To obtain a new (AED) Automated External Defibrillator for the fire department in Fruitdale, Alabama. The departments current AED is out dated and can no longer be repaired. The first responders of the fire department have been trained in the proper use and upkeep of an (AED) and are in desperate need of this life saving medical device. If awarded this grant, the fire department will purchase a new lithium ion rechargeable (AED) which will be stored in the departments medical unit and be available for use during medical calls in the community including ball games, school functions, parades and other community events.
Washington
Disc Golf Course
An eighteen hole disc golf course was installed at the St. Stephens Historical Park. The course layout stretches through the historical site of the territorial capital of Alabama, and each hole features a historic fact about Old St. Stephens. The historic facts correspond with the hole numbers, and they provide insight into the lives of the people of the early 1800s in south Alabama. Our goal was to provide an additional recreational opportunity while promoting an awareness of the historical importance of the town site.
The course officially opened on July 31, 2018, but it has already attracted significant interest from the disc golf community and from park guests. We plan to host an inaugural tournament in the spring of 2019. The expectation is that the course will create a stream of income for the park through tournaments and through increased lodging revenue from guests who want to play the course. We have a selection of discs for sale in the park store and an assortment of discs that are available for rent. Both of those options should provide income to the park.
ECI Greenhouse Project
Thanks to Ala-Tom RC&D, the ECI Greenhouse project in Washington County has flourished by the way of renovations to improve the greenhouse, educational classes to engage clients, and continuous maintenance. Assorted veggies and flowers including tomatoes, squash, herbs, petunias, and marigolds were purchased for the clients to help raise as well as to assist in nutritional classes with the center. We have been fortunate in the fact that some of the clients have shown interest in our local farmers market and have brought out some of their flowers to the market. Of course when it comes to raising veggies and flowers, you must have all the essential components such as lots and lots of potting soil, fertilizer, and a watering system to keep plants good and hydrated on hot summer days! With the purchase and installation of a watering system, upgrades were made to the ECI green house in an effort to work more efficiently for years to come.
We have purchased garden tools such as trimmers, safety glasses, shovels, watering can, and more in order for the clients at ECI to be able to lend a hand in this educational project. With the purchase of veggies and herbs, several nutrition classes have been conducted with the clients at ECI. The clients are then able to see firsthand the fruits of their labor. We have purchased a few cooking supplies to help with the nutrition classes as well as insect and repellent spray to make it more appealing for all the be involved outdoors. There were a few other garden related tools needed in order to make the project more efficient that we have recently purchased. Some of those being a new wheel barrow to haul potting soil and other supplies, weed eater to keep the green house area safe and presentable, as well as some garden stakes to help the growing process of the plants.
This project has been a learning curve for all involved, but most importantly has brought lasting improvements to the site and engaged many underserved citizens in the community. MANY THANKS goes out to ALA-TOM RC&D for allowing Washington County this opportunity.
The Adventure Begins with Kayaks!
The Washington County Kayaking and Canoe Club project focused on encouraging paddling sports in Washington County by providing resources to families in the area unable to purchase their own kayaks plus provide enrichment to youth programs in Washington County. Our first event will take place on June 3 in Hawthorn where we will host a demo day for anyone wishing to try out the sport.
Millry greenhouse Hoop House
Millry High School students are now planting crops in a new high-tunnel greenhouse that was recently constructed by the Ala-TomRC&D. Teachers, staff, school board members and RC&D members gathered on Feb. 28 to celebrate Millry High’s selection as one of 10 schools in Alabama to be approved for the high-tunnel greenhouse pilot program.