Living Poetry Society Reading

October 20, 2002 – Hollywood: At the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, a multi-cultural, multi-faith group of poets gathered to contribute their positive energy towards fulfilling the role of the poet in society: Namely through their aesthetic words leading life to dream. This poetry event was part of the Artists For A Better World 2nd Annual Arts Festival and included the presentation of awards to several noteworthy poets as well as the lively, animated and poignant “performances” of their work from poets who share a vision of creating a better world through aesthetics.

One artist related that it was the best poetry event she has ever been to as a participating poet. It was a special group of people who created magic for those around them.

The producer of the Living Poetry Society reading event, Bette Brice said, “It showed that no matter what culture, race or creed all have one thing in common, that man as a spirit seeks joy and happiness and the poet simply continues to confirm that it is possible if they continue to reach for it by making their dreams come true.”

Poetry Awards

Several extraordinary poets were given awards for the inspiration and work they have contributed to society and their community as poets over the years.

• Larry Jaffe was given the International Poet Laureate Award for 2002-2003.
• Alice Pero was given the US Poet Laureate Award for 2002-2003.
• Russell Salamon was given the Yugoslavian Poet Laureate Award for 2002-2003 and was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award as a Poet.

Several Poets were awarded Poetic Achievement Awards for 2002-2003:

• Dean Blehert
• Jan Houston
• Leslie Silton
• Sarah Terry
• Alan McAlpine Douglas
• Don Campbell
• Sunji Ali
• Jelena Andjelovic

Ms. Brice said, “Poetry is the spirit’s kiss on the face of the future. The poet leads the best in mankind, through his words, to pursue their dreams and make them real. The poet’s quest is a spiritual one that requires love and understanding sufficient to see what is decent and can prevail if uplifted from the pressures and oppressions of life. Without the poet man loses his wings of inspiration by which he can sail above travail on the winds of joyful creating.”