Celebrate poet William Stafford

Join Dorothy Stafford whose lively sense of humor and warm memories of life with Bill will add greatly to what Stafford called an afternoon of "comfortable cordiality."

William Stafford was known as a caring teacher, a poet of peace, and an observer of nature and he remains Oregon's most famous poet. Known for his encouragement of students and other writers, Stafford is the author of more than 50 books of poetry and essays.

He was the recipient of the National Book Award for "Traveling Through the Dark" (1962), poetry consultant to the Library of Congress, 1970, and Poet Laureate of Oregon, 1975-1993 among other honors.

Stafford was a political activist and a conscientious objector, working in civilian public service camps during World War II. He later became a well loved professor at Lewis and Clark College in Portland.

In an online interview he explained, "I keep following this hidden river of my life...I inhale and exhale. I experience, write poems."

Attendees are invited to bring an original work and/or share one of your favorite poems by William Stafford. Enjoy listening to area poets.

Diane Allen, professor emeritus of history, actress, and fellow Stafford organizer will be a special guest. Joan Chantler, a student of Stafford's, will relate a few memories.

The afternoon event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the White Salmon Valley Community Library, and The Friends of William Stafford (FWS). Refreshments will be provided.

For more information call the library, 493-1132, visit the Fort Vancouver Regional Library's website www.fvrl.org, or contact Joan Chantler at 493-1976.