COLUMN: Village News – Volunteers appreciated and needed

We are one week away from the MHV volunteer orientation on April 24. We start off with a barbecue at 6 p.m. and then have a brief update and orientation for returning and new volunteers at 7 p.m. There will be an opportunity to speak with staff who are working with exhibits, staff who are planning events and programs, and staff who look after the grounds and heritage buildings. Each of these areas offer opportunities to assist us as a volunteer.

Every year, we welcome back those who have been involved with our education programs and our interpretive programs, as well as those who have been waiting for the days to get warmer so they can assist us outside, mowing grass, repairing entrance ramps, improving the facilities in numerous ways. But we always have openings for new volunteers who want to get involved.

This year we are particularly interested in building up our windmill maintenance team. Our windmill is a symbol for the museum and the community and because it is a working piece of equipment, it requires repair and maintenance just like a car or a lawnmower. Parts wear out and storms, wind and rain put strains on certain parts of the mill. Manitoba does not have a surplus of windmill technicians, so we typically hire a company from The Netherlands to oversee any major projects every 2-3 years. But in the meantime, we need to look after smaller repairs. We need volunteers who have some knowledge and an interest in keeping the windmill well maintained in the following areas.

• Sails, Windshaft and Brake Gear – if you have some mechanical knowledge and some carpentry abilities, this may be your ideal spot.

• Running Gear and Stones – if you have carpentry abilities and some engineering interests, you may find this to be a good fit.

• Fantail and Cap Turning – if you have some steel fabrication skills and mechanical abilities, this may be the challenge you are looking for.

• Finishes and Treatments – do you pay attention to details and are you able to work from heights? We have just the right job for you, as you keep the windmill looking great and protected from the weather elements.

• Envelope, Structure and Safety – do you have construction experience and have an understanding of building structures? We could use your expertise.

Our curators are eager to have the windmill maintained for decades to come and we welcome your questions and suggestions.

We offer many other areas to share your interests and expertise. We are looking for people to teach baking with school groups, we need blacksmiths, printshop interpreters, butter churning demonstrators, story tellers and dozens of people who are happy to greet the community at the admissions desk on event days. If you want to contribute to MHV and our community, we want you to feel welcome and appreciated as we work together to preserve our heritage and welcome the sharing of stories with all generations.

Whether you like to work on projects alone, or whether the social aspects of volunteering for a common cause, sound inviting to you, we would love to see you at our orientation barbecue and information evening. We look forward to matching your interests with our volunteer options on Thursday, April 24.

Upcoming events

April 24 – 6 p.m. – Volunteer Orientation and BBQ

April 26 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – MHV Spring Market

May 1 – Outdoor buildings Open

May 1 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Livery Barn Restaurant Opens – Thursday Lunch Special is ‘All You Can Eat Homestyle Soup and Fresh Bread’. Call 204-326-9661 for more information.

May 10 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Manitoba Day Celebration – Free Admission Day