Gillette, Snyder named Volunteers of the Year - Telecky inducted into Hall of Fame

At a special Sept. 26 meeting of the Ritzville Museum Volunteers at the Burroughs’ Home, Liz Gillette and Gretchen Snyder both received Volunteer of the Year awards, while Darlene “Dottie” Telecky was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

Gillette and Snyder were honored for volunteering at the Northern Pacific Train Depot and Museum every Wednesday during the summer. The duo was affectionately named the “Wednesday Team” and would split the shifts at the Depot.

Gillette would help at the Depot two Wednesdays a month while Snyder would volunteer for the other two shifts. Both Gillette and Snyder have been volunteering for the organization for the last several years.

Telecky was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contributions to the organization. She not only contributed several hours and items to the Burroughs’ Home, but she also served as secretary for nine years on the Museum Volunteer Board of Directors.

In addition to Gillette, Snyder and Telecky, the following volunteers were honored at the meeting: Debi Balfe, Nancy Burke, Chris Cook, Michele Collins, Debbie Chapman, Ruth Keeley, Susie Kirkendall, Joanne McCrady, Nancy McBroom, Vivien Seaton, Patty Schoesler, Ann Telecky, Emmi Von Olenhausen, Bev Cobb, Linda Gardner, Jan Collard, Gaynel Gering, Nancy Kaas, L.R. Keith, Ann Olson, Randy Roth, Janet Sanger and Marge Schoessler.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Depot and Burroughs’ Home hosted nearly 600 visitors. Museum visitors came from nine states, as well as from Germany, Australia, Nova Scotia and British Columbia.

This summer, John Hunt, Terry and Ann Olson replaced the wrap around deck at the Burroughs’ Home while Keith and other helpers will refinish the terrazzo floor at the Depot later this fall.

All of the organization’s funds are raised by tours, special events and grants. To help pay for the deck and floor improvement projects, the Museum Volunteers will hold a raffle drawing. Raffle tickets can be purchased from museum volunteers or at the annual Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 2.

The Ritzville Museum Volunteers are looking for volunteers to help at the Burroughs Home and Depot in 2018 from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Without volunteers, the doors at both the Depot and The Burroughs’ Home will be closed.

The organization will allow two volunteers to team up to cover a shift on a twice a month basis.

For more information about joining, call Chapman at 659-4173 or Gering at 659-1279, or email [email protected].