The consumers of the Butler Activity Center have been busy the last few weeks enjoying the Indian summer weather while they dug, dug and dug plenty of holes in the area surrounding the center's location on Hardscramble Road.

The reason for all the activity was the recent donation to the center of approximately 100 plants, including camellias, gardenias, crape myrtle and ground cover to beautify the center's landscaping.

The plants were given to the center by friends and members of the Casey family in memory of the late Mack Casey.

Mr. Casey constructed and donated both the building and land for the Butler Activity Center in 1979 in order to help serve the needs of handicapped adults in the area.

On Saturday morning, November 3, the friends and family of Mr. Casey along with numerous local dignitaries and out-of-town guests assembled at the Butler Activity Center to join in a dedication ceremony for the new landscaping.

Greenville Chief of Police Lonzo Ingram welcomed the large crowd in attendance on behalf of Mayor Dexter McLendon and the City of Greenville. "Mack Casey came from hard working, humble beginnings…he probably once enjoyed cooling his brow beneath a welcome shade tree.

One day long from now, some other young man from humble beginnings will rest beneath one of these very trees.

Perhaps that person will be inspired to do great things for others as Mr. Mack was," Chief Ingram said.

Casey's widow, Joy Casey, thanked all those in attendance, in particular those who donated to the project with their money, time and efforts. "I called Sheila [Martin] our director here and asked her about undertaking this project and she was very excited.

I just know Mack would be so proud of how things have turned out.

He always said of all his projects as a businessman that this center was the best thing he'd ever done," said Mrs. Casey.

Activity Center Director Sheila Martin said she was "thrilled" at how well the project had gone.

"Our consumers, with the help of a good staff, were able to remove plants, till, add top soil, dig the holes and get the plants in…Janice Lehman also gave us much advice and assistance and we truly appreciate her help," noted Martin during the ceremony.

Ada Lee Williams, the sister of Mr. Casey and an outspoken advocate for the handicapped in South Alabama, gave her personal thanks to all those who assisted with the purchase of the new plants, tables, seats and other items which now grace the property.

"If you start a program here [in Butler County], you sure don't have much of a problem getting people to help you out," commented Williams, adding, " If you don't have a project going to help others, get yourself one because there's always a need in the community."

Tim Huddleston, director of aerospace affairs for the state of Alabama, attended the ceremony on behalf of Governor Seigelman and his staff. Huddleston spoke of "gathering on a gloriously beautiful day at a facility not just designed for shelter but to help people in need…I would say to Mr. bin Laden, come here and see what America is all about."

All participants were invited to tour the newly repainted facility and enjoy punch and refreshments following the ceremony.

Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and their families also were on hand for the ceremony.

A meeting at Williams' home and luncheon at Cambrian Ridge followed the morning's events.

y Center have been busy the last few weeks enjoying the Indian summer weather while they dug, dug and dug plenty of holes in the area surrounding the center's location on Hardscramble Road.

The reason for all the activity was the recent donation to the center of approximately 100 plants, including camellias, gardenias, crape myrtle and ground cover to beautify the center's landscaping.

The plants were given to the center by friends and members of the Casey family in memory of the late Mack Casey.

Mr. Casey constructed and donated both the building and land for the Butler Activity Center in 1979 in order to help serve the needs of handicapped adults in the area. On Saturday morning, November 3, the friends and family of Mr. Casey along with numerous local dignitaries and out-of-town guests assembled at the Butler Activity Center to join in a dedication ceremony for the new landscaping. Greenville Chief of Police Lonzo Ingram welcomed the large crowd in attendance on behalf of Mayor Dexter McLendon and the City of Greenville. "Mack Casey came from hard working, humble beginnings…he probably once enjoyed cooling his brow beneath a welcome shade tree.

One day long from now, some other young man from humble beginnings will rest beneath one of these very trees.

Perhaps that person will be inspired to do great things for others as Mr. Mack was," Chief Casey said. Casey's widow, Joy Casey, thanked all those in attendance, in particular those who donated to the project with their money, time and efforts. "I called Sheila [Martin] our director here and asked her about undertaking this project and she was very excited.

I just know Mack would be so proud of how things have turned out.

He always said of all his projects as a businessman that this center was the best thing he'd ever done," said Mrs. Casey.

Activity Center Director Sheila Martin stated she was "thrilled" at how well the project had gone. "Our consumers, with the help of a good staff, were able to remove plants, till, add top soil, dig the holes and get the plants in…Janice Lehman also gave us much advice and assistance and we truly appreciate her help," noted Martin during the ceremony. Ada Lee Williams, the sister of Mr. Casey and an outspoken advocate for the handicapped in South Alabama, gave her personal thanks to all those who assisted with the purchase of the new plants, tables, seats and other items which now grace the property. "If you start a program here [in Butler County], you sure don't have much of a problem getting people to help you out," commented Williams, adding, " If you don't have a project going to help others, get yourself one because there's always a need in the community." Tim Huddleston, director of aerospace affairs for the state of Alabama, attended the ceremony on behalf of Governor Seigelman and his staff. Huddleston spoke of "gathering on a gloriously beautiful day at a facility not just designed for shelter but to help people in need…I would say to Mr. bin Laden, come here and see what America is all about." All participants were invited to tour the newly repainted facility and enjoy punch and refreshments following the ceremony. Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and their families were also on hand for the ceremony.

A meeting at Williams' home and luncheon at Cambrian Ridge followed the morning's events.