WRWA Newsletter.pub - Wisconsin Writers Association

Page 23
From Time to Time—Members’ Letters Robin E. Butler, Membership Chair
Elayne Clipper Hanson of Portage writes: “I have been a
member since 1967. I served on the Board from 1969 to 1999.
I was president seven or eight years and during our 50 th anniversary
celebration. It was during my tenure that we [had to
reorganize the WRWA], renewing incorporation with the
state, getting past records up to date, etc., an extremely trying
and busy time. I spent almost full time on the organization
[bringing] it from an almost deficit [condition] to one where
we had C Ds in savings.... Don Schambow used to be my pastor
in Portage years ago.” When Don (a former Lutheran pastor)
became president, Bill Heins (a former United Church of
Christ pastor) was still treasurer and I (a former Presbyterian
pastor) was just secretary, all we needed was an ex-clergyman
vice president to fill out a “divine” executive committee. Contrary
to what you might believe, we have been unable (so far)
to perform miracles.
Irene Luethge of Sheboygan writes: “I was awarded a membership
in May 1988 as a winner in the Yarns of Yesteryear
contest. I have enjoyed and found useful most of the articles in
the WRWA newsletter ever since. That [contest] put me in
touch with the Sheboygan Writers’ Club. I joined and found it
highly enjoyable and helpful over the years since. Their critiques
of my two manuscripts resulted in the publication of
two books. I reread my collection of WRWA newsletters from
time to time and continue to find helpful contents.” Again, a
long-time member from a one-year prize membership. Seems
like an issue for the Board to consider reinstituting.
Kimberly Link of Cambria writes: “I enjoy writing and
want to do more of it. Barb Jensen encouraged me to join a
few years ago while teaching a creative writing class in Portage
at MATC.” That reminds me to remind other members to
get out and recruit more new members.
I DO ENJOY the notes from renewing members, and the
help I get from members I contact now and then to clarify, or
verify, records. I've been checking the winter addresses of
"snow birds" recently and got this note from Peter Sherrill,
who is not a "snow bird" but has a technique for enduring
Wisconsin winters. He says: "I just burrow my head a little
deeper under the covers." (I've tried that, but then my wife
complains that I'm pulling all the covers.)
SPEAKING OF "snow birds," if you haven't sent me your
alternate address, or if you've changed it, be sure to let me
know. Our newsletter is bulk-mailed which means the Post
Office will not forward it. If I have your alternate address, and
know the period of time you will be in the Sunny South, I will
adjust the newsletter mailing list accordingly and you will
receive The Wisconsin Regional Writer wherever you are!
I GET SOME COMPLAINTS, too, now and then, and constructive
criticism, and problem-solving suggestions. I don't
have the authority to deal with most of these items, but they
are not lost. Board and non-board WRWA members are constantly
working "behind the scenes" to solve problems and
innovate solutions and changes. I won't embarrass anyone by
mentioning names but here are a few member concerns and
comments I have rephrased:
1. WRWA seems to concentrate on short stories and poetry.
2. How about an "Advisory Board" of experts to answer questions
about copyright, tax deductions, recommended agents
and editors, publishing and self-publishing
3. Most conferences are too far away.
4. No listing of members who could be contacted for advice
on writing matters. (This member would be willing to pay for
it.)
5. Maybe a presentation on public speaking do's and don'ts, if
taken to heart by some speakers, would make a more satisfied
audience.
6. Do we have members who would be willing to just read
(and comment on)
someone else's manuscript, for a fee
I do pass on such matters to the Board of Directors where
each member's input is definitely taken seriously. There is one
thing we never get enough of, though—suggestions as to
HOW these ideas might be implemented. Yours are always
welcome.
Rosemary Varney writes that she "really like[s] the newsletter
layout and content." Take a bow, Boyd.
SOMEONE SENT me a newspaper clipping of the obituary
of Florence R. Poehlman. It was just a small piece of paper
fluttering unnoticed to the floor at my desk. When I eventually
noticed it, I could no longer identify whose envelope it fell
from. I'm sure there's a story here, so whoever sent it please
contact me.
Dolores George writes that she has been a member of
WRWA since 1948, the year WRWA came into existence.
Maybe she can be persuaded to share memories of some of the
early days of WRWA with the rest of us
David White says he heard "a couple of guys on the radio"
coming back from a trip to LaCrosse Saturday, Oct. 12 and
that apparently inspired him to join WRWA. Welcome David!
The "guys on the radio" were our President, Don Schambow,
and Vice President, Nate Scholze, who were being interviewed
about WRWA on the Wisconsin Public Radio network.
RECENT NEW MEMBER Liz Fentress of Louisville,
Kentucky, is responsible for making WRWA international.
She persuaded Sue Chenette of Toronto Ontario, Canada, to
join also. Welcome to you both!
SHERRIE HELLRUNG, a former Wisconsinite now living
in Florida recently contacted me in search of information
about her aunt. Mrs. Ben Crane, who published some poems
many years ago in Creative Wisconsin, a magazine then published
by WRWA when it was "Rural Writers" instead of
"Regional Writers." With the help of two Honorary Lifetime
Members, Lorraine Hawkinson, our wonderfully knowledgeable
historian, and Libbie Nolan, who was a staff member of
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