Each month we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of the Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) -- those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you know about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and to the community, and what they do that is so impactful.
This month, we spotlight JC Griffith, our great IT expert. JC has worked tirelessly for the Friends. He works with our fantastic Patty Elias who has organized and revamped our website with so much flair and style. In addition to working on the Happenings with the editor Linda Meadows, he works with our wonderful President Betty Goldstein, fabulous Jeanne Anderson and amazing Education co-chair Clare Wagner on many emails and invitations.
We are so appreciative of JC’s wonderful work and all his efforts for the Happenings, website, and invitations to make them look so professional, polished, and beautiful!
We asked him these five questions:
1. How did you first learn about VRG, and what inspired you to become involved?
I first learned about VRG a little over a year ago when my friend, Mitch, who previously held my position, told me that he was stepping down and thought I would be a good fit. I spent some time looking into what the Gardens were and what the Friends did. I thought the mission of the Friends was great, and I was excited by the possibility of working with them.
2. What is your role - how do you contribute to VRG?
My role has a few different aspects to it. I handle all the technical aspects of the website. All of the articles in the Happenings every month are laid out by me (including this one!) after Linda or one of the many other Friends writes the article. I also handle a lot of the emails and invites that are sent out. Those are my main roles, but I also have run some of our pandemic Zoom events and photographed some events as well.
3. Can you share a favorite VRG memory with us?
I haven’t gotten to experience the Gardens in person too much, but my favorite memory must be the event where George Geary presented his book on Californian fast-food restaurants. I took photos of the event, and it was such a great experience. George was an excellent speaker, and it was so fun to have food like In-N-Out and Pink’s afterward.
4. Can you tell us about yourself and what you do outside of VRG?
I’m originally from Ohio! I went to school there for photojournalism and studied some film and design as well. I decided to move out to LA with my fiancé, Alayna, and our dog and cat, Luna and Loretta, in hopes to use my skills in film production. Since moving here two years ago, I have been slowly starting a small video production company called Glad To Help with some old and new friends. Besides photo and video production, I also am a musician. I play guitar in a couple of bands, but I also make ambient and mediation music under the name Soft Clipping. I’m also an avid home cook and love to explore my new hometown as much as I can.
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5. Please add any additional information you would like to share!
I’ll use this space to just thank all the Friends of Robinson Gardens for allowing me to join you and welcoming me in. It’s been a great year with you, and I look forward to making many more memories with VRG.
Clare Wagner
JC, You are such an asset to the Friends. We greatly appreciate all you do for us.