Gardens, parks museums enrich lives

It seemed an improbable uniting of people and place. A strikingly beautiful refugee from Southern Sudan, mother of 10, glowingly represented the Erie Art Museum (in Pennsylvania) as it received one of the national medals for "service to the community" from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through the art museum, Victoria transformed her traditional African dance into a full-time career in her new homeland to support her family.

We were on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in the impressive and somber Cannon House Caucus Room. Cokie Roberts, the renowned journalist, was presenting the keynote address and handing out the 10 coveted awards presented annually by the IMLS and the White House. There was every reason for humility and serious reflection.

It was impossible to miss the tears of pride of the mother sitting in front of me as her son accepted the medal for his employer, the Madison Children's Museum (in Wisconsin). Benjamin suffered a brain hemorrhage at 7. After years of surgery and learning to walk and talk again, his volunteering at the Museum resulted in his dream job — as a full-time visitors services associate, daily welcoming patrons, young and old alike. When we met later, his warmth and smile immediately showed how perfect he was for the role.

And then, there was Chris! A handsome young man of 19 from Richmond, Chris Corsello represented Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, as we were only the third botanical garden in the country to be recognized for its outreach programs.

Chris has worked for two years volunteering for plant sales, propagating in the greenhouse and assisting tirelessly in the creation of the 6-ton stick house conceived by globally celebrated sculptor Patrick Dougherty. When our name was called, Chris jumped from his seat with exuberant pride to go to the podium to receive the medal.

Each of the 10 institutions recognized was asked to bring a community member whose story demonstrates "how libraries and museums build strong communities and transform lives." These may sound like dramatic and isolated stories, but those of us who work in the nonprofit world know they are repeated time and again.

As the National Medal winners were recognized, their expanding roles were apparent. Museums and libraries are becoming work-force-training centers and health clinics; growing food for the hungry; caring for the environment; preserving treasures of the past; helping new citizens become part of our communities. They're moving beyond traditional boundaries and tackling tough issues affecting us all.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is honored to be part of that movement. The garden was commended for growing fresh produce for the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Also highlighted were the garden's urban greening initiatives and water conservation plans, as well as contributions to economic development, work force training and health education.

We're not alone. Museums and libraries across Virginia have a big impact as they quietly enrich lives daily. If you keep up with the news, you know the Science Museum of Virginia also grows food for the hungry; that our treasured urban oasis, Maymont, was recently selected as one of the nation's Top 10 Great Public Spaces; and that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was named the Southeast Tourism Society's Travel Attraction of the Year — a dazzling destination with significant economic impact.

We may often cite our institutional achievements and the significance of our missions, but the countless untold, personal stories are the profound ones. Perhaps they are too numerous to tell. In the end, it is important to recognize that as we change lives, ours are changed in return.

Dave Isay, founder and president of StoryCorps, closed the program, eloquently praising the endeavors of the nation's museums and libraries. He described those as "sacred work." This is for others to judge, but I will say my colleagues, friends and donors who participate in these efforts are indeed people of deep spirit and commitment.

I return to Chris, who might never have been on Capitol Hill, or met Cokie Roberts, or joined the auspicious gathering that evening, except for his contributions to our community at Lewis Ginter. You see, Chis has autism. But, when he helped with the plant sale, autism did not matter. When he assisted with the sculpture, it did not matter. That night in the Caucus Room, it did not matter.

That night, as we heard each story, celebrated each winner, reflected on good works and watched Chris bolt triumphantly to receive the award, all that mattered was that we were simply and completely surprised by joy!