Seattle Press on Line - Maritime Writers to Appear in Benefit Reading

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Maritime Writers to Appear in Benefit Reading

Sep 23, 2003 -- Northwest maritime writers will read from their work October 14, 2004 to raise money urgently needed for the restoration of an historic three-masted schooner berthed in Seattle. The six confirmed writers are Joe Follansbee, Clyde W. Ford, Holly Hughes, Migael Scherer, Barbara Sjoholm, and Joe Upton. The writers hope to raise awareness of the deteriorating condition of the schooner Wawona, which was built in 1897 and sailed from Pacific Northwest waters for more than 50 years.

Joe Upton is the author of Alaska Blues: A Season of Fishing the Inside Passage and Journeys Through the Inside Passage. Barbara Sjoholm is the author of The Pirate Queen: In Search of Grace O'Malley and Other Legendary Women of the Sea and edited Steady As She Goes: Women's Adventures at Sea. Migael Scherer is the author of Back Under Sail and Still Loved By the Sun, as well as A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound. Holly Hughes has fished in Alaska and is a poet and essayist, who contributed to Steady As She Goes, and the anthologies Salt in Our Veins and Fish in the Freezer. Joe Follansbee_s articles and essays have been published in Seattle, Pacific Northwest Magazine, and Evergreen Monthly. He is writing a book about Wawona tentatively titled The Shortest Man on Board: A 1936 Diary of the Last Commercial Sailing Fleet in the United States. And Bellingham resident Clyde W. Ford is author of Resurrection Cove and Fires of the Miombo. One other unconfirmed writer may also read.

Wawona is currently at South Lake Union Park next to the Center for Wooden Boats. She is owned by the non-profit Northwest Seaport and under the care of a dedicated group of volunteers. Supporters of Wawona believe she represents an important, yet almost forgotten part of Seattle_s history and identity. However, her condition is rapidly deteriorating due to the Northwest climate, and she is need of a permanent home. Supporters are working with the Seattle Parks Department to secure a berth for Wawona at the newly opened Historic Ships Wharf at South Lake Union Park.

Event Details
Who: Northwest maritime writers (six confirmed)
What: Benefit reading for schooner Wawona
Where: Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St. Seattle, Washington
When: Thursday, October 14, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 seniors/students, available at the door

Writers will read selections from their work. Wawona volunteers will discuss Wawona's current state and plans for her future. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Wawona restoration efforts. Those attending the benefit will have an opportunity to make further donations directly to Wawona.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Joe Follansbee, 206-932-7578, joef@speakeasy.net.

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