I had a fine time at the the Knoxville Zoo this evening, celebrating the many Zoo volunteers who give so much of their time. While I am not a volunteer, giving time to the Zoo runs deep in my family. My father has been on the volunteer roster for about 3 decades, participating in everything from classroom education, to shoveling rhino poop. He has gotten so much from the experience. My sister Carol is the newest volunteer recruit, giving time as often as she can. I attended the event with my sister Carol and as a sub for my dad, who could not attend.
The dinner was a potluck affair held under a big tent on the zoo grounds. A nice cool breeze kept the bugs away (I should mention I got my first two mosquito bites this afternoon before the event), but the air was buzzing from the chatter of 160 attendees. Had my dad been there, he would have been called to the front, recognized for his efforts and awarded volunteer emeritus status. As it was, the pin was quietly given to Carol while we were in the buffet line and not mentioned during the award ceremony. We were a bit sad about that.
All in all, a great time was had by all!
