DAVID BROWN: You May know this local hero

    This is one of the busiest times of the year in Cherokee and surrounding counties. I personally attended six different events in eight days and still feel like I missed too much.
    The two events where I was emcee last week – the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner meeting on Thursday, then the main stage at Oktoberfest in Andrews on Saturday – showcased some of the things I enjoy most about the place we call home. One night, most of us were dressed in black tie at a formal dinner. Two days later, we were wearing shorts in a most informal beer and wine garden while eating barbecue.
    There was so much going on you can be forgiven if you missed a little thing that took place on Sept. 23. That’s when Modern Woodman of America honored Cherokee County’s own Mary May with a Hometown Heroes award.
    Her certificate reads: “You believe in volunteer service, and so do we. As a fraternal financial services organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and communities, we recognize your accomplishments and appreciate your contribution to your community. You’re truly a hometown hero!”
    Linda May, the local representative for Modern Woodman, was happy to hand out the honor to her friend.
    “Mary goes above and beyond for the children,” Linda said. “Our award is for those who do not want special recognition, they do it from the heart, so to me they are much more deserving to be recognized.”
    I will now happily toss aside any hope I have of being called non-biased to say this: Mary May is one of the finest human beings I’ve ever had known, and that’s not just because she’s my online Scrabble partner. (Andrew is a great guy, too, also serving on the Truett Baptist Children’s Home Board of Directors.)
    Children have always been at the heart of Mary’s service to the community, which is why she coordinated the county’s Guardian ad Litem program for many years. She also serves on the board of directors of HAVEN Children’s Advocacy Center, where she has been personally responsible for recruiting almost every other board member, myself included. And her work with the children’s boutique at Marble Springs Baptist Church has brought smiles to many young faces in need of basic necessities.
    While Mary is known for a soft heart as wide as the ocean and deep as the sea, she can be pretty feisty, too. Just get her riled up about something and find out.
    My mom and grandma are in heaven now, which leaves me feeling a little empty inside. But it fills me with joy to know that wonderful women like Mary are still with us, helping make the world a better place in their own special ways.
    David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. You can reach him by phone, 837-5122; email, dbrown@cherokeescout.com; or on Twitter @daviddBstroh.