Ann Biek is a lifetime resident of Dowagiac and retired schoolteacher. She volunteers at several organizations, including the history museum, a number of auxiliaries and her church’s HALO group.

 

Where do you volunteer?

My volunteer places are the museum and the gift shop at the Borgess Lee Memorial Foundation. I hold lots of offices. I’m the secretary for the Lady’s Auxiliary at the hospital. I’m president of the Cass County Audubon Society. I’m president of the Elks W. 1855 Lady’s Auxiliary. At my church I am a member of HALO, Hope and Love Outreach. I am the secretary/treasurer of that organization. I’m also in Cass County Chapter of Retired School Personnel. I am the treasurer of that organization. I was a teacher at Justus Gage for 30 years.

 

Why do you like volunteering?

I feel that I have the time for it. I was brought up that way. My mom — she was an at-home mom when she first came to Dowagiac. My mom was a teacher at McKinley School. Back in those days if you got married you couldn’t teach anymore. I had four brothers and a sister. She got into scouting and was just always volunteering, and I guess I tend to be like her. I guess it’s a way that I can give back to the community and do the things that I like to do in the community.

 

What do you like most about volunteering?

I volunteer for wonderful organizations that that’s how they work. Without volunteers they’d be hurting. Like at the museum, the director can’t do it all by himself. I like to meet people, too, and you can do that this way.

I’ve lived in Dowagiac my whole life. I was born here. I know a lot of people in my community, and I’ve learned a lot and found some hobbies. I’m a nature nut and I got started with Sarrett Nature Center years ago.

It’s a great way to experience life and meet new people.

 

Why should other people volunteer?

It’s a way of networking that leads people and they kind of lead to other things like friendships and that. And when you’re volunteering you do it because you want to help, whether it’s a person, organization, etc. because otherwise it doesn’t get done.

You don’t get paid to volunteer, and that’s good for you. I always kid that if they don’t like what I do they can fire me.

I like it’s just something that I like to do. My friends are always telling me, ‘You’ve got to say no.’ I don’t say no. I can do it and I will. When I get to the point where I’m not able to anymore, I’m always hoping that some person will step up and take our places to volunteer when it’s our time. But it’s not that time. I’m not that old yet.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by emailing Craig Haupert, community editor, at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com, or calling (269) 687-7720.