Secaucus-based Sensations magazine will host a poetry reading on Sunday, March 12, that presents previously published poems written in and about Secaucus, some presented by the original authors. The reading will run from 4 to 5:30 p.m. upstairs in the banquet room of LaReggia Restaurant, 40 Wood Ave. The reading is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. "I really am grateful to LaReggia for donating the space for this event and enabling this event to happen," magazine founder David Messineo said last week. "It's a gesture of good will toward the entire town, and I hope town residents will respond by attending." By having the reading on the 100th anniversary of the town's incorporation, Sensations is the first private organization in Secaucus to sponsor a 100th anniversary event. The town will have its first celebrations the same day. "We wanted to do something on the 100th anniversary date, and pulled this reading together relatively quickly," said Messineo. "We would like to work with the 100th anniversary committee as the year continues, however. About a month ago in the Secaucus Reporter, Mayor (Dennis) Elwell was quoted as saying he would like to see more cultural events in town, and specifically mentioned poetry readings as one of the things he'd like to see. Messineo said the event will be an experiment to see if there is an audience in Secaucus for poetry, noting that a turnout of 30 or more would result in additional readings in the future. "Naturally, the current and former mayors are encouraged to attend," he said. One of the poems to be read Sunday afternoon is by X.J. Kennedy, titled "In a Prominent Bar in Secaucus One Day," and published several years ago in an anthology of prominent American poets titled America in Poetry. "There are other intriguing surprises which will be revealed on March 12," Messineo said, "including poems about Snake Hill and the rifle range." These poems will be republished in a research article titled "Secaucus in Poetry, 1900-2000," to appear in Sensations' Issue 20. The issue, on the theme of "Scenic New Jersey," will be released in April 2000 in time for National Poetry Month. As a poet and literary magazine editor who resides in Secaucus, Messineo will share some of his own published material as part of the feature program - including material from his first published poetry collection, Suburban Gothic, which is available in local bookstores. "There is not going to be any inappropriate language in this reading, nor any offensive themes," Messineo said. "I especially hope to attract people who have never before attended a poetry reading." While the poetry may have a general theme, this event is not aimed at children, and he said he hopes to have a children's poetry event later in the year. LaReggia adjoins the Meadowlands Plaza Hotel, one block off the Meadowlands Parkway. For driving directions, call 422-0200.