Keeping a 160 year old mill preserved, maintained and presented to the public in a way that is welcoming to daily visitors takes efforts of an entire community. At Bear’s Mill, we rely upon the time, talent and expertise of volunteers from varied backgrounds to help us keep our treasure alive for future generations to enjoy. Interested in joining us as a volunteer? Read through the opportunities and benefits, then submit your information via the form below.

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Volunteer Opportunities:

 

• Retail Volunteer

  • Our retail volunteers are vital to the smooth operation of the Mill Store & Gallery, which provides crucial funding for the organization. 

  • General Description: Greeting visitors (both tourists and local customers), talking with new visitors about the history of the mill, assisting with sales and other various Mill Store duties.

  • Retail volunteers receive a 20% discount. 

• Grounds Keeping and Maintenance

  • Planting and maintaining flowerbeds to accentuate the Mill’s natural beauty.

  • Requires a regular maintenance shift through the mild seasons. Assist with seasonal cleanups.

• Special Project Assistant

  • Random needs such as helping with mailings, painting shelves or getting the Mill ready for special events. This could be a regular weekly shift or a phone call as needed position.

• Tour Guide

  • Show groups the workings of the Mill (scheduled tours throughout the year).

• Committee Member

  • Serve on one of Bear’s Mill’s committees:

    • People– trustee nominating/recruitment, volunteer, employee human relations

    • Money– finance, retail

    • Outreach– marketing, special events, fundraising

    • Grounds– grounds, new projects

Why does the volunteer program exist?

It exists because volunteers are a necessary component to fulfilling the mission of the non-profit organization, which is to keep historic Bear’s Mill open to the public for touring and educational purposes. Fulfilling this mission encourages tourism in our community, which helps to improve our local economy and produces a sense of pride.

 

How does the volunteer program help the organization fulfill its mission?

It helps to provide the workforce that shares in the many projects related to keeping Bear’s Mill open to the public for the above mission. The future of our organization is determined by the involvement of volunteers. Volunteer involvement supports the organization and enhances our community by preserving history.

 

How does volunteering at Bear’s Mill enrich the lives of the volunteers?

Volunteers site a variety of reasons that involvement in our organization is fulfilling:

• Helping to preserve an important historic site in our community

• Being a part of something that offers a cultural experience

• Knowing that you are helping to enhance our local economy

• Meeting new & interesting people

• A personal interest in art, culture or nature

• Experience to enhance a career

• Sharing a special talent or skill

 

What specific needs does the volunteer program address?

The needs include weekly customer service associates, maintenance, special events, fundraising, special projects and touring. Please see our list of Volunteer Job Opportunities.

 

What is the impact of the volunteer program?

In general, the impact of the volunteer program creates a positive force in our society by keeping an important historical landmark alive. It encourages education, history, art and nature. It creates a sense of pride in the members of our community.

 

How does the Friends of Bear’s Mill organization recognize its volunteers?

First, the volunteers are thanked profusely and often! Second, they are offered a 10% discount on all regularly priced Mill Store merchandise. Third, the Board Members of The Friends of Bear’s Mill hold an appreciation evening for volunteers and contributors every year.

Sue Besecker

Barb Blair

Vanis Brumbaugh

Terry  Clark

Julie Clark

Gretchen & Mark Davis

Larry & Marilyn Delk

Carl & Sue DeSantis

Ann Fields

Peggy & Jim Fritz

Cheryl Ganger

Susan Gettinger

Connie Grant

Marleen Hemmelgarn

Janae Kohn

Eileen Litchfield

Barb & Gene Lucas

Dionne Mayhew

Patti & Carlos Menendez

Jim Poeppelman

Lin & Jeff Roberts

Jan & Augie Roestamadji

Kim & Scott Rudnick

Sally Rudy

Mary Shrader

Delores Sleppy

Gordon & Lois Smith

Levi Smith

Linda & Larry Snider

Julie Strait

Krista & Monty Stump

Dave & Chloe Suter

Dalene & Jerry Thomas

Rita & Harold Wiley

Carrie Winhoven

Bethany Wittenborn

Loretta Wray

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