Newton thanked with luncheon for service to Outreach

Published 10:27 pm Thursday, September 17, 2015

Polk County Commissioner Ray Gasperson presents Carol Newton with a proclamation in recognition of her retirement as executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. (photo by Leah Justice)

Polk County Commissioner Ray Gasperson presents Carol Newton with a proclamation in recognition of her retirement as executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. (photo by Leah Justice)

By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Noted for her big smile and wonderful heart, former Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry Executive Director Carol Newton was honored this week in front of an almost full dining hall at Tryon Estates.

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Employees “roasted” Newton, although they mostly spoke of her big heart and all the wonderful things she brought to the community the past five years.

Newton was honored with a proclamation from the Polk County Board of Commissioners, presented by commissioner Ray Gasperson, a plaque from the Outreach board of directors, a commemorative photo album from Joe Epley and a framed photograph of the newly constructed woodshed completed just the day before.

Newton’s retirement luncheon was held on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Tryon Estates in Columbus, with master of ceremonies Pam Stone.

Carol Newton and Mike Ashworth, with the Thermal Belt Outreach Board of Directors. (photo by Leah Justice)

Carol Newton and Mike Ashworth, with the Thermal Belt Outreach Board of Directors. (photo by Leah Justice)

The proclamation from the county included that the number of families served in the county has more than doubled since Newton was hired and honored Newton for her, “unselfish services performed.”

Employee Michelle Reedy said she first met Newton when Newton took her first tour of the facility over five years ago.

“From that day forward, Carol has done nothing but add to the organization,” Reedy said. “She has built it up, strengthened it, increased our volunteers and increased our capacity. We have all learned so much. Her heart is her biggest asset.”

Employee Vennie Abrams, who was once a client, then a volunteer, said all she could say is Newton “is her heart.”

Abrams mentioned the good work of former director and founder of Outreach Eloise Thwing for so many years.

“Carol had a heart that kept on giving when Eloise stopped,” said Abrams. “(Newton) knows our homes, knows our families, knows our circumstances.”

Employee Ray Norden said Outreach went through some difficult times years ago but Newton kept the ball rolling.

“You’ve done a wonderful job bringing Thermal Belt to a point where the community is very comfortable with it and hopefully they will continue to provide funding for all the wonderful things that Thermal Belt does,” Norden said.

Epley said Outreach interviewed several people to fill the executive director position and choosing Newton was the best decision the board could have made, saying Newton has brought Outreach into a better financial position, among other things.

“I could see the calmness and ability to get through the chase with grace,” Epley said of Newton. “And that wonderful smile of hers.”

Newton, who served as executive director for almost five years and retired in July, said it was a gift to serve Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. George Alley is the new executive director of Outreach.

New executive director George Alley with Carol Newton. (photo by Leah Justice)

New executive director George Alley with Carol Newton. (photo by Leah Justice)

“It was a gift to serve, it was a gift to be chosen,” Newton said. “It was a gift to get to know you all.”

Newton said she is grateful to her husband, to the staff that makes it happen in a major way, to all the volunteers and supporters.

“You all are just fantastic and it’s this community that makes Outreach happen,” said Newton. “Please continue to do all you do for our neighbors. You make all the difference.”