E-Calendar November 2007
LSW Activities and Events | LSW Kudos | Area Events | News/Contest/Submissions | Lake Superior Writers Information | About the LSW Calendar |
Compiled by LAKE SUPERIOR WRITERS

WELCOME TO LSW’s NEW E-CALENDAR EDITOR LSW member Phil Fitzpatrick. Send your info to him at calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org.

LSW ACTIVITIES AND NEWS.

NOTEWORTHY: WRITERS & MUSICIANS COLLABORATE FOR PEACE
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS, LSW members are invited to send work for this collaborative project. Each member may submit one prose work (no more than 3 pages) OR one poem related to the theme of peace, in the broadest sense. A membership to Lake Superior Writers is $25 for one year. Area musicians/song-writers will select one piece of written work to serve as the inspiration for an original composition, a song or an instrumental number. The project will culminate with an evening performance of the readings & the corresponding music on April 12, 2008 at Sacred Heart Music Center. There is no entry fee and writers whose work is selected will receive a $50 honorarium. Send 2 copies, one with name and contact info (including an email address) and one without your name or info, BY NOVEMBER 15, 2007 to: ‘Noteworthy,’ Lake Superior Writers, Suite 132, 1301 Rice Lake Rd., Duluth MN 55811 (218-722-3094)

FICTION/POETRY WRITING GROUP, 6 - 8 p.m. (meets third Wednesday of the month) at Sara's Table, 1902 E. 8th Street. Contact Jill Hinners (349-6431) or Cheryl Reitan (creitan@d.umn.edu, 218-728-3154).

LSW WRITERS’ SQUARE TABLE, (meets third Thursday of the month) Nov 15, 11:30 am at Sara's Table, 1902 E. 8th Street. Open to all. Contact Mara, (218) 728-1253 or mhart2@d.umn.edu.

MEMOIR WRITING GROUP, Nov 25, 2 -4 pm - meets at Sara’s Table, 1902 E. 8th St. All welcome. Contact Mara, (218) 728-1253 or mhart2@d.umn.edu.

LSW PLAY-READING GROUP, Nov 29, Thur, 5 pm. Join LSW members at Sara's Table, 1902 E. 8th Street to read from a new anthology. All are welcome. Contact Mara, 218-728-1253 or mhart2@d.umn.edu.

SCREENWRITERS GROUP, Fri, Nov 30, 6 pm, is the start of the monthly Screenwriters Group. Marion Gustafson will facilitate. Bring old samples, new samples or whatever you're currently working on. Lots of encouragement and caffeine! Amazing Grace - basement of DeWitt Seitz Bldg, Canal Park Questions: 279-5720 (work) or marionkae@yahoo.com

LSW KUDOS News about LSW Members back to top 

GOLD TOUCHSTONE AWARD In October, the Duluth-Superior Community Foundation awarded the 2007 Gold Touchstone Award to Lake Superior Writers, at an awards luncheon held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth and attended by 250 community members, including four current and two past LSW board members. The Duluth-Superior Community Foundation presents three Touchstone Awards each year to local organizations that have best used funds granted them by the DSCF within the past year to positively impact the community. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Creativity Within.” According to the Duluth-Superior Foundation, its selection committee of six community leaders selected LSW to receive this honor because of the success of the Great Northern Festival of Words, held in spring 2006 at various venues in Duluth. The Great Northern Festival of Words attracted over 1,500 people to a week-long program of events, including a presentation by NPR personality Terry Gross, host of Fresh Air; a regional book festival; a reception announcing Barton Sutter as Duluth’s first Poet Laureate; and an advance screening of Sweet Land, in independent film directed by Minnesota filmmaker Ali Selim, based on a short story by the writer Will Weaver. The 2007 Gold Touchstone Award, presented by Touchstone Selection Committee members Donald L. Wallgren and Lyle W. Northey, was accepted on behalf of LSW by former board member Anne Perry Moore and Poet Laureate Committee head Jim Perlman. While Barton Sutter could not be there to help accept the award on behalf of LSW, Jim Perlman read a statement from him in which Sutter asserted that the region is “witnessing a literary explosion that will make our town as well known for poetry as Santa Fe is famous for art. “Duluth should be recognized for cultural achievements other than hockey and the shipping of taconite,” Sutter insisted. The 2007 Silver Touchstone Award went to the Lake Superior Chorus and the 2007 Bronze Touchstone Award to ISD # 709 Duluth Public Schools’s Scott D. Anderson Leadership Forum.

