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Celebrating a true cornerstone of our community, we are honored to name Raynell Smith as our February Volunteer of the Month. As a founding force behind the Deltaville Maritime Museum, Raynell's life has been defined by the tides, from her childhood sailing in New Jersey to spending twelve years living at sea with her husband. When she finally dropped anchor in Deltaville, Raynell didn't just open a nautical consignment shop-she helped build a legacy. Alongside her late husband, she was instrumental in the 2002 establishment of the museum, often rolling up her sleeves to construct the early exhibits by hand. A Legacy of Leadership Raynell's commitment has evolved alongside the institution she helped create. In the early years, she served as the museum's first vice president. She later led the organization as president of the board, and continues now to drive growth as the development director. Executive Director of the Deltaville Maritime Museum Kristin DeGraw notes that Raynell's influence is felt in every corner of the museum, stating, "Raynell's passion and leadership turned a dream into a lasting institution... she created a space where visitors find not just exhibits, but connection and belonging." Get Involved Raynell's philosophy is simple: "Anybody, with any amount of time, can locate something they like to do and volunteer." She recently shared this message during her January Volunteer Spotlight interview with Chris Wright on Bay FM. Inspired by Raynell's journey? You can find your own passion project by visiting the Volunteer River Counties Hub, which connects volunteers with the Deltaville Maritime Museum and over 70 other incredible local organizations. Thank you, Raynell, for your decades of dedicated volunteer service! |
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Feb 9, 2026
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