Issue: Summer 2023

Teamwork is the Key to Success

Steve Jobs was once quoted regarding the reason for the success of Apple. His immediate response was, “Great Things are never done by one person. They are done by a TEAM of people”. After reading this statement, I immediately thought of many successful people, businesses, organizations, sports teams and others that have been successful over my lifetime. It is true! None of the names that I could think of would have been successful without a TEAM made up of dedicated, goal oriented, hard working, positive and supportive individuals that are working together for the good of the respective team’s mission.

It also describes your organization, Alabama PALS. Since the inception of Alabama PALS, your organization has been blessed with Board of Directors leadership, a dedicated support staff, committed county leaders, statewide volunteer groups, state agencies, legislative support, Corporate Sponsors and Partners that have built a TEAM that describe Steve Jobs’ statement perfectly. Each of you are to be honored and commended for this truism, as you continue to be the reason that Alabama PALS continues to grow, effectively implement and support the many statewide programs that will continue to enhance the beauty and quality of life for all Alabamians.

2023 has been a year of growth for Alabama PALS, with the number of participants statewide growing in every program offered through the PALS organization. The Alabama Adopt A Mile program under the leadership of Christy Waddell, and the Alabama Clean Campus program led by Jamie Mitchell are growing at the fastest rate in the history of Alabama PALS. This doesn’t just happen! It happens due to the hard work and dedication of these PALS team members. Thank you Jamie and Christy for your enthusiasm, day to day work ethic, and a true commitment to the TEAM as a whole.

I also want to thank the members of the Alabama PALS Board of Directors for their ongoing support, sincere dedication, and the true belief in the mission of Alabama PALS. In my opinion, PALS has the most dedicated and supportive Board of Directors that I have ever known. Thank you for your leadership, confidence, and for your willingness to do what it takes to keep PALS growing for the future. You truly set the stage for making Alabama PALS a true TEAM.

PALS continues to be blessed with Corporate Sponsors and Partners, State Agencies and others that make the future of Alabama PALS a reality. The supportive TEAM of PALS Sustaining Sponsors and Partners, ALDOT, ADECA, ADCNR and our dedicated Alabama Coastal Cleanup Sponsors enable your organization to continue to make a positive impact in every corner of our great state. There are not words to describe the powerful impact that these supportive sponsors continue to make to support you, the programs of PALS, and the mission of a Cleaner and More Beautiful Alabama. Thank you for making the TEAM a reality.

Inside this issue, you will find the Nomination Forms for the 2023 Alabama PALS Governors Awards program, as well as the Nomination Forms for the 2023 Alabama Cleanup Campus Scholarship Awards program. Please take the time to nominate those in your respective areas. We look forward to having you and your guests at the Alabama PALS Governors Awards Program on November 8, 2023 in Montgomery.

As we approach the 2023 Alabama Coastal Cleanup, let me encourage you to take part in this special cleanup event. The Alabama Coastal Cleanup has truly become the most unique and effective coastal cleanup effort in the South. ADCNR/ State Lands/Coastal Section partners with PALS to coordinate and implement this annual effort. I want to thank the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for their continuing as our Presenting Sponsor, and our many dedicated and loyal Corporate Sponsors that make the Alabama Coastal Cleanup possible. Yep, another special part of a very SPECIAL TEAM!

In closing, thank you for your confidence, support, stewardship and friendship. And mostly, thank you for affording Alabama PALS to be a part of this special and dedicated TEAM that is truly Making a Difference.

– Spencer Ryan – Executive Vice President, Alabama PALS

By Jamie Mitchell

This month we are recognizing two schools that I have visited many times before and had the chance to visit again this spring … Millry Elementary School in Washington County and Crestline Elementary School in Morgan County. Although these schools are on opposite ends of the state, they have something in common this year. The two ladies that I have worked with at these schools are both retiring, and we are thrilled for them, yet so sad to lose them at the same time!

