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VERSION:2.0
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CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
X-WR-CALNAME:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
X-WR-TIMEZONE:Central Time (US & Canada)
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516158225
DTSTART:20220421T230000Z
DTEND:20220422T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516160274
DTSTART:20220519T230000Z
DTEND:20220520T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516162323
DTSTART:20220616T230000Z
DTEND:20220617T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516165396
DTSTART:20220721T230000Z
DTEND:20220722T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516183829
DTSTART:20220818T230000Z
DTEND:20220819T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516185878
DTSTART:20220915T230000Z
DTEND:20220916T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516187927
DTSTART:20221020T230000Z
DTEND:20221021T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516189976
DTSTART:20221118T000000Z
DTEND:20221118T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516196123
DTSTART:20230217T000000Z
DTEND:20230217T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_39555516198172
DTSTART:20230316T230000Z
DTEND:20230317T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207044528
DTSTART:20230420T230000Z
DTEND:20230421T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207046577
DTSTART:20230518T230000Z
DTEND:20230519T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207048626
DTSTART:20230615T230000Z
DTEND:20230616T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207050675
DTSTART:20230720T230000Z
DTEND:20230721T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207051700
DTSTART:20230817T230000Z
DTEND:20230818T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207053749
DTSTART:20230921T230000Z
DTEND:20230922T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207054774
DTSTART:20231019T230000Z
DTEND:20231020T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207057847
DTSTART:20231117T000000Z
DTEND:20231117T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207058872
DTSTART:20231222T000000Z
DTEND:20231222T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207061946
DTSTART:20240216T000000Z
DTEND:20240216T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207063995
DTSTART:20240321T230000Z
DTEND:20240322T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207065020
DTSTART:20240418T230000Z
DTEND:20240419T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207067069
DTSTART:20240516T230000Z
DTEND:20240517T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207068094
DTSTART:20240620T230000Z
DTEND:20240621T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207070143
DTSTART:20240718T230000Z
DTEND:20240719T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207071168
DTSTART:20240815T230000Z
DTEND:20240816T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207073217
DTSTART:20240919T230000Z
DTEND:20240920T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207074242
DTSTART:20241017T230000Z
DTEND:20241018T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207076291
DTSTART:20241122T000000Z
DTEND:20241122T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207077316
DTSTART:20241220T000000Z
DTEND:20241220T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207079365
DTSTART:20250117T000000Z
DTEND:20250117T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207081414
DTSTART:20250221T000000Z
DTEND:20250221T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_42172207082439
DTSTART:20250320T230000Z
DTEND:20250321T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908677267
DTSTART:20250515T230000Z
DTEND:20250516T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908680340
DTSTART:20250619T230000Z
DTEND:20250620T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908684437
DTSTART:20250717T230000Z
DTEND:20250718T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908686486
DTSTART:20250821T230000Z
DTEND:20250822T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908689559
DTSTART:20250918T230000Z
DTEND:20250919T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908692632
DTSTART:20251016T230000Z
DTEND:20251017T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908694681
DTSTART:20251121T000000Z
DTEND:20251121T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908702876
DTSTART:20260220T000000Z
DTEND:20260220T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908705949
DTSTART:20260319T230000Z
DTEND:20260320T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908707998
DTSTART:20260416T230000Z
DTEND:20260417T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908711071
DTSTART:20260521T230000Z
DTEND:20260522T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908713120
DTSTART:20260618T230000Z
DTEND:20260619T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908716193
DTSTART:20260716T230000Z
DTEND:20260717T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908718242
DTSTART:20260820T230000Z
DTEND:20260821T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908721315
DTSTART:20260917T230000Z
DTEND:20260918T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908724388
DTSTART:20261015T230000Z
DTEND:20261016T000000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908727461
DTSTART:20261120T000000Z
DTEND:20261120T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260521T023232Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_49612908729510
DTSTART:20261218T000000Z
