Helena City News

Hele H elena Ciitttyy New elen Newwss Serving the City of Helena and surrounding area

Back-to-School 2013

SHE SAID YES! Couple finds love on the banks of Buck Creek.

Story page 15

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL HIRED

Jay Peoples takes the reigns of the Huskies with a year to go.

HELLOS AND GOODBYES AT HELENA INTERMEDIATE

Wayne Williams retires, Kathy Paiml hired to take over as principal.

HMS AND PHS STUDENTS GEAR UP FOR FOOTBALL SEASON! Football schedules for the middle and high school teams are inside.

www.MyHelenaCityNews.com / www.CityofHelena.org cover photo courtesy of SusanneKingStudios.com

FROM THE MAYOR

Greetings!

As summer rolls to a close, I would like to thank everyone for supporting all the special events that have taken place here in Helena this summer. The Helena Business Association’s Friday night Sundown Cinemas and the Saturday morning Farmers Market have both enjoyed great success.

I am so happy that we have those venues in Old Town Helena for all to enjoy. The annual fireworks display on the evening of July the 3rd was another great success this year. Thanks to all the volunteers who help make these events happen. These events are a big part of what makes Helena such a special place.

As students begin their return to area schools, I would like to remind you to watch and drive cautiously as they travel to and from classes and events each day. Traffic is always a challenge, and I would like to encourage you to allow your children to take advantage of Shelby County Schools’ bus transportation system, which helps eliminate some of the extra congestion during the school year. Speaking of traffic, we have received some good news regarding upgrades to one of the busiest intersections in town. ALDOT has awarded us almost $150,000 in grants to help improve thru traffic turn lanes as vehicles exit State 261 onto CR 52 at CR 17 and CR 91.

We will pay a 20 percent match to help with the upgrade. The county highway department has

also received over $480,000 from the state program to resurface Hwy. 17 from CR 58 to CR 52, helping to eliminate deteriorating road conditions on that stretch of our roadway. These are two of several projects approved for our area that we expect to see kicked off in the coming year.

On the retail front, Walmart Neighborhood Market has set a target date to be open by mid-November and will employ approximately 80 people in fulland part-time positions. Hiring for the new positions is set to start this month and run through September until all positions are filled. Walmart hiring managers are leasing space at the Helena Sports Complex building to take applications and interview those interested in employment.

In other developments, the city council has been hard at work approving capital improvements in several areas of the city.

Bids have been let for making improvements to the city’s youth athletic fields and for badly needed upgrades to the tennis courts at Joe Tucker Park.

We will also be looking at bids from private garbage carriers to examine the possibility of contracting our garbage service to one of those providers. This could help the city eliminate the need for adding debt to improve our current service while providing better and more efficient service for all of our residential customers.

In closing, I wish all of you the best as the new school year starts.

Please patronize our businesses for all your needs and remember, Helena is where you want to be!

Best wishes,

Mark Mark R. Hall

Mayor Hall presents Landon Cooper with a Key to the City. Landon, whose hometown is Helena, recently ran 3,000 miles from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, and raised over $100,000 for Sarcoma Cancer research.

Kathy Whitman and Kristi Watts stop for a moment with Mayor Hall at the site of the new community gardens at the entrance to Joe Tucker Park.

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“Be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.”

— Coach John Wooden New Principal Jay Peoples says this quote best illustrates his philosophy towards education.

Meet Head Husky

Principal Jay Peoples It takes a special person to be a high school principal; even more so when the school is brand new.

Shelby County Superintendent of Education, Randy Fuller, stayed in-house to find a man who by all accounts lives up to the term ‘special.’ special.’ It special is our pleasure to introduce you to new Helena High School Principal, Jay Peoples.

Jay grew up in the West Jefferson County town of Adamsville, where he graduated from Minor High in 1987.

Growing up, Jay played a variety of sports which is where he first learned the value of teamwork in accomplishing a common goal, a skill which has served him well over the years.

