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20 YEARS Pastor Buddy Champion celebrates 20 years at FBCT. 17

Vol 11 | Issue 12 | October 2026 As Trussville As It Gets

Dr. Rachel Spurrier:

A calling that unfolded Dr. Rachel Spurrier’s calling began with a cow’s eye — and led the Trussville native back home. See page 10

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2 • October 2026

Cahaba Sun

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley Did you know that this newspaper is just one of the six monthly publications we produce at Starnes Media each month? The Cahaba Sun covers Trussville, Village Living covers Mountain Brook and we also put together the Hoover Sun, Vestavia Voice, Homewood Star and 280 Living papers on a monthly basis. One of my favorite things about overseeing the production of each of these publications is the unique identity each community possesses. Different things are important to different towns and residents are far more interested in certain topics than others. But one thing that is not unique to any of

these places is how much the people care about the place they live, the amount of interesting people all around them. Know of an event we need to highlight? How about that man or woman in town that has such a cool story? We’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at kparmley@ starnesmedia.com with any thoughts and ideas. Thanks for reading!

ON THE COVER: Dr. Rachel Spurrier at UAB Callahan Eye. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Please Support Our Community Partners Aqua Systems of Birmingham (3) Birmingham Grill Company (15) Birmingham Orthodontics (5) Birmingham Zoo (7) Children’s of Alabama (8) Closets by Design (1) Flipsies Furniture (3) Higey Law Firm (7) Jacob Reach for Sheriff (4) Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department (13) Leisure Care Salterra at Peachtree (9)

One Man & A Toolbox (3) Southern Blood Services (11) Southern Exterior Cleaning Solutions (16) Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (4) Stanley Steemer (20) STP Heating and Air (18) The Pines at Birmingham (19) Trussville Gas and Water (19) United Way of Central Alabama (11)

Publisher: Dan Starnes Managing Editor: Kyle Parmley News Editor: Jon Anderson Staff Writer: Kelli S. Hewett Contributing Writers: April Coffey Lauren H. Dowdle Diane Poole Emily Reed Kristi Sellers Production Assistant: Jenn Moon Project Manager: Amanda Kreklau Client Success Specialist: Warren Caldwell Business Development Exec: Don Harris Operations Specialist: Sarah Villar

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Legals: Cahaba Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior

permission is prohibited. Cahaba Sun is designed to inform the Trussville community of area school, family and community events. Information in Cahaba Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Cahaba Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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4 • October 2026

Cahaba Sun

CITY

Leadership HT students’ idea leads to permanent Parkway poles ahead of football home opener By STAFF New permanent poles now line Husky Parkway, put in place ahead of HewittTrussville High School’s first home football game of the season, replacing a longtime system of temporary traffic cones. The project originated with four Leadership HT students — Micah Fantroy, Kathryn Smith, Lauren Wideman and Natalie Dummitt — who noticed Trussville Public Works crews setting out cones along the parkway Leadership HT students developed a proposal for before sporting events and removing them new permanent poles on Husky Parkway. Photo courtesy of Ben Short. afterward, Mayor Ben Short said. The students developed a proposal and presented it to the City Council, arguing that unfinished, Short said. permanent poles would improve the area’s appearShort credited the students for identifying a ance on game days while reducing long-term costs problem and following through with a proposed tied to labor and cone replacement, according to solution. Short. “They didn’t just point out something that The council approved the idea, and the first could be improved. They came up with a soluphase of the project was completed in time tion, did their homework and brought the idea for Friday’s game. A second phase remains forward,” Short said.

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Matthew Zarillo and Derrick Lewis have been hired as Trussville Police Department officers. Photo courtesy of Ben Short.

Trussville Police Department adds two officers, continues hiring The Trussville Police Department has hired two new officers, Derrick Lewis and Matthew Zarillo, Mayor Ben Short announced. Short said recruiting and retaining officers remains a priority for the city as it continues to invest in public safety. The department is still accepting applications for police officer positions. Information and applications are available at governmentjobs.com/careers/ trussville. Information courtesy of Mayor Ben Short and the city of Trussville.

