The ceremony to introduce Max will be at city hall tonight beginning at 6pm. From the city website:

Medford poet, songwriter, and teacher Max Heinegg to take over position from Vijaya Sundaram on July 1

Installation Ceremony to be held on July 30 at 6 p.m. at City Hall

(MEDFORD) — The City of Medford, in partnership with the Medford Arts Council, has named its next Poet Laureate, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced. Max Heinegg will become the City’s third Poet Laureate, taking over from Vijaya Sundaram, whose two-year term ends on June 30. The City will be holding an installation ceremony on July 30 at 6 p.m. in the Alden Memorial Chambers.

“We are thrilled to announce Max Heinegg as Medford’s Poet Laureate for the next two years,” said Mayor Lungo-Koehn. “His experience in our community, especially our schools, coupled with his dedication to his craft made him an ideal candidate to build upon Vijaya Sundaram and Terry Carter’s work.”

Max is a local poet, musician, and teacher living in West Medford and has taught in the Medford Public School system since 1998. Since he began writing poetry and songs in high school, he has published almost 300 poems and recorded 10 albums of original music and lyrics. He is the author of three poetry collections: Good Harbor, Going There, and Keepers of the House.

“I’m excited to be the next Poet Laureate and continue sharing my passion for poetry and other art forms with our community,” said Heinegg. “Thank you to Mayor Lungo-Koehn and the Arts Council for entrusting me with this opportunity, and to Vijaya and Terry for building the foundation of this position.”

About the Poet Laureate Position

The City of Medford Poet Laureate, acting as the official City poet, will highlight poets and poetry, and literature, particularly working with community members who may traditionally have less access to poetry. Working with the City Administration and the Medford Arts Council, the Poet Laureate will strive to increase access to senior citizens, youth, and non-English speakers across various platforms. The Medford Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term and will receive a $2,000 stipend each year.