It was a beautiful day at Barrington’s White House to celebrate BWW’s 45th anniversary! Lots of stories got told and connections renewed amongst our community of writers and guests. Below are photos that capture some of the event and a poem by Jean Tolle, one of BWW’s founding mothers.

The day began with some BWW members gathered under the Catlow Theatre marquee honoring the occasion.

Inside Barrington’s White House BWW president Bev Ottaviano welcomes everyone and gives a champagne toast.

Barrington Village President Karen Darch reads a proclamation honoring the contributions of the Barrington Writers Workshop to the community.

Todd Arkenberg embraces one of BWW’s founding mothers, Jean Tolle.

Three panelists engaged the audience with their views on the writing life. They are from left Vu Tran, Rachel DeWoskin and Thomas Bradshaw.

BWW members celebrate 45 years together!

Here’s the poem Jean Tolle was inspired to write for the event. It includes a remembrance of some of those members who have passed. Let us all cherish the day.

Forty-Five Years!

by Jean Tolle

 Do they know how they

   inspired me

   encouraged me

   taught me?

  

  Gave me friendship?

 

Do they remember my

     stumbles

     lapses

     mistakes

 

     Gave me love?

 

For those I miss:
Jasmine Candlish, Linda Girard, Carol Scott, Vince Lombardo
Ray Spiess, Miriam Lykee, Marilyn Perry, Sollace Hotze
Gene Kimmet, Al Guthrie, Jack Roche

And others whose faces and work I recall, but whose names have skipped away.