Steve McNew joined MetroParks as a volunteer in November 2019. As a retired teacher, and primary caregiver for his daughter, he was looking for a way to get engaged in the community. Eager to give back and share his love for history, Steve found his volunteer home at the Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Steve trained first to become a Historic Interpreter on the farm sharing his love for history with a variety of park visitors. He then completed additional training to qualify as a Historic Woodworker and Textile Demonstrator supporting workdays, special events, programs, and regular farm visitation. When asked what his favorite opportunity is, Steve shared "the opportunities where I can talk with people and share interesting things with them." "He has taken on the role of talking to and educating the farm visitors with more than a memorized spiel. Visitors are made welcome. As Steve walks with them, he shares stories related to the 19th century methods and ways, and when possible, shows them. In those moments, the visitor is made to feel they are the only one on the grounds," says Deb Spencer, Education Specialist and Staff Lead. Steve has also supported several key projects on the farm including his very first large project working alongside staff to replace the windows in the historic farmhouse. Steve developed this skill when he was young and accidentally broke a window at home pitching a baseball. His father showed him how to take responsibility and replace the glass, repairing the window himself. Steve shared that many of his skills come from his parents' emphasis on being able to care of himself. He was able to contribute a great many home- grown sewing skills to the newly re-engaged Textile Workdays on the farm crafting period clothing for volunteers and staff. Steve continues to learn new skills - weaving methods, hand and machine knitting, 19th century cookery - through his volunteering on the farm. This expands his ability to support historical clothing needs, demonstrations, programs, and training brand new volunteers, and expands what the farm is able to offer park visitors. Steve's regular presence brings stability to the volunteers at the farm, and his support of a variety of farm volunteer opportunities has made him the perfect mentor for brand new volunteers. Steve McNew's willingness and desire to learn something new, share something old, and lend a helping hand whenever he can, go beyond something we see every day. Thank you, Steve, for your outstanding service to Five Rivers MetroParks and the community. You have created a warm, welcoming space for our community to visit and explore 19th century life on the farm and for our volunteers to get involved in providing the public with a full historic experience. 
Thanks to the support of volunteers like Steve, we are seeing a renewed interest in volunteer opportunities on the historic farm. Join us! Learn more and get involved here.
Meet more AMAZING MetroPark volunteers in additional Volunteer Spotlights in our Volunteer Blog here.
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