Village News

To help introduce our new Development Coordinator Marilee Arthur, I asked her to respond to five questions. She is diligent, honest and a caring person and I am already beginning to see her positive impact here at the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV). Take the time to stop in and meet her next time you are at the Village.

Welcome to Mennonite Heritage Village, Marilee! Tell us about your background (growing up, education, previous work, etc.).

I was born in Detroit, Michigan. My father was a minister (Canadian) and my mother a school teacher (American). In my early teens, my father decided to return to his homeland and it was here that he accepted his last pastoral placement in Canada before retiring. This has afforded me the luxury of having dual citizenship. My studies majored in business and administration through high school and some earlier college programs, but in my late twenties, I transitioned into the health and fitness field. During my thirty-seven years in this industry, I tackled several professional opportunities. This included the management of both corporate & public health and fitness facilities, owning and operating my signature dance fitness company (Jamin’ Cardio), working as the Executive Director for Canada’s largest fitness conference and governing body, as well as successfully competing in the Canadian National Aerobics Championship and functioning as a top-level coach in the sport. As part of my passion and inspiration for helping people to move their life to a better place, I returned to school a few years ago and secured my diploma in professional counseling.

What is it about MHV that attracted you to the role of Development Coordinator?

I relocated to Steinbach from Toronto, Ontario a year ago, with the primary intention to heal my body from a severe adrenal condition. enVision Community Living hired me shortly after I arrived, and I worked as their Fundraising and Promotions Coordinator in a part-time role. As my recovery progressed, I was able to entertain more responsibility and then the MHV opportunity presented itself. Steinbach and the Mennonite community offers some unique variables for marketing and promotion that are not present in every city or town. The Mennonites are moved by the needs of those around them and they give generously with their time and resources. It is a privilege to connect and work with open hearts and open hands, and I feel blessed to be able to engage, represent and support the Russian Mennonite story.

Tell us about some of your first priorities in this role?

I believe our network of philanthropy is strengthened through relevant and frequent communication. I am a strong advocate of social media outlets. It creates a personal association with the immediacy of connection and followers of MHV feel included. As we boost our following, sharing social media posts with our friends, we broaden our circle of influence. One of my first priorities has been to build our online family. It is one of the most cost-effective methods for marketing and promotion.

What visions for the future do you already have for MHV?

I think it is important to support the original and historic narrative of the Russian Mennonites. I also feel it is equally important to seek out and share the stories and history of second and third-generation Russian Mennonites. One of the challenges we face in fundraising is the lack of representation from younger donors. Just as first-generation Mennonites support their story here at MHV, I believe the inclusion of second and third generation missives will inspire a greater sense of ownership and support. I am excited about exploring these stories and incorporating them into the promotion of MHV and the inspiration for continuing to give generously.

What else would you like our readers to know?

I have been very blessed through my professional career to meet and hear the amazing stories of so many people. Stories heal us, inspire us, change us, and connect us. As I begin to immerse myself in the original story at MHV, I look forward to listening to other versions that are an extension of the primary story and seeing what we can learn and appreciate from the entire experience.