After high school, Jay attended Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he graduated with a degree in English but perhaps more importantly, met his wife, a Texan named Dava.

The couple moved to the Birmingham area after graduating college, where Jay began working on advanced degrees in English and Education at first UAB and then the University of Alabama.

While enrolled at both of these institutions, he also worked as a graduate assistant teaching freshman and sophomore English. After earning his advanced degrees, he began work on his PhD, “but life interfered,” he laughed.

Jay and Dava, residents of nearby Hoover, have a son who enters 9th grade at Hoover High this year.

Jay took his first job teaching in public schools at the middle school level. He was offered

the opportunity to become a member of the faculty that opened Clay-Chalkville Middle School. He also served as the basketball coach and spent four years there.

Next came a teaching stint at Hoover High School, and the opportunity to help

open another new school presented itself when Spain Park was built. He taught English there, serving as department chair, and he also coached the school’s tennis team.

Jay got into administration around 2002-2003, accepting a position as assistant principal at Odenville Elementary in St. Clair County. “It was neat to work in a segment of education I had not previously been a part of, K-5,” said Jay. After a year, an opportunity for advancement presented itself when an assistant principal position opened at Walker High in Jasper.

“I grew up going to Smith Lake, and at one point, Dava and I contemplated moving to the lake which is near Jasper,” said Jay, but it wasn’t long before Jay decided he needed to find a position closer to home. An opening at Pinson High for an

assistant principal proved to be the right opportunity for him to get back to working in the Greater Birmingham area.

After a year at Pinson, Jay was interviewed and hired to assume the reins at Chelsea High as its principal, his first time as the head man. He served at Chelsea for

five years. This writer knows several parents with students at Chelsea who were at the point of tears when they heard he had accepted the job to open the new high school under construction here in Helena.

Jay has been well regarded at every stop along his path. His tough work ethic, his experience in opening new schools, and his ability to relate personally to his students are traits that have served him well over the years and will make him an asset as the head man at Helena High.

“I think my experience in helping open new schools gives me knowledge not only of what to do, but also of what NOT to do,” he offered.

“Unless something drastic and unexpected happens, I do not foresee going anywhere else,” said Jay. “I plan to spend the remainder of my career here at Helena High School.”

“My goal is for us to be successful right out of the chute.

For the 2014-2015 school year, 9th and 10th graders who are zoned for Helena High School will attend school here. At some point during the upcoming school year, we will give students zoned for Helena who will be juniors and seniors next year an opportunity to declare whether they would like to attend Helena High or finish their high school careers at Pelham. I foresee an orderly transition. I know Pelham Principal, Bob Lavett, and I have the utmost respect for him as a very successful high school administrator.”

Currently, Jay says he is working to ‘hone in’ on just the right shade of blue and coming up with the perfect “H” logo to use for the school.

“I’d like everyone to know that to the best of my ability, I will always strive to get what is best for our students. I tend to work a lot in the background,” said Jay, “and I intend to do everything in my power to help the city get its new high school up and running and be the best it can be for Helena students.”

Jay says his philosophy throughout his career as an educator can be summed up in a quote from one of his idols on the basketball court, legendary Coach John Wooden from UCLA, who said, “Be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.”

“It covers everything,” said Jay. “If we can all do these three things, everything else will take care of itself.”

Thanks to Jay Peoples for taking the time to give Helena residents and business owners a glimpse into his world. We’re all behind you Jay—Go Huskies!

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5

Front row, l-r: Chris VanCleve, Chairperson & Historian; Allison Crumpton, Secretary; and Ana Baker, Treasurer. Back row: Leslie Bartlett, City Council Liaison and Gennetter Smith, Vice Chairperson; Not pictured: Emily McPeake

Making Helena Beautiful “Getting on the subject of beautification is like picking up a tangled skein of wool. All the threads are interwoven -- recreation and pollution and mental health, and the crime rate, and rapid transit, and highway beautification, and the war on poverty, and parks -- national, state and local. It is hard to hitch the conversation into one straight line, because everything leads to something else.”

