The Writers' Colony

It's quiet here now. The suites are empty, the kitchen dark. Inside, the Colony mirrors the quiet winter world outside, and even though we miss our writers there's something quite nice about putting the place to bed for a few months. Of course, there's still plenty going on in the office and around the Colony complex. Vicki bustled through the holidays with end-of-year busyness and some much-needed repairs. And throughout the season it was lovely to hear from many of you who sent cards and updates, thanks for staying in touch.

What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time, we were barely holding on. With careful financial management and the support of long-time donors, our Board, alums and new writers, we not only paid off old bills - some several years old, to be honest - but we ended the year in strong financial condition. In addition, we moved way ahead on renovation of our new building next door and, looking ahead to a renewed marketing effort in 2010, we pursued a full-fledged marketing study through long-term alum Joe Cangelosi to get to know our potential audience better.

Now, with the holidays behind us and two whole months before we open again, we have the quiet time to review and renew. Our 2010 season begins in mid-March, and between now and then we'll be cleaning, repairing, writing grants, revising outdated promotional material, and much more. With time to think and reflect on an incredibly difficult year, a year which many non-profits did not survive or barely survived, I have to say that The Writers' Colony is going strong. I truly believe that 2010 will be a great year for us, and I hope it will be a happy, healthy and prosperous year for each of you.

Jennifer Hansen