by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
In keeping with a time-honored tradition stretching back 30 years, the highlight of the April 17 Sewanee Civic Association meeting was presentation of the Community Service Award. Choosing to recognize both an individual and an organization in 2013, the Civic Association named Helen Bailey and Sewanee Youth Soccer as the award recipients.
Kathleen O’Donohue, who nominated Bailey, described her as a behind-the-scenes presence, “humble and quietly effective.” As a Sewanee Elementary School (SES) teacher from the mid-1970s to 1994, Bailey’s “gentle, caring discipline” inspired students to rise to her high expectations. After retiring, Bailey became an avid community volunteer, giving generously of her time to SES, the Community Action Committee, Folks at Home, Emerald-Hodgson Hospital Auxiliary, Otey Parish and Thurmond Memorial Library, stepping forward to do whatever needed done. Bailey was also celebrated for her habit of walking to wherever she goes in the community.
Sewanee Youth Soccer (SYS) began in 1988, establishing affiliation with the American Youth Soccer Organization in 1994. SYS offers children from the Mountain an opportunity to play soccer in an environment of balanced teams, positive coaching and equal participation, guided by a philosophy of “everyone plays.”
Yearly, more than 30 volunteers come together to make SYS possible. Community members, aided by University and St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School students, maintain and line the fields, coach, referee and run the concession stand, attending to the details that makes SYS a special place for Mountain children.
Volunteers Jen Bachman and Ty Burnette accepted the award on behalf of SYS. Burnette also praised Kiki Beavers, who presented the award, saying, “Without Kiki, SYS wouldn’t have happened.”
Civic Association president Theresa Shackelford announced a new award to recognize a Civic Association member for their contributions to the organization.
The first Sewanee Civic Association Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Elizabeth Clark Duncan. Past president Duncan continues to serve on the board and as manager of Sewanee Classifieds email list. Shackelford credited Duncan with “rejuvenation” of the organization.
Plaques listing the Community Service Award recipients and the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be displayed in the Sewanee Community Center.
In the business portion of the meeting the membership approved the budget for fiscal year 2013–14. Classified subscriptions, dues and meals support the anticipated expenses that include the fee for the Classifieds host Group Spaces, reinstating tax-exempt status and liability insurance for the board, officers and members.
The membership also approved the slate of officers for the coming year: Susan Holmes, president; Kiki Beavers, vice-president; Kim Seavey, secretary; Lisa Rung, treasurer; and Lynn Stubblefield, member at large.
Parks committee chair Stephen Burnett reported that Memorandum of Understanding agreements had been signed with the University and the dog park board to formalize Civic Association oversight of the dog park. Burnett said the parks committee is also overseeing repair of the Little League scoreboard, so games can be held there.
The Civic Association does not meet during the summer; the next meeting will be in September.
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