ROC recognized Nanney as Volunteer of Month

Photo provided.

Pat Nanney of Forest City has been recognized as the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) Volunteer of the Month for May. Pat regularly walks the Thermal Belt Rail Trail as a ROC Trail Ambassador; providing friendly assistance to users, cleaning up trash, and capturing photos of people enjoying the trail and sharing their stories.

"Pat is an incredible asset to ROC in this program, and regularly informs us of trail conditions and other concerns," said a spokesperson for ROC.

The spokesperson continued, "Pat's renowned friendlessness and warmth is a great resource to visitors of the trail and beyond, as he continues to share the wonderful opportunities our community has to offer.

"An encounter with Pat is always a pleasure, and we love when he stops by the office to share pictures and to say hello. Pat is an incredible resource for promoting local news and events, and you can always find him with his camera where the action is. On more than one occasion, ROC has been out in the community providing some of our many services, to be greeted by a surprise photo shoot with Pat.

Pat shares our story and pictures with local news outlets and his own personal Facebook page with an impressive following. His photographs are nothing short of spectacular and are always a great inspiration to locals and visitors alike to get outside and love where we live. Pat regularly shares these captures with us in our monthly photo contests and encourages others to participate as well.

Pat said he was totally surprised to be selected as Volunteer of the Month.

"I enjoy walking on different sections on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail for exercise and to photograph people using the trail as well as flowers and birds I might see. I wish people would put trash in the proper places so clean-up wasn't necessary. The very kind remarks that went with the honor were very much appreciated," Nanney said.

A ROC spokesperson said, "ROC is incredibly fortunate to know this well-respected member of our community and for all that he does to improve our organization. Thank you so much for all that you do Pat."