Volunteers Credited with Keeping History Alive

  • By Teri Stein
  • March 9, 2014
  • 403
                        
Summary: If not for volunteers some important chapters of our area history would be closed. Volunteer awards were presented to some special individuals who devote their free time to this worthy goal on March 3. The importance of volunteers in keeping history alive was the focus of the annual Dennison Depot, Uhrichsville Clay Museum and Historic Schoenbrunn Village awards dinner on Mon. March 3 at the Park Christian Church in Dennison. “A goal of ours has always been to make sure we are creating the next group of caretakers. I feel comfortable that we are creating that next generation,” said Executive Director Wendy Zucal on the many younger volunteers getting involved. “People are noticing what we are doing. People are noticing our good work,” said Zucal as she thanked all the volunteers. Also in attendance to thank the volunteers were County Commissioners Chris Abbuhl and Kerry Metzger, Uhrichsville Mayor Terry Culbertson, Depot Board Vice President Scott Robinson, and Karen Hassel of the Ohio Historical Society. Seth and Debbie Angel of New Philadelphia were named Best New Volunteers at Schoenbrunn Village. “They have shared their wonderful knowledge of the time period which has made our village more prosperous and a better place for visitors,” said Jacob Masters, Brand Manager. The award for Schoenbrunn Junior Volunteer of the Year went to Maddie Dummermuth of Dover. “Our junior volunteer was out working in the gardens in 98 degree heat; and she never complained,” said Masters. Dummermuth also dressed in period clothing for events and played Katrina in the 2013 production of Sleepy Hollow. Schoenbrunn’s October fundraiser, an outdoor production of Sleepy Hollow, could not have happened without the two people who shared the Volunteer of the Year Award this year, Steve Long of Zoarville and Kami Stanley of Dover. Long wrote the script for the play and portrays Baltus Van Tassel; and Stanley directed the play. “Sleepy Hollow has now become one of our biggest and greatest events,” said Masters. Charlie Pelsniall of Cleveland was honored with the David Zeisberger Award. “Charlie drives 86 miles each way for almost every event and volunteer opportunity. Now if that is not passion for Schoenbrunn Village then, honestly, I couldn’t tell you what is,” said Masters. The award for Best New Volunteer at the Uhrichsville Clay Museum went to Joe Antonelli of Dover who was recognized for his invaluable assistance with the annual steak fry fundraiser, Clayworkers’ Picnic and the Youth Center Reunion. Chloe Martin of New Philadelphia was named Clay Museum Junior Volunteer of the Year; she has helped with numerous events including the Queen’s Tea where she taught the younger girls how to wave, walk, and eat like a Queen. Julie Hoffman of New Philadelphia was recognized as Clay Museum Volunteer of the Year, for her help with various committees, and her positivity and willingness to help whenever she is needed. The Clayworker of the Year is Mick Donato of Uhrichsville. “His expertise and knowledge of the clay industry helps lead the museum down the right path,” said Masters. Best new volunteer at the Dennison Depot Museum was Zach Zesiger of Dover for his help with the Polar Express and his willingness to help wherever needed. Junior Volunteer of the Year at the Depot was Grace Furniss of Uhrichsville who also helps at Clay Museum and Schoenbrunn Village events. “She is a symbol of our goal – a museum hopper,” said director Wendy Zucal. Jeremy Hidey and Heath Manbeck, both of Dennison, were honored as Volunteers of the Year for their work on the Polar Express. Manbeck serves as the Polar Express Santa Chairman. Hidey assists with mechanical needs. “This volunteer will not hesitate to get dirty and crawl under the cars to help fix any mechanical issue that may arise,” said Zucal. John Zucal of New Philadelphia, Wendy’s husband, was surprised to be honored with the Bud Norman Award. “I’m really not a volunteer but I’ve been blessed to be a part of this. Our family has grown up with the depot,” said John. Wendy noted that John has assisted with every event, done every job on the Polar Express, and often does the jobs no one else wants. New volunteers are always welcome, for contact information visit www.dennisondepot.org.


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