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Mayor Young Recognizes Piedmont Housing’s Best
July 2011
Each time a major accomplishment occurs, Mayor Brian Young has the chance to recognize those groups at the Piedmont City Council meetings with congratulations or honors.
Recently the Mayor had the chance to opportunity Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority, in recognizing twelve students who made either the honor roll or perfect attendance or both for the 2010-11 school year. Word gave a little history of the A-Team (Academic Team) program in that it was started in 2002 to promote academic excellence to inspire students to stay in school for graduation, which would better prepare them for life’s lessons. Word reported that 2002 that only one student made the honor roll all year but by 2009 it had grown to 10; by 2010 it had grown to 16; and for 2011 it had grown to 19. Word said that his staff and board were very pleased that the program was working and the largest nine week group recognized was 44 students.
Word also advised that four out of five students that had been submitted to the Alabama Housing Association had received statewide scholarships including this year’s Emily Jones; that two students had received their Black Belts in ATF Taekwondo Karate when the local agency had the local karate program funded by the previous “Drug Elimination Grant Award”; and that four of the students who resided in housing had attended the Mobile of Math and Science. Word said that his students were indeed some of the best of the best over the past ten years alone.
Recognized with McDonalds gift coupons, an autographed picture to each student by Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban, and medallions with the student’s name engraved on them were: Christopher Dyson, Tra’Shawn Swain, Jaidyn Young, Silas Thompson, Cassius Fairs-Thompson, Makala Murphy, Deanna Davis, Jaylon Sherrill, Ruben Burns, Courtney Burns, Celeste Wilson, and Marcelous Wilson. Also recognized after the meeting was concluded was Jayden Stubbs by Word. Word reported that six other students not in attendance at the Piedmont City Council who made the honor roll or perfect attendance were Taffanie Ningsanont, Emily Bruce, Jessica DeVoe, Emily Jones, Haley Parris, and Tamiya Spears.
The twelve students were taken to the Piedmont City Council meeting by Word in Folsom Funeral Home’s Limousine compliments Bryan and Shari Folsom. Word was accompanied in the picture of the students with Mayor Brian Young, Housing Authority Board Chairman Walter Prater, and Housing Board Member Terry Kiser.
Piedmont Housing Students Enjoy Huntsville Trip
July 2011
The Huntsville Marshall Space Flight & Rocket Center is a truly wonderful sight for anyone at any age especially if you are a child or youth.
Recently, the Piedmont Housing Authority sponsored a field trip to Huntsville for the Year End Honor Roll & Perfect Attendance students for the 2010-11 school year. Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority reported that thirteen of the nineteen year end winners made the trip along with three resident mothers who served as chaperons with Keith Word and his wife Kathy.
Word said the day started with the students meeting at the PHA office at 7:30 A.M. in their bright safety orange tee shirts and a once a quick stop at the Piedmont McDonalds for breakfast, the students were off to Huntsville. The students and chaperons enjoyed most of the outside activities that morning; had lunch together as a group; enjoyed the special dinosaur museum/exhibit on display for a short time; the group enjoyed the indoor activities during the afternoon that included the rides, climbing wall, the IMAX Theater showing the “History of Flight” and finally a quick stop at the gift shop for a souvenir. On the road home, the group was treated to the buffet at Ryan’s Steak House in Boaz, Alabama before being delivered home that afternoon by Word and the chaperon mothers.
Pictured with Keith Word are Ms. Angela Thompson, Ms. Dina Burns, Ms. Jayme Davis, and students Christopher Dyson, Celeste Wilson, Cassius Fairs-Thompson, Taffanie Ningsanont, Silas Thompson, Makala Murphy, Jaidyn Young, Tra’Shawn Swain, Jaylon Sherrill, Marcelous Wilson, Ruben Burns, Courtney Burns, and Deanna Davis. Pictures taken by Kathy Word.
Annual Convention Success
July 2011
At the 71st Annual Convention of the Alabama Association of Housing & Redevelopment Authorities the Piedmont Housing Authority walked away with two major areas of state-wide recognition.
