Volunteering

We talk a lot about volunteers at Powerland and for a profound reason. Volunteers are literally “what make the Powerland phenomenon possible”, a fact shared with the partner organizations. Volunteers serve on boards, committees, put on events, mow, paint, repair, plan, build, host and then “do it all again”. During the Steam-Up, more than 700 volunteers each day present the best heritage show in the Pacific Northwest.

A lot is written on why people volunteer. And indeed, there are a bunch of reasons. But in the end, it likely comes down to a couple of motivations. There is a sense of satisfaction in being part of making something of value happen. And then there is “just plain enjoying oneself and having fun with friends and others of like interests”. In other words, it is good for “body and soul” or, if you wish, well being!

Well, Powerland must be delivering a lot of well being because it is amazing the amount of volunteer effort invested in the Site over the period of a year. It used to be a matter of getting the place in shape in the spring, and then putting on the Steam-Up. But now, the Site is a “year around going concern” and with much more to come!

For several years, Powerland has operated a planned volunteer program. On Wednesday’s, volunteers get together to tackle jobs on a list maintained and managed by the Volunteer Coordinator, Dick Green. Under Dick’s guidance, volunteers meet between 9 and 10 a.m. to plant, paint, mow grass and generally get the place ready for the season. This group is appealing to those who are retired or otherwise can take time off to get involved.

Small miracles are achieved. Flower beds come to life, trees trimmed, the grass gets cut and some paint applied. Coffee is available and as well a lunch served, complements of Jack Norton, also an energetic volunteer.

There is another group of volunteers who take on the bigger jobs of building repairs, new construction and significant infrastructure maintenance and improvements. The contribution is equally significant and fundamental to the sites continued improvement.

Your volunteer time is needed any day or hours that you can spare! Check in with Dick Green and he will get things organized! Call the APMA Office 503-393-2424 for the current project list.

"Volunteers of the Month for the Year 2006"

January                Red Nelson: Ag Show
February              Nate Degerstedt: Grounds and litter
March                  David Dezotell: Set up of the Welcome area
April                    Fred Schultz: Swing saw rebuild for sawmill
May                     Schaunene Mannen: Helping with the volunteer lunch program
June                     Jim & Clarence King: Getting ready Altman Taylor
July                      Don & Donna Manuel: Dry Camping management
August               Jack Norton: "One" more Lunch Day
September           John & Jack Derderian: Steam Power participation at Independence

"Volunteers for the Year" at Powerland for 2006:
                       Nate Degerstedt
                       Schaunene Mannen
                       Jack Norton