Helena - The Magazine April 2024

FLYING HIGH

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL’S SESTILI WINS

STATE TITLE IN POLE VAULT

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

BUS DRIVER JULIE GRAY MAKES AN IMPACT

ETCHED IN HISTORY

HELENA’S BASKETBALL TEAM LEAVES A LASTING LEGACY WITH FINAL FOUR RUN

City Leadership

A letter from the mayor

Helena continues to show pride in the city and schools

In Helena, community involvement and local pride are at the heart of our identity. From the diligent efforts of the historic preservation committee to the triumphs of the Helena Huskies Basketball Team, the residents of Helena have much to celebrate and be proud of. As we reflect on recent achievements and eagerly anticipate upcoming events, the spirit of unity and collaboration continues to thrive in our beloved town.

The historic preservation committee in Helena has been instrumental in safeguarding the town’s rich historical heritage, carefully documenting our past. Through meticulous research, advocacy, and restoration projects, this dedicated group of individuals has worked tirelessly to preserve the

historical integrity of Helena’s treasured past. Their commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future has earned them well-deserved recognition and appreciation from the community and we salute them.

One recent highlight that showcased the town’s culinary delights and community spirit was the highly successful “Taste of Helena” event. Organized by Councilmember Hal Woodman and a team of enthusiastic volunteers, this culinary celebration brought together residents and visitors alike to savor delicious dishes from Helena’s diverse restaurants and food vendors. The event not only highlighted the town’s vibrant food scene but also served as a testament to the collaborative efforts of

all involved.

Their success on the court is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and supporters who have rallied behind them throughout the season, and we applaud their efforts.

In the realm of sports, the Helena Huskies Basketball Team has captured the hearts of the community with their outstanding performance on the court. As they advanced to the final four, the team’s hard work, determination, and sportsmanship have inspired pride and admiration among residents. Their success on the court is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and supporters who have rallied behind them throughout the season, and we applaud their efforts. Josh Williams of the team recently was named Shelby County Player of the Year. Coach Lucas McDonald has also been named Shelby County Coach of the Year, ASWA 6A Coach of the Year, and AABC 6A Coach of the Year.

the town’s landscape but have also fostered a sense of pride and ownership among residents.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Old Town Live Concert Series promises to be a highlight of the Spring season in Helena. As we gather on April 20th to enjoy live music, good company, and the vibrant atmosphere of Old Town, we have an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness that defines Helena. The April concert will feature Rollin’n the Hay, Robert Randolph Band, and Galactic.

Another essential aspect of Helena’s community engagement is the Beautification Board, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the town’s aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability. The recent spring clean-up initiative organized by the beautification board saw volunteers coming together to beautify public spaces, plant flowers, and clean up litter. Their efforts have not only revitalized

In conclusion, the achievements of the historic preservation committee, the success of the “Taste of Helena” event, the remarkable performance of the Helena Huskies Basketball Team, the dedication of the beautification board, and the anticipation of the Old Town Live Concert Series all reflect the vibrant community spirit and collaborative ethos that define Helena. As we continue to come together to celebrate our town’s accomplishments and support one another in our endeavors, we reaffirm the values of unity, pride, and community that make Helena a truly special place to call home.

Together As One, - Brian Puckett, mayor of Helena

Mayor Brian Puckett

In this issue FEATURES

27 Miles of kindness

35 Leaving a legacy

44 Helena united

Julie Gray’s drive makes an exceptional difference.

Helena Huskies fight hard in first Final Four against No. 1 Buckhorn.

Helena Unity Festival ready for another special event

Utilities and Services

Cable, Internet and Phone

uAT&T Uverse – 1-888-708-0934

att.com

uSpectrum – 1-855-707-7328 spectrum.com

uC-Spire, Fiber Internet – 1-855-277-4735 cspire.com

Gas

uSpire – 1-800-292-4008 spireenergy.com

Power

uAlabama Power Company – 1-800-245-2244 alabamapower.com

Trash Services

uRepublic Services – (205) 631-1313 republicservices.com

Water and Sewer

uHelena Utilities City Water Service (205) 663-1670

LOCAL SCHOOLS

uShelby County Board of Education – (205) 682-7000 shelbyed.k12.al.us/

uHelena Elementary School – (205) 682-5540 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hes/index.htm

uHelena Intermediate School – (205) 682-5520 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/his/index.htm

uHelena Middle School – (205) 682-5300 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hlms/index.htm

uHelena High School – (205) 682-3650 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/index.html

uHillsboro School - (205) 864-7330 thehillsboroschool.org

City Government

Chris Willis Christopher VanCleave

Alice Lobell

Laura

THE GUIDE

2024 OLD TOWN LIVE

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

5-10 P.M.

Helena Amphitheater

The annual Old Town Live concert series will kick off on Saturday, April 20 from 5-10 p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater. The first concert event of the season will feature performances from Galactic, Robert Randolph Band and Rollin’ n the Hay. With food trucks available for snacks and drink, the community is invited to bring picnic blankets and dancing shoes to enjoy an evening of music and soul.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Helena High School Prom

8-11 P.M.

Park Crest Event Facility

Helena High School students will dance the night away on Saturday, April 13 from 8-11 p.m. at the Park Crest Event Facility. This prom is open to juniors and seniors. Students that wish to bring a non-HHS guests must complete a special guest form.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

Senior Citizen Dinner

5 P.M.

By Invitation Only

The Helena Teen Council has invited members of the Helena Senior Citizens group for the annual senior citizens dinner on Sunday, April 21. In addition to sending personalized invitations, the Teen Council will serve the guests as all those who attend the event join in conversation and community together.

AROUND TOWN

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY | 11 A.M.

Storytime at the library

APRIL 2 | 5 P.M.

Helena Softball vs. Pelham

APRIL 2 | 6:30 P.M.

Helena Baseball vs. Calera

APRIL 3 | 10:30 A.M.

