Fort Ticonderoga recently held its annual Volunteer Reception to thank volunteers and recognize volunteer leadership and dedication. Janet Denney of Moriah, N.Y. is the recipient of the “Volunteer of the Year Award.” This award acknowledges Janet for her support of numerous programs throughout the year, including North Country History Day, the Garden Symposium, the War College, the Seminar on the American Revolution, and Material Matters.
“Janet is a longtime supporter and has had a substantial impact on Fort Ticonderoga,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president & CEO. “Her willingness to always lend a hand, provide support, and advocate on our behalf has made Janet an invaluable part of the Fort Ticonderoga family.”
A number of other awards were presented during the reception that celebrated the creative skills and commitment of the wonderful people who give their time and energy to Fort Ticonderoga:
Anne Vido is the recipient of the “Anne-Do Spirit Award” for her unwavering commitment, support, and enthusiasm for working with Fort Ticonderoga’s collections. Her talent is overflowing and her attitude is infectious. She brings an Anne-Do spirit to everything she does!
Betty Rettig is the recipient of the “Teaching Beauty Award” acknowledging her remarkable gift to teach beautiful flower arranging with so many in visitors in the King’s Garden. Betty creates a special experience for all, young and young at heart!
Bonnie Sheeley is the recipient of the “Order of the Yellow Bat Award” which acknowledges her distinguished volunteer leadership of our event parking. This noble calling makes the smooth running of our reenactment events possible!
Craig Russell is the recipient of the “What a [French] Mess! Award” that acknowledges the remarkable help he provides to our living history programs, building a whole new stock of French cooking equipment. These tinned iron bowls and canteens make our Mess demonstrations possible every day!
Em Ellithorpe is the recipient of the “Commuter Award” in recognition of her willingness to make the long commute from Saranac Lake to collect visitor surveys for the Visitors Count! program.
Jim Casco is the recipient of the “Sweating for Safety Award” for his vital help in ensuring safe reenactments. No matter what the summer sun throws at us, his volunteer service at reenactment events has allowed for a remarkable record of safety at Fort Ticonderoga!
Marianne Bartlett is the recipient of the “Baroness von Envelope Award” acknowledging Marianne as the reigning ruler of mailings! Her volunteer work keeps Fort Ticonderoga in touch with our many supporters that make our incredible work possible!
Volunteers assist in a wide-ranging number of activities that include public history, administration, special events, horticulture, education, development, collections management, and buildings and grounds. New volunteers are welcome to apply to our Volunteers Count! Program. Information and applications are available at www.fortticonderoga.org or by calling 518-585-2821. Volunteers who reach 10 hours of service receive free annual attendance and other special benefits.
About Fort Ticonderoga:
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga preserves North America’s largest 18th-century artillery collection, 2,000 acres of historic landscape on Lake Champlain, and Carillon Battlefield, and the largest series of untouched Revolutionary War era earthworks surviving in America. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about our nation’s earliest years and America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 75,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $12 million annually and offers programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year, and is open for daily visitation May through October. Fort Ticonderoga is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
Photo: Stuart Lilie, Vice President of Public History at Fort Ticonderoga awards Betty Rettig the “Teaching Beauty Award” at the Volunteer Reception Ceremony held at Fort Ticonderoga on August 28, 2019. Copyright and Photo Credit Fort Ticonderoga.