By Jennifer Drummond
James River Writers’ mission states it builds community by connecting and inspiring writers and readers in Central Virginia. While this is certainly true, JRW has also quietly built a community of wonderful volunteers. These volunteers have given, and continue to give, many hours of their time and talents each week. Whether they are keeping the community informed, creating awesome events, or offering a valuable resource, the volunteers are making great things happen.
So it is at this time we say thank you to our volunteers for all they have given and for choosing to be part of JRW. We spoke with a few volunteers who took the time to share their thoughts with us as they move out of their current roles at JRW.
After seven years, Cathy Allen has passed on her role of editing the Lit Calendar for James River Writers.
Jennifer Drummond: How long have you volunteered at JRW and what volunteer role did you fulfill? How many hours per month did you volunteer?
Cathy Allen: Since 2007, I’ve have proudly served as JRW’s Lit Calendar Editor. For 7 years I devoted 20 hours a month “snipping and clipping” a diverse range of literary events in the metro Richmond area and beyond.
Denise Golinowski: I’ve volunteered at JRW in one way or another for over ten years (maybe longer, but I haven’t a clue when I started). Initially, I helped with registration at the Writing Show when we were meeting at the Science Museum back with Anne Westrick and crew. Then I stepped in to hostess Writers Wednesdays until this year.
Cathy Hill: I didn’t make a mental note of the year I started volunteering, but it was probably four or five years ago. The Writing Show was still meeting at the Science Museum. I served as greeter/hostess, helping set up and clean up, folding and handing out programs, collecting entrance fees, etc. It took about 4-5 hours a week.
Also, I twice served as a first round reader at the Best Unpublished Novel contest, which was extremely enlightening and enjoyable. More