Book Markers 12.08.11

Poetry in Patchogue

    As the book review on this page indicates, Patchogue contains multitudes.

    On one hand, as an example, the compiler of this column heard his physics teacher at Bridgehampton High circa 1985 express a not uncommon view when he began a discussion of the place with, “If God were to give New York an enema. . . .”

    On the other hand, it’s still got its share of stately Victorian houses, a hell of a waterfront, a fine brewery, and a public library with the top reference desk and most comprehensive music collection in the county. And (Riverhead, take note) what’s more moving or encouraging than a small American city gamely fighting to maintain a vibrant core?

    Toward that end, behold the Poetry Place on Waverly Avenue, red-bricked and ready for readings. It offers them most Fridays and Saturdays, after which the podium is open to all comers. Tomorrow at 7 p.m., there’s one by Phil Postiglione and Tammy Nuzzo-Morgan of the North Sea Poetry Scene, the organization behind the relatively recent establishment of the Long Island Poetry Archival/Arts Center, as it’s officially called, “the only historical archive of its kind on Long Island.”

    What’s more, the place will benefit from a “poetry performance” by Suffolk’s current poet laureate, Ed Stever, an adjunct professor of English at Suffolk Community College’s Eastern Campus, and his Poetry Theater Ensemble on Saturday at 3 p.m. The event, which costs $10, also involves one-act plays by Mr. Stever and Barbara Kirshner. It’ll take place in the Clare Rose Playhouse of St. Joseph’s College — in Patchogue.

“Bread & Poetry”

    The poet, activist, and New York University professor Kathy Engel, a founder of the Hayground School in Bridgehampton, will read from her work for “Bread & Poetry: A Sagittarian Reading,” the first of what is to be a new series there, tomorrow at 6 p.m. Ms. Engel, who is also a founder of MADRE, the international women’s rights organization, will be joined by Cheryl Boyce Taylor, a Trinidad-born author of three collections of poems, the most recent of which is “Convincing the Body.”

    The “Bread & . . .” series, for adults and students, is also, as advertised, for foodies, this first one with a focaccia-making workshop and various South Fork food purveyors on hand, from Amber Waves Farm to David Falkowski, the mushroom man, from the Wolffer Estate Vineyard to the Mecox Bay Dairy. The suggested donation is $10.