Volunteer of the Month

Growing up in the small town of Rigolette, Mr. Roger Hanes had no choice but to catch the handyman bug early. At the ripe age of 10, Hanes went with his father,a carpenter, on his business adventures and soon picked up the trade. In 1975, Hanes put those skills to the test when he joined the Petron family and learned a great deal more during his time there. Hanes became everything from an electrician, installer, mechanic, and service station pump engineer.

These remarkable skills have labeled him a mister fix-it and also allowed him and his wife the ability to restore his family's farm house. Hanes even enjoyed a bit of gardening on their 23 acre plot of land, but over the years his garden thumb turned from green to black. However his itch for "multi-crafted" work has yet to end.

Even when he retired at age 65, Hanes asked to be put back to work, and work he does. Not bothered by the Louisiana heat, Hanes was adamant that he be outdoors instead of cooped up in an office all day. Steve Ayres, owner of Petron and Hanes's boss, spread his passion for community service to Hanes and led him to work with organizations such as the Boy Scout Camp and the Alexandria Zoo.

Luckily for us that drive brought him to the Good Food Project. Hanes has a passion, and it shows in his work. From the hoop house and flower boxes andnow to our tool shed, which he built by hand, Hanes had truly helped our garden grow. Without volunteers like him, we would not be where we are today. So thank you, Mr. Roger, for your hard work and dedication, and for giving your time and energy to enrich the Good Food Project. 

Green Market

Every Saturday

In Downtown Alexandria

Fresh, local organic produce, natural pecans, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and eggs are available for sale every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Alexandria Museum of Art near City Hall.  

Local producers interested in becoming a vendor should contact the Alexandria Museum of Art.