Mayor Dwight Tankersley reads a proclamation honoring the Greenhills and dedicates the Greenhill Garden at Hartselle Fire Station No. 2. | Clif Knight

“It was a joy for us,” Loy added, “but we felt we were getting too old and feeble to continue. Our hope is that someone will take it over.”

“We’re indebted to the Greenhills for keeping the garden looking pretty all the time,” said Fire Chief Steve Shelton. “They knew what to plant and what to do to keep it looking good. We’re going to miss them.”

A special reception, co-sponsored by Hartselle Beautification Association (HBA) and Hartselle Fire & Rescue, was given Tuesday in their honor at the Hartselle Utilities Conference Room. They were greeted and thanked for their community service by about 60 HBA board members, city and state elected officials, fire fighters and friends.

In addition, they received a plaque from HBA President Carolyn Wallace, a proclamation from Mayor Dwight Tankersley and a Senate resolution from State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur and State Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle.

“Imagine what the world would be like if we had many more people like the Greenhills who do community service without the expectation of recognition,” Orr said. “They have set a good example for all of us.”

Here is a photo of the Greenhill Garden at Hartselle Fire Station No. 2. The Greenhills adopted this garden many years ago when the city was unable to care for it. | Clif Knight