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Okay….that may sound a little conceited, but at yesterday’s annual after hours Celebration of Volunteers, Mystic Seaport President Steve White described the army of Museum volunteers as “the life blood of Mystic Seaport.” Who wouldn’t feel a little pumped up after hearing those words?
I’m a volunteer; so is my husband; so are about 1,000 other men and women who relish helping staff in countless ways. Every one of us finds a niche …or two…or more. Pretty soon your fellow volunteers become almost like your extended family, and the bond to Mystic Seaport just grows stronger the longer you’re on board.
Volunteer Coordinator, Rhoda Hopkins Root, is matriarch of our Mystic Seaport volunteer family and she takes care of her own! Today’s Celebration of Volunteers is a testimony to that. Good music, good food, good camaraderie and special recognition and accolades for a deserving few.
Rhoda speaking with a Museum volunteer.
We sat with some of the Boathouse gang. Two of them, Andy Strode and Joe DeGange, sported the gold pin on their name badge. That indicates they have contributed more than 1,000 hours each! And if that’s not impressive enough, there are other volunteers with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 thousand hours of volunteer time. It’s pretty humbling to be in this family!
The thing is, this family seems to really enjoy one another’s company. Is it something in the air at Mystic Seaport that makes everyone so mellow? Could be, but I think it’s just a great place to put your time and talents to work, and know you’re benefitting this jewel of a Museum.
If you’re reading this and thinking you need something fun and interesting to do in your life, give Rhoda Hopkins Root a call at 860.572.5378. There’s a niche for you at Mystic Seaport, and Rhoda will help you find it.
Blog post written by Volunteer Trudi Busey.
I can’t wait to come. We’re visiting next weekend. I hope there’s something fun going on!