Poets and writers reading at John C. Campbell Folk School
By GLENDA BEALL

Newton of Hiawassee, Georgia and Paul Donovan of Murphy, NC are reading at the John C. Campbell Folk School on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Folk School and the North Carolina Writers' Network West.

Newton's poetry and essays are often tongue in cheek political essays, but he

writes on various other subjects as well. Clarence was born in Virginia and says he played pool when he should have been in school, but graduated to billiards. He joined the United States Navy and served in World War II. He spent over thirty years in aviation. After reading an autobiography by Louis Nizer, gentleman attorney, he immediately signed up for Law School night classes and attended for three years. As many writers in this area have done, Clarence studied writing and poetry with Nancy Simpson, Writer in Residence at the John C. Campbell Folk School. His essays have appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Towns County Herald, the Smoky MountainSentinel and the Gainesville Times. Clarence is a Georgia Cracker, he says, but is still in love with his Yankee wife and chief advisor, Lorraine. He is a long-time member of the North Carolina Writers' Network West.

Paul Donovan is also a member of the North Carolina Writers Network West. He enjoys writing poetry as a hobby and published a poetic autobiography, Ramblings of an Idiot. He was instrumental in bringing to fruition, Lights in the Mountains, an anthology of writers from the eight counties west of Asheville, North Carolina.

Paul has done much to promote writing in Cherokee County. He encouraged young writers in his community by initiating an annual poetry contest for all Cherokee County High Schools. He obtained the sponsorship of local businesses. First, second and third prize winners were presented with United States Savings Bonds. His love of poetry inspired him to establish monthly readings for all local writers who wished to participate.

Paul has spent the last three years developing the spiritual aspect of his life through "Reiki" (a hands-on method of healing). He has now begun to write poetry and essays again from a different prospective.

Clarence Newton and Paul Donovan will bring new and different poems and prose Thursday evening guaranteed to pique interest and entertain the audience. Everyone is invited to the Keith House to listen and enjoy their fine work. There is no admission charge.