NorthWord launches Issue 20 at 10 year anniversary event

(Fort McMurray, AB - April 28, 2019) Friends of NorthWord gathered at the Event Station Centre on April 26, 2019 to celebrate its 10 Year Anniversary with the launch of its 20th issue, which was aptly themed Celebration.

Edited by the Board: Dawn Booth, President, Kiran Malik-Khan, PR Director, Theresa Wells, Secretary, Jenny Berube, Treasurer and overseen by Managing Editor, Jane Jacques, the latest issue features an exclusive cover by local artist Sarah McKendry.

Mayor Don Scott was our special guest, who brought greetings on behalf of Council.

“I am very proud of NorthWord magazine. This is a real opportunity for local writers and artists, especially our youth, many of whom have been published here for the first time. I want to thank the Board and volunteers. Great efforts like this don’t happen without great people. Congratulations,” Mayor Scott said.

Councillors Krista Balsom and Phil Meagher were also in attendance along with community leaders. The program saw the magazine’s donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters from the last 10 years honoured. Poetry readings, and an open mic rounded out the festivities.

“We were delighted to celebrate the tenth anniversary of NorthWord with many of our long-time volunteers and supporters, and we expressed our gratitude to them with certificates of appreciation at the launch. NorthWord has reached its ten-year milestone thanks to friends who have given generously over the years. To everyone who has shared in NorthWord’s journey, thank you,” noted Jane Jacques, Managing Editor.

“Writing poetry and stories allows us to individually express our emotions and because literary arts has a universal language it connects us with others. To see NorthWord hit this incredible milestone tells us that literary arts is not only alive in our community but it needs a platform. We truly appreciate everyone who has submitted and supported this publication throughout the years,” said Dawn Booth, President, NorthWord.

The theme for our next issue #21 is “Puzzles,” which will be guest edited by local musician Dave Martin. He explained his choice.

“All of us have moved to Fort McMurray from somewhere, and we bring with us a piece of a puzzle of ourselves, which completes the picture. I want to see what people share,” he explained.

Deadline for Issue #21 is May 31, 2019 midnight. Short stories or excerpts from current projects, fiction or non-fiction (3000 words maximum), verse of no more than 50 lines, along with anything surprising, original, or inventive can be submitted as a Word document to the editors at northword@hushmail.com.

NorthWord is available free of charge at MacDonald Island, Suncor Energy Centre for Performing Arts, Blue Mountain Bistro, Keyano College, Points North Gallery, and the Thickwood YMCA.

For real time updates, like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/northword and follow us on Twitter: @NorthWordYMM. Visit our website: www.northwordmagazine.com.

Photo: NorthWord Magazine’s board members were the guest editors of the Celebration issue: L-R: Dawn Booth, President, Jane Jacques, Managing Editor, Kiran Malik-Khan, PR Director, Theresa Wells, Secretary, and Jenny Berube, Treasurer