HARDIN VALLEY — During National Volunteer Week, April 19–25, communities across the country pause to recognize the people who give their time and heart to others. At Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care, one of those individuals is Madalyn Whedon, a volunteer whose steady presence is making a meaningful difference in residents’ daily lives, according to Clarissa Alberto, communications specialist with Morning Pointe Senior Living. “Whedon began volunteering earlier this year, inspired by personal experience,” Alberto stated in a press release. “Having had relatives in senior living communities and nursing homes, she saw firsthand how much a simple visit or shared activity can brighten someone’s day.” “I knew how much of a difference volunteers make,” Whedon shared. Since February, Whedon has become a familiar and welcome face in the community, especially during one of residents’ favorite pastimes: bean bag baseball. “She has spent the semester helping with practices, encouraging players and cheering them on,” Alberto stated. “Recently, she had the opportunity to support residents during a tournament, where their hard work and dedication were on full display” “It was awesome to see all of the hard work they put in be shown off,” Whedon said.
Read MoreThe 2026 Knox County primary election results went final at 10:35 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. That night, Ashton Hicks settled in after a long day as a precinct election officer, having overseen the polling location at Faith Lutheran Church on Jamestowne Boulevard in Farragut. While likely tired, Hicks also felt the same pride that inspired him to become involved in this process more than a decade ago. “I think it’s one of the most important things we can do as Americans,” Hicks said. “I’ve often said that if you don’t like the way things are going, you can’t complain unless you voted because that’s how we make change.“ Hicks said his mother made sure to take him with her when she went to vote. That influence sparked involvement, as an 18-year-old Hicks asked about becoming a poll worker for a 2015 local election. He became a precinct officer the next year and served in that role until 2020 when he moved to Knoxville. “I’ve always been kind of a democracy nerd,” he quipped. “I think everyone in this country should have the right to vote and should exercise that right. It’s always fascinated me, and it’s cool to be a part of it now as an adult.” He previously served at a Knoxville Head Start location south of the river then was moved to Faith Lutheran for the mayoral election this year. “At this precinct, we have everyone from every different background on the ideological and political spectrum,” he added. “We have Republicans and Democrats, as we’re supposed to by law, but we all come together to achieve a free and fair election in our specific precinct. If anyone has any doubt as to the integrity of elections in the state of Tennessee, I would tell them to show up and work an election on Election Day because I assure you it’s one of the most secure procedures that takes place.”
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