Seniors celebrate writing at Merrick Theater

A “Fat Tax,” a “Broccoli Sundae,” bickering couples and a talking coffee pot were among the many subjects taken on by members of the Merrick Senior Center’s Creative Writing Workshop during a poetry reading and dramatic presentation at the Merrick Theater and Center for the Arts on May 18.

The program spanned a range of serious and humorous material, and included rhyming poetry, free verse, prose, short stories, “American Haiku” (inspired by an AARP Magazine contest), cinquains (stylized five-line poems) and vignettes, or mini-plays written to be read on stage.

The writers included Bernice Busch, Marion Anna Campagna, Cecelia De Luso, Molly and Nancy Friedman (mother and daughter), Hazel Watson, Nina Rose, Dorothy Halbig, Angela Stagno, Miriam Oberreuter, and Loraine and David Stayer, the latter reading his work in Braille.

Loraine Stayer edits “Musings of Maturity,” which appears in the fall and contains much of the writing created in the 13-week workshop. The program is sponsored by Poets and Writers, Inc. and the Town of Hempstead Department of Senior Enrichment, and is led by Paula Rodenas of Merrick.

The May 18 presentation paid homage to Father’s Day and Memorial Day, contained words of inspiration, and drew laughs. The authors later mingled with the audience during an informal coffee hour.

The writers group, which meets once a week between early March and late May at the Merrick Senior Center, was invited to present their work at the Merrick Theater and Center for the Arts (formerly known as The Stage) by directors Tony Georgan and Joe Mauro. Georgan discovered the writers’ abilities years ago when he visited the class.

The Merrick Theater’s new show season will begin shortly, offering quality plays and musicals. For more information, call (516) 868-6400.

Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.