Senior Program: Bingo

APRIL 4 | 4 P.M.

Helena Tennis vs. Hueytown

APRIL 5 | 5 P.M.

Helena Soccer vs. Briarwood Christian

APRIL 5 | 6:30 P.M.

Helena Baseball vs. Stanhope Elmore

APRIL 7 | 2 P.M.

Bring the Sing at Helena High School

APRIL 8 | 5:30 P.M.

Helena Soccer vs. Gardendale

APRIL 8 | 5 P.M. City Council meeting

APRIL 8 | 5:30 P.M.

Children’s Program: Narwhal and Jelly

APRIL 9 | 1 P.M.

Helena Golf vs. Benjamin Russell

APRIL 9 | 5 P.M.

Helena Soccer vs. McAdory

APRIL 10 | 6 P.M.

Helena Softball vs. Hillcrest School Tuscaloosa

APRIL 10 | 6:30 P.M.

Helena Baseball vs. Chilton County

APRIL 12 | 6 P.M.

Helena Elementary Spring Fling

APRIL 12 | 6:30 P.M.

Helena Baseball vs. Cullman

APRIL 13 | 12 P.M.

Helena Elementary Spring Fling

APRIL 14 | 1 P.M.

Helena Elementary Spring Fling

APRIL 15 | 5 P.M.

Helena Softball vs. Mountain Brook

APRIL 16 | 9:45 A.M.

Silver Sneakers and Yoga

APRIL 17 | 5:30 P.M.

Helena Softball vs. Briarwood Christian

APRIL 18 | 6 P.M.

Planning and Zoning Committee meeting

APRIL 19 | 4:30 P.M.

Adult Senior Activity: Potluck/ Cards

APRIL 20 | 8 A.M.

Helena Beautiful Spring Planting Day

APRIL 20 | 5 P.M. Old Town Live

APRIL 21 | 5 P.M. Senior Citizen Dinner

APRIL 22 | 5 P.M. City Council meeting

APRIL 23 | 4 P.M. Municipal Court

APRIL 26 | 4:30 P.M.

Adult Senior Activity: Potluck/ Cards

APRIL 27 | 11 A.M.

Helena United Festival

APRIL 27 | 7 P.M.

Miss HHS

APRIL 30 | 10 A.M.

Helena High School Senior Awards Day

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Helena United Festival

11 A.M.- 4 P.M.

Helena Amphitheater

The Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board will host the annual Helena United Festival on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater. Free to the public, the Helena United Festival will feature presentations and cooking demonstrations to introduce guests to cultures from around the world.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Storytime at the library

11 A.M.

Jane B. Holmes Library

Join members of the Jane B. Holmes Public Library for Storytime hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays every month at 11 a.m. Storytime aims to encourage children’s love of reading and remind them that the library is a place for their imaginations to run wild.

HELENA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Monday, April 8 and April 22

PRE-COUNCIL AT 5 P.M.,

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 P.M.

HELENA CITY HALL

Helena’s City Council meetings take place the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Helena City Council meetings are open to the public and offer the chance for you to get involved in the planning of your community.

HELENA BEAUTIFICATION BOARD HOSTS ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN-UP EVENT

Bright and early, members of the Helena community rendezvoused at the Caboose to volunteer their time and improve the city as a part of the Helena Beautification Board’s annual Spring Clean-Up event on Saturday, March 9. From 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers pulled weeds from beds, trimmed back pergola vines and completed various other projects around the city.

HELENA BELLES CONTINUE TEA PARTY TRADITION

The Helena Belles hosted their fifth annual tea party on Sunday, March 17 from 2:30-4 p.m. Featuring dancing, crafts and conversation, children from pre-K to fifth grade spent an afternoon with the Belles. A portion of all ticket sales were donated to Vineyard Family Services.

HELENA OUTPACES PELHAM FOR WIN IN AREA OPENER

As the two rivals met on the softball diamond for the first time in 2024, the Helena Huskies got the better of the Pelham Panthers as they took an 8-1 win on Wednesday, March 6 at Pelham High School.

HELENA RECOGNIZES ATHLETES, DISCUSSES FINANCING SPORTS AND LEISURE COMPLEX

At a regularly scheduled council meeting, the city of Helena recognized recent commendable performances from multiple high school athletes and arranged for a special session to be held to discuss the financing of the upcoming sports and leisure complex on Wednesday, March 6 at 6 p.m.

In the News

HELENA UNVEILS SPORTS AND LEISURE COMPLEX MASTER PLAN

Helena residents can look forward to a variety of new amenities courtesy of the upcoming Hillsboro Sports Complex. On Saturday Feb. 17, the Helena City Council held an open meeting where it reviewed the master plan for the 90 acre sports and leisure complex, in addition to the plans and bid for city hall.

HELENA COMES FROM BEHIND TO DEFEAT INDIAN SPRINGS FOR FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY

The Helena Huskies were tested early to start out their area opener against Indian Springs as they went down 1-0, but they bounced back to earn a statement win. The Huskies scored three straight goals to earn the 4-2 win on Thursday, March 7 at Helena High School.

HELENA STARTS SEASON 4-0 AS MARK SANDERS EARNS FIRST VARSITY WINS

The Helena Huskies are off to a flying start after going 4-0 in the Thompson Presidents Day Tournament, giving their new coach Mark Sanders a key first. Sanders earned the first win of his varsity softball career in the tournament opener against the Spain Park Jaguars on Friday, Feb. 16 as the Huskies won 4-1.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS HHS BAND WITH ANNUAL SPRING MARKET

On Saturday, March 9, Helena High School hosted their annual Spring Market to benefit the HHS band. This year, the Spring Market invited members of the community to leisurely stroll through the booths of nearly 100 vendors to celebrate the start of the spring season.

