This fall the Sunland-Tujunga Poetry and Literature Committee will begin accepting applications for the next poet laureate of Sunland-Tujunga. Poet laureates are esteemed local ambassadors who use their skill as crafted writers and public speakers to further literacy and extol the virtues of life in the foothills.  The position was established in 1999 to support and promote the local colony of writers and to honor the legacy of John Steven McGroarty who built his home in Tujunga and served as the California State Poet Laureate from 1933 to 1944.

The Sunland-Tujunga poet laureate serves a two-year term and is a champion for the foothill community by writing an ode for a special event, some verse for the ground breaking of a public park or simply addressing a service organization by rendering words of insight and inspiration. The laureate has a passion for the area and for the mountains and flora and fauna of the San Gabriels. The laureate has a thirst for learning the history of the local community and celebrating the diversity of cultures that enrich local neighborhoods. To that regard, the applicant should live in the boundary between Lake View Terrace and La Cañada Flintridge, which includes Shadow Hills, Sunland-Tujunga, La Crescenta and Montrose as well.

The committee seeks applicants at least 18 years of age whose writing is crafted and relates to a broad audience with subjects reflecting the human condition. The qualified applicant should have a history of community involvement and possess a voice that can represent the district giving wings to the heart of the foothills.

The current laureate is Elsa S. Frausto. She is a native of Buenos Aires and has lived in Tujunga more than 20 years.

“I worked to include the many immigrant communities that make up the larger one of the foothills promoting Armenian, Korean and Spanish poetry and writing (original and translation) in readings and publication,” she said of her position. “I believe that poetry unites people and voices while encouraging self expression and freedom.”

Frausto established and currently runs the Wide Open Reading Series that invites authors of varied styles and musicians to present their works. The reading typically meets the first Saturday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library.

The newly elected laureate will begin a term of service on April 23, 2017 and will be honored at the “Passing of the Laurels” ceremony. The ceremony will be open to the public and attended by city and district leaders. The McGroarty Arts Center will host.

Applications are available at www.villlagepoets.com and must be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2017. For further informationplease contact Marlene Hitt (818) 951-1041.