Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Run Baby Run 5K in Oxford, Alabama.

On, August 26, 2023, volunteers and participants will gather for the 10th Annual Run Baby Run 5k at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama. This event is sponsored by Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center's (NEARMC) Obstetrical Unit.

This event began in 2013 as a dream of Shelley Parris's, a postpartum nurse at NEARMC. As the only hospital that services pregnant women for east Alabama, she saw a need in her community. Since the first Run Baby Run 5k in 2013, over $10,000 has been raised to assist families as they prepare for parenthood. Items provided include: Infant stethoscopes, oxygen blenders, prenatal class digital curriculum, Mamaroo Multi- Motion Baby Swings for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Nursery with infant inserts, OB Education Conference, NAS Recliners for parents and cuddlers, and Bereavement Services Moses Baskets. This community project has brought 21st century care to a rural community.

Mrs. Parris is an example of some of the long-time serving nurses that have given their lives to serve those in Calhoun County and in the surrounding areas, and this project is much more than a fun run to these nurses and the families receiving its benefits. Run Baby Run is unlike any other 5k, as all are welcome to participate, from pregnant mothers to fathers pushing strollers and wagons with toddlers to baby- wearing parents, the community has been supportive and involved.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 10th anniversary of this project and congratulating Mrs. Parris on making her vision come to life to help families as they continue to grow and make a significant contribution to the area.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Chief Gary Sparks' 40 years of service as a firefighter for the City of Oxford, Alabama.

Chief Sparks began his work with the City of Oxford when he was just 15 years old washing trucks and cleaning the station. On May 12, 1983, He became an official member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department.

He later became a full-time member of the Anniston Fire Department on February 13. 1987, rising through the ranks to eventually become Assistant Fire Chief in 2003.

After 20 years of service with the Anniston Fire Department, he retired on February 13, 2007. Chief Sparks became full time Fire Chief for the City of Oxford on March 3, 2007.

Chief Sparks is involved in several civic organizations in his community. He is currently serving on the Alabama Joint Fire Council. He has served Alabama's fire service for eight years with dedication and insight as a member of the Personnel Standards & Education Commission with the Alabama Fire College. He is a Past President of the Alabama Fire Chiefs Association and was voted the 2015 Alabama Fire Chief of the Year

In addition to being a dedicated firefighter, Chief Sparks is also a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Chief Sparks and his 40 years of service as a firefighter for the citizens of the City of Oxford.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th Anniversary of the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), which will be celebrated on June 7th.

On June 1, 1998, the Center opened its doors to America's first responders in Calhoun County, Alabama. During the past 25 years, the staff of the CDP have provided essential all hazards training to first responders from all 50 states, every U.S. territory, and numerous tribal nations, enabling them to plan for, respond to and recover from natural and man-made disasters.

Its multifaceted campus includes the Nation's only toxic agent training facility for civilian responders to gain the competence and confidence to respond to real world events involving chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, and other hazardous materials. It also includes the only hospital facility in the Nation dedicated solely to training healthcare professionals in disaster preparedness and response. In addition, it has served as a Joint Field Office for tornado response efforts in the state of Alabama and a personnel mobilization center for responders being forward deployed to presidentially declared disasters across the Nation.

Today, the CDP is under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and further helps ensure a safe and resilient Nation by serving as the primary location for the training of FEMA's incident workforce.

I am pleased to recognize the staff of the Center for Domestic Preparedness for reaching this important milestone and look forward to witnessing its continued service to the Nation. I am especially pleased to recognize Superintendent Tony Russell for his years of service to the CDP.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the CDP on this exciting milestone in its history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Oxford Performing Arts Center.

Located at 100 Choccolocco Street in Oxford, Alabama, the building which houses the Oxford Performing Arts Center was once home to a school and then a city hall before becoming vacant for decades. Construction began in 2011 to restore the building to its former glory.

Over its 10 years in existence, the Oxford Performing Arts Center has hosted a wide range of musical and dramatical genres. Just as diverse as its musical and dramatical genres are the performers that come from all around the world to play at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, having hosted an international musical competition in 2022 with another schedule for August of 2023. Statistics show that it is the busiest stage in Alabama.

