanks,
    Cindy Cormier

    Cynthia Cormier
    Director of Education and Curatorial Services
    Director, Sunken Garden Poetry &Music Festival
    Hill-Stead Museum
    35 Mountain Road
    Farmington, CT 06032
    860.677.4787, ext. 120
    www.hillstead.org
    cormierc@hillstead.org
    Discover a place where art &nature meet.
    Not a member, join today.

  • Young Writers @ Sunken Garden 08
  • English Teachers: Restart Your Engines With Performance Poet Elizabeth Thomas @ Twain House May 31

    PLZ FORWARD
    AT WILL



    Elizabeth Thomas,
    performance poet, slam coach, author
    will offer a workshop for teachers
    On Teaching Performance Poetry

    prior to the young writers reception and annual celebration
    May 31.

    CEU's granted.


    *** 5 [count 'em, Five] PARTIES
    STARTING MONDAY
    FOR CT YOUNG WRITERS


  • April 20 - May 31


  • COMPLETE LIST OF COUNTY FINALISTS



  • Podcast: NPR's Garrison Keillor Reads Elizabeth Thomas's Lies My Mother Told Me


  • Thomas Background





  • Draft INVITATION
    Seating Limited


    You are cordially invited to attend the
    12TH Annual IMPAC-CSU System Young Writers
    Statewide Ceremony & Celebration

    Sunday, May 31, 2009
    Mark Twain House &Museum, 351 Farmington, Ave., Hartford

    2 p.m. Tour & Programs For Young Writers
    4:30 p.m. Workshops For Young Writers & Teachers (CEUs granted)
    5:30-6:45 p.m. Reception Catered By Frank Rosa's La Cupola Ristorante & Inn
    7 p.m. Awards Ceremony

    Special Guests
    Melanie Lieberman, 2007 State Prose Champion
    Victoria Nordlund, Poet &English teacher
    Elizabeth Thomas, Teacher Workshop Leader / Performance Poetry

    Co-Masters of Ceremonies
    Rand Richards Cooper, Author
    Diane Smith, Author & Positively CT TV Host
    Ravi Shankar, Poet in Residence, English Professor, CCSU
    Colin McEnroe, Author &Columnist, Hartford Courant

    Reception Entertainment
    Jen Allen Big Band Featuring...

    Reception Donation*
    $50 per person (teacher workshop add $25)

    PLZ MAKE CHECKS OUT TO IMPAC-CSU YOUNG WRITERS

    -RSVP by May 21, 2009

    ANDY THIBAULT
    IMPAC-CSU System Young Writers Trust
    231 Beach St.
    Litchfield, CT 06759

    800-814-6931 or 860-690-0211
    tntcomm82@cs.com
    www.ctyoungwriters.org

    *The IMPAC-Connecticut State University System Young Writers Trust is anon-profit foundation affiliated by Charter with the InternationalIMPAC Dublin Literary Award and classified by the IRS as a 501 C (3)Public Charity. Federal Tax ID: 31-1635811

    ABOUT THE WORKSHOP …
    The Poetry Slam:
    Getting Started at Your School


    Oral presentation has always been part of history and tradition. The poetry slam takes this idea further by adding score cards and judges, audience participation and support, cheers and guffaws. What could be more motivating for young people?

    In this workshop we discuss what a slam is, how they can be used in the classroom and rules/suggestions to start one. Connect with schools and organizations around the country (and the world) who already participate in Brave New Voices - International Youth Poetry Slam and Festival. Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite poem and will be given the chance to score a perfect "10."

    Elizabeth Thomas is a widely published poet, performer, advocate of the arts and teacher.

    Garrison Keiller recently read her poem "Lies My Mother Told Me" on National Public Radio.

    The author of three books of poetry, Thomas has read her work throughout the United States.

    Much of her energy and time is devoted to designing and teaching writing programs for schools and organizations in many parts of the country. These programs promote literacy and the power of written and spoken word.

    As an outstanding advocate of youth in the arts, Elizabeth Thomas is a coach and organizer with Brave New Voices: International Youth Poetry Slam and Festival. She is also the founder of UpWords Poetry, a company dedicated to promoting programs for young writers and educators, based on the belief that poetry is meant to be heard out loud and in person.

    She hosts a website at
  • UpWordsPoetry!


