Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Brincka

By Genesis Harshell

Phipps is well-known for our beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, pioneering sustainability initiatives, informative educational programs and community outreach. None of our work, however, would be possible without the knowledge and dedication of our volunteers. In this series of profiles, we meet some of the people who give their time to make Phipps possible.

Bill Brincka has always had a love for the outdoors, whether that means hunting, fishing, sports or gardening. Throughout his life, Bill at the very least has always had a vegetable garden to maintain. He currently still grows vegetables to give away and takes care of his late wife's perennials. Though he has always liked plants, his wife loved them, so he continues to maintain the garden for her.  

After her passing, he sold his home and was drawn to the idea of volunteering in his free time. He had started to volunteer at the Heinz History Center and eventually Phipps. Bill had been drawn to Phipps not only because of his admiration for plants and the outdoors but also because it was somewhere familiar to him. Phipps was somewhere he has been frequenting since childhood and it was also where his sister became a master gardener and volunteer herself! 

It has been just over three years since Bill started volunteering here consistently and he has grown to love his role at Phipps. He enjoys being able to get up early in the morning to come in to volunteer, and meet all the guests that come through. When he was asked why he liked volunteering he said, “I just have that desire -- it keeps me moving-- I’m not in the checkout line yet.”. 

Usually here twice a week, Bill comes in as a greeter but treats it as so much more than that. When guests come in and don’t know where to go Bill stated, “I talk to them to try and see what their interests are, and I show them in the right direction. If I don’t have people coming through the doors to greet then I’ll take guests to the various places they do want to go.” Bill is ready to make sure you get where you need to be to have a fantastic experience here at Phipps! 

Photo © Paul g. Wiegman