Mary Beth Nevills, Facility Coordinator at Cannonsburgh Village
After working for a historic house museum for 17 years and with a degree in history and education, working at Cannonsburgh Village was an easy transition for Mary Beth and a perfect one for Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
Starting in 2021 as an assistant program coordinator, she's worked hard to bring in special guests for presentations and to create real-life connections that bring history to life. She also opened up the village so its buildings are more accessible to everyone and guests can walk in and fully experience them, especially during popular annual events like Pioneer Days and Harvest Days at Cannonsburgh.
“I never know what the day holds,” laughs Mary Beth. “I could be chasing chickens, handling antiques, researching history or booking entertainment. But most of all, my favorite thing is meeting people from all over the world.”
When Mary Beth isn’t at Cannonsburgh, she’s busy spending time with her husband and two boys. She enjoys doing puzzles and loves Hallmark Christmas movies.
Gloria Bonner, EdD, Murfreesboro Parks And Recreation Commission Member
“I've been engaged with recreation and had a special connection with the parks since I was a young child,” recalls Gloria.
Growing up in Murfreesboro, her family always played an active role in parks, from movies at Patterson Park Community Center, parks and playground activities, sports and fashion shows to now being involved in major events such as the Special Olympics, new facility celebrations and even serving as the grand marshal of the 2023 Christmas Parade.
In Gloria's role on the commission, she loves assisting with finding ways to make programs and events accessible to everyone. She credits the leadership and intellectual vitality of the department's staff for having an incredible understanding and passion for what they're creating, and is proud of how it all sets Murfreesboro apart from other communities.
Gloria says she also feels the new Veterans Park will be a “game changer” for the community, and she can’t hardly wait.
Before retiring, she spent 44 years in education and 33 years of that service with MTSU, including her role as dean of education. This community leader is the definition of what commitment to community looks like.
Samantha Stolze, Recreation Facility Coordinator
Running around the 130-acre Richard Siegel Soccer Complex and sometimes managing up to 3,000 athletes in a week is no easy task, but it's one in which Sam absolutely thrives. Her attention to detail shines through, and has served her well in positions starting at the Wilderness Station in 2014, moving to Aquatics and then finally settling down in Athletics in 2022 – after a brief stint in China and getting her doctorate degree in human performance. The most surprising aspect of her position now is how diversified it is: everything from scheduling rentals, doing field work and running programs like the Special Olympics. Many large events are hosted on-site such as MLS NEXT, National USYS National Championships and the TSSAA State Championships in Boys’ Soccer and Girls’ Flag Football; these events always add an exciting element to the job.
In her free time, Sam loves to play tennis, read fantasy books, watch Disney movies and play with her two dogs, Chalooby and Roz.
“Every day is different. I enjoy that we're entrusted to create and run programs that we want to offer to the community,” shares Sam. “I'm also a Special Olympics coach for cornhole, bocce and cheer, which is one of the very best parts of my job. I really love what I do, and it’s just fun.”