  • Mark Twain House & Museum


  • Connecticut Young Writers Trust
  • Monday, April 13, 2009

    Torrington Paper Notes Regional Finalists In Young Writers Competition

    Via
  • Register Citizen



  • Separate Story
    On Mark Twain House Event ...


    Poetry, prose finalists
    named for Young Writers Contest
    Monday, April 13, 2009

    The following Litchfield County students are finalists in the 2009 Connecticut Young Writers competition. Each student will be vying for selection as the statewide winner, thus qualifying to receive a trip to Ireland for celebrations connected with the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and Dublin Writers Festival. The county champions are to be selected from about a dozen finalists in each category of the counties across Connecticut.

    Prose Finalists

    Amy Hambidge, “Ransom,” New Milford High School.

    Veronica Birdsall, “Cocoon,” Litchfield High School.

    Melissa Yorker, “Summer Canvas,” Torrington High School.

    Clarissa Burch, “Missing You,” New Milford High School.

    Ellen French, “Riches,” Torrington High School

    Bridget Smith, “Children of the Moon,” Litchfield High School.

    Rachel Beauregard, “My Tears Can Run No More,” Litchfield High School.

    Crystal Booth, “The Struggle to Escape,” Litchfield High School.

    Theresa Legan, “Extracurricular Activities,” New Milford High School

    Daniel Holland, “Tour of a Birch-Hemlock Temperate Rain Forest,” New Milford High School.

    Poetry Finalists

    Catherine Winslow, “Shades of Grey,” The Taft School.

    Elizabeth Soucy, “Changes,” Torrington High School.

    Colleen Behuniak, “#13,” Torrington High School

    Krystal Pesino, “Grandfather,” Torrington Middle School.

    Erin McElhone, “We Are America,” Torrington High School.

    Emma Welty, “Crook Horn Road,” Nonnewaug High School.

    Josh Jordan, “#47,” Torrington High School

    Aytan Koch, “Darelsalam Ahmed Eisa, 18,” New Milford High School

    Rebecca Schaefer, “The Story of Hades and Persephone,” New Milford High School

    Kevin Redmond, “The Cold Stare of Infinity,” Torrington High School.
    --

    Young Writers event moves to Hartford
    Monday, April 13, 2009

    HARTFORD — An awards ceremony highlighting the poetry and prose submitted by teenagers across the state will be held this year, for the first time, at the Mark Twain House &Museum in Hartford.

    The 2009 Connecticut Young Writers awards ceremony has been held at the Litchfield Inn for the past 11 years.

    The competition has inspired the participation of 580 students this year which is the highest ever in the event’s 12-year history, according to organizers of the annual event. Two of the prose finalists and six of the poetry finalists are from Torrington High School.

    Four students in the prose category are from Litchfield and the remainder come from New Milford and the Taft School.

    Sponsored by both IMPAC and the Connecticut State University System, the ceremony is scheduled to be held on Sunday, May 31, beginning at 7 p.m. A reception will be held before the ceremony, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

    The ceremony is preceded by afternoon programs and workshops for the students, as well as tours of the Mark Twain House & Museum.

    A total of 16 students will be selected this month as county winners in prose and poetry categories from the eight counties in the state.

    Each will be vying for selection as the statewide winner, thus qualifying to receive a trip to Ireland for celebrations connected with the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and Dublin Writers Festival.

    The county champions are to be selected from about a dozen finalists in each category of the counties.

    The regional ceremony for Fairfield and Litchfield counties is scheduled for Thursday, April 23 at Western Connecticut State University.

    “With the help of many sponsors and volunteer laborers throughout Connecticut, we are able to say, again, to Connecticut’s best young writers: ‘Yes, you are a poet. Yes, you are a writer,’” said Andy Thibault, chairman of the Young Writers Trust. “We are honored especially this year to walk where Twain walked as we affirm and celebrate the work of young writers.”

  • Waterbury Paper Notes Regional Finalists, Twain House Event For Young Writers Competition


  • Greenwich Time Updates Finalist List

    4 GA students in running
    for regional prose awards

    Greenwich Time Staff
    Posted: 04/10/2009

    Four students from Greenwich Academy have been named finalists in the prose writing competition for The 12th annual 2009 Connecticut Young Writers awards. The statewide competition drew nearly 600 student entries in poetry and prose for county awards of $1,000 in each category. The county champions are to be selected from about a dozen finalists in each category in each county. Sixteen students who will be selected this month as county winners in prose and poetry categories from Connecticut's eight counties, will be vying for selection as the statewide winner, thus qualifying to receive a trip to Ireland for celebrations connected with the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the Dublin Writers Festival. Their works will also be considered for publication in Connecticut Review, the literary journal published by the Connecticut State University System (CSUS).

