Cahaba Sun December 2015

A SPECIAL FOOTBALL GAME Students with special needs take field. 28

Vol 1 | Issue 2 | December 2015 As Trussville As It Gets

Classic

Main Street

Shop owner turns a passion into museum. 14

Cabinetry Refinishing, LLC Unlimited Colors Cabinet Modifications/Additions Granite & Quartz Countertops Birmingham • 205-482-2133 www.cabinetryrefinishing.com

THIS VET IS NOT JUST FOR PETS

STORY STARTS IN TRUSSVILLE

From bears to eagles, deer and owls, Alabama Wildlife Center and Carl Grimmett works on patients with a wild side. 16

‘Woodlawn’ author Todd Gerelds talks about growing up in area where he and friends ‘enjoyed being kids.’ 18

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CAHABASUN.COM

Photo of the Month The “Charlie Brown Tree” is decorated again for Christmas. A mystery person began decorating the tree, located next to North Chalkville Road near Woodland Acres, when it was a sapling. Now the tree has grown, but ornaments and ribbons continue to appear on it every Christmas. Photo by Scott Buttram.

Editor’s Note

By Sydney Cromwell

C

hristmas, to me, has always been a holiday you can boil down into two words: service and joy. If you take pleasure in time spent with family and friends, and you’ve done something to ensure someone else’s needs are met, you’ve done Christmas right.

Whether you like a big celebration, a small one or nothing at all, service and joy are what I believe are the essential elements of the holidays.

In our December issue, we’ve tried to capture some of that spirit in our stories. The quilter’s guild that donated their time to keep local hospice residents warm and the team of swift water rescue firefighters ready to help their neighbors in a disaster exemplify service in the city of Trussville. And joy is easy to see on the faces of the Unified flag football team at Hewitt-Trussville High School, as well as in the work put into the Standard Oil Products Museum on our cover.

More traditionally, we also included information on as many Christmas events as we could find, so you won’t be lacking in ways to share the holiday cheer.

I wish you a Christmas season filled with service, joy and all the things you love best.

Please Support Our Community Partners Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (6) Alabama Outdoors (11) ARC Realty (19) Bedzzz Express (17) Bromberg & Co. (7, 32) Cabinetry Refinishing (1 Cahaba Cycles (12) California Closets (6) Children’s of Alabama (21) Corner Shops (31) Danberry at Inverness (5) ERS Construction Products (3) EZ Roof (27) First Community Mortgage (20) Gardner Landscaping (20) Geico (24)

Great Clips Trussville (7) Issis & Son (25) Jimmie Hale Mission (21) Kirkwood by the River (8) Lee Marlow, RealtySouth (9) Mingle & Jingle Christmas Market (8) Mountain Brook Art Association (9) Red Wing Shoes (12) The Maids (23) Tom Williams BMW (28) Trussville Gas and Water (22) Urban Home Market (4) Vitalogy Wellness Center (11, 30) Weigh To Wellness (19)

Publishers: Dan Starnes Scott Buttram General Manager: Matthew Allen Managing Editor Sydney Cromwell Design Editor: Kristin Williams Page Designers: Shweta Gamble Cameron Tipton Copy Editor: Louisa Jeffries Contributing Writers: Erica Techo June Mathews Chris Yow Erik Harris Chris Megginson Jesse Chambers Roy Williams Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Contributing Photographer: Ron Burkett

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: The Cahaba Sun PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@ starnespublishing.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Published by: Cahaba Sun LLC Legals: The Cahaba Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Cahaba Sun is designed to inform the Trussville community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Cahaba Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of The 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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STITCHED

with love

Quilters Guild’s work wraps patients with warm thoughts

By SYDNEY CROMWELL For patients at Alabama Hospice Care of Birmingham, a quilt doesn’t just keep them warm. When it’s made by the Birmingham Quilters Guild, that quilt is a reminder to those patients that someone is thinking about them.

“The patients absolutely love [the quilts].

Whenever they receive it, they just light up and are so appreciative,” hospice administrator Laura Swinford said. “We have some that just break down in tears because that will be the only gift that they might have gotten in a while.”

So far, 29 quilts have made it from the

hands and sewing machines of the Quilters Guild to the laps of clients at Alabama Hospice Care, located on Gadsden Highway. Each quilt was sewn with a tag: “Made especially for you by the Bir- The Birmingham Quilters Guild makes “Cuddle Quilts” each year to give to several charities mingham Quilters Guild.” throughout Birmingham. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

The quilts are given as part and a Cot. Last year they made 178 Cuddle Gregory said she likes to see “how much it of the Guild’s Cuddle Quilt will mean to someone to snuggle up in [the project, said Cuddle Quilt Chair and 50-year Quilts.

“It’s probably one of the most joyful jobs,” quilt] and give it a hug. We feel like it’s a hug quilter Jan Tennant. Members of the guild are asked to make at least one quilt to give away Tennant said. As the chair of the project, from our guild.”

This was the first time Alabama Hospice to hospitalized children, teens in foster care she gets to choose the charities and help to Care was on the list of recipients. The Guild and local charities including Jessie’s Place, deliver them.

Guild president and 15-year quilter Claire had been looking for ways to give back to SafeHouse of Shelby County and Three Hots

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DECEMBER 2015 | 7

Above left: Staff at Trussville’s Alabama Hospice Care pose with Nancy Jordan, seated, who is a patient and was chosen to receive a quilt donated by the Alabama Quilters Guild. Above right: Guild and Alabama Hospice Care members talk about quilts that were made for hospice patients. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.

the older population around Birmingham, while Swinford was searching for ways to provide more to the patients in hospice care.

Once they got in touch, the connection just worked.

“It’s usually geared toward children, but we have recently asked [guild members] to remember the elderly also,” Tennant said.

“They were more than willing to help us out with what we needed,” Swinford said.

“We just want to show [hospice patients] that we care for them. We love doing everything that we can for our patients. By giving homemade gifts like that, kind of brightens their day.”

There’s no limit to the skill or artistic

creativity quilters can put into their Cuddle Quilts, though Tennant does ask for cheerful colors and patterns. The only requirement is that the quilts are made entirely out of cotton, so the recipients can easily wash and dry them.

“What comes out of our hands is just amazingly different. Some are just so simple, little geometric blocks, and some are so elaborate,” Gregory said.

When she delivered the first group of quilts, Tennant said Swinford sorted through the stack and could immediately pick out which quilts certain patients would love.

“After the first batch she went wild. She was just thrilled,” Tennant said. “She knew exactly who she was going to give each one

to as she went through the pile.”

Some of those recipients included four military veterans, who received their quilts on Veterans Day. Swinford said the veterans and the hospice staff were moved by the gesture. Hospice patient Nancy Jordan also received a quilt in late November. Jordan’s entire face lit up when Swinford told her she would be given a quilt. She picked out a bright green quilt covered in rectangles of different colors.

“I just can’t get over it. This is great,” Jordan said.

The Cuddle Quilts aren’t a one-time gift.

