MCCC’s 2011 Kelsey Review Delves Deep in Stories and Poems by Local Authors

In its exploration of human emotions, important moments in history, and the wonders of nature, the 2011 edition of Kelsey Review is a memorable read. A literary arts magazine published annually by Mercer County Community College, this year's issue features submissions by 18 writers, artists and photographers who live, work or study in Mercer County. Copies are now available at all branches of the county's public libraries, and in public areas of MCCC's West Windsor and James Kerney campuses.

According to MCCC English Professor and the Review's Editor Ed Carmien, this year marks the publication's 30th edition. "Kelsey Review has become one of the leading journals featuring the voices and showcasing the talents of those who live and work in our county," he said. Carmien notes that readers will enjoy the references to local people and places. This year, the Review includes 18 works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Illustrations include cover art by Matthew Blair of Collingswood, five drawing by Ruth Olinsky of Lawrenceville and two drawings by Anne Karetnikov of Plainsboro.

Carmien observes that some of those featured this year have been published extensively, including in past editions of Kelsey Review, while others are just discovering their literary voices. Many work as English teachers and professors and in related writing fields, and others pursue writing as a hobby. "The poetry and works of fiction are wonderfully varied, coming from different perspectives that reflect the diversity of our county," Carmien said. A non-fiction piece by Linda Arntzenius features a collection of reviews of three noteworthy Mercer County poets. For the first time, the Review features more than one poem from several of its poets.

In addition to Dr. Carmien, the editorial team includes poetry editors Luray Gross, author of three collections of poetry and a "Poet in the Schools" for the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and Ellen Jacko, an English teacher at Allentown High School. Fiction editor is Dr. Roberta Clipper, an English professor at Rider University, novelist, poet and short story writer. 

Writing contributors include Linda Arntzenius of Princeton, Peter Brav of Princeton, Vida Chu of Princeton, Irene R. Granderson of Lawrenceville, Lois Marie Harrod of Hopewell, Gil Honigfeld of Princeton, Ken Jaworowski of Princeton Junction, Janet Kirk of Princeton, Lavinia Kumar of Plainsboro, Carolina Morales of Trenton, Wanda S. Praisner of Bedminster, Joseph Preneta of Lawrenceville, D.E. Steward of Princeton, Yongming Wang of Princeton, and Damon Williams of Ewing.
Carmien invites county residents to pick up their copies soon. "I know there is enjoyment to be found in these pages...read, and enjoy the work of colleagues, friends, acquaintances...those who have taken the time to sharpen their art and share it with us," he writes in his introduction.
Kelsey Review is now on Facebook. The editors invite the community to add their comments about the material in the journal and the arts in general.

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 2012 edition is May 15, 2012.  For more information, visit www.mccc.edu.

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