Schedule and Location

Our group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Nokomis Fire Station. From Sarasota or North, proceed a few blocks south of Albee Road on US 41 (past Matthews-Currie Ford) to Pavonia Road. Turn right (West, toward the bay) at the Fire Station's flashing yellow caution traffic light. From the south on US 41, we are two blocks north of Dona Bay. Turn left onto Pavonia Road at the flashing yellow caution light. At the Fire Station, drive to the fire hall's far end or west side; PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOORS! We gather in the training room at the far end of the complex for a meet and greet at 6:00 pm but call the Meeting to order at 6:30 pm and take a Ten-minute break at around 7:50 pm. Meeting Adjourns: 9:00 pm

Tuesday, July 09, 2013

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013


We kicked off our Wednesday meeting with 17 attendees, 8 of whom were FWA members. After the initial welcoming and introduction of first time guest Jeff Cochran, Rod DiGruttolo read the thank you letter from Mark S. O'Connor, Commissioner of the Nokomis Fire Department for our contribution to their fireman's fund.

With only seven readers, we got to spend more time discussing issues and style before kicking off with Beth Rice, who read more of her developing story, “Paw Prints Are Forever.” Good feedback about incorporating more dialog with the descriptive narrative, Beth's story is developing nicely.

Ernie Ovitz read a short story, “Lost and Found,” which turned out to be the first of two fly fishing oriented pieces. Ernie's reflective piece about self-discovery and manhood was well received. Jenny Oberg read her tender “Beating Heart of a Flower,” and had everyone's attention. Jenny is developing a very nice, unique style. George Collias read a verse from songwriter Don MacLean, then read a series of his ingenious limericks, all based on Florida humor!

Cecile Bell Kennedy read a piece she rewrote just before the meeting called “A Paranoid Mother's Guide to Insanity.” A personal tragedy in a narrative vein, Cecile interjected dialog as an opening and it worked well. Kerri Dieffenwierth followed with a reading from “A River Runs Through It,” by Norman Maclean. Oddly enough, Kerri's preselected reading was a beautifully described piece on fly-fishing.

Joanne Phillips stunned everyone with a poignant, tender story of a young girl's violation told in both first person and third person narrative called “Hardship.” An interesting switch from Joanne's sharp wit and often bawdy humor. Andrew Parker read next from his “Reality Gone Wrong,” with a section called “Homeless Man.” Andrew continues to show his command of manipulating a plot and characters that continues to astound listeners. Andrew will soon publish his material, we'll keep everyone posted.

George Mindling read a piece from his first published newspaper article in the 1999 Waterline called “Bringing Baby Home,” a jaundiced view of a four day boat trip across Florida.

We wrapped up on time and said our goodbyes until the next meeting, July 17th!


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