SAN DIEGO –When the Lawrence Family JCC needed to close because of the Coronavirus and all programs were cancelled, it seemed obvious that the Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices program, scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. would not take place. However, Melanie Rubin, the JCC’s innovative Director of Senior Activities and the Astor Judaica Library, and her assistant, Sarah Mattis, suggested that we could have the program after all, by doing it on the internet through Zoom.
Two of the three featured poets were willing to participate in the online format and we were able to recruit a replacement for the third, so next Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m.., we will be having a virtual Zoom gathering to enjoy the poetry of Elaine Olds, Mara Cook and Andreas Eros. Their hour-long presentation will be followed by a half hour of open mic, where participants are invited to share samples of their poetry.
Elaine Olds grew up in Detroit, Michigan. She then moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she taught young children for over 30 years. She began writing poetry to help her better understand the struggles of her students. She and her artist husband came to San Diego in 2000, where she continued to attend poetry workshops. A few of her poems have been published in San Diego Poetry Anthologies and in a Language Arts Magazine.
Mara Cook, a native San Diegan, belongs to Congregation Beth Israel, where she sang in the Youth Choir. She has been writing poetry since childhood. Mara recently graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. Recently, she has been setting her poems to music, since she enjoys playing with the rhythm of language.
Andreas Eros was born in Amsterdam, Hollandm to Jewish-Hungarian parents. His father, Peter Eros, former conductor of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, had a conducting position in Amsterdam at the time. After the family moved to San Diego, Andreas attended the Francis Parker School, then earned his bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University in Exercise and Nutritional Science and his master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Currently, he teaches physical education at a private school and runs a Japanese Karate Studio. He has also taken up natural bodybuilding. Andreas is the father of three children, Diego, 20, Sasha, 18, and Lily, 16. He attributes to his mother, Georgy, a lover of art and literature, his life-long interest in poetry writing.
If you would like to attend the Zoom program, please contact sarahm@lfjcc.org. If you would like to participate in the open mic, please let her know.
On the morning of May 5, you will receive the link, which will allow you to participate in the Zoom meeting.
We are grateful to Melanie and Sarah’s initiative in arranging this alternative method for us to conclude our planned season of Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices.
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Eileen Wingard is a freelance wreiter specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com