11/03/2023
The WoodmenLife Giving Together program provides WoodmenLife Representatives the opportunity to gather volunteers and give back to their communities through projects like community clean-up, beautification, painting, and planting. This year, local representative Jordan McPherson pursued a project that embodied all aspects of the program. The community park behind the post office needed some care, so WoodmenLife members, community business owners, and individuals established a plan to make the park's restoration project a reality. "Giving Together" took form in its truest sense. McPherson, along with his father and WoodmenLife member Jackie McPherson, took on the responsibility of restoring the equipment by sanding and painting all the pieces. WoodmenLife member Alison Watts took on the responsibility of enlisting businesses and individuals to get more accomplished collectively, and she coordinated all the volunteer efforts. WoodmenLife member and local general contractor Bill Worley donated supplies, replaced the bench in the park, and placed new toddler swings on one of the sets. Town Manager Al Leonard cleared and hauled off all limbs and debris, creating a much better visual for those passing by. Adam Watts of Watts Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC donated his crew and skills to beautify the grounds before the Yam Festival by mowing and mulching the facilities. Local artist Ashley Rouse, of Lulu's Paintbrush on Facebook, donated her skills and efforts for a new sign for the park. The sign embodies the park's mission to be authentic to our town and create a safe place for families and children to play. "Civitan Yam Park" was named by the town and local Civitan members who helped establish the park many years ago. Kelly Beck, Columbus County Schools principal and Tabor City Town Council candidate, donated new sand to fill washed-out play spaces. Mike Jackson with Parks and Recreation helped replace the sand that had washed away. Eric and Faith Batchelder, owners of Mt Tabor Manna, donated resources to complete the pressure washing and sanding needed across the park. The restoration was a "Giving Together" project that brought many together for a great cause to provide a beautiful, safe space in our community for families to enjoy. This park, established many years ago, just needed some volunteerism, old-fashioned hard work, and tender loving care to bring it back to form. Special thanks go to all who contributed to the "Civitan Yam Park" restoration project. Pictured above, from left to right, are Faith and Abby Batchelder, Jackie McPherson, Bill Worley, Kelly Beck, Al Leonard, Jordan McPherson, Alison Watts, and Eric Batchelder (not pictured but worthy of recognition: Adam Watts, Ashley Rouse and Mike Jackson).
