The Times Needs Some Changin’

On page 5 of the Extra section of this morning’s Roanoke Times, an announcement appeared in “the monday short list*” section about the Valley Writers poetry reading, “Poetry of the Blue Ridge” at Edible Vibe this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (April 17). Here’s what the announcement said:

TUESDAY
"Poetry of the Blue"

Did you know it's National Poetry Month? Celebrate with a coffeehouse poetry reading that features Becky Mushko, Dick Raymond and Rodney Franklin. Free. 6:30 p.m. Edible Vibe Restaurant, 315 Franklin St., Rocky Mount. 483-3098, franklincountyva.org/library.

It should have read:

THURSDAY
"Poetry of the Blue Ridge"

Did you know it's National Poetry Month? Celebrate with a coffeehouse poetry reading that features eight members of the Valley Writers Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. Free. 6:30 p.m. Edible Vibe Restaurant, 315 Franklin St., Rocky Mount. 483-3098, franklincountyva.org/library.

If you want to see who is reading what poems, visit the events page of the Valley Writers Chapter website and scroll down to "2008 Valley Writers Chapter Events." The whole program is posted.

Now, on Tuesday (April 15), there will be a program at the Franklin County Library. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" will feature an Appalachian craftsperson, an Appalachian writer, and Appalachian music. It gets underway at 5:00 p.m. at the Franklin County Library's community room.

Peggy Ann Shifflett, a member of Valley Writers, is the Appalachian writer. Her part of the program is at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. I will introduce her.

However, I won't be reading any poems on Tuesday. For that you have to wait until Thursday.

*You'd think folks at a newspaper would know capitalization.

~