CITY RECOGNIZES HELENA HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS

At a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, Helena took the time to recognize members of the Helena Historical Preservation Committee, including Ken Penhale, Linda Wurstner and Kara Barr, for their contribution to celebrating the storied history of Helena.

CITY RELEASES DETAILED BUDGET FOR MAJOR PROJECTS

HELENA FIGHTS HARD IN FIRST FINAL FOUR AS NO. 1 BUCKHORN ENDS HUSKIES’ HISTORIC RUN

When the Helena Huskies walked onto the Legacy Arena floor for their first Final Four in program history on Wednesday, Feb. 28, few had expected the Huskies to make it this far. And yet, here they were in their first-ever Final Four after never making it past the Sweet 16, standing face-toface with the defending Class 6A state champions, the Buckhorn Bucks. While the Huskies fell to the Bucks 60-47, they made the most of that opportunity, throwing their best punch and working hard throughout their battle with the No. 1 team in 6A.

BEEF O’ BRADY’S HOSTS ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

Featuring live music, food and green beer, Helena’s Beef O’ Brady’s held a 2-day celebration for St. Patrick’s Day. The live music line-up boasted seven different acts as Helena residents, decked in green, enjoyed the luck of the Irish.

In order to answer frequently asked questions in the community, the Helena City Council held a special work session to discuss the funding for the $58 million Sports and Leisure Complex and city hall project on March 6 with community members present.

In the News

CITY HOLDS FIRST TASTE OF HELENA EVENT

With delicious dishes and scrumptious samples, more than 15 local establishments gathered in the Helena Sports Complex to celebrate Helena’s food scene in the first ever Taste of Helena event on Thursday, March 14.

CHILDREN HUNT FOR EGGS AT ANNUAL EASTER EVENT

With wicker baskets and inquisitive spirits, toddlers stumbled around the field of Joe Tucker Park, searching every nook and cranny for Easter eggs. Hosted by the Church at Old Town, the community gathered for the annual Helena Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23.

HELENA METHODIST CHURCH ANNOUNCES NEW CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR

Upon the retirement of former Children’s Director Cynthia Dooley in July, Helena Methodist Church was happy to announce the appointment of Danielle Williams to the full-time position. Williams will begin prior to Vacation Bible School in June, so that she has time to adjust prior to Dooley’s departure.

GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY

SSpring is HERE and it is a great time to visit the Jane B. Holmes Public Library and our always inspiring neighbor, scenic Joe Tucker Park!

Speaking of the park, the library staff and supporters would like to thank our partners at the city of Helena. City employees work hard to make sure that Helena is a nice place to live and visit. We are grateful for the support the library receives from all city departments and leadership.

In literary news, large print books are arriving frequently thanks to the grant the library received from State Representative Kenneth Paschal. This is great news for older residents and anyone with vision issues. Efforts are being made to find something for everyone, bestsellers included! Stop by today and check out the selection in the Reference Room.

March included Read Across America Week, and we were excited to work again with the local schools to promote this fun program. Librarians from across Helena collaborated for a number of challenges and events for local students. One thing that makes Helena a great place to live is that the local education community, including the public library, can count on great support and participation. Our local parents always encourage their kids to READ!

The Library has some neat events for April! Ask a staff member for details:

uTuesday, April 2 at 5:45 p.m. – Friends of the Library Meeting

uWednesday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. – Senior Program: Bingo

uMonday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m. – Children’s Program: Narwhal & Jelly (Ages 4-8)

uWednesday, April 10 - Check out 10 Books, Get a PRIZE!

uMonday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. – Children’s Program: Spring Windmill Craft (Ages 3+)

uMonday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m.- Earth Day Coloring (All Ages)

uMonday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. – Lego Fun! (All Ages)

For those of you with younger children remember our weekly storytime. This is a fun event with stories, singalongs and music that will keep young people moving. Storytime is EVERY Tuesday and Thursday at 11a.m. and is a fun way for your preschooler to learn and meet others in your community.

Jane B. Holmes Public Library

230

Phone:

Facebook: Helena.Public.Library.Friends

Website: cityofhelena.org/public-library

Instagram: @helenalibrary

Library Director Dan Dearing

April’s Top Picks

THE CHAOS AGENT

By Mark Greaney | Adult Fiction

Artificial intelligence leads to shockingly real danger for the Gray Man in this latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB

By Robyn Carr | Adult Fiction

Four women come together at a tumultuous time in their lives, forging an unbreakable bond that will leave them all forever changed.

THE NOOM KITCHEN: 100 HEALTHY, DELICIOUS, FLEXIBLE RECIPES FOR EVREY DAY

By Noom | Adult Nonfiction

These recipes will appeal to dedicated Noom users and new readers alike, providing accessible culinary guidance for anyone looking to kick-start their health and wellness in the kitchen.

THE EYES AND THE IMPOSSIBLE

By Dave Eggers | Juvenile

A Newberry Medal winner, this is a story about friendship, beauty, liberation, and running very, very fast. The Eyes & the Impossible will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.

THE MAGNIFICENT BOOK OF OCEAN CREATURES

By Tom Jackson | Juvenile Nonfiction

The Magnificent Book of Ocean Creatures introduces young readers to the diversity of marine life through stunning, oversized illustrations and fascinating facts.

BIG

By Vashti Harrison | Easy/Picture

A Caldecott Medal winner, this deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance, from an award-winning creator.

MICHAEL SESTILI

Pole Vault State Champion and junior at Helena High School

On Friday, Feb. 2, Helena High School’s Michael Sestili stood proud at the top of the podium at the AHSAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. Competing against students around the state in boys pole vault, Sestili went above and beyond, clearing a mark of 14-00.00. With this accomplishment, Sestili was crowned the state champion in boys pole vault for 2024.

Tell me a bit about yourself?

My name is Michael Sestili, and I am a junior at Helena High School. I am on the track and field team, in the National Honor Society, and I attend the Station Church.

