Join the Plain Valley Adventure Women for a special evening of poetry featuring two of Leavenworth’s own literary voices. Beloved local poet and long-time PVAW member Cynthia Neely will be joined by Derek Sheffield, the newly appointed Washington State Poet Laureate (2025–2027).
Where/When/What: Thursday, June 5, at 5:00 PM at Plain Cellars winery – 18479 Alpine Acres Rd, Plain. The Taste of Plain will be serving food from 4:00–8:00 PM. Bring a lawn chair and settle in for an inspiring evening! This is a free community event—please invite your friends and neighbors!
About the Poets:
Cynthia Neely is an award-winning author of three poetry collections: Broken Water, Flight Path, and Passing Through Blue Earth. Her fourth collection, I’ll Dress Myself in Wilderness and You, is set for release later this year. A long-time member of Plain Valley Adventure Women, Cynthia is also an artist and avid outdoor enthusiast—often found skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, or hiking in the Cascades she calls home.
Derek Sheffield was appointed Washington State’s 8th Poet Laureate by Governor Ferguson on May 1st, 2025. His recent honors include the 2024 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award for Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry. Derek’s other works include Not for Luck, Through the Second Skin, and Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy. He teaches at Wenatchee Valley College and Western Colorado University, edits poetry for Terrain.org, and draws inspiration from the woods near his home on the eastern slopes of the Cascades.
About PVAW:
Plain Valley Adventure Women (PVAW) brings women together to explore, connect, build outdoor skills, and enjoy the many activities our valley has to offer—all in a supportive and fun environment. PVAW is entirely volunteer-run. All net proceeds support Plain Valley Nordic Team’s Ski Education Programs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
Donations will be happily accepted to support Plain Valley Nordic Team!