A poet laureate is a poet who has been appointed by a government or some other organization. It is their responsibility promote poetry, which usually includes composing and reciting poems for special occasions.

Recently, the CDA Arts Commission appointed Jennifer Passaro as the city’s first Poet Laureate. Jennifer studied English and creative writing at the University of Montana and is excited to share poetry with community members, particularly those from vulnerable populations. The goal of the Poet Laureate is to enhance awareness of the role poetry and literature play in the community and to document the unique character of Coeur d’Alene.

Stacey Boe Miller, who served as the Poet Laureate of Moscow, Idaho for the past three years, holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Idaho. She is set to launch a new podcast titled "Workwhile," co-hosted with Sam Burns, starting December 6, 2024. Her podcast focuses on writing, whether for publication or personal enjoyment and features interviews with inspiring writers about how they manage to write while working full-time.

What fun to have incoming and outgoing poets to talk to us about poetry and what it means to be a Poet Laureate.

For more about Coeur d’Alene’s Poet Laureate visit cdaid.org/arts.

Or contact Jennifer directly at jennifer.passaro@gmail.com.

Find more about Stacy at stacyboemiller.com and find links to her podcast.