The Day After Labor Day

Dear Readers,

I have just left Willington after closing up what one of our volunteers has affectionately labeled our “Free Ice Water Ministry.”   I have to admit, I like the name.

Usually when I sit down to write one of these articles, I like to tell you about a new exhibit, a new attraction, or something else happening here at Willington.  And believe me, this month I have plenty of choices.  The Bookshop is redoing an entire section, the Curiosity Shop is creating and adding new items for sale, and the History Center is putting the finishing touches on a new wall display.  A lot has happened this year.

But this month, I would rather write about something, or more accurately, someone even more important:  our volunteers – the unsung heroes of Willington on the Way.

Before I retired, I was a project engineer for a large communications company.  When I was asked to take on this position at Willington, I thought my years of experience had prepared me pretty well for the job.

I quickly discovered there is quite a difference between managing a project where employees and contractors are being paid to do the work and leading an organization made up entirely of volunteers!

It has been a real learning adventure. I hit a few speed bumps in the beginning, but I like to think I am a fairly fast learner.  Along the way, I discovered something that has made this position not only easier, but much more enjoyable.

My job isn't to tell our volunteers what to do.  My job is to find out what they enjoy doing, discover the talents they bring with them, and then give them the opportunity to use those talents.

And what an amazing variety of talents we have.

Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and bring years of experience, knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm with them.  Whether someone is designing a window display, rearranging books in the Bookshop, creating something for the Curiosity Shop, working on an exhibit in the History Center, caring for our buildings and grounds, or simply welcoming a visitor with a smile, they take pride in what they do.

That pride shows throughout Willington.

Buildings, books and exhibits are important, but they aren't what truly make Willington special.  People do.

So this month, instead of announcing our newest attraction, I would simply like to say “thank you” to every one of our volunteers.

Thank you for your time. Thank you for your talents. Thank you for your ideas. Thank you for caring about this very special place.

And on a personal note, thank you for making the assignment I was asked to take on not only rewarding, but genuinely enjoyable.

Willington on the Way is blessed to have you—and we could not do it without you.

Barry