ANNE STEWART’s poem, "Sunday Morning," was awarded a third place in the Artists Embassy International Dancing Poetry Contest held in conjunction with the Dancing Poetry Festival in San Francisco Sept 29. Stewart is a member of the Ely Writers Group which will meet Thu, Dec 6, from 4:30-6pm at the Front Porch in Ely. Bring writing to share or enjoyinglistening to others. Take part in writing exercises. The prompt for December is "My Idea of the Perfect Day."

ERIC CHANDLER's article "Gitchi-Gami Trail Scouting" was published in the October issue of Silent Sports Magazine. It describes a biking and roller-skiing trip along the North Shore looking for good places to train for cross-country skiing. A second article called "Good Views" was published in the October issue of New Hampshire ToDo Magazine. It outlines how his teenage years spent in the White Mountains of New Hampshire led to a career in aviation.

AREA LITERARY EVENTS back to top

Circular Muse open mic(s): Mondays at Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 9-11pm, Dewiit-Seitz Bldg. Wednesdays at Beaner's Central, 7-10 pm. Info: 624-5957.

Nov 2, Fri, at 7 pm PAJAMA STORY TIME FEATURING THE MINNESOTA BALLET Dancers from the Minnesota Ballet will host a special “Nutcracker” Story Time. Children of all ages are invited to attend. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee 3631 Tower Ave. Superior, WI 54880 715 394-2665 http://www.jwbeecroft.com

Nov 3, Sat, from Noon to 5, Free and open to the public. CECILIA LIEDER exhibition opening: SPECIAL GUEST ANN NIEDRINGHAUS will read poetry from her new chapbook, “ Parallel to the Horizon,” at the opening, and will sign books. The book is published by Pudding House Press, as part of its Pudding House Chapbook Series. Ann will do her readings at 1:15, 2, 2:45, 3:30, and 4:15 on Sunday, Nov 4. CECILIA LIEDER exhibition runs from Nov 3 to Jan 6. NORTHERN PRINTS GALLERY, 318 N. 14th Ave. E

Nov 4, Sun, 3-5 pm, Poet Sheila Packa introduces her new book “The Mother Tongue” from 3-5 p.m. with readings, and book signing. Kathy McTavish will play the cello during this reception. The book is published by Cecilia Lieder’s Calyx Press Duluth. NORTHERN PRINTS GALLERY, 318 N. 14th Ave. E

Nov 9, Fri, at 7 pm PAJAMA STORY TIME FEATURING AGATE THE MOOSE The dynamic duo that brought us the popular children’s book "NIGHTLIGHT” is back! It’s sure to be a treasure of a story time as author Joy Dey and illustrator Nikki Johnson present the whimsical and beautiful tale of a moose named Agate. Joy Dey will read this heartwarming story, then Nikki Johnson will demonstrate the painting techniques she used to create the wonderful watercolors which illustrate the book. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee 3631 Tower Ave. Superior, WI 54880 715 394-2665 http://www.jwbeecroft.com

Nov 1, 8, 15, 29, Thursdays, at 7 pm The Socrates Café will meet in Duluth at Barnes & Noble. You are invited to participate in an ongoing gathering of philosophical inquirers. If you enjoy engaging in dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds in an atmosphere of respect, please join us. Discussion questions will be selected weekly by attendees. Fri, Nov 2 at 2 pm Book Signing: Kate Barthel and William Mayo will sign copies of The Mysterious North Shore: A Collection of Short Stories about Ghosts, UFO’s, Shipwrecks and More. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811, 218-786-0710.

Nov 3, Sat, at 1 pm Book Signing: Joan Hinds will sign her book Machine Embroidery for Special Occasions. She will have examples of her work on display. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811, 218-786-0710.

Nov 10, Sat, at 11 am Book Signing: Mike Lynch’s Minnesota Weatherwatch reveals the secrets of successful forcasting. Mike has been a broadcast meteorologist for WCCO Radio for over 25 years. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811, 218-786-0710.

Nov 6, Tue, 7 PM, Northern Lights Books and Gifts - Upcoming Events November In-Store Book Group "Keeping the House” by Ellen Baker. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. 218-722-5267.

