aaduna notes

This is How We do It...

2012-03-16T14:38:00.000-04:00

"Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events."

This is how aaduna will celebrate in Jersey City, NJ!

Sheila Applegate Opens Up...

2012-03-08T10:58:00.002-05:00

Sheila Applegate, author "Enchanted One" - featured non-fiction, aaduna Spring/Summer 2011 issue

"I would say that the most defining event in my early years was the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. I was an SU [Syracuse University] exchange Student in London the semester leading up to that tragedy. Many of my friends and most of my fellow students were on the plane that went down just before Christmas.

"My first experience in

England

had been several years earlier through a High School exchange program. I now understand that the family I stayed with in High School is part of my soul family. As a result, we experienced an instant recognition, love and sisterhood. Because the Browns felt like family to me, I decided to stay through the holiday and spend Christmas with them. This choice in essence saved my life as it kept me from being on the flight home with the other SU students."

Read the entire interview with Sheila. Click HERE

I Am White

2012-03-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

I am White.

I am not unproud of it.

Even here I can’t say I’m proud of it or people immediately put white sheets on you. I am White. At least, by American government standards when you have to fill in the bubble. My family has Native American blood inserted somewhere. That doesn’t count, though. For all intents and purposes, I am as White and European as John Smith. Hell, John Smith may as well be my father.

I am white. I am Irish, German, French, Scotch, Welsh. White. But that’s only on the side that cared enough to trace lineage. I’m sure the whole continent of Europe – East and West – is represented in my single white composition. I’m sure that there are drops of Black somewhere, but I can’t claim that. They won’t let me. That’s worse than claiming Native American. I can’t be Native. I can’t be Black. I can’t be Asian. I can’t be Latin. They won’t have me. Therefore, I am White.

I am not a racist.

I am nervous

Read Ami Danett's full story in the current issue of aaduna, and let us know how this work made you feel.
Click here to read "I Am White"

aaduna's First Anniversary winter/spring 2012 issue LAUNCHED!!

2012-02-28T07:17:00.000-05:00

aaduna First Anniversary winter/spring issue Home Page Cover -
"Africa 27" - Collette V. Fournier, Photographer (c) 2012

IT' S A CELEBRATION!

IT IS OFFICIAL.

THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY ISSUE IS NOW AVAILABLE!

CHECK IT OUT

GO VISIT

www.aaduna.org

Tell your friends.

Help spread the word around the world!

aaduna

Teasing, Laufenberg Is At It Again!

2012-02-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

An excerpt from Keith G. Laufenberg's short story, "Life Without."

The reason that the Cat got life without the possibility of parole was because Maximum McDow had enticed her snitches to testify that there had been a certain number of kilos of coke involved in the deals. See, Maximum McDow wasn’t just satisfied with a simple conviction, she wanted a conviction where there would be the maximum punishment allowed, and then meted out. See, I know all about this shyster McDow because I finished law school in 1994 and have been practicing criminal law ever since. The Cat is incarcerated in Atlanta, at the federal pen there, where he’s doing triple life, each life sentence followed without the possibility of parole. That’s right, you heard me right, triple life; let me explain that, see, what happened is that Maximum McDow had some old drug cases that she wanted to clear off her books and the easiest way for her to do it, now that she had a ‘drug kingpin,’ the Cat, already convicted to one sentence of life without parole, on a drug conspiracy, was to get him convicted on some more drug conspiracies, and so she did.

Read the entire story in the First Anniversary 2012 Issue...coming next week.

Teasing, Gladden is back!!!

2012-02-18T13:53:00.026-05:00

Frank A Gladden, fiction writer/poet, Silver Spring, Maryland

2011 Pushcart Prize nominee and contributor to last year's premier issue, Frank A. Gladden returns with another poignant story titled, "Needs" that will ignite your imagination. Here is a brief excerpt:

The police officer glanced around again, pulled his sunglasses down his nose, and slid out the car. He adjusted his cap and pushed his glasses up with his finger, tossed his Playboy magazine on the seat of his cruiser and walked in my direction.

            "Hey slick!" he yelled.

            I turned around to face the tall, imposing, ruddy-faced man with what appeared to be burn scars covering the left side of his face—striding toward me. Several cars on the narrow street slowed to a stop.

            “Me?" I asked, touching my chest—backing away.

            "Yeah, I'm talking to you. You stay here?"

            "Yeah, I do."

            He paused a moment as if he didn't like my answer, or the way I addressed him. He wrinkled his brow, placed his hand on his gun, and asked, "what's your name … boy?"

           "Willie Jenkins."

           "Willie Jenkins, huh," he repeated, "can you prove it?"

            "Yeah," I said reaching for my driver's permit.

             He pulled his glasses down his nose; glared at me for a few seconds, and asked, “You know a boy named Duke?"

            "I have a tenant named Duke.”

            “Tenant?”

            “Yeah, a guy who rents a room—but he’s older than you.”

            "Don’t be a smart-ass. Where is he?"

            “I don’t know.”

            “You don’t know!”

            “No, I don’t.”

            “How come you don’t know—his mama says he stays over here.”

            "I haven't seen him lately."

            "You sure?" he asked, moving closer, squinting down at me.

            "I haven't seen him in three days or more." I said, handing him my driver's permit, looking at the image of my face in his shiny sunglasses.

Check out the full story in a few weeks. Gladden is back!

Teasing ... Carlos Evaristo Flores Evolves

2012-02-15T20:15:00.001-05:00

Carlos Evaristo Flores

Carlos Flores' poetry focuses on human issues that are relevant to the Texas-Mexico border. He seeks to bring a voice to real people who live in this bi-national, bi-cultural and bilingual region. Carlos pens a quiet eloquence and subtle nuance to his work that will captivate readers. Experience his two poems “Empty Eyes” and “Anxiety of Influence” in aaduna on February 28th.

Teasing the poetry from a scientist…

2012-02-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

Dr Spiros Kitsinelis, Light Source Expert

Spiros Kitsenelis was born on May 29^th, 1976 in Mesologi, an area in Western Greece noted for its spectacular lagoons and variety of birdlife. He was raised in Nea Smyrni and attended the 4th junior and senior high school there. At the age of 19, he left for England where he studied chemistry at the University of Sheffield and got his doctorate in spectroscopy from that institution.

After living in England for 8 years, he moved to Japan for postdoctoral study at Ehime University in the city of Matsuyama. After his postdoctoral research, he was employed by Philips Lighting in Eindhoven, The Netherlands; served as a chemical engineer for the Greece armed forces, and now works and resides in France.

In addition to his research activities, Spiros is a science communicator and his activities include pioneering projects for his country such as science theater where he has become a prominent figure in this field. He has appeared on several television programs and presented at numerous international conferences. His poetry will be presented in aaduna’s First Anniversary issue.

Spiros Kitsinelis, featured poet aaduna Winter/Spring 2012 Issue

Teasing the bill berry way...

2012-02-11T11:22:00.000-05:00

bill berry, jr. to share his poetry in aaduna's upcoming 1st Anniversary Issue!

HERE IS A SAMPLING of what's to come ...

You Really Got a Hold On Me…with apologies to William Robinson, Jr.

Your touch spews rancor across time and space
Nestling in disjointed crevices of decay and hurt
Making me wonder how you morphed into an acrid chill of remorse and disinterest.

Your touch erupts like a banshee intent on scorching the last remnant of hope
Removing any vestige of time and place and memory
Making me wonder why I let your presence drift through the fissure of my wisdom.

Your touch caresses my insanity making it wholesome and endearing
A wisp of fragrance to smother my thickened tongue unable to enunciate my heart
Making me wonder when you abandoned the ripe succulent pangs of desire and want.

Read bill's other poems in the First Anniversary Issue, scheduled to launch on the 28th!

Teasing: Fournier is in the house!

2012-02-09T09:45:00.000-05:00

Listen to commentary by Collette V. Fournier, who photographed Katrina-affected people and homes in several New Orleans neighborhoods, including the Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans East, Gentilly, and Algiers.

Collette V. Fournier brings her keen eye and perspective to the First Anniversary Issue by exhibiting photographs from her recent trip to Ghana, where she chronicled a variety of themes. A member of Kamoinge Inc., a noted African American photography collective, Collette is a SOROS fellow for her photographic work in Louisiana, post hurricane Katrina. Known affectionally as "Co", Fournier has been a photographer for New York area newspapers and currently is an adjunct professor and campus photographer at a community college in the State University of New York system.

Check out her photographs in aaduna on February 28th.

Teasing: de Monbrison exhibits his work.

2012-02-07T10:41:00.006-05:00

"Tin Sculpture" by Ivan de Monbrison from his studio in Paris, France

Parisian born artist, Ivan de Monbrison will exhibit his ink and acrylic on paper drawings in the First Anniversary issue of aaduna scheduled for launch on February 28th. From 1994-2000, he served as curator’s assistant in the Musée Picasso in Paris and during this time, éditions la Bartavelle published three books of his poetry. Since then he has had solo and group shows in Paris, Pittsburgh, Bruxelles, Barcelona, and at the prestigious Siena Art Institute in Italy. He published a poetry book with sketches in 2009 and kicked off 2012 with a solo show at LaMaison du Patrimoine of la Haye les Roses, as well as a group at the Lloyd Gill Gallery England.

For February, check out my interview with Sonnet Mondal, featured aaduna poet from West Bengal, India

2012-02-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

Visit

Rockford Kingley's E-VIEWPOINTS

Sonnet Mondal has authored 6 books of poetry and been widely published in several literary magazines and journals throughout the world. He was bestowed Poet Laureate from Bombadil Publishing, Sweden in 2009; honored with the appointment of Sub Secretary General of Asia from Poetas Del Mundo, Chile in 2009; recognized as Doctor of Literature from United Writers' Association in 2010 and became the first Indian to win the Azsacra International Poetry award in 2011. Sonnet has been a featured poet at Asian American Poetry project, U.S.A. and at the World Poetry Reading Series, Canada in 2011. He is the pioneer of the 21 Line Fusion Sonnet form of poetry which he introduced in his book "21 Lines Fusion Sonnets of 21st Century" (Sparrow Publication 2010.) His works have been translated into Macedonian, Italian, Telugu and Bengali. He resides in West Bengal, India.

First Anniversary Issue Is Coming...Get Updates Starting This Week

2012-02-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

aaduna's First Anniversary/winter-spring 2012 issue is scheduled to launch on February 28th. To promote this landmark issue, we will post "teasers" of what you can expect to read and see starting this week. These brief excerpts will expose you to what is contained in the next issue and why we are so excited! Watch for these postings and please share with your friends and colleagues through your e-lists and social media networks.

Enjoy the Super Bowl and whatever you have planned for today!

Get Motivated; Share Your Creativity, and Submit in 2012!

2012-01-27T15:28:00.010-05:00

aaduna Achieves Another Goal...

2012-01-16T10:37:00.000-05:00

On December 27, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service determined that aaduna, Inc. publisher of aaduna, is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and made that ruling retroactive to April 1, 2010. Your donations are tax exempt under the law, and we encourage you to support our efforts to bring new and intriguing writers and visual artists to the public arena. Donations will never be too small or too large and always acknowledged. Go to http://www.aaduna.org/ and click on the Support Us button. Join us as we celebrate this major achievement...tell your family, friends and colleagues about aaduna; encourage them to read what we publish and/or submit their work to us, and ask them to place us on their list of charitable organizations that they support.

And thank you for your efforts!

bill

Sharing a Conversation....What Do You Think?

2012-01-11T17:04:00.000-05:00

As we move through the early weeks of a new year, I thought you might want to read a few comments regarding one of the stories that aaduna published. Keith Laufenberg's "Childhood" (Click to read) was published in the 2010 spring/summer issue. His nomination for a Pushcart Prize elicited some interesting comments, and in one case, I asked Keith to provide the response.

Anonymous said...

