Guest Blog: Sandee asks, "Just Happenstance?"

Phil and Morris, Morris and Phil.  Those names are synonymous for those of us at Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.  You rarely see one without the other.  They don't know quite how it happened.  Happenstance, Morris says.

For the last few years, these two volunteers have worked every Thursday morning at the Visitor Center.  Phil's started volunteering on Thursdays years ago, spending much of his time out in the Park before he bummed up his leg and started working at the Information Desk.  Morris eased into Thursday from Tuesday several years ago they've been fishing, shooting, restaurant reviewing and volunteer buddies ever since.

Morris grew up in New Jersey and lived in Baltimore for many years while working at the Social Security Administration.  He says his job was so secret, he doesn't even know what he did there.  Whatever it was, it took up 42 years, 3 months, and 24 days of his time.  But then, who's counting?

Phil was born in Nashville and grew up in Memphis.  He was a Navy pilot with 140 carrier landings in a fighter jet before putting in 36 years as a commercial pilot.  He earned over 20,000 hours by the time he left the airline.  By the way, three of those carrier landings were at night.  (Are you kidding?)

Both Phil and Morris were trained as Volunteer Rangers in enforcement, operations, legalities and ethics.  One ethical lesson which was reinforced to them was "never wear your uniform in public places in an attempt to get discounts!"

Phil has been with the Park since the mid 1990's and Morris since 1999, which along with their other history, speaks to their commitment level.

Happenstance is a blend of 'happening' and 'circumstance'.  I guess I agree with that...their schedules created the circumstance and it's always "happening" at the Visitor's Center on Thursday mornings.

Thanks Phil and Morris, for everything you do!