Posted: April 8, 2004
 “Heather works very hard as our Master Composter leader,” says Master Composter Harry Casto. “She leads by example and is tireless, whether leading us in projects in the cold of winter, or the blazing heat of summer. Heather always has a kind word for everyone, and it is always a pleasure to do volunteer work with her.”
Echoed over and over again, these are the words that pretty much sum up the feelings of the volunteers who work with the City’s 2004 Outstanding Supervisor of Volunteers, Mrs. Heather Merchant.
In an announcement at the City’s annual VIP Appreciation Reception held March 25 at the Courtyard Theatre, the only surprised face in the crowd at hearing Mrs. Merchant had been accorded the Volunteer Supervisor of the Year award, was Mrs. Merchant herself.
“That was quite the night for me, to be sure,” said Ms. Merchant, pictured above accepting her award from City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck. “I was really surprised. I think the most special part of it for me was there was a good representation from the Master Composters. They are just the absolutely best group of people and have made my job a joy and so much easier over the years. Without them, there would be no award.”
Were it up to Ms. Merchant, the Supervisor award would be retitled the “Supervisor and Volunteer Team Award.” Speaking with her, it is obvious she treasures the work of the volunteer team who assist the City in various environmental educational and outreach efforts in the community.
“What I felt when the award was announced was that the honor really goes to the Master Composters. They inspire me, and I often stand in awe of what they are willing to do. Master Composter volunteers are different from many other volunteer groups within the City because most of them are not retired. Most of them work full time, and devote their precious evening and weekend hours to our outreach programs and events. We simply could not offer the extensive classes, school programs, special events, compost sales, promotional and educational booths at outside events without them.”
Mrs. Merchant, who has helped design and build the City’s Master Compost Program, Backyard Compost Demonstration Site and most recently, Children’s Discovery Garden facility, has been the City’s Compost Marketing and Education Coordinator for the past eight years. Her award-winning initiatives are mainly driven by her volunteer team.
It is a tribute to Mrs. Merchant that a large majority of Composters enjoy their work so much, they extend their time even years beyond the minimal commitment of volunteerism their free Master Composter training requires.
The accolades from her volunteer team pour in.
“She ensures there are always enough volunteers to meet and assist the citizens who are interested in learning more about recycling and how better to take care of and enjoy their urban landscape.”
“Heather understands everyone’s strengths and weaknesses and utilizes these skills for the benefit of the volunteers and the City of Plano.”
“Heather encouraged development of a Master Composter Advisory Committee for project focus. She always has an idea, but she seeks out the advice of the Council to fully recognize a plan. She always makes us feel more included and helps the group take ownership of more projects.”
“I felt very happy to receive the award with so many of the team present, knowing this is the last year I will really be their direct supervisor. It brought a nice close to all my work with them over the years before I transition the responsibilities to a new Coordinator.”
Mrs. Merchant, who has held a part-time position with the City, recently accepted a promotion to full-time Compost Marketing and Education Supervision for the City’s Environmental Waste Division. Although not directly supervising a volunteer staff any longer, she will still work to guide the City’s various compost initiatives.
As one volunteer stated, “Heather has increased the public’s awareness about environmental issues one homeowner at a time. Sometimes more than one homeowner, but the awareness nonetheless is the same. She is helping to keep Plano beautiful and that’s the best quality of all!”
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