Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced Monday he has appointed Annandale resident Robert Kelly as the county’s first Poet Laureate. Molinaro says Kelly will read two poems at Wednesday’s state of Dutchess County address, and one poem us dedicated to the county Executive in honor of his 2016 initiative, “Act Boldly.” In his unpaid role as Poet Laureate, Kelly will serve for a one-year term and bring poetry to the community through a series of readings and events. Kelly has published more than 50 books of poetry and prose, including Kill the Messenger Who Brings Bad News and May Day. Kelly is co-director of the Program in Written Arts at Bard College, where he has taught since 1961.
Dutchess County Appoints Its First Poet Laureate
Courtesty of Richard Renaldi/Bard College
