(Not in verse!) Thom is on the board of Forrest Fest. It was begun in 2000 by Connie Lane Williams who is still the chief organiser, and has grown enormously since then.
Forrest Fest will be in its twelfth year by the time you read this report. I feel privileged to have been part of its outreach poetry programs in 2011.
1.COMMUNITY RADIO-Poets and musicians were heard live on KPET on April 15 @9.30 am This broadcast on local Lamesa radio sent poetry out to every listening person in Lamesa It was videoed and photographed and positive feedback and response assured all that National Poetry Month was LIVE! in Lamesa.
2.COMMUNITY OUTREACH (Eldercare)-For those who were not mobile to come to venues like the Community Center or Lamesa Library-poets and musicians made their way to SAGE and BEEHIVE Nursing homes and entertained their elders in three sessions of highly original material.This has been a part of Forrest Fest's outreach for many years-and always works!
3.YOUTH POETRY OUTREACH-Many young people could not come out at night -so poets and musicians came to SOUTH ELEMENTARY for three sessions of Environmental music/art/poetry sessions wherein they were encouraged to participate and create their own works in music art and poetry.
4.POETRY TO THE PEOPLE_each year,Steve Brooks stands on the roof of the projection booth and sings original West Texas songs to the people in parked cars,who hoot and horn and beep their approval.This extension of lyric directly to the folk of Lamesa WHERE THEY ARE is good for all ages.
5.COMMUNITY SPACES-Forrest Fest reaches out to all ages via use of Community Centers,Libraries ,Art Galleries -presenting workshops in spaces where people can gather for free.These workshops are well attended and include a Cowboy Poetry Writing Workshops,a Slam poetry writing/performance workshop -and a "Beat"Poetry workshop showing Texas' connections to beat Poetry.All worked well.
6.TREE PLANTING PROGRAM-Each year,Forrest Fest plants a tree in Forrest Park. Poems and songs accompany the planting,and many of those trees have survived West Texas winds,summers and winters.This is a direct benefit to the community that suffers so much wind and storm damage.
7.INTERNATIONALISM-Forrest Fest over a decade has featured poets from England,Australia etc -and musicians from all over America.ROAN INISH from Lubbock celebrates the Irish traditions of Texas,and SADAQAH shared Mediterranean and World Music influences.
8.OPEN,LIVING,FREE(All ages)-Forrest Fest is a gift to the community of Lamesa.It is a volunteer based Festival, sustained almost entirely upon goodwill.Local food vendors donate much of the food to feed visiting performers,who are hosted in local hotels and homes.This benefits the local community both culturally and economically,and sustains the vital community links that have kept Forrest Fest afloat for 11 years .
9.VOLUNTEERISM-All are invited to assist -many come from long distances.Economic support is needed for transport costs ,accommodation ,and honoraria to diminish the huge distance reality factor that makes Lamesa a perfect example of an area needing positive cultures to be promoted-by sharing local talents with examples of the best in their fields from around the world.FORREST FEST is the ONLY Poetry Festival in West Texas,and its model as a community outreach Festival is one to be emulated,supported and encouraged
10.Prepare now for FORREST FEST 2012-National Poetry Month /April ,2012!
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