–Lady Bird Johnson, 1965 When I read these words, I thought how relevant they still are today. With all that is happening in the world, the need to

bring citizens and businesses together for the common purpose of beautifying our community is as strong as ever. The Helena Beautification & Tree Board is working hard to establish a sustainable plan for beautifying Helena and we need your help and cooperation.

Making Helena beautiful is a duty that we all share and can take pride in. This endeavor creates a sense of pride and enhances the world around us in a multitude of ways. Many of you have written to the city and posted on Social Media about the absence of the flower baskets in Old Town. These beautiful baskets add to the charm of the area and are dearly missed by many. While it would be awe-

some to see them in bloom again this year, we are well into the months of summer and planting them now would not be a good idea. Plans are underway to bring them back for 2014 along with other great ideas to enhance the world around us with plants, flowers, trees and shrubs.

We welcome your feedback and suggestions on how to make our town more beautiful as we explore ways to make life better for all of us and be good environmental stewards of our resources by selecting plants, shrubs and flowers that are sustainable, disease resistant, heat and drought tolerant and we want to encourage you to do the same by providing resources & education through seminars and “how to” events. Visit our page on CityOfHelena.org to send us your feedback and suggestions.

The Board is proud to announce the creation of the Helena Beautification Award.

We would like to thank Tyler Hillman at AllSouth Appliance and Shawn Miller at M & M Contracting for their generous donations to fund this effort.

Awarded monthly from April till December, this award will showcase the achievements of citizens and businesses that help make Helena beautiful. A residential award will be given each month and a quarterly award will be given to local businesses. Judging will take place by the 20th of

each month for the next month’s award. Visit CityOfHelena. org to nominate your favorite landscapes today!

Our October & November Beautification Awards will showcase the best of the best in Harvest, Fall & Halloween decorations. I want to challenge you now to begin planning for these events and show your Helena Pride by decorating your homes and businesses with pumpkins, fall flowers, scarecrows and more! The December awards will showcase the best in seasonal holiday decorations.

Most of us have access to PC’s, tablets and smart phones and post to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and other social media sites. I want to encourage you to post pictures of our beautiful town, of local landscaping, events and all things beautiful about Helena. Please use the #HelenaAL hashtag in your posts. It will serve as a collective calling card to the millions of social media users who want a glimpse of what life in Helena is all about. We look forward to seeing your photos!

To borrow another phrase from Lady Bird Johnson, “Paint it up, Pick it up, Plant it up.” Together, let’s make Helena beautiful.

Chris VanCleave, Chairman Helena Beautification and Tree Board

FarmerGuard gives back to Helena Schools with check for $450

Pictured are Dr. Wayne Williams, former Principal of Helena Intermediate School, and J.J. Farmer of FarmerGuard Pest Control

6 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

FarmerGuard Pest Control located in Helena, AL ran a promotion where a portion of all proceeds from new customer business would go to help the Helena Schools. FarmerGuard called it “Help Our Schools” promotion and it ran for the month of April. As a result, FarmerGuard was able to raise

$450 in much needed funds that were presented today.

“We want to give back to our community as much as we can. We’re blessed to have our children enrolled in the Helena area schools which have some of the best teachers and support staff in the state.” said FarmerGuard’s J.J. Farmer.

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Top left: Kathy Williams doing balance exercise and right, Jackie Droxler leads a Fit & Feisty session.

SNAP FITNESS Helena helps local woman get back into the groove with Fit & Feisty program “Frankly, I think this is the best shape I’ve ever been in, probably my whole life,“ Kathy Williams beamed, arriving at SNAP’s Fit & Feisty class that meets M-Tu-Th from 10:30 – 11:00 am.When asked what she credited this improvement, Kathy highlighted her new eating plan and the Fit ‘n’ Feisty class at Snap Fitness Helena.

“Fit & Feisty helps me to lay a stable foundation for doing more of what I enjoy.

I think I will soon be able to ride my bicycle again, in spite of a previous knee injury.”

