The Readers & Writers

As a reporter for the NY Times covering American intelligence, Tim Weiner won a Pulitzer Prize for his work on secret national security programs.

As the third generation of a military family, Lucian Truscott IV attended West Point and wrote the acclaimed novel “Dress Grey” about his time there.

George has done more than 35,000 sessions for the bereaved and is recognized as the most scientifically tested medium of our time. 

Best-selling author of “Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey Into the Afterlife” which describes his 2008 near-death experience.

Actress, writer, producer and an award-winning documentary film maker. She is the editor of Wilton Magazine and is the Director of The Ridgefield International Film Festival (RIFF) in Ridgefield, CT.

Joan was an assistant talent co-ordinator for The Dick Cavett Show, associate producer for a Candid Camera Special, and writer for Live from Lincoln Center.

David has received many awards, including six Emmys, has been nominated for three Directors Guild of America awards, and has taught at the New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

John is the author of six books about classic movies. He has been an annual participant in the Black Bear Film Festival, conducting onstage interviews with Farley Granger, Arlene Dahl, Marge Champion, Keir Dullea, Jane Powell, Rex Reed, Tab Hunter, Lorna Luft, and Jane Alexander.

In “History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times”, Mary Frances Barry recounts many of the protests in which she was active, analyzes their organizing strategies, and considers the lessons we can learn.

Serves in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing northeast Pennsylvania’s 8th District. He also has a University of Pennsylvania connection, as a graduate of its law school and having served as the editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review.

Nancy has won top prizes for categories of poetry and essays in the Alyssa Katon Writing Contest and her poetic work, “The Road to Night,” was awarded first place in the 2011 Mulberry Poets & Writers Annual Poetry Contest.

Rainer an 8th grader at Bay Shore Middle School, has been writing since he was 4 and has been published in several literary journals: The Louisville Review, Stone Soup, Skipping Stones, and Balloons Literary Journal. 

Mike is a poet, playwright, and writer/performer of humorous and educational children’s songs. He has released two CDs, “I Sing About Things” and “Are We There Yet?” on his Dust Bunny Music label.

Veronica is the moderator of this panel.  She is a poet and host of Emerging Voices Open Mic Night, a monthly venue in Milford where poets, musicians, comedians and speakers share their voice.

Gayle is a local author of seven children’s books. Her debut novel, “RATGIRL: Song of the Viper” was nominated for the Horn Book Award and the International Reading Award.

Della Ross Ferreri is a French teacher and children’s writer. She is the author of two board books, “Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle” and “Precious Baby” as well as  the picture book, “Beep! Beep! Special Delivery”.

Karen is the author of many books for children, including the popular “I Wanna” series — “I Wanna Iguana,” “I Wanna New Room,” and “I Wanna Go Home” from G.P. Putnam.

Dr. Parrino is the founder of the children books publisher, GP’s Honey Tomes, and has written and published the following: “Gus, The Feeling Better Polar Bear”, “Gella the Geep Is More Than a Sheep”.

Jacqueline has written 2 children’s books including “Oliver and His Unlikely Friend” (2016) and “Oliver Gets a Surprise” (2017).

John is a teacher at Paterson Arts and Science Charter School, Paterson, NJ, where he teaches history to 9th graders and is a 4^th grade Character Education instructor. He published “There’s Good in Every Bunny” in 2016.

Phil is the owner of D.I.P Promotions LLC, a company focused on maximizing a persons’ potential in academics, athletics, and entertainment. He recently published his book, “Product of Determination – The College Years”.

Ruby is a writer, storyteller, and performance artist who has a unique storytelling style she’s developed since her earliest days of performing in NYC’s Greenwich Village as well as with the Port Jervis Poet Society in the 1980’s.

Richard is an award-winning American journalist and novelist. He is the author of the New York Times and international bestseller “The Hundred-Foot Journey”. He has just released the novel, “The Man With No Borders”.

Melinda is currently an independent scholar who taught courses on the civil rights movement, social justice organizing, gender and sexuality in African American families, sex work and gendered labor, and law and public policy.

John Harvey is a naturalist and consulting psychologist whose years of experience help him to appreciate the healing potential of a nature connection”.