How long have you done track and field?

I started track and field at age 10 with Iron City Speed, a competitive club track team, currently under coach Casey Blackman, who has helped me become the athlete I am today. I used to compete in many events, but currently my sole focus is pole vault.

What made you decide to try pole vault?

I was interested in trying decathlon, where athletes compete in 10 events, one being pole vault. After I realized how interesting and enjoyable pole vault was, I shifted my goals to focus on pole vault?

What is your favorite thing about pole vault?

My favorite thing about pole vaulting is having a good time with my friends and coaches at Helena High School and Peak Athletics.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of pole vault?

Setbacks from occasional injuries.

How did you feel the day of the state track meet?

I was a little nervous at first, but I was excited to compete.

What did it feel like to win first and become the state champion?

It felt good to know that my hard work allowed me to bring home the win for the Huskies.

What has been your favorite memory from this season?

My favorite memory was helping my pole vault coach, Chris Spear, alongside my friends and my teammates at Peak Athletics with the setup of the annual Vulcan Vault held in Homewood.

ETHAN QUINN

Boy Scout and local student

Eagle Scout is the highest rank any scout can achieve. Every Eagle Scout passes through the rankings from Scout to Tenderfoot to Second Class to First Class to Star to Life and, finally, to Eagle Scout. There are many requirements to become an Eagle Scout, but the most famous is the Eagle Scout Service Project.

Eagle Scout projects are designed to teach scouts a myriad of lessons such as leadership skills and project management. But above all, these projects are designed to fulfill the Scout Oath “to help other people at all times.”

Here in Helena, Scout Ethan Quinn is striving to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and has recently received approval for his project proposal to build flag retirement boxes and place them around Helena for the community to use. Ethan shared more about his project and what it means to be an Eagle Scout.

Can you tell me a bit more about what it means to be an Eagle Scout? What criteria must you meet to become one?

A few of the requirements to become an Eagle Scout are completing a certain amount of merit badges, planning and completing a project, and completing six other ranks with their own set of requirements prior to working towards the Eagle Scout rank.

What is the purpose of an Eagle Scout project?

The purpose of an Eagle scout project is to demonstrate leadership skills. You plan and lead a project that benefits a community, organization or religious institution.

What inspired you to choose flag retirement as your project?

I was inspired to choose to build flag retirement boxes because on our neighborhood Facebook page several people were asking where flags could be retired, and someone answered that the nearest location was outside of our city. This got me thinking that I could make a few and place them throughout Helena for the convenience of the residents.

For people that might not know, what is a flag retirement box and how do you use one?

A flag retirement box is a place for people in the community to drop off their American flags that are no longer suitable to fly.

Walk me through everything you will do as a part of the project? Where in Helena will you be placing these boxes?

First I have to write a proposal, then I make a plan describing how the project will be carried out and what I will do. After the boxes have been placed, I will report on how the project went. I will be placing these boxes at the Senior Center, Fire Station Two and the J.B Holmes Public Library.

every child takes center stage.

At

1600

City Hall Faces

Meet Lisa Han

Librarian at Jane B. Holmes Public Library

In 1988, Lisa Han moved to Helena to pursue a job with an engineering company, but five years ago, Han decided it was time for a change. When a position opened at the library, she applied and happily joined the team at the Jane B. Holmes Public Library. As a library staff member, Han fulfills multiple roles. Her primary duties are handling marketing and programing, but she also assists with circulation, the library collection and managing volunteers. “I love meeting and interacting with the people that visit the library,” Han said. “My job allows me to craft, color, play games, build with Legos, meet local authors, listen, and all kind of other activities. I love to hear what our patrons are reading or watching, and if they like it or not.” With a background in healthcare and a degree in biology from the University of Alabama

at Birmingham, it is no surprise to learn that Han loves plants and animals. “I think I’m very curious by nature,” Han said. “I love to explore new things, try new foods and see new places.” She has quite a few pets that she has inherited or agreed to look after because their owner could no longer take care of them. Her menagerie features a collection of fish, frogs and dogs. In addition to caring for these animals, Han also enjoys dog sports training. She travels across the country to compete in agility, flyball and obedience competitions. When asked to share what she loves about living in Helena, Han shared that it was the people of Helena that makes the city what it is. “I love the small town feeling with the family friendly atmosphere where the Helena residents are friendly, caring and welcoming to all,” Han said.

Helena Church Directory

ANGLICAN

Lamb of God Church

Head pastor: Caron Glenn Davis 5140 Hwy 17 (205) 919-7932

Lambofgodcec.org

BAPTIST

The Church at Old Town

Head Pastor: Josh Knierim 815 Highway 52 E (205) 663-7879

Thechurchatoldtown.org

Gospel Light Baptist Church

Lead Pastor: Gary Bohman 5781 Roy Drive (205) 685-0772

Glbcbham.com

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkins

5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323

Mpbchelena.com

Riverside Baptist Church

Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson

Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910

Rbchelena.org

Crossbridge Community Church

Lead Pastor: Cody Brister 1455 Starkey Street (205) 358-3500

Crossbridgehelena.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 (205) 620-4575

Helenachurch.com

Disciples of Christ:

Grace Christian Church

Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson

869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233

Gracechristianchurch.org

METHODIST

Helena Methodist Church

Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111

Helenamethodist.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Open Door Independent Church

120 Laurel Woods Drive (205) 482-5963

Opendooral.com

The Cornerstone Church

Lead Pastor: Timothy Trimble

2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332

Cornerstonechurchhelena.org

Church at Cahaba Bend

Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday

3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060

Cahababend.org

New Vision Christian Church

Senior Pastor: Van C. Houser 2383 Highway 95 (205) 919-6678

Nvcc4god.org

The Rock Church

Head Pastor: Bryan Van Gieson

501 2nd Avenue West (205) 358-7625

Rockofbirmingham.org

The Voice of Faith International Ministries

Head Pastor: Franklin Kirksey

1560 Cunningham Drive (205) 663-7396

Presbyterian:

