Author Archives: beth

“Stories & Poems of Edgar Allan Poe” – NEA / Big Read

This gallery contains 43 photos.

Here are just a few of the scores of photos that Staten Island OutLOUD & friends have snapped during our Poe Big Read.  A few of our 45 events are photographed below, including: A very young reader creates her unique drawing of The Black Cat, reading Spirits of the Dead in a historic cemetery, Poe’s wine tasting, a visit to … Read More

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Moby Dick: Sat July 27 at Fort Wadsworth

Staten Island OutLOUD’s annual celebration of Moby Dick on Saturday, July 27, 6:30pm at Fort Wadsworth’s scenic Harbor Overlook.(Enter through the guard station at Bay St & School Rd).  Rain or shine; if it rains, we have a comfy indoor location adjacent to the Harbor Overlook, just a few steps away.

Every summer, Staten Island OutLOUD reads Moby Dick in a spectacular setting: the Harbor Overlook of historic Fort Wadsworth.  Music by the Staten Island Philharmonic Orchestra.

As you sit on the bluff listening to Melville’s haunting tale, you’ll feel as if you’re on the prow of a great ship. Our readers share the story of Ishmael, Ahab and the crew of the Pequod as they begin their mystical journey.  This is a place that Melville loved; he wrote lyrically about it in Redburn, one of his first novels. He visited the site during his many trips to Staten Island (where his brother lived), and he wrote about it in one of his last short stories.

Park in the Visitors Center lot, and follow the sidewalk to the Harbor Overlook.  If you have a permit for special-needs parking, ask the guard to direct you to that reserved parking area, located just a few steps from our event locale.

For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com.

This event is perfect for all ages; often three generations of families join us.  Free and open to the public. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING A LAWNCHAIR!

For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com.

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Memoirs OutLOUD – Creative Writing Workshop



  • Memoirs OutLOUD – A creative writing workshop for adults age 50+.  Our workshop sessions meet at 10am on the first and third Saturday of each month, at the St George Library Center, 5 Central Ave, SINY 10301 (just up the hill from the Ferry Terminal & Borough Hall).  Check at the desk to confirm our room location for that date.

  •   OUR NEXT WORKSHOP WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6th, 10am.

  •   Please arrive promptly as a courtesy to your fellow writers.

  • For details on related NYPL scheduling, visit www.nypl.org.    
  • We thank our participants for arriving promptly as a courtesy to your fellow writers.  Staten Island OutLOUD welcomes Islanders to this stimulating writing studio, open to adults only.  Whether you are an experienced writer, or just beginning to explore your writing potential, this free workshop offers a supportive environment.  If you plan to visit Memoirs OutLOUD for the first-time, please arrive by 10am, as a courtesy to other participants. Be sure to bring a pen and paper.  If you’d like to read a short excerpt from your previous work, we’d be happy to accommodate if time permits.  If you are just beginning to explore your writing potential, that’s just fine; we’ll help you get started at your own pace. 

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Poe & Stephen King

Stephen KingSaturday, Nov 16, 2pm, Killmeyers Old Bavaria Inn, 4256 Arthur Kill Road, SINY 10309

Stephen King says that Poe is one of his chief inspirations.  Indeed, Poe has been idolized by generations of writers.  Join our Guest Host, the writer Victoria Hallerman, as we compare Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher with King’s The Shining.  What do these two masters of the genre have in common?

Plenty of free parking in the adjacent lots.  For directions via public transportation, please visit www.hopstop.com

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Poe & Murder and Mayhem on Staten Island

Thursday, Nov 14, 7:45pm   at Wagner College, 1 Campus Road (off Howard Avenue), Campus Hall – Room 228, Staten Island NY 10301

Join historian Patricia M. Salmon, who’ll present her new book Murder and Mayhem on Staten Island, published by The History Press. If details the stories of infamous murders on the Island, from 1843 through the Jazz Age.

One of the most notorious murder mysteries was covered by Edgar Allan Poe, when he was a young crime writer in New York City.  Mary “Polly” Bodine was accused of the Christmas murders of her sister-in-law and infant niece.  The mother and child were savagely beaten to death, then their house was set afire to destroy some of the evidence.  Polly Bodine was tried three times for the murders, but ultimately acquitted.  Some observers say that the Bodine story influenced Poe as he developed the first detective story, The Mystery of Marie Roget.We’ll read & discuss Poe’s writing, as we explore Ms. Salmon’s account of the Bodine case.

Free & open to the publicBodine news characture with flames

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The Big Read, Autumn 2019: “In the Heart of the Sea”

The National Endowment for the Arts has chosen Staten Island OutLOUD to present The Big Read in our community. This is our tenth consecutive award from the NEA, and we are proud to present a series of varied free events, exploring Nathaniel Philbrick’s gripping story, In the Heart of the Sea.

Program details will be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, here is the NEA’s announcement regarding The Big Read 2019: https://www.arts.gov/news/2019/national-endowment-arts-announces-1-million-grants-support-community-reading-programs?fbclid=IwAR0FIm09ZBV-BbmCMTSC-ne5xLRffXm7fa8IadWFcUrs6d4PQZ5kzBbdMzc

Heart of Sea book-movie ref

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Poe and the Forest

Poe image in bare trees with ravensSunday, Nov 10, 2pm, Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave, SINY 10314

We’ll read Poe’s mysterious “A Tale of the Ragged Mountains”, together with some of his other works reflecting the beauty of the natural world.  Weather permitting, we’ll also enjoy a short walk through the Greenbelt woods.  (Be sure to dress appropriately if you’d like to join our walk)

Free parking in the Greenbelt lot.  For directions via public transportation, please visit www.hopstop.com

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The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket

Pym book coverSaturday, Nov 9, 9pm & 10pm, at Deep Tanks Gallery, 150 Bay St, SINY 10301  (just three blocks from the Ferry)

Staten Island OutLOUD presents a spoken-word performance based on Poe’s only novella, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.  Co-hosted by Margaret Chase and Deep Tanks’ Florence Poulain and Kristopher Johnson. OutLOUD will create a spoken-word performance with video and live music.

Plenty of free parking on the street.  For directions via public transportation, please visit www.hopstop.com

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The Tell-Tale Heart

Saturday, Nov 9, 2pm at the St George Library Center, 5 Central Ave, SINY 10301

Staten Island OutLOUD joins our librarian friend, Margaret Sigglinno – and you! – for a community chat on Poe’s terrifying tale, The Tell-Tale Heart.  Copies of this short story will be available at the check-out desk ahead of time.

For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.comedgar-allen-poe-1

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Poe for Very Young Readers

Tuesday, Nov 5, 1pm, Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, SINY 10301 (on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center)

Poe’s stories adapted for very young readers.  Age-appropriate, fun & not too, too scary.  Hosted by Doris Nielsen, popular teacher and creator of many magical literary experiences for young readers.

Plenty of free parking in the adjacent lot.  For directions via public transportation, please visit www.hopstop.com

 

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