@CWPFairfield Is Proud To Co-Sponsor Year 3 of the Newtown Poetry Project: Hello World! @writingproject

For the last three years, I've had the honor of working with CWP-Fairfield, the State of Connecticut (thanks Senator Bob Duff), Carol Ann Davis, Elizabeth Boquet, Lea Attanasio, and Charlotte Pecquex in providing support for the Newtown Poetry Project.

Last night, Lea hosted a wonderful summer evening for young poets of Newtown, parents, and teachers to read from their latest published work: Hello World. Once again, the dedicated young writers and talented educators produced a wonderful collection of community poetry from partnership, collaboration, and celebration. I know, too, that Melissa Quann of Fairfield University has been instrumental to securing additional resources for our campus's commitment to outreach and support. From the introduction of the book,

This year's title Hello World comes from a phrase doodled on the white paper that covers our workshop table. As we read and shared and wrote the poems that are included in this collection, our hands were also busy doodling imaginary beings into existence, creating intricate vine designs and color patterns, and jotting words and phrases we especially enjoyed when we heard them. Along with flowers, robots, mermaids, and cartoons appeared this phrase, a refreshingly open invitation, and we could think of no better way to title a collection as outward-turned and exploratory as this one than to say on its cover hello to the world.

Dr. Verardi, Superintendent of Newtown Public Schools

In attendance at the poetry event were Superintendent Dr. Joseph E. Verardi and several politicians.  The setting was perfect for an evening of summer poetry. The young people enjoyed the neighboring horse farm and Lea's personal pond with frogs and koi (lucky for us the Blue Heron  learned to find a new location to do his fishing). The flowers, too, were in full bloom and very welcoming for the pizza party and the much-deserved cake that ensued.

I tell everyone I know that one of the greatest things I do as the Director of CWP-Fairfield is invest in the leadership and wisdom of Carol Ann, Beth, and Lea. The vision held by these three is tremendous and the outcome they achieve each and every year is superb. Appreciated, too, are the number of thank-you's arriving from parents and grandparents who also take part in the program.

The ritual is one of my favorite nights each year!