Nov 7, Wed, 5-8 pm, MacRostie Art Center, 405 First Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids, The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) will hold a free grant writing workshops for arts organizations and individual artists in communities in the Arrowhead Region. Bob DeArmond will discuss the Council's grant programs for non-profit arts organizations and explain how to submit an application. Jean Sramek will explain the Council's individual artist programs and explain how to submit an application. Assistance with a grant application is available from the ARAC office if you are unable to attend one of these workshops.

Nov 8, Thur, 5-8 pm, Lyric Center for the Arts, First Stage, 510 Chestnut Street, Virginia, The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) will hold a free grant writing workshops for arts organizations and individual artists in communities in the Arrowhead Region.

Nov. 9, Fri, at 7 pm, Amazon Books, Minneapolis, Sharon Chmielarz will be reading with poets Diana Lundell and Brian Thao Worra.

Nov 10, Sat, at 7:30 pm in Somers Lounge at the College of St. ScholasticaDuluth's own SHEILA PACKA will read from her new book, "The Mother Tongue.” The event is part of the eleventh season of the Spirit Lake Poetry Series. Packa has published poems, short stories and essays in numerous literary magazines and anthologies. "The Mother Tongue" is her first full-length poetry book, and the latest release from Calyx Press of Duluth. Her first chapbook, "Always Saying Good-bye," was published by Poetry Harbor. She has also published a chapbook and collaborative poetry/music CD with cellist Kathy McTavish called "Dear Bird." McTavish will perform with Packa at the reading. Packa grew up on the Iron Range and is the granddaughter of Finnish immigrants. She has an MFA in creative writing, and is an adjunct instructor at Lake Superior College. She has received two Arrowhead Regional Arts Council fellowships for poetry and two Loft-McKnight Awards. Admission to the event is free, and complimentary refreshments will be served. Packa will sign books following her performance.

Nov 11, Sun, 1- 3 pm at Joe Jitters Coffee House in Moose Lake. Jeff Lower, of Moose Lake, Minnesota has released Kat’s Magic Bubble, a collection of stories about a young girl confined to a hospital room and the magic fairy princess Tabitha, who takes her on fantastical adventures. The book was created in memory of Lower’s own daughter and is available through the publisher’s website, http://www.savpress.com, and at Lake Theater in Moose Lake.

Nov 13, Tue, 1-3 pm at Mercy Hospital of Moose Lake. Jeff Lower, of Moose Lake, Minnesota reads from "Kat’s Magic Bubble."

Dec 1, Sat, 10-1 pm at Moose Lake Historical Society’s Annual Book Sale and Signing, hosted by Blacklock Gallery. Jeff Lower, of Moose Lake, Minnesota reads from "Kat’s Magic Bubble."

Nov 13, Tue, Circular Muse launches its Autumnal poetry series with a reading by New York native, Jimmy Henry. Henry has performed throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada and has penned two chapbooks of poetry: "Women are from Venus, Men are From Bars" and "It Takes a Whole Mall to Raise a Child." The reading will commence at 8pm, with an open reading to follow. Carmody Irish Pub, just past that cable company office(that moved), (where a cop car crashed through the front window a few years back). 8pm, FREE. Info: 624-5957.

Nov 13, Tue, 5:30 pm, Kieran’s Irish Pub, 330 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis. RAKING THROUGH BOOKS - HAPPY HOUR BOOK CLUB Todd Boss, Carl Brookins, Heid Erdrich, Colleen Kruse, and Shannon Olson will read from books they like to read to kids. These local writers will share some of their favorite literature for children at what will prove to be a story hour for adults. Raking Through Books events offer readers the chance to discuss literature with writers and each other in a super-casual setting. Free appetizers. Cosponsored by the Loft, the Rake magazine, Kieran’s Irish Pub, University of MN Book Store, Peace Coffee, and KFAI Radio.

Nov 14, Wed, Harborside Ballroom, DECC, 350 Harbor Drive, 11:45 am, registration noon-1 pm, luncheon & program. The fourth annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognize and honor women who have made significant contributions to our community. The event promotes the YWCA’s mission with emphasis on leadership, personal growth, and empowerment for all women. This year, the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards luncheon will recognize and celebrate three women: Angie Miller Susana Pelayo-Woodward Gail Schoenfelder.

Nov 17, Sat, at 12 Noon Book Signing: Jen Wright will be signing copies of her book Killer Storm. A probation officer finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Set along the north shore of Lake Superior. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811, 218-786-0710.