I read this story about Cole Black and I just wondered if it was true or not. Quite a discussion I have had with many friends about this story if its true or not but it was a really good story and I read it about a month ago but still think about it.

D.A.

January 9, 2012 10:43 AM

Jean Goldstrom said...

I'm delighted to see Keith Laufenberg's beautiful story "Childhood" made available to a wider audience. Keith is one of our star writers here at Whortleberry Press. He is well worthy of a PushCart Prize. If whoever judges those PushCart Prizes has any literary sense, they will surely see that this great honor goes to Keith. IMO he has earned it -- many times over.

-- Jean Goldstrom, Editor, Whortleberry Press

January 10, 2012 5:36 PM

Tim Hall said...

Keith 's story "Childhood" is quite poignant. I feel it is worthy of the Pushcart Prize. Over the years, my magazine, Struggle, has published a number of Keith's stories, and in my opinion all or nearly all of them are worthy of the highest consideration. Frankly, I think he is building a major body of work, that he is a realist writer at the highest level. Keith seems capable of identifying with and expressing the inner feelngs and also the social life of a vast array of people. One might call him a chronicler, if he were simply describing existing people, but all these are people that he has conjured up in his imagination, yet that imagination is so fertile, and his observational eye so accurate, that you encounter his stories as if they were non-fiction accounts. And they are shaped to move the emotions and raise one's knowledge, so they are not dry lists of facts. I hold his work in very high regard and wish him good luck in getting some well-deserved recogniton.
January 11, 2012 4:10 PM

bill berry, jr. said...

Dear D.A.

Thank you for your comments. I asked Keith Laufenberg to respond. Here is what Keith wrote:

Well, when I wrote the story "Childhood" I took the story from an article in the Miami Herald
that moved me quite a bit; even though it was simply cold, hard news that offered little of
this child's insides or his thoughts. I wrote it in his voice and simply felt that if I could just
leave the story in a little better better shape than when I found it I would be satisfied and if it makes people think—and/or talk—than that's just a big plus. The irony of this story, to me, is that if it even generates enough attention to create a discussion than the story itself has outlived Cole Black, a fictional name for the actual child that the story is, primarily, about. Of course, the conditions—which are still there, by the way—that these children are forced to grow up in have to be eradicated ...period!
Peace,
Keith G.

January 11, 2012 2:17 PM

bill berry, jr. said...

Dear Ms. Goldstrom,

Thank you for your kind words regarding Keith Laufenberg's talents as a writer. He does have the ability to weave very poignant stories that captivate, entertain, as well as educate.

Continued success with Whortleberry Press!

bill

Hope the Start to Your New Year was Festive and Happy

2012-01-03T15:46:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Lisa Brennan & bill berry, jr

I hope your holiday festivities were grand and this year enables you to embrace those goals that you want to achieve for yourself and family.

Lisa Brennan, Ellen Blalock, bill berry, jr & Patricia Clark

Ellen, Bill and Pat

The new year started out with a delightful and wonderful Kwanzaa affair hosted at the home of Ellen Blalock and Patricia Clark. Lisa and I met several interesting folks while soaking in the ambiance of art and culture that permeates Ellen and Pat's abode. We feel blessed, most importantly, by their friendship, as well as the colleagueship that we share. (Both serve on the aaduna Board of Directors and Pat is the vice-president.)

As the first official day of getting back to work is blanketed by snow and 14 degree cold weather, we will re-start our engines and move forward to get the February issue ready for launch.

Have a great year!!!

The Season of Merriment and Making Joy

2011-12-22T13:45:00.001-05:00

Well, winter has officially arrived. A good number of holiday shoppers appear to be still holding out for even deeper discounts. The federal government is at an impasse with many elected officials deciding not to "hear" the wishes of most citizens, and we at aaduna are busy trying to settle the First Anniversary/winter 2012 Issue. And overshadowing all of this mundane stuff [rightfully so] is the Season of Giving and Sharing with Hanukkah moving through its cycle; Christmas on the way immediately followed by Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve celebrations and Festival of the Three Kings.

It is a time for festivities and enjoying family and friends.

Cleopatra & Cairo - aaduna resident sphynx cats

With that said, I will wait and talk about aaduna stuff next week even though I am excited about what we are up to.

Lisa and I, joined by our colleagues, extend our wishes for a festive, gracious, peaceful and safe Holiday Season to everyone.

And make sure you get some holiday reading done!

bill

Enjoy.

Congratulations to aaduna nominees for the prestigious 2012 Pushcart Prize, the most honored literary project in America.

2011-12-05T18:01:00.001-05:00

Thomas Lee, Fiction

Michael Rhynes, Non-Fiction

Frank A. Gladden, Fiction

Tamara J. Madison, Poetry

Keith Laufenberg, Fiction

Cyd Charisse Fulton, Poetry

aaduna nominates six contributing writers for the Pushcart Prize and bill berry gets interviewed!

2011-12-05T14:06:00.007-05:00

The Pushcart Prize - Best of the Small Presses series, published every year since 1976,
is the most honored literary project in America. Hundreds of presses and thousands of
writers of short stories, poetry and essays have been represented in the pages of these
annual collections. The Pushcart Prize editions are found in most libraries and bookstores.
Each volume contains an index of past selections, plus lists of outstanding presses with addresses.

aaduna appreciates and applauds the contributions of all its writers and regrets
that the publication was limited to six nominations. The works nominated and writers are as follows:

Poetry:

Abuse in a Dream Cyd Charisse Fulton

Kentucky Curdled (selected excerpts) Tamara J. Madison

Fiction:

Pieces Frank A. Gladden

Childhood Keith Laufenberg
Jesus Year Thomas Lee

Non-Fiction:

Attica on My Mind Michael Rhynes

You may want to re-read or read for the first time, the nominated works. Follow the links.

Cyd Fulton, Abuse in a Dream
Tamara Madison, Kentucky Curdled
Frank Gladden, Pieces
Keith Laufenberg, Childhood
Thomas Lee, http://aaduna.org/lee_jesus1.html
Michael Rhynes, Attica on My Mind

And check out bill berry 's interview on E-ViewPoints.
You may be surprised who decided to tackle his interview!!!

CLICK HERE to read !

Reflection, Sharing, and Giving Thanks

2011-11-27T19:05:00.002-05:00

For most of us, Thanksgiving Day marks the start of the season where we reflect on where we have been and where we want to go. Our interests tend to transition from giving to ourselves to giving to others and wanting to share our blessings with those who seek to be blessed by the generosity of others. I suspect all these attributes came together as Lisa, Carrie and I visited my Mom in Arlington, VA for the past five days to celebrate Thanksgiving. (For those of you who know Cairo and Cleo, those two joined the road trip.)

This annual sojourn also included promoting aaduna and once again we left marketing material at the Poets and Busboys restaurant on 14^th and U Streets in DC. While we did not get the chance to see friends and family in Baltimore and other parts of MD, or spend time with friends/family in DC (Sandra Miles and Frank Daspit), there were some inspiring highlights.

Dinner at Rincome, a Thai restaurant on Columbia Pike. Since my trip to Thailand years ago, I search out Thai restaurants that I think are true to Thai tastes and not an Americanized version of its cuisine. I had Chang beer for the first time since Singha tends to dominate most Thai restaurants.

Pre-thanksgiving dinner shopping at Harris Teeter, our favorite supermarket

On Friday, we took my Mom, who is 91, to view the MLK Memorial. While her steps were feeble and cautious, Lisa and Carrie accompanied her as she read the various King quotations that embraced the monument and talked about how his dream still has not been achieved. I stayed in the car to secure an easily reachable parking space that stretched into the dreaded “Do Not Park” designation.

Lisa, Carrie and I returned to the King Memorial early Saturday morning and I was humbled by the magnitude of the monument and the power of his words.

Visited the Air Force Memorial adjacent to the Pentagon, a stunning structure that I see whenever I drive to northern VA but never experienced up close.

On the road trip back home, we stopped at a quaint restaurant for lunch that we noticed on the last trip down that way but did not stop. Skeeters Pit BBQ sits at the top of a hill/small mountain in Shamokin Dam, PA.

We stayed at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington where staff was gracious and very helpful. Plus, the hotel is truly pet friendly without fees or horrendous restrictions on pets.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll get back to reading and reviewing submissions for the First Anniversary issue that will launch in late February 2012.

I hope you had a grand weekend with your family and friends.

bill

aaduna wishes Lisa Brennan a Very Happy Birth Day

2011-11-13T10:27:00.000-05:00

Our community of writers, artists, directors, supporters and friends extend grand wishes to Lisa on her special day, November 13th. We are confident she will have a glorious day and bask in the wishes and festivities that will come her way. And we appreciate all that she does to make what we do so much better.

HAPPY BIRTH DAY LISA!!!!

November...the Best Month of the Fall Season!!!

2011-11-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

The past several days have been quite busy but the weather has been "picture perfect" for morning walks along Owasco Lake; researching and writing; raking and bagging leaves; road trips through the countryside; discovering new eateries, and celebrating Birth Days!

November View of Seneca Lake, Geneva, NY

The IRS requested additional information regarding aaduna's application for tax-exempt status after 7 months of having the original application. After a pleasant conversation with our assigned Exempt Organizations Specialist, I started the task of getting the responses together while working with our Board of Directors to finalize some "old business" that I wanted to include as part of the responses. Needless to say, the task was accomplished in more than a timely manner, and the additional information packet should now be in the IRS office in Covington, Kentucky well before the Response Due Deadline.

The task of reading and reviewing submissions continues and the deadline for submitters is a few days away. The First Anniversary/winter 2012 Issue is coming along.

Redman's Chicken n Ribs, Geneva, NY

Discovered a new eatery run by a husband and wife team in Geneva, NY aptly called "Redman's Chicken and Ribs". Pigged out and will have to get back to the "take-away" eatery where the food is basic comfort food, and the fried haddock, chicken (cooked when you order) and sides are typically Southern cooking.

The establishment has been in business for about a year and a half and it appears to be a great "eat outside" roadside place. During winter, patrons can call ahead and your order will be ready for pick-up when you arrive.

Lisa captured some nice fall shots while we ate alongside Seneca Lake.

I'll keep you posted on what we are up to since this is the season to really promote aaduna.

Stay creative.

bill

For November, Check Out My Chat with Tom Lee...

2011-11-03T19:00:00.004-04:00

E-ViewPoints

Interview With Thomas Lee

bill berry, jr.

Thomas Lee is married and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. A lawyer, he is a weaver of stories. His fiction enables us to break through barriers, and prompts us to better understand and accept a culture that may be different from our own. Tom’s writing creates pathways where we are able to embrace similarities with others who are different from us, and then makes us realize that as part of a universal family…we are each other.

Click on EViewPoints, (rockfordkingsley link) and enjoy the conversation.

Of Seasonal Poetry, Vineyards, Music, Food, Ghosts, and Enchantment to come…

2011-10-30T23:34:00.002-04:00

Fall Colors at Peak, October 23, 2011

Since the SHM performance, there has been a diverse range of creative experiences that tend to spark new ideas, which eventually influence the scope and spirit of aaduna.

On October 21, there was a fine performance by Omanii Abdullah, a Syracuse based poet, performer and educator in Waterloo, NY. An imposing and gentle man, he read from his books “I Wanna be the Kinda Father My Mother Was,” “Nobody Eats Fried Chicken Like Black Folks Do” and “This is Gonna Hurt Me a Whole Lot More ’n Hurts You (webpage:www.omanii.com).

View of Cayuga Lake from Route 89

On October 22, Lisa, her cousin Anne and I visited Knapp, Cobblestone and Goose Watch Vineyards along Cayuga Lake for an afternoon of wine tastings and music and the chestnut festival at Goose Watch, and ended the evening in Auburn dancing to Brass, Inc. a nine member rock ‘n’ roll band that bought interpretations to the music of Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, Tower of Power, The Temptations, Huey Lewis and others. I was floored when the band explored classic soul with James and Bobby Purify’s, “I’m Your Puppet”, Wilson Pickett’s, “Mustang Sally, and Eddie Floyd’s, “Knock on Wood” to cite a few.