Tennant said that as Alabama Hospice Care runs out of quilts, they can contact the Guild

to send more.

“She knows where we are now. If she has a need, she just has to contact us,” Tennant said.

Swinford and fellow Alabama Hospice Care staff member Laina Simmons agreed that they want to keep giving quilts to make their patients’ days a little brighter.

“Hospice companies all do the same things,” Simmons said. “At Alabama Hospice Care, we try to make sure that we do things a little different for our patients. If it’s loving on them a little bit more, or bringing them a quilt or bringing them candy or helping them out with certain things, I think that’s what our goal is.”

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DeDe’s Book Rack offers atmosphere, adventures

By CHRIS MEGGINSON Located just off Main Street in downtown Trussville, DeDe’s Book Rack opens a world of adventure the moment you open the door.

“It’s an escape. You can live in another world, meet people all over the world and have adventures. I’ve loved [reading] since I was a small girl,” said shop owner Debi McCarley, a Clay resident. “There’s always a conversation to broaden your horizons and expand your scope of what you know and where you’ve been, without leaving the room.”

McCarley fulfilled a life-long dream in September when she purchased the barter-system used bookstore and all of its contents, including more than 20,000 books.

The store, which was formerly located in the Trussville Crossings shopping center, opened at its new location at 104 S. Chalkville Road on Oct. 1.

“The dream has always been in the back of my mind to own a bookstore one day,” said the former Books-A-Million manager of eight years. “I grew up with a family that owned businesses. I saw my parents were successful, and maybe that helped stoke the dream.”

While the dream was not originally used books, McCarley welcomes the new idea of being a Book Rack licensee, a format for used bookstores dating back to the 1960s.

DeDe’s Book Rack • • • • •

104 S. Chalkville Road, Suite 101 Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Parking behind the building Phone: 665-3332 Facebook: DeDe’s Book Rack

Debi McCarley purchased the Book Rack and gave it a new name and location, but the store maintains its barter system. Photo by Ron Burkett.

This particular store has changed hands now three times, dating back to when it first opened in 1975 on Huffman Road in Roebuck, making it Alabama’s second oldest continuously operating barter bookstore.

What is a barter bookstore? It’s a store where customers can bring in an old paperback and trade it in for credit, roughly 25 percent of the publisher’s price. The credit can then be applied to the purchase of a book in the store. All books are already marked down to 50 percent of the original publisher’s price.

McCarley, who greets and helps every customer that comes through the door, says the people are one of the best parts of the store.

For some, a bookstore without a digital option may seem like a dying breed, but so far, traditional paperbacks are still surviving in a growing world of e-books. Former owner Charlotte Powell saw the store through the digital transition of books over the last seven years.

“We weren’t hurt by e-books. We could still do a better price point,” Powell said. “Paperback is less expensive than a download.”

McCarley agrees, and says her business serves those who love to turn a page, as well as book clubs and students who need books for their school reading list. She may even try to get a few new books upon release and

some hardbacks at customer’s request.

“I don’t know if that will continue as the younger, younger kids get older, but I think there will always be people who want a book in their hand,” McCarley said. “As long as we’re turning over inventory and keeping new things in stock, there’s always going to be someone who wants to hold a book.”

Customers can browse the inventory of more than a dozen genres every Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While there, customers can expect to be helped by McCarley personally, as they search the main room and seven side rooms for the right book and a stool or chair to escape into their new adventure.

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DECEMBER 2015 | 9

Spann to speak at Trussville Area Chamber Luncheon

By CHRIS MEGGINSON ABC 33/40 chief meteorologist James Spann will be the featured speaker at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce December Luncheon. The luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Trussville Civic Center. Spann will speak shortly after the lunch begins.

“We’ve been trying to get James Spann for years. He stays so booked up, it’s just hard to get him. He’s a very interesting speaker and has quite a following,” said Diane Poole, executive director of the chamber.

That following is more than 460,000 on social media alone (Facebook and Twitter combined).

Spann, who has become a cultural icon in Alabama with Internet memes, costumes in his likeness and a bobble head doll, is in his 20th year at ABC 33/40, where he gives evening weather reports. Now in his 43rd year of broadcasting, Spann also hosts the show “Weather Brains,” serves as a lead blogger for AlabamaWX.com and provides weather updates to around 25 radio stations across the nation.

His long list of professional awards include the American Meteorological Society 2013 Award for Broadcast Meteorology, 2012 National Weather Association

“

I am very bullish on Alabama, and I like to share my passion for the future of the state.

”

JAMES SPANN

Broadcaster of the Year, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle, an Emmy for live coverage and prestigious national Edward R. Murrow award for spot news coverage.

Spann is no stranger to the Trussville area. Residents have seen him around town, speaking to students at local schools’ science programs, community weather radio programming events and even as a youth baseball coach years ago. Spann is looking forward to adding the chamber event to his list of speaking engagements.

“I am honored when any organization asks me to speak. I especially enjoy these kind of events since many business and community leaders will be attending,” Spann said. “I am very bullish on Alabama, and I like to share my passion for the future of the state. We

need to build more self-esteem among our leaders. Good things are happening.”

Spann said luncheon goers can expect to hear “whatever is on my mind that particular day … probably a bit about weather, life, business and some fun stories” as he steers clear of prepared speeches.

In addition to hearing Spann speak, attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good for the Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Ministry (T.E.A.M.) food pantry. The event begins with a 30-minute network development time during which attendees can network and exchange business cards. Prior to lunch, the chamber will honor its monthly Customer Service Award winners. Door prizes will also be given away.

To register for the luncheon, visit trussvillechamber.com or contact Tessa Kirk by phone at 665-7535 or email tessa.kirk@ trussvillechamber.com.

Cost is $17 by cash, check, credit or debit card, with a 2 percent processing fee for cards. Online registration is closed at midnight on Monday, Dec. 14, but the chamber office will accept registration by phone until noon Tuesday, Dec. 15. All non-members must pay in advance.

The address for the Trussville Civic Center is 5381 Trussville-Clay Road, Trussville, AL 35173.

Chamber of Commerce December Luncheon WHEN: Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Trussville Civic Center COST: $17 per person CONTACT: 655-7535

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CAHABASUN.COM

Helping when no one else can

By SYDNEY CROMWELL When the rain falls and water levels rise, Darren Dukes and his team are ready.

Dukes heads the Trussville Fire Department’s swift water rescue unit, a group of 28 specially trained first responders who are called to respond to floods, hurricanes and water rescues in the state and around the Southeast. The unit was formed in 2002, with Dukes being one of three Trussville firefighters to take the first training course. It is now large enough to meet the size and training requirements of a FEMA Type 1 team, which requires the most variety of situational experience.

Not every fire department has the resources to create a swift water rescue team. Fire Chief Russell Ledbetter said that when the unit was initially formed, he never thought they would see action, but they wanted to participate in the Alabama Mutual Aid System.

“I didn’t think we’d ever deploy that team,” Ledbetter said.

