What is a volunteer?

What is a volunteer?

A person who enters into any service of his or her own free will is known to be a volunteer.

There are multiple opportunities to become a volunteer. Being a volunteer benefits the cause of serving others in a number of capacities without expecting a monetary reward. The reward received is of a different kind.

Reward may be self-satisfaction in bringing joy to those being served, pride in a job well done, and just the act of being there when help is neede. Believe me, volunteers are the glue that hold many benevolent causes intact.

I have been a volunteer for multiple causes. One of the most rewarding is volunteering for an edifice that should bring pride to all citizens of Washington County. Our county has the rare historical jewel of Beck’s Grist Mill. The presetn mill has been standing since the climax of the Civil War and located seven miles from our outstanding courthouse structure, recognized for its architectural beauty, serving the residents of Washington County since 1888.

I have been a volunteer with Beck’s Mill since its opening in 2008, after extensive reconstruction to restore the mill to its original purpose. I consider volunteering an opportunity of “payback.”

I have always loved history and enjoy telling stories that date back to our country’s beginning. The backdrop couldn’t be better. 

This is true for most of our current volunteers who are on board each Saturday and Sunday to greet guests coming from regions far beyond Washington County, thanks in part to our website, brochures placed in neighboring counties, coverage by printed news media, and word of mouth.

The volunteers that keep history alive by giving of their weekends are in need of back-up in all areas, especially availability of trained millers.

Won’t you consider being a positive force in keeping historic Beck’s Mill open to the public by becoming a volunteer? It would take such a little of your time as we are only open to the public on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., April through October.

To volunteer, please call 812.883.5147.

A current Friend of Beck’s Mill and volunteer,

Gerry Goode

Gerry Goode has been a member of Writers Bloc for five years and enjoys writing memoirs and poetry. She also creates her own greeting cards, writing the verses and doing the artwork. She has been a volunteer with Friends of Beck’s Mill since the mill was restored in 2008.