Historical society honors volunteers at Tuesday tea

• Opal Rorig

St. Croix County Historical Society member and volunteer Opal Rorig is among those who will be honored at the sixth annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea on Tuesday. Submitted photo

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The St. Croix County Historical Society’s sixth annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea is scheduled at the River Room of The Phipps Center for the Arts at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. The event is open to all past, current and potential volunteers.

The three-course Victorian Tea includes scones, sweets, and savory sandwiches.

The historical society relies largely on volunteers to carry out its mission, and many individuals donate their time and expertise. Additional volunteers are needed and a wide variety of opportunities exist including receptionists, cashiers, tour guides, special events, research, data entry, writing, gardening and more. Training and guidance are provided.

Among the many volunteers is Opal Rorig, who has been a member and volunteer for over six years. As soon as Rorig, a retired teacher, found the SCCHS her organization skills became apparent.

Rorig began with maintaining the surname files, which soon expanded into organizing all of the files. Next Rorig introduced the idea of conducting a series of free historically themed events for the local community.

For the next several winter seasons, Rorig has single handedly coordinated planning the “History Series” by scheduling the speakers, reserving locations, obtaining and setting up display items and providing registration information. Rorig also assists in publicity for events. In addition, she has taken on the job of SCCHS board of directors vice president, which includes planning, scheduling and obtaining a speaker for the annual dinner meetings.

“Opal is good at what she does and her efforts are much appreciated,” said SCCHS representative Jacki Bradham.

Anyone interested in becoming a new volunteer is welcome to join current SCCHS volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Tea.

“This is an opportunity for people to get to know one another, enjoy a great meal and hear about the 2009 Octagon House theme: ‘Victorian Frugalities,’” said Bradham. All volunteers will be invited to tour the newly decorated museum immediately following the tea.

RSVP to the Octagon House at (715) 386-2654 by April 23.

Tags: community, hudson, stcroixcounty, historical, society, volunteer, tea