The Herald-News - News Story

Crowds will line the streets of historic downtown Dayton this Saturday to watch the annual horse and carriage parade, an event reminiscent of the old-fashioned Christmases in years past.

At the forefront of the parade will be Grand Marshals John and Linda Blevins, chosen for their "steadfast volunteerism," according to Kathy Griffin, chair of Merchants of MainStreet Dayton.

"Linda and 'Daddy John' are the best thing since sliced bread, brown shoe laces and canned soda," said Rhea Family YMCA Executive Director Sgt. Manny Carril.

As a couple, John and Linda have envisioned and implemented the garden in the courtyard of Rhea Medical Center.

"You get two for the price of one with them," said Faith Young, president of Four Seasons Garden Club. "They can be found washing dishes, painting, delivering information, cooking, visiting shut-ins, helping with home repairs and just helping others in general."

John's volunteering began while he was attending Tennessee Technological University from 1963 to 1965, where he participated in ROTC and went on to the Army Infantry to serve during the Vietnam conflict.

As a member of First United Methodist Church, he taught Sunday school, youth, and was a Cub, Boy and Explorer Scout leader.

"During this period, I got to be known as 'Daddy John,' especially after I married my second wife, Linda - who had four children - plus my three," said John.

John has been a volunteer or on the YMCA board since his children were small, and after he retired from Tennessee Valley Authority in 1999, he worked for the Y as an accountant and in maintenance.

Linda is also on the YMCA board and assists with Healthy Kids Day with her husband.

"I would say John and Linda are YMCA keystones," said Carril.

John has been on his church's board since 1978 and has participated in several mission trips to Jamaica and Haiti to teach, rebuild churches and provide medical missions to needy people.

He also serves on the We Care board.

Linda has quite a repertoire of volunteer activities as well. She is a member of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, board member of Volunteers in Medicine, life member of Four Season Garden Club, vacation Bible school volunteer at Dayton First United Methodist Church, healthcare chair of Rhea County United Way, March of Dimes organizer and member of Rhea Healthcare Foundation.

She has been employed with Rhea Medical Center for 31 years.

"Obviously, I love my job," said Linda.

Linda said she got involved in the community and church because of her father's example of Christian stewardship and putting others first. Her mother was constantly organizing benefits and raising funds for different organizations as well.

"I guess it has always been in my genes," Linda said.

Carril noted that their real body of work is their big, blended family they continue to support and love. He said their children are all involved in local communities and seem to love their parents.

"What is so surprising to me and lot of folks is how John and Linda can sustain their service and giving," said Carril. "A lot of our community leaders have not finished strong. They wear down, give up or just fill their personal agenda. Not DJ and Linda - their philanthropy never quits, kind of like that little pink bunny with the battery."

"I don't think we deserved it," added Linda about being named marshals. "But we were very honored and very surprised."

As Grand Marshals lead the parade down Market Street, horses, carriages, strolling carolers and a variety of animals and people will follow. Participants as well as spectators are encouraged to dress festively, especially with the theme "Deck the Halls."

Photos with Santa to benefit Almost Home Pet Foundation will start at noon at Centennial Park. The Christmas Critters Pageant starts at 2 p.m. at the park.

The parade lineup will begin at 3 p.m., with the parade starting at 4 p.m. near the Dayton Fire Department. It will end at the Rhea County Courthouse, where the building will be lit and candlelit caroling will ensue.

For more information or to register for any events, call Anna Tromanhauser at 775-9847 or e-mail mainstreet@volstatenet or visit www.mainstreetdayton.org.

Michelle Friesen can be reached at michelle.friesen@rheaheraldnews.com.