STAFFORD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS – 2012

January Birthday Celebrations around the world were a great success in 2012. Each event was hosted locally and always featured well known poets. Readings included favorite William Stafford poems, followed by original poetry or stories inspired by the work of Mr. Stafford. Very often, readers shared personal anecdotes about their friendships or encounters with Mr. Stafford. These events, as always, were reported as being inspirational and invigorating to all those who love poetry and poets.

Stafford films were shown at many of the celebrations, followed by discussions. New original music was scored to the words and rythms of his poetry and performed at numerous gatherings.

Click on the links to the right to see details on each of the events that were held this year.

If you would like to host an event of your own for 2012, contact Paulann Petersen.
A WILLIAM STAFFORD CENTENNIAL IS BEING PLANNED
FOR 2014 IN HONOR OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

Efforts are already underway to make 2014 a celebration of the life and work of William Stafford. September, 2011 marked the beginning, as the Friends of William Stafford made a formal request to the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of the poet's 100th birthday. You can see the letter here. Please help us by sending your own letter to the USPS, asking them to honor our request and to issue a William Stafford Stamp in 2014.

There is a gathering of education, literary, and cultural leaders planned for the month of March to discuss, explore and share ideas for a year-long celebration in honor of Mr. Stafford's 100th birthday. The William Stafford Centennial Summit Symposium, first of many planning events, is being sponsored by the Friends of William Stafford.

Read more about this, and other centennial efforts by clicking here.
EVENT LINKS & DETAILS:
2012 Readings and Celebrations Around the World Honoring the Spirit of William Stafford:
Portland Metro Area
Birthday Events
Regional, USA and the World-Wide Events
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