First, Miss Emily Jones was awarded an “Alabama Housing Association Education Enrichment Fund” Scholarship in the amount of twenty five hundred dollars ($ 2,500.00). This was to further her education since she just graduated Piedmont High School fifth in her 2011 class. Jones has already been accepted for her high ACT of twenty six by Jacksonville State University so she can pursue her dream of becoming an educator to teach and help children and youth. Miss Jones attended the scholarship luncheon with her mom, Ms. Jennifer Jones along with Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority and Board members Mr. Walter Prater, Mrs. Lori Ray, Mrs. Patty Glover and Mr. Terry Kiser.
Second, the Piedmont Housing Authority was awarded the “Best Practices” Award for the state in the area of public relations for their continuous public relations coverage of their stories and news media events. Word said the only reason the Piedmont Housing Authority received this award was due to the very kind news media i.e. newspapers & radio station websites coverage of their events especially any programs that recognized their children or youth. Word said that his Board of Commissioners, his Staff, and he was very grateful and thankful for our local news media for their continuous coverage and for supporting the Piedmont Housing Authority in all the good things the local agency was trying to do for the city and community of Piedmont.
Word said that agency has had so much successful due to the support of our Mayor, City Clerk, City Council, and Department Heads who work with us on a regular basis. Word also said that we have a truly great HUD office that we partner with who has always been helpful in giving advice, guidance, and assistance at anytime our local agency needed it. Word said that the Alabama Housing Association was very lucky since we had the best HUD Field Office statewide.
Pictured with Miss Emily Jones is her mother Ms. Jennifer Jones along with Word, Mr. Walter Prater, Board Chairman, Mrs. Lori Ray, Vice-Chairperson, Mrs. Patty Glover, and Mr. Terry Kiser. The Board members are also present with Word for the Agency Best Practices Award for AAHRA for 2011.
Housing Authority Families Hosted by Pro-South Wrestling
July 2011
At some point in time, every child, youth, or adult has attended some type of wrestling event whether WWE, WCW, TNA, or even NWA Pro South located right here in Piedmont, Alabama.
Recently on a Friday night, Mr. Terry Batey, his family, and his staff opened their doors and their hearts to all the Piedmont Housing Authority resident families to attend the wrestling and entertainment provided that night. Most of the children and youth got to meet several of the wrestlers and some got to shake their hands while they were there. The wrestlers who were on the ticket for the evening were: Ace Haven; Brandon Collum; Bulldog Raines; Scott Spade; Damon TAZ; J. D. Rush; Curry Kid; Chip Day; Tyler Gage; Joey Sartain; Johnny Slaughter; Stinger; Brian Alexander; Epic Grant Mitchell; and the Southern Stud Waylon Rhodes.
Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority was introduced as one of the special guest and Word said that he was very appreciative to Terry Batey for opening his door to all the housing families especially free of charge. The children and youth who attended had a truly wonderful time and I know that several got to meet some of the wrestlers and shake their hands. Word said that it was not just the Housing Authority families who were invited as special guest but all children who were twelve years of age and under as well. The place was full of kids and they all seemed to have a really great time.
Wrestler Bulldog Raines had some of his pictures for sale for $ 1.00 each and Mr. Jerry Baggett provided the money for those children who wanted an autographed picture of Bulldog who did not have the money. Everyone in attendance at this event was truly thankful to Mr. Baggett for his generosity in providing the children who wanted a picture but simply did not have the money. Word also wanted to say special thanks to Mr. Rickey Freeman for attending the fourth nine weeks honor roll party on Thursday, June 16, where he gave out the free tickets to the Friday night wrestling event. Word said the Piedmont Housing Authority families were truly thankful for the opportunity to attend the special event and they too wanted to thank Pro South Wrestling and the Batey Family for opening their doors to them and treating them like part of their family that night.
Pictured with the children are Terry Batey, Owner of NWA Pro South Wrestling; Wrestler Bulldog Raines; Mr. Rickey Freeman; and Mr. Keith Word of the Piedmont Housing Authority.
