Good to Know: More - Lots More - Than You Think

By Desiree Parker Sunday, May 23, 2010

Picture it. You’re a local mom with a household to run, a family to look after, maybe even a job to make things extra tricky.

You have a notion you’d like to do something to give back to the community. You want to meet like-minded women to chat with. You want to put your fantastic organizational skills to good use.

I’d bet there are plenty of ladies out there who fit this bill – and there’s a group out there looking for you, too. It’s the Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg.

No, no, this isn’t what you think. It’s not a bunch of retired women who like to drink tea together. This is a group of local women of all ages (moms or not, married or not) who want to make a difference in the community – and they’ve been doing it since 1954.

I had a chance to sit down with JWCW president Colleen Carpinelli and previous president and public relations coordinator Melissa Cantrell this week, and I admitted to them that I was one of those folks who thought for sure they were fun-loving retirees and tea swillers.
They laughed.

I was surprised to discover all the things they do in the community as we talked; these were all events I’ve actually attended or heard about.
One of the big-ticket events the group holds ever year is Art on the Square in Williamsburg. This is always a well-attended event that helps support artists in the area, and this year the event celebrated its 47th run. The proceeds go to fund three arts scholarships for locals (which I didn’t know). All I know is that it’s lots of fun, and a good place to see local art.

The group also organizes a first grade book exchange, which allows kids to get new or gently used books to take home; a casino night; a reverse raffle; a jewelry raffle and more.

They also collect prom dresses for the Warhill Prom Closet, which makes sure every girl gets the chance to feel like Cinderella on her prom. If you were once a teenage girl, you’ll know this is a very crucial part of the high school experience.

They host a bingo night at the Blayton Building, too, and they host holiday events at Dominion Village Nursing Home, along with many more events focused on giving back to the community.

The JWCW raises about $25,000 to $30,000 each year for people and organizations in the Triangle, and they also give out around $6,000 in scholarships. That’s quite a feat for 50 or so women to pull off each year.

I asked these ladies, both of whom happen to be mothers of young kids, what made them decide to find the time in their hectic schedules to join the organization. Melissa says, “I really wanted an outlet. I had these preconceived ideas about what the group was like – but these women are such a diverse and welcoming group… I jumped in with both feet!”

Colleen agrees. “This is really about where you are in your life,” she says. “I wanted to give back to the community. I like the professional piece of this, too. The [women] are my colleagues.”

There’s a social part of the group too – I mean, you can’t get a bunch of motivated women together without some fun ensuing – but the ladies have a busy agenda each year, and get lots accomplished.

“We’re a part of something bigger,” says Colleen. “And that’s a nice feeling.”

The JWCW is always looking for new members, too. Take a peek at the website for more information about their organization, or just stop by one of their meetings. They meet at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Williamsburg James City County Recreation Center on Longhill Road (just not in July and December).

If you’re a woman who is looking for a way to get involved in the community, be sure to stop by. The next big event the JWCW is hosting will be Casino Night on September 25 at Towne Bank. Proceeds from this event will go to one specific charity. Last year, that charity was the Rita Welsh Adult Literacy Program; this year is still TBA. What a great reason to dress up and have fun!