Lisella named poet laureate of Queens

Writer Maria Lisella has been named the poet laureate of Queens, N.Y. “We received applications from 30 accomplished poets and the task of narrowing these applicants to a single winner was a difficult one, but we felt Maria stood out because of the quality of her poetry,” Borough President Melinda Katz said. “She is an amazing writer who is capable of synthesizing the borough’s many cultures and languages into incredible poetry. She also has deep love and appreciation of Queens that comes from being a lifelong resident, and she understands the responsibility that comes from being selected.”