The Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) is an organization that promotes conservation education in Monroe County through education lessons for students in grades 4K-6th grade. The MCSWCD hired, Joan Wilkins, a retired teacher, to teach conservation lessons to the children of Monroe County last July. In August 2017, MCSWCD held the open house for the Monroe County Conservation & Educational Conference Center. Mrs. Wilkins has taught a total of 1805 students conservation lessons in Monroe County since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year in the classrooms and held field trips at the education center. With each conservation lesson there is a craft included that relates to the lesson. Because of the grant ALA-TOM RC&D Council so graciously provided, it allowed us to purchase many craft, office, and food supplies for the lessons.
In Conclusion, you were the reason all these students were able to learn about conservation and enjoyed making their crafts that went along with each lesson. The teachers and students were so appreciative of us being able to share in the classrooms and on field trips. It was truly a success in everyone’s eyes.
Monroe
Projector for Monroe County Conservation Education Center
The Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) is an organization that promotes conservation education in Monroe County through education lessons for students in grades 4K-6th grade. The MCSWCD hired, Joan Wilkins, a retired teacher, to teach conservation lessons to the children of Monroe County last July. In August 2017, MCSWCD held the open house for the Monroe County Conservation & Educational Conference Center. Mrs. Wilkins has taught a total of 1805 students conservation lessons in Monroe County since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. This would not have been possible without the help of the ALA-TOM RC&D Council. Because of the grant they so graciously provided it allowed us to purchase a projector and the rolling cart for the projector, a podium, batteries for the microphone, and cleaning & paper products for the education center. Also a utility cart to provide a way to carry the education supplies to and from the classroom and wooden storage unit for supplies. Along with poster board for crafts.
In Conclusion, you were the reason all these students were able to learn about conservation and enjoyed making their crafts and watching videos that went along with each lesson. The teachers and students were so appreciative of us being able to share in the classrooms and on field trips. It was truly a success in everyone’s eyes!
Jones House Restoration
The restoration of the historical Jones House in Frisco City has been an on going project of Revive Frisco City for sometime now. We are nearing completion of this project now. Ala-Tom has been a big supporter of this project. The roof, outside siding, windows, and exterior painting was our first phase after that was completed we have repaired the interior walls, ceilings, repair and refinish floors, and relocated and finished a bathroom. This $2000 grant was used to paint the interior of the house. The job is nearing completion as we work on a few odd jobs and purchasing furniture we plan to be finished by the end of 2018. Thanks to our many volunteers, Ala-Tom, Georgia Pacific, United Bank and many other supporters.
Community Enhancement with Broadband
This project was to increase the quality of life for the residents of Monroe County, Alabama and its surrounding areas by providing reliable broadband services to the Monroe County Public Library, the Monroeville Monroe County Economic Development Authority (MMCEDA), and the Monroeville Monroe County Community Development Authority (MMCCDC).
National Library Week Celebration & Brochure
Our National Library Week Celebration was a huge success with over 80 individuals attending the 91st Monroe County Public Library Birthday Celebration. The library was founded in 1927 and is located in the former La Salle Hotel where Academy Award winner Gregory Peck stayed while preparing for his role in the “To Kill a Mockingbird” movie. The Monroe County Library Board purchased the property from Dwight Harrigan in 1981 for $125,000 and Harrigan donated the remaining $104,000. The library is located in the Monroeville Downtown Historic District and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Attendees toured the building, visited Phillip Ward’s Photographic and Graphic Art Exhibit, enjoyed refreshments as they reminisced.
A Pound Cake Contest was also a part of the celebration. Surprisingly 43 pound cakes were entered in the contest. The Pound Cake Queen was crowned prior to Sean Dietrich’s presentation later in the evening
Roughly 50 children attended a book reading held in the “Tween Room” of the Library. The author of “Goodnight Mobile,” Ms. Abby Grodnick Kennedy, was a featured speaker at the Birthday Celebration. The first 30 children to arrive received free autographed copies of Goodnight Mobile and all listened intently as Ms. Kennedy read the book.
Approximately 150 attendees enjoyed a presentation and book-signing by the author, Sean Dietrich or “Sean of the South,” at the Monroe County Heritage Museum. After the event, everyone was invited to enjoy pound cake and other refreshments.
5000 Library Rack Cards were purchased as an accompanying piece. The rack card tells the story of the Library and is an informational piece for the public.