DTEND:20261218T010000Z
DESCRIPTION:Monthly poetry reading at the Lunch Box on historic Main Street
 !\n\nThe Third Thursday Poetry Reading begins at 7 p.m. at The Lunch Box\,
  217 E. Main Street. Presentation will be followed by open mic readings\, 
 at which time those attending are invited to read up to two poems of their
  own or from a favorite poet. \n\nMay 21\, 2026 -  Sly Alley\, a Tecumseh 
 poet\, will be featured in the Third Thursday Poetry night at 7 pm in the 
 Lunch Box\, Shawnee. Mr. Alley's collection\, Strong Medicine\, won the 20
 17 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.  Mr. Alley has been a featured reader i
 n a number of venues\, including the Woody Guthrie festival in Okemah.  Af
 ter his reading\, an open mike will be available for any wanting to presen
 t poetry of their own or others.  The Lunch Box will open early\, at 6 pm\
 , for those who want to order a drink or dessert.\n\nApril 16\, 2026 - Thi
 rd Thursday Poetry will feature Tulsa physician David Jennings who likes t
 o pair his poems with photographs. His first book\, The Smallest Hint\, wo
 n the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the photography/design category.  Since 
 then he has published three more books of verse\, the latest\, in 2025\, D
 reams Like Mine.  Dr. Jennings' presentation will begin at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street\, followed by an open mic session. \n\nAs usual\, th
 ere will be an open mike session after the featured poet. The Lunch Box wi
 ll open at 6 pm\, for those who want to arrive early and order a dessert o
 r soft drink.\n\nMarch 19\, 2026:  Third Thursday Poetry welcomes the mult
 i-talented Janice-Francis Smith.  Ms Smith\, current Managing Editor of Ok
 lahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper\, has widely published and perform
 ed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning
  music. She is also co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at t
 he Full Circle bookstore in OKC.  Her performance begins at 7 pm in the Lu
 nch Box on Main Street\, followed by open mike readings.\n\nFeb 20\, 2026:
   The Third Thursday Poetry welcomes Paul Juhasz\, a quirky\, humorous wri
 ter whose poetry and essay collection\, Ronin\, features pieces on writing
  an Oklahoma poem\, preferring not to\, and being lovelorn.  Hear Paul at 
 the Lunch Box\, Feb. 20 at 7 pm.  Come early if you want to order a drink 
 and a dessert.\n\nNovember 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry readings 
 welcomes author and songwriter Nathan Brown to the mike at 7 pm in the Lun
 ch Box on Main Street. Nathan has published 30-ish books. Most recent are 
 the first two books in his new memoir series: The Birth of a Vagabond.  Hi
 s recent poetry collection\, Karma Crisis: New and Selected Poems\, was a 
 finalist for the  Oklahoma Book Award. His earlier book\, Two Tables Over\
 , won the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. His most recent album of original song
 s is The Streets of San Miguel. Nathan's reading will be followed by an op
 en mike session.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm.\n\nAugust 21\, 2025: Br
 ent Newsom\, a Shawnee poet\, will be the featured reader at the Third Thu
 rsday Poetry Night\, a program beginning at 7 pm in the Lunch Box\, on Mai
 n Street.  Recently retiring from OBU\, Newsom has published one collectio
 n of poetry\, Love's Labors and currently heads the Fellowship of Fathers 
 program\, part of Shawnee's Community Renewal.  After his reading\, an ope
 n mike period will allow attendees to share their own or favorite poems.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order a dessert or d
 rink before the reading.  \n\nJUNE 19\, 2025:  Third Thursday Poetry featu
 res "cowboy poet" and novelist\, Ron Wallace\, adjunct professor of Englis
 h at Southeastern State University in Durant.  He is the author of ten boo
 ks of poetry\, five of which have been finalists in the Oklahoma Book Awar
 ds with Renegade and Other Poems winning the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award. His
  recent novel\, A Secret Lies in New Orleans uncovers family history\, inc
 luding a search for hidden loot.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm\, Thursd
 ay\, with Ron appearing at 7 pm. His presentation will be followed by an o
 pen mike session.\n\nMAY 15\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetry Reading wel
 comes a husband and wife team\, Julie Chappell and Hank Jones\, to the Lun
 ch Box (on Main) microphone at 7 pm.  Julie is a retired professor\, speci
 alizing in medieval and early modern literature. She has published three b
 ooks of poetry and two collections of short stories. Hank is a retired wor
 ld backpacker and teaches at Tarleton State University.  His poetry has ap
 peared in a number of anthologies and journals\, recently collected in "To
 o Late For Manly Hands."  The couple live at Lake Keystone in a house they
  share with four cats.  As an added feature\, the winners of the adult div
 ision of the Jim Spurr Poetry Contest will be announced.  Winners will be 
 given the opportunity to read their poems. The Lunch box will open at 6 pm
  for those who want to order a dessert.\n\nApr 17\, 2025:  The Third Thurs
 day Poetry night welcomes storyteller Rick Masters\, from Norman.  A “re
 gular\,” Rick has entertained folks in the past with memories of streaki
 ng at OU\, favorite “dream cars\,” ice cream trucks\, and the urge to 
 collect things (anything).  After Rick’s tales\, open mike\, as usual.  
