Martin Galvin: 1937-2018

     We were very sorry to hear that poet Martin Galvin passed away earlier this month. His work as a poet and instructor will be long remembered and deeply missed. In his honor, we will be including a reading of one of his poems during ASW 7 in March, 2019. 

     For information about his impressive life as well as his memorial service, visit :http://www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com.
(Photo via Pumphrey webpage)

Mariposa Poetry Retreat

The Mariposa Poetry Retreat began in 2011 to fuel, stimulate and challenge the passion of poets and writers from DC, MD, VA, FL, NY, MA, PA, and beyond, including Brazil. Since then we’ve been honored by the participation of incredible keynote speakers and faculty members as follows:

(2011): Kwame Alexander, Naomi Ayala, Monica Hand (1953-2016), Joseph Ross;
(2012): Ethelbert Miller, Mike Bosdavanos, Rocky DeLaPlaine, Kim Roberts;
(2013): Grace Cavalieri, Michael Davis, Jose (Joe) Gouveia (1964-2014), Yvette Neisser, and
          Maryland Poet Laureate, Stanley Plumly;
(2014): Dark;
(2015): Richard Peabody, Sarah Browning, Grace Cavalieri, Robert Giron, Cliff Lynn;
(2016): Merrill Leffler, Ann Bracken, Sarah Browning, Grace Cavalieri, Le Hinton;
(2017): Rose Solari, Abdul Ali, Yvette Neisser, Kim Roberts and Basil White; and each year, Michael Friend and Soul in Motion has joined us to "bless our boats" at the Welcome Reception.

What is so special about the Mariposa Poetry Retreat? We limit attendance to 25 participants. Yes, it's small compared to other retreats but we pack a lot into one weekend. It's an intimate space that offers a unique writing experience. We build community, the Mariposa family. It's “where the magic of poetry happens”!

Join us this year, October 5-7th, to celebrate and channel the muse with new and returning faculty members: Grace Cavalieri, Claudia Gary, Reuben Jackson, Brandon Johnson and keynote speaker, Michael S. Glaser, Maryland Poet Laureate (2004 – 2009). And as always, Michael Friend and Soul in Motion will get our blood pumping with West African drumming (and maybe some dancing too)!

With your continued support, we've been able to award scholarships to veterans, poets and international participants who would otherwise not have been able to attend. If you are interested and able to defray the cost of a participant, please let me know. Your generosity and tax- deductible contribution to the Capital Retreat Center is always appreciated!

If you've attended the Mariposa Poetry Retreat in the past, you won't want to miss this one either. If you haven't been yet, don’t miss this opportunity to join us!

2018 marks 7 years of memorable weekend retreats and Reunion Readings at the Writer’s Center in Bethesda. We also look forward to offering a week-long retreat, Writing in the Rainforest, in Puerto Rico in 2020!

Maritza Rivera aka Mariposa:
“Where the magic of poetry happens!”

CONTACT: mariposa611@gmail.com

Poetry X Hunger

WORLD FOOD DAY

POETRY COMPETITION

Hiram Larew sends this note:

Dear Poets/Friends from afar —

While the Competition that's described below is limited to folks in the Washington, DC and surrounding Counties, I wanted to share the announcement with you.  

You may know of poets in this area who would be eligible; if so, please share this email with them.

Just as importantly, I wanted to make sure that you knew that the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is offering this Competition, in conjunction with Poetry X Hunger, as a way to bring poetry more forcefully to bear against hunger wherever it exists.  If, in your communities, there's an interest, please encourage your nearby poets/friends to consider ways to  "speak up" about actions on World Food Day (October 16) that can be taken to eliminate hunger at home and abroad.

Here's the link to FAO's World Food Day site -- http://www.fao.org/world-food-day/2018/home/en/

Here's to Poetry X Hunger,

Hiram 

For more info about this Competition, visit the Poetry X Hunger Facebook page.  

Calling all poets in Washington, DC and surrounding Counties!  In recognition of World Food Day on October 16, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Liaison Office for North America, in conjunction with the Poetry X Hunger initiative, is inviting submissions of poetry that focuses on taking urgent action to eliminate global hunger and malnutrition.  Held every year on October 16, this year’s World Food Day will focus on the theme: “Our Actions Are Our Future: A Zero Hunger World by 2030 Is Possible.” 

After a period of decline, world hunger is on the rise again. Today, over 815 million people are suffering chronic undernourishment, according to the latest FAO report. Conflict, extreme weather events linked to climate change, economic slowdown and rapidly increasing overweight and obesity levels are reversing progress made in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, rural poverty, food insecurity, inequality, unemployment, lack of social protection as well as natural resource depletion due to environmental degradation and climate change are forcing millions to migrate. 

Now is the time to get back on track. The world can achieve Zero Hunger if we join forces across nations, continents, sectors and professions, and act on evidence.

Significant prizes are offered to winners.  There is no entry fee -- the Competition is free to enter.