He was wrong. The unit was called out during the Trussville flood in 2003 and assisted in efforts with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Dukes said they also performed a river rescue in 2012 after a teenager was injured while rafting and the swift water members are typically called out or placed on alert a few times a year.

“We don’t have a lot of flooding here, so since we do have the equipment, the training and the members, we can go help other people,” Dukes said, adding that Trussville never has to wait for other departments’ help in a flooding emergency. “We can take care of our own rescue.”

Members of the swift water rescue unit train together two to three times a year and can take classes for other skills. Dukes said that different team members are qualified in a variety of rescue tactics: scuba diving, rope rescue, helicopter operations, emergency medical skills, rescue boat operations and animal skills.

Dukes has been a firefighter since 1999, and joined Trussville’s department in 2001.

Since he now leads the swift water unit, Dukes said he is typically directing rescues rather than participating. The job requires him to quickly assess the location, its hazards and the best way to reach the people in need of rescue. It’s a high-pressure position, as the safety of the entire team rests on his ability to direct them.

“That’s a challenge of you’re having to send somebody else into something you know is dangerous instead of doing it yourself,” Dukes said. “You’re responsible for everything that happens.”

Having a team that works well together is essential, Dukes said, because one person can spot a problem that Dukes or another member might miss.

“It’s professional. We do the job we need

Above: Swift water rescues are dangerous due to the risk of drowning or injury, and members of the unit must train regularly in order to respond safely. Photo courtesy of Matt Panepento.

Above and left: Swift water rescue team members train in a number of rescue skills such as scuba diving, boat operations, helicopter rescue and rope rescue.

Photos courtesy of Matt Panepento.

to do. Everybody has their roles, everybody knows what their job is,” Dukes said.

Drowning is the obvious danger of swift water rescues, as Dukes said the team has to make sure “that we’re safe and trying not to add to the problem.” However, they also sometimes have to deal with bystanders with good intentions but no life jacket or knowledge of rescue operations.

Swift water, especially after flooding or extreme weather, is nothing like the ocean or a lake, Dukes said. Even the normally peaceful Cahaba River can overpower a person when its water level rises.

“People don’t understand the danger with moving water,” Dukes said. “It’s just constant pressure on you at all times if you’re in moving water, you don’t get that break between the waves.”

Swift water rescue makes up a small portion of the duties for Dukes and the other firefighters in the unit. They’re still more likely to respond to a fire or injury on a daily basis. However, Dukes said he likes being part of the swift water unit because he has the ability to help people whenever that uncommon need arises.

“There is a certain amount of satisfaction of being able to go out and help people when nobody else can,” Dukes said. “You wouldn’t be in this profession if you didn’t enjoy helping people.”

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CAHABASUN.COM

Opinion

December: A month of reflectio December is a month of reflection for me.

It’s the time of year when I think back at everything that has happened. It seems to me with all things considered, the good times usually outweigh the bad.

When viewed in this way, it allows me to put things into perspective.

Most people don’t keep journals, so trying to remember how their year went is difficult in December. If they had a job setback in the fall, they lose sight of the fact that they had an incredible vacation in the mountains in the spring and found a long lost friend during the summer.

My bookshelf has a special section for my leather-bound journals that date back to the 1970s. They are filled with life experiences I can revisit and relive anytime I choose.

At the end of each year, I look back over my journal to see where I’ve been, who I’ve seen, what I’ve eaten, the victories I’ve celebrated, things that made me laugh and also see what lessons the losses can teach me.

I’m often surprised at how much I’ve done, and left undone. It’s easy to beat myself up when I dwell on the latter too much.

My wife Jilda and I do a vision board each January, and we begin collecting pictures for our board in December. A vision board is a piece of thick poster board with pictures clipped from newspapers, magazines and other sources that depict things we want in our life for the coming year.

Our friends figure big on our boards. Mine is filled with group photos with our smiling-faced friends. I’m not sure it’s possible to spend too much time with your true friends.

I have pictures of a CD, of famous music producers and a gold record hanging on a wall. Each morning when I look at the board, I imagine how great it would feel when we have one of those hanging on our wall. We didn’t meet a famous producer this year, and we don’t have that gold record on the wall yet, but we recorded our first CD as a duo. As the old joke goes, you can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket.

My South

By Rick Watson

My vision board also has a picture of a cruise ship. In the 40 years we’ve been married, we’d never taken a cruise until this year.

A vision board keeps the things I want fresh in my mind, and like most people, I tend to do the things I think about.

Some people I’ve shared this idea with call it a bunch of hooey. I thought about the naysayers this past spring as I basked in the warm sunshine with a tropical breeze blowing on my face as I lounged on the bow of a ship in the Gulf, sipping on a frou-frou drink with a colorful umbrella in it.

Vision boards might be a bunch of hooey,

but they work for us.

December is not a month of reflection for everyone. As I sit here writing today, I think of people who’d rather rip December right off the calendar and start the New Year with a clean slate.

There are many reasons for this. Stress over finances, or family gatherings that for some, are more painful than a stone bruise.

I think that another reason is that when people suffer loss in December, the holidays tend to amplify the sadness. I know first hand that when you dwell on sadness, the burden weighs more during the holidays.

But The Good Lord, for the most part, is an excellent accountant and, over the long haul the balance sheet will show if judged by an impartial witness, that the good things in life usually outweigh the bad.

Happy December.

Rick Watson is a columnist and author. His latest book, Life Changes, is available on Amazon.com. You can contact him via email at rick@homefolkmedia.com.

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DECEMBER 2015 | 13

The starting group of runners takes their places at the beginning of the Maple Leaf Run. Photos by Ron Burkett.

Good, healthy fun

Community celebrates fall at Maple Leaf Run

A race on Halloween was the perfect time for runners to show off their costumes and participate in the costume contest.

Batman and Robin, right, won second place, and the pilgrim and turkey, above, won third place.

Maple Leaf runners race through the streets of Trussville during the annual run organized by the Chamber of Commerce.

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CAHABASUN.COM

Main Street

flashback

Oil industry veteran turns love for vintage cars into museum

Local businessman Rocky Neason (left) and mechanic Chet Honeycutt stand in front of Standard Oil Products at 184 Main Street in Trussvillle. Photos by Ron Burkett.

I

By KRIS ROBINETTE

f there is such a thing as a time machine, it might just be located at 184 Main Street in Trussville.

The Standard Oil Products Building, a quaint replica of a two-bay service station, invites curious glances from those waiting at the traffic light. But, as it turns out, very few know exactly what they’re seeing.

The building’s concept is the brainchild of local businessman Rocky Neason, who is a 31-year veteran of the oil industry. While the storefront has been affectionately deemed a mini-museum, it’s currently a private collection of Neason’s vintage automobiles and collectibles, hosting everything from antique Coke machines to a rare ’62 Corvette Fuelie restored to perfection.

“Standard Oil Products museum is turning into much more than my little private (archive.) It’s for my own pleasure but it has turned into pleasure for other people,” Neason said, his enthusiasm breaking through his quiet demeanor as he discusses the project. “I did it mainly because I love it. I have cars at home … I kind of rotate them around down here.”