Nov 18, Sun, at 6 pm Book Signing: Author & photographer Ben Sosniecki will be signing Through Western Prairies, his latest photo essay book. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811, 218-786-0710.

Nov 20, Tue, 7 PM Pages & Purls Book Group “Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. 218-722-5267.

Nov 20, Tue, at 7 pm AN EVENING WITH LORNA LANDVIK FEATURING “THE VIEW FROM MOUNT JOY” at the MANION THEATER - UWS Bestselling author LORNA LANDVIK is coming to Superior! Meet her at the Manion Theater on the UW-Superior campus on Nov 20th! Ms. Landvik is the author of such beloved books as "PATTY JANE'S HOUSE OF CURL," "ANGRY HOUSEWIVES EATING BON BONS," and "OH MY STARS." As a grand finale to the celebration of J.W. Beecroft’s tenth anniversary year, Ms. Landvik will discuss and sign her books, including her newest, "THE VIEW FROM MOUNT JOY," which was just released this fall. Tickets are $13 per person and include a coupon for $10 off a hardcover Lorna Landvik book or $5 off one of her paperbacks. They are available exclusively at J.W. Beecroft. Refreshments will be served. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee 3631 Tower Ave. Superior, WI 54880 715 394-2665 http://www.jwbeecroft.com.

Nov 24, Sat, 12-1 PM Booksigning: Chuck Frederick “Leatherheads of the North.” Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. 218-722-5267.

Nov 24, Sat, 1-2 PM Booksigning: Larry Luukkonen “Between the Waters” Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. 218-722-5267.

Nov 28, Wed, at 6 pm JAMES CAMPBELL DISCUSSES AND SIGNS “THE GHOST MOUNTAIN BOYS” at the RICHARD I. BONG WWII HERITAGE CENTER J.W. Beecroft is pleased to partner with the Richard I. Bong WWII Heritage Center to bring author James Campbell to Superior. Best-known for “THE FINAL FRONTIERSMAN,” for his new book he retraced the route of the 32nd Division of World War II through New Guinea. Reminiscent of classics like “Band of Brothers” and “The Things They Carried” his harrowing new book is part war diary , part extreme adventure tale and part biography about of a group of men who fought to survive in an environment every bit as fierce as the enemy they faced. Listen to Campbell describe his awe inspiring journey and purchase a signed copy of his book at this extraordinary event. Plus, part of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the Bong Heritage Center. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee 3631 Tower Ave. Superior, WI 54880 715 394-2665 http://www.jwbeecroft.com

Nov 30, Fri, at 7 pm PAJAMA STORY TIME WITH CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG Children of all ages are invited to meet Clifford the Big Red Dog at a special Pajama Story Time which will also feature Clifford stories and activities. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee 3631 Tower Ave. Superior, WI 54880 715 394-2665 http://www.jwbeecroft.com Dec 1, 2007, 1 -2 pm ? Booksigning SHIRLEY DYER WUCHTER signs “Shining Through the Darkness: Sermons for the Winter Season,” a collection of sermons written by her late husband Michael D. Wuchter, who was senior pastor of First Lutheran Church in Duluth. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. 218-722-5267.

Loft Calendar for November can be accessed at http://www.loft.org

NEWS / CONFERENCES / SUBMISSIONS/ OPPORTUNITIES back to top

Poetry Workshop: Amy Jo Swing will be teaching a poetry workshop class at Lake Superior College in the Spring 2008 semester. The course meets Tuesday nights from 6-9 p.m. For more information, contact Amy Jo at a.swing@lsc.edu.

