After six years as Executive Director of WFNS, Marilyn’s tenure has concluded. But in recognition that this weekend’s weather may make travel difficult or dangerous, we are postponing our retirement party for Marilyn Smulders, originally planned for Sunday, September 17. The party will still be held in Halifax, with the new date and time announced the week of September 18.

In lieu of any retirement gifts, please consider donating to support the Charles R. Saunder Prize, named in honour of the journalist and founder of the sword-and-soul fantasy genre, who was also Marilyn’s former colleague at Halifax Daily News. The annual prize supports emerging writers with in-progress works in nonfiction and speculative fiction, with priority given to writers of marginalized backgrounds—writers like Charles at the beginning of his career. For more on the Saunders Prize, you can hear other former colleagues, Jon Tattrie and Portia White, discuss George’s life and his eponymous prize on CBC’s Information Morning, aired September 4.

If you’re unable to attend but would like to send Marilyn a message of appreciation, best wishes, or fond farewell, you can do so below.