Submitted by Susie Rosenbluth
The South Jersey Writers’ Group’s annual Holiday Party is always a special occasion, and this year’s gathering, held on Thursday, December 4, at Kunkel’s Seafood & Steakhouse in Haddon Heights, was no exception—a festive evening of splendid company, lively conversation, and happy memories of 2025 events coupled with exciting expectations of programs and gatherings to come in 2026.
While a number of well-regarded individuals, including Amy Hollinger, Eden Mabee, Alyssa (Lyss) Mauer, and Susie Rosenbluth are stepping down from SJWG leadership positions, the announcement that three extraordinary women, each of whom has become synonymous with vision, competence, and creativity will be assuming the helm was greeted with applause and appreciation. The presidium will be shared by Ellen Hernandez, Rissa Pappas, and Susan Pitcher. All three have worked tirelessly for SJWG in other capacities, and early reports indicate they intend to continue many of the programs and events that have proven popular with members over the years, including Craft and Conversation on issues of importance to writers, presentations by agents and subject matter experts, and the all-important growing number of critique groups and Beta Reader Book Clubs.
Fortunately for the organization, Pastor Tom Jenkins has agreed to remain on the board as SJWG’s treasurer.
The Awards Ceremony began with the award for Volunteer of the Year. The Board recognized all volunteers, including:
- Marcus Mabee – event tech support
- Susan Pitcher – critique group host, Pen & Sword meetup host
- Rissa Pappas – Monday Virtual Write-In host
- Ellen Hernandez – Critique group host, Virtual Write-In host
And for the second year, SJWG awarded TWO Volunteers of the Year – Ellen Hernandez and Rissa Pappas. Not only for their dedication to their volunteer roles but for their commitment to the future of the group.
The evening’s final presentation was the awarding of its Writer of the Year. The Board was pleased to acknowledge Elizabeth Vollstadt as the 2025 Writer of the Year!
Elizabeth’s latest work, What Charlotte Found at Seneca Falls: A Story of the First Woman’s Rights Convention, published in 2025, is a picture book that tells the story of the 1848 convention through the eyes of Charlotte Woodward, a young woman frustrated by the limits on her life because she was born female. Historically, she was the only person to sign the Declaration of Sentiments at the convention who, 72 years later, in 1920, lived to see women receive the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment.
Elizabeth ventured far out of her comfort zone to publish this book, hiring an illustrator and then a consultant to bring the book to life.
This past summer, Elizabeth’s short story, “Three Cheers for Emilio!” received the Second Grand Prize in the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards. This award is a division of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest international book-awards program for self-published authors and independent publishers.
Elizabeth has been a children’s author for years. In addition to numerous stories published in Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, Children’s Digest, The Church Herald, and a variety of anthologies, she has two preteen contemporary novels, Pairs on Ice and Pairs at Nationals, both inspired by her years as a “skating mom” when her daughter competed.
There were 5 nominees:
David Burns, for his success with his 2023 urban fantasy novel, Heart of Stone, and his commitment to writing the sequel with attendance at his monthly critique group.
Ellen Hernandez, for was nominated by Eden Mabee for exactly the reasons this newly elected co-president was praised for her accomplishments and appreciated for her volunteer efforts on behalf of SJWG.
Hannah Jordan, for her success with the Peace Falls series, publishing a novel and a novella this year
Tom Jenkins, for his dedication to his critique group and accountability partners, and his constant willingness to support and encourage writers in all stages of their careers.
Susie Rosenbluth, for contracting a publishing deal with Red Adept Press for her forthcoming novel, Blurred Vision, as well as her support and encouragement of all her critique and accountability partners.
T. J. Schreiber, for his dedication to his writing, and SJWG critique groups. T. J.’s commitment to attending monthly critique groups, receiving feedback, and revising his stories has led to his first publications in online journals!
Cassandra Ulrich, for releasing two new books in 2025: Practical Christianity, which offers concise, Scripture-based lessons designed to guide and encourage those new to the faith as well others already steeped in the tradition, and Jersey Vines: A Choose-an-Ending Story, for young people ages 9-18. Four of Cassandra’s books, including Danny R.O.S.S. and A Beautiful Girl, won an International Impact Book Award.
Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, new board staffers, and members of the great SJWG. Here’s to a fabulous holiday season and a fantastic New Year, one blessed with health, happiness, success, and peace (with security) for SJWG members, their loved ones, and all people of goodwill everywhere.
