Twenty years ago they met for the first time, a group of aspiring writers who formed the Plainsboro Literary Group. On Monday, June 25, at 7 p.m. current and founding writers will celebrate their journey with a “Reunion Read” at Plainsboro Public Library at 9 Van Doren Street. “The writers, as well as the library, have enjoyed continued growth, migrating from a small two room school house at 506 Plainsboro Road, to a 14,000 square foot facility at 641 Plainsboro Road, to the current community anchor at 9 Van Doren Street,” says Jinny Baeckler, former director of the library.
“Impetus for the group came when Olivia Mitchell proposed a writers’ group to the library director, who thought it best to wait until the library had moved to the municipal complex and had more space available,” says Baeckler. Mitchell, then a co-adjunct professor at Rutgers working on a crime novel entitled “Delphiny” was eager for instant action. She wanted it immediately and so it was. “I can still feel her hand on my arm saying…I mean NOW,” says Baeckler.
“Success was immediate,” says Baeckler. Among the original group poet Ricardo Bogaert, novelist Alan Grayson, and Olivia Mitchell all entered a regional contest and won prizes. Other writers published pieces in national magazines and completed novels for publication.
“Unlike many writers’ groups, every writer reads every time, with no limitation on format or experience,” says Baeckler. “The group welcomes writers of all levels and ages, and includes poets, song writers, feature article writers,and newspaper reporters. Negativism is banned, following the old time notion, that if you can’t say something positive or constructive, don’t say anything.”
Many of the founding members will be reading in addition to a sprinkling of newbies. Founder Olivia Mitchell will return from North Carolina, and be joined by Marvin Cheiten, Jack and Kathie Meeker Cohen, Donna Gelagotis-Lee, Joan Goldstein, Barry Grossman, Bill Hart, Ed Leefeldt, Jamie Newinski, Chris Marchetti, Cynthia Richards, and Ellen Foos.
Alan Grayson, now deceased, who used the group as a sounding board for his novel “Mile End,” will be celebrated by poet Ellen Foos, who edited Grayson’s work for publication, and will conclude the evening with a reading of her favorite passage.
“We at last arrived at a facility that matched the multiple programs we developed — for young and old,” says Baeckler. “There have been some stellar teens in the group — but they grow up — and move away.”
The program is free and open to the public, with a special invitation to all writers who wish to sit back and enjoy the craft of writing with fellow travelers. For details and or directions contact Jinny Baeckler at baeckler@gmail.com.
Plainsboro Literary Group, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street. Monday, June 25, 7 p.m. 20th anniversary reunion read with current and founding writers including Olivia Mitchell, Marvin Cheiten, Jack and Kathie Meeker Cohen, Donna Gelagotis-Lee, Joan Goldstein, Barry Grossman, Bill Hart, Ed Leefeldt, Jamie Newinski, Chris Marchetti, Cynthia Richards, Ellen Foos, and Jinny Baeckler. Free. 609-275-2897 or www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
