A HUGE thank you to all who submitted names of volunteers for our first annual Live Laugh Love Valentines Contest. We are learning that there are many devoted community volunteers who have made Geauga County a tight knit, family friendly, fun and safe place to live. Thank you to all of you who give and give and then give some more. Over time, we hope to honor many of you. We believe we have chosen a person who truly exemplifies the spirit behind this award and sets a worthy standard by which we may evaluate future submissions. Please meet our first recipient of the Live Laugh Love Award, Sandy Mueller!
Sandy has served with the Geauga County Historical Society for nearly 40 years! Last year she donated over 500 hours of volunteer work. If any of you or your children or even grandchildren have attended the annual Pioneer School held every summer at Century Village, then you have Sandy to thank! She is responsible for coordinating all the aspects of the school. Every year she donates her entire spring to gathering artisans, living historians, and educators to provide a pioneer experience for children ages 8-12. Routinely, her hard work and attention to detail is proven through the sold-out weeks and 2nd and 3rd generation families that attend the school.
“Sandy is a fellow board member and a continual source of inspiration. She views the glass as half full and always has a kind word for others. If you come to our events, you’ll most likely find her working the gate (by our schoolhouse) with a warm smile and kind hello. Sandy is one of the cornerstones of the Geauga County Historical Society and we are so blessed to have her guidance, her smile and her friendship.”
~ Cindy Linn, who nominated Sandy
After presenting Sandy with a framed certificate, engraved silver key ring, dinner certificate to Punderson Manor, and $100 cash, we interviewed her. You cannot help but catch her enthusiasm, sense of humor, and love for the children and coworkers she serves!
(click the photo to see the full view)
40 years is a long time! What keeps you here?
The love of being with people. And the kids – it’s the kids…when they come up and say, “This is so fun!” We have had 2nd generation kids, too. So funny… one time a kid came up to me and said, “My mom asked me who was the director, and I said, ‘Mrs. Mueller’, and she said, ‘Oh! She’s still there??'” Yes, I’m alive!!
What does Pioneer School offer that keeps people coming back year after year, even to the third generation now?
Thanks to Pat Hosmer and Ann Menefee who began the school in 1973 – I’ve just built upon that foundation. The children learn things that they don’t get at other summer programs. This summer we’re having oxen. The kids will get an up close and personal experience with the oxen. There’s spinning, weaving, soapmaking, wood projects, schoolhouse lessons…a lot of things they can experience that make it so much fun. They’re really into it. They help one another, there’s camaraderie. That’s also what keeps me coming back. I’ll do it as long as I’m still having fun!
What does the word ‘community’ mean to you?
Supporting one another. It’s when you have a working together for a common goal. There may be different opinions, yet still working things out and coming up with a finished product.
How has the community changed over the years with regards to the quality of people and the relationships?
I don’t think I have seen that much of a change…[parents] are still very concerned about what their children are getting. We have a great last day where parents are invited to come to the school. We have a square dance, have presentations, then we have a box lunch and everybody sticks around and walks the grounds. As a former teacher of 35 years who is from a family of teachers, and as a parent, we encouraged the parents to get involved. They used to come and help with the activities when we had 20-25 kids per session. That has changed now, so we invite them on the last day to participate. Our average attendance is about 80 children for the week, broken into four groups of 20. People come from Cleveland and Warren. Some stay with their grandparents for the week which fosters strong relationships. My nieces all came years ago, and now the grand nieces and nephews come and stay with me. It’s a nice bonding time for us.
We’ve learned a little about what you have contributed to the community through your volunteer work. What do you feel volunteering has contributed to your life?
A sense of purpose. I feel like I am doing something that is worthwhile. I’m just hoping that the lives I touch are better. They certainly have enriched mine. It’s so nice to have the kids come up to me and say, ” Oh, we had such a good time…that was the best week!” It’s very rewarding.
For those sitting on the fence out there, wondering if they should get involved with volunteer work, what would you say to them?
If you want to volunteer, think of something you really like to do, then share that with the organization. If you start with something you really like, then you’ll start doing things you don’t like, necessarily, but you see a need for it and it’s….it’s like this museum – I just love this museum, and there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for it – except cook! Don’t put me it the kitchen! I’ll work anywhere but just don’t put me in the kitchen – I’ll do dishes, though! So you have to pick and choose, but there’s always a spot.
Thank you, Sandy! Geauga County would not be the same without your love and commitment!
For information regarding volunteering at Century Village Museum or about the Pioneer School, call 440-834-1492