In fact, Neason’s love for cars can be traced to his childhood spent in the Legion Field area of Birmingham. “When I was a little boy I was infatuated with cars, specifically Corvettes. But with my family, there was no way we could have one. “ For Neason, the self-confidence of youth and an opportunity to prove himself launched a career that would immerse him in an industry that literally fueled his passion — ­ gasoline and oil.

“I had a mutual acquaintance in high school whose father owned an oil company … where they represent different brands of gasoline.

So 10 years after high school, I approached my friend Joey to convince his father to give me an opportunity,” Neason said.

While his soon-to-be mentor, Ron Moore, didn’t offer him a job,

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DECEMBER 2015 | 15

Vintage “button” Coca-Cola signs are among the memorabilia Rocky Neason has collected.

he allowed Neason to work on commission.

“I formed a consulting company. If I sold something, I would profit. He didn’t realize I would hang in there like a rusty fish hook and make it,” laughed Neason. “I was given an opportunity back in 1983 and it kind of spread to this.”

Neason eyed the building on Main Street, which was built in 1960, for years before finally acquiring it. Fresh paint and extensive TLC has given the building a distinctly Mayberry feel, paying homage to the Chevron/ Standard Oil conglomerate that has played a large role in his life.

He enjoys the common interest from museum visitors, allowing photo shoots that have included local high school seniors, recording artists and non-profit groups, as well as welcoming those who just wish to browse and stir memories.

But much like a Hollywood set, the real magic actually takes place behind the scenes.

The rear of the building serves as Honeycutt Garage, where mechanic Chet Honeycutt does his repair work. Honeycutt’s reputation in the business is at odds with his humble attitude. Yet the fact remains that many collectors will only trust one man to repair their “baby,” and that man is Honeycutt. While he doesn’t restrict his workmanship to vintage cars, his expertise is underscored by the cars that surround him in the garage — a ’69 Mustang, 428 Cobra Jet and a ’67 Mustang Coup.

“He specializes in classic cars and specifically Corvettes, especially mid-year - late ’50’s to mid ’70’s,” said Neason with obvious admiration. “Of course he can fix anything.”

Honeycutt’s mechanical ability is likely hereditary, but ironically his father, who had a long and colorful career in the car industry ­— including the stunt industry and changing tires for such celebrity racecar drivers as Paul Newman — did not encourage his son to go into the business.

“He said, I don’t want you around cars.

I don’t want you to do nothing with them,” laughed Honeycutt.

“But I’ve been in love with anything mechanical from the word go.”

Neason and Honeycutt’s friendship can be traced back to childhood, when their parents both worked for the postal service. Although the two lost touch for a long period of time, they reconnected when, fittingly, Honeycutt purchased a 1979 Corvette from Neason.

The two now see each other on a regular basis as Honeycutt dedicates much of his time to Rocky’s personal vehicles.

While he hopes to expand and relocate Honeycutt Garage to a nearby location,

Above: Honeycutt Garage is where many vintage car owners bring their “baby” for maintenance. Below left: This 1964 Cushman Silver Eagle sits inside the Standard Oil Products building, with only 782 original miles. Below right: Neason has collected or been given a variety of vintage memorabilia, which he keeps at the Standard Oil Products building for visitors to see. Photos by Ron Burkett.

Neason plans for the current Standard Oil Products building to remain a historic replica and has initiated a move toward attaining 501(c) nonprofit status for the museum.

“People drop things off. The collection is growing by donations,” he explained.

Neason hopes to work with the city of Trussville, potentially gaining permissions to erect historical pole signage and fully restore the building.

“I’m not interested in making money here at all ­— it’s strictly for people’s enjoyment.

The old people come in here and smile and talk about the old cars they used to have.

And that’s what I enjoy more than anything.

I like doing for other people. I’m very fortunate and blessed to have what I have,” Neason said.

Left: Neason and Honeycutt take a look under the hood of a Corvette being serviced at Honeycutt Garage.

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CAHABASUN.COM

Local veterinarian enjoys the challenges of non-pet patients

By JUNE MATHEWS About three-and-a-half decades ago, a Wildlife Rescue Service volunteer visited a Birmingham veterinary clinic to ask if any of the three veterinarians there were interested in helping her organization take care of injured wild animals.

“The other two vets weren’t interested, but I was,” said Dr. Carl Grimmett, fresh out of school and eager to expand his veterinary horizons. “So they began bringing animals to me for treatment.”

Now known as the Alabama Wildlife Center, the service seeks to provide medical and rehabilitative care for injured and orphaned birds and to educate people about Alabama’s native wildlife. Founded in 1977 as a small, home-based organization, it is now the state’s oldest and largest such service, annually caring for over 2,000 wild bird patients from over 100 species.

Since agreeing to become involved with the service, Grimmett, owner of Grayson Valley Pet Clinic, has treated eagles, hawks, owls, geese, ducks, crows, vultures and herons, as well as some squirrels, raccoons, deer, opossums and rabbits.

Almost all the injuries he sees are caused by cars or bullets, with more gunshot injuries occurring in the fall and winter when hunting season begins. In the spring and summer, he sees a greater number of baby animals with injuries, some that are abandoned or have had their nests destroyed.

Then there are the more unusual cases.

“A few years ago, a female black bear was hit by a truck in the Jasper area. She suffered a broken hind leg, a mid-femoral fracture and was transported to the zoo for confinement,” Grimmett recalled. “The zoo vet helped with the anesthesia, and I pinned the fracture.”

Lacking a surgical pin large enough for a bear, he improvised by using three pins in a stack-pin method. The technique obviously worked, as the bear soon recovered and was later released.

But there are also the sad cases, like a recent one concerning a baby owl brought into the clinic with two broken legs and a broken wing.

“The tree where his nest was located had been cut down,” Grimmett explained. “The baby was injured on impact with the ground, but he looked healthy except for the broken limbs.”

As it turned out, though, the owl’s internal injuries were too extensive to heal correctly, and Grimmett reluctantly put the little creature to sleep.

Though he enjoys the challenges associated with treating wild animals, Grimmett actually prefers treating pets.

“The wild animals are less cooperative

The Alabama Wildlife Center The Alabama Wildlife Center, located at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, relies heavily on donations and volunteers. For more information on the center and how you can help, visit awrc.org.

r. Carl Grimmett holds a screech owl that was brought into Grayson Valley Pet Clinic D to treat a broken leg. Photos by Ron Burkett

and more difficult to treat,” he said, “and many times they have to be sedated. Most domestic animals will allow much more treatment and handling.”

When asked what made him want to become a veterinarian in the first place, Grimmett grows confessional.

“To answer that question, I’ll have to tell on myself,” he said. “I used to do some hunting.”

One hunting day, sightings were few, and as a 14-year-old boy with a shotgun, Grimmett was eager to shoot something. So when a crow flew overhead, the youngster took a wild shot, not really expecting any results. He was surprised when the bird fell from the sky.