Melanie Stokley is a lifelong resident of Washington County and retired as a school teacher many years ago. Melanie stayed very active in her community serving on the ALFA Women’s Committee and attending many of the state’s farming events, as well as being very active in her church and countless other activities! We were very fortunate that she took on the Clean Campus Program for the past 10 years and helped all the elementary schools in Washington County learn more about litter prevention and get involved in our contests. Under Melanie’s leadership, students from Washington County participated and placed in our statewide contests for many years! I have told her many times that I wish I had a Melanie in every county! Melanie won the Don Hines Memorial Award in 2019 at the Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards for outstanding volunteer work and leadership. She will be truly missed!

Barb Helton decided to retire at the end of the school year from Crestline Elementary in Hartselle. Barb is one of the most dynamic and committed teachers I have ever met. She has also run the Clean Campus Program at Crestline for the past 10 years and she, too, has had many contest winners under her leadership. With the exception of the COVID years, Barb had me come speak at the school every year to kick-start their environmental education units. She was responsible for creating an outdoor classroom at the school as well as creating the coolest interactive science lab inside. Barb won a Governor’s Award for her leadership in the Clean Campus Program, and Barb is also featured in the Clean Campus learning video. We will miss Barb and wish her all the best in her retirement!

Do you know a teacher or volunteer like Melanie and Barb? I would love to connect with them and help them get the Clean Campus Program started in your community! Please give me a call at (334) 263-7737 or email at [email protected] to get started. Schools are always a great place to start with litter prevention and education through the Clean Campus Program. Alabama PALS programs are free to schools thanks to our state partnerships and corporate sponsors.

Statewide Community Service Projects Launch as Part of Alabama Community College System 60th Anniversary
ACCS Diamond Jubilee is Two Years of Community Celebration

MONTGOMERY – Dozens of community service projects are launching across Alabama as part of the Alabama Community College System’s 60th anniversary.

April is National Community College Month and marks the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee, a two-year celebration centering on the System’s anniversary and its impact across Alabama. Community college students, faculty and staff are serving alongside residents and members of several community organizations for some new – and many annual – events that support Alabama’s communities.

A majority of the community service projects happening in April are beautification and litter pickup projects in partnership with the Alabama People Against a Littered State (ALPALS) and Coca-Cola UNITED Spring Cleanup, “Don’t Drop it on Alabama”. In addition to the spring cleanup, ALPALS assists colleges and groups with the process for obtaining official road markers in their honor for the ALPALS Adopt A Mile, Adopt-An-Area and Adopt-A-Stream programs.

“PALS is proud of this wonderful partnership and we thank ACCS and Coca-Cola United for their commitment to not only the “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup, but for their committed stewardship for a cleaner and more beautiful future for our great state,” said Spencer Ryan, Executive Vice President of ALPALS. “This successful and ongoing partnership not only removes litter from our ACCS campuses, roads and highways, neighborhoods and communities, but connects ACCS students and leaders with local communities to forge long lasting and productive partnerships for the future.”

Colleges participating in the first Diamond Jubilee community service projects in April include:

• Bevill State
• Drake State
• Enterprise State
• Gadsden State
• Jefferson State
• Northeast
• Reid State
• Shelton State
• Snead State
• Southern Union
• Trenholm State
• Wallace Community College Dothan
• Wallace Community College Selma

Dr. Coretta Boykin, President of Reid State Technical College, said community service projects are a priority for Alabama’s community and technical colleges. Reid State participates in several projects, including a summertime “Back-to-School Bash” that supports students within the Reid State community with school supplies, clothes and shoes for school.

“A strength of community and technical colleges in Alabama is our ability to know our communities well enough to have a stake in students becoming successful both in and out of the classroom and workforce,” Boykin said. “We are well-positioned and committed to identify needs that make our communities better and stronger, which is why we’re continuing to grow.”

A kickoff for the Diamond Jubilee happened Monday at the State Capitol. The kickoff included a performance by the LBW Ensemble and “birthday” cupcakes provided by students in the Trenholm State Culinary Arts program. Lunch was provided by the Paths for Success Foundation, which helps eliminate barriers such as childcare and transportation for residents desiring to attend college.

Speakers on Monday included former ACCS Chancellor Bradley Byrne, honorary Chair of the Diamond Jubilee who now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mobile Chamber. Alumni Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist for WVTM 13 Birmingham, and Tom McNeal, Workforce Development Manager for Alabama Power also spoke at the event. Lawson State student James Brinkley and Wallace Dothan President, Dr. Linda Young, were also part of the event.