    The Greenwich Academy students selected as prose finalists are Adriana Rexon for "Breathless;" Meagan Goldman, "Lost Car Keys;" Gus Ruchman, "American Airwaves: The Communication of Hope and Anxiety in the Golden Age of Radio," and Giulia Caterini, "Skin Deep

    Last week, Connecticut Young Writers announced that four GA students had been named finalists in the poetry writing competition.

    The winners for Fairfield and Litchfield counties will be announced April 23, at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. The state winners will be announced May 31 at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford.

    -- Barbara A. Heins

  • GA Poetry Finalists
  • Salary Cap Crisis Shocker


    Wall Street Salary Caps Drive Away Assholes
    Experts Warn of ‘Douchebag Drain'


    "I'm Thinking
    Of Becoming A Pirate ... "


    By ANDY BOROWITZ
    www.borowitzreport.com

    As the federal government moves to institute salary caps for Wall Street executives, an increasing number of assholes are seeking employment elsewhere, a study confirmed today.

    According to the report commissioned by the University of Minnesota's School of Business, at a time when the economy needs experienced hands at the tiller, some of the financial world's best-trained dickwads are fleeing the ship.

    And if the trend continues, the study warns, Wall Street could soon be facing a "douchebag drain" as top buttholes migrate to other countries and industries.

    "There is no question that our company is losing some of its most valued assholes," says Bank of America CEO Kenneth Lewis. "I have tried to convince them to stay, but how do you reason with them? After all, they're assholes."

    At Blarney O'Malley's, a popular watering hole catering to Wall Street traders, prominent assholes congregated after work last week to ponder the career options facing douchcicles today.

    "When I graduated from B-school in '98, you could write your own ticket," said Dirk Bendelson, a veteran asshole from Stamford, Connecticut. "It was a glorious time to be a mofo."

    Mr. Bendelson said he was considering using his Wall Street experience to pursue a career that would not be subject to regulation or salary caps: "I'm thinking of becoming a pirate."

    Elsewhere, the IRS announced that April 15 is the tax-filing deadline for all Americans not in the president's Cabinet.

    Andy Borowitz's Books at Amazon.com

    Saturday, April 11, 2009

    Waterbury Paper Notes Regional Finalists, Twain House Event For Young Writers Competition


    Finalists for writing awards announced
    Page B5,
    Sat., April 11, 2009
  • REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN



  • “The talent and creativity of a new generation of Connecticut writers is clearly evident, and the inspiration that Mark Twain’s example provides is especially fitting as we recognize their excellent prose and poetry,” said David G. Carter, chancellor of the Connecticut State University System.


    -- CSU SYSTEM CHANCELLOR, DR. DAVID CARTER

    Finalists for the 2009 Connecticut young writers awards were announced this week, and a ceremony for the winners in May will be held for the first time at the Mark Twain House in Hartford.

    The annual state ceremony had previously been held at the Litchfield Inn.

    The awards are given each year for outstanding prose and poetry submissions from teenagers throughout the state, ranging in age from 13 to 18.

    This year, 92 prose entries and 91 poetry entries were selected for the finalist pool, with students from Litchfield, Torrington and New Milford high schools reaping the most recognition for prose writing in Northwestern Connecticut districts.

    Students from the Westover School in Middlebury, Torrington High School and New Milford High School dominated the poetry category from the area. One Torrington Middle School student was also a finalist.

    One prose and one poetry winner will be announced at the statewide award ceremony May 31, with prizes of up to $1,000 each [for county champions. The state winners in prose and poetry, to be announced at the Mark Twain House ceremony, will be invited, with a parent, to a week of festivities in Ireland connected with the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the Dublin Writers Festival. There, they will also meet young writers from Europe and Asia. Their works will also be considered for publication in Connecticut Review, the literary journal published by the Connecticut State University System (CSUS). ]

    “The talent and creativity of a new generation of Connecticut writers is clearly evident, and the inspiration that Mark Twain’s example provides is especially fitting as we recognize their excellent prose and poetry,” said David G. Carter, chancellor of the Connecticut State University System.

    The system co-sponsors the event with the founding organization, IMPAC, a [productivity enhancement] firm headed by James Irwin of Litchfield.

