Ritzville Museums host thank you event for volunteers

The Ritzville Museum Volunteers hosted a thank you social hour event for individuals who had volunteered at the two local museums over the summer. The event consisted of refreshments in the Ritzville Public Library basement, and a recognition presentation for the year’s outstanding volunteers.

Susie Kirkendall took the opportunity to recognize Gaynel Gering and Nancy Burke for their lifetime of service to both the Dr. Frank R. Burroughs’ Home and the Railroad Depot Museum.

Gering has volunteered for the museums for 33 years. Kirkendall said they were instrumental to the updates of the museums, and welcomed those in attendance to see what they have done by visiting the local museums. Their efforts are evident through the improvements and loyalty they have shown to the local organization, Kirkendall stated.

LR Keith and Mikki Pitman were recognized as the volunteers of the year, as they tackled projects at the depot and the Burroughs’ Home. The most significant project the duo undertook this year was the refinishing of the floors at the depot museum.

“People like this are really what keep us going and keep everything moving for us. I can’t thank you both enough for everything you have done and hope you’ll continue to do so,” Kirkendall added.

Keith has served as a volunteer for countless years, primarily at the depot, but he also continually assists with projects at the Burroughs’ Home as well. Pitman recently began assisting with projects over the course of the past year, and has always expanded her reach in community involvement by joining the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Before concluding the meeting, Gering thanked all of the volunteers for their service, and announced her retirement from the organization. There are new board members who have filled positions this year, and Gering said she is grateful to see new faces taking on positions of leadership.

It is her hope that the Ritzville Museum Volunteers will continue to grow and preserve the history of Ritzville through the museums. She stated she hopes to see the depot museum expand it’s collection by moving the alumni room to a different location, and is thankful for Keith’s expertise with the donations the museum has received.

Gering will also be stepping away from her role of managing the scheduling for the museum volunteers, and added the hope is to change the volunteer time to two-hour shifts. She is hoping the change will allow more people to volunteer.

Any individual who is interested in volunteering at the museums is asked to contact Kirkendall at 659-1157. The museums are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and tours can also be scheduled to view the museums in the off-season.