News about poetry activities in the foothills, including monthly Bolton Hall Museum Poetry Readings, the Sunland-Tujunga Poet Laureate Program, and more...
Ms. Alice Pero, an eminent California poet, flutist, poetry teacher and cultural activist, has been named the Tenth Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga for the years 2020-2022. Ms. Pero was selected for her role by a ten-person Poetry and Literature Committee, convened by Village Poets, a local voluntary group presenting poetry readings at Bolton Hall Museum in Tujunga. The Committee consisted of Chair, Joe DeCenzo, the Fourth Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga, and of other Village Poets of Sunland Tujunga, all former Poets Laureate – Dorothy Skiles, Marlene Hitt, Pamela Shea, Elsa Frausto, and Dr. Maja Trochimczyk. The Village Poets were joined by invited representatives of local organizations: Ms. Liliana Sanchez, President of Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council, Mr. Ardem Tajerian, Senior Librarian, Sunland Tujunga Branch Library, and Ms. Laurell Gells, Executive Director of the McGroarty Arts Center. The applicants submitted poems, biographic notes, and plans for their term of service; they participated in an in-person interview at the Bolton Hall Museum in Tujunga.
In their congratulatory letter, the Committee stated that Ms. Pero’s poetry “is truly accessible, emotional and relatable to many. Her love and appreciation of Sunland-Tujunga is prevalent throughout her work. Her sensitivity and skill as a poet and viable plan to foster the poetic creativity of the youth in our community have set her apart as the person most qualified to express in verse the life and hopes and aspirations of the people of Sunland-Tujunga.” Ms. Pero will start her service on April 26, 2020 and the official Passing of the Laurels Ceremony will take place this summer at the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga.
Alice Pero’s poetry has been published in magazines and anthologies including Nimrod, National Poetry Review, River Oak Review, Poet Lore, The Alembic, North Dakota Quarterly, The Distillery, Fox Cry Review, The Griffin, and G.W. Review, California Quarterly, Coiled Serpent, Wide Awake, Altadena Poetry Review, and many others. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Altadena Poetry Review and California Quarterly. Her book of poetry, Thawed Stars, was praised by renowned poet, Kenneth Koch, as having “clarity and surprises.” In 2017 Shabda Press published a book of poems, Sunland Park Poems, written in Sunland Park by herself and former Sunland/Tujunga Poet Laureate, Elsa Frausto. The book also features photographs Pero took in the park.
Alice Pero and Maja Trochimczyk after a Windsong concert
with Maja as Featured Poet, 2017.
Pero is a teacher of poetry to children in schools for 29 years and a member of California Poets in the Schools. She is the founder of the reading series, "Moonday", ongoing in the Los Angeles area since 2002 and now located in Sunland. An accomplished flutist and former dancer, she created the performing group, "Windsong Players Chamber Ensemble" in 2015 which gives concerts regularly around the Southland. Pero continues to teach poetry to children throughout the Los Angeles area with a current residency at the Delphi Academy in Lake View Terrace.
Pero lives on the edge of a Southland desert wash with her husband, Dennis, a pastoral counsellor, and she is the mother of two and grandmother of five. She frequently takes her five year old grandson on walks in the desert wash in back of her house in Sunland, and he has developed a profound interest in nature, the local flora and fauna, particularly the bees that flourish on her very large rosemary bush.
Dorothy Skiles reads at McGroarty Arts Center, April 2012
The Passing of the Laurels ceremony, the tenth such event in 20 years was planned for April 26, 2020, but is now postponed to another date. It will be held at the McGroarty Arts Center (7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga, CA 91042) as a celebration of poetry and the community. The wreath of green olive leaves (olive for the oil of wisdom and spiritual inspiration, rather than laurel for fame) will be passed to Ms. Pero by the Ninth Poet Laureate, Pamela Shea, (2017-2020). The event, free and open to the public, will include music performances, presentation of honorary diplomas, and poetry readings by both the outgoing and in-coming Poets Laureate.
Pamela Shea (L) with Joe DeCenzo and Elsa S. Frausto, April 2017
Pamela Shea served as the Ninth Poet Laureate since April 2017. During her term as Poet Laureate, she has especially enjoyed writing poems for specific community events. A particularly meaningful event for her was honoring the volunteers and staff who fought the La Tuna Fire and saved the McGroarty Arts Center during the September 2017 fire.
