Mahwah May 1, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 The Joyce Kilmer Society of Mahwah will present “A Tribute to Joyce Kilmer” on May 21 at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on Route 17 South in Mahwah. The tribute will include an overview of Kilmer’s life, with emphasis on his years living in Mahwah when he wrote the poem, “Trees,” in his house on Feb. 2, 1913. “Joyce Kilmer’s legacy is a source of pride and inspiration for all of us,” said Alex Michelini, founder of the society and former journalist. “He spent his most productive years living in Mahwah when he wrote many of his most admired verses. He not only was a memorable poet, but a patriot, good neighbor, and devoted parent who helped to raise four of his five children Joyce Kilmer Society to present tribute to poet here. We are happy to celebrate his life with current generations.” Admission to the event is free, and refreshments will be served. The program will feature a 1952 video of Metropolitan Opera star Robert Merrill singing a moving rendition of “Trees,” and a 1949 Mutual Broadcasting System “Family Theater” presentation of “The Story of Joyce Kilmer,” starring Richard Basehart as Joyce, Audrey Totter as his wife Aline, and Danny Thomas as narrator. Commander Gary Montroy of Mahwah VFW Post 7124 will deliver a reading of Kilmer’s “Memorial Day,” which the poet wrote while living in Mahwah in 1914. Kilmer was killed in action on a French battlefield in World War I on July 30, 1918. Award-winning poet and Ramapo College professor James Hoch will reflect on the art of poetry, and the literary contributions of Kilmer. Hoch, associate professor of English at Ramapo, won the 2008 Poet in Residence Award at the Frost Place, home of poet Robert Frost in Franconia, NH, and the Gerald Cable Award in 2003 for his book-length poetry collection, “A Parade of Hands.” Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet will present welcoming remarks. Earlier this year, Laforet issued a proclamation designating February 2 as “Joyce Kilmer Day” in perpetuity. Councilmen John Roth and John Spiech were present at the ceremony. The Joyce Kilmer Society of Mahwah is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to public enlightenment of Kilmer’s life and times, particularly in the years 1912 to late 1916 when he lived in Mahwah. To reserve a place at the tribute, visit JoyceKilmerMahwah@aim.com. Joyce Kilmer’s Columbia University yearbook photograph.