[Archived] Celebrate the National Poetry Month in Alexandria

For Immediate Release: April 19, 2017

Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria, invites all Alexandrians to participate in National Poetry Month activities throughout the month of April and May.   Schools, local businesses, libraries, and recreation centers will promote poetry writing and reading and encourage broad participation in the month-long celebration. 

The Academy of American Poets designated April as National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its ability to enrich everyday life. To learn more about National Poetry Month and the activities celebrated throughout the country, visit www.Poets.org.

DASHing Words in Motion Poets Named - The City of Alexandria Office of the Arts and the Alexandria Transit Company joined forces to host a poetry contest “DASHing Words in Motion.”   The poetry contest encouraged quality writing by writers and poets 16 years or older, who lived, worked or studied in the City of Alexandria.

Six poets were selected from forty-seven submissions.  Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria and the winning poets: Susan Behnke, Michelle Berberet, F. Jane Cotton, Teddie Dyson, Betty Jo Middleton, and Bridget Gorman Wendling have their poems published inside the DASH buses and Trolleys in April and May. 

Schedule for Literary events:

• “Poetry Month Reading”
  Friday, April 21, 2017, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Program begins at 7 p.m.
  Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St.
  
  Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria, invites you to read a favorite poem.  The “DASHing Words in Motion” Poets will also read their winning poetry that is displayed on the DASH buses and Trolleys.  
  
• “Generating Hope,” in honor of National Poem in Your Pocket Day
  Thursday, April 27, 2017, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Program begins at 7:30 p.m.
  The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St.
  
  Put a poem in your pocket to share with others; read poetry in one of Alexandria’s neighborhood pocket parks; or bring poetry and stories that spark your creative spirit and inspire hope!
  
• “Honoring Our Mothers with Poetry”
  Friday, May 12, 2017, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Program begins at 7 p.m.
  Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St.
  
  Read a poem that honors your mother, and don’t forget to bring her to this one of a kind event!  Local poets will read poetry that celebrates and honors mothers.  The reading is hosted by Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate, and the Office of the Arts, City of Alexandria.
  

For additional about the literary and Poet Laureate programs, visit the Office of the Arts’ website at www.alexandriava.gov/Arts; email the Poet Laureate at poet@alexandriava.gov; or call Cheryl Anne Colton at 703.746.5565, email cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov,  

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, contact Cheryl Anne Colton at 703.746.5565 (Virginia Relay 711) or e-mail cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.