October 2026 • 5

CahabaSun.com

BUSINESS

Brian Jackson: Solving problems, building people By DIANE POOLE Brian Jackson got his master’s degree online and by watching VHS tapes. One of the first students in Auburn’s Master of Accountancy program, he was working full time and appreciated the flexibility. And over the years, he’s adapted with technology. “I think the only time I had to be on campus was to return the VHS tapes,” Jackson said. Jackson first joined Abacus Technologies, a subsidiary of BMSS Companies, in 2003. He was hired as an accounting software consultant, but he could also handle sales, perform demonstrations and build reports. “I really got to converge accounting and technology,” Jackson said. “I could talk accounting but I could also talk technology.” After seven years with Abacus, Jackson left to broaden his experience in software development and IT leadership. Before he left, two partners walked with him to the door. “That made such an impression on me,” Jackson said. “It wasn’t goodbye.” Four years later, one of those same partners called and asked him to return and lead the company. In 2014, he returned as CEO.

Jackson said it was around the time of the pandemic that he realized his role had changed. “I had to create a vision for the company, create a sustainable culture and create a growth path,” Jackson said. One of the things that sets Abacus apart from other IT companies is its philosophy on hiring people. Jackson said he’d rather hire someone with good people skills and teach them how to do IT than hire an IT person with no people skills. “Some of the best people on my team were customer service people,” Jackson said. “They worked at Chick-fil-A, guitar shops and such — but they were individuals who had really good customer service skills. I came behind them and taught them the technology side.” Jackson’s mentor, Brad Gray, shared a perspective with him when he was young that has stayed with him and has served him well through the years. “There’s a difference between being nice and being kind,” Jackson said. “Nice is telling you what you want to hear; kind is telling you what you need to hear.” Jackson believes in empowering his team. “My job has somewhat been to make myself irrelevant from the standpoint of day-to-day operations,” he said. “It’s only because of the team that I’m able to do that and focus on other things.”

Brian Jackson, CEO of Abacus Technologies. Photo by Diane Poole.

6 • October 2026

Cahaba Sun

BUSINESS

Business Happenings NOW OPEN Ruscelli’s Italian Restaurant opened in August at 1423 Gadsden Highway, Suite 131, in Marty’s Trussville, a 21-and-older neighborhood watering hole and hangout spot. Known for menu items like its pizza strippers, pasta, dessert pizza, cookie dough dumplings, salads, nachos, savory dumplings, pizza quesadillas, pizza-rittos and specialty pizza tacos, Ruscelli’s has another location at Mojo Pub in Birmingham’s Lakeview. They also have 12 wild dipping sauces guests can enjoy with their meals. Ruscelli’s Italian Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 205-910-8543, ruscellispizzataco.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Birmingham Orthodontics is distributing more than 7,000 oral hygiene kits to schools and community organizations across Birmingham through a back-to-school initiative. The program is designed to improve children’s oral health and ensure they have access to basic hygiene supplies. Each kit includes a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss and a reusable carrying case that can also be used as a pencil pouch. School nurses will distribute the kits to students who need access to basic oral hygiene supplies. The initiative is part of a large investment in oral hygiene supplies supporting schools and families across multiple states. Schools, PTOs, school nurses and youth-serving community organizations can request kits. Their Trussville location is at 442 Main St., Suite 101, and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 205-583-0477, bhamorthodontics.com

PERSONNEL MOVES Matthew C. Anderson, a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon and Birmingham native, joined OrthoAlabama Spine and Sports in September. He will see patients in Trussville at 1801 Gadsden Highway, as well as in Hoover. Dr. Anderson specializes in comprehensive surgical and nonsurgi-

cal care of conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow, including arthritis, sports injuries, fracture care, overuse injuries, nerve repair, compressive neuropathies and other conditions. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, completed his residency at Prisma Health Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, and did his fellowship training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and American Sports Medicine Institute. 205-228-7600, orthoalabama.com

