Volunteer Voices

I don’t think that Niles Weborg ever really thought of himself as an aspiring actor, but this past May, that’s exactly what he became when he took on the role of “Ole Larsen” in the Ephraim Historical Foundation’s first “cemetery walk,” a historical, living walk through Ephraim’s past.

As I listened to Niles give his “speech” about coming over to America from Norway, I was surprised as to how drawn I was to “Ole’s” story and the history that accompanied it. He truly made history “come to life” for me, as I’m sure he did for the 85 others that attended that day.

While I have the opportunity to speak to many volunteers, I am constantly amazed as to the level of commitment that volunteers have to the agencies they serve. It’s certainly no different for Niles Weborg.

In addition to his pending “acting career,” Weborg ushers on Sundays throughout the summer at the Sing-Alongs featuring patriotic and religious songs of the past at which upwards of 200 people attend. Weborg has also assisted the foundation in gathering historical information, as his mother-in-law, Helen Sohns, was a founding member of the foundation. She and Warren Davis took it upon themselves (along with a few concerned community members) to preserve Pioneer School, the one room schoolhouse where she had spent years teaching. The Ephraim Historical Foundation was born.

In addition to all of this, Weborg remains the Ephraim Fire Chief, a position he’s held for 30 years of his 52 years of service. His passion for history and the fire department has led to the creation of the Ephraim Fire Station Museum, which was dedicated last year in memory of Weborg’s son, Bill Weborg, who died in the line of duty. Weborg is passionate about preserving the history of the Ephraim Fire Department, much in the same way his mother-in-law was passionate about preserving the Pioneer Schoolhouse.

Not to stop there, Weborg also volunteers at the Ephraim Moravian Church, serves meals at Loaves and Fishes and has been a driver for the Red Cross.

Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” How fitting for Niles and all of his volunteer efforts.

Please visit the Ephraim Historical Foundation website at http://www.ephraim.org for information regarding volunteer opportunities and upcoming events.

For volunteer opportunities at other nonprofit organizations in Door County, please visit http://www.VolunteerDoorCounty.com or contact the Volunteer Center at 920.746.7704.