When Mike Horrell’s name was called out at the recent GUEST shelter awards gala, a look of sheer panic slowly glided across his face.
After all, Mike is not a man who seeks the spotlight. He doesn’t pursue accolades or fanfare. He is unassuming, humble and chronically allergic to attention. Nonetheless, on that night, the spotlight found him. He received the first-ever Bill Parks Award for excellence in service to the homeless.
On this particular night, Mike was honored for his commitment to those in need. However, his list of civic activities is much longer. He’s also a volunteer dog walker, election official, forestry steward and math tutor. As if guided by a magical watch that gives him unlimited hours in the day, he happily goes from one activity to another. However, according to Mike, the secret is not mystical. His schedule is a testament to the wonders of good old-fashioned retirement.
Mike has certainly earned his free time. He came to Gloucester in 1975 and was quickly offered teaching jobs. After stints at Botetourt and T.C. Walker Elementary schools, he moved on to Peasley Middle School, where he spent the majority of his career. As a math and science teacher, Mike spent over 30 years lecturing on linear equations, exponents, and variables. Since retiring in 2006, he easily has taught thousands of children how to solve for x and y.
His first foray into public service was sports related. In the mid-1980s, Mike started working with Gloucester Parks & Recreation. He was an assistant soccer coach, although he admits he didn’t know much about the game. He learned on the fly, which made the experience both “fun and challenging.”
After soccer, Mike worked with programs sponsored by the Salvation Army—even serving as a bell ringer at Walmart. However, he is quick to point out that he “never dressed up as Santa.” Over the years, Mike kept adding different organizations and causes into his rotation of service.
The Gloucester United Emergency Shelter Team awards gala was held on April 23 at Flat Iron Crossroads. It was an evening of celebration for everyone who volunteered at the GUEST shelter this past winter. During the colder months, GUEST coordinates with local churches to offer accommodations to the local homeless. Mike is what they call a Host Site Coordinator or HSC: a liaison between GUEST and the church.
Mike is the HSC for Newington Baptist in Gloucester Court House. Mike shared the Bill Parks Award with Bob Shuping and Joel Emerson.
His involvement with GUEST started around 2014. He vividly recalls his first time serving at the Gloucester shelter. It was a winter night. Weeks and weeks of meticulous planning had been leading up to the opening. So many people were eager to put their training and goodwill to work that a small army of volunteers showed up. They ended up comically outnumbering the people needing shelter, which ended up being one woman.
Unfortunately, the number of people needing shelter has grown since Mike’s first experience. On average, Mike and other GUEST volunteers care for roughly eight to 20 people a night. The numbers fluctuate as people move to different shelters or find other arrangements.
According to Michelle Wells, GUEST’s executive director, Mike “has made it his mission throughout the winter season to volunteer early in the week at as many sites as possible to offer seasoned experience and consistency to the program.”
When he wants a break from his GUEST duties, you can probably find him at the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society walking a rescue dog. When asked about his four-legged friends, Mike’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. He is especially fond of Totally Tucker, a hound mix that sounds like a bit of a rascal.
Mike describes his time with the dogs as the “funniest, most rewarding” job in the world. He was inspired to work with animals after babysitting his daughter’s rescue dog, Winston. Like most of us, he feels that “dogs didn’t decide the events that put them in the shelter. They deserve kindness.”
As if his plate isn’t full enough, Mike also serves as an election official. Since getting involved, he estimates that he has worked with every precinct in the county as a chief or assistant chief. In this capacity, his job is simple. He oversees voting to make sure it is free, fair, and safe.
When asked about his feelings towards elections, Mike has a refreshing answer for these polarizing times. He says, “I want everyone who is supposed to vote to vote. Democrat or Republican doesn’t matter to me.”
Rounding out his list, he is a member of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club. This network of hikers and conservationists work together to maintain trails, repair bridges, and clear walkways. His group looks after Beaver Dam, First Landing State Park, and York River State Park.
They also take trips to places like Sherando in Lyndhurst, Virginia, a lake known as the “jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” When Mike speaks of his time with this club, he reminds us all that volunteering can be fun and a good way to make friends.
When asked why he chooses to donate so much of his time, Mike says, “It’s because Gloucester has been good to me.” He and his wife Sallie, who was also a public-school teacher, came here from Northern Virginia. They settled in Gloucester, worked, and raised their children, Stacie and Seth. Mike simply wants to give back to the community.
He hopes that, when others learn about his service, they will want to get involved too. Whether it’s walking a dog, offering shelter, assisting in elections, or protecting Virginia’s natural beauty, every person’s contribution matters. And one person can make all the difference in the world.
Special Note: The Bill Parks Award for service is named after Herman “Bill” Kenneth Parks. He was a GUEST board member, veteran, and active volunteer who passed away last fall. If you are interested in volunteering with GUEST, visit www.guestshelter.com. Furthermore, if you can have an interest in working with animals, email volunteer@gmhumanesociety.org or call 804-693-5520, ext. 106.