News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Alice Barlow of Jackson County said volunteering to her is all about making a change.
Barlow is one of eight Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award honorees in the Upper Cumberland. Barlow said she first came to Jackson County in 1968 and made it her mission to improve her hometown.
“I got here and fell in love with the area,” Barlow said. “I mean it is so beautiful, and the people here are so rich in history and tourism. It is just a wonderful place to be.”
Barlow holds many positions like being a member of both the Economic Development and Port Authority Boards. Barlow said all of her roles are important, but promoting tourism with the Chamber of Commerce is what she cares about the most.
“I help with the veterans here. I help do volunteer work with them,” Barlow said. “I work with the chamber. The chamber is very dear to my heart. The only way we are going to change the Upper Cumberland is to bring on those tourism dollars.”
Barlow said her passion for volunteering runs in her blood. Barlow said all of her close family members share the same goal as her.
“I have three other siblings, and we all do the same thing,” Barlow said. “I have a sister in Colorado Springs. I have a brother in Williamsburg, Virginia. I have a sister in Frankfort, Kentucky. We’ve all done our share of volunteering. I guess it is just something our parents instilled in us. If you want thing better, you got to work at it.”
Planning the Jackson County Christmas Parade, supporting the local rescue squad and participating with the historical society are more efforts that led to Barlow’s distinction.
Other winners include Shawn Aytes and Wyatt Fairman of Cumberland County, Lee and Karen Little and Seth Vaughn of Fentress County, Zachary Pennington of Jackson County and Ella McGugin of Putnam County. All will be recognized virtually Sunday at www.volunteertennessee.net.
