LifeWords Literature Seminars to Begin August 21st

The beginning of August brings with it the end of summer vacation and the start of a new school year. This semester, a new set of students can be added to the roster: residents at Sherrill Hills Retirement Community! LifeWords Literature Seminars will hold its first meeting Friday, August 21st. This pilot program –  developed and Read More …

“Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting…” – Meet the Newest Member of our OTB Family

We’re pleased to announce that our very own Dr. Keigan gave birth to a healthy baby girl last Wednesday. Huzzah! Meet Marion, OTB‘s current mascot. You may also call her Stormaggedon, especially when she’s sassy.   Due to this fabulous addition, we’ll be checking in only sporadically for the next week or so. Don’t worry, Read More …

We Updated Our Logo. Shiny!

The concept for Own the Boards came about nearly two years ago – the product of several coffee-fueled discussions between Kat and me – and since then we’ve been dreaming, planning, and working to make the organization a reality. We’re excited to let you know some of that work has paid off! You can expect several announcements Read More …

The Children’s Poetry Archive Provides Resources, Fosters Growth

The best children’s literature not only entertains and delights but also teaches kids about themselves and their worlds. It asks them to think critically about what is confusing, mundane, or seemingly trivial. Andrew Motion, former Poet Laureate in the UK (1999-2009) and co-founder of both The Poetry Archive and The Children’s Poetry Archive, points specifically Read More …

Poetry Boxes Spark Cross-Curricular Connections: Q & A with Educator Ida Galash

In Part 1 of this series, we introduced the poetry box phenomenon, using Portland, Oregon, and St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, as case studies in how residents can bring poetry boxes to their communities. We also spoke with poet David Cooke about his experiences promoting Portland poetry boxes. This installment builds upon the first, looking specifically Read More …

A Box Upon All Your Houses: The Spread of Poetry Boxes and How You Can Get Involved

Where do you get your daily dose of poetry? If you live in certain communities around the country – Portland, Oregon,  or St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, for instance – you might just find your next favorite poem out walking the dog or strolling downtown, thanks to the proliferation of “poetry boxes,” also called “poetry posts” Read More …

1894 Poem Reminds Us Why We Should Be Thankful For Modern Antacids

Along with pilgrims, Native Americans, football, and, now, Black Friday sales, the turkey and its accompanying feast have long been centerpieces of American Thanksgiving iconography, figuring as the physical, gustatory reminders of American prosperity. Yet, while many revelers serve up an extra slice of pumpkin pie, some reach for antacids, taken either prophylactically or in the aftermath of a rich meal. Indeed, Read More …