In 2024, Lois Roma-Deeley was named an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow. Roma-Deeley will engage youth and seniors at an “October Poetry Fest” through a generative workshop, poetry booth, poetry wall, and magnetic poetry board, as well as opportunities to interact with local poetry organizations and publishers. Since the 2020 pandemic, individuals have struggled with mental health concerns. This project will use the poetic process to help youth and seniors express themselves and strengthen their connection to—and place in—the community.