Pamela Shea, photo by Meridyth MacDonald
Ms. Shea has also written for many events at the Sunland-Tujunga Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library; she particularly treasures the time when she wrote a special poem that she read at the library’s Celebration Honoring African American History Month, featuring Lt. Col. Robert Friend, one of the last surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Another memorable event was reading her tribute poem for the Coast Live Oak Tree Celebration at the library in January 2020.
Ms. Shea dressed up as a Cat in the Hat reads to kids at LA Library, 2020
A city-wide event in which Pam participated was the NoHo Lit Crawl in October 2019, where she was part of the First Poet Laureate Parade. Through the L.A. Public Library, she contributed to the “Can We Get Your Autograph?” as well as the NEA Big Read events. She read at a meeting of SHPOA (Shadow Hills Property Owners Association) and participated in the 2018 Gathering of California’s Poets Laureate at McGroarty Arts Center hosted by Dana Gioia, California State Poet Laureate. In December 2019, Pam read a poem before the Los Angeles City Council in support of saving La Tuna Canyon as a historical and recreational site. During her term as Poet Laureate term she has achieved her goal in being published in a number of poetry journals and anthologies, such as the California Quarterly, the Altadena Poetry Review, and Spectrum. She looks forward to having a book of her poetry published soon.
McGroarty Arts Center with Commemorative plaque
The Poet Laureate Program was initiated in 1999 by local cultural activists as a tribute to John Steven and Ida McGroarty, who used their home as a gathering place for prominent town citizens to enjoy cultural and fund raising events. The McGroartys were the town’s most famous citizens. John Steven McGroarty (1862-1944) served as the California Poet Laureate from 1933-1944. A man of many talents, he was known as a poet, journalist, congressman (1935-39), columnist, publisher, historian, playwright, and community activist.
The Assembly Proclamation declaring McGroarty Poet Laureate of California, 1933
McGroarty published several volumes of poetry, memoirs, and non-fiction. He wrote The Mission Play staged annually at Easter, and had a weekly column in the Los Angeles Times. The reading of one of his poems, “Just California”, was required by all California elementary school students. The McGroartys donated their estate to the City of Los Angeles to serve as a cultural center for the local community.
Joe DeCenzo speaks to the audience, Passing of the Laurels, April 2017
In 2018, his memory was honored by Dana Gioia, then Poet Laureate of California, with the Gathering of Poets Laureate held at the McGroarty Arts Center – over 60 current and past Poets Laureate participated from the entire state, enjoying workshops and public readings, recorded by the California Arts Council, one of the sponsors of this worthwhile event.
Village Poets: L to R: Elsa Frausto, Dorothy Skiles, Marlene Hitt,
Joe DeCenzo, Pamela Shea and dr Maja Trochimczyk
Mr. McGroarty’s involvement in the local community served as a model for future Poets Laureate that, so far, included: Marlene Hitt, 1999-2001; Katerina Canyon, 2001-2004; Joe DeCenzo, 2004-2006; Ursula T. Gibson, 2006-2008; Damien Stednitz, 2008-2010; Maja Trochimczyk, 2010-2012; Dorothy Skiles, 2012-2014; Elsa S. Frausto, 2014-2017; and Pamela Shea, 2017-2020.
Dr. Maja Trochimczyk with Joe DeCenzo, April 2010.
Pamela Shea was elected to serve as Sunland-Tujunga's Poet Laureate in April 2017. A year has passed and much has been done so far. Here is her reflection, some poems and photos from recent events, and a list of events she participated in. We wish Pam another successful year!
Passing of the Laurels Ceremony, April 2017 with Elsa Frausto, Dorothy Skiles,
Marlene Hitt, Joe DeCenzo, Pam Shea and Maja Trochimczyk
UPDATE FROM PAMELA SHEA
As I celebrate
the one-year mark in my role as the 9th Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga, I am
delighted to reflect on all the activities I have participated in during the
past 12 months.
I am thrilled to
serve our local Foothills community through poetry, and I have enjoyed writing
poems for special events, including the Sylmar Woman’s Club gathering at the
Odyssey Restaurant, the Verdugo Hills YMCA’s Spring Tea, a variety of occasions
at McGroarty Arts Center, and several activities at the Sunland-Tujunga Branch
Library. Taking poetry “to the people” is one of my chief goals as
Sunland-Tujunga Poet Laureate.
I have also
discovered a newfound freedom in my writing. I am honored to have had my poems
selected for publication in the Altadena
Poetry Review 2018, as well as in the Spring 2018 issue of the California
State Poetry Society’s California
Quarterly Vol. 44 No. 1, edited by Maja Trochimczyk.
