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Issue: Summer 2024

The Chairman’s Corner – Summer 2024

July 1, 2024

By Jeff Helms – Chairman, Alabama PALSWhen Spencer Ryan left a successful career in the private sector to lead a...

Strengthening Our Commitment to a Cleaner Alabama

July 1, 2024

By John Cooper – Director, Alabama Department of TransportationThe summer season brings increased travel and outdoor activities, which unfortunately can...

Message from our Clean Campus Coordinator – Summer 2024

July 1, 2024

Message from Jamie Mitchell – Clean Campus Coordinator As we think about heading back to school, I normally begin this...

Message from our State Adopt-A-Mile Coordinator – Summer 2024

July 1, 2024

Message from Christy Waddell – State Adopt-A-Mile Coordinator The Adopt-A-Mile and Adopt-A-Stream programs have made significant strides this year, with...

Director’s Notes – Summer 2024

July 1, 2024

“Your successes… and so much to say” Sometimes you just have to stop, think, review, and evaluate everything just to...

Educating Students Through Clean Campus Program

July 1, 2024

Spring is my favorite time of year! Fresh blooms and the promise of warmer weather make my heart happy. At...

Spring Clean-Up 2024 Recap

July 1, 2024

Don’t Drop it on Alabama: Community Colleges Take Lead in Litter Pickups In a significant stride toward a cleaner and...

The Chairman’s Corner – Summer 2024

By Jeff Helms – Chairman, Alabama PALS
When Spencer Ryan left a successful career in the private sector to lead a fledgling nonprofit, he likely didn’t expect it to be his life’s work. Almost 40 years later, Spencer’s legacy at Alabama PALS is one of stewardship, service and gratitude. Millions of pounds of litter have been collected; hundreds of miles have been adopted; thousands of children have been inspired; and countless relationships have been cultivated.

Spencer has shepherded Alabama PALS through organizational change and lean financial times. His unwavering commitment to PALS has guided every decision. When differences of opinion over national affiliation arose, Spencer fought to preserve PALS’ volunteer membership and free services. When other groups became mired in political controversies, Spencer kept PALS focused on its core mission. And when budget cuts threatened PALS’ very existence, Spencer found new sponsors and even cut his own compensation to bridge the gap.

Through it all, Spencer never failed to express gratitude. His friendship with volunteers, board members, sponsors and vendors remained steadfast. He has shown each of us what it means to be loyal and true.

A year ago, Spencer informed me he would be retiring following the 2024 Coastal Cleanup. While PALS will miss his leadership, we celebrate with him the rewards of retirement following a long and meaningful career. In keeping with the PALS motto of leaving places better than we found them, Spencer has prepared the organization well for this transition. He is mentoring Jamie Mitchell who will take the reins as executive director Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Spencer and Jamie have hired longtime teacher Shay Grant as Clean Campus Coordinator.

Alabama PALS is financially strong. Its programs and partnerships are growing, and Jamie is casting her own vision to strengthen the organization. I’m excited about our future as we build on the foundation Spencer has carefully laid.

Spencer will, no doubt, deflect any praise for PALS’ accomplishments during his tenure. Rather, he will credit the board, volunteers and sponsors for its growth. But make no mistake, Alabama PALS would not be here today without Spencer Ryan. Every worthwhile cause needs a leader, and even the best players need a coach.

Thank you, Spencer, for being the champion, defender and cheerleader of every Alabama PALS volunteer. Even more, thank you for being a faithful friend. Love you, brother!

Strengthening Our Commitment to a Cleaner Alabama

By John Cooper – Director, Alabama Department of Transportation
The summer season brings increased travel and outdoor activities, which unfortunately can lead to a rise in litter along our highways and public spaces. ALDOT recognizes the critical role that a clean, litter-free environment plays in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our roads and communities. Litter not only detracts from Alabama’s scenic beauty but also poses hazards to drivers and wildlife.

To address this issue, ALDOT is committed to strengthening our partnership with PALS and supporting initiatives that promote cleanliness and environmental stewardship. One of our key initiatives is the “Adopt-a-Mile” program. This program has seen remarkable success, thanks in large part to the passionate involvement of PALS and its volunteers.

Additionally, through PALS, ALDOT continues to invest in public education campaigns to raise awareness about the negative impacts of littering. By working together, we can change behaviors and foster a culture of pride and responsibility among Alabamians and those traveling through the state on summer vacation.

As we move forward, I encourage everyone to participate in local cleanup events and spread the word about the importance of keeping Alabama beautiful. Together we can make a significant difference. ALDOT is proud to stand alongside PALS in the fight against litter.

Message from our Clean Campus Coordinator – Summer 2024

Message from Jamie Mitchell – Clean Campus Coordinator

As we think about heading back to school, I normally begin this segment by wondering where the summer went. This time, however, I’m going to start by saying, “Where have the past 10 years gone?” It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since I visited my first school as Clean Campus Coordinator. While I have very happily been in this role for the past 10 years and will miss all my teacher friends, I am thrilled to be sticking around with PALS filling the very enormous shoes of Mr. Spencer Ryan as the new Executive Director. It has been my greatest honor to work under Spencer for the past 10 years, and I am praying that I can continue to carry the torch that he so skillfully carried for the past 37 years!

