HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Hanceville Civic Center got some special attention Monday as part of the Clean Home Alabama initiative. The Alabama Community College System, joining with Alabama 200 bicentennial celebrations, chose to take part in beautification projects across the state. Wallace State Community College students and staff came out early Monday to get to work at the civic center.
Jon Stephenson, coordinator of student involvement at Wallace State, was among those who helped with the beautification efforts.
“We have one week to complete our project,” he said. “Our president was here this morning, our dean of students was here this morning, and people donating their time here and there.”
The college’s horticulture students were also involved in the project.
“We had the option of adopting a stream, a mile or a service project. We wanted to do a project that would leave a lasting impression and we could come back and keep updating as needed,” Stephenson added.
Anthony Hilliard, Wallace State Horticulture/Agriculture instructor, brought his horticulture students to help with the landscape efforts.
“We did some pruning, weeding, mulching and planting,” said Hilliard. “They’ll have some evergreen plants around the foundation of the building, but some of those will be flowering just to give some seasonal color.”
They added some boxwoods, camellias and Indian Hawthorn.
In the spring, Hilliard plans to return with his students to plant a few seasonal flowers to add even more color for people to enjoy. The students are currently studying landscape maintenance, so Monday’s project coincided with their classroom studies.
Hilliard added, “We get to apply what we talk about in class in the real world. It’s a great hands-on activity.”
Originally, the plan was to spend Monday and Wednesday on the beautification project, but the more than 40 volunteers were able to complete the project in one day. By noon, the students were adding the last of the mulch around the new plants.
Andrea Thompson, Parks and Recreation director for the City of Hanceville, was thrilled to have the help.
“Our concert series and events are really taking off and to have them choose the civic center is great. They have done a great job.”
To show their appreciation, Thompson and the City of Hanceville provided lunch and snacks for the volunteers. Coca-Cola also provided drinks for everyone.
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