Harmony Church of Helena

Head Pastor: Mike Ensminger 3396 Helena Road (205) 663-2174

Harmonychurchofhelena.net

Christ Community Church

Pastors: Phil Chambers and David Cunningham 2222 Highway 52 (205) 881-4222

ChristCommunity.net

Helena United Methodist Church

Grace Christian Church

Meet Your Neighbor

The Hughley Family

Although they did not attend the same university, Julie and Kendric Hughley Sr. were college sweethearts. One day, Kendric, a student at Auburn University Montgomery, went to visit his friend who worked at a restaurant. While he was there, Kendric noticed “a really cute girl” serving another table. This girl was his future wife, Julie, a student at Alabama State University. “I asked my friend to introduce us and the rest is history,” Kendric said. Twenty three years ago, the couple moved to Helena where they have raised their three children. Their eldest, 22-year-old Kirsten, is a senior nursing student at Tuskegee University. Madelyn is an 18-year-old freshman education major and cheerleader at her mother’s alma mater, Alabama State University. At 16 years old, KJ (Kendric Hughley Jr.) is a junior at Helena High School and plays snare drum in the band. After 25 years as a firefighter, Kendric is the fire chief for the city of

Bessemer where he enjoys helping others to be successful in their careers as professional firefighters. An accountant by trade, Julie currently works as the office manager and bookkeeper at Montevallo High School. “Serving the faculty and staff allows me to maximize my love for working with numbers,” Julie said. When they’re not enjoying comfort food during a movie or binge watching their favorite tv shows, the Hughleys are active in the community. In addition to being leaders in the Destiny International Christian Church that serves Helena residents, they are proud band parents, as well as former cheerleading and Helena Teen Council parents. As a family, they enjoy participating in multiple community events such as the Christmas parade, the Independence Day Celebration and Buck Creek Festival. “What makes Helena special for us is it has always felt like home since we moved here 23 years ago,” Kendric and Julie shared.

MILES OF KINDNESS

Julie Gray’s drive makes an exceptional difference

BY DONALD MOTTERN PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

TThe sky is overcast with a slight hint of mist in the air as Julie Gray finishes unloading the back of her SUV. With a cool wind blowing across the field outside of Helena High School, it is the perfect day for a tailgate as long as the weather holds. At 10 a.m. sharp, and with a smile running across her face, she quickly swings the overhead door shut and in the same motion is already carrying a cooler and bucket of chips in her arms.

Gray is finishing up the final details on a table of refreshments for the students, all high schoolers, that are in the special needs program.

She starts her way across the sidewalk and then through the grass as she laughs and greets the students, who all call out in open excitement to greet Gray, or ‘Miss Julie’ as they all know here.

Most of them are in the midst of an impromptu

football game, but one of the students, who is carrying several rubber bases and a softball, suggests that it is just the latest pastime to have made an appearance in the morning’s festivities.

Gray, who reaches the table with the help of one of the other students, places the cooler and chips by the table, brushes off her Crimson Tide jacket, and watches with laughter at the game playing out in front of her.

Gray does this with an air of experienced excitement, and it’s clear that this is not anywhere near the first time she’s taken part in an event like this. In fact, Gray has been with Helena High School from the very beginning and has helped organize gatherings like this for at least the past 15 years.

A JOURNEY OF SERVICE

To the unaccustomed, it might surprise some to learn that Gray is not a teacher on staff, but has instead been a bus driver for nearly 30 years.

“I’m in my 28th year of driving,” she says as she organizes chips and lays out a fan of napkins. “I actually started at Oak Mountain Middle School for three years. All of my kids had started to school, so when my baby son started to school I decided to do something.”

After the three years at Oak Mountain, Gray and one of her good friends wanted routes in Helena, which had special needs routes available. Upon taking those positions and switching schools, the rest was history. Over the past 25 years, Gray has driven in Helena for Valley Intermediate then Riverchase and then she went to Helena Middle

School upon its opening—where she drove for that school and Pelham High School for years.

When Helena High School opened 10 years ago, Gray took that as the opportunity to shift her focus entirely to the Helena community, a decision that also allowed her to follow many of her students that moved to Helena High School during the transition.

Gray now drives bus routes for Helena Middle and High schools and also runs a route for Falcon Flight, a continued education program in Montevallo that is for special needs students after high school graduation that can have participants until they age out at 21 years old.

Except for those that may move away or transfer, Gray sees many of her students at least twice each and every school day for nearly a decade. In that time, she has come to realize that she can grow attached to the students can get emotional when it

finally comes time to drop them off for the last time.

“I get them in sixth grade and then I can keep them for six or seven years,” She says. “You see a lot of growth over the years.”

Partially because of this, as well as her servant’s heart, her involvement and connection to the program and its students has done nothing but grow exponentially over the years.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

As she details all of the activities that she is involved with in Helena’s special needs program, she conveniently, and with honest humility and humbleness, fails to detail how integral and involved she truly is.

While Gray mentions and talks about how the program supplies a bus for the students to attend their own prom, and that there is a fundraiser that helps raise money for it, she fails to mention how her and her husband are the ones who work for days to organize and pay for it.

“My mom actually does the fundraiser and my

dad and her will stay up all night, for three or four days, where they organize the sale of Boston butts and hams,” said Kristin Underwood, Gray’s daughter and a teacher at Chelsea Park Elementary School. “My mom and dad are the ones who cook those. It takes weeks. She buys them at the lowest prices that she can. It’s a big deal to her, and she goes above and beyond to try and get them at the lowest price so that the kids end up with the most profit they can get.”

In fact, the teachers, who watch over the students and from time to time have to reign in the football game from moving too far toward the building, let it be known that Gray is the one who has historically provided for this annual tailgating event, something she still doesn’t take credit for.

