Public Poetry Comes to Downtown Bear Lake

Just a few months ago, the self-proclaimed Poet Laureate of Bear Lake attempted to convince Bear Lake residents to help celebrate his birthday.

Jason Wilder Evans was not in the area at the time (he lives in Washington, D.C.) but his internet postings, YouTube videos and formal request for recognition from the Bear Lake Village Council made it clear that virtual, even unconscious celebration would count.

Tomorrow, Evans will make an appearance in his hometown of Bear Lake, with an offering of poetry.  At 9am, he'll be at the gazebo public space directly off US-31, between the Lions Club building and the Village offices. 

We sent him some written questions about his poetry project.  His responses appear below.

1. You're appearing in Bear Lake this Saturday with an offering of poetry. What can people expect? Will you be reading your own work aloud? Apparently a typewriter is involved; will it only be a non-vocal display of yourself at work? 

Yes, I will be in the public commons of the Bear Lake Village Gazebo. Like most people that day, going about their day, typing on their mobile devices, perhaps patronizing a local establishment and drinking a cup of coffee, I too will be doing the same. My mobile device just happens to be larger than the Galaxy Note 4. I hold dear memories of the gazebo. I was there when it was built. I was one of the first to perform on it and would often bring my guitar and perform for those passing by. I enjoyed that place. That's why I choose to write there this time around. Perhaps write about the place and the people. Offer personalized poems with the suggestion of a topic? 

2. Outside at 9am - what are you thinking? Doesn't poetry belong in cafes at night? 

Saturday mornings, I used to wake up and sing Raffi's version of "Rise and Shine". Sometimes, I still do. That guy's a great performer - ya know? Back then I'd watch Saturday morning cartoons. GI Joe, Thundercats, Garfield, The Real Ghostbusters, Captain Kangaroo, Pee Wee's Playhouse. Not at the same time but in general. Then I'd go out and play. 

9 o'clock seems like an appropriate time to be out and about, enjoying the community. Is that too early? Does poetry only happen at night? I see people typing into their pocket gizmos all day. What are they writing? Should they wait till the wee hours of night too? In the appropriate context, it's all poetry. 

3. After growing up here and moving to D.C., you seem to be interested in returning occasionally--both virtually and in-person--to participate in community activities. Even 6 years ago, one might have found it difficult to take part in local affairs after moving away. What possibilities do you see within social media? 

I suppose one could say that technology has enabled me to be a modern day time traveler. I spent the formidable and majority of my life in Bear Lake. It is my "home". Which is an interesting word/term: Home. Think about "home", where that is, what that means. If I could, I would participate in community activities more often. I would take nothing back. I would give. I'm after all a product of the community I was raised. 

In addition to family, teachers fostered me alongside coaches. We should hold these people to high standards. One teacher I had, Mr. Bruce Peabody, is responsible for teaching me how to type. It's a talented skill that I hope to never forget. While I practiced for years, he's ultimately responsible for leading me to the keyboard. Over and over ASDF. JKL; Teachers in general have a responsibility to uphold their end as community leaders. It's a responsibility that isn't often taken into account when entering the profession. After all teachers become proxy parents to our children. We are a village that raises children. We raise readers and modern day time travelers. 

As for social media, I personally have adapted to technology much like cavemen and women adapted to fire and tools. Technology has allowed people to see and interact more but the creation process is the same. It comes from within. 

4. A few people around town seem to be troubled by your local projects. What is the difference, in your view, between disruption or harassment for its own sake, i.e. "trolling," and your activities? 

"A few people are troubled by your local projects". I don't know who these people are? Will they be present 9am Saturday? Because they too are invited. It's a public space. Or will they only experience the event virtually and vicariously? If so, they might miss out if I have coffee to share? The burlesque dancers backed out but the coffee has yet to respond. Maybe there will be a balloon artist? Or maybe it will just be me? If I could appeal to your readers, I'm looking for a balloon artist. [Since providing his responses, a woman named Amy has been scheduled to appear and offer balloon art.  --Eds.]

To be "troubled" is often a personality issue of not dealing with ones own issues, major problems, such as anger, resentment, or some heartache they are trying to cope with or overcome. I can't respond to "trolling" or "harassing."  I'm not sure what that means. I don't spend my time figuring out what pushes people's buttons. I don't think mean spirited and surely won't be bring with me bag of trolls. I refer you to Psalms 119. 

5. Besides yourself, which poet should more people read or hear more often?

I've written poetry most of my life and I've been fortunate to teach poetry workshops to both youth and adults. It can be a very cathartic process. Like music, poetry has the power to heal the wounded and emotionally support the sick. I don't claim to be a great poet or writer even for that matter. But I do believe I have a better writing voice than verbal voice. To say I was the greatest writer of Bear Lake would be just a lie. This may however be the greatest poetry in public performance that Bear Lake has seen! But I write and I strive. 

Since becoming Poet Laureate of Bear Lake, I thought it [imperative] to do a poetry project. While this is the first, I have ideas for more should that come to fruition. Should nobody show up on Saturday and support local art, that's ok, too. The arts have always been a low priority both locally and nationally. Nobody shows up in my studio when I write or paint but be aware that our community is more than a four season resort town. Artists reside there too and promoting art is something I try to do. 

As for who I would recommend... I already conceded there are others more gifted than I. Even locally. Former hometown resident Heather Matesich Cousins has a book: Inside The Potato Room that's an insightful read. Nationally, Philip Schultz's book Failure won the Pulitzer Prize. I love the poem "It's Sunday Morning in Early November." 

Read Hemingway, Lao Tzu, Bukowski, June Jordan, Sonia Sanchez and Alice Walker. Just read until you find what you like. As in life, so too are books. It's often better to know what you don't like so you can learn what you do. If you're interested in writing with me, bring your own writing utensil and something to write on. You don't have to be a great poet, a great writer even and if you can't write, I'll help write what you would like to say. There's no shame in that.

Saturday morning's event is free and open to the public.  

House Fire Victims Need Help

Our best wishes to the Zaleski and Troppi families as they recover from the loss of their houses in Bear Lake. They will undoubtedly need support for the coming weeks and months. 
The Zaleskis' house on Stuart Rd. was severely damaged by fire on the morning of Friday, Sept. 19.  They could use your help to replace clothing lost in the fire. Women's clothes in the following sizes would be most welcome.

Shoes 8.5-9
Pants 16-18/Lg.
Shirts XL/1x
Socks 8.5-9

Donations are being accepted at Saddle Up in Bear Lake. More information on assistance needs can be obtained by calling Andrea Ware at 383-0493; Jayna Childs at 715-8218 or Waunetta Zaleski at 944-2806.

Initial 9&10 News story about the Friday fire:
http://www.9and10news.com/.../morning-fire-destroys...

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Meanwhile, the Troppi family is also recovering from their own house fire, which occurred just a few days earlier, on Sunday, Sept. 14, on Potter Road, between Chief and Big 4 roads. 

Neighbor Karen Groenwald told us that the family has plans to move into a rental unit.  

Twin beds, at the moment, may be of the most help to the family. A couch has already been pledged to them.

9&10 News story about the Sunday fire:http://www.9and10news.com/story/26572753/community-steps-up-to-help-family-displaced-by-fire

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The new community assistance group, Manistee Helping Manistee, directed by Lindsey Artman and Mallory Kenny, mobilized its forces within days of learning of the fires and has already delivered supplies to the Troppi family.

We plan to check in with both families soon, to find out what needs of theirs still need to be met.