ARAC Announces Grant Application Deadlines: The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council announces upcoming grant deadlines for funding for individual artists and arts organizations who reside in the following counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis. Beginning this year, the ARAC will offer grant writing workshops from 3 to 5 pm in the Common Area of the Marshall School Annex Building, 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, two weeks prior to each grant application deadline. Wed, Nov 14, 2007 Grant Writing Workshop: Jean Sramek, Program Assistant, and Bob DeArmond, Executive Director, will provide technical assistance in preparing and submitting an application, grant writing tips, project eligibility and other topics. Representatives from arts organizations thinking of applying for administrative support and artists interested in applying for career development funding are encouraged to attend this workshop. The workshop if free.
Fri, Nov 30, 2007 McKnight/ARAC Administrative Support Grants application deadline. This program offers funding to high quality, established regional arts organizations of up to $4,000 in this 4 to 1 matching grant program. The purpose of this program is to help support activities which strengthen an organization's management and administration.
Fri, Nov 30, 2007 McKnight/ARAC Career Development Grants application deadline. This program offers non-matching funding to assist visual, literary and performing artists to take part in impending, concrete, short-term career opportunities that will impact or advance their work or careers. Artists may request up to $1,000 per application.
Wed, Jan 16, 2008 Grant Writing Workshop: Bob DeArmond, Executive Director, will provide technical assistance in preparing and submitting an application, grant writing tips, project eligibility and other topics. Representatives from arts organizations interested in applying for project support are encouraged to attend this workshop. The workshop is free.
Thur, Jan 31, 2008 ARAC Art Project Grant applications deadline. This matching grant program offers funding to arts organizations of up to $4,000 to produce or present arts activities that encourage the artistic growth and development of the organization and the artists or audience they serve.

The Arrowhead Arts Awards. The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) is seeking nominations of individual artists and arts advocates which have had an impact on the Arrowhead region. Nominations for the Arrowhead Arts Awards must be postmarked by Nov 30, 2007. Nomination forms are available in the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council office or by calling 218-722-0952 or 1-800-569-8134 or e-mailing: info@aracouncil.org

The George Morrison Artist Award recognizes an individual artist whose body of work has made a significant contribution to the arts over an extended period of time. The selected artist receives a certificate and a $2,000 award. Past recipients of the George Morrison Artist Award include: George Morrison, Native American visual artist, Grand Portage, for whom the award is named; William Bastian, operatic tenor, Duluth; Louis Jenkins, prose poet, Duluth; Gladys Koski Holmes, visual artist, Angora; Ellen Olson, Native American bead artist, Grand Portage; Allen Fields, dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of the Minnesota Ballet, Duluth; Barton Sutter, poet and essayist, Duluth; Carl Gawboy, Native American visual artist, Duluth; and Cecilia Lieder, printmaker, Duluth.

The Maddie Simons Advocate Award recognizes an arts administrator, arts educator, volunteer for a non-profit arts organization, or artist whose involvement in a project or programs has substantially contributed to the arts in the Arrowhead region. This award honors an individual for their work on a single project or for long time involvement with arts organizations in the Arrowhead region. The selected individual receives a certificate and a $1,000 award.

MNARTISTS: Mnartists.org and magersandquinn.com announce a call for entries for: What Light: This Week's Poem Please submit up to three short poems (maximum 50 lines or 300 words each) as attachments to poems@mnartists.org. You must be a resident of Minnesota and a member of mnartists.org to enter this contest. Deadline for submissions: Sun, Nov 18, 2007 Our judges? locally and nationally prominent poets, editors, writers, and readers?will select twelve winning poems to be posted, one poem per week for the next three months, on http://www.mnartists.org and http://www.magersandquinn.com.

Poetry Therapists Conference
The National Association of Poetry Therapists will hold a spring conference in Minneapolis from April 2-6, 2008. This is an international conference for poets, writers and health and wellness communities. It's a wonderful conference for artists as well as for therapists and individuals who bring poetry into a healing arts application for all ages of readers and writers. http://www.poetrytherapy.org/

SPIRIT LAKE POETRY SERIES
Spirit Lake Poetry Series performances are held in Somers Lounge at the College of St. Scholastica at 7:30 p.m. and include music and refreshments. The schedule includes: Feb. 16 - St. David's Day Open Reading, March 15 - Louis Jenkins, April 26 - Paul Zimmer.

LSW INFORMATION back to top

Lake Superior Writers prohibits discrimination in its programs, membership, and board of directors participation on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or family status.

ABOUT THE LSW BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE LSW MEMBERSHIP Member Involvement: We value our membership and encourage your involvement in LSW. An annual meeting for LSW members is held in the spring. All members are invited to participate. Financial reports and a summary of the year's activities are presented to the membership at the annual meeting for review. The LSW board meets monthly throughout the year. Members are invited to attend board meetings, review minutes, and look over financial statements.

Lake Superior Writers Calendar back to top

THIS CALENDAR is a benefit of your membership in Lake Superior Writers. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the literary arts. We welcome information from you regarding events, classes, kudos or announcements to be included in upcoming calendars.We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

Your editor for this issue of the e-calendar was LSW member and volunteer Phil Fitzpatrick.