Honored — Five local residents were recognized during Monday’s town and county meeting for their volunteer work in the community. Pictured are (front row, from left) Mary Ruth Setzer and Pam Caudill, receiving on behalf of her daughter, Stellena; (back row) Thom Burleson, Pat Polley and Ted Dorsett.

Alleghany volunteers honored at meeting

Five local volunteers were recognized for their service to the community during the Jan. 30 joint meeting of the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners and the Sparta Town Council. Commissioner Graylen Blevins was absent.

Alleghany Chamber of Commerce Director Bob Bamberg presented each recipient of the North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service with a booklet that recognizes the contributions of all the volunteers in the state; a letter from Governor Mike Easley; a certificate and a pin. Bamberg read the description of each recognized volunteer as they approached the podium.

The first volunteer recognized was Mary Ruth Setzer, an active member of the Silver Striders Walking Club and volunteer at SunBridge of Alleghany.

“She shares her musical talents by playing the keyboard and encouraging sing-a-longs; (and also) helps with personal and beauty care for the residents,” Bamberg read.

The Rev. Thom Burleson was the second recognized. Burleson was recognized for his work with the Alleghany Ministerium Association, through which he “worked with churches, gardeners, deer hunters and food stores and many others to get the needed food,” Bamberg read. Burleson was also recognized for his work with the local soccer league, where he served as a referee during the Saturday games.

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back