The County of Lake Board of Supervisors meeting on April 22, 2025, featured a poignant tribute to National Poetry Month, led by Brenda Marie Yeager, the county's poet laureate. Yeager expressed gratitude to the Board for incorporating poetry into their meetings, highlighting its power to inspire change and convey truth.

During her presentation, Yeager shared a poem she wrote in response to a personal story of trauma and injustice. The poem, titled "Kintsugi," draws on the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer, symbolizing resilience and healing. Yeager explained that the poem was inspired by a friend who recently faced a difficult court trial, where her assaulter was acquitted despite substantial evidence. This experience underscored the importance of awareness and education regarding issues of assault and child abuse, particularly as April is recognized as both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Yeager's reading aimed to encourage community members to reflect on their roles as jurors and the impact of their decisions on victims' lives. The poem's imagery and themes served as a call to action for the audience, emphasizing the need for justice and support for survivors in Lake County.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Board's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote awareness and education on critical social issues, as well as the continued celebration of the arts within the community.