ANNIVERSARIES Thai Basil and Sushi is celebrating eight years of serving authentic Thai food, fresh sushi, appetizers and more to the Trussville community at 445 Main St., Suite 121. They offer dishes including spring rolls, coconut tofu soup, pad Thai, mango sticky rice, pineapple fried rice with shrimp and chicken, spicy drunken noodle beef and fried pot stickers. The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. 205-537-1133, thaibasilandsushi.com Quest for Health Chiropractic is celebrating its eighth anniversary at 1110 N. Chalkville Road, Suite 112, in Trussville. Dr. Keith and Dr. Miracle Hallingquest and their team strive to help patients reach their maximum health potential through a holistic, non-invasive and whole-body approach using the most advanced chiropractic care available. Quest for Health Chiropractic is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3-6 p.m., as well as Tuesday 3-6 p.m. 205-537-1161, questforhealthchiro.com Tommy Allen French Attorney at Law, located at 800 Watterson Curve, Suite 101, in Trussville, is celebrating its 11th anniversary. Previously part of Richardson and French in Fort Deposit, French later moved to Trussville to start his solo practice closer to home. He offers legal services for bankruptcy, divorce and custody, criminal defense and real estate. His office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-508-5900, tommyfrenchlaw.com Half Shell Oyster House is celebrating six years at 218 Main St. in Trussville. The concept for the restaurant was created in 2008 to offer a menu that highlighted Southern cuisine with a New Orleans flair. Now, there are locations in Mississippi and Ala-

bama, including Pelham, Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Foley and Mobile. They serve dishes including oysters, crab cakes, fried crab claws, redfish, seafood pasta, ribeye, red beans and rice, salads and more. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 205-598-5009, halfshelloysterhouse.com

CLOSINGS Kirkland’s, located at 5474 Patrick Way in Trussville, closed in September after several weeks of sales. The Homestead Village location offered home décor items, gifts, furniture, lighting, rugs, candles, pillows, curtains, artwork and more. The entire store was 50% off until closure, and the store staff said it is actively looking for a new location to call home. Now a part of the Bed Bath and Beyond family of brands, Kirkland’s was open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-661-0093, kirklands.com Fresh Value marketplace is closing its Trussville location at 309 Main St. Select products will be liquidated while supplies last. Fresh Value in Moody and Meat Depot in Huffman will remain open. Fresh Value began as a single store in Bessemer known as 4th Ave. Supermarket and has since grown into a regional supermarket chain throughout the state. The Trussville team thanked the community for their loyalty, support and years of patronage and said it was their privilege to serve them. They also have other locations in cities including Bessemer, Gadsden, Athens, Tuscaloosa, Moody, Pell City, Oxford and Somerville. 205-655-4427, fresh-value.com Anderson Ave Boutique is closing its Trussville storefront on Sept. 25 at 152 Main St., Suite B, and moving the boutique online. Owner Emily Onofry launched the boutique online in 2023 and then opened the brickand-mortar in June 2024. She describes their items as having a classic, effortless style with a modern southern touch. Onofry said going online will allow them to continue providing women’s clothing, boutique fashion, new arrivals, denim, dresses, tops, accessories and everyday styles in a new way. Everything in the store is 30% or more off as part of their closing sale. Anderson Ave Boutique is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-537-1122, andersonaveboutique.com Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

October 2026 • 7

CahabaSun.com

BUSINESS

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8 • October 2026

Cahaba Sun

SCHOOLHOUSE

GET TO KNOW

Building character and craft By APRIL COFFEY Hannah Sizemore is a Birmingham, Alabama, native who has been involved in theatre since a young age. She has performed in theatres across the country, including a college performance at The Lincoln Center in New York City. Sizemore holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from the University of Montevallo and a Master of Fine Arts in theatre education from Mississippi College for Women. She has performed in, directed or choreographed more than 30 shows over the course of her theatre career. Q: What drew you to become a theater teacher? What drew you to Trussville? A: I loved teaching and I loved performing so being a theatre teacher allows me to do both. This summer I worked with the Trussville Children’s Theatre teaching a class, camp and voice lessons. I instantly fell in love with the community and its people, especially the arts community. When the opportunity at Hewitt-Trussville High School opened up this summer, I eagerly applied and was thrilled to have been chosen to lead the HTHS theatre program. Q: Was there a particular teacher, director or production that inspired you to pursue theater? A: Mr. Marcus Lane and his wife, Jen Lane, from The University of Montevallo were very important in guiding me to choose theatre as a profession. Mr. Lane was my college advisor, but after I graduated he and his wife became role models and mentors to me. He was the one who sat me down and told me I could teach theatre. Ever since that conversation, I have been a theatre teacher. I still perform in my spare time,