I am proud to congratulate the people of Oxford for reaching such a historic milestone. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Oxford Performing Arts Center for its 10th anniversary, and I hope that this institution will continue to serve the patrons of Alabama and around the world for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 2nd Chance, Inc. on their 35th anniversary. Since its inception in 1988 as a non-profit organization, 2nd Chance, Inc.'s purpose has been to provide supportive advocacy services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The board of directors and staff of 2nd Chance, Inc. provide services to these victims from shelters to support to counseling until protection and assistance is no longer required.

2nd Chance opened its first emergency shelter--the Joy Kathryn Courtney House--in 1990 where up to 23 victims with or without children could be housed. The second shelter--the Legacy House--was opened in 2017 to house older victims and those with limited mobility issues.

These places of refuge and the services provided by 2nd Chance have assisted countless numbers of women and families across Calhoun County and the surrounding area over the past 35 years. Many more individuals have been made aware of the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence and how to assist victims thanks to the services offered by 2nd Chance.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the hard work of 2nd Chance, Inc., their 35th anniversary and their lasting impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Runyan family, who has been operating Planter's Hardware and Building, Inc., for over a century.

A member of the Runyan family has been operating Planter's Hardware & Building Inc.

on the square in downtown Ashland, Alabama, since approximately 1916. The business got its name from its original clientele, and originally catered to the needs of local farmers. Planter's Hardware has altered its inventory to reflect changing times in favor of supplies for timber, poultry, and cabinet making. Planter's Hardware offers customers cost-effective solutions and personalized service six days a week.

On March 13, 2023, one of the pioneers of Planter's Hardware, Joseph Walton Runyan, Sr., passed away at the age of 89. Joseph was deeply loved by his community and will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Runyan family for their hard work in operating Planter's Hardware for over a century, as well as honoring the memory of Joseph Walton Runyan, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Valley High School boys' basketball team for being undefeated and winning the AHSAA Class 5A state title.

On March 4, 2023, the Valley High Rams played fast, leaving no doubt as to who deserves to be state champion, beating Charles Henderson 54- 50 to secure their title win. The game was played at BJCC's Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Rams finished their championship season a perfect 33-0. Coach Marshon Harper led the Rams to become just the 11th boys' team in AHSAA history to be undefeated.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Harper, the Valley High School boys' basketball team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Rams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jacksonville High School boys' basketball team for winning back-to-back AHSAA Class 4A state titles.

On March 3, 2023, the Jacksonville Golden Eagles played fast, leaving no doubt as to who deserves to be state champion, beating Westminster Christian 51 to 37 to secure their title win. The game was played at BJCC's Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Jacksonville Golden Eagles finished their championship season 29- 6. This was head coach Tres Buzan's first year and the Golden Eagles' second basketball state title in school history.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Buzan, the Jacksonville High School basketball team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Golden Eagles.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jon and Amy Hegeman and their children, Ella Kate and Jon Henry for being named National Outstanding Young Farm family. This award is administered by the Outstanding Farmers of America and sponsored by the John Deere Manufacturing Company along with the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

The Calhoun County farmers received the honor during the Outstanding Farmers of America Awards Congress on February 18th in Appleton, Wisconsin after undergoing an intense application process gauging their farm growth, conservation practices and community involvement.

The Hegemans primarily raise plants for distribution to big-box stores. These plants include Dracaena Spike, English ivy, the polka dot plant, ornamental asparagus plants, Boston ferns, spider plants, purple heart and pothos.

Jon oversees a staff of 42 people in order to satisfy orders. Amy operates an equine business of raising quarter horses and teaching horseback riding lessons while also running the household. The Hegemans attend Grace Fellowship Church in Anniston.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this young family on this great honor. Congratulations to the Hegemans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Spring Garden High School girls' basketball team for winning the AHSAA Class A state title.

On March 3, 2023, the Lady Panthers played fast, leaving no doubt as to who deserves to be state champion, beating Marion County 62 to 39 to secure their title win. The game was played at BJCC's Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Lady Panthers finished their championship season 36-1. This was head coach Ricky Austin's 7th state championship and the Lady Panthers' 8th basketball state title in school history.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Coach Austin, the Spring Garden High School Lady Panthers' basketball team, students, faculty and all the fans. Go Panthers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Runyan family,

who has been operating Planter's Hardware & Building Inc. for over a century.

