By CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
FORESTERS FALLS — The Whitewater Historical Society is in desperate need of volunteers, not only to help with the many tasks, but to sit on the board to operate the society.
Clare Stoppa, a member of the society, noted the president and vice-president positions can only be held for two two-year terms. And that’s happened. Mac Coughlin and Ms. Stoppa have each held their respective positions as president and vice-president for the past four years. She added that the secretary is also stepping down. Allan Valliant has agreed to take on the treasurer’s position.
While Mr. Coughlin and Ms. Stoppa agree the society isn’t at a breaking point, there is a niggle in the background that the society may have to disband and the township will have to take it over.
Ms. Stoppa said the township would have to take it over because it is the owner of the buildings and all things in them. The society operates Ross Museum (log house), exhibit house and machinery shed, St. Aidan’s Church and the archive office, all located in downtown Foresters Falls.
“If we don’t get more help, it may come to that,” she said.
The Society has been operating for the past 30 years with volunteers. She noted the only paid position is the summer student hired for May through August.
She pointed out that most of the board members, as well as the active members, are in their 70s and 80s, some in their 90s.
“We’re all getting older and not as able to help,” she said.
But, Ms. Stoppa said, the society is no different than any other organization that needs volunteers. People just don’t volunteer like they used to because they are busier with their family life and sports, she believes.
It’s not a lot of hours to volunteer for the society, she said. People could put in one hour a week or 10 hours a week. Throughout the winter months, it’s not a busy time. It’s the spring, summer and fall when the society is most active, she said.
She recalled last year when the log house needed a new roof. While two people were hired to ensure it was done properly, there were volunteers who came out and helped.
Mr. Coughlin doesn’t believe the society will disband.
“We’re not at that stage yet,” he said.
He believes the people will not let the society disband.
“We will get a new executive,” Mr. Coughlin said. “I’ve heard of some interest from the younger people in the Falls.”
The problem is people are interested in the society but not willing to put in the work to ensure it continues to operate, he said.
Mayor Hal Johnson, who is one of council’s reps on the society, said he has not heard anything about the township taking over the society. He is aware of the difficult issues of trying to get board members. However, as for the township taking over the society, he said, “We wouldn’t have the wherewithal to take it over.”
He is aware it has become imperative that new volunteers step forward.
“Mac and the group that has put this all into play, they’re getting older, they can’t physically donate the amount of effort needed,” he said.
However, they can teach the new volunteers, he said.
The survival of the society is important, Mayor Johnson said.
“Our heritage is important,” he said. “It’s time people step forward and volunteer to help this society continue.”
He agrees with Mr. Coughlin that people will come forward. There are people who are recently retired, or are soon to retire, and will need something to do. He noted his wife Wendy said once she retires this year, she is interested in volunteering for the society.
“We need to tap into the people who are retired and don’t want to get bogged down in something,” he said. “Volunteering is what they need to do.”
It’s also the perfect place for those who go south for the winter. The society isn’t busy in the winter, so they wouldn’t be missing much, he said.
Mayor Johnson said people can walk through the buildings and see and read about the history of the area.
“We cannot forget our history,” he said. “There are artefacts there that have been used in this area, and some throughout Ontario.
“We definitely do not want to lose it.”
The log house, which is now the Ross Museum, was a church where the current Mennonite Church is located on the Zion Line, he said. People years ago thought to preserve it and bring it to Foresters Falls, he added.
Looking at who is volunteering in various organizations, Mayor Johnson said there is a gap of volunteers for those people who are 20 to 50 years old.
“There’s a whole group of people who have never volunteered and don’t understand the concept of volunteering,” he said.
The Ontario government did something right when it mandated that high school students must have 40 hours of community service, he said.
“There are a lot more people in the 13 to 20 years old age group who are volunteering,” he said. “Those are the same young people you see volunteering at many of the events throughout the year, such as fairs and dinners.
“It’s refreshing to see.”
The annual general meeting of the Whitewater Historical Society is Friday, Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at the Foresters Falls fire hall. Anyone interested in volunteering with the society can attend the meeting.
Ms. Stoppa said for those who want to volunteer but can’t attend the meeting, can contact her at 613-646-2500, Mr. Coughlin at 613-646-7408, or to let a member know.