but teaching has become an absolute passion of mine. To this day the Lanes are always a phone call away if I need a pep talk or advice. Q: What do you hope students take away from being involved in theater — beyond learning how to perform? A: While the goal of the Theatre Department is to perform incredible shows that really touch our audiences; the ultimate goal is to cultivate kind human beings. One can be the most talented person on earth, but without respect and empathy for those around you, talent loses its value. In this program, character matters just as much as the craft. Q: What are some of the things you hope to build or introduce in your first year? A: I am excited about a few things that I am hoping to build and introduce into our program. I am wanting to expand our competition level, which involves recruiting more students to compete in theatre events across our state and maybe even internationally. I also hope to get our elementary schools involved in our program more — whether that is coming to see a show at the high school or our high school students performing a show for them on the elementary campuses. Q: What is the most rewarding part of watching a student grow through theater? A: Watching a student have their moment on a stage, a moment that they have worked so hard to complete and now they have it. I also like watching the lightbulb moment happen for them. The moment where everything clicks. Those are the moments you know that is where you are supposed to be. To read the full Q and A with Hannah Sizemore, go to cahabasun.com.

Hannah Sizemore is now leading the theatre program at Hewitt-Trussville High School. Photo courtesy of Hannah Sizemore.

October 2026 • 9

CahabaSun.com

SCHOOLHOUSE

GET TO KNOW

Mackenzie Brown returns home to teach math By APRIL COFFEY Mackenzie Brown is no stranger to life on the move. Originally from Homewood, she married her husband, Tucker Brown, in 2020, and the couple has spent the last six years relocating around the state as Tucker pursued football coaching opportunities, including stops at Baker High School in Mobile and, most recently, Opelika High School. Mackenzie was hired to teach math at Hewitt-Trussville High School this year. Q: How do you help a student who says, “I’m just not a math person”? What is your favorite way to make math relatable to students? A: A lot of times, students who think they are “not a math person” have just come to believe that they are not able to do it. I always start small and celebrate the wins. Before pointing out a mistake, I like to show students all the things they did correctly. Little by little, if you chip away at the attitude of “I can’t do this,” students begin to realize that they are capable of doing things that they would have shut down when they encountered them before. I also try to make math as relatable

and fun as possible. I love incorporating sports when I can and finding ways to show students that math is not always just sitting down and completing a worksheet. I try to present concepts in different ways and give students opportunities to see math, talk about math, and interact with it in a way that makes sense to them. Q: What do you hope your students remember about you years after they leave your classroom? A: I hope students leave my classroom always feeling like they were encouraged and that they can do hard things. I hope they remember that they had a teacher who held them accountable, who cared about the math, but more importantly, cared about them as individuals. Q: What are you most looking forward to about joining the Hewitt-Trussville community? A: One of the things I am most excited about is being back with family. Tucker is originally from Trussville, and his family still lives here. I love going on walks through the neighborhood, seeing familiar faces and meeting new people. Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching? A: Cook, go on walks, travel.

Q: What is on your personal bucket list? A: My husband and I love to travel. I would love to go to Greece to spend time on the beaches and eat great food. To read the full Q and A with Mackenzie Brown, go to cahabasun.com.

Mackenzie, Tucker and Hank Brown. Photo courtesy of Emily Scott.