June 2011
Each nine week period in Piedmont City School System and Spring Garden School System students who reside in the Piedmont Housing Authority are recognized for honor roll or perfect attendance. This program has been in place since 2002 according to Keith Word, the Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority where he has served for almost twenty two years.
Word said that it took many, many trips to resident’s homes about things like lack of attendance, lice, and behavior problems that made him decide that something needed to be done to keep these students in school. Word decided to create the A-TEAM (Academic Team), a program that would recognize each student who resided in Piedmont’s low income public housing for either honor roll or perfect attendance since according to Word both programs were important. Not every student can always make the honor roll but there are those who can make perfect attendance so Word did not want those students left out of the program. The program has grown more and more each year with what started with four or five each six weeks back then to around thirty five to forty now each nine weeks. We very rarely have that lack of attendance, behavior problems, or lice problems anymore since we have such a truly wonderful partnership with both our local school systems.
Word reported that the fourth nine weeks produced thirty eight (38) housing students who made either the honor roll or perfect attendance (with some of them making both). Those making the party at the Piedmont McDonalds treated to chicken McNuggets by Manager Mrs. Pam Traywick and Assistant Manager Lisa Evans were: Pictured with Executive Director Keith Word were Michael Bickerstaff, Courtney Burns, Ruben Burns, Marcelous Wilson, Cassandra DeVoe, Celeste Wilson, Jayme Davis, Taffanie Ningsanant, Silas Thompson, Jaidyn Young, Carl Myers, Gqenazia Wilson, Christopher Dyson, Jessica DeVoe, Trevaughn Carpenter, Dustin Cromer, Treavius Carpenter, and Joseph Nails. Word recognized the ones could not attend even though he knew some were at school workouts; church camp; vacation bible school; and visits with family members already for the first part of the summer but the other students who were recognized by Word were: Jayden Stubbs, Cassius Fairs Thompson, Haley Parris, Tamiya Spears, Emily Jones, Ella Harrell, Candace Patterson, Jaylon Sherrill, Emily Bruce, Makala Murphy, Tateona Patterson, Tra’Shawn Swain, Jordeen Crow, Matthew Snyder, Matthew Stitts, Quadree Woods, Tyler Warren, Faith Helms, Jaden Amberson, and Tashera Carpenter.
Word said the partnership with the Piedmont McDonalds and the owners David & Merry Neisler, and Managers Pam Traywick and Lisa Evans have been one of the best things that have ever happened to our local Housing Authority. Word also reported that Rickey Freeman was in attendance at the party promoting the wrestling match (TNA) that would be put on Friday night and each child, youth, and adult who resided in the Piedmont Housing Authority would be the special guest of Mr. Terry Batey, the promoter of the Pro South Wresting of Piedmont and the wrestlers who would be in attendance for the matches scheduled for that Friday night. Word thanked Freeman for the special invitation and told all the children and youth that he planned to attend himself to make sure that they told their neighbors about the open event.
When then fourth nine weeks honor roll party concluded Word announced that nineteen (19) students had made either the honor roll or perfect attendance for the entire 2010-2011 school year and they were: Marcelous Wilson, Jayme Davis, Cassius Fairs Thompson, Celeste Wilson, Ruben Burns, Courtney Burns, Jayden Stubbs, Haley Parris, Tamiya Spears, Jaylon Sherrill, Emily Bruce, Makala Murphy, Tra’Shawn Swain, Taffanie Ningsanont, Silas Thompson, Jaidyn Young, Christopher Dyson, Jessica DeVoe, and Emily Jones. Word said this year exceeded last year’s sixteen (16) students who made the honor roll or perfect attendance all year since this year nineteen (19) students made the grade for true academic excellence. Word and that his McDonald’s friends; his Housing Authority employees, his Board of Commissioner Members, and his residents families were all truly proud of our students since they were each the truly “BEST OF THE BEST” in Piedmont!!!
