Virginia (ViVi) Hlavsa
Although I taught English at Queens College, my organizational skills were given breadth up here working with the American Association of University Women, Kingston (AAUW) and launching the many local branches of Seniors Serving in Place (SSIP). In organizing my latest book, Re-Versing: a Memoir of a Non-Agenarian, having lost my only child and my only husband, I wanted to honor my life with them and before. For me, poetry best distills the depth of feeling and the height of humor that can come with age. As Yeats wrote: Their eyes mid many wrinkles, their eyes,/ Their ancient, glittering eyes, are gay.
Deborah A. Zuill
Rev. Zuill, an ordained minister, is currently the Pastor of Katsbaan Reformed Church in Saugerties, NY. This position she has held since November 2020. God called her into His service at the age of 15. She however did not answer the call until she was 33 years of age. Her journey began with being licensed and preaching her first Sermon in the year 1986.
She has portrayed Sojourner Truth, American abolitionist and women’s rights activist, for the past 24 years. She is much in demand and will go when she is asked to perform. She has a crew who travels with her, as well.
She is a Bronx, NY, native, who at a young age moved to Queens, NY, where she graduated from John Adams High School. She married and raised three children (now adults) and she has seven beautiful grandchildren. She has made her home here in the Mid-Hudson Valley for over 50 years and was widowed in 2011.
Rev. Deb re-established a group of women known as the Social Solos. They meet once a month at a different restaurant for fun, food, and fellowship. All are welcomed. She also works with several Prayer Chain Groups.
Being a soldier in God’s army, she is always on call to help those in need and she hopes to do so until her last day.