Cottonwood High School FFA Tractor Project
Cottonwood Future Farmers of America purchased a tractor with the help of grant funding from Wiregrass RC&D. The equipment will help students care for the land managed and farmed by the FFA chapter and will specifically serve a greenhouse and garden operation.
With this heavy equipment, FFA can expand their community garden project that provides fresh vegetables and produce to people in our community. The 2021 tractor grant from WRCD continues an investment from 2020 that focused on various agricultural and livestock education, including the vaccination and feeding of rabbits, swine, and cattle, and the farming of vegetables and flowers.
Functional Sensory for Angels is a project to build a functional sensory life for 7th and 8th grade students with disabilities who are cognitively below his or her typical peers. The students are placed in an alternate learning setting with different disabilities and individual goals as stated in his or her Individualized Education Plan or IEP. Sensory Items include: Bean bags, video games, LED lights, a television, board games, trampoline, scooters, jump ropes, recliners, led light pads for floor, blankets and building blocks. Functional Sensory for Angels educational objective is for students to be able to work with educational learning tools to self manage behavior, building teamwork, and understanding of different everyday functional skills needed for school and/or future jobs.
Wiregrass Music & Art Association organized the installation of five (5) musical playground elements that were installed in local area underserved playgrounds.
WMAA installed three (3) xylophone style chimes at Police Memorial Park in Ozark, Kinny Park in Dothan, and Ariton Elementary School. WMAA installed two (2) custom made butterfly chimes at Sam Dale Park located at Ed Lisenby Lake in Ozark.
“Healthy Forests” Poster Contest
Through the “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities” Stewardship Conservation poster contest, 4th-12th grade students learned about forestry conservation. First and second place winners got cash awards and certificates. Other funds were used to purchase books and craft supplies for Pike County Elementary schools.
Grant funding from Wiregrass RC&D allowed students to learn more about the “Healthy Forests Healthy Communities,” and 4th graders learned more about the water cycle as well as conservation of our water in creating posters with the theme “Water is Life,” along with goodie bags filled with the water cycle boogie song, a water cycle bracelet activity, The Magic School Bus at the Water Works by Joanna Cole, a Mighty Mini Microbe’s Tale activity book, and a Conservation Rocks bracelet.
Thermal Imaging Camera for Elba Volunteer Fire
The Elba Volunteer Fire Department purchased a new FLIR K55 thermal imaging camera with a grant from Wiregrass RC&D.
This purchase has already served the community in answering numerous fire-related incidents where firefighters used the equipment to search for people, hot spots, and hidden fires that cannot be seen with the naked eye. With the camera, firefighters can better navigate smoke and heavy fire conditions in structures. This equipment has been utilized in the City of Elba, the Town of New Brockton, the City of Opp (Covington County), the Victoria Community (Coffee County), the Springhill Community (Pike County), & the Goodman Community (Coffee County).
Standby Generator for Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department
Residents of Dale County are at a greater risk of tornado and power outages, especially during hurricane season. A generator, purchased with grant funds from Wiregrass RC&D, is a critical safety update to prepare for power outages and to ensure that station equipment is charged and operational.
With the generator at the Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters can rest assured that their station will have electricity and that the fire engines are ready to go out on calls. Having a generator means that all necessary functions are on-line and ready to work for all Dale County Fire Departments in case of an emergency and that Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department will be open to the community during extended power outages.
Safety & Style at Vivian B. Adams School
Vivian B. Adams School (VBAS) received funding from Wiregrass RC&D to resurface the floor of the portico at the front entrance to the main school building. The original terra cotta tile floor of the portico had been irreparably damaged due to daily use. The edging tiles were broken and many of the tiles loosened over time. The front entrance to VBAS is used daily by 98% of staff, therapists, individuals and families, and visitors. Our buses and some private vehicles use wheelchair lifts; wheelchair lifts cause constant pressure and wear and tear on the porch surface. VBAS replaced the surface with a commercial grade textured product with the VBAS logo embedded in the surface.
In order to achieve their mission, VBAS needs a safe, welcoming entryway to our main building. A non-slip, durable surface is necessary for students and members of the community. The recent floor resurfacing has provided a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing entrance for years to come.
Interactive Nature Trail at Troy Elementary School
The Troy Elementary School Interactive Nature Trail Project is excited to announce the addition of a welcome station and 12 educational stations on their nature trail. A grant from Wiregrass RC&D formalized the entrance with fencing, signage, a chalkboard, and cubbies with ready-to-use activities for the trail. Updates also include observation tools and books for the school library along with a website that features grade-specific activities for teachers. These improvements will help the trail to achieve its overall goals of supporting environmental education, developing students’ appreciation for the outdoors, and furthering the social, developmental, physical, and mental health of area citizens.
TES is planning a grand opening in August or September to celebrate their progress and make teachers and administrators aware of this educational resource.
Masonic Park & Ashford’s Historic Downtown
The past few years have brought welcome updates to Ashford’s historic downtown, and a grant from Wiregrass RC&D continued this project. The park area now attracts families to visit, shop, dine and enjoy the downtown area.
By transforming an empty space by adding trees, flowers, and a walkway, the Ashford Masonic Park improved the appearance of the historic downtown area. It has sparked interest in downtown renovation in general, and the park’s adjacent Masonic Lodge has since painted their exterior. This park project shows how investing a little bit of money inspires neighbors to make improvements, and it’s a joy for all involved to see people walk on the sidewalks and enjoy the downtown.
Inaugural Education Fundraiser in Phenix City
In July of 2021, Phenix City hosted its first Mayor’s Ball Golf Tournament. A grant from Wiregrass RC&D helped produce the event that raised funds to directly benefit students in the Russell County/Phenix City area. The event was a huge success, and $75,000 of scholarships were awarded.