Hello Fez heads, Pat has informed me this is my month to write the intro. I've been wondering what I was gonna write about.
Last week Pat told me that Michele had left the Fez. I felt bad about this. Pat is the editor now. Michele was reaching out and making a real human connection. She was reaching out beyond the internet. Two months ago when I read with her in Milwaukee and we were doing a small press table, she took care of everyone. She picked me up at the bus station in Chicago and drove to Milwaukee, picked up the Metros at the airport. She found us all a cheap place to stay. Then drove me back to Chicago, after making sure the Metros got back to the airport. There was a reason we called her Mama Fez.
I've been head poetry editor for about two years. Michele hired me, brought me in and trained me. Michele and I planned the
Zygote In My Fez show last year. And we all hung out in Toledo. I met the whole staff.
I think Michele McDannold is one of the best people in the small press and this magazine has a huge hole in its heart right now. I know Michele will go on to do great work where ever she goes.
--Michael Grover
***EDITOR PAT'S NOTE*** Michele left the Fez in August 2012, after 5 years of service here. Red Fez would not be what it is today without her hard work and loving care. On behalf of Leopold and all of the staff, we echo Grover's sentiments. Thanks Michele, you've earned your own padded cell in the Fez Hall of Fame, and we'll see you around. Her new projects include Punk Hostage Press and the revamped Literary Underground.
The Fez also says goodbye and thanks to Frankie Metro, who moved on to work with Unlikely Stories and of course The Meth Lab.
Michael Grover is poetry co-headitor (with Zach Fishel). Grover has a new chapbook out, American Eyes. He started a new poetry reading in Toledo (co-sponsored by Red Fez) called Black Kite. ***EDITOR PAT'S NOTE*** - Michael Grover
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photo by Leopold McG