As Poet
Laureate, I have been privileged to have the opportunity to get to know other
poets while hearing and reading a wide range of poetic styles. In my second
year in this role, I look forward to meeting more wonderful people and
continuing to celebrate our local community and its people, flora, and fauna
through poetry.
~ Pamela Shea
Pam as Betsy Ross for the 4th of July Parade 2017
Poetry Events, Pamela
A. Shea, 2017-2018
4/1/17 - Clark Magnet School, Foothills Relay For Life, opening ceremony
5/6/17 - The Odyssey Restaurant, Sylmar Woman’s Club Fashion Show & Luncheon,
Follow Your Muse
5/6/17 - McGroarty Arts Center, Wine Tasting Event - The Wine of Glorietta by
John Steven McGroarty, McGroarty Magic by Pamela Shea
5/16/17 - The Backdoor Bakery, Relay For Life Fundraising event by The Painter In You,
Relay Painting Event Poem Series, Relay poems
5/22/17 - Verdugo Hills YMCA, Spring Tea Party, photo and poem combination reading
6/3/17 McGroarty Arts Center, 14th Annual Ceramics Juried Open Exhibition,
Ceramics
7/29/2017 - Oceanview Restaurant, Wine Glass Paint Night Fundraiser for La Crescenta Women’s Club, Summer Wishes 2007, Eulogy For Night
8/26/2017- McGroarty Arts Center, 2nd Annual Burgers, Beer & Band Night, BBB Poem
8/27/2017 - Bolton Hall Museum, Village Poets Monthly Reading Series, Co-Feature with Lois P. Jones
9/13/2017 - The Odyssey Restaurant, Sylmar Woman’s Club General Club Meeting
9/24/2017 - McGroarty Arts Center, event honoring volunteers and staff who fought La Tuna Fire, McGroarty Magic II
10/21/2017 - McGroarty Arts Center, Sunland-Tujunga Open Studios, 3 sessions of open readings
10/22/2017 - The Backdoor Bakery, event featuring Joe DeCenzo and friends
10/23/2017 Verdugo Hills YMCA, Chili Cook-Off, poem “Chili”
10/25/2017 - NoHo Arts District, Lit Crawl L.A., participated in First Annual Poet Laureate parade
12/19/2017 - McGroarty Arts Center, Hanukkah In the Foothills, Hanukkah Poem
Jan. 2018 - Two poems selected for publication by California State Poetry Society’s California Quarterly 44 No. 1
Feb. 2018 - One poem selected for publication in The Altadena Poetry Anthology, 2018
March 3, 2018 - Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library, Dr. Seuss’s 114th Birthday Party
Photo by Pam Shea
Spring, 2018
Springtime comes tiptoeing in
Speaking of quiet places
Revealing sacred spaces
And peace flows like a river
Tranquility is seeping
Into the landscape and blood
Emotional tides rise and flood
Releasing, seeking the shore
Beauty abounds and astounds
Birds serenade the morning
Flowers burst in bright colors
The earth awakens in bounty
Whispers of hope float freely
Discerning ears are ringing
There is majestic singing
Love rises from the garden
(c) Pamela Shea
In costume with granddaughter, for Dr. Seuss Reading at Sunland Tujunga Library, March 2017.
In Honor of Dr.
Seuss
3/3/2018, on the Occasion
of His 114th Birthday
“My name is
Pamela Ann
You can call me
Pam, you can call me Ann”
So my life as a
poet began
I love poetry,
that’s who I am
Words have
always filled my mind
I write of
nature and being kind
Poems do not
always have to rhyme
All kinds of
writing are very fine
You can write
when you are glad
You can write
when you are sad
You can write
when you are mad
Just keep on
writing on your pad
Poems can tell
the story of your life
Both times that
are good and times of strife
So pick up
something and write, write, write
It will make
your spirit soar like a kite
Dr. Seuss Day the Paige Way
3/2/16 ~ by Paige Gleason & Pamela Shea
I jump, jump, jump on the trampoline
In my
nightgown
I wear my nightgown the whole day long
All around
town
I blow BIG BUBBLES and stomp them flat
On the
backyard ground
I celebrate Dr. Seuss Day with Grandma
She is
such a clown!
