Jacki Wright is the March Community Captain of the Month. See below in her words why she is active.
Tell us about yourself, where are you from?
“I am originally from SE Michigan, but we haven’t lived there since 1991 and my husband, Jack joined Active Duty Air Force and we lived a military life for over 20 years. We have lived in WV since 2016 and this is the longest place we have ever lived, and it is because we LOVE WV and this area so much.”
“As for the rest about me…. I call myself a professional volunteer and I love to help wherever needed. I have three passions, the National Parks, the Veterans, and dogs. I am actively involved in seven organizations that involve these three passions and I am happy when there are days that my passions overlap.”
Why are you active? How did you start being physically active?
“I am active because I saw how unhealthy some of my family is in Michigan and I did not want my genetics to head me into that direction also. I started staying physically fit by just walking. My husband and I also started not eating out as much and watching what we eat, so that was also a big plus.”
“Moving in any way is important to me, whether that is hiking, walking or just working in my garden (or the gardens at the NRG visitor centers)”
What motivated you to volunteer with Active SWV in your community?
“My motivation for volunteering with Active SWV is that we had just moved to West Virginia and saw the group on Facebook. I attended a few events they had and loved their mission statement. As I said before I volunteer wherever I can, and they needed volunteers. It was also a way to meet people, and we have met so many interesting people.”
How do you stay motivated? Why is being active a priority for you?
“My motivation for staying active is planning and leading hikes. I am also a Master Naturalist and Volunteer for the National Park Service, so I like to incorporate these interests of mine. For instance, in March and April, my hikes will be centered around Wildflower season here in the New River Gorge area. I will be planning hikes that will allow us to enjoy nature and not just hike a trail (which is also fun).”
“When I first started in Active SWV, we encountered a variety of people who didn’t like to hike alone for a variety of reasons, or who have never hiked in the Gorge and were leery of doing it. I am concentrating my hikes back to those types of people. My hikes are usually 3 miles or less, and my hikes are as slow or fast as the participants want them to be. My hikes are for people who have never hiked before or don’t want to hike alone, but want to see this gorgeous area we live in.”
“My hikes are for taking in all that nature has to offer and also for exploring the history of this area. Hiking should be a fun experience, not a point A to point B trip.”
Why do you think someone should join an Active SWV free program?
“Joining Active SWV for my hikes or any other programs it offers should be an easy decision to make. All Active SWV events are FREE…. They are fun and they allow people to try new things, and meet people. Registration is free, and the Events are free. Can’t get much better than that.”
Join Jacki for one of her hikes! Sign up for your free membership and register in advance. See all program details on our website calendar, or the MemberPlus membership app.
