Volunteers were recognized for their service during the Oct. 6 meeting of the Sparta Town Council. Shown are (seated) Ida Coletta; and (standing, from left) Reba Evans, D.W. Miles, Mildred Torney, Martha Allred, Anita Graham, Virginia Cox and Evelyn Hash. Not pictured are Janice Cole, Phil and Deb Donaldson and Joe Jones.

Volunteers honored at Town Council meeting

Volunteers were recognized by Alleghany Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Bamberg as part of the Oct. 6 meeting of the Sparta Town Council.

Speaking to the council, Bamberg noted while recognizing local volunteers for their service to the community is not a typical responsibility of the Alleghany Chamber, "This is one of my more rewarding duties. The office of the governor initiated this program…"

Prior to introducing the volunteers, he was quick to say the individuals' names were not just put in a hat and pulled out, but instead someone had filled out a four-page nomination about the individual and the volunteer duties in which they have taken part. From there, the application is broken up into 10 sections, which are then read and scored.

"The team then makes a recommendation of five names to the state for a letter of recommendation from the governor and one name to be considered for the state's highest recognition given to a volunteer, one of 20 medallion awards made each year.

Each of the recipients received a certificate of appreciation and a round of applause.

Four people were unable to attend the Oct. 6 presentation, Janice Cole, Phil and Deb Donaldson and Joe Jones. Reading the information about Cole, Bamberg stated she has volunteered with High Country Hospice for two years and has taken part of the Adopt-a-Highway program, as well as working at Camp Sunshine, a Hospice camp for children. Like Cole, the Donaldsons also have taken part of the Adopt-a-Highway program, have worked at Camp Sunshine, and have been Hospice volunteers for three years. Jones' volunteer service has included being a board member of the Alleghany Community Foundation.