May 2011
The Piedmont Housing Authority is very proud to announce that Miss Emily Jones, a graduating senior at Piedmont High School, has been selected as an AAHRA Scholarship Winner for 2011.
Miss Jones was submitted by the Piedmont Housing Authority for an academic scholarship provided by the Alabama Housing Association Education Enrichment Fund that was established in 2001 by the Alabama Association of Housing & Redevelopment Authorities. The fund was established to assist in providing scholarhships to graduating seniors and college attendees who reside in low income housing in the one hundred fifty seven communities in just Alabama alone.
Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority said that Miss Emily Jones was the fourth student of the five that our agency has submitted, that was selected for her academic excellence. Word said the Alabama Housing Association has awarded over 185 individual scholarships for almost four hundred thousand dollars just since 2002.
Word reported that Miss Jones has already been accepted by Jacksonville State University where she will pursue her dream of becoming an educator. Jones was accepted not only for her high GPA, but her ACT score of 26. Word said that his agency, his staff and board, are so very proud of Emily for all her hard work and dedication to academic excellence each and every nine week period. Jones will receive her $ 2,500.00 scholarship in June at the annual Alabama Association Housing conference where she will get to attend along with two members of her family or friends, compliments of the Piedmont Housing Authority.
Jones was also recognized at the Piedmont High School awards program held on Thursday, May 19th for the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) Scholarship Award in the amount of $ 2,500.00; the CV Glassco Scholarship provided by the Family Savings Federal Credit Union; the Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship; the James M. Hoffman Scholarship; the Wal-Mart Scholarship with gift bag compliments of Wal-Mart; one of the Morgan & Vera Stewart Scholarships; a Piedmont High School Senior Superlative Award; and a Piedmont High School History GPA Award.
Word told the student body at the annual Piedmont High School awards program that he had known Miss Jones most of her life that she was very deserving for every award or scholarship that may come her way. Word said that he has actually witnessed her helping and assisting other students with their homework or school work even while she was attending the Piedmont McDonalds party for the honor roll or perfect attendance students each nine week period. Emily is one of the most humble and sweetest young ladies that I have ever had the pleasure to know said Word.
May 2011
Once again the Piedmont Housing Authority was awarded the “Gold Risk Management Award” at the 2010 Annual Convention of the Alabama League of Municipalities in Huntsville on Monday, May 2nd, 2011.
Approximately 740 public entities participate in one or both of the Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) sponsored insurance programs which are the Municipal Worker’s Compensation Fund (MWCF) and the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation (AMIC). The Board of Directors of both insurance programs approved the establishment of a risk management award system in 2002. Through the efforts of the Piedmont Housing Authority, employee, property, and liability losses are being minimized; and most importantly; employees and citizens are reaping the rewards of a safer workplace and community. The Piedmont Housing Authority has been recognized for safety for the years of 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and now 2010.
Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority, said he was extremely proud of his employees who strive each and every day to keep our property safe for each of our residents every day, while at the same time protecting them as well. Recipients of the President’s Risk Management Award, which included the top 5% of those members with minimal losses for a five year period, received a specially designed memento. Three additional levels of achievement – Gold, Silver, and Bronze; were also recognized.
The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935 and has served since that time as the recognized voice of the cities and towns in the State of Alabama. The primary purpose of the Alabama League of Municipalities is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration in Alabama and thereby advance the welfare of the people of this state.
The Piedmont Housing Authority has been serving the Piedmont Community for almost sixty years according to Word. Pictured with Keith Word are Maintenance Supervisor Johnny Minton, Maintenance Mechanic Eddie Farmer, and Maintenance Mechanic Joey Turner.
April 2011
by Keith Word, Executive Director
I am very proud to report that I had the opportunity to attend the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Awards Banquet this past Monday night thanks to Matt Akin, Sandra Akin, Jerry Snow, and Coach Steve Smith. It was such an awesome program to see the 96 regional Bryant-Jordan scholarship winners from all over our great state.
