Feature Poets

Thasia Anne is a poet from Erie Pa, who has been writing professionally since the 1990’s. She is a great-grandmother and retired social worker.

With six poetry collections, and seven romance novels published through (ABP) Alien Buddha Press. In several of her novels Thasia uses poetry to enhance the creative nuance of the characters.

She has a no cost yearly poetry production headed into season fourteen. Women of Word featuring a Few Man Made Words, which showcases poetry woven into conversations, dance, and original music. 2025 will see WOW at a new location; Basement Transmissions @ West 11th Street on March 10th @ 6pm.

Thasia Anne also created CAM Erie programming; Poet’s Know It, a monthly open mic poetry production and Never Quit-Hers where she interviews women over 60 still creating and reaching their goals. With; Poetry, Prose, and Personalities she interviews creatives from many disciplines.

Facilitating poetry workshops for youth through seniors, Thasia helps attendees sort out any past issues and take them to the curb like trash.

You can learn more at her website

thasiaanne.com or contact her at tannetaf@gmail.com

Mabeline Howard “The Marketing Artist”

Poet, Nonprofit Leader, Marketing, Entrepreneur, Lover of the Arts. Creator/ Host of Poetry and Soul Food. Mabeline Howard is an Erie native who wears many creative hats. In her current role as Executive Director at the Bethany Outreach Center, Mabeline uses her artistic talents to bridge gaps and foster equity. She is also a Facilitator of the Youth Philanthropy Program, Hear Erie’s Youth (HEY!), sponsored by the Erie Community Foundation. Whatever the role, Mabeline relishes opportunities to uplift and encourage all who come into her path, particularly those in underserved communities.

As an Entrepreneur, Mabel is the proprietor and owner of two local businesses. In 2019, she opened Cafe 7-10, the 1st Black owned dessert and coffee shop in the city of Erie. Her consulting company, Mind And Body Education Link (M.A.B.E.L.), creates and implements programs that generate positive change in urban neighborhoods. A core concentration of M.A.B.E.L. is developing resources to address the needs of underprivileged children and families. 

In her “down time” Mabel is a Word Artist, sharing poetry on many stages, most notably Express Yourself On The Mic with Miss Mabeline and the Poetry X-Change, which she curated and produced. While her work can be seen in anthologies and magazines, Mabel is excited to soon finish and publish her first book of poetry.

Mabel is known as a visionary and Organizer of Express Yourself Open Mic  Tour with Miss Mabeline featuring appearances from 11 Erie Poets whose work has been published in Pratik -a magazine of contemporary writing.

Mabel is most interested in creating platforms to encourage more African Americans and people of color (all ages) to be involved with educational programs that help develop literacy skills. She believes poetry opens doors, leading to exciting ways to learn about your history, other cultures, the importance of diversity, and the benefits of unity. 

On diversity and inclusion, Mabel believes “Peace begins when you learn to love thyself. At that very moment you will truly appreciate the gifts/ talents that every culture can bring to the table when invited and welcomed.”

Contact Info:

Mabeline Howard

Host, Poet, Promoter

Founder, 

M.A.B.E.L.~Mind And Body Education Link

Creator of Expressions Work Shop, 

“The Healing Art Of Word”

Founder, Brown Girl Penning 

Board Of Trustees Member, Erie Arts & Culture

VP Literary Arts, CHROMA

Curator, HICAAE

Historical Institute Of Culture & the African American Experience

Email: mabel.wordartist@gmail.com 

@mabel.wordartist on INSTAGRAM 

Stop In

Both parents from western New York, Chuck Joy was born in Cleveland, came with them to Erie during his first year of life. Graduated Cathedral Prep with Honors in English (1969). Attended Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus, Bronx NY (BA, 1973), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1978). Began publishing poetry in 1980. Bogg, Tempus, Tobeco, Rattapallax, Great Lakes Review, Poets’ Hall Press, First Literary Review-East, Pratik, Poetrybay. Several books including Said the Growling Dog, Percussive, Vinyl. Erie County PA Poet Laureate (2018-2021). Host Poetry Scene, Erie Book Store; Poetry Night, Calamari’s. Also a child psychiatrist.
More at www.chuckjoy.com 

Hey guys! I'm Richie. I am 38 years old and a single father of two awesome boys. I have been writing poetry off and on for a little more than 20 years now. My very first one was written when I was 16 and, although it's very basic in my eyes and admittedly not one of my favorites, we can't forget where we came from right? Haha!

In the past year or two, I got the itch to start writing more. This time after some coaxing from friends and family, I decided to try something new and get some of my work out there. I love the support from people I know, but the true test for me is to see if people I don't know enjoy my writing just as much. Most of my poems are about love and relationships, a lot of which convey some of my feelings from real life experiences with those subjects. I have various other poems that are about other things, though.

My goal at the end of the day is to tell a story with my writing. I like to use my words to inspire, evoke deep thought, rope in a reader/listener, and paint a vivid picture with metaphors and such. If just one person resonates and responds well, then as far as I'm concerned I've done my job.

Jane MacKinlay McCartney has been writing since childhood. Her poetry has been published in various anthologies, the most recent being Volume 1 of the Erie County Poetry Anthology (2022). Other anthologies include Celebrate: A Collection of Life's Celebrations, compiled by Debra R. Sanchez (2019); Picture This Anthology, edited by Marisa Moks-Unger, the 2016-2018 Erie County Poet Laureate; and Poetry Quarterly, Spring 2018. She is a regular participant in various local poetry events. Jane and Mike, her husband of over forty years, reside in Erie, Pa.

Awards: Pennwriter's Area 1 Annual Roadtrip Billboard Contest, 2018 and 2019: 2nd place, 2022 and 2023: 3rd place.

Product Manager