My Friends,
Let me start by wishing you a Happy 2026. I will confess, I’d begun feeling quite hopeful as the holidays approached (perhaps many of you were feeling the same), witnessing signs that the long fever dream our country has been experiencing might finally be losing its hold. Of course, all it took was a little invasion of a foreign capital (with hundreds of boats and airships joining the fray) to remind us that turning the calendar page does not necessarily mean a fresh start. So we have to continue working at hope, while making small changes week in, week out to alter the cultural climate in our communities, our Commonwealth, our nation.
If you are among the many members who gave generously to our fundraising appeal, let me offer my personal thanks. We have plans for enhanced programming that will put these contributions to good use. In addition, some will go toward programs and events created in response to unforeseen circumstances. For example: on January 24th, NEPC will co-sponsor––along with the musical group Convergence Ensemble, and the Friends Meeting House of Cambridge––REMEMBERING CHARLES COE, a celebration of the life and work of this much-loved and central member of NEPC leadership. Hosted by Richard Hoffman, the afternoon will include a few brief presentations (including one by Commonwealth Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, speaking on behalf of our Club), and then an extended “open mic” opportunity to read one of Charles’ poems or share a reminiscence. The program will run from 3-5 p.m., followed by a reception where those gathered can break bread together and share the feeling of community (something Charles would certainly have smiled upon). The program is free, and all are welcome–– though it is asked that you RSVP in advance so we’ll have a sense of the size of the gathering. I’ve attached a flyer above with a QR code to guide you, or use this link for registration.
By the way, if you were not able to make a contribution to NEPC, it’s not too late. Here’s a link to take you to the donation page where it is easy to make arrangements. Please help us to continue this good work that benefits both Club membership and the literary community as a whole.
I am working to finalize the lineup of poets and musicians for next Summer’s WE (too) THE PEOPLE readings at Longfellow Historical House, and it promises to be another exciting quartet of programs bringing a diverse set of talents to read in Cambridge and mark the 250th anniversary of the American experiment. I will share more details once things are confirmed, but I can give you one sneak preview now, though the formal announcement and publicity won’t happen for a little while. I am delighted to announce that the next winner of the Golden Rose Award, our prize for a poet’s lifetime achievement, will go to Marie Howe. Marie is Poet Laureate Emerita of New York State, and currently the poet in residence at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, as well as a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. In 2025, her collection New and Selected Poems was awarded the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for poetry. She’ll read for us as part of the WE (too)… programs in early August, and I suspect you’ll be as excited as I will to attend.
Warm regards,
Steven Ratiner