“This class welcomes all ages.We have some members who do it from a wheelchair and we have people who have had strokes participate. It is a

class that meets you at whatever your level,” manager Sam Stuart says.

“People think to achieve results, you have to hurt,” noted Sam Stuart,“but in Jackie’s classes that is never the case.Your body will know it has done something, but you will not hurt, so you are not discouraged from coming back and doing it again.

“At SNAP, we are not here for just those who are fit; in fact, we want to reach out to those who are aware they are not as fit as they would like.”

“We can’t make you work out, but we can help you develop personal and reasonable goals and encourage you to meet those goals.” Fit & Feisty works on the inner core; it

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emphasizes that maintain good balance is crucial as you age or you become more prone to injury due to falls.The goal of Fit & Feisty is to help keep you vibrant and active no matter your age.

Kathy added,“My friend, Pat Hobson, and I, committed to this class together.At first, I could see I had toned up, but I had not lost any weight.

Then trainer Jackie Droxler introduced me to his eating program, and in just five weeks I lost 17 pounds.The amazing thing to me is that I never got hungry.”

“Now my friend, Pat, has started the eating plan and is already showing results!”

Droxler’s eating program is not a diet, but consists of foods that are chemically balanced to work together for optimal weight loss. It is a three stage program – initially is it a very precise list of foods that you can eat, then the second and third stages gradually work back in some of your

personal favorite foods.

“My favorite food on this program is a particular brand of turkey. No more pizza every week, and I don’t even think about donuts any more. Since the day I began this program, I have not had one morsel of chocolate!”

“Everyone who has done it properly has had good results,” Jackie Droxler proudly says.

“What people tell me,” Stuart said,“is they find that their energy levels really improve.”

Kathy Williams continued, “My primary goal beyond just losing weight was to reduce the amount of blood pressure medication that my doctor prescribed for me. I have eliminated two pills so far, and hope that my next visit will show that I no longer require any.”

If you are looking to increase your fitness level or decrease your weight, remember that Snap Fitness Helena is right around the corner!

Helena gets its very own Community Garden After raised beds started appearing in the empty lot alongside Maplewood Lane Assisted Living near Joe Tucker Park, a lot of folks began asking questions about just what was going on.

Helena Community Gardens officially broke ground June 15, with about six concrete beds, sixteen by four feet, already in place and planted. Kristi Watts, who is spearheading the project, says there will ultimately be room for around 120 plots.

The acreage is owned and its use donated by Dr. Shashi Sharma of Opelika, also the new owner of Maplewood Lane.

Those gardeners constructing a bed will spend about $170 for

blocks and dirt. The annual fee will be waived for them this year.

Anyone can rent and plant whatever they wish and maintain a plot for an annual fee of $60.

The garden soil comes from Helena Landscape Supply and is sold by the scoop.

Kathy Whitman said, “I live in Plantation South and have no sun in my yard and no place to garden. I think once this takes off, people will flock over here.”

“I first saw this on the No Sleep in Helena blog. Hal Woodman has been very supportive and it was he who provided our sign banner. I enjoy gardening and knew I wanted to be a part of this,” said Gena Morris. Morris has already been sharing her garlic with other bed owners.

Jodi Doss and Steven Crane, who work at The Depot, say they “like this great idea—we can plant our vegetables and meet our neighbors.”

Photo: Michelle Otis, Kathy Whitman, Kristi Watts, Barbara Huffstetler, Dr. Shashi Sharma, and Kathy Hall.

As the national Community Garden website states: “Sow the seeds for a garden and you may be surprised at what grows alongside the vegetables and fruits. Little minds sprout and flourish. Friendships blossom.

Communities thrive. Harvest the garden and it nourishes the body and mind, provides revenue,

and instills respect for a greener, sustainable environment.”

Helena Community Gardens have been helped along by donations— a tool shed and fence are planned—and the group welcomes contributions.

Check out: www.facebook.com/ HelenaGardenCommunity.