Due to another commitment, missed Patricia Schwartz’s 65^th Birth Day fete on October 23^rd where she read from her new book, “The Loneliness of Squash, and Other Writings: flash fiction, creative non-fiction, and prose poems (Blue Heron Publishing) and her friends read a poem of theirs at the ZuZu Café in Seneca Falls, NY. Pat will be doing a variety of readings and free poetry classes throughout Central NY in the next few weeks. Pat can be reached at fireflypoet@sage-thyme.com

And there have been wonderful dinners with friends at regional restaurants where chefs are kicking it with seasonal delights, and when that happens the home cooking gets launched towards new recipes and experimentation.

The Ghost of Seward Past - Photo by Lisa Brennan

The Seward House Haunted Walking Tour along South Street, Auburn, NY

Last night, Lisa and I went on a Haunted History Tour sponsored by the Seward House Museum. That event added to our knowledge of local cultural history and how our immediate neighborhood and surrounding homes were “victims” to acts of murder, untimely deaths and other ghoulish mayhem…all of which have current homeowners convinced that the things that go bump in the night [and day] are real and not imagined.

Syracuse University Carrier Dome

Auburn High School VanGuard Marching Band

This afternoon, ventured off to the 38th New York State Field Band High School Championship Show held at Syracuse University's Carrier Dome. It is amazing as to the number of talented teenagers who play music and perform for their high schools. While my local high school (Auburn) did not take first place, they fascinated the audience with their program, "Tales from the Crypt, Revenge of the Vampires" that included the following selections:

"Toccata and Fugue
"Tales from the Crypt"

"Night on Bald Mountain'
"Ice Dance"
"The Time Warp"
"Funeral March"

Looking forward to Sheila Applegate’s free Tele-class “Co-Creating 2012” on November 1st at 7 PM (EST). You can register for this event by visiting www.sheilaapplegate.com

I am sure your community has a wide variety of seasonal events that will spark your creative spirit and give you the opportunity to interact with writers, actors, musicians, docents, chefs and other creative folk. Take advantage.

Stay creative.

bill

Irish Clam Chowder, Dinner at 77 South

PS Last night (Saturday,) Lisa did an original homemade Irish potato/leek clam chowder for dinner and baked her signature apple pie.

Another thought, friends let me know that it snowed in NYC, New Jersey and Washington, DC/VA (snow and rain mix) on Saturday. And it was just a gloomy and damp day where we live, no snow and we are in snow country! Go figure!

Stella's Diner, Syracuse, NY

Today (Sunday) was a beautiful fall day. And if you are in, or near, or plan to travel to Syracuse, NY, check out Stella's Diner. Had dinner there tonight, and like aaduna, it is more than what you might expect.

The First Friday of October 2011

2011-10-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

aaduna at The Seward House Museum - photo by Lisa Brennan

Captivated audience - Photo by Lisa Brennan

The eloquence of the spoken words floated on the evening’s soft air as insects flitted back ‘n’ forth carrying messages of empowerment, love, despair, and forgiveness to unseen places.

Photo provided by Cristofe Chabot

The subtle yet poignant readings captivated the audience and the stillness on the lawn of The Seward House Museum made the words even more powerful and transfixing.

Poet, Sean O'Grady - Photo by Cristofe Chabot

Poet, Tamara Madison
Photo by Cristofe Chabot

Poet, Cyd Fulton
Photo by Cristofe Chabot

Author Sheila Applegate
Photo by Cristofe Chabot

Author & Poet, Christine Green
Photo by Cristofe Chabot

As visual images dotted the walls of the visitor’s entrance and gift shop area, eyes were transfixed by images of places not yet seen; worlds not yet discovered, and artwork that expanded the imagination and caused one to pause…reflect…think.

bill berry jr, CEO/Publisher
Photo by Cristofe Chabot

***

Billye Chabot & Sheila Applegate
aaduna BOD members
Photo by Cristofe Chabot

Sean McLeod, aaduna BOD member
Photo by Cristofe Chabot

Cyd Fulton, bill berry, jr and Christine Green
Photo by Lisa Brennan

“aaduna at The Seward House Museum” convened on October 7, 2011, at this National Historic Landmark. The event was the first-ever public reading and exhibition presenting the work of aaduna’s contributing writers and visual artists. In the same 19^th century tradition followed by William Seward when he served as Governor of New York State and as Secretary of State for Abraham Lincoln, the 21^st century SHM is carrying on his tradition by having his home continue to showcase relevant artistic and intellectual works that spark the human spirit, ignite creative expressions and stimulate community discussion.

aaduna appreciates the work of its Board of Directors, particularly Dave Bergan and Sheila Applegate who provided broadcast avenues to promote this event. Thanks to the staff of the SHM most notably, Billye Chabot, Executive Director, Alexis Parsons, Administrative Coordinator, Andrew Roblee, Facilities Manager and invaluable docents. To our benefactors, we extend our gratitude…thank you Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Kate and Marty Salvas, aaduna angels Kathy Genua, Nia Rock, and Yvette B. Berry. In addition, aaduna recognizes and applauds the role of the Historical and Cultural Sites Commission of Auburn, as well as the Sovereign Foundation for its support.

With a gracious spirit of sharing and appreciation, aaduna wholeheartedly salutes the creative people whose presence emboldened and made possible “aaduna at The Seward House Museum”…Sheila Applegate, Lisa A. Brennan, Cristofe Chabot, Cyd Charisse Fulton, Christine Green, Tamara J. Madison, Sean McLeod and Sean O’Grady. And we thank those visual artists whose images comprised the exhibitions, “Altered Images” and “Not Altered Images.”

To see more photos as a slideshow, CLICK HERE

aaduna will continue to explore and find its resting place in the power of words and visual images…and so much more.

2011 was a good year!

2011-10-06T12:05:00.004-04:00

aaduna Fall Issue 1 Volume 3
"Shelter and Enduring" - Rick Nicholson, Photographer (c) 2011

I don't mean to push out 2011 since October just started but it is the end of the year for aaduna as a publication. The fall issue, which is our last issue of the year, is now available at http://www.aaduna.org/ and we are accepting submissions for the First Anniversary/winter 2012 issue scheduled for launch on February 28th. The submissions deadline is November 13 and more detailed information is available on the website.

aaduna Penalver Gallery - Exhibit "Avalon Grail Quest"
Artist, Mano Mannez

And not to thump our chests, but this issue is ambitious and empowering. Lisa Brennan did an impressive job getting the issue up and the galleries reflect her work as our new visual arts editor. The photographs, artwork, and a "video" created specifically for aaduna glisten with creativity by the visual artists and Lisa provided the appropriate settings for this work. Furthermore, the poetry, fiction and non-fiction sections highlight a wide range of thought and expressions, and our pilot work with the Auburn Correctional Facility identified some compelling writing produced by inmates.

aaduna Board of Directors, September 26, 2011 meeting

Our Board of Directors had a successful year end meeting on the last Monday in September and members have been extraordinarily helpful in promoting our first ever live reading.

On October 7th, we are presenting five contributing writers and a visual artist at the nationally recognized Seward House Museum in Auburn, NY. Sheila Applegate, Cyd Charisse Fulton, Christine Green, Tamara J. Madison and Sean O'Grady will read work published in aaduna as well as other selections. Christofe Chabot will present "Not Altered Images" a video/slide show presentation that he compiled and orchestrated the music for. This work is a composite look at the images presented in the galleries over the course of the three 2011 issues and will complement "Altered Images" an exhibition of 15 images. Cristofe's work "Saikotic'' can be viewed in the Kuta Gallery in the current issue.

Last Sunday, Dave Bergan, Lisa Brennan, Sheila Applegate and I were guests on Dr. Rick Wright's "Old Skool Sunday" radio program (Power 620 AM). We hung with Dr. Wright throughout the Community Hour segment of his show. Yesterday, I was a guest on Sheila's web-based radio program, "Enchanted One." You may listen/download the archived program. Visit: co-creatornetwork.comWe plan to continue using radio as a viable mechanism to get the word out about aaduna!

Power 620, Clear Channal Radio Station, Dr. Rick Wright hosted aaduna,
October 2nd, "Old Skool Sunday" - Community Hour

While the publication season is over, we plan to do a few more live readings by taking this concept on the road to New Jersey and possibly NYC. So, during the rest of the year, aaduna will transition to another platform to bring our "timeless exploration into words and images" to a wider audience.

2011 has been a good year and in 2012, we plan to raise our game a notch or two. Follow "aaduna notes" for updates and encourage your friends and colleagues who write or create visual images to submit work to aaduna.

Continue to enjoy the fall season. We will!

India Festival on Long Island - a Hit! The recent LMAO show did just that...

2011-09-29T18:02:00.002-04:00

This video was prepared by Long Island photographer and businesswoman Marilyn D'onofrio and documents an event that was a festive affair!

http://animoto.com/play/EwT2NCJsa4tukBP31TsQIA?utm_content=main_link

One can always expect a "wild ride" when comics are on point and you happen to catch their eye and then become the fodder for repetitive jokes. But it is all good because you know that eventually they will move on to another "victim" and the performance is in good fun. The Bergan Brothers Clothing Store recently hosted the LMAO Comedy Show in Syracuse and the audience did in fact laugh their ----- off! The show was clearly for the mature/adult audience with hilarious fun and laughter. And in these times, that is good medicine.

October is almost here and the Change of Seasons

2011-09-17T23:28:00.001-04:00

Route 89, Cayuga Lake along the Finger Lakes Wine Trail

Now is the time of year that many folks pay closer attention to nature. While recent weather has adversely affected a lot of communities, this is the season for long walks through wooded areas or along streams or lakes. Observing the kaleidoscope of colors that trees produce can captivate the imagination and it seems there is a pleasant joy spending a weekend afternoon in the tasting rooms of different wineries. And it is the season for aaduna. The fall 2011 issue is getting its final touches, and the first public reading/performance from a few aaduna writers will occur on October 7th at The Seward House Museum on South Street in Auburn, NY.

This past Sunday was the poignant tenth anniversary of 9.11. I tried to capture how my community remembered that life-changing event through a lense.

Photo taken September 11, 2011, Auburn Jr High School, Franklin St

Being Blessed…a conversation with poet and writer, Tamara J. Madison...don't miss it!

2011-09-07T13:30:00.000-04:00

Tamara J. Madison

In her words:

We had lots of trees and an old school neighborhood with porch parties and the accompanying record player with card games, jacks, and hair braiding as a standard.

My realities of racism and prejudice are quite vivid, quite.

Hedgebrook was also a wonderful opportunity for me to care for myself and breathe. Having my own cottage with lunch left on my doorstep daily in a covered basket was a dream!

I performed spoken word organically before I knew there was such a thing as “spoken word” as an art form.

Don’t miss the entire interview with Tamara J. Madison available now at rockfordkingsley.org and get the opportunity to read “Barren”, poetic fiction dedicated to the 400 victims of the syphilis experiment and a new poem in progress, “Belly of Angel: Fallen”.

Her work , "Melisma" will be featured in printed and audio versions as part of aaduna's Fall 2011 issue slated for launch on October 3rd

It is that time of year....

2011-09-05T17:20:00.001-04:00

Have you noticed that it is getting dark earlier? And while Labor Day is not the seasonal end to summer, for many of us, it offcially denotes a time to start a transition especially if you have children in school or college.

David Bergan, BOA President & Bill Berry

Yesterday, I had the chance to catch up with David Bergan, who is the aaduna Board of Advisors president. While not an aaduna event, the "clambake" was a lot of fun with insightful and humorous conversation, great food, and wonderful atmosphere.

