Merced makes it official and appoints Joyce Dale as the city’s first poet laureate

Merced makes it official and appoints Joyce Dale as the city’s first poet laureate

Reading Time: 3 minutesAfter years of being recognized informally as the city’s poet, this week Joyce Dale was finally named Merced’s first poet laureate.Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto appointed Dale, 73, to the two-year position during the May 5 city council meeting, which coincided with Dale’s birthday. Since returning 20 years ago to Merced, Dale has recited her words at volunteer events, inauguration ceremonies, holiday gatherings and cultura…