Reading at Bolton Hall Museum, photo by Mary Torregrosa
POETS LAUREATE GATHERING WITH DANA GIOIA, OCTOBER 6, 2018
All current Poets Laureate from California are invited by CA Poet Laureate Dana Gioia to participate in a statewide gathering of all current city and county poet laureates, hosted by the California Arts Council. The event will take place at the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga on Saturday, October 6, 2018.
The organizers are planning a day of workshops, panels, readings, and presentations to explore and celebrate the important cultural role poet laureates play in their communities. Every laureate will have a chance to read his or her poetry as well as share ideas with other laureates and the public. The McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga (a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley side of Los Angeles) is the former home of John McGroarty, who served as California’s third poet laureate from 1933 to 1944. Today the beautiful hillside home houses a vibrant community arts center.
All poets who currently hold a civic laureate office (for a city, county, or region) are invited to participate in the morning workshop. Past poets laureate are invited to the afternoon session. The daylong event, including meals, will be free to participants. This event is co-sponsored by the California Arts Council and the McGroarty Arts Center. Robin Coste Lewis, the poet laureate of Los Angeles, will also help host the day’s event.
Photo by Maja Trochimczyk
VILLAGE POETS NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS TO DOROTHY SKILES!
For Pushcart Prize Nomination by the Altandena Poetry Review!
Thelma T. Reina and Susan Rogers who both were featured at Bolton Hall Museum
in the past are also nominated. The presentation of their poetry is on April 16, 2018.
MAJA TROCHIMCZYK EDITED THE CALIFORNIA QUARTERLY 44/1
Photo by Maja Trochimczyk
This volume features almost 60 poets, including Village Poets Pam Shea and Marlene Hitt, and poets who featured at Bolton Hall Museum in the past: Kathabela Wilson, Susan Rogers, Margaret Saine, Deborah P. Kolodji and William Scott Galasso. Copies of the CQ may be obtained by ordering online at CaliforniaStatePoetrySociety.org , or by mailing a request for a specific issue together with a check
for $10.00 per copy. Do not forget to name the specific issue you are requesting (this one is 44/1) and submit your order to: CSPS VP/Membership 2560 Calabria Ct, Dublin, CA 94568.
Every poet is invited to join the CSP Society, online or by mail. First fill out the form on the website, then print it and send with payments by mail to:
CSPS Vice President - Membership, 2560 Calabria Court, Dublin, California 94568
On Sunday, April 23, 2017, at the McGroarty Arts Center (7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga, CA 91042) a celebration of poetry took place - the ninth such event in 18 years. The local poetry and cultural community participated in the Passing of the Laurels 2017 Ceremony, with Elsa S. Frausto, the Eighth Poet Laureate (2014-2017) passing the laurel wreath and the poets' heart to Pamela Shea, the Ninth Poet Laureate of Sunland Tujunga, selected to serve in this voluntary and prestigious post for the years 2017-2019.
The celebration opened with beautiful guitar music played by Vincent Reyes, and the guests were welcomed by a representative of the host institution, the McGroarty Arts Center, Dawn Jenkins.
Dawn Jenkins welcomes guests to the Passing of the Laurels Ceremony.
DAWN JENKINS, a volunteer serving on the McGroarty Arts Center Board of Directors, pointed out that the celebration was taking place in the former home of California Poet Laureate (1933-1944), playwright, and politician, Mr. John Steven McGroarty (1862-1944) whose beautiful mountain villa became the cultural center serving the entire community with a variety of programs, from ceramics, to piano, poetry and dance. McGroarty's titles to fame, besides serving for two terms in the U.S. Congress, were writing for the Los Angeles Times, creating the Mission Play, and a rich volume of poetry, with "Just California" being the most famous. The reading of“Just California”, was required by all California elementary school students.
JOE DECENZO grew up in Los Angeles and majored in theater and English Literature. From 2004-06 he served as poet laureate of Sunland-Tujunga. He produced the “Shouting Coyote” performing arts festival and was a Department of Cultural Affairs grant recipient. His published works include The Ballad of Alley and Hawk and contributions to anthologies and journals. He currently serves on the planning committee for the Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga and as Chair of Poet Laureate Search Committee.