Jessica DeVoe who resides at 625 Oak Street with her grandmother and five other siblings, walked away with three major awards and over $20,000 in scholarship money. Her grandmother Mrs. Patsy Cofied was there along with Jessica's five brothers and sisters, her uncle and some very special friends. Representing Piedmont High School was Superintendent Matt Akin, Counselor Sandra Akin, Taylor Ford, Principal Jerry Snow, Coach Johnny Wilson, Coach Matt, Coach Ridley with her husband, Coach Grace Strott, and myself. Special thanks to Matt and Sandra Akin, Jerry Snow, and Coach Steve Smith for getting me a ticket to attend the awards banquet.
Jessica was the Bryant-Jordon Regional Winner, one of 48 that gave her a $2,500.00 scholarship. She was then recognized as the Class 3A Student Achievement Winner giving her another $3,000 in scholarship winnings. Next came the announcement that she had won the University of Alabama "A" Club Educational and Charitable Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $12,000.00 and last but not least, Jessica was recognized for the overall student achievement Award winner for all six AHSAA classifications that added another $3,000.00 in scholarship funding.
Jessica was spotlighted in a very special video presentation and I was so very proud of her. She plans to attend UAB to pursue a degree in nursing. Jessica was asked by Mr. Scott Myers, Director of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, to be one of the key note speakers at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham on May 21st. Jessica will also be attending the Alabama Public Television Scholarship Awards Banquet in Montgomery on May 11th & 12th. We are so very proud of Jessica and she is no doubt a shining star in our housing communities.
I am also very proud of report that Miss Emily Jones, another graduating Senior at Piedmont High School, with an ACT of 26 and 5th in her graduating class of 68 has won the AMEA Scholarship that was announced by Mayor Brian Young at the Tuesday, April 5th City Council meeting. Emily has also been accepted to receive one of the Alabama Housing Association Education Enrichment Scholarships in the amount of $2,500.00 to be announced at Piedmont's graduation night.
I would like to thank Mrs. Sandra Akin for getting this award entry submitted to the Alabama Housing Association in plenty of time prior to the deadline. Emily has been accepted at Jacksonville State University already for her ACT of 26 and 3.8 GPA. We are so very proud of Emily as well since she is too one of our shining stars in our housing communities.
We are so very proud of both of these young ladies since I know they will truly be successful in their college education studies. Thanks for always supporting our students who are the very "Best of the Best".
Piedmont Housing & Piedmont McDonalds Honor Students
April 2011
Thirty Seven students who reside with the Piedmont Housing Authority were honored and recognized by the Piedmont McDonalds on Wednesday, April 6th. Each of these students either made the All “A” Honor Roll; All “A & B” Honor Roll; or “Perfect Attendance” according to Keith Word, the Executive Director of the local agency.
Word praised the students in their goals to achieve academic excellence. Word announced that the Piedmont Housing Authority is basically about fifty percent multi-family since the other housing is elderly, handicapped, single, or disabled. He stated how proud he was of each student.
Recognized were: Celeste Wilson, Michael Bickerstaff, Courtney Burns, Ruben Burns, Silas Thompson, Marcelous Wilson, Tateona Patterson, Ella Harrell, Candice Patterson, Jaylon Sherrill, TraShawn Swain, Silas Thompson, Cassandra DeVoe, Carl Myers, Darien Bosse, Christopher Dyson, Jessica DeVoe, Emily Jones, and Faith Helms. Recognized but not attending the party were: Jayden Stubbs, Haley Parris, Tamiya Spears, Matthew Snyder, Jayme Davis, Makala Murphy, Hayli Bowman, Taffanie Ningasant, Kimothe Perry, Cassius Fairs, Jaidyn Young, Matthew Stitts, Trevaughn Carpenter, Jaden Amberson, Jonathan Carroll-Hughes, Tashera Carpenter, Treavius Carpenter, and Chadwick Threatt.
Word said that several parents called the office to inform us that their child could not attend the party due to a school field trip. "So several of our students were doing what they should with the school," said Word.
