Anniston, AL – On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Calhoun County Commission and the County Beautification Board hosted their annual Beautification Awards Ceremony to recognize residents and businesses across all five districts for their exceptional efforts in maintaining and enhancing the visual appeal of their properties.
County Commissioners Fred Wilson (District 1), Danny Shears (District 2), Terry Howell (District 4), and Lee Patterson (District 5) were in attendance to present awards and express their appreciation to the honorees. Commissioner Carolyn Henderson (District 3) was unable to attend due to being out of town.
Each district was represented by members of the Beautification Board: Bernard Thornton, Lanard Thorton, Sarah Pritchett, Everette Studdard, Belinda York, Donna Wells, Patricia Womack, Teresa Smith, and Charles Glazner. Belinda York, Vice Chair of the Beautification Board, assisted with presenting the awards alongside fellow board member Donna Wells. Plants served as table centerpieces, with one awarded to a winner from each district. All honorees also received a decorative garden hanger and pole as a keepsake.
Commissioners delivered remarks celebrating the honorees’ commitment to community pride. Commissioner Shears noted, “If more people took care of their property like those honored today, Calhoun County would be winning awards at the state level.” Commissioner Howell emphasized the joy of recognizing positive contributions compared to the more routine focus on neglected properties. Commissioner Patterson, a former UPS driver, reflected on the natural beauty of the county and commended residents for enhancing it even further.
Dr. David West delivered closing remarks, thanking the commissioners for their ongoing support of the Beautification Board and acknowledging the time and dedication board members invest in organizing the event each year. “It truly is a labor of love,” he said.
This year’s honorees included:
-
District 1: Dianna Michaels Schneider (residential), Old Noble (commercial)
-
District 2: Sidney and Cindy McFall; Jim Sewastynowixz
-
District 3: Rita Harris; Teresa and Jerry Mullinax
-
District 4: Christian and Kristy Dilks; Keith Mitchell
-
District 5: Shelby and Bob Thornton; Fort McClellan Credit Union
The event concluded with photo opportunities and warm congratulations for all winners, celebrating their efforts to make Calhoun County a cleaner, more beautiful place to live.