Joe DeCenzo. Photo by Maja Trochimczyk
Joe DeCenzo presented the history and importance of the McGroarty Arts Center and the Poet Laureate program in the following speech:
"Thank you all for attending and supporting the literary arts in the foothills. Your presence here not only honors the family who built this house but also the artisans who built this community more than a hundred years ago. Poet Laureate strives to nurture our cultural pride, to inspire our sense of unity, and to help young writers grow their confidence and express their voice. Your attendance here affirms its value. "As you arrived today you either ascended the steep asphalt drive or you climbed the recently constructed stairs playfully decorated with ceramics and objects of personal worth and meaning to the people who donated them; hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by this house and programs it provides. "It’s been said- the reason God gave us two ears and one mouth is so we would listen twice as much as we speak. I invite you to take this moment to listen to the murmurs and whispers of this house because “These Walls Talk” They echo sounds of every poem written, every song sung They speak of determination and stamina to rise through fire’s ash They speak of faith, family and the future of a people Nestled in the offerings of Verdugo These walls envelop those oppressed at sundown, Mourn those interned in hostile times Dignify those neglected at the table of human discourse For they were raised by artists’ hands and stand for decency More than the enduring river rock foundation More than the mission tile roof offering shelter from the blazing summer sun Beyond the warmth and comfort of the hand hewn ceiling beams -these walls talk They say, “Come to me and fail for you will then learn to succeed. Break with strict convention and your visions will expand.” Oh, how you talk, resonant walls of Rancho Chupa Rosa The lure of humming birds to their creative nectar spring Reverberate in times to come, Evoke your builder’s dreams Joe DeCenzo, April 23, 2017
Center: Joe Aguirre with his wife, Kathabela and Rick Wilson.
Second row: Peter Larsen,with wife, third row: Marlene Hitt.
Joe DeCenzo who was the Fourth Poet Laureate (2004-2006) thanked the Director of the McGroarty Arts Center, Joe Aguirre for inviting poets yet again to the home of the California Poet Laureate from the 1930s and 1940s. Mr. Aguirre, a retired school principal, works as a volunteer and also served on the Poetry and Literature Committee 2017 that elected the new poet laureate from a pool of worthy candidates. The Committee also included the following members: Joe DeCenzo, Marlene Hitt, Elsa Frausto, Dorothy Skiles, Bill Skiles, and Dr. Maja Trochimczyk.
Dorothy Skiles, Marlene Hitt, Joe DeCenzo, Luis Rodriguez and Maja Trochimczyk
Joe DeCenzo then introduced Maja Trochimczyk, the Sixth Poet Laureate (2010-2012) who designed the event's program, prepared print materials and decorations, and served as the MC for the "official" part of the program. She read one of her poems and presented Past Poets Laureate who made great contributions to the poetry life in the foothills. In 2010, Joe passed the laurels and congratulations to Maja when she became the Poet Laureate, and in 2012, shared with her many congratulatory scrolls from government officials.
Joe DeCenzo with Maja Trochimczyk at the 2012 Passing of the Laurels Ceremony.
View from McGroarty Arts Center, photo by Maja Trochimczyk
TODAY
We are a miracle of life
We do what we want
We want what we do
We are perfect
We are a cosmic tree
We grow by the calm lake of light
Its smooth opal surface
Reflects the sun’s smiling face
Our roots drink liquid light
Our crowns sparkle with stars
Our leaves are green with peace
Our flowers are gold with joy
Our fruit is ripe with wisdom
We are a living miracle
We are perfect
From noon to midnight
From midnight to noon
We love what we do
We do what we love
We are – We shine
We are one with One
We are perfect
(C) 2017 by Maja Trochimczyk (A version of a poem originally published in Into Light, 2016)
Marlene Hitt
MARLENE HITT is a Los Angeles poet, writer and retired educator with local history as an avocation. She served for many years as Archivist, Museum Director, and Historian at the Bolton Hall Museum in Tujunga. She is a graduate of Occidental College, a 26- year member of the Chuparosa writers and the First Poet-Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga 1999-2001. Her poetry has appeared in several journals, three chapbooks, one book (Clocks and Water Drops, Moonrise Press, 2014) and in local newspapers. She wrote an history book, Sunland-Tujunga from Village to City and served as columnist for the Foothill Leader, Glendale News Press, North Valley Reporter and the Voice of the Village newspapers since 1998.
Selected books with Marlene Hitt's poems. Photo by Maja Trochimczyk
WHAT CAN WE LEAVE? What can we leave when we go away? Not just loneliness and grief but a past to offer on a day like today. Loving deeds, our words that make images float about, telling of cautions we should heed, joys that swirl within and without our memories, and the knowing, believing that all things change, acceptance of should and ought and must. Grace in all and even exchange. See the children copy his step, see them dress in his ways, see how his friendship's riches are spent throughout our days. and thank him, thank him for his life the mentor, the leader, the friend, that father, that granddad, that husband or wife. nothing will ever really end. we will remember and copy the mold yet with sorrow that the bell has tolled.
