AROUND THE AREA
Robinson makes a difference in school Pam Robinson has influenced many aspects of the Benjamin Russell High School athletics program, so it's no surprise she was selected to receive the Alabama High School Athletic Associations’ 2018 Making a Difference Award recipient. Even as the athletic director, a longtime softball coach and recently retired volleyball coach after two decades, when Robinson received the call telling her she had been selected as the award recipient, she was blown away. “When they called me, I was overwhelmed,” she said. “It was very humbling ... to even be nominated, much less selected.” The Making a Difference Award is given to one individual from each of the seven classifications who goes above and beyond their normal duties to make a positive impact in their schools
Pam Robinson, BRHS
and communities. It can be given to a coach, teacher or administrator. “The recipients in this 2018 Making a Difference class are excellent examples of men and women who take their positions as role models for their students, faculty and community very seriously,” AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said in a press release. “This award is the most important honor a professional educator in our state can receive. Characteristics considered for this prestigious award include the recipient’s character, integrity and service, all of which have enabled these individuals to have a lifechanging impact on the community or school where they serve.” Robinson was among two principals, three athletics directors and two coaches who were selected for this year’s award. ~Lizi Arbogast
First Builders Ball More than 70 people gathered at Ballard Farms last month in support of Habitat for Humanity. The inaugural Builders Ball fundraiser was held by the local organization and included music from the River Bottoms Blues Band and copious amounts of pulled pork. Area Director Larry Bates reminded the crowd the mission of Habitat for Humanity and told them the local group is working on its 16th house for a family in need. One of the house receipients was on site to discuss her experience with the process and what Habitat means. Bates said he hopes this becomes Local Support an annual event that will grow to Habitat for Humanity become a good source of funds to hosted its inaugural continue the organization's work. fundraiser at Ballard ~Donald Campbell Farm last month.
Demolition Under Way
Crews from Roy Granger's Regeneration LLC have been on the site of what was the new No. 1 Russell Building along Central Blvd. and Highway 280. They are dismantling some of the extensions to the building, which is now owned by Saucier Investments LLC. Materials are being sorted and stacked for salvage.
Lake Martin Living 9