“When the crow got to the ground, he began to run,” Grimmett recalled. “I chased him down and considered finishing him off, but I couldn’t. I took him home instead. My mother was a nurse, so I asked her if there was anything I could do for a broken wing.

She helped me create a makeshift bandage.”

Grimmett continued to care for the bird for a couple of months before releasing it and found the whole experience to be an exciting and rewarding one. When his mother asked if he’d ever considered becoming a veterinarian, the idea struck a chord.

“It was my first thought of doing this kind of work, and the crow was my first patient,” he said.

Grimmett believes that initial success probably accounts for his eagerness to help when approached by the Wildlife Rescue Service volunteer. And it certainly accounts for his choice to put the shotgun away.

“I don’t hunt any longer,” he said. “I find it more exciting to help wild animals instead of shooting them.”

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18 | DEC E MBE R 20 1 5

CAHABASUN.COM

‘WE ENJOYED BEING KIDS’ ‘Woodlawn’ author Todd Gerelds shares memories of growing up in Trussville and those who influen ed him

By CHRIS YOW While the “Woodlawn” movie has recently hit theaters, a little known fact about the original book’s author is he spent much of his childhood in Trussville. Author Todd Gerelds recently spoke at the Trussville Public Library about his book, and many of those in attendance were gathering hugs and smiles while he signed copies of “Woodlawn.”

The Gerelds moved to Trussville when Todd was only a third grader. He spent the next seven years here while his father was out of coaching.

“I went to Trussville Elementary up on the hill above where the old high school was. Mr. Eubanks was our principal. Coach Parker was our coach in junior high,” Gerelds said.

He also played one year under legendary coach Jack Wood.

While growing up in Trussville, many friendships were forged and lifelong connections were made for Gerelds. He recalled making friends with five classmates, with whom he is still friends today.

“For me, the friendships I developed with those guys are still strong today. I can tell you what they’re all doing now,” he said. “The school was amazing; the values they instilled in us were something strong.”

Those relationships have lasted, and even the memories from those times resonate with Gerelds.

“I remember all my little girl friends and guy friends; we really had a good time here,” he said. “I lived off Roper Road and we would camp near our neighborhood. Rain, snow, sleet or shine, we were out there. It was kind of Mayberry-esque. It was a simpler time. We weren’t entertained by the television or the Internet; we played kick the can or neighborhood chase.

We enjoyed being kids.”

The spiritual guidance Gerelds

Left: Todd Gerelds signs a copy of his book “Woodlawn.”

Above: Gerelds talks with fans who attended his event at the Trussville Public Library.

Photos by Maura Daveis.

received while attending First Baptist Trussville was also something he retained throughout his life.

“Arthur Payne taught my Sunday School class and he was significant in terms of my spiritual life,” Gerelds said. “My aunt and uncle Tommy Johnson and Marcia Johnson, who still live in Argo, still pray for me to this day. A lot of people really had a real impact on me because they invested in my mom and dad, and helped keep them spiritual.”

Another influence was Mike Sanders, an assistant coach under Wood at Hewitt-Trussville.

“I can remember there was something different about him. He was a tough disciplinarian, but he was always there to help if we needed someone. He had a real positive influence on me,” Gerelds recalled.

After leaving Trussville as a high school sophomore, Gerelds and his dad, Tandy, moved to Tuscumbia, where the elder Gerelds became head football coach at Deshler High School.

In the early 2000s, Gerelds’ father

was diagnosed with brain cancer while coaching at Belmont High School in Belmont, Mississippi. It was around the same time Gerelds began wondering about telling the story of the 197374 Woodlawn football teams.

“I started recording conversations with him. If you’ve seen the movie, there is a little boy who plays me, so I was around all of this as a child. I never forgot it because I didn’t leave it. It wasn’t something I saw and thought about 20 years later and wrote the book. No, I saw it and I lived with my dad and I heard the story all the time, kind of like oral traditions,” he said.

In 2006, the then-fledgling filmmakers Erwin brothers, sons of Woodlawn chaplain Hank Erwin, called Gerelds and they agreed the story needed to be told, although nothing of note came from that conversation.

“We just kind of left it there,” Gerelds said.

It was five years later when the two parties spoke again and decided the story needed to be told.

“So, I went and talked to them and they filmed me telling the story for about two hours. They asked questions and we kind of got it all fleshed out, and they slid a contract across the table and told me it was the book rights to their movie. They said they wanted to do the movie, and base it off my book.

The only problem was I hadn’t written the book yet,” Gerelds laughed.

Despite not having written the book, Gerelds had all the information he needed, and with movie rights reserved already, shopping the book to publishers was not as difficult as most authors’ first works.

Gerelds’ wife is also an author, who writes devotional material for young girls. She told him, “You don’t know how much of this is God. You have a movie made about your book before it’s even written.”

Gerelds said he is not surprised by the reaction to the movie or the book, and he is proud he was able to tell the story. The book is available on woodlawnthebook.com and the movie is still in several area theaters.

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20 | DEC E MBE R 20 1 5

CAHABASUN.COM

Isom completes Eagle Scout project

Freshman receives governor’s proclamation

Above: Trussville Boy Scout Troop 245 helped Ben Isom complete his Eagle Scout project. Right: Isom works on his Eagle Scout project, a paved walkway at Holy Infant Prague Catholic Church. Photos courtesy of Sandra Vernon.

Ben Isom of Scout Troop 245 recently completed his Eagle Scout project at Holy Infant Prague Catholic Church located in Trussville, Alabama off Highway 11.

The church formerly used plywood boards as a walkway to its barbecue pavilion. Isom decided to do his Eagle project at the church and build a new brick paver

walkway to their pavilion.

The church holds an annual BBQ Octoberfest and Craft show each year. The profits from the BBQ event go to meet the needs of the community. This year’s Octoberfest was held Oct. 10.

With help from fellow troop members, Isom completed the paver walkway on

Sept. 26.

Isom is currently a Life Scout with Scout Troop 245 and serves as a Den Chief with the Cub Scout Troop.

He has completed all required Eagle Scout merit badges and he also has completed his Eagle Scout project.

- Submitted by Sandra Vernon.

Hewitt-Trussville freshman and Highstepper Lydia Martin recently visited Governor Robert Bentley’s office in Montgomery. Martin received a signed proclamation from the governor declaring November as Domestic and National Adoption Awareness Month. Photo courtesy of Sandra Vernon.

CAHABAS U N.CO M

DECEMBER 2015 | 21

Chamber presents November customer service award

Business Happenings New Ownership ► DeDe’s Book Rack, formerly known as The Book Rack, has relocated downtown to 104 S. Chalkville Road and is under new ownership.

665-3332

St., Suite 116, has launched a new website. The redesigned site features real-time inventory, a mobile optimized display allowing easier shopping on any device, and simplified navigation.

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Hirings and News and Promotions Accomplishments

Angie Washington receives the November customer service award. Photo courtesy of Diane Poole.

By CHRIS MEGGINSON Angie Washington of Monty Reed Allstate Insurance Agency received the monthly Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Award by Chamber Board President Melissa Jones at the November luncheon.