“Julie is one of the most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” says Chelsey Hosmer, a special education teacher at Helena High School. “She is very humble and never advertises the level of her involvement. For the fall tailgate and spring picnic, Julie provides all of the food and supplies for the events.”

Gray, an avid Alabama fan, holds a pack of both Auburn and Alabama football stickers in her hands, and before long, she is surrounded. She lets the students pick their favorite, and then carefully peels each sticker and applies them to the hats, shirts or faces of all who want them. As the clock hits 11:15 a.m. she quickly rushes back to her SUV, it’s time to go pick up the pizza, with which she is back with by 11:28.

“To her it’s just normal. In church and anything that she has ever done, she is always taking care of everybody. That’s just what she does, she doesn’t think of any of it as extra.”

She is completely in her element as she gloves up and joins Hosmer and several other teachers in serving out the day’s refreshments. Fitting with the day’s theme of a tailgate, each slice of pizza is served on either an Alabama or Auburn plate, a slight competition that the students love.

“She loves the kids on her bus and all of our students in the special education program so much and wants to help provide incredibly valuable experiences for them,” Hosmer says. “What she does goes above and beyond her duty of just driving the school bus. Our students love Julie so much and always ask to make sure that she is driving the bus

- KRISTIN UNDERWOOD

on our field trips. I honestly can’t say enough to fully express how much Julie means to all of us.”

As Gray tells her story and talks about her involvement with the program, she is consistently drawn back to her main focus—the students.

For every example of a field trip she lists, Gray cheers on the catch of a football and for every detail about her eight grandchildren she shares, Gray has a one-on-one moment with her students that come to greet and thank her for her help.

“I come once or twice every other week or so and drop by and see them,” Gray says as she takes out several sticker pads. “When we do field trips, we might have two field trips a week. A lot of them are work related, on the job experiences. I love the kids

and doing this for them and we do a lot of fun things beside just driving the school bus. We go on field trips and have parties among other stuff.”

LEAVING AN IMPRESSION

Gray’s involvement with the special needs program is leaps and bounds above what most would expect, and it has driven quite a few over the years to be inspired to follow suit. Gray has convinced multiple drivers over the years to make the switch from driving other routes to driving one of the special needs routes. With that being said, as Gray looks toward the milestone of a potential 30 years in her role as a bus driver, she is unsure if she will make it to that point.

“I’m probably on my way downhill,” she says while watching students sing and dance to the music that is now playing. “I think 28 years is a good but long time. I don’t know if I will do 30 years. That’s what my granddaughter told me, she said, ‘If you just stay two more years, I’ll be a senior and get to do this with us.’ I never thought that I would go past 25. I worked to go to 25 years and that’s all I thought I would do.”

Gray talks often about the place she and her husband have owned in Orange Beach since 2004 and how when the time comes, she would love to spend her retirement there, on the beach. But, even if she

may be thinking about it, she never wants to completely rule out “just one more year.”

“She’s said she’s going to retire for the last four years and she has yet to do it,” Underwood said. “With her year ending in October, she’s always said that she’ll start the year and see where it goes, but once she starts again she doesn’t stop.”

Gray’s daughter went on to say that her mother can be very protective of the program and what it represents. Although she could have already retired, but she is like, she expresses a need to know that when she does decide to park her bus for the last time, that the driver taking her place cares as deeply as she does.

“She’s very protective,” Underwood says. “But even more, it’s going to be incredibly hard to replace her.”

When she does decide to retire, which Gray has left open for the future to decide, she will leave behind a program that she has helped shaped, even if she would be the last one to tell you that. It is a legacy of caring and compassion that is sure to reflect on not just those who’ve had direct contact with Julie Gray, but for each person who has had the pleasure of meeting her.

“She doesn’t think of it that way,” Underwood said, “To her it’s just normal. In church and anything that she has ever done, she is always taking care of everybody. That’s just what she does, she doesn’t think of any of it as extra.”

LEAVING A LEGACY

Helena basketball team leaves mark in history with first Final Four appearance

BY ANDREW SIMONSON PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

AAs the Helena Huskies walked onto the Legacy Arena floor for their first Final Four in program history on Wednesday, Feb. 28, they were greeted by a massive section of traveling supporters who braved rush hour traffic to make noise and cheer on their hometown heroes.

Everyone in the arena knew the journey that Helena has been on. Few expected the Huskies to make it this far, and yet here they were in their firstever Final Four after never making it past the Sweet 16, standing face-to-face with the defending Class 6A state champions, the Buckhorn Bucks.

While few anticipated this day, even fewer expected Helena to storm out of the gate and dominate the early moments of the game as the Huskies led by 10 midway through the second quarter.

But for coach Lucas McDonald and this Helena team, it was just another chance to shock the state.

“Nobody expected us to be sitting here in the Final Four at the beginning of the year, I guarantee you,” McDonald said. “This group accomplished so much and shocked a lot of people just to have the opportunity to get here, so I’m proud and couldn’t say enough about the kids and what they’ve done over the last two years and bought in and done what I’ve asked and gave us an opportunity to be here.”

While the Huskies fell to the Bucks 60-47, they made the most of that opportunity, throwing their best punch and working hard throughout their battle with the No. 1 team and eventual state champion in 6A.

Helena got to work right from the opening tip as the Huskies won the battle at center court and got the ball to Joseph King for the first basket of the game.

That set the tone for the first quarter as Drew Davis, Josh Williams and Denton McDonald all made baskets as part of a 9-3 run in the first 5:30 of the game.

However, it was Helena’s tenacity on defense that helped it command the early minutes.

The Huskies held the Bucks to just one basket from the field in the entire first quarter as they outrebounded Buckhorn and shut down much of its offense, including its star sophomore Caleb Holt.

Williams made a pair of free throws to close out the first quarter for Helena and extend its lead to 11-4 at the end of the period.

