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The First and Last Word Poetry Series was founded in 2010 by Harris Gardner. Harris then asked Gloria Mindock to join him as co-host. The poetry readings have taken place in the Armory Café ever since and are now part of the ROOTED Armory Café Event Series. They are held the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. and admission is $4. This month’s event will take place on July 19.

During the pandemic, the series went online via Zoom. In May, the series started up again in the Café, with Mary Buchinger, Linda Conte and Hilary Sallick. In June, Jennifer Barber, Gail Mazur and Lloyd Schwartz were hosted. July and the rest of the year will be announced soon.

The First and Last Word Poetry Series focuses on established poets in the area and the state of Massachusetts. An open mic is hosted by the organizers following the featured readers.

Both Harris Gardner and Gloria Mindock have a long history of running reading series in the area and are extremely active in the community. They believe in giving writers a home for their poetry to be heard. To be considered for the series, poets must have at least one chapbook or book published. Anyone can read in the open mic.

Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.