Mary Allen

Mary Allen

   Fox Park in LaPorte was the scene in August 2010 of the awards for the fourth annual LaPorte County Poet Laureate Competition.

   Commencing in 2006, the competition was originated by Barbara Friedman in memory of her parents, Celia and Charles Shapiro, lifelong poetry lovers.

   The Poet Laureate for 2010-2011 is Mary Allen of Walkerton. Mary is also a lifelong avid poetry lover and writes poems every day. There was a tie for second place between two gentlemen: Lynn Gaylord of LaPorte and Richard Parrette Jr., also of LaPorte. In third place were Katrinia Snyder of Rolling Prairie and David Gring of Michigan City.

   The two former poet laureates, Susan Block (2009-2010) and Yvonne Elshout (2007-2008 and 2008-2009) were in attendance to congratulate the winners.

   Mary was a Genesis finalist for 2009 in the romantic suspense category for the Amateur Christian Fiction Writers. She will represent LaPorte County for an entire year as Poet Laureate and will be happy to continue to promote the love of poetry to all interested groups and schools.