David Bergan, Lisa Brennan, and Joan Bergan-LaRock

While I should take today off, I'll work some this afternoon. The Fall 2011 Issue requires some attention...maybe while I watch a movie or two with stove popped popcorn, of course!

Keeping You in the Loop...Auburn, NY's September First Friday...FREE

2011-08-31T12:07:00.022-04:00

If you are in the area or plan traveling to CNY, join us:

Seward House Museum: First Friday Event - Sept. 2 from 5pm to 8pm. Featured Artist is Alan Alger. Mike Fedorchuk of Magical Mystery Tour presents "An Evening with John Lennon." Light refreshments will be served. Free.

Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center: First Friday Event - Sept. 2 from 5pm to 8pm. Quietude: Paintings and Drawing by Chris Baker and Harry Bliss. View the exhibition, meet the exhibiting artists Chris Baker and Harry Bliss, and enjoy light refreshments. Free.

Auburn Public Theater: First Friday Event - Sept. 2 from 5pm to 8pm. Come hear a variety of local musicians and friends perform in APT’s café space. Free.

Cayuga Museum of History & Art: First Friday Event - Sept. 2 from 5pm to 8pm. Going away party for the Civil War exhibit. Both Sides of the Wall, A Child's World and Summer in the Finger Lakes exhibits will be available and there will be guided tours of the Case Research Lab.

Auburn Downtown BID: The paintings of Paul Haberlau will be on view, and we will be serving light refreshments.

... MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more going on DOWNTOWN!!! CHECK IT OUT - Hope to see you THERE!!!!

And plan on being at the Seward House Museum on October 7th...aaduna will be in the house!

We're back!

2011-08-24T20:33:00.000-04:00

For awhile, I thought the hiatus was only a few days and then I noticed the date of the last posting. It has been a few weeks and I was not even on a vacation!!! For the past few weeks, I have been

taking 2-3 days seminars and workshops dealing with financial sustainability, planning, and strategic thinking in Rochester, NY.
putting together aaduna's first public presentation of our writers and artists for a presentation at The Seward House Museum in early October. (Interestingly, Steven Spielberg is planning a film about Abraham Lincoln and one of his principal actors visited the Seward House as preparation for his role as Lincoln's Secretary of State.) Finalized arrangements with the Museum's administrative staff for the October First Friday.
Tamara J. Madison, Cyd Charisse Fulton, Sean O'Grady, Christine Green and Sheila Applegate will read at that event, and Lisa Brennan will mount a photography exhibition and visual images slide show based on what we have presented in the galleries to date. Check out the flyer:

wrote a grant proposal to Sovereign Bank to support future writer readings/spoken word performances.
writing location specific grant proposals to provide diverse platforms for our writers and arrtists
working through protocols to maintain an avenue for writers at the Auburn Correctional Facility to have their work presented to the general public
continuing my monthly discussions with aaduna writers where our conversation is presented under "E-ViewPoints" for http://www.rockfordkingsley.org/

Lisa prepared our new Call for Submissions that is now available through a previous aaduna notes entry or write her at lisa@aaduna.org and she will send you an electronic copy that you can easily forward to colleagues, associates, friends, and family.

Also, if you have not, be sure to scroll below to subscribe by email to stay current with aaduna notes as soon as it is posted.

The future waits for all of us and it looks great!!!!

bill

Check out aaduna fiction writer, Frank Gladden's Interview

2011-08-03T20:59:00.064-04:00

Published in Rockford Kingsley's "e-viewpoints" August 2011 edition

Frank Gladden

My conversation with Mr. Gladden is now available for your look-see-read. An accomplished writer and witness to this country's development in the late 20th century, as well as the start of a new and then second decade, his interview provides a glimpse into his world of characters and creativity.

Pass the word. Read Frank's words. "Pieces" featured in aaduna's Premier Winter 2011 Issue

Thomas Lee Wins Emerging Writers Award for Fiction

2011-07-26T15:32:00.005-04:00

Tom Lee

aaduna presented two short stories ("Angels of Queens" and "Jesus Year") by Tom Lee in the Premier/Winter 2011 Issue launched back in February. As one of our inaugural writers, we provide raucous applause and sincere congratulations to him on winning this first ever Ploughshares award for fiction.

Please visit

http://www.pshares.org/read/article-detail.cfm?intArticleID=9524

Read Tom's published work in aaduna's premier issue:

http://aaduna.org/lee_angels1.html

(Please note: use the "back arrow" button from your web browser to return to aaduna notes)

The Ploughshares announcement will be printed in that periodical's August 15 issue. The December issue will contain Tom's winning story, "The Gospel of Blackbird", as well as his profile.

Congrats Tom!!!!

SUBMISSIONS CALL

2011-07-25T19:52:00.000-04:00

Eastern Shores of Michigan and Getting Ready for the Fall Issue

2011-07-25T14:34:00.003-04:00

Downtown Detroit, Taken in front of GM Headquarters

Lexington, MI

Port Huron, MI - sculpture found along the boardwalk Lake Michigan

It is interesting how different locales can spark creative ideas and opportunities. The July 15-17 weekend gave us the opportunity to visit St. Clair, Port Huron, Lexington and then Roseville, MI with Detroit added on as part of the return road trip back to Auburn. There is a different vibrancy that marks these areas; however, it pushed me to further realize that there are creative and exciting opportunities everywhere...you just have to look; be open, and have the ability to adjust to influences you may not be used to.

Onto the next point....

The excitement is starting to build for the Fall 2011 Issue, scheduled for launch on October 3rd. For me, each issue exists in its own domain of creativity but tries to push the envelope for the next issue. The burden (real or imagined) for the Fall issue is that it is the "opening act" for our First Anniversary Issue scheduled for February 2012. The more we push the boundaries in the Fall Issue, the more we have to deliver in the First Anniversary/Winter Issue.

You can join this quest...submit your unpublished work for our consideration.

Don't delay...do it now.

Have a great week.

bill

Waterloo, NY Event Postponed.

2011-07-18T14:39:00.000-04:00

DUE TO EXTREME HEAT, MICHAEL CZARNECKI’S PERFORMANCE IN FATZINGER HALL FOR WED, JULY 20^TH IS POSTPONED.

A new date will be posted as soon as it is known. The upper Hall in the complex has no A/C and weather forecasters predict possible record high temps and humidity for this Wednesday.

Stay cool.

Summer Arts Event in Waterloo, NY

2011-07-18T11:16:00.000-04:00

This event is part of The Literary Arts Reading Series 2011 of the Waterloo Library and Historical Society

This Wednesday, July 20^th,Michael Czarnecki of Kanonah, NY, a popular regional storyteller, poet, photographer, and oral memoirist, will present “U.S. Rte 20: a Journey Along America’s Longest Highway.” This program is a multi-media chronicle of several of Michael’s journeys over this historic cross-country route from New England to Oregon, including a trip he undertook earlier this summer.

This event will be held at 7 pm in Fatzinger Hall above the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, 31 E. Williams St, Waterloo. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments and a discussion with the presenter will follow.

This series, also featuring poets and the staged reading of plays, is funded by the DEC (De-Centralization) Arts Grants through NYSCA; it is produced by Joshua Mull and Patricia Roth Schwartz, both from Waterloo. Additional events in the series will take place Sept-Dec. 2011.

Check out my July "E-ViewPoint" Interview with writer Christine Green

2011-07-07T08:38:00.001-04:00

Christine Green, Reading at The Village Gate, Rochester, NY

My ongoing series of interviews with aaduna artists continues this month with a conversation with Christine. Enjoy!

http://rockfordkingsley.org/EZine/EViewPoints/InterviewWithChristineGreen/tabid/420/Default.aspx

Auburn, NY's First Friday Kicks-Off

2011-07-03T13:49:00.003-04:00

First Friday Event, Auburn, NY
July 1, 2011

The Seward House, Auburn, NY

(l-r) Billye Chabot & Lisa Brennan

Leaders of Auburn's downtown cultural institutions in association with the Business Improvement District (BID) and local businesses kicked off the first "First Friday" monthly celebration on July 1st. Of course, aaduna Board of Advisor member, Billye Chabot (executive director of the Seward House Museum) was instrumental in initiating this endeavor to draw residents and visitors to the downtown area of the City.

aaduna staff member and artist, Lisa Brennan documented our experiences at the venues we stopped at: Seward House, Swaby's, a local tavern; Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center and the Cayuga Museum.

To see the full video visit:

http://youtu.be/mhlX114DKrQ

Recent spotlight on aaduna Board of Advisors, and a collaborative partner:

2011-07-01T21:05:00.011-04:00

Ellen Blalock was featured on the front page of the “CNY” section of the Sunday, June 12, 2011 edition of The Post-Standard. Ellen was recruited by Light Work and the LGBT Resource Center at Syracuse University to create documentary portraits of LGBT families to create what was titled the “CNY Family Pride Project”, which was exhibited. This year, she agreed to revisit this project and add to the collection of portraits created in 2006-07. The project recently concluded a critically acclaimed and successful showing at ArtRage Gallery in Syracuse, NY. http://www.lightwork.org/exhibitions/past/cnypridefamilies/

Billye Chabot, executive director of The Seward House Museum was recently featured on WCNY’s Bridge Street. She talked about Auburn’s inauguration of a “First Friday” initiative that starts this evening, July 1 from 5-8 PM. Check out

http://www.youtube.com/embed/2-gJrbU2euo

Mr. Eli Hernandez

Mr. Demetrius Murphy

Honorable Mayor Michael Quill

Eli Hernandez, president of the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the NAACP, in partnership with The Office of the Honorable Mayor Michael Quill convened the People of Color Graduate Reception, Class of 2011 of Auburn Memorial High School. Demetrius Murphy, branch manager, assistant vice president for First Niagara Bank was the keynote speaker. This event was held on June 29, at 6 PM in the Chambers of Auburn Memorial City Hall.

Sean McLeod, president of the New York Institute of Dance and Education; artistic director of the Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre, and executive producer of the New York Dance Festival, Auburn, NY is organizing an exhibition titled “Dance on Walls” for the Cayuga Museum slated to open in February 2012. aaduna will feature photographs from the archives of N.Y.I.D.E. in the Fall 2011 issue and may be part of the Cayuga Museum exhibition that will help celebrate aaduna’s First Anniversary!

Lisa Brennan’s work was featured in the Thursday, June 30, 2011 “Go. Gallery” section of Go, “The Citizen’s Weekly Entertainment Guide”. Two of her photographs highlighted the narrative about the current exhibitions in The Borders and Penalver Galleries of aaduna. View the galleries at http://www.aaduna.org/galleries.html

Patricia Roth Schwartz, an aaduna supporter and colleague, had her play “Weeding for Isabelle” presented by The Fatzinger Hall Literary Arts Reading Series 2011 last night, June 30in Waterloo, NY. Pat wrote and directed the piece and the staged reading was performed by The Sage-Thyme Players (Ed Porter, Judy McMillan, Mary Alice Nunemaker, Chris Swanson, Pat Schwartz and Pam Bryan). The program was co-sponsored by The Literary Guild of the Finger Lakes.

aaduna Board of Advisors Meet...Urban Monks "Signify"!

2011-06-28T12:26:00.001-04:00

aaduna Board of Advisors meeting June 27, 2011

Last night at 6 PM, the aaduna Board convened for their second meeting of the year. I provided an expedited Publisher's Report since months ago I inadvertently scheduled a same night session with a decade old poetry workshop (Urban Monks, a multi-cultural group dedicated to expanding their creative talents through poetry ) at the Auburn Correctional Facility, and my clearance was approved earlier during the day. I had to be at the facility by 6:30 PM for check-in, so Lisa Brennan conducted the meeting until an official Chair was elected.

left to right: Pat Clark, Ellen Blalock, Walt Aikman, Eli Hernandez, David Bergan, Billye Chabot, Sheila Applegate

The Board approved the following agenda items: March 7 Minutes, the By-Laws as presented with the stipulation that needed changes would occur in the next few weeks for their review and ratification, and officers were elected (Dave Bergan, Chair; Patricia Clark, Vice-Chair; Billye Chabot, Treasurer, and Walt Aikman, Secretary).