(c) by Marlene Hitt
Marlene did not even say she's the 2017 Woman of the Year whose name was entered into the congressional record by Congressman Adam Schiff - it was his representative Teresa Lamb-Simpson, who shared this important news with the audience.
By the time Marlene read her poem, the beautiful hall was filled to capacity (about 120 people). The next Poet Laureate who made great contributions to the poetic life in the foothills was Dorothy Skiles, the Seventh Poet Laureate of Sunland Tujunga (2012-2014).
Dorothy and Bill Skiles listen to the proceedings among the event's audience.
DOROTHY SKILES is a poet and retired administrator with Los Angeles County, Department of Public Social Services. Served the public for over thirty-four years. She currently serves on the planning committee for the Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga. Dorothy published a series of chapbooks: The Sidewalk Gallery (1979), Ear to Earth (1996), Spine Flower Blues (1999) - a collaborative effort with fellow members of the Chuparosa Writers of Sunland-Tujunga, and Riddle in the Rain (2003) - a joint venture with Marlene Hitt. Her work also appears in Meditations on Divine Names(2012) and in various poetry anthologies and journals.
Dorothy Skiles welcomes guests to the McGroarty Arts Center
OH, APRIL! I awaken To a sunny morn, Yet how fickle you can be. You’re mood changes So dramatically! A clap of thunder, A flash of lightening, I grab my raincoat, Umbrella tucked Under my arm! By late afternoon, The rain stops, Sunlight again. All is bright! Raindrops glisten Among the branches And budded leaves of The white birch trees. Oh April! What will tomorrow bring? Why, of course, another Lovely, lovely day of spring!
Teresa Lamb-Simpson and Vickere Murphy listen to the proceedings.
The next part of the program was the introduction of distinguished guests representing local, state, and federal politicians. We were very happy that so many distinguished guests have decided to join us during this Ninth Passing of the Laurels Ceremony, in 18 years. We have been doing it since 1999 and the presentations of congratulatory certifications and scrolls has always been an important part of this event.
A representative from the Office of Council President Herb J. Wesson Jr. – Mr. Tony Wilkinson, Community Liaison, for Council District #7 presented a certificate to Elsa Frausto, thanking her for the three year of service as Poet Laureate and for the many contributions she made to the promotion of reading, literacy and poetry in the local community, especially in collaboration with the Sunland-Tujunga Library.
Tony Wilkinson representing Herb Wesson, President of City Council. Photo by Bill Skiles
Elsa Frausto then received a congratulatory certificate from a representative from the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Mr. Jerrod R. DeGonia, Senior Field Deputy.
Jerrod DeGonia congratulates Elsa Frausto, Photo by Bill Skiles
We were honored to also have State of California representatives with us. From the office of California State Assemblymember, Raul Bacanegra, 39th District came Eric Menjivar, Communications Director, to present congratulations and certificates to both the past and the future Poets Laureate.
Pamela Shea with her Congratulatory Certificate from the State Assemblyman, Raul Bocanegra
Elsa Frausto received a honorary certificate from the California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, the 25th State Senate District, represented by Vickere Murphy, District Representative. Finally, and not included in the printed program, we had with us a representative from the office of U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff, that is from the Congressional District No. 28 – Ms. Teresa Lamb Simpson who made a speech about the importance of poetry and culture for the Congressman, and mentioned the recent honor bestowed on Marlene Hitt by the U.S. Congress.
Alice Pero and Vincent Reyes. Photo by Maja Trochimczyk
ALICE PERO graduated from The Manhattan School of Music and is founder of both Windsong Players Chamber Ensemble and the celebrated poetry reading series, Moonday. Her first poetry volume is Thawed Stars, published in 1999; her works appeared in many journals and anthologies. She recently wrote Sunland Park Poems, with Elsa Frausto (Shabda Press, 2017). She has taught poetry to school children since 1991 and enjoys alternating between poetry and music and enjoying time with her four grandchildren.
Alice Pero and Vincent Reyes, photo by Maja Trochimczyk.
VINCENT REYES has been playing and teaching classical and jazz guitar professionally since the age of 15. He is a founding member of Windsong Players and has been working lately a great deal on a cruise ship as well as playing for productions of East West Players.
