Direct from the Artist and Wholesale

Carla Markell sets volunteerism example

18.04.10

Go onwards and redo Woodburn, the governor's official residence in Dover.

Just don't spend a dime of state boodle.

So she did -- and she didn't.

With an army of friends and experts who volunteered their time and expertise, and financial help from the Friends of Woodburn, she transformed the 1798 Georgian construction into a house that speaks to the past as well as the present, redoing the floors, the walls, the paint, the furnishings and more.

The first lady points to that remunerative transformation as she prepares to launch the first annual Delaware Week of Service, which begins today and lasts through Saturday. It coincides with Public Volunteerism Week, and the Markells see it as an expansion of the weekend of service they hosted in January 2009 in lieu of an Inaugural Ball.

Delawareans already volunteer an surprising amount of time in their churches, schools and other community service, Carla says. It's one sign that Delaware is a state of neighbors who are connected in many ways and always content to help, she says.

Source: The News Journal