Albany Writers Network, Albany Oregon

On a typically cool and damp and already dark October evening, I soaked my feet inside the worn-out laceless faded blue sneakers, as I walked the half mile or so to the Albany Writers Network once-a-month-for-twenty-years meeting.

Writers from all strands of life, meet to share their writing passion with each other as a group. All ages are encouraged to attend the meeting at Ray's Market in North Albany. I met with the group at their October meeting and have to say, the stories were fantastic. The half dozen or so members that made it out on such a normal autumn night took turns reading to the group. Meetings generally last an hour and a half and everyone is encouraged to read a bit of writing that they like. Coffee is on tap, as standard as the literature. This is their story.

The network has a number of leaders- responsible for different tasks.

The club's facillitator, Evedene Bennet read from a book called "Between Us", by Thrity Umrigar. The short but savvy reading offered critical thought to the general reader, encouraging reading and writing as a social medium. Bennet is the group leader and contact, and one of Bennet's published(paid) writings appeared in P.I. Magazine.

Another in the group, teacher Dinaz Rogers, read a personal Haiku. The poetry was alive with emotion and vivid scenes, in just a scant handful of words. Her enthusiasm is not only palpable, but rather contagious- as all that were present seemed to share that fervor for good writing.

Henry and Shirley Pollak, a married couple that attend regularly, read as well. Shirley Pollak read from a story her husband brought, written by her sister. The story, "Thunder and Mud", told a family upbringing tale of parenting, sibling influence, and heartwarming drama- brought to life with Shirley Pollak's sister's writing, and her husband's voice.

Henry Pollak reads "Thunder and Mud".

The group meets in North Albany on Wednesday nights 7 P.M.(Tuesday for the November gathering) at the Conference Room in Ray's Market. Club readings include all genres, from poetry and documentary- to biography and fiction. Readings are not too long, so everyone has a turn.

For 20 years the Albany Writer's Network has been regularly meeting. And on Wednesday nights at that. The meeting usually consists of a group circle that takes turns reading from a personal choice. Sometime, more often than not, a conversation will follow the reading. In November the network of writers(and readers) will try Tuesday evening, and that may continue into the new year. Check the Democrat-Herald for info.

Sometimes a speaker is present and "one time we had Hasso speak to the group," said Bennet. Hasso Hering was the long-time editor of the Albany Democrat Herald. Other times they meet at the Albany Library and just recently a few members attended an "open mic" at the library.

"The excitement one night was an ambulance," said Henry Pollak. But it wasn't actually needed, Pollak added.

Generally, the membership is local, with its furthest commuter from Scio. But all writers are always welcome. The smallish group does enjoy the coziness however, and members are good friends. The group celebrates Christmas together and sometimes gathers in the summer for the standard barbeque.

The Albany Writers Network, on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, is open to anyone and new literature enthusiasts are always encouraged. Bring some writing that you would like to read. A favorite author...or your own writing.