The Oneida County History Center has named Mary Bottini Volunteer of the Year for 2017. Volunteers, such as Mary, are vital to the daily operation and long-term care of the history center. Mary was elected by her co-volunteers, history center staff, and the Board of Trustees.
Mary began to volunteer in 2010, after retiring from a 29 year career with General Electric and 14 years with Remet Corporation. She decided to volunteer due to her shared interest in history with her husband, Oneida County Historian, Joe Bottini. Mary’s primary responsibility is to maintain the history center map collection. She also assists with bulk mailings, special events, fundraisers, telethon registration, and works multiple shifts at the OCHC satellite bookstore at Sangertown Square Mall each December. Mary’s favorite task is to help prepare bulk mailings for membership renewals, the Oniota (our quarterly newsletter), and fundraising. Collections work is often a solitary activity; group activities, such as preparing bulk mailings, provide an opportunity to interact with other volunteers and meet new individuals.
Mary, a grandmother of 3, enjoys shopping, sharing meals with friends and family, walking, and attending Broadway Theatre League productions. She is a member of the Oneida County History Center, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Cassville Community Baptist Church, and the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica. The history center is grateful for enthusiastic volunteers and active community members like Mary. The history center staff, volunteers, and board of trustees would like to thank and recognize Mary Bottini for her many years of dedicated service to the history center and the community.
The Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution and is dedicated to preserving history and promoting the culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley. Admission to exhibits and programs is free for the general public; donations are encouraged. Please contact the center at 315-735-3642 or visit the OCHC website (www.oneidacountyhistory.org) or Facebook.com page for additional information.
