Voluntarism in the Digital Age

Volunteering in the digital age…

Many communities have harvest celebrations in Fall to celebrate the abundance of the fresh apple crop and other farm produce. The Apple Fest Celebration at the Westfield Historical Society (October 5th, 12-4pm) celebrates both the crisp apples coming off of local farms but also celebrates small town America, rooted in its Revolutionary history but also celebrates young volunteers that make its AppleFest Celebration a reality. Kristie Elbert, a High School Junior and longtime volunteer for the Westfield Historical Society, has helped prepare games for the kids as well as serve tea at the Society’s “Tea for Three” event earlier in the year. With a go-getter spirit, Kristie and other (young at heart) volunteers work diligently to get the message out that Westfield is a great place to live and work. From its Revolutionary War founding to today, Westfield has continued to provide home town ideals of volunteerism and community pride to make these events happen. 

“There is always a lot of work but I enjoy working with all of the volunteers throughout the year to bring the Westfield Community just a little more pleasure bundled in a historical wrapper” says Kristie Elbert. Kristie coordinates other High School volunteers and together with other adult volunteers work throughout the year to develop historical exhibits, concerts and other historical speaking programs to educate and entertain the public. “In today’s busy world, stepping up and improving our community through volunteering activities helps bring us all together,” says Robert Wendel, Vice President of Membership at the Westfield Historical Society. “There is nothing that we can’t accomplish if we all work together as a community to celebrate our past and prepare for the future” added Mr. Wendel. “In one small way, we can all play a role, whether it is working on the Westfield Historical Society newsletter/website or to put together our upcoming Applefest Celebration on October 5th 12-4 PM, to improve our town for the benefit and enjoyment of all of its citizens. We always enjoy working with new volunteers!” “Applefest is our big fundraiser of the year,” indicated Lee Perry, one of the Westfield Historical Society’s board members. “It helps us maintain the Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center as a place to cherish our town’s historical archives. We hope everyone will join us in this effort,” she said.

The Westfield historical Society is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and encourage interest in history, Westfield, and its residents through educational efforts and community outreach programs. The recently renovated Reeve house serves as the organization's headquarters, museum, and history and cultural center.