Faculty Reading
February 28, 2016 By: Lisa Danca
Every academic year, the English Department hosts multiple Writers' Series events. On February 24th, the Writers' Series did something different by having a reading devoted to the works of Salem State’s faculty.
The first reader was Alexandria Peary. She read a work of prose about men’s obsession with manicuring their lawns. She admitted before reading that did research for this piece by visiting Home Depot.
Julie Batten read two poems, ‘The Graduate’ and ‘Not Fhat, Kung Fu,’ which were about the time her daughter watched an African American father berate his son on the E train to Jamaica Station and nobody did anything.
Kevin Carey’s poem ‘Witness’ was about a basketball player in Revere striving to be noticed and he said his poem ‘Tobin Bridge’ was written for his late friend, Pam.
Red Skies' faculty sponsor Regina Flynn read an essay about beach chairs and how they've played a signature role in beach trips, her daughters’ soccer games, and lazy summer days reading outside.
Perry Glasser chose to read a work from his prize-winning novel, Metamemoirs. The memoir was called ‘LA Women,’ and its’ title was inspired by the song by the Doors.
Like others, Amy Minett read a collection of poems. One of her poems generated thought-provoking questions about language and the power we give swear words.
The event wasn’t just reserved for English faculty. Anne Noonan of the Psychology department, who has a passion for creative non-fiction, read an essay about a childhood friend who became obsessed with Charles Manson.
The executive director of the Massachusetts Poetry festival, January O’Neil, read a poem that had five sections. The sections broke up the different timelines O’Neil covered, driving through New York City after 9/11 before she got married and her divorce.
Reading at the Faculty Reading was a surreal experience for Annie O’Toole Bolthrunis, who was an undergrad at Salem State just a few years ago. She read an essay that is still in the works about her mother’s alcoholism.
The last reader was the event’s organizer, JD Scrimgeour, who read his poem ‘Prayer To My People.’
It was wonderful seeing an array of professors showcasing their work. There was a work for everybody and being at the reading made me grateful to be attending a college full of so many talented writers.
Contributor’s Note: Lisa Danca’s favorite pieces were the essays. She is currently working on her thesis, which will be a collection of creative non-fiction essays.