Sundown Cinemas — Helena’s Family Escape

For the last 10 years, the Helena Business Association (HBA) has been showing family movies on a large inflatable screen in the Helena Amphitheater on Friday nights during the summer. The shows are always free to everyone!

However, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes that you

may not be aware of before and after the movie.

The HBA, in conjunction with its officers, members and other volunteers, band together to bring movies to Helena every week during the summer. It requires multiple people to set up and break down the screen when the movie is over, run the concession stand and overall ensure that moviegoers have a great time.

Months before the season begins, volunteers canvas the business community in Helena for advertising donations (the slideshow before the movie), which allows the HBA to pay the hundreds of dollars in licensing fees for EACH movie they present as

well as maintain the expensive movie equipment they use.

A concession stand is also run by the HBA, offering very low priced items (cheaper than if you brought them to the park yourself in most cases - which is discouraged anyway) in order to make a profit for the organization.

Since the HBA is a non-profit organization, that means we donate what we make —in most cases that’s playground equipment for the park. The HBA has provided a major addition to the

playground every year for quite some time now and has no intention of stopping. So remember that virtually every dollar made above expenses at the concession stand is given back to the city in multiple ways.

Huge thanks to the folks in the middle picture below who work hard each and every week to bring you Sundown Cinemas. L-R: Hal Woodman, Henry Neff, Paul Zimmerman, Bob van Loan, David Schleuter, Cris Nelson, Ron Holly, Jack Gray and Tom Lefebvre.

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Helena chosen for Communities of Excellence Program

After receiving the news that Helena was one of six Alabama cities chosen by the Alabama Communities of Excellence program for 2013, Mayor Mark Hall confirmed, “Former council woman Katherine Ennis will be our coordinator for this project.

She is familiar with our council and will be able to keep us headed in the right direction.”

ACE “uses a comprehensive, three-phase approach to assist participating communities in planning and preparing for a more vibrant future.”

It is open to cities with

populations ranging from 2,00018,000. There are currently some twenty-two ACE designated cities, including Leeds and Montevallo.

The first phase is a report card of assets. “Those are infrastructure including water, sewer, even Internet services.

What the city has available for our citizens—retail services, schools,” said Hall. “When the initial meeting is held, as we have been told, our residents will be invited to tell us what they like about Helena and what needs improvement.”

The second phase involves establishing a city leadership development program and developing an up-to-date strategic plan.

According to the ACE website, phase three addresses city issues, including “comprehensive planning, commercial business development, education enhancement, infrastructure, health and human services,

retiree attraction, tourism, economic development and quality of life.”

After completing the three phases, the city will be named an Alabama Community of Excellence, and will receive a grant to fund a “priority economic and community development project as identified in the strategic plan.”

Alabama Communities of Excellence was created in 2002 as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation organized for the purpose of utilizing the collective expertise of its partner organizations.

ACE provides participants with a “one stop shopping” type of experience—community development programs and tools needed to insure long term success found through one organization.

For more information, go to: www.AlabamaCommunitiesOf Excellence.com. There will be an online survey available on 8/27 for feedback from Helena residents.

hers. Maintaining my yard is something of a hobby— although my goal is to keep it as maintenance-free as possible,” Larry notes. The backyard has select roses, gardenias and hibiscus and the same lawn that makes one want to roll in its lush “springiness.”

Larry has also styled the boxwoods surrounding the entry with a flowing curve. With

the idea of topiary in mind, he encourages them to grow together, then shapes them in a way that makes them easy to maintain. Liriope muscari is used as front sidewalk and back yard bed edging.

Congratulations to the McKenzie’s who set a fine example for local gardeners to follow with their green and calming inspiration!

Residential Beautification Award 1926 Omaha Drive The home of Larry and Rebecca McKenzie at 1926 Omaha Drive in the Cottages of Dearing Downs is a great example of a stylish yard that incorporates some unique features in a luxurious and low-key way.

When the couple moved in two years ago, they found the yard in poor shape.

