NADWCon wishes to thank three very special people - guest post

Guest Post: 

NADWCON wishes to thank three very special people in our organization: Denise Connell, Patty Panek and John Kentner . This team provided extraordinary support for Discworld fans over the years, and we want to recognize them for their contributions to Discworld Fandom in North America.

If you were a volunteer for NADWCON at Sasquan, you already know Patty. She was the dynamo, making everything work for the Arts exhibits, organizing the volunteers, helping with the panels and being generally indispensable. Patty began working on this project long before anyone made their reservations for Sasquan. She contacted all the guilds to make sure they were ready for the event. (In addition, Patty manages several of the guilds!) She gathered materials and encouraged people during the long preparation period for the Con. We would not have had an art show without Patty’s efforts. During Sasquan, she was busy everywhere to keep the volunteers and fans happy and involved. Patty, we can’t say enough to thank you.

John Kentner filmed a wonderful tribute to Sir Terry Pratchett and the Dicsworld fans at Sasquan. Many fans were interviewed for his project there and they all told wonderful stories. We all know how much Sir Terry has touched our lives and John worked to put that experience onto film for others to see and share. The film project has been in the planning stages for some time now. John was able to secure funding through a Kickstarter campaign which allowed him to make this marvelous documentary. Thank you, John for your creativity and drive.

You may have missed Denise Connell who works quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes to support NADWCON. She made the connections to have NADWCON collaborate with Sasquan. As the Discworld Area Head for this Worldcon Denise set up the Discworld panels and games, gathered films, supported DW events, and organized Terry's memorial at Sasquan. She also backed John Kentner’s film efforts with advice and support while wrangling people for John to interview. She was there for Patty, as well, to help with background, past experiences and aid. Without Denise, there would not have been a North American Discworld fan gathering at Sasquan. 

Denise is also the founder of the North American Seamstress Guild as well as the Dark Clerks, and she has a served as a staff member at DW cons in 2009 (AZ) and 2011 (WI). She has been the NADWCon Board Chair since 2012. 

Thank you to these three wonderful NADWCON volunteers. We literally could not have done it without you.

Thank you, as well, to all the volunteers who served on panels, worked as costumed docents, helped out with events, and promoted Discworld fandom at Sasquan / Worldcon 2015. 

Thank you, to the various DW guilds on FB who help get the word out and contribute so much to our fun at events. 

We would also like to salute the writers like Fran Wald and editors such as Anne Hoppe who served as panelists and helped make the discussions of Sir Terry’s world both illuminating and erudite.

We salute you, all, and we think Sir Terry would be proud. 

Marilyn Bunzo,
Web Mistress and NADWCon senior staff member and volunteer since 2010.