10 • October 2026

Cahaba Sun

Dr. Rachel Spurrier: A calling that unfolded By DIANE POOLE It all started with a cow’s eye. Preparing to retire, Dr. Rachel Spurrier’s high school anatomy teacher, Mrs. Bailey, opened a classroom closet filled with preserved specimens and invited students to dissect them. “I remember when we found a bucket of cow eyes and started dissecting them. I opened one up and saw this blue sheen at the back of the eye and thought, ‘Wow, it’s beautiful.’” Asked about it, Mrs. Bailey explained that it helps give cows night vision. “That was kind of my ‘aha’ moment. I thought, ‘This structure is not only beautiful but it also gives you vision.’ It was amazing.” Spurrier’s mom was in health care, reinforcing her interest in medicine. “At a young age, I knew I wanted to be a doctor because I can pray with people and let them know everything’s going to be okay.” It wasn’t until college, when several family members began losing their vision, that Spurrier realized just how profoundly eyesight affects every aspect of daily life. “Walking through that with them is what gave me the compassion to pursue ophthalmology,” Spurrier said. One of Spurrier’s high school extracurricular activities was being a member of the Hewitt-Trussville Color Guard. Spurrier later earned a spot on Auburn’s Tiger Eyes, where she performed four years and served as captain her senior year. “Serving as team captain taught me to be a good communicator,” Spurrier said. “That’s really important in my job — communicating with patients, making sure they understand what’s going on, what to expect and how we’re going to help them.” At Auburn, Spurrier changed her original major from

Dr. Spurrier, Dr. Wilson and clinic staff dressed up in a “Frozen” theme for Halloween. Photo courtesy of Rachel Spurrier.

Dr. Rachel Spurrier gives a patient an eye exam at UAB Callahan Eye. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

chemical engineering to biomedical sciences. “It had to be a God thing. I’m thankful for those courses because I’d already seen some of that material.” During Spurrier’s sophomore year at Auburn, a church friend invited her to go on a mission trip to Haiti. She hesitated because she didn’t think her family would let her go, and it was an expensive trip. “Sounds like you’re making a lot of excuses,” her friend told her. After some prayer, she then talked with her parents, who “shockingly” told her to “do what she thought she needed to do.” “I went to Haiti, and I came back a completely changed person. It really opened my eyes; I was naïve. I grew up in Trussville — a small town where we have all we need. I remember thinking, ‘Medicine is what I want to do. I know I was called to help people.’” A short time later, one of her mentors suggested she shadow an ophthalmologist. She had no idea how to go about that, but one day, a shopping trip with her mom opened the door. “We were at a yarn store. My mom told this lady how I was interested in ophthalmology and wanted to go to med school. This lady was a nurse for a pediatric ophthalmologist in town. She said, ‘You should come shadow the doctor I work for.’” Spurrier emailed pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Anne Marie Arciniegas, who invited her to come shadow her. “I showed up at Dr. Arciniegas’ office and shadowed her. She is truly the reason I’m in this field. Today we’re partners.”

“I went home that day and just felt like my soul was on fire,” Spurrier said. “Dr. Arciniegas and I stayed in touch,” Spurrier said, “and I shadowed her a few more times. She was a huge encouragement to me as I applied to medical school.” During medical school, Spurrier completed an international rotation in Honduras, where she met and lived with Amy, who would later play an unexpected role in Spurrier’s life. In her fourth year, Spurrier was accepted for an ophthalmology rotation in Augusta. “I remembered Amy lived in Augusta, so I reached out to her and asked, ‘Hey, I’m coming there for a month. Can I live with you again?’” At that time, Amy and her husband lived with another couple. They welcomed Spurrier into their home, and the friendships she formed there would eventually lead her to her future husband, David Roy. “I went over to Amy’s house to borrow a sewing machine because mine had broken. While we were catching up, this guy walked up and said, ‘Hey, I’m David.’” Spurrier matched into the ophthalmology residency program in Augusta and spent the next several years there. Spurrier and Roy dated for three years before Spurrier completed a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship in Charleston. There she trained under pediatric cataract surgeon Dr. Ed Wilson. She was one of the last fellows he trained before his retirement. “He is world-renowned in pediatric cataract surgery,”

October 2026 • 11

CahabaSun.com

Dr. Rachel Spurrier and members of her medical team treat patients and perform surgery in Antigua and San Mateo, Guatemala, during one of her mission trips. Photos courtesy of Rachel Spurrier.

