FOC is a 50lc(3)
non-profit organization.
Summary of FOC's 2018 Accomplishments
- Updated and republished Chippokes Plantation State Park Welcome Guide.
- A decision to update Chippokes DVD, "A Jewel on the James", is to be determined.
- Participated in Garden Week activities and hosted very successful Garden Tea.
- Provided volunteer support to plant the park Pollinator Garden Project.
- Funded Farm & Forestry Museum Cultural Garden Project.
- Continued to provide volunteer support and funding for upkeep of mansion flower beds, planters, and Stewart's gravesite.
- Funded the addition of two plaques (Est. & 1619) to complete the Chippokes Plantation 400th Anniversary Commemorative Wall.
- Established a rapport with our local State Representative, and provided park information and invitations to events.
- Added two new FOC members in 2018.
- FOC continues to operate a profitable gift shop. Ordered a supply of customized insulated cup holders to sell in the shop.
- Assisted in the funding and installation of a memorial bench for Rosemary Green.
- Scheduled regular volunteer workdays to split firewood that is available on-site to sell at the campground. This avoids having to buy the wood, and increases profitability.
- Assisted the park in co-hosting the fifth annual Harvest Festival that has grown in size and scope every year.
- The Archival Project to research Chippokes documents and artifacts is in final stages of completion.
- In addition to the above, FOC actively provides volunteer support and funding for a variety of programs and events throughout the year, to include Open Hearth Cooking, Easter Egg Hunt, and Steam & Gas Engine Show.
FOC's Goals and Objectives for 2019
- Provide support as needed to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Chippokes Plantation in 2019.
- Participate in Garden Week activities and host Garden Tea.
- Participate in the official opening of Walnut Valley Farm guest house.
- Schedule workdays to split firewood and ensure that an adequate supply is on hand for sale in the campground.
- Continue to provide volunteer support and funding for park projects, programs and events, to include Farm & Forestry Museum requests for support.
- Ensure the mansion flower beds, planters, and Stewart's gravesite are maintained.
- Contact Surry County officials and local organizations to promote the park and coordinate events.
- Revise FOC membership application form; increase membership and member participation.
- Determine if FOC should establish and maintain a Facebook page.
- Attach metal tags with inventory numbers on collection items in the brick kitchen.
Our Mission -"Here To Serve"
The mission of the Friends of Chippokes Plantation State Park is to identify and promote activities to enhance the cultural and natural resources of Chippokes Plantation 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 also become "residents" to interpret from Chippokes' past at certain times during the year.
The Friends raise money to fund specific park needs and programs, mainly through donations, Gift Shop, and firewood sales.
To see current and future Park activities, take a look at our Chippokes calendar and the DCR Calendar.
Helping The Friends
If you are willing to help, the Friends are willing to let you. Heck, they even provide any training that might be necessary!
A few of the many Volunteer opportunities that abound at Chippokes:
- Provide assistance during park events
- Help maintain grounds, garden, and trails
- Mansion docents
- Help archive and catalog historical documents and artifacts
- Work in the gift shop
- Assist with fossil walks
- Assist with canoe trips
Volunteer hours earn awards such as:
- Lifetime pass to all Virginia State Parks
- Free 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, submit your name, address, phone, e-mail, and check payable to "Friends of Chippokes," to: Friends of Chippokes Plantation 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, Treasurer, and three directors. All are elected to serve two-year terms, and can be reelected.
Our Officers
Co-Presidents - Anne Nall and Barbara Lindley email
Co-Vice Presidents - Lisa and Eddie Wrightson
Secretary - Helen Sthal
Treasurer - Phil Redmond
Assistant Treasurer - Pat Pauley
Directors - Judith Pysher and Terri White
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.