For those who did not attend the ceremony, here's another rendition of Poulenc's Mouvments Perpetueles played by Alice Pero with Vincent Reyes, from a Windsong Ensemble concert:
It is hard to overestimate the role that this beautiful Musical Interlude played in elevating the mood and quality of the entire event. Many listeners came to thank Alice and Vincent for their wonderful performance at the end. In ancient Greece, the Muses of Poetry and Music were sisters, so that's one reason why the flute and guitar performance was loved so much! For more, be sure to attend their next concert, and in the meantime, listen to more recordings on the Windsong Players Chamber Ensemble YouTube Channel.
Elsa S. Frausto with her laurel wreath.
Finally, the most important part of the program began with the "Swan Song" reading by ELSA S. FRAUSTO, the Eight Poet Laureate of Sunland Tujunga who served in that role since 2014.
Elsa's poems spanned her entire writing career, and ended with two excerpts from her book of 2017, Sunland Park Poems, co-written with Alice Pero.
A native of the Argentinian Pampas, she has lived in Tujunga under the shade of oaks and with the nightly scent of chaparral and sage for close to thirty years. She has been active in the local literary community as a member of the Chuparosa Writers, editor, readings organizer and host (Camelback Readings) and most recently Wide Open Readings at the Sunland-Tujunga Library where she also showcases the Poem of the Month.Together with the Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga, she participates in the monthly poetry readings at Bolton Hall. She is widely published in English and Spanish; and recently co-authored (with Alice Pero) a chapbook Sunland Park Poems (Shabda Press, 2017) which celebrates the beautiful Foothills we call home. TWO SUNLAND PARK POEMS 1. In the broken notes of his saxophone, a man writes a life. This one says- I practice here because I can't at home. If they are broken, well, so is my life. But I still come to the park and my body curves in the shade it makes. 2. Waiting is like this Sunlight on my eyes and at my back some warmth like a secret in plain sight we all share Like the shadow of an inclined head and a hand that writes what it didn't know a minute ago Discovery is quick Waiting is slow In between, the crow, announces its arrival
From Sunland Park Poems by Elsa Frausto and Alice Pero (Shabda Press, 2017)
The audience at the McGroarty Arts Center
The core of the Passing of the Laurels ceremony consists of crowning the new Poet Laureate with a "laurel" wreath - in our case it is a wreath of olive branches: olive for peace and for the oil of inspiration-wisdom-anointing. After placing the new wreath's on PAMELA SHEA's head, Elsa Frausto gave her the golden heart locket that contains dried leaves from all the past wreaths of all the past Poets Laureate. This locket has been passed on from one poet to the next since 1999, in an unbroken tradition. The name of the new Poet Laureate is then engraved on the plaque with all the poets' names, kept at the McGroarty Arts Center.
Elsa Frausto presents the golden heart locket to Pamela Shea. Photo by Maja Trochimczyk.
Elsa Frausto presents the Poet Laureate Plaque with Pamela Shea's name added.
Elsa Frausto with Pamela Shea receive flowers. Photos by Maja Trochimczyk
PAMELA SHEA, the ninth Poet Laureate, has lived in the Sunland-Tujunga area for nearly 40 years. She is a writer and poet who chronicles her life through verse. Pam was born and raised in the foothills community of La Crescenta and studied at the University of Redlands.Her professional life has included medical office work, from which she is retired, and teaching in the fitness field, in which she is currently active. She has a long history of community service, which she has combined with her writing.
She finds inspiration in family and nature as well as in triumph and strife. She enjoys sharing her poems in hometown open poetry readings. Poetry has been her passion and therapy for as long as she can remember.
Her poems appeared numerous times in the local Voice of the Village newspaper, as well as in the monthly newsletter for Salem Lutheran Church in Glendale and the fundraising literature for the Health Ministries of the Foothills. Other poems appeared online in Village Poets and Poetry Laurels blogs.
Ms. Shea was a featured reader at the Shouting Coyote Performing Festival in 2004 and also led a workshop at that event on the Poetry of Nature. Since then, she participated in many readings with the Wide Open Readers, led by Elsa Frausto, and the Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga at Bolton Hall Museum.Her extensive record of community service includes many endeavors, such as volunteering for the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA’s annual Current Campaign Support Fund Drive for several years. She was also a member of VHY’s Senior Advisory Committee.