“Our community colleges have been and continue to be a part of the destiny and future of so many people in this state. While some forms of higher education take great pride in their selectivity, community colleges take pride in taking a student where they are and taking them as far as their dreams, motivations and capabilities allow,” said Young, who is currently the System’s longest serving president and the state’s first woman technical college president.

Landmark legislation signed into law on May 3, 1963, laid the groundwork for what would become the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Legislators wanted a unified system of institutions to focus on accessible training in “arts and sciences and in useful skills and trades” for current and future labor needs.

“Our success and the 60th anniversary wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the talented folks who are committed to the proposition that the community college system is the best organization to bring about change in this state, offering opportunities to everyone,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker.

Future events Diamond Jubilee events include a Diamond Jubilee Gala, Golf Scramble, College Showcase, and a goal to raise more than $600,000 for Paths for Success. More information can be found at accs.edu/jubilee. More events can be found by connecting with a local community college.

Spring Clean-Up Gallery

By Jeff Helms – Chairman, Alabama PALS

Recently, I was reading a draft article in which the author referred to Alabama PALS as “Partners Against a Littered State.” I gently made the correction, noting our official name is People Against a Littered State. In doing so, however, I recognize we would be in bad shape without our partners!

At the top of that list are the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). We lean heavily on the support of these agencies in administering Adopt-A-Mile and Coastal Cleanup, respectively. Our relationships with ALDOT and ADCNR span decades, and we’ve formed personal friendships with many of their team members who share our passion for keeping Alabama beautiful.

We also appreciate our partnership with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), thanks to an annual appropriation from the General Fund budget. This year, the Legislature set aside $200,000 for our anti-littering efforts, up $50,000 from last year. We want to thank Gov. Kay Ivey and the General Fund budget chairs, Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, and Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, for their support in securing this much-needed funding.

Government grants and contracts, however, only provide a portion of the funds Alabama PALS needs to operate. Each year, we rely on sponsorships from sustaining and event partners. Major sponsors include Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Alfa Insurance, Coca-Cola United, Honda, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Vulcan Materials. We also depend on the work and generosity of the Alabama Association of County Commissions to assist with materials distribution, and support during the annual “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup.

Alabama PALS’ most important partners, however, are our volunteers. Without you, there would be no Alabama PALS. From the students who care for their campuses and community groups who pick up trash along the road, to weekend warriors who turn out in force for Spring Cleanup and Coastal Cleanup — you are the heart and soul of Alabama PALS.

Together, we are People Against a Littered State, but we’re also Partners in shaping a better, more beautiful Alabama.

Thank you!

– Jeff

Message from John Cooper – Director, Alabama Department of Transportation

Alabama’s summertime brings forth an array of outdoor activities, family vacations and social gatherings. It is important, now more than ever, that we remain steadfast in our efforts to preserve the natural beauty of Alabama and foster clean highways and byways throughout the state. Litter not only dulls our landscape but also poses a threat to our environment, wildlife and public health.

I always enjoy writing to those of you in the Alabama PALS family, so allow me to take a moment to applaud the remarkable work you have accomplished. Your tireless dedication in organizing cleanup events, spreading awareness and engaging the community has made a great impact on Alabama. You all have made significant strides in combating litter and giving us a sense of pride in our home.

As we venture into the summer, I offer everyone traveling to our sandy beaches and everyone who calls Alabama home to help us keep Alabama beautiful by:

1. Organizing Community Cleanups – Plan local clean up events in parks, neighborhoods and beaches. By reaching out we can amplify our impact on litter.
2. Educate and Inspire – Raise awareness about the consequences of littering. Let’s inspire younger generations to become environmental stewards by inspiring values of respect for our environment.
3. Adopt-A-Mile – Participate in our Adopt-A-Mile program, making a long-term commitment to keeping a designated section of the roadway clean. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity to showcase community involvement.
4. Engage in Social Media – Utilize the power of social media to amplify our message. Share photos and videos of your cleanup efforts and inspire others to join our cause.

Remember, every small action counts. By leading through example, we can create a cleaner, more beautiful Alabama for generations to come.