[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 160 (Thursday, October 2, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMENDING THE TOWN OF BELK, ALABAMA

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, today I wish to tell you about 
the small town of Belk located in Fayette County, AL. While having a 
relatively small population--205 in 2007--Belt has an abundance of 
community spirit and people willing to give of their time and energy to 
make it a better place to live. They exemplify the ``can-do, 
cooperative attitude which made America great.
  I visited Belk in August and was inspired by their attitude and 
approach. They feel greatly blessed to obtain any assistance, and use 
it along with their own efforts to maximize the benefits to Belk. They 
have a Volunteer Fire Department with 15 active members that purchased 
a new fire truck in 2001 with a grant and have since purchased 2 
additional pumper-service trucks.
  In 2004, they built a fine new Community Center using a grant from 
the State of Alabama and a loan of $48,000. Holding a number of 
fundraising activities, including a gospel singing, silent, auction, 
golf tournament, and bluegrass festival, they have reduced that loan 
balance to $15,230. Every second Friday night they have a bluegrass 
festival at the center and volunteers donate food to be served in the 
kitchen. All revenues go to pay on the center's debt and everyone has a 
wonderful time.
  In addition, in 2005 they constructed a community storm shelter using 
a small grant of $52,000 from FEMA. The design work was donated by a 
local contractor, and local tradesmen donated their time to do 
plumbing, electrical and water line work.
  This past spring they built a new outdoor stage using donations from 
corporations and local businesses for the design and materials, and the 
labor of local volunteers for the construction.
  This is the kind of volunteer effort, self-help, and love of 
community that I grew up knowing. It is still a common trait of small 
communities in Alabama, but, frankly, is being lost too often today. 
Belk has taken on the task of making their piece of America a better 
place to live. I would like to commend Mayor Ronald Waldrop, who sets 
the example, and every citizen who has volunteered their efforts to the 
greater good. I am truly honored to represent such people. They are 
men, women, and youth of faith, integrity, and hard work. Such are the 
people who have made America great.

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