WordFest restarts June 14 at Keebler Coffee in Roxy Theater

WordFest will meet on Tuesday, June 14, 6-8 p.m., at Keebler Roasted Coffee in the Roxy Theater, at 1101 Commerce Avenue in Longview.

The event will feature five local writers reading from their works.

Retired internist PJ Peterson will read from her latest Dr. Julia Fairchild mystery, One Will Too Many. Dr. Fairchild is invited to a charity gala where she meets a young banker, Jay Morrison. The next day he dies from alcohol poisoning, and Julia's nephew, a deputy sheriff investigating the homicide, asks Julia for help. Morrison has a long list of secrets and a number of people who might have wished him dead.

Retired English teacher and former Huntington Middle School principal Elaine Cockrell will read from her historical novel about the internment of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest during World War II. A Shrug of the Shoulders tells the story of the Yano and Mita families and their experiences in the internment camps and working the sugar beet fields of eastern Oregon.

Poets Karen Bonaudi and Robert Griffin will read selections from their poetry. Bonaudi is past president of the Washington Poets Association, and author of the poetry collection, Editing a Vapor Trail.

Griffin has received the Shakespearean Award of Excellence and several Rattle Awards.

Local poet, essayist, and activist Mary Lyons will complete the evening with thoughts on Flag Day 2022.

Due to Covid, it is recommended that people be vaccinated and boosted if possible, and wear masks when not eating or drinking.

The monthly gathering of readers and writers meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m., at Keebler Coffee, and through the generous donation of space made available by the Roxy Theater. The events are free and open to the public.

Keebler offers a dinner menu for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the readings, as well as a wide selection of coffee drinks.

For more information or to receive the WordFest newsletter, contact Alan Rose at http://www.alan-rose.com.