As Congregational Church of Tryon, United Church of Christ President Amy Correll was making the announcements prior to worship service on Sunday, Aug. 26, the congregation heard, “Now we have a surprise for a member of our congregation. 

“I’d like to ask Manfred Walter to come up. Manfred is on the board of Second Wind Hall of Fame, which recognizes the contributions of volunteers over 60 in our community. A few weeks ago, he approached me about sponsoring a new inductee into the Second Wind Hall of Fame. When I found out who he had in mind, I was delighted to sign the application on behalf of the church…

“Cherie Brooks, would you please come up?”

Brooks and her husband, Phil, moved to Polk County in 2004.  Since then, she has volunteered her time with the Congregational Church of Tryon in various capacities from 2005 to 2017, with Big Brothers/Big Sisters from 2014-2017, and Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry from 2005 to 2017. 

She attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has two daughters and two sons, and one granddaughter. Her hobbies are reading and walking.

The Second Wind Hall of Fame is an almost 40-year old Thermal Belt organization. Its mission is to recognize and to honor the active, retired community volunteers who improve the quality of life for local citizens.

Brooks is an example of the more than 200 current Second Wind members who, in retirement, catch a “second wind” in service to their community. 

At the annual luncheon meeting in September, Brooks will be celebrated for her contributions, along with the other new inductees into the Second Wind Hall of Fame.

The Congregational Church of Tryon sponsored Brooks’ induction.

– Submitted by Ellen Harvey Zipf