ANNISTON — The Calhoun County Beautification Board recognized outstanding residential and commercial properties from across the county during its 2026 Awards Luncheon, held July 17 at Anniston Country Club.
The annual awards recognize homeowners and businesses that demonstrate excellence in landscaping, property maintenance and community pride throughout Calhoun County’s five commission districts.
This year’s residential award recipients were:
- District 1: Lloyd and Robin Andrews, Anniston
- District 2: Rick Dawson, Anniston
- District 3: Clara Clayton, Ohatchee
- District 4: Jerry Lindsey, Alexandria
- District 5: Belinda Johnson, Jacksonville
Commercial award recipients included:
- District 1: Parker Memorial Baptist Church, Anniston
- District 2: Hall Farms Weddings & Events, Anniston
- District 3: Otter Creek Farmstead & Distillery, Ohatchee
- District 4: The Colonel’s House, Alexandria
- District 5: Investar Bank, Jacksonville
The luncheon opened with welcome remarks from Calhoun County Beautification Board Adviser Dr. David West, followed by an invocation from board member Gene Lockette. Awards were presented by Board President Sarah Pritchett and board member Belinda York.
State Sen. Keith Kelley congratulated the recipients, saying the recognition represents far more than attractive landscaping. He said maintaining beautiful homes and businesses requires commitment, pride and hard work, and that those efforts benefit communities across the county.
“The dedication that you take to keep your yards and your businesses landscaped well and looking good reflects well not just on you, but the entire area where you’re at and makes the community proud,” Kelley said.
He thanked each recipient for investing the time and effort required to improve their properties and for helping make Calhoun County a more attractive place to live.
Calhoun County Commissioner Danny Shears attended the luncheon on behalf of the Calhoun County Commission and noted that Commissioners Terry Howell, Lee Patterson because they were participating in the National Association of Counties Conference were unable to attend. Shears conveyed their congratulations to this year’s award recipients before recognizing the dedication required to earn the honor.
He said Beautification Board signs cannot simply be purchased but are earned through the “blood, sweat and tears” property owners invest in maintaining their homes and businesses. Shears added that award-winning properties often inspire neighbors to improve their own landscapes, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities throughout the county.
“We say thank you because a lot of times that will maybe make a neighbor or somebody step it up a little bit when they see you out there,” Shears said. “Thank y’all for what you do.”
County Administrator Jonathan Gaddy also addressed attendees, recognizing the volunteers who serve on the Beautification Board and highlighting the leadership of Dr. David West in supporting the board’s efforts. Gaddy thanked board members for their commitment to improving Calhoun County and shared updates on several county beautification initiatives, including landscaping improvements at county properties and the installation of new monument signs featuring the county’s updated seal.
In his closing remarks, West thanked the Calhoun County Commission for its continued support of the Beautification Board and recognized the volunteers who dedicate their time throughout the year. He noted that while the annual awards luncheon is the board’s most visible event, members also organize tree and wildflower giveaways, assist with 4-H contests, support Earth Day educational programs, conduct wildlife habitat workshops, participate in youth poultry judging and promote conservation education throughout the county.
“Our volunteers are giving a lot more of their time than just showing up to a meeting every month,” West said. “We appreciate the work that you’re doing in your yards and at your businesses to try to make Calhoun County a better place to live.”
The 2026 Calhoun County Beautification Board includes Bernard Thornton and Lanard Thornton representing District 1; Donna Houston and Everette Studdard representing District 2; Belinda York and Donna Wells representing District 3; Sarah Pritchett and Teresa Smith representing District 4; and Amy Gaddy and Gene Lockette representing District 5, with each district serving alongside its respective county commissioner.
The Calhoun County Beautification Board presents the awards annually to recognize residents and businesses whose efforts enhance the appearance of communities throughout Calhoun County.
