Most residents don’t think of their hometowns in the Wyoming Valley as a haven for creativity, and they would be surprised to know that the writing community is filled with a variety of talent and events to choose from weekly. But the most amazing part about these brilliant Wyoming Valley writers and artists is that they take an active part in expanding the consciousness of our area. Recently, our local artists decided to come together to benefit someone extraordinary.
Charlotte Lewis is a brilliant and dynamic local poetess who makes meaningful noise with her words. Her punk-rock desire for traveling across the country allows her to return with eerie gypsy tunes on her fiddle and tales of a captivating America still filled with the magic of rain beating against the pavement, strangers’ muffled chatter, crickets chirping, the wind in the redwoods and railroads thundering. Of Charlotte’s storytelling, James Crane writes that her “words [are] reminiscent of dreams, sadness and empowerment.”
Recently, however, Charlotte was in a bicycle accident that had left her in the intensive care unit. Miraculously, on Easter, Charlotte awoke from a chemically induced coma and has been improving enough to move her to a neuro-trauma unit to begin rehabilitation.
Charlotte’s sister writes to friends on Facebook to update everyone on Charlotte’s status. A few days ago, she wrote, “We are really amazed that she is progressing so quickly. But we want to stress that this process will take weeks. She has now managed to sit up and talk with people, with both eyes open and (somewhat) focused. My family said she was laughing and smiling at the last visit with her, and she keeps saying how amazed and thankful she is to everyone who is organizing, praying and pulling for her. She’s really happily overwhelmed.”
To show their love for Charlotte, friends have begun planning ways to aid her with the costs of her medical and living expenses.
One of the bigger advertised events is on April 24. Charlotte’s sister, Lizzie, is coordinating the international movement of cyclists, Critical Mass, to promote awareness for Charlotte’s accident. Anyone who wants to ride can meet at 6 p.m. at the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton. Also, Stacy G. from Outrageous on Center Street in Scranton has made bicycle CHARm necklaces (CHAR(lotte)m) with a Charlotte picture tag. They are now on sale at Outrageous.
On Sunday, April 26 at 5 p.m. Anthology book store will host a benefit show at the Vintage Theater at 222 Wyoming Ave. in downtown Scranton. The Vintage Theater has hosted many great arts events in the past, such as community film project screenings, improv shows and local bands. Conor O’Brien, the proprietor, has booked some great bands such as Tigers Jaw and The Ginger Ales, and the Bracken Theater will be performing a short comedy. Andrea Talarico, owner of Anthology, is in charge of providing area favorites like Crane, Jennifer Hill-Kaucher, Eric Wilson, Jim Warner and Mike Ambrose. The entrance fee for the event is $5.
Other benefits include Sunday, May 3, when Greg Popill will host a Benefit Show at the Judge n’ Jury, and the baker for Eden Cafe has decided to donate all of her proceeds from this month to Charlotte’s recovery.
Since Charlotte’s still very cloudy, I’d like it when she finally wakes up from her haze to know what went on in the world when she was missed. So I’ve also been collecting letters for her. If you feel compelled to share some motivational words with her, e-mail me at erin.delaney@yahoo.com for the address information.
There are lots more benefits springing up! Be there and show your writerly community spirit.
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