During the Annual Sutton Lake Volunteer Picnic, Huntington District Deputy District Engineer LTC Miller recognized six volunteers for exceptional service. The volunteers, John and Joetta Johnson, Eugene and Karen Bender, Pam Roberts and Tony Adkins have served at Sutton Lake for many years and exemplify the Sutton Lake Volunteer Program. Each received a plaque and certificate.
The Johnson's served as the Gerald R. Freeman Campground hosts for seven years. The Bender's have served as the Bee Run Campground Hosts for five years. Tony Adkins and Pam Roberts have provided mowing and lawn maintenance in Bakers Run for five years. In addition, each of them have assisted with Spring Clean-Up Week, Water Safety Outreach, flood clean-up, restroom cleaning, emergency responses, Campground Activities, and dozens of repair and small construction projects.
In addition to these six volunteers, Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to almost 40 volunteers who attended the picnic. During the past year, 119 Volunteers have provided almost 26,000 hours of service, at a value to the government of $627,000. In 2016, Sutton Lake ranked number 4 in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Volunteer Service.
Volunteers are vital members of the Sutton Lake Team. Without them, the campgrounds would not be open in the spring and fall. Restrooms would be closed. Special Events such as campground programs would not occur. Grounds would not be maintained as well. Dozens of improvements would not be possible. If you would be interested in joining the Sutton Lake Volunteer Team, please contact the Sutton Lake Office at 304-765-2816 or e-mail suttonlake@usace.army.mil.
Award Citations:
John and Joetta Johnson are recognized for their exceptional service as Sutton Lake Volunteers. In 2010, they began serving as Campground Hosts in Gerald R. Freeman Campground. They greeted incoming campers, providing assistance as needed and worked closely with the Park Attendant Contractors, insuring the campground operated smoothly. They loved to meet new visitors, especially children. They kept a watchful eye on the campground, encouraging kids to wear bike helmets, warning of storms and inclement weather, giving directions, and inviting every to return. In addition to serving as Hosts, John and Jo were active in Spring and Fall work efforts, preparing the campground for visitors, and assisting with dozens of minor maintenance projects in the Campground. They also assisted with coordinating Volunteer activities in Gerald Freeman Campground. John and Joetta's service has significantly benefitted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Staff at Sutton Lake, and has made a lasting impression on the hundreds of campers and visitors to Gerald R. Freeman Campground.
Eugene and Karen Bender are recognized for their exceptional service as Sutton Lake Volunteers. For the past four years, they served as the Bee Run Campground Hosts. Their assigned duties included greeting and registering campers, maintaining the grounds and facilities in the campground, and periodic cleaning in the Bee Run Day Use Area. The Campground is small and quiet, and Eugene and Karen offered to assist in other areas. They have an excellent rapport with the public and began doing Water Safety outreach in the Bee Run Day Use Area, and assisting Sutton Lake Rangers with a variety of Interpretive Activities on and around the lake. They have worked on dozens of maintenance projects in every area of Sutton Lake. Eugene is a proficient equipment operator and mowed many of the small fields on the Elk River Wildlife Management Area. Eugene and Karen Bender have provided invaluable service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Sutton Lake and to the Lake's many visitors.
Tony Adkins is recognized for his exceptional service as a Sutton Lake Volunteer. For the past five years, he has been responsible for maintaining the grounds in Bakers Run Campground. Working with other volunteers, he mowed and trimmed 25 acres, exercising great care to safely keep the 77 site campground looking great. In addition to mowing, Tony has assisted with dozens of minor maintenance details, often accompanying Sutton Lake Ranger's to complete work on the lake and in other areas. In the wake of the devastating flood in June 2016, Tony worked diligently with U.S. Army Corp staff, contractors, and many other volunteers to restore the area. Within a month, the tons of drift, silt, and debris was removed and the campground was reopened. For over ten years, Tony Adkins has provided invaluable service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Sutton Lake and the many visitors to Bakers Run Campground.
Pam Roberts is recognized for her exceptional service as a Sutton Lake Volunteer. For the past five years, she has been responsible for maintaining the grounds in Bakers Run Campground. Working with other volunteers, she mowed and trimmed 25 acres, exercising great care to safely keep the 77 site campground looking great. She was also responsible for cleaning the shower houses and grounds in Bakers Run every Spring and Fall. In the wake of the devastating flood in June 2016, Pam worked diligently with U.S. Army Corp staff, contractors, and many other volunteers to restore the area. Within a month, the tons of drift, silt, and debris was removed and the campground was reopened. For over ten years, Pam Roberts has provided invaluable service to the U.S Army Corps of Engineers at Sutton Lake and the many visitors to Bakers Run Campground.