    A total of 580 students from throughout the state participated this year, an unusually high number, reported Andy Thibault, chairman of the Young Writers Trust, which administers the program.

    The judges are librarians, teachers, writers, poets and journalists from the state’s eight counties.

    Regional ceremonies to choose winners from each county will be held later this month. The schedule is:

    *April 20 at Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, for Hartford and Tolland counties.

    *April 23 at Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, for Fairfield and Litchfield counties.

    *April 27 at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, for Middlesex and New Haven counties.

    *April 28 at Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, for New London and Windham counties.

    Among the prose finalists:
    * From Litchfield High School: Rachel Beauregard, Veronica Birdsall, Crystal Booth and Bridget Smith.
    * rom New Milford High School: Clarissa Burch, Amy Hambidge, Daniel Holland and Theresa Legan
    * From Torrington High School: Ellen French and Melissa Yorker
    * From the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven, Julie Brown of Cheshire.

    Among the poetry finalists:

    *From Torrington Middle School: Krystal Pesino.
    *From Torrington High School: Colleen Behuniak, Josh Jordan, Erin McElhone, Kevin Redmond and Elizabeth Soucy.
    *From the Westover School: Jenn Barrett of Woodbury resident; Christine Cascellla, Bridget Hinz and Djamilla Mercurio, all of Middlebury; Alice Lloyd of Fairfield; Molly Kate McKenna of Waterbury; Mary Margaret Meehan of Redding; Felicity Sheehy of Jefferson Valley, N.Y. and Helena Tiedmann of Warren.
    * From New Milford High School: Aytan Koch and Rebec­ca Schaefer.
    * From Nonnewaug High School: Emma Welty.
    * From the Taft School: Catherine Winslow of Farmington.
    —George Krimsky

  • Postings By CSU System, Gov. Rell, On Young Writers Events Culminating @ Mark Twain House & Museum

  • LOTS OF STUFF
    INCLUDING
    LA CUPOLA DRAFT MENU,
    Draft Invitation, Complete List Of County Finalists

  • * BREAKING NEWS: Mark Twain House To Host Young Writers 12th Annual Bash May 31


  • Lure For Teachers @ Twain House
  • Friday, April 10, 2009

    Drunken Boat On The Rocks Times Ten


    Drunken Boat: 10th Anniversary at Real Art Ways
    THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 7 PM


  • Drunken Boat

  • an international online arts journal, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a multimedia literary event. For the last decade, Drunken Boat has been publishing the best of more traditional forms of representation, such as poetry and prose, alongside multimedia works of art, such as hypertext, video and sound art, that could only exist online.

  • RealArtWays

  • 56 Arbor St
    Hartford, CT 06106
    p: 860.232.1006
    f: 860.233.6691
    e: info@realartways.org
    Contact: Ravi Shankar
    ShankarR@ccsu.edu

    BIOS FOR DRUNKEN BOAT

    PERFORMERS AND WRITERS
    FOR REAL ART WAYS LAUNCH

    Edmond Chibeau
    is a performance writer who teaches "Scriptwriting" and "History of Communication" at Eastern Connecticut State University. Chibeau believes we are Microchip Aboriginals, living in the Ur Civilization of the Digital Age. The quantum space between the zeros and ones of the binary number system allows for a digital ekphrasis of the scirbal analogue of phonetic space. In other words; the phonetic alphabet texts us. His play, The Norwich Nine, about civil war soldiers buried in Norwich, Connecticut, was performed at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 19th. He will be giving the keynote address for a regional IMPAC-Connecticut State University System Young Writers celebration at Eastern on April 28th.

  • LITCHFIELD COUNTY TIMES RUNS YOUNG WRITERS REGIONAL FINALIST LISTS, MARK TWAIN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT


  • Chibeau’s work has been performed at Lincoln Center, The Knitting Factory, NoSeNO, The Ear Inn, and elsewhere. He has worked with John Cage, Alison Knowles, Kenneth Rexroth, Allen Ginsberg, & Charles Bernstein, among others.

