Giving Voice to Aspiring Writers

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By John Burton
RED BANK – We all have a story. And we can all learn to tell that story – and others – while learning a little bit more about ourselves and life, according to those behind Project Write Now.
“We’re all about connecting people and giving them that experience,” explained Jennifer Chauhan, Project Write Now’s co-founder, executive director and writing instructor.
Chauhan was speaking about the organization at its first fundraising event Tuesday evening at The Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave.
The evening was billed as “A Night to Remember.” Project Write Now presented musicians, performers, educators and writers, some functioning as artists in residence for the group and some teen interns, who offered personal remembrances that helped shape the people they’ve become. Many of them were moving and evocative glimpses in the performers’ lives.
Musician Brian Kirk, known for heading the popular Brian Kirk and the Jirks rock band, recalled the first time he drank alcohol – it was Budweiser, with his father in their backyard – and as life progressed, thinking about his father’s illness and eventual death. He related seeing his father in the hospital, “Thinking this may be the last time to tell him I loved him,”Kirk said. “It was and I did.
“I remember thinking I had a lot more in common with my dad than I ever thought I did,” he acknowledged.
Maria Iozzi, the Red Bank Middle School principal, told of growing up serving as interpreter for her immigrant parents; her struggling to be able to go to college, given that wasn’t thought to be an attainable goal in her family. She talked about her first teaching job after graduating Rutgers University; of students who said they loved her, which scared her to death; and meeting the gym teacher who would become her husband; the birth of her sons and other images of a life well lived.
Jennifer Chauhan, left, and Allison Tevald, founders of Project Write Now, conduct the organization’s first fundraiser on Tuesday evening at the Two River Theater in Red Bank.
Jennifer Chauhan, left, and Allison Tevald, founders of Project Write Now, conduct the organization’s first fundraiser on Tuesday evening at the Two River Theater in Red Bank.

Darren Johnson held a sheet of paper to his face, telling the audience, “I remember the smell of mimeograph paper,” which conjures up a vivid memory for those of a certain age. “I remember not liking the taste of liver,” he continued. He shared a memory of the pretty girl he took to the prom and how he fell in love with performing. “You let your confidence carry you,” when on stage, he recommended.
Project Write Now began about two years ago as a not-for-profit organization offering classes and workshops for both children and adults, seeking to help writers tap into their creative voice and realize their potential.
“That’s how you connect with people and that’s how you gain a deeper understanding,” said Greg Phelan, a co-founder and board chair.

Not only can anyone be a writer, believes Chauhan, a writer and educator, “I think everyone should be a writer.” Project Write Now’s programs can help draw out that potential, she believes.
The organization is partnering with the Red Bank Public School district, working with students on their writing and creative expression.
“It’s everything I could dream of,” said Mary Wyman, the middle school’s climate and culture specialist. Wyman had previously worked as a teacher for the gifted and talented program. Project Write Now supplements classroom writing lessons, as well as conducting an afterschool academic program. “It certainly enriches what we have,” Wyman said.
Orlando Gonzalez is a 13-year-old eighth grader who enjoys the program. “It really helped my vocabulary,” he said, as well as providing him with added confidence. “Now I can write my own stories,” especially enjoying penning what he called his “mysterious stories,” which aren’t exactly horror or science fiction, but have elements of those genres.