Nevada’s State Poet Laureate Shaun T. Griffin
On March 27, the Carson Valley Arts Council is sponsoring a couple of events featuring Nevada’s State Poet Laureate Shaun T. Griffin.
Appointed by Gov. Joe Lombardo on May 1, 2024, Griffin will serve as the Silver State’s poet laureate through April 30, 2026.
Griffin’s books of poetry include, “Bathing in the River of Ashes,” “The Monastery of Stars,” “This is What the Desert Surrenders,” and “Woodsmoke, Wind, and the Peregrine.” His many literary contributions include editing and translating poetry, serving on the Nevada Arts Council, and teaching creative writing and poetry workshops that include offerings at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center.
Among his other roles, Griffin formerly served as executive director of Community Chest, a Northern Nevada nonprofit agency supporting families and children that he co-founded in 1991. He was also the founding director of Nevada’s homeless youth education office.
On March 27, Griffin will conduct a morning workshop with students in Tonya Charles’ creative writing class at Douglas High School. Then from 1-2 p.m., the community is invited to CVAC at 1572 US Hwy 395 in Minden to listen as Griffin reads some of his poems, discusses his role at Nevada’s Poet Laureate, and shares the important role that poetry plays in our lives.
This event is free and open to the public, though donations are welcomed. For more information, visit cvartscouncil.com. To learn more about Griffin, go to nvartscouncil.org and search for “Shaun Griffin.”
Blood Drive scheduled at Community Center
Did you know that someone needs blood every two seconds in the United States, and that each donation can save up to three people? Area donors who would like to help bolster the supply of blood have a couple of different donation options via the national organization, Vitalant (vitalant.org).
On March 28, the Vitalant Bus will be at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville, from Noon-4 p.m. Appointments are available at donors.vitalant.org, or call 775-329-6451.
As an added incentive, those who give blood March 1-31 are automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $5000 gift cards (must be 18 or older; see the Vitalant website for terms and conditions).
Blood donations can also be made at Vitalant’s Carson City donation center, 256 E Winnie Lane. Check the website for appointment availability and center hours.
Welcome spring
Did you happen to see the total lunar eclipse last week? I almost missed it after falling asleep earlier Thursday evening, but I woke up at about 12:15 a.m. and caught a glimpse of Earth’s shadow over the moon, magnificent between the shifting storm clouds.
Though our variable weather may not necessarily agree, tomorrow marks the vernal equinox and the official arrival of spring. Signs are everywhere: birds singing brightly in the early morning hours, pink blossoms popping out on trees, and sunny daffodils emerging from the earth. What are some things you notice as nature shifts her season?
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.