Are you looking for a special way to celebrate poetry and the Valentine's weekend? If you are near Toronto, drop by the Rivoli on Queen St. W this Sunday at noon for The Ontario Poetry Society's For the Love of Poetry Festival. Bunny Iskov, founder of the creative and supportive province-wide group, gives Open Book a preview of the event and tells us about this remarkable and welcoming community of poets.
For more information about For the Love of Poetry, please visit Open Book: Toronto's Events page.
Open Book:
Tell us about the Ontario Poetry Society (TOPS). What are its goals?
Bunny Iskov:
The Ontario Poetry Society is a grassroots, democratic, provincial and poetry-friendly organization which offers encouragement and emotional support in a supportive group environment. Our mandate is to provide a poetry-friendly place for everyone.
OB:
What services and opportunities does TOPS provide for its members?
BI:
There are publishing opportunities, public reading opportunities, grant opportunities and a number of affordable contests which award cash prizes, fancy certificates and publication.
OB:
The next event TOPS is hosting is your "For the Love of Poetry Festival," which takes place at the Rivoli in Toronto on Sunday, February 13th. What can we expect at this celebration of poetry?
BI:
There will be around 60 poets (weather permitting) who will be coming to meet other poets, share their poetry and perform their work in front of an appreciative audience. They will have a chance to win some great raffle prizes, of which the proceeds go to The Ted Plantos Memorial Award, an annual grant.
OB:
What is your role in TOPS, and why did you want to be involved?
BI:
I am the Founder and the Treasurer. I was previously a member of other poetry organizations which were nation-wide and not poet-focused. I established The Ontario Poetry Society in order to provide a more poet-focused, affordable poetry venue for both established and new poets just starting out. There are over 250 members to date.
OB:
What aspect of TOPS makes you most proud?
BI:
There is not just one aspect of TOPS of which I am proud. I am grateful to all my members for believing in TOPS and being the reason why TOPS is in existence. I have amazing good fortune in having so many wonderful poets to provide a large spectrum of diverse poetry and create a mosaic of talent which reflects our provincial population.
OB:
Tell us about the "Verse Afire" newsletter that goes out to members three times a year.
BI:
This tri-annual poetry digest offers members the opportunity to feature one poem in every issue, along with Members’ News, articles on the craft, contests, markets and a recipe corner.
OB:
Who are some of your favourite poets?
BI:
My favorite poets include Ted Plantos, Earle Birney, Irving Layton, John B. Lee and
my President, Debbie Okun Hill (a rising star), plus a whole lot more that would take up too much space. I have a library of over 300 poetry books.
OB:
How can Ontario writers get involved with TOPS?
BI:
Membership costs only $30 a year. Anyone interested can visit our website at www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca. You will not need a password or to pay any fee to access any of our contests, events or poems featured on line. Our website access is free and open to everyone. Otherwise, you can write to me for our information brochure at I.B. Iskov, Founder, c/o T.O.P.S., 31 Marisa Court, Thornhill, ON, L4J 6H9.
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I.B. (Bunny) Iskov is the founder of The Ontario Poetry Society. Her work has been published in many fine literary journals and anthologies. She has two full collections and several chapbooks. She is available for readings and workshops upon request. Bunny is married to Larry and they have two children.
For more information about The Ontario Poetry Society please visit www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca.
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