BOA elected Chairman/President: David Bergan (left)
& BOA member, Eli Hernandez

I will clarify aaduna's vision and cast it in the context of a 3-5 year strategic plan for their review and discussion.  Prior to the fall meeting, I will update the Board on a pending grant application, IRS status, and our search engine optimization initiative as further details warrant advisement.

While several of the Urban Monks submitted poetry for aaduna's consideration, last night's workshop was a spoken word delight and poetry jam!  Each of the twelve workshop participants (attendance flunctuates depending on what is occurring in the facility), presented a diverse range of work that carried the resonance of hip-hop rhythms and Jamaican and Latino cadence. Particpants expected me to read so I presented two poems, "Wishing/Eulogy" and "Wishing II U". During the break, I answered questions about aaduna and our philosophies. It was a good experience for everyone involved especially me.  Much thanks goes to poet and playwright Patricia Schwartz for the invitation and her guidance through the process of gaining official ACF clearance, as well as her 10 year association with the Urban Monks as their workshop facilitator and mentor.

.

M&T JazzFest a Hit!

2011-06-26T13:11:00.010-04:00

Jazz Fest Stage June 25, 2011

It may be easier to call this past weekend's jazz festival a music festival since Friday's and last night's acts covered R&B, soul and blues. Rain and in a few cases thunderstroms dampened (no pun intended) the comfort of sitting in a lawn chair but the music soared. Held on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY, Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, the Average White Band, and the Robert Cray Band headlined the evening. The set by the Rascals included all their hits and a continuous medley of soul classics. Not to be outdone, AWB brough fresh approaches to their hits and also borrowed extensively from the soul music portfolio. Lisa and I did not stay for Robert Cray, who I really wanted to hear. The crisp evening air and drenched clothes forced an unplanned retreat back to the car and home. The reviews of Cray's set was what I expected. He rocked!

Bill, Jammin at Jazz Fest!

Last night crackled with a performance by the NYC based group, Jazz Guitars Meet Hendrix. Using an all Hendrix songbook, the group delivered fresh interpretations of Jimi's music and firmly establised his place in jazz circles. Al Chez and The Brothers of Funk Big Band performed an engaging set of jazz/rock fusion that reminded me of the the Don Ellis Big Band. The festival closed with Return To Forever IV featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Jean-Luc Ponty and Frank Gambale. While sporadic rain occurred throughout the other performances, the rain held off for RTF. All I can say is that this current version of the RTF franchise did not disappoint!

While the overall festival was slightly scaled back from previous years, music lovers and jazz fans were once again treated to two nights of wonderful music for free.

To learn nmore check out SyracuseJazz Fest.com

aaduna notes welcomes Guest Blogger, David H. Roche

2011-06-18T13:31:00.000-04:00

I was asked to talk about the art I create so here goes.

I’ve been writing poetry since 1970. My first material was published in the ‘Nickel Review’- in that year. My writing has changed a lot since then as might be expected. I do not take myself all that seriously with regard to art. I just consider it fun.

I took up photography several years ago quite by accident and realized that I enjoyed it immensely. It took a while to try and make art from simple snapshots. With the aid of software I taught myself how to manipulate photographs and to turn them into something that does not resemble what the original photograph represented.

My approach to this I consider to be based on the philosophy of the ‘Tao’. I approach the original image with the idea that it contains an infinity of possibilities in much the same way the ‘empty bowl’ is always the reservoir of unlimited possibilities. Buddhist principles related to ‘emptiness’ and ‘interdependence’ also inform me in the process.

When using the software I just begin doodling. For instance one of my favorites which I call ‘Understanding the Evening News’ resulted from a snap shot of trash on my kitchen counter. I do not have an idea where I am going or what I am doing when I begin with a photo. I begin with the idea that there is something in it and somehow I’ll let it out. Quite often something will emerge. I have heard it said that a sculptor can see the statue in the stone and then sets about to release it with his hammer and chisel. I guess my technique or approach is similar.

One of the things in this process that really intrigues me is that I do not decide what the image will be. The image develops in increments and morphs until I see something concrete appear. I have the feeling I am not doing it myself. The process seems to be independent of my will, much like that in automatic writing or an Ouija board. Eventually I know what it is. Then the work begins in wrapping it up. The idea of unlimited potential residing in the ordinary appears true and I seem to find it in the way I approach this.

I also take nature pictures. I live across from a small pond which is part of a migratory route for many birds. I’ve been here two springs and have seen the crops of ducklings come and go. I have photographed them as well as the herons that stop by for breakfast.

I love photographing flowers and when I manipulate them with the software my deliberate attempt is to give them a mystical quality revealing their imminent association with their source. I see nature as ‘God’s book’ in my altering of the pictures of flowers I attempt to reveal the divinity within.

Philosophically, the terrible plight of man is worrisome for me. I wonder quite often how long it will be before this present experience self destructs. This understanding makes me quite cynical with regard to following leaders or even the need for leaders. However this cynicism does not lead me to despair due to the understanding received from the various spiritual traditions I embrace.

David H. Roche

David's poetry can be found in the current issue of aaduna. Visit www.aaduna.org

aaduna Galleries Now Open, Today, Friday, June 17th

2011-06-17T12:32:00.001-04:00

The Borders Gallery

presents

“Solitude: Regardless of Season”

Lisa A. Brennan

June 17 – October 2, 2011

The Penalver Gallery

presents

“Spring Break in the Republic of China”

Kai Adwoa-Thomas

June 17 – October 2, 2011

Both galleries are accessible in the current issue of

aaduna

Visit www.aaduna.org/galleries.html

CHECK OUT DAVID ROCHE'S GUEST BLOG TOMORROW

David H. Roche Guest Blogs this Saturday, June 18th

2011-06-15T15:17:00.000-04:00

David's artwork graced the Home Page of the Winter/Premier issue of aaduna back in February, and he also provided a video and photographs for two of the galleries. He shares who he is as an artist and how he creates in his guest blog this Saturday.

This Past Weekend...I guess it is now over...

2011-06-13T12:07:00.003-04:00

While there was not sufficient time to vigorously promote aaduna, the personal time in
Washington, DC, Alexandria, and Arlington, VA was festive and celebratory.

Mrs. Theresa (Penalver) Berry, Happy 90th Birthday Mom!

My Mom, Theresa Berry, celebrated her 90^th Birth Day on Friday. She was feted at a lunch and dinner on her Birth Day in Arlington.

Lisa and Cheryl

Isis, Veronica, Allen

The family luncheon at Indigo Landing Restaurant in Alexandria on Saturday had her surrounded by two of her five grandchildren (Isis [my daughter] and Chanelle [Cheryl's daughter]), three of her children (Veronica and her partner Allen, Cheryl, and myself and my wife, Lisa), as well as a close family friend, Valerie. The after party continued at her home in Arlington with card games, conversation, and general good cheer.

On Sunday morning, Mrs. B had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery where her husband of over 52 years is buried. That event as been an annual tradition since 1995 the year my Dad passed. While family was in from San Diego, CA; Baltimore, MD; Brooklyn, NY, and Auburn, NY, throughout the weekend, Mom had congratulatory telephone calls from other family members and close friends. Notwithstanding the area's humid and hot weather, it was a good weekend. And there was talk of the big party for her 100^th Birth Day.

After this brief “vacation”, aaduna work rears its head. Two of the galleries will open on Friday, and some submission decisions for the October 3^rd issue will start to go out this week. While the submission period remains open until June 30, we remain committed to getting publication decisions out as early as possible and on a rolling basis.

We are also trying to make financial support for aaduna easier. More info on that initiative will come later.

Enjoy your week and whatever it may bring to you.

bill

We are off...yet again.

2011-06-06T17:37:00.002-04:00

www.aaduna.org

The 2011 Spring/Summer Issue of aaduna launched earlier today and two of the three galleries will open with exhibitions on June 17th presenting a body of work by Kai Adwoa-Thomas (home page photo) and Lisa Brennan (current issue photo). Remember, June 30th is the deadline for submissions for the Fall issue scheduled for launch on October 3rd.

Now, there is time to breathe (for a day or two)...sort of!

On a different note, if you enjoy the films of Robert Rodríguez and Quentin Taratino (as well as the classic directorial work of Sam Peckinpah with the 1969 film, "The Wild Bunch"), go rent the 2010 Korean film "The Good The Bad The Weird" by director Kim Jee-Woon, IFC Films). While subtitled, that small point will not detract from the film's fun, intrigue, scope, and imagination that may remind you of the nuances captured in "El Mariachi" and the English language follow-up "Desperado" (the film that inroduced Salma Hayek) by Rodríguez or the "Kill Bill" series by Tarantino.

I watched the film this past weekend when I took a break from aaduna work and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend this film for a relaxing time where you can just get caught up in the zaniness of it all. Oh, it is a western set in Manchuria. Go figure!

Have a grand week....

bill

Going Public

2011-06-03T15:52:00.000-04:00

aaduna notes was started to provide our board advisors, creative team, and supporters with updates as to the publication's development. From the onset, aaduna notes has been an invitation-only, private blog.

That is about to change.

As aaduna approaches the Spring/Summer 2011 Issue launch on June 6th and submissions continue to come in from around the globe, we have to look at all possible ways to market and promote the publication. Enabling our reading audience and casual blog searchers to keep abreast of what is happening "behind the scenes" and "between" issues can be a vital way to keep readers connected to aaduna. With guest bloggers, more photos, and links to other networks, the reach of aaduna notes can be expanded.

aaduna notes will forego its invitation-only, private shell for an open access approach that will enable anyone who wants to follow us the capability to do just that. This transition will start tomorrow, June 4th.

And we will see what the world brings to us!

bill

Narayan Interview

2011-06-03T15:38:00.000-04:00

Visit rockfordkingsley.org; put cursor on e-zine, then e-viewpoints, and then click on my discussion with Sunil Narayan. Enjoy the read.

Have a good weekend.

bill

Northern New York

2011-05-28T17:34:00.001-04:00

Lisa and I promoted aaduna in areas of Northern NY last weekend. We left "Call" flyers at select locations in Watertown, Sackets Harbor, and Alexandria Bay. In June, we will be in the DC/VA area and plan to push aaduna in a few places that we missed the last time we were down that way. My Mom celebrates her 90th Birth day on June 10th and we will fete her with other members of the family.

On a different note, Lisa is diligently pushing forward to get the next issue ready for launch on June 6th. I am trying to get us ready for the Fall October 3rd issue...with intriguing and captivating work.

Keep movin' forward in whatever you do.

Rolling along...

2011-05-15T15:11:00.001-04:00

Rosemary Blake, Contributing Editor-at-Large

aaduna has a new addition to its creative team!!! Rosemary Blake was a guest reader for the premier issue and is now a contributing editor at large. Check out her bio and photo in the Spring/Summer Issue launching on June 6th.

We are excited as we continue to evolve and change.

More news to come....

bill

Here We Go...Again!

2011-05-03T12:13:00.007-04:00

GET READY!

Coming

June 6^th

aaduna

Spring/Summer 2011 Issue

featuring

Poetry of

Kai Adwoa-Thomas
Cyd Charisse Fulton

Christine Green

Michael Lee Johnson

Mano Mannaz

David Roche

Fiction by

Christine Green

Keith Laufenberg

Non-Fiction by

Sheila Applegate

Chrsitine Green
Michael Ryhnes

Plus original artwork, photographs, and a gallery exhibition

Premier/Winter Issue Now Available

http://www.aaduna.org/

We are a community of transformation...