The Bucks cut the Huskies lead to four shortly into the second quarter as Holt made a basket and

“Nobody expected us to be sitting here in the Final Four at the beginning of the year, I guarantee you. This group accomplished so much and shocked a lot of people just to have the opportunity to get here, so I’m proud and couldn’t say enough about the kids and what they’ve done over the last two years and bought in and done what I’ve asked and gave us an opportunity to be here.”

- LUCAS MCDONALD

converted the ensuing free throw.

However, Helena bounced right back with a Williams field goal and Johnigan 3-pointer to extend the lead to nine two minutes into the second.

The senior duo of Williams and Johnigan, who have been with the Huskies for much of their rise over the course of their career, dominated the second quarter as they combined for all 15 of Helena’s points in the period.

On the other end of the floor, Buckhorn flowed its offense through Holt, who had a strong offensive quarter to bounce back from a scoreless first quarter.

However, the Huskies limited much of the scoring

know how

threats surrounding him with their continued strong defense and even put Holt in danger of getting into foul trouble with two first half fouls.

The Bucks rode Holt’s offense to cut the deficit to two with less than 10 seconds left, but Johnigan ended the half on an emphatic note with a 3-pointer at the buzzer to electrify the crowd and make the halftime score 26-21.

Helena held that five-point lead through a backand-forth opening two minutes of the quarter and extended its advantage to nine with 4:46 remaining in the third after Williams and King won a pair of battles at the rim.

However, shortly after, Buckhorn made its move.

In the blink of an eye, the Bucks scored six points in less than a minute, and the Holt dunk that capped off the sequence forced a timeout from McDonald with the Huskies leading by just three with 3:43 left in the third.

Helena responded well coming out of the timeout with a Johnigan field goal and a pair of free throws from King to take the lead to seven, but that was quickly erased as well.

Just more than a minute later, Buckhorn tied up the game with 1:41 left and forced another Helena timeout.

The Huskies had a brief scare a few seconds later as Williams went down with an apparent leg injury, but after spending some time on the floor, he popped up to the delight of the traveling fans and later reentered the game to finish out his final season.

King hit a free throw on the next play to give Helena a 39-38 lead with 1:16 left, but the Bucks

took their first lead of the game as time expired as Holt made a Eurostep layup to give him 24 points through three quarters.

Now down 40-39 at the start of the fourth, the Huskies couldn’t keep up with Buckhorn as the top team in the state started to pull away. The Bucks went on a 7-0 run in the opening three minutes of the quarter that was only broken up by a Williams basket with 4:36 left.

Throughout the fourth, Buckhorn shut down Helena possessions by forcing turnovers and capitalizing on the other end of the floor. Much of that offense was powered by Holt, who finished the game with 37 points off 11-20 shooting and 15-19 from the free throw line as he went on to win MaxPreps Player of the Year for the state of Alabama.

While Johnigan, King, Davis and the Huskies made baskets down the stretch, they were unable to close the gap as Buckhorn earned the 13-point win

to end Helena’s season.

After the game, Johnigan said he and his teammates knew coming in that the Bucks were a second half team and that whoever won the final 16 minutes would take the game.

“I took this from watching film: they’re a secondhalf team,” Johnigan said. “I watched them play Clay-Chalkville and Clay-Chalkville was up at half and [Buckhorn] came back and did everything in the second half, so I told my teammates it was going to come down to who was the better second half team, and they were the better second half team.”

Williams agreed with his fellow senior and said he expected everything that Buckhorn did, from playing through Holt to their defense and transition game.

He said he thought the game came down to the turnover battle, which Helena lost 28-13 to give the Bucks 33 points off turnovers out of their 60 total.

“Buckhorn’s a good team, but I didn’t feel like

they didn’t do anything that was just outrageous,” Williams said. “It was just our turnovers and all those things that cost us the game.”

Williams finished the game with 17 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Johnigan had 12 points, King had nine points and five rebounds and Davis finished with six points and five boards.

In the end, King and his teammates believe that their performance showed what they already believed coming into the game: that they can battle with anyone and find success when they play their best.

“I feel like we can compete with anybody, it’s just honestly up to what we do,” King said. “I honestly feel like it would have been a different outcome and it’s what we did that cost us. We can play anybody from anywhere and if we play our game, it’s going to be a good game.”

Throughout the postseason, McDonald and his team have been aware of how much they mean to

the community and how special this run has been.

The support in the arena was just another reminder of the legacy that they have built and the history that they have made.

Their goal was to cherish every moment during this run knowing that they would remember it for years to come.

“Sometimes, you’re in the middle of it and you don’t really understand it–you don’t see it as a young man,” McDonald said. “I had some of those situations when I was young during my career and this week, I was just going to cherish every moment. And we did that. It didn’t go the way we wanted it to in the second half and shot ourselves in the foot, but as far as this group, this group is a very unique and special group and we’ll hold a special place at Helena High School forever.”

That much was evident on the faces of McDonald, Williams and the Huskies after the game as they entered the postgame press conference. Visibly emotional as they took the stand, it was clear how much being part of this historic team meant to them.

“We’ve never been here,” Williams said. “We look back from the beginning of the season, nobody expected us to be here. Just grateful for everything.”

A CITY UNITED

Diversity and Inclusion board hosting third annual Helena United Festival

WBY MACKENZEE SIMMS PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

With the aroma of food from around the world drifting on the breeze and international music swirling through the air, the Helena United Festival will return to Helena for its third year on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater. Hosted by the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board, the Helena United Festival will feature cooking demonstrations, performances and informational booths designed to showcase different cultures and provide guests with to opportunity to celebrate their differences.

According to Chairperson of the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board Dominga Gardner, the Helena United Festival will feature cooking demonstrations, a stick dancing performance and a martial arts demonstration, with a pending agreement with a bag pipe group.

