Category: Uncategorised

The Stroll of Poets 2025/26 Haven Reading Series returns with Hike to the Mic: an all Open Mic Poetry Reading!

Monday, September 8th, 2025
Starts at 7:00pm
Upper Crust Café
10909 86th Avenue
Cost: $5 (light snacks included)

Dear Poetry Enthusiasts,

We are thrilled to invite you to an inspiring evening of verse, rhythm, and community at our upcoming open mic poetry reading, themed Hike to the Mic. Hike to the Mic celebrates the journey—both literal and metaphorical—that poets and listeners take together. Whether your poetry explores the beauty of nature, the challenges of personal growth, or the adventures of everyday life, we welcome your voice. Let your words be the path, and the mic your summit!

How to Participate:
• Bring an original poem or a favorite piece to share (2-minute limit per reader).
• All styles and experience levels are welcome.
• Sign up at the door

What to Expect:
• A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
• Refreshments and light snacks included in $5.00 entry fee
• Opportunities to connect with fellow poetry lovers

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time reader, we encourage you to join us for an evening of creative expression and community spirit. Let’s hike together—one poem at a time! We look forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,
The Stroll of Poets Society

Monday, April 28, 2025
Location: Upper Crust Restaurant: 10909-86 Avenue
Time: Doors 6:30, Show, 7:00 – 8:30
Cost: $5.00

Features Poetry by: Phyllis Shuell, Mary Leah de Zwart, Gary Frank, and Patti Sinclair

Mic Host: David Fraser
Door Hosts: Anne Gerard Marshall and Elaine Elrod

Open Mic: Sign-up (2-min. poem)

Welcome all! See you at the Haven! Bring your friends! New and first readers are always welcome and given priority during the Open Mic.

**Please note: Anyone who has signed up for a reading spot and wants to make changes or needs assistance with it, or to be added to the Haven waitlist, please email: haven@strollofpoets.com and the Haven committee will help you.

To check the Haven Master Schedule, click here.

Monday, April 7, 2025
Location: Upper Crust Restaurant: 10909-86 Avenue
Time: Doors 6:30, Show, 7:00 – 8:30
Cost: $5.00

Features Poetry by: Loren Marsden, Kevin Girard, Farah Ayaad, and Candace Duiker

Mic Host: Alice Major
Door Hosts: Anne Gerard Marshall and Patti Sinclair

Open Mic: Sign-up (2-min. poem)

Welcome all! See you at the Haven! Bring your friends! New and first readers are always welcome and given priority during the Open Mic.
**Please note: Anyone who has signed up for a reading spot and wants to make changes or needs assistance with it, or to be added to the Haven waitlist, please email: haven@strollofpoets.com and the Haven committee will help you.

To check the Haven Master Schedule, click here.

Thank you to all the members who attended our AGM on March 16. I would like to give a special “shout-out” to those volunteers who helped the AGM run smoothly, including Christyn Carter (Admin Assistant), Deborah Lawson (Anthology Editor), Saraswoti Lamichhane and Trevor Hughes (Returning Officers), and Markus Eymann (Secretary). I would also like to extend appreciation to Kevin Girard, who helped wrangle chairs, and Clint McElwaine, our “applause cue” guy.

Now … drumroll please … congratulations to the members elected to the 2025-2026 Board:
• Alice Major
• Ann Gerard Marshall
• Audrey Brooks
• David Fraser
• Dorothy Lowrie
• Kayleigh Cline (President)
• Markus Eymann
• Naomi McIlwraith

Our gratitude goes out to Leslie Dawson, who has stepped back this year after devoting so much over the years to supporting the Stroll. Thank you, Leslie.

Max Vandersteen also made the difficult decision to step back from the role of President this year. The support, mentorship, and tireless hours he has given to the Stroll truly cannot be measured. As poets, we never want to admit that “words cannot possibly describe…” but, in this case, it is true. Words cannot possibly describe all that Max has given to the Stroll and how much of his humble leadership has guided the Stroll to be what it is today. He will continue to help out at the Stroll, especially with the Haven and providing guidance to myself and the Board, so be sure to let him know when you see him how appreciated he is.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for what the Stroll has meant for me over the years: a community that has empowered me to be poetically courageous. I see stepping into the President role as an opportunity for me to do my part in giving back some small measure of what the Stroll has given me. Thank you all.

Kayleigh Cline