Editor’s Notes

Greetings Readers,

The August issue features poetry by Armand Garnet Ruffo, Catherine Brunet and Matthew Walsh, and rob mclennan's review of Distillō by Basma Kavanagh. This is her debut poetry collection from Gaspereau Press. Enjoy!

In one month, on Saturday, September 15, the annual ScotiaBank AIDS Walk for Life will take place, beginning at City Hall at 7pm. Once again Bywords is taking part to help Bruce House raise money and awareness in support of people living with AIDS/HIV. The poets we publish are people who have gone through many difficulties in life, from sickness, the death of a loved one, poverty and other obstacles. I believe that it is important for the literary community to contribute to the improvement of the lives of our neighbours and co-workers. This fundraiser along with our Bywords Warms the Night reading in support of the Cornerstone Women's Shelter are our way of doing that. Please consider joining our team to help us raise money or donate money yourself. If like many people you are not in a financial position to donate, you are still welcome to join us on the walk. There really is strength in numbers. Let's show Ottawans that its creative community cares. I hope you'll help us with this important cause. If you are outside of Ottawa you can take part in a walk near you or donate to our team.

Thanks to our selection committee:

Janie Beriault
Gwen Guth
Megan McGrath
Pamela Mosher
Kemisha Newman
Claudia Coutu Radmore
Sarah-Grace Ross
Carol A. Stephen
JC Sulzenko

If you have comments, questions, please contact me at amanda@bywords.ca. Most importantly if you are willing to help us support our fellow Ottawa residents via AIDS Walk, please join the team or donate.

For regular event updates, please follow us on Twitter or join our FaceBook fan page.

Sincerely,

Amanda Earl