Talk of the Town

“A man of highest virtue will not display it as his own.”

— Lao-Tzu

IRBY HARTLEY isn’t your average volunteer. The octogenarian jumps into the water at the Tennessee Aquarium to feed the underwater aquarium residents.

According to Thom Benson, Tennessee Aquarium & IMAX Theater communications manager, Mr. Hartley enjoys close encounters with octopi, sharks and eels. Not only does Mr. Hartley volunteer at the Aquarium, he also scuba dives in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and California.

“Since 1993, Hartley has been diving at least once each month as a volunteer at the Tennessee Aquarium to remain in tune for dive trips and stay fit,” Mr. Benson said. “Swimming with sharks in the aquarium’s Secret Reef exhibit is one way he remains younger than his years.”

“I encourage everyone to volunteer somewhere to keep your brain and muscles working,” Mr. Hartley said in the news release.

Mr. Hartley celebrated his 82nd birthday with a recent special dive in the Secret Reef. Upon surfacing, he was surprised by applause and a birthday cake from aquarium staff and volunteers.

“Seven years ago, Irby convinced his wife, Sara, to become a volunteer docent at the aquarium,” Mr. Benson said.

“She didn’t want to volunteer at first, but now she loves it, and we have made some great friends at the aquarium,” Mr. Hartley said. “Sara enjoys the unique opportunity to greet people from all over the world and share information with them. She talks to people as if she’s their best friend in the world.”

That’s what aquarium volunteer coordinator Julie Piper said she looks for in a volunteer.

“Friendly people like Irby and Sara Hartley enhance our visitor’s experience by sharing information about our animals and exhibits with a dose of Chattanooga hospitality,” Ms. Piper said.

The Tennessee Aquarium is looking for more people like the Hartleys to become volunteer docents, Mr. Benson said. “No experience is necessary, and the aquarium provides all of the training.”

“We ask our docent volunteers to participate twice a month for a 41⁄2 hour shift,” Ms. Piper said. “We can accommodate virtually anyone’s schedule with available shifts, but we would really like to have people volunteer for Friday, Saturday and Sunday shifts.”

Mr. Hartley said he has discovered another benefit of volunteering.

“I like staying active because it makes me feel good, and it’s a great way to give back a part of what I have gotten out of life,” he said.

While there is a waiting list for volunteer divers, docent training classes begin Sept. 23, Mr. Benson said.

For more information call the volunteer office at 785-3057.

Aquarium volunteers are given a volunteer uniform, free parking, a limited number of free aquarium and IMAX passes, gift shop discounts and can participate in social activities at the Aquarium.

E-mail Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com. Submitted photographs will not be returned.