VOLUME VII – Social Volunteerism

Happy Valentine’s Day South Jersey!

I tell you what… You get an image imbedded in your brain for so many years and it’s tough to shake it out!

For so long, I always thought volunteerism meant serving up soup in a soup kitchen or being a firefighter, unpaid. But, now I have been able to see so many different opportunities!

Some serve the greater good and the less fortunate, others serve the community and its needs, while even still, others serve a purpose outside the realm of normal volunteerism.

And that’s what it’s like at the Medford Arts Center. The MAC’s purpose is to preserve an artful spirit within the community of South Jersey.

I recently went to a juried exhibition held at the MAC on Friday, Feb. 11 to view some very good photography and see what it’s all about. I was very impressed with the scene I stepped into.

Normally, a show like that would have live music playing lightly for gallery guests to enjoy; however, Exhibition Coordinator Tracey Femiano indicated that she held off on booking a band because she wasn’t sure what the weather would be like.

Much like 98% of the staff at the MAC, Tracey is a volunteer. She volunteers her time in setting up exhibitions and coordinating with the juror(s), who selects what art appears in a designated show, and picks award winners, thereafter.

Tracey’s job seemed pretty hectic, but she handled it well. As a matter of fact, all four of the volunteers walked around with smiles on their faces as the light social gathering unraveled.

Tracey and Janet Jackson Gould were on board, as usual, and two volunteers joined them as hosts, who were responsible for greeting guests, sharing information and checking out the occasional purchase.

Hosts are overseen by Yole Patterson, who organizes volunteers to host these types of events. She described her job as making lots of phone calls and coordinating timetables and schedules with her volunteers.

Patterson wanted me to remind you, South Jersey, that the symphony orchestra will be put on by the MAC at the St. Peter’s Church on May 1!

The Medford Arts Center only takes serious volunteers. You don’t just show up off the street. If you love art (whether it be photography, painting, digital art, music or acting), you’ll find a home in the Medford Arts Center.

The gallery featured some wonderful photographs, ranging in prices of $60 - $430. Some pieces were not for sale. There were about 50 people in attendance. It was light, peaceful, fun and interesting.

The next show is on April 1 and will feature an “Anything on Paper” theme (except photography).

I’ll be meeting with Tracey Femiano on Feb. 25 to discuss potential opportunities for me to volunteer and share my experiences with you, South Jersey! Look for that and more on Camp Ockinickon and other great opportunities as we progress through February and into March!

Yours,

Kevin Haslam