On Tuesday, December 4, WordFest will feature readings from an anthology on holiday themes from local writers, titled “That Holiday Feeling.”

The anthology is the culmination of the past year’s efforts by a committee headed by retired journalist and short story writer Kelley Jacquez.

The idea for such an anthology was originally proposed by WordFest member and former Daily News editor David Rorden.

Kelley and her committee called for submissions, which could include poems, short stories, memoirs and reflections, or essays on the holiday theme. Receiving more than 50 submissions, she and her committee then began the work of selecting and editing the pieces to be included in the anthology. Dave was responsible for compiling and producing the anthology.

At the next WordFest, contributors will be invited to read their pieces. The paperback will be available to purchase for $8 per copy.

WordFest is a monthly gathering of readers and writers who meet the first Tuesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm., at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue, in Longview, 6:00-8:00 PM.

The events are free and open to the public.

The Brits offers a full dinner menu as well as selection of wines and beers for those who wish to enjoy a meal and beverage with the readings.

On Tuesday, November 6,  WordFest will be meeting at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue, in Longview, 6:00-8:00 PM.

WordFest regular Dale Duman will read from his recently published novel, Path to Peril, a story about cyber-terrorism and its political repercussions on the U.S. government and society. Dale is an engineer and computer scientist, who has been writing and teaching informational technology strategies for over 28 years.

Steve Anderson will be reading from Jeremiah’s Wink, his debut mystery novel about a modern day monk and master illuminator who is sent to the U.S. to   recreate a 15^th century Book of Hours. Steve is master-prepared in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Oregon with a focus on public administration and special education.  He retired last year from a career in health care administration.   He is actively seeking a traditional publisher.

Elizabeth Evans will be reading a selection of new poems.  She has been writing poetry since age ten.  Her work has been published in We Accept Donations, Spring Hill Review, Street Lights, and The Salal Review.

The Brits offers a full dinner menu as well as selection of wines and beers for those who wish to enjoy a meal and beverage with the readings.

On Tuesday, October 2, WordFest will be meeting at The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue, in Longview, 6:00-8:00 PM.

Leslie Slape from the Storytellers Network will be hosting the event.

Poet and novelist Carolyn Caines will read a series of poems from her newest book, A String of Perils, Poems of Hurt and Hope.  Carolyn is also the author of the novel, Passage to Love, an Ellis Island Story, and an earlier collection of poetry, In the Noiseless Night, Poems about Childhood in the ‘50s.

Charolette Conklin will be reading “Oblivious”, a short story appearing in the Chicago literary magazine Rambunctious Review. Charolette, along with Mary Stone, teaches a creative writing class through Longview Parks and Recreation.

Sally J. Jones will be reading “Prayer for Worn Moccasins,” which is appearing in the WordFest holiday anthology later this year, and also a short story about a woman in a rehab facility,

The Brits offers a full dinner menu as well as selection of wines and beers for those who wish to enjoy a meal and beverage with the readings.

On Tuesday, September 4, WordFest will be meeting at the new Grounds For Opportunity Cafe, 413 S. Pacific Avenue, in Kelso, 6:00-8:00 PM.

Poet Janice Haupt will be reading a series of poems about persons who have been important in her life.

Fred Hudgin will read a short story about a father who finds out his son has been killed in Afghanistan.

Kelley Jácquez will be reading an excerpt from her forthcoming book Holding Woman and Other Stories of Acceptable Madness, soon to be released by Bilingual Press, Tempe, AZ.

For those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings, GFO’s Chef Keven Robinson will be offering a buffet of Apricot Chicken, Beef Rib Roast in Burgundy Mushroom Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Orzo Pilaf, Glazed Carrots, Tossed Salad, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake for $10 per person, which includes soda, coffee, and tea. Espresso drinks will be available at regular menu prices.

Grounds for Opportunity, or GFO, is the newest social enterprise of Lower Columbia Community Action Program (CAP). A full service cafe open to the public, it is also a training kitchen, preparing people to work in the local restaurant industry. And finally, GFO is CAP’s central kitchen where Meals on Wheels and Senior Community Lunches are prepared daily.

WordFest resumes its monthly gatherings on Tuesday, September 4th, 6:00-8:00 pm, at Grounds for Opportunity Cafe, 413 South Pacific Avenue in Kelso (across the street from the train station.)

Good reading! (and writing!)