Anchorage Day of Service is a Labor of Love
Beautification project earns high marks from mayor and citizens
Going green is the latest buzz phrase in popular lexicon. Alpha Kappa Alpha took the words to a higher level when more than 200 members gave a much-needed face-lift to a community park in Anchorage, AK.
The overall project was planned and coordinated by the Sorority's International Program Committee, chaired by Loann Honesty King, in partnership with the Anchorage Department of Parks and Recreation. It was the service component of the Sorority's biennial Leadership Conference, held July 13-19. In keeping with its commitment to the environment, the theme of the conference was "Environment Sustainability Paradigm."
True to its service ideal, members busily transformed the park from a rundown, weed-infested park to a source of pride.
Ava Fisher of the Tulsa, OK Chapter held a large yellow bag, as her workmates piled in leaves and other debris. "I'm the bag lady. They're the real workers," Fisher joked.
Her team members-Von Odom, Carol Gay and Audrey Gay-all members of an Atlanta, GA Chapter disagreed. "She's working hard, too," said Audrey Gay.
Fairview Lions Park was once the site of a public housing project, said Nancy Beardsley, volunteer coordinator with the Anchorage Department of Parks and Recreation. The apartments fell into disrepair, and, in 1985, the S&S Apartments were demolished, and the Anchorage Assembly decided to allow the property to be used for a 5.45 acre park.
"People are trying to take back their community," Beardsley said, adding that the work of volunteers helps with the reclamation.
While the parks department is accustomed to getting help from volunteers, Beardsley said Alpha Kappa Alpha is different. "Typically, we have help from church groups. This is the first sorority to do this type of project."
Harry Deuber, a member of the local community council and a park volunteer, said he was grateful for the assistance. He helped a small group of Sorority members from California and Florida plant flowers.
"We're tremendously grateful and excited to have the folks here. We appreciate the time they're taking out of their conference to help us out."
Besides pulling weeds, Sorority members planted flowers and painted benches.
Among the scenes: First Vice President Carolyn House Stewart deftly showed members how to use a hand tool to pluck deep-seeded clods of weeds. Far Western Regional Director Laverne Tarkington painted alongside other members. "This is something I figured I can do," she said.
Paint duties gave Barbara Nash, of the Elk Grove, CA Chapter, an opportunity to express hidden talents. "I'm a frustrated artist," she chuckled.
For some, the project was about more than giving service. Roslyn McQueen, chairman of the Fund Development Committee and a plant enthusiast, cradled pots of geraniums. "I find this to be relaxing. This is the only time I get close to nature-when I put out my flower beds," she said. "You see something that's beautifying your area. It's gratifying."
The media took notice of Alpha Kappa Alpha's good deeds and came out in full force.
International President Barbara A. McKinzie spoke to KTVA 11, the CBS affiliate, and emphasized the difference Alpha Kappa Alpha was making. She said beautifying the park was an extension of the Sorority's commitment to "provide service to all mankind."
Program Committee Chairman King was interviewed by the NBC affiliate, WTUU, and proclaimed: "Every community we go into, Alpha Kappa Alpha makes an impact. This activity underscores how we're leaving a facility better. Wherever we go, by sheer numbers and the spending that goes on, we want to do something that impacts communities and the people where we are."
At the height of the event, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan stopped by to praise Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members for their service. It was the first public function he'd attended since being sworn in as mayor on July 1. In presenting International President McKinzie with a proclamation, Sullivan reminded the crowd, which included members from the Anchorage Chapter, that one of his major platforms was community service.
"This is the type of noble effort that mirrors the spirit of my administration," he said. The mayor was so uplifted by the occasion that he lingered to thank member/workers.
Perhaps Tanya Johnson, president of the Albuquerque, NM Chapter, best summed up the experience. "It's very rewarding-a good, positive fellowship. We're cleaning the park and helping the environment."