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COUNTY: MCCC accepting submissions for annual ‘Kelsey Review’

The fragile bonds between people, and between people and the natural world, are recurring themes in the 2013 edition of “Kelsey Review,” published annually in the fall by Mercer County

WEST WINDSOR — The fragile bonds between people, and between people and the natural world, are recurring themes in the 2013 edition of “Kelsey Review,” published annually in the fall by Mercer County Community College and available free at public libraries throughout Mercer County and online.
   Now in its 32nd year, the “Review” features 22 works of fiction, poetry, illustration and photography by 17 contributors who live, work or study in Mercer County. The cover art is by Tim Fitzpatrick, who drew inspiration from the Assunpink Wildlife Preserve and the garden at his Hamilton home. Copies of the Review are also available in public areas of MCCC’s West Windsor and Trenton campuses.
   Edward Carmien, an MCCC English professor and editor of the “Review,” invites readers to enjoy the works of their colleagues, friends and neighbors.
   ”The ‘Review’ is truly a county publication. This year we received nearly twice as many submissions, but selected fewer pieces,” he said. “Many are returning contributors whose work continues to intrigue the editors. As always, we strive to bring you the best.”
   Mr. Carmien noted the powerful impact of Hurricane Sandy in several works, as in two poems by Carolina Morales.
   In “Sandy, October 2012,” Ms. Morales writes, “…We read about the body count, buildings burned or blown apart or washed to sea, trunks uprooted, lines downed, as we bowed to her random mercy, reminded again — the things that shade, protect, provide, topple to crush our lives.”
   Mr. Carmien invites the community to read “Kelsey Review” online at www.mccc.edu/kelseyreview, where they will find an interactive format that can be downloaded to computers or mobile devices including phones and tablets.
   Writing contributors include Vida Chu, of Princeton, Gail Gaspar, Lois Marie Harrod, of Hopewell, Robert Hebditch, of Princeton, James Hockenberry, of Princeton, Ken Jaworowski, of Princeton Junction, Gwen Jones, Lavinia Kumar, of Plainsboro, Rice Lyons, Carolina Morales, of Trenton, George Point, of Lawrenceville, Wanda S. Praisner, of Bedminster, Joe Preneta, and D.E. Steward, of Princeton.
   Contributors of artwork include Tim Fitzpatrick, of Hamilton, Avani Palkhiwala and Mimi McBride, of Hamilton (photography). In addition to professor Carmien, the editorial team includes fiction editor Roberta Clipper, an English professor at Rider University, novelist, poet and short story writer; poetry editors Luray Gross, author of three collections of poetry and a recipient of a Fellowship in Poetry from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Ellen Jacko, an English teacher at Allentown High School; and art editor Edyta Kuciapa, graphic designer and photographer.
   ”Kelsey Review” welcomes new friends on its Facebook page. The editors invite the community to “like” the page and add their comments about the material in the journal and the arts in general. Those interested in submitting items for future editions will find the latest news, criteria and deadlines there.
   Funding for “Kelsey Review” has been made possible in part by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through funding from the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the New Jersey State Council for the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.
   The deadline for submissions for the 2014 edition is May 15, 2014. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.mccc.edu.