Spurrier said. “It was an honor to train with him.” “I’ve been incredibly blessed with mentors,” Spurrier said. “Dr. Arciniegas got me into this field, and now I work alongside her — and I never would’ve imagined training with somebody like Dr. Wilson. It’s definitely a God thing.” After a year as a faculty member in Augusta following her Charleston fellowship, Spurrier accepted a position with UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. Roy proposed in July 2024;

they were married that November and moved to Birmingham together in February 2025. The most rewarding part of Spurrier’s job is helping children who come in with vision issues. “Sometimes it’s glasses. Sometimes it’s surgery. But when you can make a difference in a child’s vision, you’re impacting how they learn, develop and interact with the world.” As Spurrier reflected on her journey, she became emotional describing God’s faithfulness through each chapter

of her life. Looking back, she said she can now see God’s hand in every stage of her journey: from a cow’s eye in a high school anatomy class, to two mission trips, to chance meetings that became lifelong friendships and mentorships and, ultimately, home to Birmingham. “It’s totally God,” Spurrier said. “Honestly, the whole story of how I got here is 100% God. I just hope to be faithful with what He’s entrusted to me.”

12 • October 2026

SPORTS

Early-season highlights By KYLE PARMLEY There’s nothing quite like high school football season in Alabama. Bands play, crowds roar and rivalries reignite as teams take the field for another year. The players, the coaches, the band, the cheerleaders and many others help showcase the pageantry and personality that define Friday nights across the area. Photos by Shawn Bowles and Emma Speed.

Cahaba Sun

October 2026 • 13

CahabaSun.com

SPORTS

Huskies face stiff October slate as playoff picture takes shape By KYLE PARMLEY Hewitt-Trussville High School’s football team opened Class 6A, Region 3 play in September against Hoover, Tuscaloosa County and Prattville. The second half of the region schedule will go a long way toward determining playoff seeding, with Thompson, Vestavia Hills and Spain Park among the region’s more established programs on the back half of the slate.

OCT. 16 AT VESTAVIA HILLS Vestavia Hills holds a 13-8 edge in the series, but Hewitt-Trussville has won six straight meetings. Last year’s game opened region play for both teams, and Deuce Alston ran for 184 yards and two touchdowns, including a 73-yard go-ahead score in the third quarter, to lift the Huskies to a 28-14 win. Vestavia Hills is led by fifth-year head coach Robert Evans.

OCT. 2 AT OAK MOUNTAIN

OCT. 23 VS. SPAIN PARK

Hewitt-Trussville holds an 11-3 edge in the all-time series and has won 10 straight meetings dating to 2015, including a 36-21 win last season. Oak Mountain enters the season under new head coach Jason Kervin, who previously served as strength and conditioning coordinator at Pelham and offensive coordinator at Hoover.

Hewitt-Trussville holds a 6-3 edge in the series, but the two programs have not met since 2023, when Spain Park won 50-29 in a shootout. Spain Park is led by fifth-year head coach Tim Vakakes, who has the Jaguars back in the state’s largest classification.

OCT. 9 VS. THOMPSON

Hewitt-Trussville and Pike Road have never met. Pike Road has been strong in recent years, reaching the semifinals twice and the quarterfinals once over the past three seasons under head coach Granger Shook. The matchup will wrap up the regular season for both squads on a Thursday night.

Thompson holds a 13-6 edge in the series, and Hewitt-Trussville has not beaten the Warriors since 2019, including a 34-12 loss last season. Thompson is led by longtime head coach Mark Freeman, who has guided the Warriors to six state championships.

OCT. 29 AT PIKE ROAD

Hewitt-Trussville’s Jack Floyd (7) scores a touchdown during a game against Auburn on Aug. 21 at Duck Samford Stadium. Photo by Emma Speed.

