SHELBURNE FALLS — The Shelburne Falls Beautification Association is seeking volunteers of all ages to help operate the Village Information Center at 75 Bridge St.
Formed in 1985, the Beautification Association is a donation-run institution under the nonprofit umbrella of the Bridge of Flowers. The board, along with volunteers, runs the Village Information Center, welcoming local and international travelers who have come to spend time in the village.
Volunteer scheduling is flexible. Beautification Association board member Tom Massa said even one, typical three-hour shift each month helps.
“Our board was about eight people and there are three of us that are active,” Massa explained. “We’re trying to open up and we’re trying to get volunteers.”
In a typical year, the Village Information Center is open seven days a week from May 1 until Oct. 1. This year, resulting from the long-term pandemic-related closures, Massa is planning to open the center in July. The weekly schedule will depend on the amount of visitors Shelburne Falls begins to see, though Massa said that on days the center is open, staffed hours will likely be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We are looking for people who are willing to talk to strangers,” he said. Shifts require pointing visitors in the right direction and answering any questions about Shelburne Falls, whether they’re regarding restaurants, history, hiking trails or places to stay.
“Being neighborly and pointing people where to go” is the main task of volunteers, Massa continued. Between training with Massa and exploring the area independently, volunteers will use their knowledge of the area to create a welcoming environment for visitors.
Tom Massa can be contacted by prospective volunteers via email at tmassa@crocker.com. Once the Village Information Center opens in July, he encourages folks to step into the Bridge Street building with inquiries.