Name: Sam McLendon
Family Members: Wife, Becky; adult children, Will, Deanne and Ashley; grandchildren, 9
Occupation and why I selected it: Director Parks, Recreation & Tourism for Carroll County. My entire work career has been associated with the area of parks, recreation and tourism and I have held various positions not only in recreation management and programming, but in recreation/parks facilities development. It had been my dream to one day live and work in the mountains and this position was an opportunity come true for me.
What clubs, groups and church do you belong: I belong to numerous groups and associations associated with my work. My wife and I are still looking for a church home and have had the privilege of visiting several great churches in the area, hearing some good preaching and meeting very nice people.
Education: I have a B.S. Degree in Recreation with specialization in Management and Development (both programming and facility development). I struggled with what I wanted to do when I got out of high school so one day I asked myself what I really enjoyed doing. After some contemplation, I realized that going on vacation was about my favorite thing. So working in recreation and parks was a good fit and I’ve never regretted the decision.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I collect Department 56, miniature themed buildings, and construct miniature villages and towns at Christmas to display in our home. These displays are complete with buildings, roads, lights, ponds, landscaping streams, ect.
Favorite Food: Any good traditional Southern Cooking, including desserts. Best in the world!
Favorite Music: I like all types of music, but my favorites are contemporary Christian, movie soundtracks and classical pieces by composer/conductors such as Aaron Copeland.
Favorite Book: My Bible is my favorite. However, I am an avid reader and enjoy reading adventure fiction and books on history.
If you weren’t in recreation what would you be doing? I would love to own my own resort property. However, in my heart it would be missions work both in the U.S. and abroad. Not to stay long term but to go and accomplish specific projects over a period of 3 to 6 months that would be beneficial to a community and its people.
What is the best part of your job? The opportunity it gives to interact with the community and its people on several levels, and having the chance to improve the quality of life for persons through the provision of quality recreation programs and facilities. The excitement of what can be for this county motivates me.
What is the worst part of your job? Haven’t found one yet and I’m not looking for one. Certainly there are challenges, but I enjoy my job and I’m happy just to be here.
Share your most favorite memory in your life to date. Besides creating a memory filled journey through life with Becky every day, I would have to say any missions trip I have had the opportunity to be a part of both in the U.S. and abroad. The opportunity to meet other people, meet a need, share my faith and to develop a friendship is such a blessing.
Name something you find very irritating and why: I don’t like the attitude of people who make assumptions or judgments about other people based on a preconceived notion when they don’t really know the person or their situation.
What is the best advice you were ever given and who gave it? I enjoy reading quotes and sayings and use them as little guidepost in life. I think the best advice ever given to me or anyone is the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments. Imagine what kind of world this would be if everyone just followed these 11 rules.
What else would you like the people of Carroll County to know about you? My door is always open to the citizens of Carroll County at the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Office. My wife and I appreciate all the kindness we have been shown since we moved here and we look forward to becoming increasingly involved in our community.
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