By Judi Nicholson

CRPD

The Clinton Recreation Department does many activities and reaches many people in many areas. But they cannot do what they do without the help received from volunteers and part time employees. To recognize the contributions of those folks, the CRPD takes some time each month in 2009 to shine a spotlight on them and to make others aware of the contributions received from the community for the community.

The first spot light feature this month is James Caldwell.

A man of many talents, a man who always has a smile on his face, a man who knows how to reach children and adults—that is a brief description of James Caldwell. Caldwell has been a tremendous help to the Recreation Department since his return to the Clinton area a few years ago. He has coached numerous basketball teams at the Sampson Community Center over the past four years, volunteered for several other events that were held at the Sampson Center and he has been one of the department’s most dependable part time gym supervisors as well.

Caldwell understands what it means to give back to his community and he gives in many, many ways. He has participated in many of the Sampson Community Center fundraisers and was a chaperon for their first annual summer trip to Kings Dominion. He helped with the local horseshoes competition with Senior Games last year, and played Santa Clause for our yearly Toys for Tots Program. Caldwell has been very versatile for the CRPD and continues to do so year in and year out.

Caldwell is a single parent with two boys that participate in the department’s sports programs. He once worked as the Sampson Community Center Assistant and is employed with the Recreation Department currently as a gym supervisor. Caldwell has had a huge impact on the children of the community and has been a positive role model for them as well. He has set the standards for what the recreation department looks for in an employee and volunteer through his dedication, hard work and ability to compromise but stay firm. James Caldwell believes in equality for all children involved in recreation sports and believes that winning is in the participation of the children.

The second Clinton Recreation spotlight goes to Amanda Bartlett.

While pursuing her major in therapeutic recreation at Mount Olive College, Amanda Bartlett performed 120 volunteer hours of field training. She was assigned to work under Brenda Potter, Special Program Coordinator/Information Technology/Pool Manager and Alice Montague, Bellamy Center Supervisor with the Clinton Recreation and Parks Department.

"It is wonderful to see young people help our community by volunteering. Amanda showed up every day with her warm smile and eager attitude to get the job done." commented Mrs. Potter.

She began working with the department on January 16 and her last day was April 1, 2009. While volunteering she was exposed to numerous aspects of recreation. She helped plan, prepare props, and volunteered at a recent Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities Dance at the Bellamy Recreation Center at Royal Lane Park. She helped out at the Royal Lane main office by shredding paper, answering calls, assisting staff, attending meetings, preparing for programs/meetings. She assisted the senior adults with shuffleboard in preparation of senior games and assisted in preparations at Royal Lane Pool.

When asked what she learned about the Recreation Department that she didn't know before, she replied "They do more here than I ever thought they did. There's actually a small business going on here that the outside world doesn't know about. They reach out to the whole community more than a lot of people realize. They have opportunities for everyone and a lot more people need to take advantage of the programs they offer."

"Do you feel that your time here has been beneficial and what is your major at Mount Olive?" asked Potter. "Yes, and anyone that is pursuing a career in therapeutic recreation would benefit from field training." replied Bartlett.

"What do you want to do after you graduate?" asked Potter. “I would like to work at a Substance Abuse Center or in some area dealing with youth. I want to work with people to help them overcome their problems."

Barlett’s parents are Melva and Randy Bartlett. She has an older brother, Josh that was recently married and a younger brother Timothy. She enjoys playing basketball and spending time with her best friend Sarah Burgin, who also volunteered at the recent Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities Dance.

"What was your most memorable experience while volunteering?" asked Potter. "That would have to be the Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities Dance. I enjoyed the planning, preparing and finally getting the opportunity to see them all experience what we created for them and how happy they were."

Volunteers not only give back to the community, but they also gain from the experience. The help and dedication of volunteers to the Clinton Recreation Department helps the department do more and serve more than the CRD ever could by itself. So, James Caldwell and Amanda Bartlett, from the Clinton Recreation Department staff, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, the spotlight is on you.