DAR presents national award to Colquitt County Arts Center

Published 3:00 pm Monday, November 12, 2018

MOULTRIE, Ga. — The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington, DC, recently awarded the Community Service Award of Excellence to the Colquitt County Arts Center Board of Directors and the many volunteers involved in its programs. The Arts Center was nominated by Moultrie’s John Benning DAR chapter.  

The NSDAR Community Service Award of Excellence recognizes individuals and/or organizations for unpaid service or achievements in cultural, educational, patriotic, or historical endeavors in a commendable way, according to a press release from the DAR chapter.

This award recognizes the many volunteers from the community who serve on various committees for the Arts Center events, both large and small; as solicitors for annual pledges by patrons; and as docents for day-to-day operations as well as exhibits, classes, and programming. In addition, all musical and theatrical productions use volunteer performers and production staff. Many additional volunteers from several community organizations help raise funds for the Arts Center including the Moultrie Service League and the Volunteer Arts Alliance.   

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Colquitt County Arts Center,” said Nancy Coleman, Regent of the John Benning chapter. “That is why we feel it is so important to recognize them for the work they do in achieving one of the NSDAR goals by helping to preserve our rich American heritage in the fields of art and sculpture, crafts, drama and literature, fiber arts, and music.”

This group also maintains a 90-year-old landmark facility that enriches the whole community, the press release said.

“Arts Center programming reaches out to the children in the elementary schools where the arts are sometimes shortchanged in schools,” the DAR chapter said. “The center also provides programming in local assisted living facilities.”

In a letter of recommendation for the award, Colquitt County Administrator Chas Cannon said, “The Colquitt County Arts Center increases the attractiveness of Moultrie and Colquitt County to prospective workers, businesses and tourists while providing cultural diversity in our community.”

According to Moultrie’s first lady Katrina McIntosh, “Every day this Center makes a positive difference in the lives of our citizens. Our center certainly enhances the quality of life and attracts not only individuals but businesses to Moultrie and Colquitt County.” McIntosh has been a volunteer at the center since 1977.

“The Arts Center is certainly a treasure we can all be proud of,” Coleman added.