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.

Bill Weimuth has spent the last 20 years writing, producing, and publishing a diverse collection of works, including books, audiobooks, video presentations, a documentary film, and online courses that explore American history. His first novel, *Down the Rivers of Peril*, is based on the true story of the journey to transport America’s first Western steamboat, the “New Orleans,” from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. This 2,200-mile voyage, taken by the Roosevelt family in 1811, involved enduring floods, earthquakes, fires, and Native American attacks, among other challenges. It is a gripping tale of survival and ambition.

Bill is not only a talented storyteller but also a passionate lover of history. He shared the three-year effort to bring his book from the initial idea to the final published copy. We were honored to hear several readings from his work in his own words.

To learn more about Bill and his works, please visit HistoryHighlights.com. “Rivers of Peril” is available at Amazon.com.

Ellen Travolta, a beloved guest of the Ali & Callie Artcast, has graced us with her incredible stories and vibrant spirit over four seasons. As the first guest to appear five times in a gesture of our appreciation, we presented her with an Ali & Callie five-timer jacket, celebrating her as a valued member of our show and community. Thank you so much, Ellen, for your continued dedication to the arts. We truly appreciate you.

This winter, Ellen will be acting in a Hallmark movie and producing "The Sounds of Christmas," this year's Christmas show at the Resort. The show promises to capture the true magic of the season. Produced by Ellen Travolta and directed by Roger Welch, this year's show features Jenny Shotwell along with her family—Jenny, Dalton, nine-year old Clark, and six year old Skye. The entire family will perform together, singing beloved Christmas songs and sharing stories, just as in previous seasons.

Performances will run from November 29 to December 22, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 5:00 PM. To purchase your tickets, please visit cdachristmas.com.

Lorna Hamilton, a versatile figure as a choreographer, director, producer, and author, shares her journey with Ali and Callie, starting in Coeur d’Alene in the 70s. Lorna, a recipient of the 2024 Mayor’s Award in Excellence of the Arts, has a humble dedication to the Arts in this community. She has authored two books, The Caregiver’s Story: Trading Anguish for a Life of Gratitude, a moving account of her ten-year journal chronicling the joys and challenges of caring for her ailing mother after a devastating stroke, and Being One- Managing Grief to Become Whole Again, both available on Amazon. Her third book, set to launch in December of 2024, is highly anticipated. Lorna, a spiritual life coach, has developed the “Love Joy Harmony Now” spiritual healing method to assist those in grief. She is NLP and ACET certified and utilizes her knowledge of breath techniques, yoga, and tai chi to promote happiness and abundance.

Mystic Mountain Music is a unique collaboration between two distinct singers, Hanna Rebecca and Meridith Vesser. Both bring their individual backgrounds in a cappella music and choir to the table. Their meeting on social media and subsequent friendship led to the creation of beautiful harmonies, with each taking turns to play the guitar. Their repertoire includes a mix of originals, covers, and mash-ups. The Indie Folk Rock Duo, formed a little over a year ago, has a unique story that continues to unfold. You can catch their performance tonight at Studio 107 from 6-8 PM and on October 26th at High Country Orchard from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 PM. Follow their journey on _mystic_mountain_music_ on Instagram and Facebook.

Shakespeare, even after over 400 years, is still an appeal to so many. And now Shakespeare has made its way to Coeur d'Alene, thanks to the passion of Mary Bowers who holds a masters in Shakespeare studies and found her love for the bard in London.

Shakespeare CDA's performance of Macbeth, perfect for the Halloween season, runs Oct 17-19, and Oct 24-26 at the Kroc Theater in Coeur d'Alene. Tickets and more information can be found at shakespearecda.org.

The Kootenai Environmental Alliance's longest-running annual fundraising event, Junk 2 Funk, is scheduled for October 12, 2024 in the ballroom at the Eagles in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Junk 2 Funk is a unique runway fashion show that features outfits made from at least 80% recycled items or garbage, presenting a "trashy" fashion concept. Local artists design their outfits and model them on a runway in this very fun and popular event. This year, Ali & Callie will showcase their own design on the runway.

Cynthia Rozyla, president of the all-volunteer board of Kootenai Environmental Alliance (KEA) and one of its founding members, has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and is passionate about the nonprofit sector and the environment. She talks about the KEA focus on five key pillars: Land, Water, Climate, Sustainability, and Education. For tickets to Junk 2 Funk, and to learn more about the organization and opportunities to support this impactful organization, please visit kealliance.org.

Mary Lee Ryba, originally from Massachusetts, has been the Assistant Dean for Development at the University of Idaho, College of Engineering for over 17 years. She is currently serving as the chair of the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission. The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission is appointed to aid the Mayor and the City in formulating and administering public art policy for the City. The vision of the Arts Commission is to build an exceptional collection of public art that defines the community and distinguishes it from others, complementing Coeur d'Alene's many attributes, and serving for posterity. The Commission consists of thirteen members appointed by the Mayor and City Council to serve a three-year term.

Mary Lee provides insight into how public art is selected and financed and how you can view over 80 pieces in Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding area by using the Otocast Self-Guided Audio Tour app.

The CDA Arts Commission is holding the 28th annual Mayor’s Awards in the Arts, a free event, on October 9 this year at 6:00 PM at the Hagadone Events Center. Please R.S.V.P. to mryba@gold.idaho.edu.