For the past 30 years, I have worked as a Certified Nurse Midwife at Memorial Hospital after first spending 20 years as a registered nurse. After delivering nearly 1,000 babies, I have semi-retired. I continue to provide prenatal care two days a week and plan to remain available to orient and train my two replacements.

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I currently live 10 miles north of Carthage on our family farm, Brooks Ranch, which has been in our family for 150 years and is home to Lake Linda. I am also blessed to have three beautiful grandchildren who live nearby.

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My involvement with The Legacy Theater began before it was even The Legacy. I helped clean the old theater before the first Christmas Wish performance, and over the past couple of years, I have learned how to usher.

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When Rob Carson, a church and family friend, announced the idea of reclaiming the theater and presenting Christmas Wish, I wanted to be part of it. I have enjoyed being involved ever since.

 

One of the things I love most about volunteering at The Legacy is meeting new people and new staff members while also reconnecting with many community members I already know. I also simply enjoy watching the entertainment and experiencing the performances alongside our guests.

 

Probably my most memorable experience was the original Christmas Wish. We were bundled up in heavy winter clothes, and the theater was being heated by huge blowers. It certainly wasn't the theater experience we have today, but it was special to be there and be part of bringing the theater back to life.

 

The contact with the many new and longtime guests, along with watching the entertainment together, is what I enjoy most about volunteering.

 

If someone were considering becoming a volunteer, I would tell them that the job is fun and easy. The management makes you feel capable and comfortable, and there is a real sense that you are part of something meaningful.

 

I volunteer in many programs, and The Legacy, like many of those opportunities, gives me a good feeling of "treating your neighbor like yourself." I feel that volunteering at The Legacy shows that an organization is not always about collecting a paycheck. Sometimes, it is about giving your time, helping others, meeting people, and being part of your community.

 

I'm still learning about what happens behind the scenes, but I enjoy being part of it and look forward to continuing to volunteer at The Legacy Theater.