Washington’s nominator said when she called to swap insurances, “Angie

Washington was beyond helpful. She stayed late, talked me through every step of the process, and the follow-up has been incredible.

I have never enjoyed the insurance process until now, and I actually enjoy going into their office.

“Angie deserves the customer service award because she is dependable, efficient, friendly, and on time. She is ‘perfect’ customer service.”

HE ONCE UPDATED HIS DAD’S SMART PHONE, TABLET AND LAPTOP IN LESS THAN AN HOUR. ALL WITHOUT LEAVING THE COMFORT OF HIS FOOTIE PAJAMAS. C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

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► Cahaba Cycles, 183 Main St., was named one of “America’s Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealers Association for the third consecutive year. To be considered, a store representative (owner or manager) must apply by filling out a detailed application, as well as agreeing to be mystery shopped by an outside company. Applicants are awarded points based on the application and shopping results, with only the highest performers being selected.

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► The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, 400 Main St., has hired June Mathews as its new membership coordinator. Her responsibilities will include providing membership-related services, maintaining the chamber’s membership database, and recruiting new chamber members and retaining existing chamber members.

655-7535, trussvillechamber.com ► Express Oil Change, 425 Main St., is celebrating 18 years in business this month.

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22 | DEC E MBE R 20 1 5

CAHABASUN.COM

Christmas for Kids, tree lighting, parade highlight events

By CHRIS MEGGINSON Christmas for Kids will once again help set the tone for Trussville’s Christmas festivities this season. For more than 35 years, needy families in Trussville are provided Christmas thanks to generous donations delivered to and by the Trussville Fire & Rescue family.

The annual Christmas for Kids toy drive began in mid-November and will continue until Dec. 17. It helps get the community in the Christmas spirit for a month of festivities, which will include Hewitt-Trussville Middle and High School choir and band concerts in early December, several special church concerts and services and the annual city-sponsored Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony Dec. 12.

Last year, Christmas for Kids helped around 100 families and more than 200 children living in Trussville, and volunteer Nikki Franklin said they hope to exceed the goal this year.

“Our philosophy is to help needy families in the Trussville community to provide Christmas for their children,” Franklin said.

“As a momma, it breaks my heart to think these families may not have anything for Christmas. That is why we do it.”

The drive includes children ages newborn to 12, and Franklin emphasized it’s often the newborns and older children who could use more donations – everything from clothes,

Christmas Events For more information about the Trussville Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting and the Miss/ Master Merry Christmas photogenic contest visit trussvillechamber.com/ events/christmas-parade.

The Grinch joins Trussville children on a parade float. Photo courtesy of Diane Poole.

toys and diapers for newborns to deodorant, ball caps, fingernail polish and scented lotions for the tweens.

Donations of new unwrapped toys, other needed items and money can be dropped off at any of the three Trussville Fire stations. For more information about donating, contact the Trussville Fire Department at 665-3464.

This year’s Christmas Parade, sponsored

by Amerex, the city of Trussville and the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, will be Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. The parade is

expected to feature between 75-100 entries, including the HTHS Marching Band and the Miss/Master Merry Christmas photogenic contest winners. Floats and groups may register early for $20 each by Dec. 4. Late entries on the day of the parade will be $25.

Cash prizes will be given to first ($100), second ($75) and third ($50) place for the best decorated floats.

“It’s an exciting time of year, and the Christmas parade draws our community together to share in this one experience,” said Diane Poole, director of the Trussville

Area Chamber of Commerce.

The estimated 45-minute parade will begin in front of the tennis courts on Parkway Drive and continue to Highway 11. It will turn right on Highway 11 and then right on Chalkville Road, ending just past the West Mall on Oak Street. The parade route will close to traffic beginning at 2:50 p.m. Cherokee Drive and Pumphouse Road will close from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Immediately following the parade, people are invited to gather on West Mall to sing Christmas carols and experience the city’s tree lighting. Entertainment will be provided by HTMS student Brinkley Rackstraw. Attendees will get a taste of a white Christmas with a snow machine present in the parade and at the tree lighting, made possible by Trussville Gas & Water.

CAHABAS U N.CO M

DECEMBER 2015 | 23

School House HTHS students learn about fi e extinguishers

Through the new firefighter program, HTHS students learned from Trussville firefighters about how to use a fire extinguisher. Photo courtesy of Sandra Vernon.

Student participates in language immersion

HTHS student Kaleigh Rowe was accepted to the Weekend Immersed in Language Development, or WILD, program sponsored by the Alabama World Language Association and the Alabama Humanities Foundation.

Rowe, who is taking French classes, participated Nov. 13-14. Photo courtesy of Chris Eubanks.

As

Trussville as it gets.

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24 | DEC E MBE R 20 1 5

CAHABASUN.COM

Work on schools continues These construction photos taken in November show the progress being made on Cahaba and Magnolia Elementary Schools, which are set to welcome their first students in the 2016-17 school year. Photos courtesy of Sandra Vernon.

Middle schoolers take part in Foundry in a Box Recently, HTMS students took part in Foundry in a Box, a career development program by the American Foundry Society.

The goal of the AFS is to encourage students to pursue a career in casting metal.

The Foundry in a Box is a kit allowing students to create their own miniature metal mold from start to finish, including melting tin and pouring it into the mold.

The students got to work with liquid metal and each left with a casting of their own. - Submitted by Sandra Vernon.

Students learn to cast metal during the Foundry in a Box presentation. Photo courtesy of Sandra Vernon.

HTHS students sign athletic commitments Six senior student athletes signed college commitments in November at Hewitt-Trussville High School.

These included: Maddie Dorsett (Mississippi State softball), Ben Knox (UAH cross country), Marlee Mason (UAH cross country), LeeAnn Guess (UAH lacrosse), Bailey Murphy (South Alabama softball) and Tyler Tolbert (UAB baseball). - Submitted by Sandra Vernon.

CAHABAS U N.CO M

DECEMBER 2015 | 25

Trussville receives rave reviews from accreditation team On November 4, 2015, the visiting AdvancED Accreditation Team informed school board members and the central office that Trussville City Schools will continue to be named an accredited school system through the AdvancED Accreditation Commission.

The team visited all Trussville schools to observe classrooms and interview school leaders, teachers, staff and parents. The AdvancED accreditation process is intended to focus on quality of teaching, leadership and use of school resources.

The review team proved an Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score at the end of the review compared to an average of other school systems reviewed in the last year. Trussville

City Schools earned the following scores: ► A score of 320 in teaching and learning impact ► A score of 316.67 in leadership capacity ► A score of 320 in resource utilization ► An overall score of 319.02, compared to an average of 278.34 Dr. Kathy Reifschneider, the external review chairperson, concluded the review saying that she doesn’t recall a system scoring in the 300s in all four categories.

“I am very proud of everyone in the Trussville School System,” Superintendent Pattie Neill said. “Scoring above the Network Average in all areas is wonderful and affirming of the wonderful practices for teaching and The AdvancED External Review Team shared its results with the superintendent, learning in our system.” standard leaders and school administrators on Nov. 4. Photo courtesy of Sandra Vernon.

