COMMUNITY

Janet Harrison’s amazing adventures hiking the Appalachian Trail as a woman over the age of 50 will make for a fascinating book. I can’t wait to read it.

Emily Dykstra, our youngest member, is a master of fantasy, intriguing us with tales of vampires and werewolves. She is wise beyond her years in writing dialogue.

Ellen Kennedy*, aka E.E. Kennedy, is the author of four cozy mystery novels with intriguing titles starring a high school English teacher: “Irregardless of Murder,” “Death Dangles a Participle,” “Murder in the Past Tense” and “Incomplete Sentence.”

I, Nancy Panko*, am currently completing my second novel, “Sheltering Angels,” the fictional tale of a little girl who can see and talk to her guardian angel. My first book, “Guiding Missal: Fifty Years, Three Generations of Military Men, One Spirited Prayer Book,” won an award from the Military Writers’ Society of America.

THE CHICKEN COOP

Our group has made history. Eight members, denoted with an asterisk by their name, have been published in issues of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” contributing 32 stories collectively. Amy Newmark, editor and publisher of the famous series, calls us “The Chicken Coop.” In an astounding coincidence, three members of the group each had a story accepted for “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Believe in Miracles.” Newmark met with us via FaceTime to say that we had broken new ground in the history of these uplifting books. We are very proud of that achievement.

During another FaceTime meeting with Newmark, we suggested that “Chicken Soup for the Soul” put together a humorous book. Imagine our surprise when we received a story callout for the first-ever “Chicken Soup for the Soul” humor book. When published, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Laughter is the Best Medicine” broke all previous sales records in its first week.

Up until COVID-19, the Cary Senior Writers’ Group met Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at the Cary Alliance Church. Since our tightly-knit group can no longer gather in person, our group leader, Ellen Kennedy, learned—by trial and error, with some expert tutoring—how to conduct Zoom meetings, and each member navigated their electronic devices to join.

Whatever the genre, regardless of the participant’s age, we are all equal when we sit down to read our work each Friday. Some have called our gatherings therapy sessions, and sometimes they truly are. We have collectively supported members experiencing personal crises and similarly rejoiced in every members’ success. Not only do we listen and give constructive critique, but we pray for and mentor each other.

This unique entity we call a writers’ group has become much more than that. It is in this spirit of friendship that the Cary Senior Writers’ Group was founded and continues through Zoom, despite COVID-19.

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Santa Has Entered the Meeting Taking your holiday celebrations virtual

iStock/vlado85rso

BY MELANIE DEZIEL

As North Carolinians continue to You might even arrange for a special guest with a red suit and adjust their work and social lives to white beard to make a brief cameo. Consider sending out fit social distancing requirements, virtual background options to your attendees, with instructions so too will many of us adapt our for how to apply them. holiday celebration plans. But there’s no reason for a virtual party to feel like a stuffy office meeting. PLAN ON-CAMERA ACTIVITIES Drawing on the lessons learned from Another concern with virtual events is how you’ll keep everyone virtual event planners and savvy party experts, you can create engaged and the conversation flowing. “Ugly sweater contests a truly memorable holiday experience, even if you’re can happen virtually,” Schiefelbein says. Ask your attendees to celebrating through a screen. wear their most festive look, then use the platform’s built-in

“Think of the event as a full experience, and plan mini polling feature (which most have) so attendees can vote for the experiences throughout,” says Jill Schiefelbein, author of best ensemble. “Digital Communications.” Here are some other tips to help “Take it a step further by creating a virtual photo booth, where you celebrate in style, even while socially distant. everyone has a different prop,” Schiefelbein suggests. “You can then use breakout rooms to create a thematic screenshot with CREATE ONLINE AMBIANCE your props, and give a prize to the most creative.” One easy way to set the mood is to plan the backdrop that will You can also ask everyone to bring something holiday-related appear on camera behind you. Decorate a designated wall or that is special to them, then host a virtual holiday show-and-tell. corner, set up in front of a decorated tree or crackling fireplace, Other ideas: Host a singalong, cookie-eating contest, dance or use a virtual background if you’re short on space and decor. break, holiday craft-making demo or festive fashion show.