    Composer Anthony Cornicello writes music that blurs distinctions between performers and electronics, timbre and harmony, composition and improvisation, and explores the boundaries of what may be considered post-classical concert music. He has been commissioned to write music for the Scorchio Electric String Quartet, ModernWorks!, the Auros Group for New Music, the Prism Saxophone Quartet, the New York New Music Ensemble, David Holzman, the Group for Contemporary Music, and the InterEnsemble of Padova, Italy. His work has also been featured on the Guggenheim Museum’s “Works and Process” series. Cornicello’s works have also been performed by the Chicago Civic Symphony, Parnassus, ALEA III, Composers Concordance, Madeleine Shapiro, Robert Black, among others. Cornicello has begun performing on the laptop, using a variety of interfaces and the Max/MSP program. Those performances, mostly with EEE!, have had a notable impact on his music, as EEE!’s music ranges from hip-hop to experimental noise. EEE! is based at Eastern Connecticut State University, where Cornicello is an Associate Professor and Director of the Electronic Music Lab.

    Jonathan Monroe's contributions are drawn from Demosthenes' Legacy (Ahadada 2009), a cross-genre work of prose poetry, poetics, and short fiction. Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Comparative Literature at Cornell University, he is the author of A Poverty of Objects: The Prose Poem and the Politics of Genre (Cornell) and co-author and editor of Writing and Revising the Disciplines (Cornell), Local Knowledges, Local Practices: writing in the Disciplines at Cornell (Pittsburgh), Poetry, Community, Movement (Diacritics), and Avant-Garde Poetries after the Wall (Poetics Today).

    P. Newland has published short fiction with Chelsea, Mississippi Review, Daedalus, and Storyglossia, as well as others. One of her stories was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She writes in her basement, coming up occasionally for coffee. The rest of the time, she works as a adolescent psychotherapist. She recently completed a novel.

    Charles Rafferty received a 2009 NEA Fellowship in Creative Writing, as well as a grant from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. He is the author of four full-length collections of poetry: The Man on the Tower (University of Arkansas Press, 1995), Where the Glories of April Lead (Mitki/Mitki Press, 2001), During the Beauty Shortage (M2 Press, 2005), and A Less Fabulous Infinity (Louisiana Literature Press, 2006). He has placed poems in The Southern Review, Poetry East, Drunken Boat, TriQuarterly, Quarterly West, Massachusetts Review, Phoebe: The George Mason Review, Connecticut Review, DoubleTake, Poems &Plays, and Louisiana Literature. His
    work has also appeared in several anthologies, including American Poetry: The Next Generation (Carnegie Mellon University Press), Rhyming Poems: A Contemporary Anthology (University of Evansville Press), and Sonnets: 150 Contemporary Sonnets (University of Evansville Press). He currently teaches at Albertus Magnus College and in the MFA program at Western Connecticut State University. By day, he works as an editor for a technology consulting firm. He lives in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, with his wife and two daughters.

    Rattapallax Films is committed to producing poetic films and documentaries with a social dimension to them. Their films have appeared in the Cairo International Film Festival, San Jose Film Festival, Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema and elsewhere around the world.

    Spoken word artist Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai has been featured in 300 performances worldwide at venues including the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, the House of Blues, the Apollo Theater, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and three seasons of the award-winning “Russell Simmons Presents HBO Def Poetry.” The author of Inside Outside Outside Inside (2004) and Thought Crimes (2005) and the CD Infinity Breaks (2006), Tsai has shared stages with Mos Def, KRS-One, Sonia Sanchez, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, Amiri Baraka, and many more. Tsai is the author of three poetry chapbooks. Her poetry and essays have been widely published and anthologized. She was awarded an Urban Artists Initiative Fellowship via the Asian American Arts Alliance in 2007. In 2008, the Idealist named Tsai as one of their “New York 40?-- the top New Yorkers who make a positive impact in the five boroughs.

    Robin Starbuck is an installation and video artist who lives and works in New York City. Since receiving her MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago and a post graduate certificate in film/video production from NYU she has exhibited her work widely both nationally and internationally. Starbuck is currently a Visiting Scholar in experimental film and animation at Sarah Lawrence College and is working on several parallel film projects involving racial identity and survival in Native American communities and the subsequent retro-romanticizing of these communities by outsiders. The history of her work includes an investigation of various aspects of American culture through the lens of Freudian Trauma theory. She will be showing a clip from her video "Bishee" and the video short "Forest."

    Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries
    is a Seoul-based Web art group consisting of Marc Voge (U.S.A.) and Young-Hae Chang (Korea). Their work is characterized by text-based animation composed in Macromedia Flash that is highly synchronized to musical score, typically jazz In 2000, YHCHI's work was recognized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for its contribution to Online Art. In 2001 the group was awarded a grant from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts Grants to Artists Award.