Barrell, Taylor receive top United Way volunteer awards

Apr. 30—The United Way of Northwest Georgia celebrated its community volunteers —in many ways the backbone of the agency, according to President Amanda Burt.

The agency held its 2024 Youth and Volunteer Awards Celebration Thursday at the Mack Gaston Community Center.

Sponsored by Mannington Phenix, Mohawk Industries, Shaw Industries and community volunteer Sandee Hooper, the ceremony spotlighted adults and students for their efforts to serve Northwest Georgia. It featured the awarding of Elaine Butler and Connie Woodward awards for 2023.

The Elaine Butler Award, which highlights outstanding volunteerism in Murray County, was presented to Wesley Barrell, a native of Newcastle, England, who moved to the area several years ago. Barrell was nominated by Stephanie Skojac of Murray County 4-H.

"I nominated Wesley because of his commitment to volunteering in the Murray County community," Skojac said. "He has given over 200 hours to make Murray County a better place. He is a member of our (4-H) program development team and chaperoned our one-week trip to Cloverleaf Camp at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, which involved 1,000 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders."

Skojac said Barrell has spent "numerous hours" organizing and planning a men's group through Rock Bridge Community Church in Chatsworth.

"He also feels passionate about Rebuilding Hope (Ministries) and has dedicated his time and resources to connecting with the community to promote and help support this wonderful organization," she said. "All the youth participating in Murray County 4-H activities benefit from Wesley's work as a volunteer. He strives to see the potential in our 4-H'ers and truly wants to make the best better. We are lucky to have him living in Murray County."

Also presenting the award to Barrell was Butler's daughter and the executive director of RossWoods Adult Day Services, Carlene Mutter.

"On behalf of my family, I would like to thank United Way for recognizing my mother with this award," Mutter said. "My mom was a champion for this community, she loved volunteering and she loved bringing people together. I am proud to announce Wesley Barrell as the recipient of the 2023 Elaine Butler Award."

Barrell said he has loved calling Murray County home.

"This has been a lovely place and I've enjoyed being able to serve the community through 4-H," Barrell said. "Winning this award is a true honor."

The Connie Woodward Award for 2023, which highlights outstanding volunteerism in Whitfield County, was awarded to Clyde Taylor, a retired Whitfield County 4-H agent who volunteered 120 hours of service throughout the last year.

Whitfield County 4-H Extension Coordinator Meghan Corvin, who nominated Taylor for the distinction, said Taylor has "a commitment to volunteering" and is a "true example of servant leadership."

"Every year since his retirement in 2009, he has volunteered as an adult male leader for 4-H Cloverleaf Camp," Corvin said. "In addition to camp, he served as a judge for the Junior and Senior Project Achievement participants to listen to their speeches, prepare for questions and offer suggestions for the contest. Mr. Clyde's volunteer work benefits all the youth participating in Whitfield County 4-H activities. His impact is far-reaching and transformational."

George Woodward, son of the late Connie Woodward who spent many years volunteering with United Way, also presented the award. He thanked United Way for continually honoring his mother's legacy.

"It was 21 years ago that my mother was first presented the Volunteer Award by United Way," Woodward said. "She was honored to receive that award that day but she was really humbled when she found out that it would be an annual award in her name. That was really, really important to her. On behalf of my family, I'd like to thank United Way for recognizing my mother through this award. My mom loved volunteering and the act of service, and it's an honor to announce that Clyde Taylor is the recipient this year."

Also during the ceremony, Marianne Murry, the 2024 chair of United Way's Volunteer Center Cabinet, took time to recognize the cabinet's outgoing chair, Jonathan Sierra, who received an award for his contributions.

"(Sierra) founded the Dalton Grand Prix, a cycling race with proceeds benefiting United Way programs and services that is coming up in August," Murry said. "Jonathan has strongly advocated for United Way for several years and currently serves on our Board of Directors. I want to thank him for leading the charge."

Murry said recognizing the many volunteers who give countless hours to serving the community each year is important for United Way.

"United Way honors outstanding volunteers as an avenue to shine a light on the work of our community's hand raisers," she said. "These volunteers set an example every day. Volunteers are neighbors, friends, family and youth. By volunteering, you set the example, set the standard and change lives. Whether feeding the hungry, comforting the sick or cleaning up after your community, you are making a difference."

Julian Dossche, the 2024 board chair for the United Way, took a moment to spotlight the importance of lifting one another up.

"It's very important that we celebrate each other," he said. "Events like these are a great way to do that."

Dossche said everyone involved should be celebrated for their commitment to service.

"I'd like to recognize United Way staff members because it takes them to make this village work," he said. "I'd like to also recognize the Volunteer Center Cabinet and our United Way community partners because without all of their help it would no doubt be a little bit harder."