REGION — Yarnslingers began in 2012 after I attended a public reading at a now-defunct bakery in Livingston Manor. I was involved with the group that evening as a sound engineer and as a writer. 

The coordinator of the event was a Manhattan psychotherapist, and the theme was “Baggage.” The event was packed—standing room only—and for me, testified to the potential broad appeal of a writers’ group that told their stories in front of a live audience. 

Despite these positive aspects, the coordinator didn’t wish to continue the group. After expressing my interest in building a future for the writers’ group, she encouraged me to pursue it. 

From that point forward, I gathered writers and sought places to present. A librarian friend of mine suggested potential names for the group; “Yarnslingers” was among them. 

That same year, our next event and first official Yarnslingers presentation took place at the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello, NY. 

I never could have imagined the impact that our revolving, ever-traveling group would have on our community and beyond. I couldn’t be more pleased. 

Now it’s time to expand even further.  It’s been over 10 years that I have been the volunteer director, and during this time have noted that some Yarnslingers have written memoirs, and have even been published. 

Considering my health challenges and the encouragement I’ve been getting to finish my own memoir, I have decided to pass the baton to Greg Triggs, a Yarnslinger of seven years and a twice-published author. I will remain in an advisory position as executive director and as one of the writers. 

I’m confident that Greg will take Yarnslingers to new heights. I am so glad that he has accepted this volunteer position, as it is a lot of work. 

I look forward to being part of the writer stable and presenting my work as I did over 10 years ago—merely as someone who is always learning and growing in the art and craft of true storytelling and its counterpart, oral presentation. Welcome, Greg Triggs. You will be hearing from him.

And if you are a writer interested in joining our group, there is no fee and you can contact Greg at yarnslingers@yahoo.com.

Best Regards,

Ramona Jan
Director, Yarnslingers
Contributed by Ramona Jan