
4 minute read
Gulf Coast Writers Association and Alliance of the Arts collecting stories about local Hurricane Ian experiences
By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com
Gulf Coast Writers Association, Inc, and the Alliance for the Arts are working together to help the community share their Hurricane Ian experience either through an oral, or written story, which will be shared during the one year anniversary this September
Mary Charles with Gulf Coast Writers Association, Inc, said when she was meeting with her association, she mentioned she wanted to do something regarding Hurricane Ian
“I began to write about it for my own therapy,” she said, which led her to asking the other members if there was any interest in putting it out to the public to collect stories “I learned almost immediately that the Alliance for the Arts had a similar initiative ”
Gulf Coast Writers Association and the Alliance for the Arts decided to collaborate Both would harvest the stories, with one being verbal stories and the other written
“Our job would be to put together an actual book We would collect the stories and publish a book in time for the anniversary,” Charles said “We said let us be responsible for the printed book ”
Those who would like to provide an oral submission can call 239-744-3047, a line dedicated to the project by the Alliance for the Arts, and leave a threeminute story anonymously If more time is needed, the storyteller can call back and continue The oral submissions will continue to be collected past the written deadline The Alliance also has an online form at https://www artinlee org/stormstories/
Both the published book and oral subm i s s i o n s w i l l b e s h o w c a s e d d u r i n g a month-long exhibit, and listening booth, a t t h e A l l i a n c e f o r t h e A r t s d u r i n g September In addition, artworks inspired by Hurricane Ian will be featured by F l o r i d a a r t i s t s a n d d o c u m e n t a r y - s t y l e photography by Kinfay Moroti
Charles said so far they have received a dozen stories, with some in poetry form S h e s a i d s o m e a r e r e a l l y d r a m a t i c accounts individuals with water up to their necks in their homes, not knowing if the water was going to continue to climb Another story was from seasonal residents who were away when the hurricane hit, which offered a different perspective as they learned about the impact through the internet and on TV during the storm
“We have a few dozen We want a few dozen more,” Charles said
The book is intended to provide an opportunity for people who experienced Hurricane Ian to share their experience, while becoming published writers as a result of having written their stories
“Everybody has the opportunity to tell their story and have it published in some form Gulf Writers will have a committee to look at each story and help by offering editing advice We will back them up with the editing and that makes people feel a little more comfortable,” Charles said
There are no fees, age restrictions, or a word count limit to participate Submissions should be made at www gulfwriters.org by April 30.
“We just want people to tell as much as they are willing to and feel comfortable telling and sharing it with their immediate neighbors and county and maybe further,” Charles said
Although six months have passed since Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction, the impact is still very close to the surface f o r m a n y T h i s w a s a p p a r e n t w h e n Charles conducted a memoir workshop in her community, leaving many sharing their stories still in tears
“People need to get it out,” Charles said “As important as getting published, (it's about) getting it out All of this has really been stressful for so many people Getting it down on paper, or doing a three-minute barf, I hope it will be therapeutic.”
Charles said she has extended an invitation to other writer groups around the state to also put together a book with public submissions, as Hurricane Ian damage went beyond Southwest Florida
Those who have questions can email Charles at mary@marycharles com

American Legion Post 136 accepting scholarship applications; deadline May 16
attending 2 or 4-year programs, colleges, technical or trade schools Some time exemptions may apply to technical and trade schools that are accredited
American Legion Post 136, SAL member at Post 136 or Auxiliary member at Post 136, you qualify to apply for scholarships offered by the post
The Legion is interested in students

Help Wanted
Freelance
Photographers Pressman PressAssistant
TheBreeze NewspapersBreeze CommercialPrinting hasanimmediate needforthefollowing positionsatour PrintingFacility.
PRESSMAN: experiencepreferred butnotrequired.F/T
PRESSASSISTANT: willtrain,F/T
PaidVacation, Benefits,401K,great workenvironment!
ApplyinPersonor emailyourresume
BreezeNewspapers 14051JetportLoop FtMyersFL33913 r brown@breezenewspapers.com
Professional
Redbarn
Saturday,April22nd 8amto4pm
Sunday,April23rd 8amto4pm

701SE21stAve (offSE24thAveat SE8thSt
T otalcontents ofhome. Beautifulfurniture, homedecor, kingbedroomset, garagefulloftools andmiscellaneous.
Donátmissit!
Pictures: facebook.com/redbarnestate anddemolitionsale
Recreation Vehicles
Air Conditioning
Contractors
Fill & Dirt Grading
24óHOURSERVICE NOOVERTIMECHARGES FAMILY OWNED/OPERATED Lic#CAC1817070 (239)573-2086
Medical & Health
Getyour
MedicalMarijuanaCard
Fast Easy Appro-val callfora FREEEVALUATIONBY PHONE 239-236-5311
CMMDR.COM
Garage Sales
Power Boats
INSTANTREBATES AVAILABLE óAirPurificationSystems óHighEfficiencySystems óDuctCleani ng
FreeEstimateson ReplacementSystems
Boat Lifts & Docks
Customdocks
&BOATLIFTS
WEBUILDQUALITY DOCKS
HAWLEY CONSTRUCTION OVER20YEARS OFEXPERIENCE ALLINLEECOUNTY.

FREEESTIMATES www.marinedocks.net Call(239)561-8074
CBC026058
Concrete Contractors
TOMáSCONCRETE,INC
ànTractorService
Specializingin ConcreteSlabs Drives
Patios
Sidewalks
Stucco-LandscapeCurbing
513CulturalParkBlvd CapeCoralFL fortmyersbeachtalk .com
April21thruApril23 7:00a.m.to6:00p.m.
ALLITEMSMUSTGO! MAKEANOFFER!
SprayCrete-Keystone âNoJobTooSmallã
BackHoe-Grading-Fill TopSoil-Rock-BushHogging PondDigging-LandClearing WefixDrainageProblems âNo Bull - Just Quality Work YouCanTrustã
Residential¯Commercial NewConstruction
Remodels¯Repairs
RoomAdditions
FreeEstimates 239-707-0654
Bonded-LicCBC058576-Insured BulldogBuildersInc.com
AFFORDABLE FREE ESTIMATES
NewInstallation IncludesPermit
2YearWarranty
RainBirdContractor
A+RATED-ANGIESLIST
Installation&Repair
Licensed&Insured
FAMILYOWNEDSINCE1981
LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938
Sanibel#S11-000923
Residential/Commercia l
FullServiceGeneralContractor
*Additions
*Remodels
*Renovations
30YearsExperience
VeteranOwned
239-560-5448 bestorcontracting.com
Licensed&Insured
License#CGC1532266
Handyman
Painting
ONEMANPAINTINGCO.
Residential Interior&Exterior DetailOriented, TidyandPersonal Nojobtoosmallorlarge utilizingathreepersoncrew. Andalways,freeestimates andreferencesfurnished. Givemeacalltodiscussallof yourpaintingneeds.
ThankYouInAdvance Steve (239) 339-7361 fortmyersbeachtalk .com
LaborersWanted 239-543-3700
Cell239-849-5375 captivasanibel