She started a poetry group that met weekly at VHY as well as served as a board member for two terms (six years of service) for the Health Ministries of the Foothills. She has also been involved in the Relay for Life.Ms. Shea is the proud mother of three and grandmother of two. She has been married 43 years and has lived in the same house in Sunland for almost 40 years
Pamela Shea. Photo by Maja Trochimczyk
For her term as Poet Laureate she said: "I plan on taking poetry out into the community by facilitating quarterly seasonal poetry writing events for all ages. These events would be held at local venues that feature the flora and fauna of our community, such as Descanso Gardens, Deukmejian Park, the meditation garden at the Crescenta Valley YMCA, McGroarty Arts Center, and Bolton Hall. My goal is to foster a spirit of inspiration, affinity, and support for both established and budding poets, and to encourage them to experience the beauty of our environment together and use it as a muse for their own work."
Her first reading spanned her entire writing career, and included two poems cited below.
Pamela Shea, photo by Maja Trochimczyk
THE JOURNEY The dimension of openness Is to live without restrictions It is to break limitations Flying free through the universe Embrace all while holding nothing Unclasp the mind, the heart, the hands Float in the sea of the cosmos Journeying into expansion (c) by Pamela Shea
Pamela Shea, photo by Maja Trochimczyk
From SPRING, SPRANG, SPRUNG! The hazy smile of crescent moon, The cheerful face of daffodil, The brilliant, blazing midday sun All show that spring is here. Soft pinks and yellows of sunrise, Explosive red-golds of sunset, The clear blue skies of longer days Confirm that spring is here. The soft kiss of a rustling breeze, Expectation of warmth to come, Harmonious celebration Whisper that spring is here.
(C) by Pamela Shea
Poets Laureate of Sunland Tujunga, L to R: Elsa Frausto, Dorothy Skiles, Marlene Hitt,
Joe DeCenzo, Pamela Shea and Maja Trochimczyk. Photo by Bill Skiles
OUR SUPPORTERS
The Passing of the Laurels event is supported in part by Poets & Writers through grants it has received from The James Irvine Foundation and the Hearst Foundations. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the following individuals and organizations that made this event possible:
ED NOVY
THE SUNLAND-TUJUNGA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
THE VILLAGE POETS OF SUNLAND-TUJUNGA
THE MCGROARTY ARTS CENTER
& MOONRISE PRESS
For their assistance and coordination we thank
CONNIE HOWELLS, AUSTINA BOSCO, & DAWN JENKINS.
FUTURE READINGS IN SUNLAND & TUJUNGA:
Saturday, 6 May, 3 pm Special Edition of Wide Open Reading
"Sunland Park Poems" by Alice Pero & Elsa Frausto
Sunland/Tujunga Library, 7771 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042
Sunday, May 28 – at 4:30 p.m Village Poets Monthly Reading at the Bolton Hall Museum
Featuring Michael C. Ford and John Brantingham
10110 Commerce Avenue, Tujunga, CA 91042
Pamela Shea with Joe DeCenzo and Maja Trochimczyk, Photo by Bill Skiles
Appearances by Poet Laureate Pamela Shea:
Pamela Shea is available for appearances at social and civic events, like opening of art exhibits, concerts, festivals, and government events. She has two readings coming up on Saturday, May 6, 2017. The first is for the Sylmar Woman's Club fashion show and luncheon at the Odyssey Restaurant. There are about 400 people expected! On Saturday evening, she will read at the McGroarty Arts Center's wine tasting event. On May 16, she will be presenting her poems at a painting fundraising event for Relay For Life at the Backdoor Bakery Cafe in Tujunga.
Pamela Shea, Elsa Frausto with Joe DeCenzo. Photo by Maja Trochimczyk
DOROTHY SKILES concluded: "The Passing of the Laurels was both inspiring and magical, a day we won’t soon forget. Very much a team effort - a labor of love. A testament of how people can work together to make a positive impact not only on the arts, but also in the space we occupy in this world. Elsa, seeing you honored as the outgoing Poet Laureate, and Pam, seeing you crowned with laurels as the newly installed Poet Laureate, was a moving experience for all of us. The audience was warm and engaging, enjoying all that creative energy, musically and poetically, coming together in one place – the former House of John Steven McGroarty, nestled among the trees, a hallowed spot in the Verdugo Hills with a view of the San Gabriel mountains. The audience was in no hurry to rush off, savoring good conversation and tasting an array of delicious edibles. Lots of wonderful memories,"
Poets Laureate, Marlene Hitt, Dorothy Skiles, Pamela Shea, Joe DeCenzo, Elsa Frausto and Maja Trochimczyk. Photo by Bill Skiles.
