VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION!

6/28/2012 9:45:34 AM

Volunteer Spotlight:  Mary Radonovich

Mary Radonovich has served as an active volunteer at museum since September 2011. Mary has a rich back ground in Nursing and Library Science and she enjoys learning about art and serving at the museum “more than anything else.” Mary grew up in West Deere, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburg. She started her Nursing career as a Nurse Cadet at the Allegheny Valley Hospital in Pittsburg, PA, and she graduated with a BSN in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Mary went on to serve in many nursing related fields: nursing librarian, pediatrics, neurosurgery in the ICU, psychiatric nursing, research, and utilization review. After moving from Pennsylvania, she worked at Tulane Universi­ty for three years where she assisted with a drug study for children with cystic fibrosis. She moved to Alexandria, LA, when her sister Nancy Radonovich came to Alexandria to work as a librarian at LSUA. Mary then worked as a psychiatric nurse at the V.A. Medical Center in Pineville. Mary is also an active member of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

After retiring from the V.A., Mary and Nancy started serving as volunteers at the Alexandria Museum of Art. Mary has helped with more than 10 Meet Me at the Museum tours,including a tour at the V.A. and a tour at Friendship House. She reports that the Alzheimer patients are a delight to work with. She says it is quite touching when they recall memories that are very important to them and they also can be quite funny when they share unique perspectives. She recalls that they all laugh and have a good time. Mary also enjoys telling visitors about the activities and exhibits at the museum, and she is an excellent promoter of the museum and museum memberships.

We truly appreciate Mary’s interest and support of the Alexandria Museum of Art. Mary is always ready to lend a hand when needed and can be counted on to assist as promised. Cindy Cooper-Blair, Artist-in-Residence, also appreciates Mary’s invaluable assistance and reports that Mary will soon be able to lead the tours on her own.

If you would liketo become a museum volunteer, we have a place for you! 

We match each of our volunteers to the appropriate project based on background, skill set and interest.Our volunteering opportunities range from welcoming visitors at our Second Saturday Markets to assisting with fundraising activities. For more information, visit the Volunteer Corner at http://themuseum.org/AboutUs/VolunteerCorner.aspx.