2011-04-29T19:32:00.002-04:00

Last night, Lisa and I had the rare opportunity to witness the premier performance of "Inside Out" a theatrical presentation by an exciting new drama ensemble, the Phoenix Players Theatre Group (PPTG). With support from theatre professors affiliated with Cornell University and Ithaca College, the audience was treated to a rare glimpse of autobiographical stories performed by each cast member. Seven men make up the founding members of PPTG, and last night's production was performed by five of them (David Bendezu, Kenneth Brown, Efraim Diaz, Michael Shane Hale, and Michael Rhynes) with two teaching assistants (Jeremy Flynn and Juliana Kliest-Mendez). While performed in a semi-circular chapel without theatrical lighting or sound system, the work was brillant, provocative, spiritual and thought-provoking. A Q&A was held after the performance with the cast interacting freely with the audience, and providing more personal insight into each story.

Clearly, this production has the makings of a significant off-Broadway hit with a shot at Broadway. But, it will never leave Auburn, NY.

The group was started in 2009 by men "dedicated to the idea that theatre work, combined with group inner healing work, is a true opportunity for all of us to connect and to become more fully human."

PPTG's motto is:
We are a community of transformation
Through the power of self-discovery,
we create the opportunity
to know and grow into ourselves.

The PPTG members are incarcerated persons at Auburn Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison.

You can reach out to them by contacting Stephen Cole: src16@cornell.edu

The Auburn Correctional Facility is commended for making the presentation of "Inside Out" possible.

Creating Viable Platforms

2011-04-12T12:17:00.000-04:00

I will write a monthly piece for Rockford Kingsley's e-zine that focuses on aaduna writers and artists. Using interviews, commentary, and my observations on art + culture, I want to engage RK's readership and stimulate them to become habitual readers of aaduna. More importantly, this initiative will provide another mechanism for artists to get their work and personalities before the public. Rockford Kingsley boasts being within the top 2% of websites for site visits and unique page views as confirmed by an independent company that tracks website usage. Before the Fall 2011 issue, I will have an independent audit of the aaduna site. "e-viewpoints" will premier on May 1st at http://www.rockfordkingsley.org/

I established a relationship with a writers group (Urban Monks) at the Auburn Correctional Facility, and will attend an April 28 theatrical performance written by a ACF writer whose non-fiction work will be presented in our Fall Issue. In late June, I plan to visit with their decades old Monday night poetry group to listen and learn.

aaduna poet, Sean O'Grady...

2011-03-30T21:18:00.001-04:00

Sean OGrady, Auburn Public Theater Open Mic Nite March 29 2011

performed solo at the Auburn Public Theatre last night as part of that venue's open mic night. (Sean's poetry was published in the premier issue of aaduna.) He covered "Joy Division" by Simon Joyner, "Arienette" by Bright Eyes, and "Blood Bank" by Bon Iver. His vocals and guitar playing were well received by the audience.

Bob Brower, Auburn Public Theater Open Mic Nite March 29 2011

A local supporter of aaduna, Bob Brower led the Auburn Public Theatre House Band through a three song set that showcased Bob's vocals and the musicianship of the pianist and lead guitarist. He graciously recognized aaduna and its literary scope before starting the band's repertoire.

More "good news" to come....

Volume 1, Issue 2...

2011-03-29T15:57:00.001-04:00

is coming along. We have identified the writers, and I suspect this issue will have another original feel to it as the envelope gets pushed a little more. There will be some interesting photographs that mark the seasons this issue will embrace: spring and summer.

A grant application will go out this week. We need to solidify the technology infrastructure to facilitate our move forward for the Fall issue, as well as an initiative centered on unpublished creative writing at the high school level. This effort is part of aaduna's literacy objective. More news to come....

Foundation Search

2011-03-27T19:33:00.000-04:00

The process of investigating foundation priorities has started with the first two investigated no longer providing support for unsolicited applications. In these cases, the foundations have narrowly focused national giving to a limited number of organizations. A request for an application for a regional foundation was made today, and this organization has supported cultural and environmental groups in central New York for more than three decades.

I will periodically post updates on grantmanship efforts. Of course, suggestions are always welcome.

Take a moment from March Madness, and check out...

2011-03-20T14:17:00.000-04:00

Creative Hue "is an organization of visual artists and patrons in Western NY." aaduna appreciates their assistance in expanding our audience of submitters and readers. So, when there is a break in the basketball game(s), check out http://creativehueartistcollective.blogspot.com/

OK, get now get back to your game(s)!

A seed...

2011-03-17T16:06:00.001-04:00

Cyd Charisse Fulton, a poet in the Premier/Winter Issue, plans to host a luncheon for fellow artists in early April for them to workshop their recent works. She will also use that get together to fundraise for aaduna. If you have plans to raise funds, let me know, and I will share your effort with the aaduna community. I am sure everyone recognizes that each and every effort is a planted seed towards a bountiful garden. And I appreciate that effort.

With Form 1023 filed with the IRS, I am gearing up to identify deadlines for appropriate grants, and then the task of writing grant applications. In addition, I will start to reach out to local corporations regarding aaduna's viability for sponsorship.

I trust everyone is enjoying a wonderful St. Patrick's Day afternoon and evening.

Another milestone....

2011-03-15T17:48:00.000-04:00

aaduna, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit "pending approval." All necessary paperwork is on its way to Covington, KY for IRS review and final determination. This review can take a minimum of 30-60 days or an undetermined period of time if the file is assigned to a staff specialist. The IRS allows organizations to operate as a tax-exempt organization while pending a final determination and receipt of the IRS letter stating the official tax status.

Please keep aaduna in mind when deciding on donations to non-profit causes.

Now, on to the next task.

What is aaduna?

2011-03-13T11:05:00.001-04:00

share

This article appeared in the March 13, 2011 edition of "The Citizen," Auburn, NY, reported by Justin Murphy. Many thanks to Tamara Madison, featured poet in aaduna's inaugural issue for her kind words and contribution to this article.

BOA and Preparing for Issue #2

2011-03-09T11:35:00.001-05:00

Board of Advisor Members, Sheila Applegate and bill berry, jr.

Board of Advisor Members, Billye Chabot and Dave Bergan

While it was a typical winter's evening, the Board of Advisors convened; had a good discussion, and will finalize action on the By-Laws and ratification of board officers at the June 27 meeting. That meeting will convene at 6 PM with dinner available at 5:30 PM.

The process of preparing the Spring/Summer issue is underway, and your suggestions are always welcome.

Aftershock...The Day After

2011-03-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

aaduna launched last evening, and first thing this morning, we tackled and resolved glitches with the team and artist photographs, as well as technical problems with the exhibitions in the Borders and Penalver Galleries. While there are 1-2 other issues to correct, the site is getting positive feedback. So, the day after finds us prepping for the next issue since the deadline for submissions is next week. I have not fully savored this premier accomplishment; maybe that will come after this Monday's BOA meeting. We'll see....

2011-02-28T16:42:00.000-05:00

Is Today The Day?!

2011-02-28T12:14:00.000-05:00

February 28th...the day. It appears my commitment to perfection (or close to it) has colleagues working feverishly to correct and/or tighten up missteps. While we were confronted with unexpected technical problems as we mounted the work in the exhibition galleries (right before the weekend when everyone had to get on the road for various critical events), we are working to get those resolved. We will not settle, or take shortcuts. Our job is to present the work of the artist in the best format possible. The official launch will be later this afternoon (notwithstanding a possible lag time on the server's end of things). I keep telling myself that in any birth, there are unexpected complications. aaduna will be "born" on this date, February 28th. 'Nough said.

In My Mind...

2011-02-22T16:15:00.000-05:00

Throughout my years of formal education, I studied, wrote papers, and read with music in the background. This habit has never left. As a professional, every office I existed in has had a mechanism to play music, and it played…always. In recent years, I was doing quite a bit of long distance driving, so audio books eventually replaced cassettes and CDs, and those books are too numerous to mention. (I am a voracious reader.) However, music has always been there. So, it is appropriate that I share what I have been listening to while doing the final edits on the written work that has been placed online for aaduna’s premier issue. So far,

Norah Jones… Featuring (2010)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, So Far (1974)

Aretha Franklin, Jewels In The Crown…All Star Duets With The Queen (2007)

Chaka Khan, Funk This (2007)

Milton Nascimento/Jobim Trio, Novas Bossas (2008)

Santana, Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time (2010)

This scenario just happened…word editing is finished!

The rest of this afternoon/evening, jazz will accompany me though my work on the visual images for the Penalver Gallery. I'll start with a 1994 compilation, Introducing The Verve Jazz Masters. It is on the CD player now. So...

Go 'head, you know you want to put on some of your music. Go 'head, do it!

Enjoy.

Dance, Dance, Dance...

2011-02-18T21:06:00.002-05:00

We all have other personalities.

Our public, and then private personas immediately come to mind.

As you know, we probably present one or more of these identities at appropriate times to deal with particular environments or situations. More importantly, these visages enable us to explore other dimensions of ourselves without distraction and possibly unnecessary comment.

Veronica Ramos (aaduna’s web designer) toils at other endeavors in addition to graphic design, illustration, and crafting web sites. Under her stage name Utopia, she will make her professional deejay debut at Crave Lounge, 429 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, NY on February 26. The affair, a Celebration of Life, will be from 5 PM – 5 AM, and there are other deejays that will play. Utopia will open the event and play her set until 6:30 PM. If you are in the area, support her. There is no admission charged from 5 -7 PM. However, be prepared, house and classic club music will prevail, and aficionados of those genres are especially welcome; this event is sponsored by FaceTheBassLive.

Web Site Update

2011-02-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

If you ever followed the construction of any structure, you know there are several phases where each phase forms the foundation for the next level of building. Well, the infrastructure is set (and that will be fine tuned prior to launch), and we are now placing the work in the appropriate sections of the journal. Veronica Ramos (Indigo Graphics and Design) with strong support from Lisa Brennan is working feverishly to create a visually impressive site that supports and enhances the words that aaduna will present, as well as craft the environment that will host the images exhibited. On that front, there will be three distinct exhibition spaces: The Kuta Gallery, Borders Gallery, and the Penalver Gallery. I am still building collaborative partnerships, and managing administrative functions, but I'll save sharing the mundane stuff for after the launch. Back to work.

Did You Have a Good Weekend?

2011-02-14T09:09:00.001-05:00

In celebration of the NAACP’s 102 Anniversary, as well as African American History Month, the local Auburn chapter hosted a Saturday afternoon celebration of 22 distinguished African Americans who made significant contributions to the City of Auburn and Cayuga County. Hosted by chapter president, Eliezer Hernandez (aaduna Board of Advisor member), the event recognized a diverse group of individuals including Sean McLeod, a member of the aaduna Board. With an impromptu invitation to speak specifically about aaduna, I made remarks that the audience embraced since the aaduna Call flyer was in the hands of most attendees during the reception. I also had the opportunity to talk to a few attendees about their writing, and encouraged several people to submit.

Later Saturday evening, I saw a rousing, joyous, and uplifting theatrical production presented by the Auburn High School Musical Club. aaduna supported the cast and crew of All Shook Up, inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, by placing a half-page ad in the production’s program.

High Falls Visitor Center, Rochester, NY - BOA honorary member, Sally Wood Winslow's "home away from home"

On Sunday afternoon, Lisa and I attended a reception for exhibitions, In Between 2 Worlds, Thaw: Hot & Cold, and Pressing Issues: Letterpress Art at the Art Gallery of the Center at High Falls in Rochester, NY. Honorary BOA member, Sally Wood Winslow directs the Gallery and Center. Besides keeping Call flyers visible at the information desk, Sally will put me in contact with artists who may want to assist aaduna’s development (Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. and Roberta Rainey). “Twas” a cultural weekend that once again proved that the realm of creativity is a vibrant and necessary ingredient for human development.

In closing, however you may recognize the day or not, may love caress your every sinew and fiber, and may you return the love that you receive to others.

Have a gracious and festive Valentine’s Day.

In Seventeen Days...

