Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Volunteers Are Vital To Community

Volunteers are the life blood of small towns.

Without their aid, many things most people take for granted would not be accomplished.

This is what Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith told those on hand for a luncheon celebrating volunteers at the Senior Adult Center Wednesday, Oct. 25.

"This is truly a special day," Smith said. "Without volunteers, Gurdon would not exist as it does today. The quality of life would not be as it is today."

He said volunteerism can't be dictated, and is one of the few things left which is not federally regulated.

Volunteers, Smith said, helped get Cabe Fields ready for baseball season. They were vital in planning the annual Forest Festival, and in operating the concession stands during athletic events.

"God gave every human being some special talent to help others," he said. "The problem with my generation is not near as many people are willing to volunteer and dedicate their time.

"No one knows more about volunteering than this group (at the Senior Adult Center). What goes on here is done through volunteers."

The center itself exists because of volunteers and donations. Smith said the center came into being in June 1975 and moved to its current location in 1991 with donations from civic leaders and community support along with volunteers, which he called the force behind the center's success.

The center, he said, places a high priority on community involvement. It is where the Rotary Club meets and the Gurdon Chamber of Commerce holds its coffees. It also supports the annual Forest Festival.

Smith said the center relies on about 50 volunteers to make sure work gets done. This work includes serving 68 in house meals daily, and delivering 40 meals to shut ins each day. It also means the operation of the head start program.

"You know you can bring a visitor here and be met with smiling faces," he said. "When you bring them here, they get an idea of what Gurdon is about."

Smith told the audience of senior citizens when Gurdon received its Arkansas Community of Excellence (ACE) certification, the ceremony was held at the center. He said Gov. Jim Guy Tucker had a good time during his visit.

"Volunteers are not always recognized for their effort," Smith said. "True volunteers don't care about being recognized."

With this, Smith presented plaques to two of the center's most dedicated volunteers, Henry Bell Jr. and Billy Francis, the center's volunteers of the year.

"We're proud of our two winners from here," center director Charlotte Shepherd said. "We're the first to say volunteers are the center's No. 1 resource. The center is growing and expanding because of you.

"You help with your positive attitude."