VISTA workers add value to services at county museum

The Union County Heritage Museum and Tallahatchie Arts Council would like to introduce their VISTA Members Stephen Bennett and Mary Ellen Cobb. VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) stations hard-working people with non-profit organizations within the North Mississippi area in what is called the North MS VISTA Project. This is made possible by the Mclean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement at the University of Mississippi. Their combined goal with the North MS VISTA Project is to alleviate poverty through education. The Union County Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Union County and educating residents and visitors alike. The Tallahatchie Arts Council seeks to enrich and educate the community through art, cultural appreciation, and community outreach.

Stephen Bennett hails from the Delta, born in Clarksdale. He attended Northeast Mississippi Community College and Blue Mountain College, studying religious education with an emphasis in music. He currently lives in New Albany and has served as the VISTA Member for the Union County Heritage Museum since September 2019. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the museum and hopes to see it flourish and continue to be the cultural hub of Union County. He is always looking for volunteers and helping hands, if you are interested in getting involved with the museum you can reach Steve at steve@ucheritagemuseum.com.

Mary Ellen Cobb is a recent graduate from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Studio Art, emphasizing in printmaking. She currently resides in Oxford, but is often driving everywhere between Tupelo, Pontotoc, New Albany, and Jackson. She has served as a VISTA Member for the Tallahatchie Arts Council (TAC) since the beginning of September 2020. She is very excited to work with both the arts council and the museum. Her goals for TAC include more youth and community outreach as well as developing lasting infrastructure to sustain the organization. She is looking for volunteers and any community help that may be interested in furthering the arts through education and outreach. If you are interested in volunteering, you can reach her at mec.tallahatchieartscouncil@gmail.com .