2011-02-11T11:13:00.001-05:00

Through the imaginative and captivating nuances inherent in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, visual images, and sound, the aaduna readership will experience discovery, redemption, enlightenment, reflection, and empowerment. Showered by a kaleidoscope of creative pathways that are brilliant, haunting, and memorable, the reader’s journey will be akin to looking in a mirror and, for once, really understanding the reflected image. Though tempted, there is no need for hyperbole. The words, images, and musical notes will capture a diversity of oneness while radiating individual statements of stylized grace and textured beauty. As a collection, it is the exploration that aaduna was created to seek.

The Premier/Winter 2011 Issue is coming…. And I am excited!

Premier/Winter 2011 Issue of aaduna

2011-02-04T09:40:00.002-05:00

aaduna notes welcomes the Inaugural Class of Authors and Artsists whose words, images, and music will grace the premier issue of aaduna. These creative visionaries are:

Liberation Breeds (Toledo,Ohio)
Bill Canino (Auburn, New York)
Latasha N. Nevada Diggs (Harlem, New York)
Cyd Charisse Fulton (Jersey City Heights, New Jersey)
Almira Atudillo Gilles (Palatine, Illinois)
Frank A. Gladden (Silver Spring, Maryland)
Thomas Lee (Foster City, California)
Dzekashu MacViban (Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon)
Tamara J. Madison (Jersey City, New Jersey)
Sunil P. Narayan (Beaverton, Oregon)
Sean O'Grady (Auburn, New York)
Kameelah J. Rasheed (Brooklyn, New York)
David H. Roche (Warrenton, Oregon)
Michelle Tan (Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines)
TK Turner (Texas)

You will have the chance to experience their gifts on February 28th.

It would be a PARTY!

2011-01-31T21:25:00.000-05:00

This afternoon, Lisa and I talked about how festive the affair would be if we could magically gather the contributors for aaduna's premier issue in the same space with the Board of Advisors, the creative/publication team, guest readers/editors, and partners. From our end, we can feel the positive energy and spirit from our charter group of authors and artists. In the next few days, I will announce the contributors in an e- to the BOA along with the date for the initial board meeting, as well as a major change to aaduna notes.

FYI: Lisa will be getting out marketing requests to the aaduna community in the next few days, and we need for each of you to get the word out to your friends, colleagues, and associates. Your effort will have a twofold purpose: to attract possible submitters for our Spring/Summer 2011 Issue, and continue to build our potential readership base. I thank you for any initiatives that you elect to do to keep aaduna moving forward.

Moving in Multiple Directions...

2011-01-29T18:30:00.001-05:00

ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, NY
ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! Graphics of the Black Panther Party USA, exhibit: January 8th through February 19, 2011

Each of us probably does the same thing, multi-tasking; trying to juggle all the balls in the air; running all over the place. You know the drill. And I wonder if we remember the advice of our parents when we tried these tasks while growing up? Anyway, the second month of the new year approaches and aaduna is shifting into overdrive. This afternoon, I restocked Downtown Books & Coffee with the new Call flyer; placed some at Eureka in Armory Square in Syracuse, and at ArtRage, the Norton Putter Gallery on Hawley Avenue in that city. While at the gallery, I reflected on the images contained in the current exhibition, ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!Graphics of the Black Panther Party USA. This show elicited vivid and provocative memories of such a different time. Moving on...In a few months, aaduna BOA member, Ellen Blalock will have her work exhibited at the gallery in an exhibition titled CNY PRIDE FAMILIES from April 30 - June 11.

Lisa continues her work, and collaboration with Veronica Ramos, the web designer (Indigo Graphics and Design) who is manifesting aaduna's online presence. While I may be biased, their work rocks!

Exhilarating...Making Joyful Noise

2011-01-27T14:20:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks have been an adventure in ups and 1-2 declines that were eventually transitioned to ups. Frankly, we are quite busy communicating with the authors and artists that will be featured in the Premier Issue...editorial comments, getting the Letter of Agreement out, responding to concerns, as well as getting the website ready for launch and all the issues that pertain to that task! In addition, we released the Call for Submissions for the Spring/Summer 2011 Issue, and will get a press release out to local venues when we get the chance to sit and pause. I will share the Call with the aaduna community by this weekend, and ask that you foward it to all your e-mail contacts. Keep in mind, we are trying to uncover interested emerging and established creative folk, as well as build and ignite the readership base for aaduna.

I hope to announce the date for the initial Board of Advisors Meeting before month's end.

As soon as the charter group of writers and artists are finalized, they will receive an invitation to this blog, and I will open it up to comments. It will still remain a private blog.

I hope January is kicking off a good new year for everyone.

The First Week of 2011

2011-01-09T14:15:00.000-05:00

The first week of the new year was productive, exciting, and fun. The majority of submitters were notified; the design and functionality of the web site continues to move forward with Lisa working closely with the designer of the site; discussions regarding editorial comments went well with contacted authors, and I was able to further network aaduna in Western, NY and on Saturday morning, in select establishments in Skaneateles.

(Left) Collette Fournier, Photographer, (Center) Terry Chaka, Baobab Cultural Center,
(Far Right) Sharon Turner, Community Darkroom, Rochester, NY January 7, 2011

This past Friday evening, Lisa and I did attend the discussion and reception for Kamoinge photographers at The Baobab Cultural Center in Rochester. Rockland County, NY based photographer Collette Fournier discussed her work, and the work of the other four exhibiting photographers. I was able to make a variety of contacts to further expose aaduna while setting the stage for future visual image submissions and/or collaborations. (I am most interested in a collaboration with Community Darkroom, which is part of the Genesee Center for the Arts and Education, Inc.)

(Back) Alloysia Haynes with Sharon Turner

Bill Berry with Collette Fournier

Bill Berry, Baobab Center Reception, January 7, 2011

I also hope to create a working partnership with the Baobab Center, as well as with Creative Hue, an organization of visual artists and patrons seeking to "preserve African American culture through the arts." The current Baobab exhibit focuses on the distinct layers, mutuality, and identity of people of color, the Neo-Africans.

During the second week of a new year, the activities of the past several days will continue and intensify.

A Time for Celebration...

2010-12-31T13:09:00.000-05:00

Gourd Ornament

As the last day of the year starts to fade, I am reminded of sand in a hourglass that seeps slowly to the bottom to rest until it starts a new journey falling in a different pattern than before. As this year transitions to a new twelve month cycle, it is fitting to advise those submitters whose work will have a home in aaduna. Starting later this afternoon, I will continue that process throughout this first new year weekend.

I am sure each of us has an annual tradition that puts away the old and marks the start of yet another new year. Enjoy whatever that activity is for you, and have a festive start to 2011, and a joyous New Year.

Celebrations and Festivities

2010-12-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

Cleopatra & Cairo- The Berry-Brennan Family Cats
"Peace & Joy on Earth"

Based on the local Christmas Eve street traffic jams and full parking lots, there are many people who are tossing away the winter blues and getting ready to herald Christmas Day, Kwanzaa, and the coming new year. For me, it is a time for reflection and being thankful; a time to embrace the riches in my life and what is really important. A time to take a break from negative moments and those day to day hassles of life that tend to weigh us down. I know the key is to maintain this type of holiday spirit on a daily basis and not just for a few days each year. I also know that is easier said than done. But, we can try.

Lisa and I, and our children, wish each of you a Holiday Season that is wrapped in joy, love, festivities, and contentment. May happiness fill your heart and home, and may blessings ride each snowflake that lands on you this season. Enjoy!!!

FYI

2010-12-22T17:49:00.000-05:00

Maybe I did not mention that besides being the publisher of Olive Trees, Ron Van Nostrand is a poet, musician, and editor. A few minutes ago, I sent him the Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to create a viable working partnership between his print publication and our online initiative. At our meeting last week, we agreed in principle on the tenets in the MOU.

Lisa and I will be in Rochester the evening of January 7 for a reception for the artists and curators involved in the current exhibition at the Baobab Cultural Center located at 728 University Avenue. Titled "NeoAfrican Expressions - a photographic exhibition of the African Diaspora in Everyday Life", one of the co-curators is Rockland County resident Collette Fournier (close friend and colleague) and other members of the Kamoinge Workshop. Collette specifically requested that I come ready to talk about aaduna and bring promotional material. While we have been at Baobab before, I suspect that evening will be quite enjoyable, as well as productive from a marketing/networking perspective.

aaduna Grows

2010-12-19T18:15:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday, Lisa and I had a very enjoyable, relaxed, and productive luncheon meeting with the publisher of Olive Trees. We reached a tentative agreement for the two entities to collaborate and partner. Basically, aaduna will provide an online presence that will maintain and support the legacy of Olive Trees while aaduna will be able to broaden its outreach to a community of authors and readers via a presence in the ongoing Olive Trees print publication. I hope to get the Memorandum of Understanding to Ron early this week, and bring it to the BOA at its initial meeting. I suspect this endeavor is one of those win-win situations.

The Holiday Season

2010-12-13T15:04:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday evening, Lisa and I participated in a candlelight tour of the historic Seward House Museum. A new initiative of Billye Chabot, the museum's executive director (and an aaduna BOA member), the tour was a trip into "holiday elegance and artisic expression", as well as an opportunity to appreciate how contemporary creativity can easily imbue historic grandeur. Hopefully, this Victorian era costumed actors event will become an annual gift to the community.

An aaduna/Olive Trees Update

2010-12-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

Developed in the summer of 1984 as the newsletter Re-connection Revelation, the publication sought to keep the members of a disbanded theatre company in contact with each other. Two years later, the name was changed to Olive Trees and opened to the general public for submissions. Currently, there are subscribers in 20 states. Around 2002-03, one of the publisher's colleagues, who conducted poetry workshops at the Auburn Correctional Facility, convinced him to publish a special issue featuring the work of Auburn inmates. Since then, the print edition keeps three pages available for incorporating the poetry of inmates statewide. Needless to say, Olive Trees is available at most correctional facilities in NYS. It is commendable that for a few decades, that publication has developed and maintained a diverse and wide audience of submitters and readers. I am arranging to meet with the publisher, Ron Van Nostrand, later this week or next. aaduna's mission states,

It will develop workable partnerships with...like-minded organizations...to create a vibrant environment where respectful dialogue and discourse is welcome.

Expanding the Support and Network...

2010-12-03T18:58:00.000-05:00

For the premier/winter issue, a few guest readers from around the country have been invited to comment on the submissions. Their opinions will be valued as key supporters of aaduna, and help transition this blog from limited and private access to a more open private access. In time (probably pre-Spring 2011), I suspect this blog will be available to published submitters, as well as those individuals who become partners in aaduna's sustainability.

Good weekend folks.

An interesting possibility...

2010-12-02T14:30:00.000-05:00

Olive Trees is a locally based publication featuring the work of poets and writers. Some of you may be familiar with it since it can be found at Burritt's Cafe in Weedsport, Peace Dreamers, and The Center in Auburn and other locales. The publisher has expressed an interest in aaduna taking over an online version of the printed magazine. I have reached out to Ron Van Nostrand, and will keep you posted on developments. (Glenn Churchill of the Auburn UPS Store facilitated Olive Trees'
interest in aaduna.)

Change and Moving Forward.

2010-11-29T17:27:00.000-05:00

During the past few weeks, my attention has been focused on an administrative issue that has finally found appropriate resolution. And this was just in time to use the Thanksgiving holiday period to find additional promotional avenues for aaduna.

MOVING FORWARD - Thanksgiving Trip to Virginia & Washington DC

Washington DC, November 26, 2010

Lisa and friend, Sandra Miles
Bus Boys & Poets Cafe

Bill & Sandra Miles
Busboys & Poets Cafe

Last Friday, I placed Call for Submission cards at Busboys and Poets, a socially conscious restaurant that has become a haven for artists, supporters of the arts, art exhibitions, and spoken word events. Named in honor of Langston Hughes, Lisa and I visited the location at 14th and V Streets, NW in Washington, DC where we brunched with a very dear friend and supporter of the arts. (There is a location on 5th Street in the District, as well as one in Shirlington in VA.)

