|
Poets Northwest was established in
1986 by co-founders, Claire Ottenstein-Ross, Betty Kersh and Susan
Daubenspeck. The group is a Chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas, a
non-profit organization, and the National Federation of State Poetry
Societies.
It began with about 10 members and
now averages around 50 members. Poets Northwest is one of the largest
Chapters in the Poetry Society of Texas. Originally the group met in
members' homes, community centers and churches.
Poets Northwest's first
meeting was held on June 7th, 1986 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of
Claire Ottenstein-Ross, President. Attending poets were encouraged
to bring their poems to read.
The first Poets
Northwest Newsletter was mailed to interested poets in the area for
the June 7th meeting. Claire Ottenstein-Ross was Editor for the
first issue. It was a simple edition typed on a typewriter (before
computers.)
Poets Northwest was
presented its Poetry Society of Texas Charter on June 10, 1987 by
Marvin Hirsh, President of PST.
Poets Northwest
sponsored its first Spring Fling Poetry Contest in 1988. The first
Spring Fling awards celebration took place on April 23, 1988, with
dinner from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and awards from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
It was held at the Holiday Inn, 16510 N. Freeway in Houston. There
were 20 Poetry Categories offered with prizes totaling $387. Claire
Ottenstein-Ross, President, presided over the event. Susan
Daubenspeck and Lagenia Damron presented the Awards. Officers of
Poets Northwest for 1988 were Claire Ottenstein-Ross, President;
Susan Daubenspeck, Vice President/Programs; and Betty Kersh,
Treasurer/Membership.
Beginning in 1990 Poets
Northwest published its first Anthology. This tradition continues as
we publish a new anthology every two years. Following are the
names and dates of the anthologies which have been published to
date.
1991 ~ "Hearts
Intertwined"
1993 ~ "The Muse is
a Singing Bird"
2004 ~ "And to All
. . ."
2006 ~ "The Long
and Short of It"
|
