Do you know the feeling? The feeling of not knowing how much you needed someone until you observed her work? Or how much you would miss them when they were gone? Those are the feelings of Newton Trails Board of Directors when Linda Hanna, shown in the picture with a Cheerios Challenge mascot, joined the board two years ago and now that she has left.

What was it about her work that Newton Trails needed? Her long experience with, understanding of, and contacts within county and city government.

Linda moved to Covington in 1994 and worked as the City's assistant finance director. Later she became finance director for Walton County and worked in that job until retirement in 2020.

She has had a lifelong passion for trails and being outdoors. She grew up in Michigan, where, according to Linda, "there are trails everywhere." She lived for a while in eastern Tennessee enjoying their trails, including the Appalachian Trail. She used the extensive trail system in Arvada, Colorado when visiting her brother. After her retirement, she welcomed the opportunity to volunteer for Newton Trails.

She has helped in a big way. She contributed her experience with local government, served as Newton Trails' secretary, helped promote the organization and trail use, served on the fund-raising and event planning committee, and more. She said the best part of her service has been "Getting to meet people, learning more about the trails and how they were developed, and talking to people in the community about what they like and don't like about trails."

When asked what she would like to say to Newton Trails' supporters, she said, "Participate! Come use the trails. Support them with your time and donations. And please champion trails, because they go to the heart and welfare of this community."

"I've enjoyed working with the board," said Hanna. "I will continue to support trails."