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.
2018
“WeConnect”
This is a global youth citizenship curriculum modified to meet the needs of the youth in Choctaw County. Our best and brightest students are leaving Choctaw County at an alarming rate. The youth left behind will be the workforce of tomorrow. The majority of these students come from a low socioeconomic background, live in abusive environments, are exposed to drugs at an early age, and are being raised by grandparents or great-grandparents. These youth are continually being told that they won’t ever amount to anything because they are no good. You hear that enough and you begin to believe it.
For the 2017-2018 school year, this will be our pilot project. We will develop an application and any student wanting to attend our Global Youth Academy will have to submit an application. They will be chosen solely on the content of this application. We do not want input from the school as to how good or bad they are perceived to be, what their grades are – we want the students who are failing and don’t believe they have a chance. This is a project in the power of goodness and caring.
Students will meet twice a month at the Extension Office. If we receive this grant the exact time frame will be worked out with the Board of Education. We will seek permission from the Board of Education for these students to be allowed to dress out of uniform. Young men must wear a dress shirt and pants (or khakis), a tie, and dress shoes. Young ladies must dress in appropriate office attire. We will also meet in the school setting at least once a month and students must follow the same dress code stated above.
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).
Evergreen: Let the Fun Begin
This grant was to promote events in the city of Evergreen. A generator and a PA System were the main items ordered. These items will be used year after year during special events in the City of Evergreen.
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.