LOOKING AHEAD Hewitt-Trussville finished 8-3 last season and made the playoffs for a sixth straight year under head coach Josh Floyd. Class 6A, Region 3 will use an amended playoff format this fall, with the top six of eight teams in the region qualifying for the postseason. This stretch of four region games in October will shape the Huskies’ playoff seeding as they push for a seventh consecutive postseason berth in a region that includes some of the state’s most consistent programs.

14 • October 2026

Cahaba Sun

EVENTS

Save the Date

► For more events news, connect with the Cahaba Sun online by scanning the QR code. ► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.

WEEKLY GAMING MEETUPS

TRUSSVILLE HISTORY FAIR

BOOKS & BREWS

► Where: Scarlet Raven Gaming, 100 Watterson Parkway ► When: Weekly throughout October; days and times vary by game ► Cost: Varies by event; some meetups free for members ► Details: The local board game lounge hosts regular opportunities to play favorites such as Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Disney Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Riftbound, Gundam and other trading card games, along with weekly and biweekly Dungeons & Dragons sessions. ► Contact: 205-644-6934, scarletravengaming@gmail.com ► More Info: scarletravengaming.com

► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road ► When: Sunday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ► Details: After several years away, the Trussville History Fair returns, presented by the Trussville Historical Society. Take a look back at Trussville’s past with local historians, organizations and collectors sharing photographs, documents, artifacts and stories that have shaped the city. It’s a chance for longtime residents and newcomers alike to explore Trussville’s heritage and the community’s growth through the years. Admission is free. ► Contact: Trussville Historical Society Facebook page or gary.lloyd87@gmail.com ► More Info: trussville.org

► Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, Event Room, 101 Beech St., Suite 111 ► When: Monday, Oct. 12, 7:15-8:30 p.m. ► Details: Join Trussville Public Library’s evening adult book club for conversation, food and drinks at Ferus Artisan Ales. October’s selection is “Camp Damascus” by Chuck Tingle, a horror novel centered on a seemingly idyllic Montana community hiding disturbing secrets. Books & Brews meets monthly on the second Monday and offers readers a relaxed setting to discuss the month’s selection and connect with fellow book lovers. ► Contact: Trussville Public Library Adult Department, 205-655-2022, tr.adult@jclc.org ► More Info: trussvillelibrary.com

TRUSSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS ► Where: Trussville Civic Center, Exhibition Hall, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road ► When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Mayor Ben Short speaks at 12:15 p.m. ► Cost: Free; reservations required ► Details: Guests will hear directly from the mayor about current projects, community growth and priorities for the city while enjoying a complimentary lunch provided by presenting sponsor Trussville Gas & Water. Seating is limited, and reservations must be made by noon Oct. 13. ► Contact: Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, 205-655-7535 ► More Info: trussvillechamber.com

TRUSSVILLE WITCHES RIDE ► Where: Cahaba Elementary School, 301 Parkway Drive ► When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 4-6 p.m.; ride begins at 5 p.m. ► Cost: $35; $15 for ages 3-13 ► Details: Grab your broom — or bike — and join the annual Trussville Witches Ride through the Cahaba Homestead Village Historic District. The nonprofit charity ride brings the community together for a festive Halloween outing while raising money for a local individual or family in need. Check-in and lineup begin at 4 p.m. at Cahaba Elementary, followed by the ride at 5 p.m. and an afterparty at Ferus Artisan Ales with food, drinks, music and more. ► More Info: trussvillewitchesride.com

► Oct. 5: Teen Knitting Club. 4:30 p.m. Board Room. Teens can bring a project or practice their knitting skills with fellow crafters. ► Oct. 7: Lunch and Learn — “Lost Hauntings of 1800s Alabama.” 11 a.m. LBK Auditorium. Jim Phillips explores eerie stories and forgotten hauntings from 19th-century Alabama. ► Oct. 7: Dungeons & Dragons — Adventures. 4 p.m. Cahaba and Parkway Rooms. Teens can join an ongoing tabletop role-playing adventure that encourages creativity and cooperation; registration required. ► Oct. 10: Bookin’ It 5K. 8 a.m. Trussville Public Library. Run or walk in the annual Friends fundraiser supporting library programs, prizes and collections. ► Oct. 20: Teen Advisory Board. 4 p.m. Board Room. Teens can help shape library programs and share ideas for services and activities. ► Oct. 20: Adult Book Club — “The Bewitching” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. 6 p.m. Parkway Room. Discuss the month’s chilling multigenerational novel about family secrets and witchcraft. ► For a complete list of October events, visit trussvillelibrary.com.

