June Steward: So Happy to Greet You!

My husband Marty and I moved to Friday Harbor in 1990.  We fell in love with the island after flying over on our way to Vancouver three years before.  I used to be involved in CATS but stopped when Marty got ill.  I began actively volunteering at the Theatre more than a year ago after he passed away. Volunteering has been a great help in dealing with the grieving process.

I usually work as a ticket taker and in the concessions stand. As I take tickets and greet people, I often notice those who seem a little unfamiliar with the Theater. I will ask them if they are new to the Island or a visitor. If they are, I like to give them brochures about the Theatre and help make them familiar with some of the events. They seem to appreciate this and often come up to me afterwards to tell me what they thought of the program and our facility. I sometimes see people in town and they will say, "Hello, we remember you, you're the Theatre ticket lady!" It is so surprising to me that they remember me.

I have never acted but I’d love to play in Arsenic and Old Lace—be one of those old ladies—but I just don’t have the talent.  I do not do this volunteering just to see the entertainment. I enjoy seeing and greeting people as I take their tickets.  I see many familiar faces and have made many new friends.  I feel like I am involved in an important and special organization on this wonderful Island. I love this Theatre and know how fortunate we are to have it here. It is a special privilege to be part of sharing it with others.

Thank you, June, for touching lives at SJCT.