“We are using this event to bring all the cultures together, all different walks of life together, just to be able to learn something new from another culture and also to embrace those that are different from us.”

-CHAIRPERSON OF THE HELENA DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BOARD DOMINGA GARDNER

“We are using this event to bring all the cultures together, all different walks of life together, just to be able to learn something new from another culture,” Gardner said. “And also to embrace those that are different from us.”

This is the third year that the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board has hosted the Helena United Festival and Gardner hopes to see it grow even more from last year with an even greater response from the community.

“(The community response) has been good,” Gardner said. “This first year, everyone was trying to figure who is the diversity board, what is it all about. Last year, we had over 1,200 citizens come out from various citizens as well.”

Of these 1,200 guests last year, Gardner expressed how much she loved watching the children respond to the performances and demonstrations.

“The kids seem to love it,” Gardner said. “Last year, the stick dancing was a big hit with the kids, just learning something different and being able to embrace that cultural difference that you’re not used to.”

On a personal level, Gardner shared that her favorite part of the festival each year consists of two things: meeting new people and the food.

“I always love the food,” Gardner said. “Last year, we had the Indonesian bowl demonstration. I had never visited (an Indonesian) restaurant, but that food was great. I enjoy the food, just trying different things. But overall, just walking around and meeting new people—I would definitely say (my favorite part) is food and meeting new people and learning their stories.”

The Diversity and Inclusion Board is a 10-member group that highlights and fosters the diverse community found in the city of Helena.

“(The Diversity and Inclusion Board) is a group of diverse citizens that live in Helena of varying

races, gender, profession and culture,” Gardner said. “We are here to help promote the city of Helena and bring everyone together on various issues through activities that we have.”

According to Gardner, there is a common misconception that the Diversity and Inclusion Board is only focused on race. When in reality, the board promotes people of all backgrounds and understands that our differences stem from many different factors.

“We’re not only talking about race or gender,” Gardner said. “I mean we’re all different. I might be black and my neighbor might be black, however, we have different professions. We came from different households. So that’s where the differences lie. My main goal is not to focus on race, but also on the other differences that we have with one another and be able to embrace those differences.”

To embrace the differences of others, people have to understand one another, and it’s Gardner’s hope that the Helena United Festival can serve as the first step for some towards fostering a community of growth and acceptance.

“I hope (attendees) remember that everyone is different and (remember) to embrace the differences that we have with one another and to be able to accept those differences,” Gardner said. “And just to be willing to have an open mind when meeting new people because not everybody is your same race, same profession and that’s one of the things that we kind of (promote) in the Diversity Board.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about Helena United Festival and the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board can visit Helenadiboard.org.

HELENA UNITED FESTIVAL

uThe third annual Helena United Festival will be held on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater.

uHosted by the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board, the Helena United Festival will feature cooking demonstrations, performances and informational booths.

uThe Helena Diversity and Inclusion board is a ten-member group that is dedicated to promoting the city of Helena and celebrating people of different backgrounds.

SPRING MARKET

PHOTOS BY MACKENZEE SIMMS

On Saturday, March 9, Helena High School hosted their annual Spring Market to benefit the HHS band. This year, the Spring Market invited members of the community to leisurely stroll through the booths of nearly 100 vendors to celebrate the start of the spring season.

1. Patrice Brown

2. Singrid and Tavarus Thompson

3. Jill Chancey and Shelby Triboulet

4. Amanda Claridy

5. Craig Hill and Brad Anderson

6. Stephanie, Tim and Teddy Hill

7. Angel Dowdy

8. Sarissa Brooks and Emily Crowe

9. Marc and Karen Werner

10. Ollie Spangler and Tyler Hill

11. Kellie Luckie

12. Bobbie Smith and Mikayla Burks

13. Jacob and Lisa Viola with Amber Smith

14. Berenice Majors

15. Keziah Gadson and Remy Stark

16. Collen R. Brown

17. Kathy and Amanda Hall

18. Leeann Newton and Debbie Myrick

19. Anna Jones

20. Evelyn Harper and Scarlett Carrington

21. Chasty Manning

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MY HELENA

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residents of Helena for three years

Making memories

Old Town festivities and events

There are so many entertaining events that take place in and around Old Town throughout the year, and we attend all that we can: Helena Market Days, Own Town Live, the Buck Creek Festival and Christmas in Helena among others. These events are a part of so many of the happy memories our family has made since moving to Helena three years ago.

Compassionate childcare

Helena Methodist Church and Preschool

If anyone is looking for a church home or a preschool/play school program for their little ones, we highly encourage them to give Helena Methodist Church a visit. We joined the church shortly after moving to Helena and it has blessed our family in many ways. Our 13-month-old daughter attends the play school program and the staff and teachers are top-notch–experienced, caring, and communicative. Our little girl always has the biggest smile on her face when she gets to class each morning!

Holidays in Hillsboro

A vibrant neighborhood community

Living in the Appleford neighborhood for three years has given new meaning to the word “festive”! Our neighborhood family raises the bar when it comes to celebrating and decorating for the holidays. We especially love hosting what seems to be the entire town for trick-or-treating. The endless parade of adorable kiddos (and parents) in costume is quite entertaining!

Cool for the summer

Wading the Buck Creek shoals in the summertime

The trail that parallels Buck Creek from the back of Helena Amphitheater Park to the confluence of the creek and the Cahaba River is a hidden gem. Along the trail there are several shoals that make perfect places to cool off on summer days with our dogs; we just set up our camping chairs right in the water and relax!

The great outdoors

Northern Pines trail at Cahaba River Park

There are many miles of great trails at Cahaba River Park, and the Northern Pines trail is our top pick. As its name suggests, most of the trail runs along a pine ridge and then switchbacks down to the river near the end. Out-and-back is close to four miles. Without the sound of leaves rustling in the trees and crunching under your feet, the pine ridge makes for an almost eerily quiet walk. We love it!