By Diane Glidewell
dglidewell@jacksonprogress-argus.com

The Butts County Parks & Recreation Department continued a joyous decade-long tradition on Monday, March 15 with its 11th Annual Volunteer Recognition Hall of Fame Banquet. As Mary Lynn Overbey noted in her recognition of volunteers, “Our programs would not be possible without the volunteers who give their time and knowledge.”

The largest spotlight of the evening shone on the three new inductees into the Butts County Parks & Recreation Hall of Fame: Coreen Clark, Stanley Maddox, and Harold “Doc” McMichael.

Ms. Clark was introduced by Sandra Cook, who spoke of her tireless dedication to making the Butts County community a better place to live. She was always cooking and sharing the delicious results of her work. The number of hamburgers she cooked at the Recreation Department probably totaled nearly a million. During years of working on the square, operating her own business, driving a school bus, raising two children, and remaining very active in church, Ms. Clark found time to spend at the Park supporting the young athletes and their fans.

“She was always looking after everyone, kids and grown folks, giving care and smiles,” said Cook.

Tony Grant introduced Doc McMichael, talking about their work to improve the facilities in Butts County in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Mr. McMichael took on the duties of officiating games himself and of overseeing referees and umpires. “Doc was giving us our striped shirts and whistles,” said Grant.

Mr. McMichael was part of the large, united effort of the community in 1974 to turn the land donated by Avondale Mills where Daughtry Park is today into ball fields. “Everyone helped, and we created the finest fields in the state,” said Grant.

McMichael then kept the podium, not to speak about himself, but to introduce the final new honoree to the Hall of Fame, Stanley Maddox. Mr. Maddox not only coached baseball and football for at least 20 years but also served as Little League president. McMichael recalled countless discussions between Maddox and Ernest Biles on the upkeep of the fields. He noted Mr. Maddox had been instrumental in getting the property donated by Avondale Mills for recreational purposes.

“We’re proud of the facilities we enjoy today,” said McMichael. “Without all they did in the 1960’s, we wouldn’t have these facilities now.”

Coaches honored

Kelvin Johnson was recognized for his 10 years as a coach for the Butts County Parks & Recreation Department. Parents submitted nominations for Coaches Awards, for the coaches who keep the fun in youth sports. Those chosen for the awards were: Jimmy Johnson (baseball), Eddie Berry (basketball), Henry Smith (football), Josh Gentle (softball), Nichole Carter (soccer).

The Bob Ryan Award was presented to three coaches for going above and beyond what was expected of them: Jim Jones, Lanae Martin, and Donna Moody. “They keep going and going,” said Athletic Coordinator Kenny Sims in announcing the award.

Allen Bell was named Coach of the Year for contributions which made him stand out among all the coaches contributing to the success of the Recreation Department. Mr. Bell came to the soccer program when soccer was new to Butts County and became the cornerstone of the program. He has not only coached for 10 years but has also helped train officials. In coaching the 19 and under traveling soccer team this year, Mr. Bell had a winning record and managed a win at the Kohl’s State Tournament. Primarily, he has taught his players the advantage of strategy and working together as a team.

Jim Herbert presented tokens of appreciation to Bob, Susan, and Kevin Ryan for their dedicated support of the Recreation Department and ensuring as many youth as possible have the opportunity to participate. The Ryans and Atlanta South Travel Center have sponsored the Ernest Biles Memorial Golf Tournament for the past 14 years, raising over $247,000 in donations.

Volunteers and sponsors who were present also received tokens of appreciation and recognition. The program listed the 213 volunteers who contributed a total of 8,024 hours to the Butts County Parks & Recreation Department this year, a value of at least $58,000. There were 16 volunteers listed who had contributed more than 75 hours this year and 32 more volunteers who had contributed over 50 hours. Sponsors contributed over $23,000 to the youth sports programs.

To say “thank you” to volunteers, sponsors, and the special honorees of the evening, a dinner of Kenny Sims barbecued chicken with fixings was served by the Department staff in the festively decorated gymnasium.