Cobblestone Museum honors 2 for service at historic site in Gaines

Provided photo: Cobblestone Society Membership Secretary Gail Johnson receives the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award from Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Museum.

GAINES – The Cobblestone Museum has recognized two dedicated supporters for their service to the museum, which is a National Historic Landmark in Gaines.

Toni Plummer, a member of the Board of trustees, was presented with the Proctor Award, which is given annually to someone who goes above and beyond to assist the museum in an extraordinary manner.

Plummer was praised for embracing the museum’s role “to educate as well as entertain.” She arranged for visits by boards members to see other museums and how they’ve navigated issues that are relevant to the Cobblestone Museum’s future goals and growth.

Her idea of hosting future Ladies Luncheons at the Vagg House led to a successful trial run this past fall, with help from some fellow trustees, said Sue Bonafini, the museum’s assistant director.

Plummer also was a key organizer in the Christmas Tour of Homes, a pre-Covid holiday favorite, Bonafini said.

Plummer also led the Marketing Committee and updated the museum’s gift shop to include products from many regional vendors. She also served on the Nominating, Personnel and Strategic Planning Committees in the past year, as well as the Executive Committee.

Gail Johnson was named “Volunteer of the Year.” She serves as membership secretary and on the executive board.

“She works tirelessly behind-the-scenes as head of the Membership Dinner Committee to complete necessary work for the event’s success,” Bonafini said. “She interacts with businesses and private donors to secure auction items. Each component of the evening, including registration tickets, bid slips and more, meets her vision for this important fundraiser and most often touches her hands before it reaches yours.”

Johnson in recent years has spent hours preparing envelopes for all bulk mailing projects. She has become the “go-to volunteer” when an individual is needed to sell or collect tickets at events, Bonafini said.

She also serves on the Strategic Planning and Welcome Center Committees, and has been critical in securing support for the Welcome Center. That project has $575,000 committed to the $750,000 fundraising goal.