Word Perfect

It’s time to think poetry. With another flourish of the pen, Congress has declared April as National Poetry Month. Local activities include a program planned for aspiring young poets in Ventura County, so take note.

California Poets in the Schools, Ventura County and the Thousand Oaks Library have joined forces to celebrate the month with free Monday workshops for teens starting Monday and running through April 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The workshops will be conducted by local poet Lucia Lemieux, a professional writer with a master’s degree in writing from the American Film Institute.

She has written several collections of poetry and is the editor of the anthologies “Moving Pictures: Nine Los Angeles Poets” and “The Third Eye” (Best Press 1997, 1998).

According to Lemieux, who calls poetry the ultimate expression of freedom, the workshops are designed for students to discover their own voice and create their own literary works.

While the emphasis is on writing, students will also be exposed to classic and contemporary literature.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to help and encourage new poets and establish a literary voice in our community,” said Lemieux, who has taught poetry workshops for fifth- through eighth-graders in the area.

Students may reserve a place by calling 517-1807. Limited to 15 participants, the sessions will be held at the Thousand Oaks Main Library, 1401 E. Janss Road.

If you are past the teen years and brave enough for performance poetry, prepare for an event later in the month--a Slam Poetry Contest presented by Laughing Buddha Press and Borders.

The event is likened to a verbal boxing match. Writers perform their original poetry in three minutes or less in open competition judged by the audience.

It’s free with cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 plus other surprises. Judging is based on content and performance.

Facilitated by poet-radio personality Roni, the contest is limited to the first 12 poets to sign up--others can be judges or try to influence the judges.

Expect it to be vocal. Contact Roni at 386-3061 or pick up the Slam rules at Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, where the contest will be held on April 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with sign-ups at 7 p.m. For details, call Borders at 497-8159.

HAPPENINGS ABOUT THE YEAR 2000

If you are still wondering whether the year 2000 will cause you problems, another book is out on the subject.

Jeffrey Shepard will be available in Thousand Oaks today to answer questions and sign his book, “You and the Year 2000: a Practical Guide for Things that Matter” (Indigo Ink Enterprises Ltd.).

A psychologist specializing in the treatment of stress-related problems, Shepard tuned into the dilemma in a personal way when he realized what could happen in his private practice.

After research, he wrote the book, which explains how the interconnection of business and government computer systems affects society.

Chapters give hypothetical examples, such as a couple nearing retirement, a small-business owner who travels overseas, a young couple with two small children or a single working parent attending college part time, and offer suggestions on how to prepare for them. If you don’t fit any of these descriptions, drop in and ask questions today at 2:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Call 446-2820 for details.

MORE HAPPENINGS

* Today at 10 a.m.: Fran Halpern will interview author-lawyer-TV commentator Gerry Spence about his latest book “Give Me Liberty” on KCLU at 88.3 in Ventura.

* Today at noon: Authors Christopher Darden and Dick Lochte will discuss and sign their book “The Trials of Nikki Hill” at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 374-0084.

* Today at 2 p.m.: High-tech designer and artist Syd Mead will sign his book “Oblagon--Concepts of Syd Mead.” He has worked on “Star Trek,” “Blade Runner” and “Alien.” At Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

* Today at 7 p.m.: Poetry night with a featured poet, followed by open mike at 8 p.m. at Borders, 497-8159.

* Monday at 11 a.m.: Stories and Art with Liz at Borders, 497-8159.

* Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.: Story time and songs at Adventures for Kids, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura, 650-9688.

* Monday at 7:30 p.m.: Jeanette Isabella will discuss her new book “Someday Is Here: Thirty Days to Personal Renewal, Spiritual Growth and Enhanced Creativity” with a mini-workshop, followed by book-signing, at Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St., Ventura, 339-9170.

* Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Reading of “The Runaway Bunny” by Margaret Wise Brown and other bunny stories at the Ventura Barnes & Noble, 339-9170.

* Friday at 3 p.m.: Story time at Adventures for Kids, 650-9688.

* Saturday at 9:30 a.m.: Egg hunt and story time at the Ventura Barnes & Noble, 339-9170.

* Saturday at 7 p.m.: Pajamamania story time at Borders, 497-8159.

Catch you next week.

Information about book signings, writers groups or publishing events can be faxed to Ann Shields at 647-5649 or emailed to anns40aol.com.