Table tennis team wins state tournament The HTHS table tennis team won the State Championship at the Hoover Recreation Center in November. Coach Jeff Mauldin is team coach. From left to right: Zane Hood, Jamison Stennis, Bradley Huffstuttler, Jeff Mauldin, Jonathan Russo, Grayson Cash and Cole Underwood. Photo

by Cindy Russo.

26 | DEC E MBE R 20 1 5

CAHABASUN.COM

Sports

A LAP AT THE LAKE

By ERIK HARRIS Cosby Lake Park in Clay is locally known for its beautiful scenery and bountiful fishing, but for one Hewitt-Trussville senior, those peaceful grounds represent much more than amateur recreation.

The narrow path winding through the park is a mile long, and that’s where the battle begins for Marlee Mason.

Mason, a former softball and basketball player, stood on sore legs in Hewitt-Trussville Stadium. Her lungs begged for air and her feet waited for rest. She stood holding a medal, proving she’s one of the fastest prep runners in Metro Birmingham and, perhaps, the state.

Mason had just run 5,000 meters in less than 20 minutes, which was good enough to place fourth out of 74 listed runners in November’s AHSAA Class 7A, Section 3 meet. Despite the pain running through her slender body, she was “psyched” about qualifying for state.

Her accomplishment is special, especially considering she’s only three years deep in a race that goes far beyond the track.

“She came out for track and she’s in the shadow of Veronica Lyle [Alabama’s top female runner in 2013] and she struggled.

Holy cow, she struggled,” said Hewitt-Trussville head coach David Dobbs of Mason’s freshman season.

As a freshman in 2013, Mason was simply looking for a place that fit. Athletically, she had devoted her previous 10 years to softball, but needed something different.

“I was kind of just looking for something that I fit into and I’ve always been good at running and I liked running, so I tried track my freshman year,” said Mason. “I’ve only been running [cross country] for three years, but that’s where it all started.”

Mason was always known for her wheels on the base paths, but cross country was different; it was harder. It took time for Dobbs’ coaching to set in.

“I told her that she had to make a decision and I couldn’t make it for her, because I’m not the one who’s hurting like nobody’s business out there [on the trail]. ‘How bad do you want this thing?’” Dobbs asked Mason prior to her senior campaign.

That’s when the fire was lit. Mason, a former victim of middle school bullying, had doubters whispering in her ear as a junior for the Huskies. She decided not to run from the negative noise, but to run past it.

“During my junior year a lot of people counted me out and said, ‘You’re never going to be up there,’” said Mason. “And really over that summer it stayed in the back of my mind, and my senior year I knew I was going to do something great.”

HTHS senior Marlee Mason started running in her freshman year of high school and plans to continue in college at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Photo by Erik Harris.

Marlee Mason (third from left) took a fourth place finish at the 7A Section 3 run in early November. Photo by Erik Harris.

That greatness began over the summer months leading into her final season of high school.

“It was like right after track, I didn’t even take a break. I just increased my mileage the whole summer and was dedicated to it and it carried over into the whole cross country season,” said Mason.

For Mason, those doubters are heard

clearest in the quiet of her favorite park.

“A lot of people see me in the middle of Trussville doing a lot of [running], but I usually go to a place called Cosby Lake in Clay, because each lap around is about a mile,” said Mason.

A quick glance at her watch told Mason how bad she was hurting and how far she had come in just a couple of short years.

There were no college scouts tracking her from across the small lake, and never mind the fishermen and dog walkers. It was only Mason, along with those whispering doubters on the crooked track each day.

Despite the seclusion of the park, college programs have seen her countless laps around the water, as they’ve shown themselves in every meet this season.

Mason has now notched top four finishes in her last three meets, including the Section 3 race, Hoover Invitational and Husky Challenge. Multiple college programs have shown interest in the aspiring engineer, but she has narrowed the list down to one ­— the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

Dobbs believes she is ready to be a college athlete, but wants her to understand the sacrifice it takes to be a truly great runner.

According to the coach, it takes seven to eight years to become an expert on the trail.

“As a freshman (in college), you’re back at the bottom of the pile again. You’re competing against 23- and 24-year-olds, but as your body gets adjusted to the next level, you’ll be OK,” said Dobbs.

According to Mason’s mother, Jennifer, her daughter doesn’t back down from a challenge.

“She’s always dedicated. Instead of saying ‘I don’t feel like it today,’ she’s always going to be out there practicing and putting forth all the effort that she can to be the best and do what she can do to improve herself,” Jennifer said.

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28 | DEC E MBE R 20 1 5

CAHABASUN.COM

Pulling flag , chasing memories

By ERIK HARRIS

Sacchi Patel (71), Tim Tankersly (37) and Olivia White cheering on the Huskies’ Unified Flag Football team on Nov. 12. Photo by Ron Burkett.

As Carrie Jones stood on the home sideline in Hewitt-Trussville Stadium, she saw one of those innocent smiles that often reminds her that she can’t ask for anything more.

The exceptional education teacher of 21 years witnessed something she’s seen countless times over her career at Hewitt-Trussville High School: “Success, joy and pride” beaming from the face of one of her students.

In this particular case, it was Tyler Ball, smirking as he strolled back to the huddle.

Ball had just cut through the mid-November breeze for a 6-yard touchdown rush off right tackle. That short trip put the Huskies in front of Lawrence County, 12-0, and eventually served as the difference maker in a 12-6 winner-moves-on contest.

What led Jones to that moment? For an answer, she has to go back to college.

“It was just a God-led path for me. He just kept steering my path in that direction,” said Jones. “I didn’t even go to college originally with that [education] degree in mind. I went with an English major in mind.”

As a result of her calling, Jones has found a new outlook on life.

“They just have a love for life that is an exuberance I’m very envious of. They love everything and they’re willing to try new things,” said Jones of her students with special needs.

Ball, along with his 14 teammates, will play a Unified Flag Football game in a Southeastern Conference stadium for the second time in as many years. In the first such sporting event in state history, Jones’ Huskies faced off against Lawrence County prior to the 2014 Super 7 high school football championships in Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.

These games were scheduled after the Alabama High School Athletics Association and Special Olympics Alabama teamed up and brought the event together.

“It was just an amazing experience. We loved every minute of it and we’re so thankful to Special Olympics Alabama for making it possible because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do any of these events,” said Jones.

“For the most part, it was a once in a lifetime chance for these kids to go into a big SEC stadium,” said

CAHA BAS U N.CO M

DECEMBER 2015 | 29

Hewitt-Trussville High School physical education teacher Tim Meacham, who serves as the on-field coach for the team.

Thanks in part to Ball’s 6-yard run on Nov. 12, Hewitt-Trussville will advance on to play Lee County at the 2015 Super 7 in Bryant-Denny Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama.

Jones’ team is made up of many of her life skills academy students along with six “typical” students that are listed on the team roster as peer partners.

