In April, this writer’s thoughts turn to…cherry blossoms! (Also, of course, the exciting Boston Marathon!)

By the time you read this article, peak time for cherry blossoms (mid-April) will have passed, but you can still stroll, bike, or walk your dog (on a leash, please!) through Sayen House and Gardens in Hamilton Square (155 Hughes Drive) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for

FREE! Walk through Cadwalader Park or sit at the fountain in the State Library’s Plaza (read the names of NJ towns all along its base.  I found the name of my hometown!)

April is also Poetry Month (yeah, it’s a real thing). There are many ways to celebrate all month in our area.

“Poetry-in-Your-Pocket Day” was April 10th, but you can still celebrate any day you want to. This lovely idea originated in April 2002 with the Office of the Mayor of New York City. It’s easy, and you don’t have to rush to a florist before she closes or spend all your tax return money. It won’t cost you a dime (maybe a stamp if you mail your poem to a favorite uncle or to the best friend who got you the best job you’ve ever had in your life!)

Just:

-choose a favorite poem (you don’t have to write it yourself, but you can)

-carry it with you

-share it with someone else. You can read it, email it, or even (if you dare!) sing it! Remember: lyrics to a song are just poems set to music; right?

If you’ve never given someone a poem (it doesn’t have to be a holiday; give it to them “just because”!), I can tell you that the recipient will remember this special gesture forever. In our digital age, when you can pay someone to have your cherished photos archived for easy access on your smart phone, wouldn’t you want to be the talk of the office break room by that special someone who casually pulls your poem out of her pocket? Listen to those admiring coworkers:

“What’s that?”

“Oh, just a poem.”

“A poem? From whom?”

“Oh, my boyfriend put it in my coat pocket so I could look at it all day.”

“Awww! That’s sweet! But it’s not your birthday or anniversary.”

“Doesn’t matter. He told me he did it, “just because!”

“Awww!”

Even the most stoic teenager who keeps her cool in front of her teammates, or a nervous grade schooler facing a lunchroom crowd of new kids, will smile when they open your written gift.

Remember that many “analog” habits-like calling instead of texting or sending a post, writing an actual letter, or sending a thank you note (even after a job interview), are very effective, and allow you to stand out from the crowd. The simple way is often the way most memorable. I have a shoe box full of poems, cards,  and letters that are so dear to me that I’ve kept them for years, carrying them along with me to every new home I’ve moved to. Giving someone a poem is special for the giver as well. Years from now, your family and friends will smile when they come across your little box of poems in a corner of a linen closet or a bottom drawer. They will recall anew how special you were long after you’re gone.

On April 28th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Mercer County’s Library System celebrates Poetry Month virtually, with “A Poetry Happening: Mercer Poets Read”. It’s FREE, and you don’t even have to leave your couch to participate or observe. Pick a favorite poem (or write your own). Email the name of the poem and its author along with your name and email address, and send it to: hopeprogs@mcl.org by April 21st. You will be sent a confirmation and the link and password to join the event online. To register online and get more information, go to https://events.mcl.org/   Hopewell poet and librarian, Chip McAuley coordinated this event. I’ll be reading a poem myself. Tune in and wave from your laptop! I look forward to “seeing” you there!

Here are some other April events:

Spring Break Drop-in Activities, April 22-25 at the NJ State Museum with an Earth Day theme. (bus stop in front of Museum)

Admission: $10 age 13 and up. $9 for veterans, seniors, and students. $5 for kids age 3-12. Free for kids age 2 and under!

The Museum’s Planetarium show is in Spanish on April 19th.  Astrono mia a gran escala. Check their website for more dates.

April is also National Volunteer Month. April 20-26 is Volunteer Week. Thank you to everyone everywhere who volunteers!

National Library Week is April 6-12. What? You don’t have a public library card? Go to the Trenton Free Public Library to fill out an application. (Yes; it’s free to: residents, those who work in Trenton, students, and property owners.) Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID (current valid driver’s license, valid state ID, or MCCID card), and proof of address (a recent utility bill that includes your current address is fine).

It’s getting warmer outside. Enjoy yourself! Happy Spring!