PoetsWednesday

Founded in 1978 by Edie Eustice and her dear friend, Susan McBride, PoetsWednesday is the longest runnnig poetry reading series in New Jersey. Later, joined by poets, Joe Weil amd Deborah LaVeglia, the reading series became one of the most successful in the state. The success of the program was not just due to the featured poets nor the great poetry but to the hospitality of the three hosts. Each poet was always warmly welcomed and introduced. Edie, Joe and and Deborah were as hospitable to the poets who read in the open reading as they were to the featured poets...and they were willing to take chances on new voices which made the programs doubly interesting The readings were a learning experience for new writers because the featured poets were top of the line and simply listening to their words was a lesson on how to write a poem. It wasn't unusual tio see poets taking notes as other poets read. When Joe was a featured reader, it was a special treat because he'd sing and play guitar or piano as well as read his poetry... it was like a Broadway show when Deborah joined him and sang too... as well as reciting her poems. After Joe left for the University of Binghamton, Edie and Deborah contimued on their poetic jouney - bringing new talent and new programs to the Barron. The 30th anniversary of PoetsWednesday is in September but Edie is officially leaving in July. She'll be living in Banger, PA but will continue to attend readings as often as possible. Deborah is planning a tribute for Edie after the featured reading in July She's asking that the open reading be limited to poems about Edie or PoetsWednesday. There are no changes planned for the future, other than Edie's leaving. PoetsWednesday will continue as usual with Deborah as the director.