It is with tremendous joy that I can announce the new Clean Campus Coordinator, Mrs. Shay Grant! Shay comes to us with 33 years of teaching experience and lots of fun ideas for the future of the program! If you would like to schedule a program with Shay, you may email her at [email protected] or call (334) 263-7737 to get that set up. Our Clean Campus Program will continue to grow and thrive under Shay’s leadership!

The Clean Campus Scrapbook Contest information can be found in this newsletter with applications due back in our office on October 9th. Please include pictures of cleanups, any campus beautification projects, recycling successes, or anything else that made your campus shine last school year. Remember, 1st prize is $1,000, 2nd is $750 and 3rd is $500 for your school, so it is well worth the effort!

Please also enroll or renew your membership in the Clean Campus Program for the 2024-2025 school year. The program is completely free to all Alabama schools thanks to ALFA, the Alabama Farmer’s Cooperative and Coca-Cola. More information may also be found at www.alpals.org or you can always give us a call!

There is so much momentum from last year headed into this school year! We are so excited to have returning and new schools be a part of our program. And, once again, we are just thrilled to have Shay joining our team!

Message from our State Adopt-A-Mile Coordinator – Summer 2024

Message from Christy Waddell – State Adopt-A-Mile Coordinator

The Adopt-A-Mile and Adopt-A-Stream programs have made significant strides this year, with over 50 applications already received. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and energy to enhance the beauty of Alabama. With your support, we can achieve even more impactful results. Let’s encourage your neighbors, family, and local groups to join us in the effort to combat litter and preserve the charm of our beautiful state.

We take great pleasure in showcasing the exceptional efforts of our participants, and what better way to do so than by sharing your journey with us! If you have adopted a mile or stream, please share your photos and stories with us. We would be honored to feature your organization on our Facebook page.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of these programs. Your dedication serves as inspiration for us all to work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.

Director’s Notes – Summer 2024

“Your successes… and so much to say”

Sometimes you just have to stop, think, review, and evaluate everything just to realize how truly remarkable your successes are for your families, your job, and the other efforts that you choose to invest your time in on a daily basis. As I take a close look at what YOU have achieved and review the many successes that you have made possible for our great state, it simply amazes me. Yes, Alabama PALS has and continues to be a conduit for these statewide efforts for your cities, counties, communities and volunteer efforts, but each of YOU through your stewardship, faithfulness, active involvement and support, continue to be the true and shining examples of what a “Success Story” looks like. Below are just a few of the many success stories that you have made possible.

The 2024 “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup grew and was one of the largest in the history of this statewide effort. While we are still tallying all of the final numbers for the 2024 cleanup, I want to share just a few examples of the growth in 2024. Mobile County participated in the statewide cleanup for the first time and totaled 126 tons of litter reported as picked up during the 2024 effort! The partnership between the Alabama Community College Systems, RC&D, Coca-Cola United (Title Sponsor for the DDIOA Spring Cleanup) and PALS resulted in over 18,000 pounds of litter being removed from ACCS campuses and roadways in conjunction with respective cities and communities. Success!

The 2024 Alabama Coastal Cleanup will be held on September 21, 2024. This will be the 37th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup. Thank you ADCNR/State Lands/Coastal Section for your partnership, support, and leadership during these 37 years, and thank you PCI for your devoted stewardship as Title Sponsor for this most successful coastal effort each year. I want to also thank each of the Corporate Sponsors that have made this annual effort possible. Your dedication is absolutely unmatched! Who would have ever thought that in 36 years 110,448 volunteers have participated, 6,939 miles of coastline have been cleaned, and 1,779,911 pounds of litter have been removed from our beautiful and most valuable Gulf Coast? Success!

As the Alabama Clean Campus has evolved and grown and has become a most integral piece of your organization, the far-fetching statewide results are just remarkable. Jamie has done such a wonderful job in building and growing this program and it will continue to reap dividends for Alabama for many years, as the children receiving this message will be our leaders of the future. During the past school year the Alabama Clean Campus message has been presented personally in approximately 50 schools, plus the schools that have benefited from the program being available with Zoom and YouTube. Success!

The Alabama Adopt-A-Mile Program continues to grow each year and 2024 is no different. To think that Alabama now has 922 adopted miles of State, Federal and County highways adopted is mind boggling, and during the past 12-month period there have been 91 new applications received in the PALS office! Thank you ALDOT for your support and confidence. Thank you, Christy and all participants. Success!

2024 has been a busy and productive year for Alabama PALS. Thank you for allowing us to serve your cities, counties and communities. Inside this issue of the PALS Prints you will find the Nomination Forms for the 2024 Alabama PALS Governors Awards Program, and the Nomination Forms for the Alabama Cleanup Campus Statewide competition. All winners will be recognized at the 2024 luncheon on November 12th at the Renaissance Convention Center in Montgomery. We look forward to seeing each of you and your winners! Take this opportunity to nominate those that have made a difference in your respective locations. We look forward to honoring them in November. More Successes!

