POMFRET — Because two of the candidates for Pomfret’s first Poet Laureate position were so qualified, both were recently appointed.
The town’s first poet laureates are Nancy Weiss and Christine Kalafus.
The recommendation from the Library Trustees, and appointment by the Board of Selectmen, installed two Poets Laureate, Nancy Weiss and Christine Kalafus. Because both candidates met the requirements and were so well qualified, the decision was made to appoint both as the town’s first recognized Poets Laureate.
Library officials said Weiss and Kalafus will work together over the next two years to encourage the appreciation, writing, reading, and performance of poetry by providing public readings, workshops, lectures and /or presentations. They are challenged to promote literacy through poetry and foster the development of a youth poetry initiative.
Weiss is a lifelong Pomfret resident and has encouraged others to share their stories through poetry, oral histories, memoir writing, and writes a weekly column in the Villager. With husband Jim, she has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and several grandchildren.
Kalafus has lived in Pomfret for six years, has published poetry, essays, performed with The Moth, and leads writing workshops throughout Connecticut. A regional representative for the Ct Poetry Association, she also leads monthly meetings of the Quiet Corner Poets. Christine raised three sons with husband Greg.
The library board said Pomfret’s Poets Laureate share a commitment to honoring others by encouraging them to share their stories, lives, and experiences through poetry and other writings. Both have dedicated themselves to this to such a degree that the Board of Trustees couldn’t choose one over the other and made the recommendation to appoint both. “Congratulations to Nancy and Christine. We look forward to the next two years of our inaugural Poets Laureate and eagerly await their collaboration to enhance Pomfret’s awareness and appreciation of poetry.”

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