Local poet honored

Teacher and Poet M.J. Iuppa of Hamlin was honored by the Monroe County Legislature for her contributions to the community. Iuppa is the Writer-in-Residence at St. John Fisher College. She has published more than 200 poems in magazines and books throughout the United States and Europe. In addition, she teaches creative writing programs and residencies in schools in the five county area through BOCES, Young Audiences and Writers and Books. She has received numerous awards for her teaching including the "Teaching Excellence" and "Father Dorsey" awards from St. John Fisher and the "Writing in Rochester Award" from Writer and Books. Shown from left to right: Bill Smith, Majority Leader; Stephanie Polowe - Aldersley, Democratic Leader; William Benet, Legislator District 23; Dennis A. Pelletier, President, Monroe County Legislature; M.J. Iuppa; Wayne E. Zyra, Legislator District 2