President's Message

April - a thousand things - sadness and delight - here are a few reports from a month still spinning by. Right now most of the poets I know are very concerned about Quinton Duval – much-loved poet/teacher/publisher and most of all, friend of so many of us – Quinton’s been in intensive care for nearly a week with a diagnosis of liver and lung cancer – so sudden – so many friends are sending best wishes to “Q” and Nancy: lots of us are reading his poems and thinking of him a lot.

Two big writers’ gatherings– the SPC Poetry Workshop, and Our Life Stories at Cosumnes River College – filled up Saturdays for local writers this month. Nothing but rave reviews from those I’ve talked to – congratulations and thanks to Tim Kahl for the SPC event, and the CRC staff for their Saturday of writing!

Luna’s Café bid a long and spirited farewell to the ten-year hosting tenure of BL Kennedy this month as well – it was an honor to be part of it. Some dude named Justin performed an amazing impromptu tribute like nothing I’ve ever seen – who are you, man? And Josh Fernandez rocked the house, too. Laughs, roars, and maybe even a few tears. A great job by Robbie Grossklaus who coordinated the mini-marathon, and of course by BL himself, who enjoyed the evening, and will no doubt be at Luna’s in the near future!

Thanks also to Kathryn Hohlwein, who just finished leading an incredible workshop on Homer’s Iliad. She will be back in the fall to lead an Odyssey class – all I can say is don’t miss it – her love for the subject is only surpassed by her knowledge of it. For me, Achilles’ shield will never be the same!

Monday, May 3rd Please come to SPC to see our new bus placards, and local favorite Viola Weinberg, as we celebrate the first installment of Poets on Board. Signed copies of the cards will be available, and proceeds will support the Poets on Board program.

Wednesday, May 5th at the Sacramento Room, I’m hosting Stan Zumbiel – recently retired from SPC board after more than two decades, and Edythe Schwartz, retired professor of Child Development at CSUS. Both are working hard on their poetry for sure – we’re lucky to have these two excellent poets for our 6pm event.

And don’t forget Saturday May 15 to generate Aid for Haiti. 7pm at the Newman Center – see website for details.

Bob Stanley