October 2026 • 15

CahabaSun.com

EVENTS

Foundations for Hope 5K to be held October 31 By EMILY REED Foundations for Hope will host a 5K Oct. 31 beginning at 8 a.m. in the Trussville Entertainment District. The goal of the Foundations for Hope 5K is to advance the gospel by empowering the local church, investing in individuals, providing critical resources and equipping Christian leaders. Event organizer Mary Mykal Prewett said the 5K has been held in Trussville the last five years. “What began as an opportunity to gather around a shared purpose has continued to grow into a meaningful annual event that unites people in support of a cause that reaches far beyond our local community,” Prewett said. The 5K is a tool for others to learn about and support mission work in East Africa. “Through Foundations for Hope, the funds raised help advance the Gospel while also

supporting critical needs and investing in individuals, communities, local churches and Christian leaders,” Prewett said. “One of the things that makes this event especially meaningful is that 100 percent of the funds raised go directly to mission work. Every registration, sponsorship and donation represents an opportunity to make a lasting impact and help bring hope to communities across the world.” In previous years, roughly 400 individuals have participated in Foundations for Hope. “The event continues to grow as more people in our community come together around the mission and opportunity to make a difference,” Prewett said. The event is open to all ages. Prewett said the goal is for the event to be something the entire community can enjoy. “We welcome participants of all ages and encourage families, individuals, experienced runners, casual walkers and everyone in between to join us,” Prewett said.

The Foundations for Hope 5K began in Trussville five years ago. Photo courtesy of Mary Mykal Prewett.

There is also a Kids Fun Run for children and youth to participate in. “This is more than just a race, the Trussville 5K is a day for our community to come together, have fun and be a part of something

much bigger,” Prewett said. “Every participant has the opportunity to make a lasting impact in East Africa.” For more information about the race, visit foundations4hope.org.

16 • October 2026

Cahaba Sun

EVENTS

Mayor Ben Short to give State of the City address October 15 By KYLE PARMLEY Trussville Mayor Ben Short will deliver his annual State of the City address at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Oct. 15. The event will be held at the Exhibition Hall in the Trussville Civic Center at 5381 Trussville Clay Road. Short has served as mayor since taking office in November 2025. During that time, his administration has focused on the city’s financial position while investing in public safety, infrastructure, economic development and quality-of-life improvements. The administration has also emphasized longterm planning, operational efficiency and transparency as the city continues to grow. “Hosting the mayor for this event is a great opportunity for the chamber,” said Melissa Walker, director of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce. “These are exciting times for our city, and this is a fantastic chance to hear the latest updates straight from city hall.” The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the program starting around 12:15 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Trussville Gas & Water.

Trussville Mayor Ben Short will deliver his annual State of the City address at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Oct. 15. Photo courtesy of Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce.

There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required and space is limited. Those interested in attending can reserve a spot online at trussvillechamber.com or by contacting Heather Weems or Melissa Walker by phone at 205-655-7535. The reservation deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 13, at noon.

Dog Daze Festival draws approximately 4,000 attendees The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Trussville reported an estimated 4,000 attendees at this year’s Dog Daze Festival, held Aug. 1 at the historic East Mall in front of Cahaba Elementary School. The festival, themed “The Tradition You Remember, The Hometown You Love,” featured more than 140 vendors offering handcrafted goods, local products, food and There was an estimated activities. Dog Daze is 4,000 attendees at this year’s Dog Daze scheduled to return Festival. Photo courtesy Aug. 7, 2027, at the of Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce. same location.