Summer’s nearing an end. Time to turn attention from frolicking in the pool to more serious matters, like planning and organizing ways to make it through the coming winter comfortably.
Unfortunately, with cooler weather comes the tendency to grow sedentary and hang out in front of the TV. Every year we tell ourselves we’re not going to fall down that same rabbit hole; we’re going to plan activities, keep exercising our brains and bodies. But old habits die hard.
I have an alternative to try before you sink too far into the couch: Volunteer! It’s good for your mind and body, but more than that, it’s good for your soul. It hinges on doing something meaningful, something that benefits not only you but helps other people or entities succeed and grow.
At the Elitch’s Theater for a play the other night, I watched the volunteers who sold refreshments, handed out programs, ushered and answered questions; the group was fascinating to observe. They were having as great a time serving the public as I was seeing the show. Joy and satisfaction are obviously contagious!
It’s similar with the volunteers at the Historical Society. Their dedication is admirable; they’re convinced they’ve embarked on a worthwhile endeavor, preserving history and enlightening visitors at the Historical Park and the Baugh House about local history through tours and at monthly events like Second Saturdays. Their only real frustration is that there are never enough of them. It’s the main lament when volunteers are asked what can make their jobs easier: “We need more people!” comes the immediate reply.
So, what kinds of jobs do we need volunteers to do? Following is a list. See where you fit in:
Prepping events – setting up canopies, tables and chairs, laying out supplies and exhibit items
After event clean-up – taking down and putting away the above
Cleaning – old buildings get dusty and dirty, and it seems all flies congregate there to die on window sills, which is unsightly for visitors
Outreach – we’ve started a speakers bureau; it takes a little training, but if you like talking to people in costume (or not), you’ll love this
Tour guides during events – like to hang out in restored old buildings and tell stories about them? We need you! (again, some training involved)
Board positions – good with numbers? Data entry? Reporting? Making things work/fixing broken stuff?
You can put any or all of your volunteer preferences on display at our next Second Saturday event, “Dogs on Paw-rade”, the quirky, funny dog show, on September 13 at the Baugh House, 10:00 –2:00. This is the last dog event, so bring your favorite canines to this last hurrah. Who knows? Your dog may win any number of competitions, like Musical Sit, Leave-it Races, best bark, kiss, trick or costume. If they are the biggest, smallest or most congenial, they’ll also go home a winner! Proof of rabies vaccination, city waiver, and leash are required (on site or go to wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org for details and form.) New to enjoy this year is a gallery of entertaining photos “Dogs of the 1920s”.