 The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want drinks or desserts.  Th
 e Rick’s presentation begins at 7.\n\nMar 20\, 2025: The Third Thursday 
 Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson on March 20--the first day of Spr
 ing--at the Lunch Box. His presentation will begin at 7 pm\, followed by o
 pen mike readings.  Rockford\, pastor at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norm
 an\, is a favorite of Third Thursday patrons\, for his thoughtful and some
 times mysterious poems. The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want
  to order drinks and desserts.\n\nFeb 20\, 2025:  The Third Thursday Poetr
 y Reading resumes in 2025 with a cowboy poet\, brought up in Pott. County-
 -Jon Callahan.  Self-described as being a former drinker with a writing pr
 oblem\, he claims to scribble just enough to convince people it's poetry. 
  He collects cotton balls.  Hear Jon on Feb. 20th at 7 pm in the Lunch Box
  on Main Street.  His presentation will be followed by an open mike sessio
 n.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to come early to sa
 mple its tasty desserts. \n\nNov 21\, 2024:  The Third Thursday Poetry Rea
 ding will welcome OBU’s Ben Myers\, author of four books of poetry\, the
  latest being\, The Book of Family Martyrs (2023).  Ben was Oklahoma’s P
 oet Laureate in 2015-2016.  The reading will take place in the Lunch Box o
 n Main in Shawnee\, beginning at 7 pm\, November 21st. Ben’s presentatio
 n will be followed by an open mic session.  \n\nOct 17\, 2024:  The Third 
 Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Paul Juhasz\, an Oklahoma City writer who
  likes to create prose poems. In Ronin\, his range includes "Scar Stories\
 ," "The Problem With Inspiration\," and his "Bucket List\," where he revea
 ls he's still searching for a wine that goes with Cap'n Crunch.  Paul will
  read at the Lunch Box on Main Street\, beginning at 7 pm\, followed by an
  open mic section when members of the audience can share favorite poems or
  their own work.  The Lunch Box opens at 6 pm\, for those who want to arri
 ve early and order a dessert or drink.\n\nSep 19\, 2024: The Third Thursda
 y Poetry reading at the Lunch Box on Main\, at 7 pm\, will feature a popul
 ar "street poet\," Johnie "Catfish" from Edmund. Author of seven collectio
 ns\, he is currently working on "Fathers\, Children\, and Questions\," exp
 loring his life as a child with parents and his life as a parent himself. 
  Another work-in-progress is "It's A Choice\," concerning the words we use
  to justify the choices we make.  Come and enjoy this performer-poet.\n\nA
 ug 15\, 2024: Third Thursday Poetry will feature Alan Berecka\, from Sinto
 n Texas.  A retired librarian\, former Poet Laureate of Corpus Christie\, 
 Berecka has published in dozens of anthologies and collections and been a 
 featured reader at international festivals. He will begin reading at 7 pm 
 at the Lunch Box on Main Street in Shawnee\, with open mike readings follo
 wing.  The Lunch Box will open at 6 pm for those who want to order dessert
 s or drinks.
GEO:35.327022;-96.920037
LOCATION:The Lunch Box
SUMMARY:Poetry Reading @ The Lunch Box
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.visitshawnee.com/event/poetry_reading_the_lunc
 h_box
CATEGORIES:Entertainment
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR