FOC is a 50lc(3)
non-profit organization.
Summary of FOC's 2023 Accomplishments
- Provided on-going volunteer services for the following annual FOC/Park events: Easter Egg Hunt, Garden Tea, Harvest Festival, Wreath Making Workshop, and Holiday Open House. Also, dedicated volunteers regularly supported the Firewood and Garden Workdays during the year.
- The Gift Shop upgraded its charge card system, and enjoyed an excellent sales year.
- Generous Donations contributed to an increase in FOC income for the year.
- A Memorial Bench was installed and dedicated in memory of Viester Eley, long time Jones-Stewart Mansion housekeeper.
- Supported funding for Park Projects and Programs, as requested.
- Updated FOC www.chippokes.com web site, and maintained FOC Facebook page.
- Provided input for 2024 Surry County Cultural Trail Narrative.
- Negotiated a Financial Asset Transfer Agreement with the George Washington Annie Jones Historical Preservation Society, and received Dissolution Funds in the amount of $300.00.
- Ordered new Polo Shirts to update the FOC logo.
- Bid farewell to Ben Richard, Park Manager in May 2023.
- Participated in local Farmers Markets to promote FOC.
- FOC Membership increased by adding thirteen (13) new members in 2023.
FOC's Goals and Objectives for 2024
- Continue to honor park funding requests and provide volunteer services for park events, programs, activities, gift shop, and workdays throughout the year.
- Extend an open invitation to Melissa Baker, State Parks Director, to visit Chippokes State Park. (Second request)
- Follow-up on needed repairs to the brick walkway leading from parking lot to the Jones-Stewart Mansion.
- Follow-up on furnishings needed for the Blount House.
- Determine if the DVD program, “Chippokes Plantation State Park – A Jewel on the James,” now showing in the Visitor Center, should be updated and revised using the latest technology. (This video was produced in 2006 and funded by FOC and the F&FM Foundation.)
- Ensure FOC park publications are up-to-date and well stocked; i.e., Welcome Guide, Chippokes State Park rack card, etc.
- Review FOC By-Laws for revision, as necessary.
Our Mission -"Here To Serve"
The mission of the Friends of Chippokes State Park is to identify and promote activities to enhance the cultural and natural resources of Chippokes State Park.
In furtherance of our mission, the Friends of Chippokes shall actively encourage donations and fund-raising to support the Park.
Our Activities and Programs
The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer staff at Chippokes love our park and are committed to giving all our guests a memorable and outstanding outdoor experience, rich in natural beauty and cultural history.
The Friends of Chippokes develop, staff, and finance a number of programs and activities for our guests all year 'round.
The Friends of Chippokes (FOC) operate the Gift Shop located in the Packard garage (c. 1837). Money raised in the Gift Shop and other activities is used to provide for park needs and to enrich the Chippokes experience for our guests. For example, the Friends provided the funds to purchase the TVs and DVD players in the guest cabins.
The Friends support the Park staff with the campfire programs, Junior Rangers, and outreach to Surry Elementary School children.
The Friends raise money to fund specific park needs and programs, mainly through donations, Gift Shop, and firewood donations.
To see current and future Park activities, take a look at our Chippokes calendar and the DCR Calendar.
Helping The Friends
Volunteers Capture the charm of Chippokes! Come join with us. Your time will be well spent, and we will provide training if needed.
A few of the many Volunteer opportunities that abound at Chippokes:
- Provide assistance during park events
- Help maintain grounds, garden, and trails
- Mansion docents
- Work in the gift shop
- Assist with fossil walks
- Help with firewood workdays
Volunteer hours earn awards such as:
- Lifetime pass to all Virginia State Parks
- Discounted camping and cabin benefits
- Job experience when applying for employment
You might have special skills or talents that will allow us to expand our programs. TALK TO US!
For general information on volunteering, contact the Park Volunteer Coordinator, at 757-294-3625.
Membership
You do not have to be a member of the Friends of Chippokes in order to be a volunteer. However, by becoming a member of FOC, you will be better informed and will become an integral part of Park operations. So, if you want to join, you are quite welcome!
Annual dues are $15 individual; $25 family, and are renewed at the end of January.
To join, print and fill out this membership application, make check payable to "Friends of Chippokes," and send to: Friends of Chippokes State Park, 695 Chippokes Park Road, Surry, VA 23883.
Meetings
Regularly scheduled meetings are the second Saturday in the month, at 10:00AM, in the Jones-Stewart Mansion conference room. Prospective members are encouraged to come to a meeting and get acquainted.
Organization
Officers include: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Co-Treasurers, and four directors. All are elected to serve two-year terms, and can be reelected.
Our Officers
President - Barbara Lindley email
Vice President -
Sharon Jones
Secretary - Steven Blanchard
Co-Treasurers -
Phil Redmond and
Pat Pauley
Board of Directors - Tom Witowski, Barbara Rucker, Eddie Wrightson and Judith Pysher
Friends of Chippokes was incorporated in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers to carry out Our Mission.
FOC is a 50lc(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible and gratefully received.
For more information e-mail us at president@chippokes.com.
