Volunteers Honored at Delta Heritage Center Banquet

A new tradition began Friday evening, January 14, 2011, when the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center hosted its first annual Volunteer Banquet.

“You are the reason this Center has been successful,” Director Sonia Outlaw-Clark told those gathered. “Without you, we could not have accomplished so much this year.”

Collectively, the volunteers have donated 629 hours since March 2010. The Center has also hosted 37 tours and 45 meetings. Another first for the Center was the implementation of a summer concert series entitled “Concert on the Porch.”



Volunteers honored are (from left) Jean Avery, Hope Cannon, Alma Jarrett, Patsy Hardister, Marcina Harris, Andy Wynn, PAtsy Goin, D.A. Eaton, joe Moody and Holly Haak.



Clark began soliciting volunteers during a presentation to the local Exchange Club in January 2010. After a very positive response from that group, plans for extended hours and days began March 1. The change in hours along with the installation of two billboards on Interstate 40, resulted in an immediate increase in traffic.

The volunteers commit to four hours a month and many give much more. They help to man the Center on weekends, relieve employees at lunch during the week and help out at special events such as the summer concerts.

As Clark presented each certificate, she described the unique qualities that each volunteer brings to the Center and the importance of the interaction among volunteers and visitors. Clark also recognized employees and Advisory Board members at the event.

An Outstanding Volunteer Award was given to the volunteer who had given the most hours. The recipient of this award was Marcina Harris. Harris has given more than 89 hours since last March.

Marcina Harris (left) is present the Outstanding Volunteer Award by Director Sonia Outlaw-Clark. Harris gave more than 89 hours during 2010.

Guest speaker for the evening was Billy King. King is president of the Big Black Creek Historical Association and shared the accomplishments his group has made restoring historical locations in Mercer and Denmark, Tenn.

Billy King, president of Big Black Creek Historical Association, tells attendees about all the happenings in Mercer and Denmark, Tenn.

Another special treat during the evening included a special meal catered by the Haywood High School Culinary Arts class. The class, under the direction of Pam Stephens, prepared and served the meal to the crowd of about 40 people.

Haywood High School Culinary Arts students prepared and served the meal. Pictured are (front, from left) Brooklyn Walker, Morgan Currie, Bria Wade, Patra Cooper and Kadesha Johnson;and (back, from left) Tereon Taylor, Darius Bufford, Stephen McCuller, Leah Smith and James Steele.

For more information about the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center Volunteer Program, contact Clark at 731-779-9000.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is located at 121 Sunny Hill Cove, Interstate 40 at Exit 56, in Brownsville, Tenn. Learn more about the Center by visiting http://www.westtnheritage.com/