I decided to return to Dalton after college for employment purposes. I was recruited by Collins & Aikman Corporation as a research chemist to develop fire retardant properties for carpet tiles. My decision was not difficult because my family; grandparents especially, were here in Dalton. The city was known as a great place to raise kids, with great schools and recreation facilities.
I love Greater Dalton’s weather, its scenic beauty, and its people. I also love the pace of life here, not a lot of crime, no traffic or snow. In my opinion the schools are great, and teachers do a wonderful job with the kids. Dalton’s diversity is also a big plus. All the various cultures coming together and working as one for the good of the community.
My 20-year career here with Dalton Parks and Recreation has fulfilled a lifelong dream to work with young men and women and to help direct them in the right path of life. While employed with Collins and Aikman I was asked to assist with a boy scout troop at the Friendship House where most of the scouts were young men from single parent homes and most without father figures in their lives. Seeing the change in some of these young men was so inspiring that I developed a desire to help more and more.
That desire led me to Whitfield Count Juvenile Court where I was director of Tutorial Service, where I work with kids in the juvenile court system who were either suspended or out of school and behind in their classes. These young men and women were much like the scouts with no father figure and no dreams or aspirations for the future. The key to getting to them was to show them that you care and that they could have dreams and make those dreams come true.
After four years with Juvenile Court that program was ended and as they say, when one door is closed God opens another. In the last months of the program the position at the Community Center became available. While considering whether to apply I received a call to come and apply. Now at the Community Center I am able to continue inspiring young people to pursue their dreams and reach their goals. My twenty years here have been very fulfilling where I’ve seen young men get their diplomas, good paying jobs, off probation, become good fathers and mothers, coaches, teachers, firemen and peace officers, ministers and more.
There have been many inspiring men and women in my life that I am very grateful for; Curtis Rivers, Henry Anderson, Cornelia Easley, Bishop C.H. Ellison, Monroe Blackwell, Lillian Miller, Rev. Curtis Rivers, and many others.
I thank God for my journey, the doors he has opened and for allowing me to touch so many lives here in Greater Dalton.”