Culpeper folks put ‘DYNA’ in dynamic

Does anyone ever tune into W I I F M radio? What’s In It For Me?

Of course, we all do from time to time.

However, I am thankful, very thankful that there is a large number of people in our community that see it in the complete opposite way. They are the “DYNA” in dynamic — always asking “Do You Need Anything?” or “how can I help?”

This past week was National Volunteer Week and we have so many volunteers working in our community that deserve recognition. I could not begin to name them all. However, I would like to say thank you to those who volunteer at the Visitors Center and at all of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce events. We will have nearly 200 volunteers helping in some form at CulpeperFest alone this June 4. It cannot be said enough that we appreciate the support of all of our volunteers.

Our non-profit organizations are full of volunteers that stretch their dollars to meet the many needs of our citizens. Organizations like Healthy Culpeper, the Rapidan Rappahannock Medical Reserve Corps, the Free Clinic, Windmore, the Fire and Rescue Departments, SAFE and many more are endowed with the generous time and talent of volunteer efforts.

The efforts are most often quietly supplied with little fanfare because they prefer it that way. This should not diminish the fact that we owe them a standing ovation of thanks and appreciation.

I was talking with Ed Norlander of Ed’s Awards recently to find out what unique ways there are to say “Thank You.” One suggestion was a simple glass mug that has a name and a thank you etched into the glass. This is a way to say thank you with each sip of hot chocolate.

I am also reminded of the plaque that Tod Ross of Petersen’s Jewelers donated to the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce with names inscribed of the past chamber presidents dating back to 1915.

The names on the brass engravings are all volunteers who have devoted significant hours of dedication to the business community of Culpeper. Some of the names include J.L. Fray — 1915, Giles Miller Jr. 1939 & 1946, L.B. Henretty — 1946, Waller Jones — 1971, Bob Jebson — 1977, J.R. Yeaman III — 1981, T.I. Martin Jr.  — 1992, Charles Gyory — 1993, Jack Inskeep — 1994, Bruce Clark — 1995, Nancy Cannon — 1996, Hobson Hurt — 1997, Ted Gore — 1998, Robert M. Ryan — 1999, Sally McDevitt — 2000, Ed Barham — 2001, Lee Kirk — 2002, Darlene Carpenter — 2003, Michael Armm — 2004, Tod Ross — 2005, Sam Walker — 2006, Win Carithers — 2007 & 2008 chairman David Jones — 2009 chairman.

To these and all of the past presidents, thank you for leading the business community of Culpeper through the tough times as well as the good times.

We are a resilient business community. A standing ovation to these and all of the DYNAmic volunteers that make Culpeper a great place.

Jim Charapich is president of the Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce. His columns run every Monday.