Charity Spotlight
Have Fun, Meet People and Share the Fascinating History of Our City By Jane Roehrig, Resident since 1985
W
hat could be more fun than hanging out with a bunch of wide-eyed third graders as they discover history by doing laundry the old fashioned way with washboards and clothes lines? Or sharing with them your amazing skills at hopscotch, marbles and jacks? If you prefer, you might want to take those little third graders on an entertaining walking tour exploring the hidden gems, artwork and old buildings that make up our beautiful downtown Walnut Creek. The kids play bingo along the way and marvel at the photos of how our city used to look in bygone days. If kids aren’t your thing, that’s quite all right. We have walking tours for both children and adults. This hands-(and feet) on experience opens up a memorable new way for the general public and local 3rd graders to see our city.
Children back in 1906 enjoyed games like marbles, jacks or hopscotch. Many children who go through the Living History program have never experienced these games and are thrilled when they win a few marbles.
We also need docents to give tours through a magical old Colonial Revival home, completely furnished with beautiful antiques and a very rich history. The house has a working mechanical disk Stella music box from the early 1900s and a Victrola with plenty of old 78 records to spin.
125 miles an hour down to zero. I had a very difficult time relaxing. I was worried that my mind and body were quickly turning into mush. I needed something stimulating. I wanted to meet new friends. I wanted excitement!
No matter what your cup of tea--we have that, too--an enchanting Victorian Christmas tea that would put even Mr. Scrooge in the holiday spirit.
Fortunately, I found all of this as a volunteer with the Walnut Creek Historical Society. And the best part is, I did not have to give up my freedom. I am not locked in to a set schedule or a routine. I can work as much or as little as I want.
I moved to Walnut Creek in 1985 and probably walked and drove past The Shadelands house more than a thousand times before I even knew it was a museum. Then, in 2014, when Walnut Creek celebrated its centennial as a city, I happened to be passing by and stopped to check out the festivities. The house was open to the public and I got my first peek inside. They say there’s no place like home. Well, in my case, it was someone else’s home, and I fell in love with it at first sight. I had to know who built it, how it got here and why it is so beautifully preserved. This home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is also the headquarters of the Walnut Creek Historical Society. It houses a rich archive of Contra Costa and Walnut Creek history in its collections of old newspapers, photographs, and government records. When I retired from my career as a yearbook sales representative, I wanted to be able to make a contribution to my community. I felt so blessed to have ended up in this great little city and I wanted to give something back. But I’m a pretty selfish person. I didn’t want to sign up for another full-time or even part-time gig. After working for 45 years, I wanted to relax, spend time with my grandkids and travel with my husband. Unfortunately, after about a month of retirement, I realized that I was spending way too much time playing Candy Crush and Words with Friends. I wanted to feel useful, needed and maybe even a little bit important. Retirement for me meant going from
I enjoy meeting new people and giving tours at the museum. The history of the Penniman family, who built the home, is like a juicy soap opera. I can almost feel the characters come alive when I tell their stories to our guests. And there is nothing better, in my opinion, than seeing those bright little faces light up when I show them the butter churner or the soap saver. Playing jacks with them brings back so many wonderful memories of my own childhood. If you’re looking for a great volunteer opportunity that’s educational, fun and flexible, we have it right here in our Northgate neighborhood. You could volunteer for one, two or even all three of these programs. Schedules are flexible. Training is provided. The rewards are priceless. Interested in Volunteering? Potential docents shadow a few tours prior to committing. It takes time and commitment to learn a script, the ins and outs of how the tours operate as well learning how to keep the students engaged. House Docent Volunteers – Wednesdays and Sundays from 12:45-4:15, February through October. Serving at the holiday tea in December is another option for house docents. Living History Volunteers – Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30-1:30, spring and fall. Hours are flexible with morning or afternoon shifts available.
12
NOVEMBER 2018