"The Piedmont Housing Authority could not do what we do without the full community support that we receive. Mr. & Mrs. David Neisler, owners of the local McDonalds, Mrs. Pam Traywick, manager, and Mrs. Lisa and Mr. Tyrus could not be any better to our kids," said Word. "We were very pleased to see Mr. David at our party today. The entire staff of McDonalds treats our students like they belong to them and they just do not know how much we truly appreciate that fact and them."
Christopher Dyson and Courtney Burns received $25.00 in McDonald’s gift coupons and each student also received $20.00 in McDonald’s gift coupons, compliments of the Housing Authority.
Word announced that Miss Emily Jones had received the AMEA Scholarship Award and had been submitted to the Alabama Housing Association by the local agency and Piedmont High School. Also announced was Miss Jessica DeVoe, who would be recognized in Birmingham at the BJCC for the coveted Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Award. She was selected by the Alabama Public Television Network for one of five “Heroes in Education” and would be recognized in Montgomery on May 11. Word stated that he would be at both ceremonies for Jessica thanks to Mr. Matt Akin, Superintendent, Mrs. Sandra Akin, Counselor, and Mr. Jerry Snow, Principal and the other educators and support staff at Piedmont High School. Word said he was very appreciative to his friends at Piedmont High School.
Word also announced the students who had been recognized for academic excellence or perfect attendance all three nine week reporting periods and they were as follows: Marcelous Wilson, Jayme Davis, Cassius Fairs, Celeste Wilson, Courtney Burns, Ruben Burns, Jayden Stubbs, Haley Parris, Tamiya Spears, Jaylon Sherrill, Emily Bruce, Makala Murphy, TraShawn Swain, Haley Bowman, Kimothe Perry, Taffanie Ningasant, Silas Thompson, Jaidyn Young, Darrien Bossie, Christopher Dyson, Jessica DeVoe, and Emily Jones.
Word bragged on and praised each of the students, totalling twenty two, who were still in the running for the year end recognition of a field trip, $25.00 in McDonald’s gift coupons, a trip to the Piedmont City Council Meeting in the Limousine owned by Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Folsom of Folsom Funeral Home. Winners would be presented with a medallion with their name engraved on it by Mayor Brian Young.
March 2011
Each year ,most all area schools around the country celebrate National Dr. Seuss Birthday Week on March 3rd and this year was no exception at Spring Garden Elementary School. The school hosted a variety of guest readers including the Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority who participated in this event last year as well. Dr. Seuss (aka Theodore Seuss Geisel) wrote 44 books in his lifetime and almost all were gems.
To celebrate what would have been his 104th birthday, here are 10 great “Seussiams” that offer everything from inspiration to the discouraged to defense of the oppressed to exhortations to keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open. Finding 10 helpful Seuss quotes is a cinch; it’s knowing where to stop that’s hard. From “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” are: You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go!
Word told a couple of stories and made the children laugh and then read favorites from the list of very special books in the Dr. Seuss collection. Word entertained and read for the second grade class of Mrs. Mary Maddox and Word said that he truly enjoyed his time with the children. Word also stated these are the fun things that he gets to do while representing the Piedmont Housing Authority in a variety of community projects and programs.
Pictured with Director Word are Mrs. Mary Maddox and her second grade class at Spring Garden Elementary School.
With just a week to go before Christmas, Santa Claus sent a personal friend and very special helper to Piedmont to spend some time with children eager to get in a few words to the big guy. Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority, donned a Santa suit and traveled the roads visiting schools and library’s to spread some holiday spirit.
A dozen or so children gathered inside the Piedmont Pubic Library Friday afternoon to listen to Santa’s helper read a Christmas story. With cameras at the ready, parents sat in and listened to the story while the kids sat trying not to think of Christmas morning. Both Tessa Anderson and Brenda Christian took the opportunity to sit in Santa’s lap to let him know they had been good all year.
