SYLACAUGA — Judy Hartsfield was named “Volunteer of the Year” by The Arc of South Talladega County. She was one of several volunteers honored and new board members named at the organization’s annual dinner Thursday.

The annual Awards and Installation Dinner was held at First Presbyterian Church. Arc Director Beverly White described volunteering as the “ultimate exercise in democracy.”

“You vote in elections once a year,” White said. “But when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

White acknowledged “Mrs. Judy’s” work not just for her organization but for the many she serves throughout the area.

“She is not just a volunteer for Arc, she is a volunteer for our community,” White said. “We just want to say thank you.”

Hartsfield said her time had been well-spent volunteering for Arc.

“These guys are wonderful, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said. “I want each one of the guys and girls from the center to know I love each and every one of you. You have made my life special.”

Carol Laney was awarded the “Al Willet Member of the Year” achievement. White said the award’s namesake was always involved in several organization related activities.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment,” White said. “At Arc, we don’t look at the negatives. We look at what we can do not what we can’t do. [Laney] has that same philosophy.”

The “President’s Award” was given to Pastor Jim Stanford. Stanford said he would look back kindly on his time with the group, as he will be retiring.

“After all the things I have done here in Sylacauga I recall with great joy and will remember,” he said. “Though I’ll be moving to retirement in Georgia, my thoughts and prayers will be with you.”

Cheryl Eyster introduced Rev. Mike Samuels and awarded him the “Friend of the Arc.” Eyster said Samuels told her that he wished he could have a full congregation of people with intellectual disabilities.

“He said, ‘They accept you for what you are, they tell you like it is and they love you,’” Eyster said.

Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to Carol Emlich-Bates, Sherry Vickers and Sylacauga Civitans Club.

Arc’s state executive director, Tom Holmes also spoke at the dinner. He said the organization’s membership continues to grow thanks to local groups like the one in south Talladega County.

“That membership is based on how well people in the community support programs,” he said. “I’m always impressed when I meet the members of the local chapters to see what they are doing that serve so well.”