Naugatuck Valley Community College was honored to host a special night of poetry at Confluencia on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the Playbox Theater at Naugatuck Valley Community College. In its seventh year, the Confluencia series continues to inspire, enrich and introduce the power of poetry to the community and the generations within it.

The night opened with refreshments and a live musical prelude by NVCC student guitar duo, Chris Connelly and Chris Cochrane.  Following greetings from NVCC President, Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., and Student Government President, Iralis DeJesus, Confluencia Coordinator, Marianela Medrano, Ph.D., welcomed the audience and introduced the poets who participated in the open mic session. The four invited guest poets then read from their own works.

Cathy Allman is a writer and educator with a master’s degree in creative writing from Manhattanville College. A sought-after educator, she has synthesized her years of writing and creative experience into the development of Writes of Passage, her workshops for writers. Her work has appeared in many journals including Edison Literary Review and Front Range Review.

Yvelisse Fanith is a poet born in the Dominican Republic who studied in New York City where she continues to reside today.  She has participated in numerous literary events world-wide including the 2007 First International Congress of Poets for Peace in Paris and has conducted the 2008 literary contest, Premios Nósside, held in New York City. Her latest poetry publication is Danza Almagre.

Steven Ostrowski, a poet, fiction writer and songwriter, is the author of two chapbooks of poems and a chapbook of stories. Steven is a frequent participant in poetry readings around Connecticut, including the traveling Voices of Poetry. He teaches at Central Connecticut State University.

Arthur Pfister, a poet and fiction writer from New Orleans, is a Spoken Word artist, educator and performer.  Also known as Professor ARTURO, he is one of the original Broadside poets of the 1960’s. He currently teaches at Norwalk Community College and recently published MY NAME IS NEW ORLEANS: 40 Years of Poetry & Other Jazz(w/jazzoetry CD).

The readings were followed by a Q&A from the audience, and concluding remarks by NVCC President
De Filippis.