F

Nearly 70 years since its founding, United Way of Hamblen County has been blessed year after year by the selfless dedication of generations of volunteers.

In a gesture of gratitude and remembrance, two recently planted dogwood trees were dedicated in a memorial service at the office this past week.

Current President of the Board of Directors David Slack opened the ceremony with remarks expressing the organization’s deep appreciation for the many “volunteers who have been the foundation of all that United Way of Hamblen County has endeavored to accomplish since day 1, back in 1955.

“Their dedication set a remarkable example for generations to follow and continues to influence their children, family members, and friends to remain actively involved by volunteering with and supporting us still today,” Slack said.

Along that vein, Executive Director Gary Matthews welcomed several family members in attendance on behalf of the memorialized volunteers.

Among those recognized were:

• Edwin Goan, United Way of Hamblen County Pu

Public Relations Director from 2002-2020;

• Howell Bible, who served on the founding Board of Directors in 1955;

• John Wallace, who served consecutive terms in 1955 and 1956 as the organization’s first and second President, Campaign Chair in 1961, and served on the founding Board of Directors in 1955;

• William M. Hale, Campaign Chair in 1958, Board President in 1960, and served on the founding Board of Directors in 1955;

• Bob Bible, Campaign Chair in 1964 and Board President in 1966;

• Larry Whalen, Board President in 1975 and the namesake for the Leadership Circle of Giving;

• Jack Strate, Campaign Chair in 1969, Board President in 1971 and 1972 and Agnes Strate who served on the Board of Directors;

• Liz Steisslinger, Board of Directors, featured on the 2014 poster. Her father, who was an ALPS client, was featured on the 2001 poster;

• Charlie Hurt, Campaign Chair in 2006 and Board President in 2009;

• Judy McGuffin, Campaign Chair in 1997;

• Tammie Ogle, served on the Board of Directors

• Mitch Robinson, Campaign Chair in 2009 and Board President in 2012.

Giving the dedication for the two memorial trees was Frankie Cox, a current member of the Board of Directors and a former student of Edwin Goan. Her tone was reverent and marked with symbolism comparing the merits of volunteers with characteristics of the trees. Cox’s closing lines gave pause and encouragement, saying, “As we watch these trees grow, may it be a constant reminder of the beautiful legacy our departed volunteers have left behind and the extraordinary potential within each of us to create positive change in the world. May their memory continue to inspire us to make a difference, just as they did.”

Plaques for each of the trees will be installed in the days to come: one for Edwin Goan and another as a memorial for all volunteers who have served.

United Way of Hamblen County exists to unite financial support from the community with 22 non-profit agencies that serve those who live and work in Hamblen County. For more information, visit www.unitedwayhamblen.org or Facebook: United Way of Hamblen County. The office is located at 3780 West Andrew Johnson Highway and can be reached by phone at 423-581-8601 or email at unway@musfiber.com.