Writers of the Round Table

Writers of the Round Table

The Harriet May Savitz Writers of the Round Table
Our History

In February of 2001, author Harriet May Savitz, at a Senior Citizens meeting, extended an invitation to any interested persons to come together and form a creative writing group. That was all that was necessary. The rest is history.

On February 14, 2001 a group of eight Senior Citizens, namely Rose Cirelli, Milton Edelman, Mildred Koweek, Ann Marzano, George H. Moffett, Elia Reyes, Harriet May Savitz, and Edna Wilkins met for the first time under the enthusiastic leadership of Mrs. Savitz. They decided to name the group, The Writers of the Round Table of Bradley Beach.

Present Information

As the writer’s group continued to meet weekly, a bond formed amongst the members and we knew we were here to stay. So many exciting articles and essays are being written by our group, that we decided to go out on the internet and share them with you.

We are not professionals and we do not pretend to be. We are a group of creative Senior Citizens who are promoting the motto of our organization: “Let’s not look back!  Let’s give back!”

We welcome new members at our weekly meetings on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. at the Carmen A. Biase Community Center in the Municipal Complex, 719 Main Street, Bradley Beach, N.J. 07720.

OUR WRITINGS:
Hurricane Sandy, An Unwelcome Visitor                             Ruth J. Abramowitz

            It started Friday, October 27, 2012.  I was preparing lunch when the words “Hurricane Sandy” entered my ears.  Going into the living room I watched the report stating a dangerous storm was on the path to the Eastern Coast and would reach the New Jersey Shore area sometime late Monday afternoon or evening. Warnings of electrical outages, winds as high as ninety miles per hour would make it necessary to evacuate homes and buildings in coastal areas near the ocean, lakes, and rivers. Damage to inland trees and homes could be devastating.  The public was warned to follow instructions and be aware this was not an ordinary storm.  It was a hurricane that will affect all of New Jersey. Preparations were being set up to avoid chaos and help those in danger find a safe haven to wait out the hurricane. Governor Christie urged everyone to listen and evacuate if you are in a danger zone. Properties and things can be rebuilt, a life can’t be replaced.

            Late Saturday afternoon, my building, housing over 186 people, was told we would have to leave our apartments. It was suggested we go to family or friends or we will be bussed to a shelter.  Pets are allowed to go with you. 

            My wonderful friends, who adopted me, came Sunday at 5 pm and took me to their home in Wall.  I remember spending four days with them during last year’s Christmas holiday storm “Irene”. We managed very well without electricity, using searchlights and candles.  Having a gas stove helped.  Beth was able to prepare hot meals and save some of the frozen food from spoiling.  Beth is like the daughter I never had.

            Sunday, the rain continued to fall covering the ground with two inches every hour. The driveways and streets had puddles and some streets had water above the sidewalk curbs. We heard the winds howling through the trees and branches looking fragile enough to break. One tree outside the bedroom window worried me. I thought it could fall toward the house.  Monday night about seven o’clock the lights went out.  Luckily dinner was cooked.  We found our searchlights and lit a couple of candles to enjoy a hot meal. The house was warm and we weren’t thinking about the storm. Winds kept blowing and rain continued to fall all day and another night came with a candlelight meal. Phones, internet and TV were gone; but we had our cell phones and laptop computers with backup batteries. Technology had given us more it hasn’t changed Mother Natures power to destroy and cripple our life style.

            Power had not been restored at my Senior building, but I decided to go home Wednesday morning, October 31st. The generator was working and we had elevators, hall lights and heat.  The ground floor was fully equipped with lights for the kitchen, office and recreation room.  Coming back to my apartment gave me a chance to take a hot shower and have my cell phone charged.  I felt safe and comfortable in my apartment except for the darkness of night.  Office staff was providing one hot meal everyday at three or four in the afternoon.  Red Cross and volunteers came with food items, blankets and paper goods to help make us feel more comfortable. Though we were without power, we did have heat, hot water and meals to sustain our needs.  We were surrounded by caring people.  My heart aches for the thousands who have not only lost power, but are without homes, clothing or food for their children.

            Residing in a Senior Housing Unit, we thought our electricity would have priority rating. There are so many elderly living here with disabilities, wheelchairs, canes, walkers and other health problems. For reasons unknown we did not get our power for twelve days.  Saturday late afternoon, while speaking on the phone I suddenly shouted “Hurray, my lights are on.” My friend said, “Great, now you can send me an email telling your story.”                     

                      The tenth commandment says “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” This super-storm has proven people believe in that commandment. Today we all need to work for a better, stronger future for our families, friends, neighbors and communities. The outpouring of help and donations have proven how united a country we are, when politics are not involved. Hurricane Sandy has left. The memories of her visit will linger for years to come.

Twilight at Winter in the Rain             Veronica Cullinan Lake
Scraped city, cellophane-wrapped city.
Wetted rocks, wooly fur trees, slated sidewalks.
Black bark extending naked branches.
Pear-grey sky, broad strips of stretched smoke.
Licks of pink, purple, orange sherbet.
Pensive mood swelling to
erotic rumblings, the lure of pleasure, possibilities.

Winter Witches       Veronica Cullinan Lake

Oh fir trees!
Oh fir trees!
with your beckoning medicinal smell, green-silvered porcupine clusters
tasseled with brown-orange cones.

Witch-fingered branches grasping out into space hanging on wart-knotted trunks
pivoted against the misting blue-pearl sky dispensing your spider-like droppings
webbing the barren earth with bone skeletons.