Senior Moments Booklet Showcases Talents of Local Writing Group

The Cambridge Senior Center has provided a venue for local writers to experiment and grow since 2012--and now those authors are giving back through a new book of collected works. Edited and published by writing group facilitator Lily Owyang, Senior Moments: Joy, Wonder, Self, features 60 pages of poetry and prose from more than a dozen contributors.

Owyang started the First Thursday Writing Group as a free monthly workshop to encourage writers of all skill levels to find their inner voice, and said the response has been pretty amazing.

"I continue to marvel at the joy and wonder they extend into each piece of writing," said Owyang. "While we write about many topics, our group always seems to come back to the themes of inspiration and celebrating life."

The book is dedicated to the memory of Evelyn Toner, who was the first writer to join the First Thursday Writing Group. Owyang remembered Toner as a prolific writer, with an infectious smile and exuberance that translated well to the written word.

"Evelyn's writing reflects an obvious delight in the adventure of life,” said Owyang. “Her contagious enthusiasm inspired writers of all ability levels to join the group. She was a real inspiration."

Senior Moments is available for $5 at the Cambridge Senior Center, with all proceeds going to support future programming and activities there. Cambridge Council on Aging Executive Director Susan Pacheco said the support is much appreciated.

"We're really proud of our writing group and how it's helped some local authors find their voices," said Pacheco. "And it's just great how they're using their art to help us provide more opportunities like that for our community."

The First Thursday Writing Group meets monthly at the Cambridge Senior Center, from 1-2 p.m.

A part of the city’s Department of Human Services, the Cambridge Council on Aging (CCOA) promotes, encourages, and coordinates services and activities that enhance quality of life for older adults in the city. For more information about the CCOA and activities at the two Cambridge Senior Centers, call 617-349-6220, visit their website, or subscribe to Newslines, the monthly CCOA newsletter.