Pasadena Rose Poets Spotlighted At Weekly Performances Starting Today

A weekly lunchtime series of soothing words and introspective conversations from a handful of Pasadena’s most accomplished kicks off today with The Poetry Within Reach Series, featuring nine published poets dubbed the Pasadena Rose Poets all of whom live and work in Pasadena.

“What we really want to do is shine more light on poets who live in Pasadena so that when people think of Pasadena they not only think of the Rose Bowl and the Parade, but also the wealth of poets that live in this city,” said Poetry Within Reach Series Producer, M.C., and featured poet Gerda Govine.

The projected is staged by the Consejo Fronterizo de Arte y Cultura (COFAC) organization and will feature Two poets each week in an intimate setting at the Pasadena Senior Center.

“We’re not using a big stage. We’re going to have the poets walking around and talking to different attendees and also sharing with the audience how Pasadena impacted their lives so there’s a connectedness between poet, Pasadena and their work. That’s really key,” explained Ituarte.

This week’s featured Rose Poets are local educator Shahé Mankerian and local literary Dr. Kate Gale.

“We want to be able to shine the light on them in a consistent way so they can give back their talents and gifts to enrich and expand diversity in Pasadena,” said Ituarte.

Mankerian’s manuscript, “History of Forgetfulness”, was a finalist at the Crab Orchard
Series in Poetry Open Competition and the Quercus Review’s Poetry Book Award. He
serves as the principal of St. Gregory Hovsepian School in Pasadena and has been honored with the Los Angeles Music Center’s BRAVO Award.

“A lot of his stories talk about his diverse experiences. He’s an excellent storyteller,” said Ituarte.

Similarly, Gale’s poetic accomplishments and literary pursuits have created five published books of poetry. Her articles, poems and works of fiction have been published and she is currently the Managing Editor at Red Hen Press in Pasadena and also serves as the Editor of the Los Angeles Review.

“She’s well known domestically and internationally,” said Ituarte.

The Poetry Within Series was made possible by a grant that was given to the city last year by the National Endowment of the Arts.
According to Govine, poetry is an expression that resonates through generations is interpreted many ways.

“I think poetry has really grown. It’s a way for storytelling and a way for people to connect with the audience and to connect with each other,” said Ituarte.

The Poetry Within Reach Series debuts Wednesday from 12 p.m to 1 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center located at 85 E. Holly Street. The event is open to the public and the series will continue once a week until August 17.

For more information, visitwww.cofac101.org.