“As far as our peers, we have an amazing group of kids at Hewitt-Trussville High School who love our [special needs] students and want to participate with them in their different endeavors,” said Jones.

The school chose the following peer partners out of roughly 50 student applicants: Will Lesley, Myles Dawson, Tyler Tolbert, Keegan Morrow, Jonah Renda and Madison Blank.

Nine athletes round out the rest of the roster: Katie Lowery, Joseph Garrett, Tim Tankersly, Keith Bain, Sacchi Patel, Olivia White, Tyler Ball, Garrett Byram and Andrew White.

For Dawson, a senior at Hewitt-Trussville High School, it’s all about building relationships with his teammates beyond the playing field.

“I was chosen to be a peer partner and since then, I’ve loved it,” said Dawson.

“I sit with them at lunch and introduce

Will Lesley (12), Tyler Tolbert (22), Andrew White (98) and Tyler Ball (89) run through a play against Lee County in HewittTrussville Stadium. Photo

by Ron Burkett.

them to my friends. I just try to build that relationship.”

As Dawson sat in the breezy grandstands leading up to his team’s all-important win over Lawrence County, he remembered a humbling moment. The hours he spends as a peer partner went into focus.

“It’s been a really humbling experience.

One of the athletes’ mom came to me and said ‘My son talks about you all the time at

dinner,’” said Dawson. “It’s just about that connection that you make.”

Flag football is what people will see in Bryant-Denny Stadium when the life skills academy takes the field. What they won’t see is the subtle moments that make it special.

“Playing flag football is a part that comes with it, but what really matters to me is making a lasting impression, treating them like they’re anybody else and sharing that

relationship and bond,” said Dawson.

The final outcome is undetermined, but when Jones and her team exit Bryant-Denny Stadium, they won’t be looking at the scoreboard. They’ll be too busy making memories.

“When I go home at night and lay my head down, I know that I did something [that might be] small, but will last forever,” said Dawson.

TWO HANDS ARE

ALWAYS BETTER THAN ONE The Trussville Tribune and Starnes Publishing have partnered to bring you the Cahaba Sun, Trussville’s monthly publication with stories, photos, and more about the people, places, and things that matter to you most. The Cahaba Sun...as Trussville as it gets.

30 | DEC E MBE R 20 1 5

CAHABASUN.COM

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35173

5624 Ridgeview Drive

New

$425,000

734368

35173

3120 Cambridge Circle

New

$199,900

734366

35173

112 Pamela Drive

New

$184,500

734318

35173

241 Cahaba Ridge Drive

New

$200,090

734301

35173

6344 Spring Street

New

$218,900

734098 35173

315 Woodward

New

$320,000

734267

35173

121 Glen Cross Circle

New

$225,000

734074

35173

6621 Maplewood Cove

New

$409,900

731574

35173

7226 Poston Road

New

$269,900

731818

35173

4309 Maplewood Drive

New

$320,000

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Nov. 23.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

121 Glen Cross Circle

CAHABAS U N.CO M

DECEMBER 2015 | 31

Calendar Community Events Dec. 3: Hewitt-Trussville High School and Hewitt Trussville Middle School Choir Concert. 7 p.m. HTHS Performing Arts Center. The 92-voice HTHS Concert Choir, 22-voice HTHS Chamber Choir and more than 200 voices from HTMS will present several musical selections, including two combined selections.

Dec. 5: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. 5 p.m. Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

Opus 8, a professional chamber choir, will present a special musical service celebrating the Advent season. A reception will follow.

Dec. 6: “A Tree Lot Christmas” Children’s Choir Musical. 6 p.m. First Baptist Church Trussville. FBC’s preschool and children’s choirs will perform a musical about the Christmas spirit.

Dec. 7: Board of Education Meeting.

7 p.m., board offices Dec. 8: Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Band Christmas Concert. 6:30 p.m., HTHS Performance Arts Center. Featuring more than 360 middle school musicians from the Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Honors Band.

Dec. 8: City Council. 7 p.m., City Hall.

Dec. 10: Hewitt-Trussville High School Band Christmas Concert. 7 p.m., HTHS Performance Arts Center.

Dec. 10: Volunteer Fire Department Meeting. 7:30 p.m., 421 Cherokee Drive.

Dec. 13: The Healing Place Church Children’s Musical. 11 a.m., The Healing Place Church.

Dec. 13: The Music of Christmas.

11 a.m., Cahaba Springs Presbyterian Church.

Lessons and carols with the Cahaba Springs Presbyterian Choir.

Dec. 13: First Baptist Trussville Christmas Celebration. 6 p.m. Presented

by First Baptist Church Trussville Ministry of Praise with special guest VERITAS. Doors open at 5 p.m. Visit fbctrussville.org.

Dec. 13: Christmas at the Park. 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., NorthPark Baptist Church. Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas with choir, orchestra and children’s choir. For more information, email bbowman@northparkbc. org.

Dec. 17: Zoning Adjustment Board. 7 p.m., City Hall.

Dec. 18: Last day of school for Trussville City Schools. Classes dismiss at noon.

Dec. 18: HTHS Chamber Choir Caroling – Downtown Birmingham.

Throughout the day, the HTHS Chamber Choir will be caroling at WBRC Fox 6, UAB Hospital-Highlands, UAB Hospital, Kirklin Clinic and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

Dec. 19: “An Almost Perfect Christmas.” 7 p.m. (Dec. 20, 3 p.m.) NorthPark Baptist Church. Dessert theater production featuring several actors and musicians from NorthPark Baptist in celebration of Christmas. Admission $5/person, $15/family maximum. Order tickets at northparkbc.org/glorify. Childcare available by reservation only.

Dec. 20: Christmas in JoyLand Celebration. 10:15 a.m., Mt. Joy Baptist Church.

Church service and Christmas drama followed by a Christmas musical.

Dec. 20: Candlelight Christmas Service. The Healing Place Church, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20: Candlelight Christmas Service. First Baptist Trussville, 5 p.m. A night of wonder and worship of Jesus, the King! Visit fbctrussville.org Dec. 20: Live Nativity. 5-7 p.m., Trussville First United Methodist Church front lawn.

Entertainment provided by Brass 4Him, the FUMC Chancel Choir, children’s choir and handbells. For more information, email secretary@fumctrussville.com.

Dec. 22: City Council. 7 p.m., City Hall.

Dec. 24: Candlelight Christmas Services at First Baptist Trussville. 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. A night of wonder and worship of Jesus, the King! Visit fbctrussville.org.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve by Candlelight, 5 p.m., NorthPark Baptist Church. Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas with a candlelight family-oriented Christmas service. For more information, email bbowman@ northparkbc.org.

Dec. 14: Planning and Zoning Meeting. 6 p.m., City Hall.

Dec. 27: Family Christmas Sunday.

10:30 a.m., NorthPark Baptist Church. Bring your family to celebrate this Christmas with your loved ones. For more information, email bbowman@ northparkbc.org.

Dec. 17: Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. 11:30 a.m., Trussville Civic Center.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Worship Service at Mt. Joy Baptist Church, 7 p.m.

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