On Thanksgiving morning, we went by The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office located in Alexandria, VA since I have to complete some administrative work, get it filed, and needed to know the exact location for another possible future trip.

ITHACA, NY - Continued Marketing...

Autumn Leaves Used Bookstore, The Commons, Ithaca, NY
November 29, 2010

Diaspora, The Commons, Ithaca, NY
November 29, 2010

This afternoon, aaduna cards were placed in popular venues in Ithaca. The submission info is posted in the entranceway to DeWitt Mall; on display at Autumn Leaves Used Books, a valuable resource for old and hard to find books, and at the register counter for Diaspora, a retail store specializing in African art, artifacts, books, and clothing. Autumn Leaves and Diaspora are on the Commons.

More will come....

How Time Flies...when you are having fun.

2010-11-15T19:49:00.000-05:00

Bill Berry with Glenn Churchill, Franchisee/The UPS Store Auburn, NY who exhibited at "Market Cayuga" trade show held at the Holiday Inn on November 10, 2010

Last Wednesday, November 10th, I represented aaduna at the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. I met several "influencers" who have already provided valuable network info, as well as access to artists and leaders of local cultural institutions. Before leaving, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with the Superintendent of the Auburn Enlarged City School District, J.D. Pabis. He encouraged me to reach out to a contact at the Auburn Education Foundation in case teachers want to write grants to support the aaduna literacy initiative. I will provide more about this initiative in the coming weeks.

This past Friday, November 12th, I took Lisa and my Mom for lunch at The Bellhurst Castle, located in Geneva, NY along Seneca Lake. I posted several "Call for Submissions" flyers. Later in the day, I talked to the management, and placed aaduna "Call for Submissions" postcards at the Book Warehouse, a retail bookstore in Premium Outlets, Waterloo, NY. On Sunday, placed additional cards at the Auburn's Downtown Books and Coffee (and pre-ordered James Patterson's Cross Fire...maybe another Morgan Freeman film where he recreates the Alex Cross character.), and placed "Call" cards at Creekside Books and Coffee in Skaneateles, NY.

Dr. Walt Aikman, Cynthia Aikman (Honoree), Bill Berry

Today, an event intertwined several prior networking efforts into a completed circle.  Cynthia Aikman, friend, Cayuga County Legislator, co-owner of NorthStar Management, Inc., and wife of BOA member Walt Aikman, received the 2010 Phyllis Goldman Encouragement Award for Women. Convened at the Highland Park Golf Club, Jane Fox, President and CEO of the Fox Auto Dealership was the keynote speaker. In Cynthia's acceptance remarks, everyone noted the wet eyes throughout the room.

Later this afternoon, I met and chatted with the Carey Eidel, Managing Director of the Auburn Public Theatre while at the local UPS Store.  He plans to share aaduna info with his wife, Angela Daddabbo, Artistic Producing Director of APT (She produces the monthly poetry jam/reading at the theatre), as well as other poets who have started local poetry readings. We briefly talked about possible future collaborations.

Glenn Churchill, UPS Store owner, also shared two poetry booklets he printed for a NYS poet who compiles the work of different, new, and challenging poetic voices.

Enchanted Garden - A Guided Meditation - Sheila Applegate with music by Joanne & Leah Shenandoah

In closing, kudos and rounds of applause are sent to BOA member and friend Sheila Applegate. Sheila received a nomination for, and then won a NAMMY for "Best New Age Album" at The Native American Music Awards held on November 12th in Niagara Falls. Her CD, Enchanted Garden was a collaboration with Joanne and Leah Shenandoah, and is an highly recommended inspirational piece of creativity and wisdom.

Congratulations to Sheila and Cynthia. Their creativity, insight, and graciousness are motivational sparks for me and aaduna!

Time does fly when you are having fun.

A Season of Vitality, Reflection, and Focused Directions

2010-11-08T22:31:00.000-05:00

The start of fall routinely signals the start of a new cultural/artistic season. Amidst new exhibitions, premiers, special issues, tours, and openings, there is the behind the scenes drama that challenges creative minds to challenge one another, compromise, negotiate and quite possibly re-direct individual energies towards different paths than previously planned. In this type of vortex, it is often wise to rise above the process, view it with a certain ease of detachment, seek clarity, and re-enter the "fray" with a singular sense of purpose. As aaduna experiences such a process, I am reminded of the various temperments when I interned at The Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts/National Center of Afro-American Artists in Boston; directed the BFA/MFA program at Antioch; mounted a cultural arts performance program at Stony Brook; experienced the affects of political interference on academic freedom associated with artistic performances, exhibitions, and speakers at Rockland Community College, and the conservative nature of other institutions that ensured stagnant status quo cultural presentations, which routinely failed to challenge preconceived notions. Needless to say, this is an interesting time.

Being mindful that the work of aaduna must continue even amongst rigorous debate and some inanity, this afternoon our submissions manager launched the start of a two-day blitz to invite emerging arrtists to consider aaduna as a publication of choice for submissions. These artists reside in diverse places such as Lantau Island (Hong Kong), Columbia (South Carolina), San Francisco, Nashville, Yonkers, Chattanooga, Silver Spring (Maryland), Memphis, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, Oakland, Bodoe (Norway), and Jersey City. I get to launch to supporters and the readership base tomorrow, as well as to some international artists, and out of country organizations. This is surely an interesting time.

Submission Deadline approaches for the Premier Issue...

2010-11-01T17:01:00.000-04:00

November 13th is the date. Please encourage folks you know to submit unpublished works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry or a visual artwork for consideration. If they have questions, they should send an e-mail to info@aaduna.org

The aaduna Call for Submissions postcard has been redesigned. While the changes are subtle, the revised card captures the eye better than the start-up version. These cards are normally left at cultural venues, and some commercial establishments that support the arts.

Simply food, a circus, and conversation...

2010-10-25T21:57:00.000-04:00

Lisa, Carrie, and I left Auburn at 7:37 this past Saturday morning, and returned around 6:40 yesterday evening. We had dinner (including my Mom, younger sister Ronnie and her partner Allen, oldest daughter Isis, and her cousin Jasmine) at Sequoia in DC (Georgetown area). Afterwards, we all went to Cirque du Soleil's show "Ovo" at the National Harbour in MD, and had fun comversation at my Mom's place in Arlington, VA to cap the evening. And while it became an unplanned aaduna free-weekend, the creative juices flowed in that direction. aaduna will benefit from ideas on the next trip down in November around "Thanksgiving" time. And my Mom is in Auburn until that return trip.

I will get aaduna info to a few bookstores in DC next month. Kramerbooks and Cafe, and Politics and Prose are top on the list, and there is at least one other (I can't recall the name) in the Dupont Circle area. Please recommend others. I'll also visit the Borders on Leesburg Pike in northern VA as well.

A quickie...

2010-10-22T19:18:00.000-04:00

Poetry from New Jersey, and fiction, in standard script format, from Toledo, OH are recent submissions. Off to VA/DC tomorrow morning; back in Auburn Sunday evening.

Wishing a gracious weekend to all.

A Nice Vibe...

2010-10-21T21:02:00.000-04:00

Existed at The UPS Store reception at Turning Stone this past Monday evening. I met and had good conversations with store owners, as well as Sean Brown, Director of SavOn Operations (the Oneida Nation's convenience stores), who first thing Tuesday morning put me in contact with the Nations' VP of Human Resources. It appears HR may have an interest in supporting and working with aaduna. Sean felt aaduna's mission speaks to several concerns that the Nation is trying to address.

After dinner, Lisa and I rejoined her colleagues at the Casino's Sports Lounge. Met Stuart Mathis, President, MBE (Mail Boxes Etc., a UPS Company). We were in e-mail communication Wednesday morning, and at another point in time, I hope to parlay that meeting towards a value added relationship for aaduna.  I was also able to talk about the publication with company officials form Atlanta by way of Reno, Nevada.  Much thanks to Lisa for opening these possibilities.

You never know where networking may lead you.

Another Networking Opportunity.

2010-10-18T09:40:00.000-04:00

Lisa arranged the invite so I'll attend the Northeast Regional Quarterly Network UPS Store Meeting convened at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. The meeting starts today (with a golfing event and I don't golf even though my Uncle Lou was on the PGA tour...way before Tiger). It ends tomorrow. I will pitch aaduna at the main Reception this evening. I need to identify the corporate folks who handle philanthropy, and establish a relationship with area store owners. Corporate officials will be in from San Diego, and some other officials are coming up from Atlanta to join their regional colleagues.

What else should I be doing to build readership, solicit submissions, and lay the ground work for a revenue stream???? Let me know.

aaduna - spreading the word

2010-10-15T18:13:00.000-04:00

Left the house at about 4:00PM today, armed with aaduna "Call for Submissions" postcards

First Stop: The Cayuga Museum of History & Art

203 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY

An outside photo of The Cayuga Museum - believe it or not, this photo was taken in the pouring rain today with a cell phone!

Lisa and I met with Lauren Chyle, the Cayuga Museum Curator, who agreed to post and distribute aaduna's call for submissions postcards. This evening, from 7PM - 9PM, the museum will host an adult poetry reading. Check out their website: http://www.cayuganet.org/cayugamuseum

NEXT STOP TODAY

Auburn Public Theater

8 Exchange Street at Genesee, Auburn, NY

http://www.auburnpublictheater.org/

Unfortunately, Auburn Public Theater closed at 3PM. We'll stop back tomorrow.

Noticed the above sign in Auburn Public Theater's window. APT hosts "Poetry Night" the last Wednesday of every month. Check out http://www.auburnpublictheater.org/ for history and events. A fascinating story!

SOHO Syracuse 2010

2010-10-15T15:09:00.000-04:00

While the Small Business Presentations were too much product pitching, the SUNY Oswego Metro Center presentation on "Five Characterisics of Effective Teams" (by Dr. Kimberly Armani) was informative and validating. I was able to esablish networking contacts with, and provide "Call" information to the following:

CNY Latino...from the latino community for everyone in Central New York, a monthly publication; the rep will get info to the 27 or so contributors who routinely write for the paper.

International Center of Syracuse (Vikki Smith), a non-profit organization that provides services that facilitate cross-cultural and international exchange in Central New York, and serves as a regional hub for cross-cultural and international exchange through networking and partnership with institutions/organizations in the U.S. and abroad, and

Jake Horvat, Business Marketing Group Account Representative for Wegmans, which is a six-state supermarket/lifestyle operation. Jake provided the name of the corporate officer responsible for sponsorships, grants, scholarships, charitable donations etc. since he thought the company would be interested in supporting an aaduna initiative to address literacy at the high school level. (More to come on that idea.)

Ran into Justin Mann, Manager of Sales and Catering for the Riveredge Resort and Hotel in Alexandria Bay, NY.  He offered to start to get the word out about aaduna in his neck of the woods since he felt that there was a vibrant community of writers and artists in the Thousand Islands area.

Of course, I will follow-up with these contacts accordingly.

Off to the Cayuga Museum and Auburn Public Theatre to leave "Call" info for the poetry events at these venues later this evening.

We have our third and final honorary board member.  Everyone who was invited to become a part of aaduna via the Board of Advisors accepted!

Expanding the team

2010-10-13T16:04:00.000-04:00

Finalized the bios for the creative/publication team and hope to share with the Board of Advisors on October 15. The official appointment letter is ready and just needs to be fine tuned. Will represent aaduna at SOHO Syracuse 2010, a small business show at the Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter, Syracuse, NY. Left "Call" postcards at the Seward Library and Downtown Books and Coffee in Auburn yesterday, and did a similar task at The Center at High Falls/Fine Art Gallery, and LJ II's, a Jamaican restaurant both in Rochester. My contact at LJ II's will get them out to folks this week.