Chamber News

Prospective Interpreters Tea-At The Reynolds Homestead-Feb. 24

CRITZ, VA (February 17, 2010)— The Volunteer Interpreter program at The Reynolds Homestead is beginning its second year.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT TEA AT THE REYNOLDS HOMESTEAD With the outstanding success of last year’s volunteers, the staff are pleased to once again offer the opportunity to interested persons to become historic guides. The Prospective Interpreters Tea will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. in the Continuing Education Center. The Homestead staff will make a presentation describing the benefits, rewards, and the training necessary in becoming a Volunteer Interpreter and be happy to answer questions. Attending the tea will not be a commitment to become a volunteer, but will give those interested a chance to learn more. Jane Hughes of Martinsville, who attended last year’s tea, was enthusiastic about her past year as a volunteer, “To serve as an Interpreter has been an educational, fun and rewarding experience for me by sharing the history of the Reynolds family.� The Historic Interpreter program features twice-yearly trips to tour other historic home sites, where interpreters have the opportunity to see how those sites manage tours and learn from their volunteers. Stuart resident Shirley Keene, 2009 Reynolds Homestead Volunteer of the Year, noted, “Going on the tours of other historical homes and museums in the area was a new learning experience and a chance to see things I would not have otherwise seen and the opportunity to observe other interpreters.� In addition, as volunteers build up hours, they earn benefits such as free tickets to events, discounts at the museum store, and discounts on and free rentals of the facility for their own use. But the greatest rewards come from the interaction with tourists and the public, and the sense of a job well done in promoting the Reynolds family history --an amazing Patrick County story that draws in people from all over the state, the nation, and the world. Another dedicated volunteer, retired teacher Linda Wilson of Stuart, stated, “The Reynolds family has such a fascinating story. Every group I have given tours to have appreciated all that we do.� The Reynolds Homestead sees the Volunteer Interpreter Program as not only a way to receive some much needed help here at our facility, but also as an opportunity for volunteers to learn, to socialize, to meet interesting visitors, to receive compensation for their efforts, to form new friendships, and to become part of the Reynolds Homestead family. Please call the Reynolds Homestead at 276-694-7181, ext. 21, for more information and to register to attend the Volunteer Tea and explore the possibilities! (Or you may respond to this e-mail!) Lisa Martin Senior Program Manager Reynolds Homestead 463 Homestead Lane Critz, VA 24082 (276) 694-7181 ext. 22