02-19-11
Mt. Vernon, NY
Poetry networking workshop held at Mt. Vernon Public Library
     A well attended poetry networking workshop took place at the Mount Vernon Public Library on Thursday, February 17. The event was sponsored by James "Jafa" Fair and was attended by poets from Mount Vernon, all across Westchester County and New York City.
     Fair made Mount Vernon history when he recently published "Blood Beats in Four Square Miles," an anthology featuring the work of Mount Vernon poets. In the book,   Fair does a masterful job in bringing together Mount Vernon poets in an unprecedented way, and showcasing their work in one historic collection.
     The poetry networking workshop was a first at the Mount Vernon Public Library and was requested by Nisan Stepak, Collection Development Librarian II. Stepak asked Fair if he would host a poetry event at the library after the publication of his new book was publicly announced.
      Those poets who attended the workshop were able to read their exclusive poems during an open mic period. In addition, they all relished meeting poets from other communities and talking about their work. The session was actually motivating and inspiring to many.
     During the workshop, Fair suggested that a writer's network be formed in Mount Vernon, in an effort to bring together poets who have been working independently and having to go out of Mount Vernon to networks/groups in other cities.
     By using his network of contacts on FaceBook, his email list of writers, along with fliers he produced, Fair was able to attract a large group of poets to the inaugural workshop held on February 17. 
     The library staff was pleased with the turnout and plans are in place for another workshop to be held during March.
     Readers interested in joining the poetry networking workshop in Mount Vernon can contact James Fair at: vze23cff@verizon.net.

G.M. McDowell, aka GMAE

James "Jafa" Fair

Jennifer Lumley

Sista Sassy

   chool Video Final.MP4