March Newsletter - "Poetry Notes"

[Benicia Poet Laureate]

Dear Lovers of Poetry Near and Far,

As the "Love-ly" month of February recedes, I hope you have been working on your entries for our National Love Poetry Contest, which launched on February 1 with the last day for submissions March 23.  Love is broadly defined to include romantic, fraternal, parental, platonic, love of a pet, country etc. If you have not already sent your pieces in, do not let time slip away.  Guidelines at the bottom of this newsletter.  Celebration/Big Reveal on June 1, 2 pm on Zoom.

Also available to those across the country is our fourth free Zoom workshop in our series, "Expanding the Breadth of Poetry" - see below for details for this March 18 workshop, "Keeping Our Hearts Alive During Difficult Times."

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 6:15 - 8:30, FIRST TUESDAY POETS, our regular gathering in the Benicia Library by the main fireplace in the comfy chairs.  Hosted by Yours Truly.  All welcome.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 6:30-8PM, KEEPING OUR HEARTS ALIVE: Weaving Socio-Political Experience into Powerful Poetry, ON ZOOM.  LENORE WEISS, our workshop leader, has several poetry publications to her credit, including a trilogy on love, loss and being mortal, Cutting down the Last Tree on Easter Island (2012), The Golem (2017) and her latest Video Game Pointers. Among other accomplishments, she won First Prize in the Benicia Love Poetry contest in 2021! 

The workshop will point a way for expressing our fears about this moment when everything seems to be under attack, but not without a sense of hope and joy.  We will read the work of past and present poets who have grappled with difficult issues in their own writing and craft.  There will be time for questions and a prompt will be presented for a brief flash writing session.

For purposes of planning, please pre-register at PoetLaure...@gmail.com. and the link will be sent to you.  It will also be available at www.Benicialibrary.org through their calendar section.  Hosted by yours truly and the Benicia Library.

STILL COMING UP IN FEBRUARY:

WEDNESDAY, FEB 26, 7 PM, POETRY BY THE BAY, Mira Theatre, 51 Daniels Ave, Vallejo, for an open mic opportunity.

THURSDAY, FEB 27, 10:30 AM, ART BEAT POETRY HOUR ON OZCAT RADIO, 89.5 FM or 
Tune In App for across the country.  Poets are invited to come at 10:20 to read 2 rounds of their pieces on live radio with DJ LALA and Host Tom Stanton.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2-4 PM, YOUTH POETRY OPEN MIC, at the McCune Collection, lower floor, JFK Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo.  All Solano Youth Poets are invited to read.  Free admission.  Hosted by Co Poets Laureates of Vallejo, Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2-4 PM, TEA HOUSE OPEN MIC POETRY, Integrity Space, 717 Marin St., Vallejo. Hosted by Co Poets Laureates.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, OPENING DAY FOR FAIRFIELD-SUISUN CITY VISUAL ARTS ASSOCIATION AND POET 

LAUREATE EMERITA SUZANNE BRUCE Ekphrastic event for students.  Art may be viewed in gallery or online at https://fvaa-arts.org.

Send poems to fairfieldpoetl...@gmail.com by April 3.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 11-12 AM, TABLE TALK, At the Inn  at Benicia Bay, East D St., Benicia, offers an opportunity for writers of all types and experiences to share practical tips, inspiration and support (come at 10:30 for brunch, socializing.)  This month's theme is to share examples of "starting small."  Please contact Grimm...@gmail.com to reserve a space, get info, or be placed on email list.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, LAST DAY FOR LOVE POETRY CONTEST ENTRIES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 7 PM, POETRY BY THE BAY (see Feb 26 above)

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 10:30 AM, ART BEAT POETRY HOUR (see Feb 27 above)

ONGOING:  THE JOEL FALLON POETRY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS are available at both Benicia High Schools with a deadline for applying on April 11.

In addition to the Benicia Love Poetry Contest, there are 2 other poetry contests now open for receive your poetic inspirations.

ARTISTS EMBASSY INTERNATIONAL announces the 32nd Dancing Poetry 2025. A large contest with many prizes.  Details on link at www.dancingpoetry.com.

INA COOLBRITH CIRCLE announces the 98th Annual Spring Contest. Another large contest where you may choose to submit in up to 4 categories.  Details on http://coolpoetry.com

Katrina Monroe

Benicia Poet Laureate