For Immediate Release
Contact:  David Mayhew for Cohn Dutcher Associates
(203) 533-5621     david@davidmayhew.net

Caramoor's Rosen House to Host Volunteer Fair
on Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Caramoor seeks volunteers with diverse skills and interests to
assist in many of its programs

Katonah, NY - Seeking a rewarding opportunity to assist an area organization, gain new knowledge, and meet interesting people?  Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts may offer the perfect solution.  Residents from Westchester County and the vicinity who are interested in and enjoy music, visual and decorative arts, local history, and gardening, are invited to a Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the historic Rosen House at Caramoor.  Over refreshments, prospective volunteers will hear about Caramoor's current and upcoming programs and the ways in which people can contribute their time and talent by volunteering.  This is always a jovial event and all are encouraged to attend and bring a friend.

"We depend on a loyal and growing group of volunteers to help us in so many areas," said Merceds Santos-Miller, Rosen House Manager and Director of Programs.  "Many are retirees.  Others, particularly in this economy, are professionals who are between jobs and seeking opportunities to both help out and network.  All volunteers share a love of decorative arts and local history and welcome the opportunity to learn about the Rosen House, its collection and the Rosen family who built and decorated the magnificent Mediterranean-style villa." 

According to Ms. Santos-Miller, "Some volunteers serve as docents leading tour groups throughout the 20 rooms that are open to the public.  Others work with our Education Department helping to host thousands of school children who visit Caramoor for our innovative curriculum-based programs.  Volunteers help us in our administrative offices and serve as ushers at performances throughout the year, but are particularly needed during the summertime Caramoor International Music Festival.  Some with an interest in gardening help ensure that this magnificent estate always looks its best.  There are many opportunities that can be tailored to a volunteer's expertise, passion and interests."

"Our volunteers may come from different backgrounds but they all share an enthusiasm for what we do at Caramoor and, because so many share the same interests, long-lasting friendships are made," Ms. Santos-Miller continued.  "We are seeking volunteers with all levels of skills and accomplishments to work with us."

In addition to working and learning in the Rosen House and on Caramoor's extraordinary 90 acres of gardens and woods, volunteers receive many benefits, such as invitations to a selection of lectures and concerts.  More than 200 volunteers currently donate their time and talent to Caramoor, some for over twenty years.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering, have a few hours to spare each week, and a desire to spend time in a beautiful setting among people with shared interests, are encouraged to attend on April 21.  Reservations are not required, but they are encouraged.  To make reservations and for additional information call Ms. Santos-Miller at 914.232.8076 or email merceds@caramoor.org.

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts and the historic Rosen House are located at 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, New York.

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