The Jan WHIMSEY Award
(Whimsical Humour is My Speciality, Enjoy Yourself!

In 2007, Al Gregory, BSI, ASH, established The Jan WHIMSEY Award in memory of his wife, Jan Stauber, ASH. Each January the Muse author who has written the most whimsical piece published during the preceding Muse volume year (i.e., from the December to September issues) is announced and honored. The award, a handsome certificate and a check for $221.17, is presented at the William Gillette Luncheon and the winner’s name is published in the special “Birthday Edition” of the Muse distributed during the birthday weekend in New York City.

To quote Al: “Articles are to be judged solely on the basis of whimsicality. Scholarship, erudition, logical argumentation, historical discoveries, clever puzzles, etc., are irrelevant. ASH-ness and BSI-ness are irrelevant.” All articles, verse, etc., appearing in the Muse will be eligible for the award except the entries in the annual Birthday Challenge. In addition to the Muse editorial staff of Susan Diamond, Evelyn Herzog, and Marilynne McKay, Jan’s dear friends Francine Kitts and Sue Vizoskie also serve as judges. Judges, of course, are not eligible to win. Many, many thanks go to Al for establishing and funding this award!

Explore the archive below!