Message from the President (by Steve Spakes

A Message from the President

By Steve Spakes

I must start this month’s message with a huge thank you to April and Charles Flanigan, Race Directors of

The “chefs” who helped provide food for runners at the Hill and Dale 8-Miler in Shelby Forest State Park: Benno Capshaw, Ryan Wallace and Peter Mellen. the Hill and Dale 8 miler that took place in Shelby Forest on Saturday, Jan. 4. The volunteer and participant support this year was extraordinary! The race had over 600 entries and well over 500 finishers. The Hill and Dale started in 1979 and was one of the original four races of the Tennessee State Parks Running Tour. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief organization from 1933 to 1942 for unemployed, unmarried men. It was designed to provide jobs for young men and to relieve families who had difficulty finding jobs during the Great Depression. In 1938, a CCC camp in the area began construction of what was to become T.O. Fuller State Park in 1938. It was the first State Park east of the Mississippi River designated for African Americans.

Dr. Thomas O. Fuller, for whom the park was named, served as principal of Howe Institute, a precursor to Lemoyne-Owen and did many great things for the city. This same group also discovered Chucalissa Village during the initial development in 1939.

So, why the history lesson? MRTC is proud to host the T.O. Fuller State Park 7K/14K trail race (one or two loops) Saturday March 28 at 8 a.m. This event will take you through scenic, gently rolling hills. Hope to see you there!

The Hill & Dale “Voluntold” committee, so named by April Flanigan (far left), who “told” friends to show up to help at the 8-Miler. April and Charles Flanigan (next to April) were race directors for the event. With them, from left, are Robin Wallace, Ryan Wallace, Peter Mellen and Kacie Mellen. At far left in front is Evelyn, daughter of April and Charles.