Now for the part that will be hardest for me to write……

Last July, I informed the Executive Committee of Alabama PALS that I would be retiring as Executive Director of Alabama PALS on October 1, 2024. The entire board was informed at the board meeting in November prior to the 2023 Governors Awards luncheon. This has given us the opportunity to effectively plan and build for the future for PALS, and I know that PALS will continue to grow and be an even more effective organization in the future. There is a very strong foundation that has been built. Each of you have played such a valuable role that will not only see PALS into the future but will continue to grow this wonderful organization in ways that will make me proud. PALS is in wonderful hands.

Alabama PALS has been my “home” for almost 38 years, and there has not been a day that has passed that I have not loved serving, planning for, representing, and leading this wonderful organization on behalf of the Volunteers, Board, Staff, Corporate Sponsors and Partners. I have been the one that has been blessed! No leader of any business, organization or any other group has received more support, love, friendship and loyalty than I have had for 38 years. There will never be adequate words to express my deepest appreciation for the opportunity to play a small role in watching YOUR organization grow and make a difference for the state that we all love. It has been a true honor and privilege and I trust that I will have opportunities to thank you personally in the future. Thank you, and I love each one of you that has allowed us to invest in each other’s lives. It has been ONE HECK of a Ride.

– Spencer Ryan

Educating Students Through Clean Campus Program

Spring is my favorite time of year! Fresh blooms and the promise of warmer weather make my heart happy. At PALS, spring means it is time for our “Don’t Drop it on Alabama” Spring Cleanup, Earth Day events, and contest due dates for our poster and recycled art contests. These annual events serve as a reminder of what we should be doing all year … looking for ways to keep Alabama cleaner and more beautiful every day!

One way that we work toward keeping Alabama more beautiful all year long is by educating students about litter through the Clean Campus Program. We normally visit around 50 schools each year to spread the anti-litter message and encourage schools to take action against litter. Two schools I met with recently were Southside High School in Etowah County and Hanceville Elementary School in Cullman County.

At Southside High School, I spoke with three different environmental science classes in 10th-12th grades. These students did not just hear the message, they put their ideas into action by conducting a local cleanup (as pictured). PALS provided the bags for this cleanup, and we are happy to supply bags to your local schools for any cleanups they would like to conduct.

At Hanceville Elementary School, I visited with a group of 120 first graders and encouraged them to start early making good habits when it comes to litter. They learned why litter is “bad,” and how they can make a difference even at a very young age. They were also the recipients of newly printed PALS anti-litter coloring books!

As I mentioned earlier, our Poster and Recycled Art Contests are due April 19th. The Poster Contest theme this year is “From the Hills to the Shore, No More Litter in 2024!” All contest information may be found in our newsletter online at www.alpals.org. If a school near you would like to schedule a visit or has any other questions, I may be reached at (334) 263-7737 or [email protected]. Alabama PALS programs are free to schools thanks to our state partnerships and corporate sponsors.

The heat of the summer is upon us, but we at PALS are still remembering all the successes of the “Don’t Drop it on Alabama” Spring Cleanup. For the past several years, we have partnered with Alabama Community College System to incorporate the Spring Cleanup at many campuses. Our partnership with Coca-Cola UNITED as the title sponsor, as well as newly added partner, Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, proved to be a winning combination to up participation to every campus within the system this year!

We received reports of thousands of pounds of litter being removed from all over our state by the faithful student volunteers who came out to clean up. Mr. David Walters, State Director of Special Projects with ACCS, noted that the colleges have always taken pride in cleaning up their communities, but this year they have reinvigorated their efforts to produce phenomenal results. The pictures speak for themselves! We are so grateful for this partnership and the wonderful work done by the students of the Alabama Community College System.

Coming up on September 21st will be our 37th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup event. If you’d like to join us this year, check out www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com for more information! In the meantime, as you enjoy the rest of your summer and maybe take a trip to the beach or lake, please remember to keep all loose items contained on your boat and remove all belongings from the beach.

PALS is so thankful for our network of volunteers, sponsors, and members that continue to make our organization stronger each year! If you are interested in any PALS programs, please visit www.alpals.org. And if a school near you would like to schedule a visit or has any other questions, I may be reached at (334) 263-7737 or [email protected]. Alabama PALS programs are free to schools and individuals thanks to our state partnerships and corporate sponsors.

Spring Clean-Up 2024 Recap

Don’t Drop it on Alabama: Community Colleges Take Lead in Litter Pickups

In a significant stride toward a cleaner and greener state, the annual Alabama PALS “Don’t Drop it on Alabama” statewide Spring Clean-Up reached record achievements this year.

The initiative, known for rallying community members Alabama to combat litter and promote recycling, let to greater participation from Alabama’s community and technical colleges. This is thanks to Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Paths for Success, and a new partnership with the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils.

The Alabama Community College System collected more that 18,377 pounds of trash (nine tons) of trash, debris, and recyclables in 2024. This represents a 67% increase from the previous year’s total of 11,000 pounds (5.5 tons).

As you will see here in these photos below, the success of this year’s ACCS cleanups were due to the hard work of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, countless hours of planning, and every special partnership along the way.