WordFest resumes in-person events on Tuesday, March 8, with a farewell and appreciation send-off for Chris Skaugset, outgoing director of the Longview Public Library. Chris’s event will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Broadway Barrel Room, 1333 Broadway Avenue in Longview.
The public is welcome to participate in the informal event. It’s an opportunity for people to express their appreciation to Chris for the many roles he has played in supporting the literary community. Chris has worked at Longview Public Library for the past 19 years. As director, he has been a strong advocate for the important functions public libraries continue to perform in communities across the nation. There will be a formal presentation at 6:00 pm., followed by the evening’s presenters.
Jan Bono will read from her Sylvia Avery Mystery series, set on the Long Beach peninsula, and will share her post-Sylvia writing plans. Copies of her six books in the series will be available for sale and signing. Jan has also written five collections of humorous short stories, two poetry chapbooks, and nine one-act plays. She has been published in publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul and Woman’s World.
Retired judge and storyteller Ed Putka will be reading a short story in the second hour. A WordFest favorite, Ed has been compared to Garrison Keillor for his humorous Cleveland stories set in the Polish neighborhood of his youth. His latest story, “Turtle Soup,” is an account of his uncle’s adventures in trying to find a recipe for turtle soup. Ed also serves on the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Legal Aid Board.
There will be an open mic period following the presentations.
WordFest is an informal gathering of writers and readers who meet the second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 PM, at Broadway Barrel Room. The events are free and open to the public.
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