“The report from the bug guy is looking pretty good,” said Santa’s helper. “The elves have been hard at it for months now getting the toys ready. Rudolph’s been training for the big day and the rest of the reindeer team is excited to get into the air Christmas Eve night.”
According to Santa’s helper the kids in and around Piedmont seem to be doing pretty good according to Santa’s naughty and nice list. With just a few days to go there is always time to loose ground and hit the naughty list, but for the most part the 2010 nice list is packed with names.
“Santa said there are a few boys and girls who still aren’t listening to their parents (you know who you are) and could go to bed a little easier and with less complaining, but on average the kids of Piedmont and the surrounding communities are going to have a great Christmas. Maybe the best one yet,” said Santa’s helper.
A trip to the Spring Garden School with the help of Mrs. Mary Maddox and Coach Ricky Austin gave Santa’s helper a chance to see some of the best kids around. He said he had a blast spending time with the kids and was amazed at how happy they were to see him. Afterwards he visited with a Head Start class and had a great time talking with the kids and their teachers. Santa’s helper then stopped by to visit Diane Studdard and her grandson Slade Haney. From there Santa’s helper stopped by the local Piedmont CVS to visit with Julie Daugherty, Pharmacy Manager and Lacressa Gossett where pictures were also taken. Santa’s helper also stopped by the local Loyd’s Fishing Hole Restaurant and visited with all the kids and families having lunch at the Fishing Hole in Piedmont. Santa’s helper completed his visits by stopping in at the Piedmont Police Christmas Party/Dinner and then to Dr. Duane Mohon’s office to make sure everything there was still on the nice list and not the naughty list. Santa’s helper also made stops at the local Piedmont Healthcare Authority to visit with the nursing home residents; Farmers & Merchants Bank; Noble Bank; Wells Fargo Bank; Mid South Home Health Care; Local Finance & Tax Office; and Rita’s Hair Design making sure that everyone was ready for Santa Claus this year.
“I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas this year,” said Santa’s helper. “And for all the kids out there it was great to spend time with you. Merry Christmas one and all.”
December 2010
For Keith Word, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Authority, quiet days are few and far between. In addition to serving as Executive Director, Word also serves as a community servant in many different roles. He is the Disc Jockey and Master of Ceremonies for most all City of Piedmont; Piedmont Business Council; Piedmont Ministerial Association; Piedmont Throttle Kings Classic Car Club; and the Piedmont Disabled American Veterans Chapter #21 events. And during December you can also find Word playing Santa Claus to most groups like Piedmont Head Start, the Piedmont Public Library, the Jaycees, Piedmont Healthcare Authority, other local business groups and the local school system.
In his spare time, Word works on the annual Freedom Celebration during the first few months of the year while the last few months of the year are spent working on the annual Christmas Parade and Christmas week festivity. This does not count the other things that Word does like attending most all the Piedmont City Council meetings; speaking to community groups and organizations when he is asked to; working closely with the Piedmont Benevolence Center; working with the Piedmont Ministerial Association; working with the City of Piedmont in writing letters and assisting the Mayor, City Clerk, or City Council on special projects; or working with the local Piedmont City School System in a variety of school groups or councils.
Word also holds a very important county role; that of Calhoun County Chairman of the Board for Calhoun County Department of Human Resources. Word has not been serving on the county board now for over eight years and was recently re-appointed by Calhoun County Commissioner Rudy Abbott for his hard work and dedication to the county DHR office. Word not only chairs the quarterly board meetings but also serves as the DHR Job’s Program Chairman and chairs those quarterly meetings as week for the county DHR office.
Word currently serves as the registration chairman for the Alabama Association of Housing & Redevelopment Authorities as well as Board Member for the Alabama Public Housing Director’s Association and Past State President of APHADA.
Pictured from left to right is: Janice Howard, Board Member; Alabama State Commissioner Nancy T. Buckner; Keith Word, Board Chairman; Alabama State Deputy Director James Slaughter; and Calhoun County DHR Director Doug Heath. Word recently attended the statewide Board meeting held in Montgomery, Alabama.