A member of the Runyan family has been operating Planter's Hardware & Building Inc, on the square in downtown Ashland, Alabama since approximately 1916. The business got its name from its original clientele, and originally catered to the needs of local farmers. Planter's Hardware has altered its inventory to reflect changing times in favor of supplies for timber, poultry. and cabinet making. Planter's Hardware offers customers cost-effective solutions and personalized service 6 days a week.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the hard work of the Runyan family for their work in operating Planter's Hardware for over a century.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th Anniversary of First Bank of Alabama.

The City of Talladega was incorporated in 1835 and as it began to grow and thrive, Major James Isbell opened a banking business in 1848. Through the Civil War and reconstruction, the bank stayed open and in 1893 applied for and received a National Bank Charter. The name of the bank was officially changed to The Isbell National Bank of Talladega.

In 1963, after almost 100 years in the ``old bank'' building, Isbell National Bank moved to a new location on North Street East.

In 1968, the Talladega Superspeedway officially opened. The following year, the bank opened a full service branch in Lincoln, Alabama. In 1988, another branch was opened in Munford, Alabama.

In 2015, The First National Bank of Talladega Board of Directors voted to make the bank a state-chartered bank and adopt the new name, First Bank of Alabama. In 2017, First Bank acquired Bank of Wedowee and expanded their presence into Randolph County. The following year, First Bank opened their seventh office in Clay County and in 2020 an office in Calhoun County.

In 2021, SouthFirst acquisition was finalized, and the bank added 2 more offices in Sylacauga and expanded into Chilton County. In 2022, two offices were added in Cleburne County.

On February 14, 2023, the Annual Shareholder meeting will be held at the Talladega office to celebrate the anniversary of the bank. First Bank is Alabama's oldest, continuously operated bank in the State of Alabama, third oldest in the Southeast and 36th oldest in the country. The bank is led by Talladega native, J. Chad Jones, the bank's 13th President and CEO.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this milestone for my friends at First Bank of Alabama and wishing them a happy 175th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Southern Preparatory Academy.

The academy was founded by Dr. Lyman Ward in 1898 as a non-profit, non-denominational, coeducational institution for rural youth. Its initial purpose was to provide a secondary education for those who wanted to learn and to work hard.

In 1901, a charter was granted by the State of Alabama and the school was incorporated with the name ``The Southern Industrial Institute, Inc.'' After Dr. Ward passed away, the military department was added and the school became ``Lyman Ward Military Academy'' in 1948. The school became an all-boys military school.

Today, much of the original philosophy remains, but precedence is given to the development of Christian ideals. The high standards set have helped students gain acceptance into outstanding universities across the country.

In 2019, the school was rebranded to Southern Preparatory Academy--a name that represents the values, but brings the Academy into the 21st century.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this milestone for Southern Preparatory Academy and wishing them a happy 125th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 77th birthday of Rosemary Stokes.

Mrs. Stokes is a retired businesswoman who has accomplished so much in her lifetime. During a time when women didn't have a seat at the table, Rosemary was one of few female leaders for the Rite Aid Corporation. She was promoted from a Store Manager to train all new store managers in the Southeast.

Rosemary went on to open her own business specializing in plus size intimate apparel.

In her 60s, Rosemary returned to school and graduated from college. She is married to Billy Stokes and is blessed with three boys: BaSean, NaVan and Antione. She is passionate about her family.

Rosemary will be celebrated at the Oxford Civic Center on Friday, January 27th with family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Rosemary and wishing her a happy 77th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Daniel and Carla Trantham and their children, Davis, Sadie, Anna Kate, Sawyer and Callie for being named Alabama's Outstanding Young Farm Family as well as being named the nation's top young farm family during the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention. This is the first time an Alabama Farmers Federation farm family has won this award.

The Tranthams are row crop and cattle farmers who run their own feed operation. They bag and sell over 80 tons of feed and grain on a weekly basis at their storefront in Alexandria and through feed stores.

The Trantham family also sells wheat straw and Bermudagrass hay while improving yields on 1,000 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton through irrigation and seed selection. Since 2010, Daniel has more than doubled grain storage and tripled his cattle herd.

The family also operates a trucking company where Carla manages payroll.

The Tranthams are members of Leatherwood Baptist Church. Daniel is the local Young Farmers chair and serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Soybean Committee. Carla serves on the local Women's Leadership Committee.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this young family on these 2 great honors. Congratulations to the Tranthams.