A retired vice-president from Regions Bank, Larry worked in the Riverchase area, and Rebecca

works in the Calera High School Media Center. They are both from Decatur originally with a grown son in Daphne and a daughter nearby here in Helena.

“I have always enjoyed landscaping, but I’ve never thought it was supposed to be a contest to see who can buy the most plants,” Larry said.

“I like grass; I like cutting grass. If you do it properly, it can elevate the look of your yard to a true lawn, and it will make your home stand out.”

The grass in the McKenzie’s yard is Zoysia, which is naturally weed-resistant, however Larry uses Weed & Feed, lime and pesticides as part of his maintenance program and winterizes it properly.

“My mother had a green thumb, and some of our plants are propagated from

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11

Top: Eleanor Paty is pictured in this Helena Elementary School 5th grade photo.

Bottom: Ms. Paty and friends with a section of the Eureka #4 mine track.

Some memories from Eleanor Postell Paty, a child of Helena On a recent visit to the Helena History Museum, Ms. Eleanor Paty, accompanied by her niece, Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson and husband, Robert Keene, along with cousin Jan Ruffin Hatchett, came to see the extensive new array of photos on display.

A section is devoted to the devastation of the tornado of 1933, and Ms. Eleanor, who turned 94 on July 3, is one of the survivors of that disaster. Ms. Eleanor was born in Roebuck; her father was George Postell, who worked at both Mossboro and Falliston mines.

Her mother, she recalls, was active in the Baptist Church and taught Sunday School.

“She was there every time the doors opened. In a mining camp it was more an interdenominational gathering, and sometimes my mother preached, too.”

“The reason I know so much about my family was that while my brother was out flirting, I was with mother and grandmother all day listening! I

remember everything they said.”

Paty smiled.

“I was a tomboy growing up.

My daddy and mother, Rosalie McKenzie Postell, had one son, Wallace, and then two daughters, Rosalie (called Rosebud) and Agnes, and my daddy wanted another boy.

“My daddy used to take me out to survey land and I would be his rodsman.”

“My daddy thought I was funny. And I was so much like him. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He took me on trips to call on the lime plants to sell coal, and I sat in the back seat with the horsehair lap robe. I went

12 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

with him everywhere he went until I started school.”

“I wore overalls, and Mr. Clay cut my hair like a boy. I have a mole behind my ear and Daddy has a mole behind his ear and every time we got a haircut, we went home bleeding!”

“I went to the mine sites with daddy, too. (Ms. Eleanor is named for her Aunt Eleanor who helped raise her father.)

“I wanted to go down into the mines but it was considered bad luck for a woman to go into the mines in those days.”

“The workers said, ‘It’s ok, she’s not a woman, she’s just a little girl.’”

Paty’s father was superintendent of the Mossboro coal mine where an explosion in 1926 occurred and 27 lives were lost.

“My uncle, Judge J.B. Aird, was a probate judge in Birmingham and his daughter, Sylvia Aird, was a paralegal. They set up office in our living room to talk to the inspectors after the explosion.”

“They advised Daddy to bankrupt, but he said “I cannot do that; I cannot let these families down.’”

Her father’s mother, Agnes Barnes, had quite a bit of money, made from traveling as an opera singer. From monies combined, they buried the dead and paid the families a certain amount of

money.

Agnes Barnes, who was widowed when her son George was only two, sang in Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Washington D. C. where she was raised.

When she wasn’t singing, she worked for the Treasury Dept. in Washington D.C. Barnes later married Postell, and later in life, a man by the name of Hutchinson.

By 1933, Agnes Postell Hutchinson was living in Helena with her son’s family.

“During the tornado, we all gathered in her room,” Paty recalls. “Grandmother was hit by a flying door and that caused her to have a stroke, She died in January after the May tornado.”

“While we were huddled in her room, my brother told me to not look up, but of course you know what I did, I looked up.”

Paty recalls nothing after that, but awoke with a deep cut on her forehead and a large gash under her eye in a nearby field holding her brothers hand. Their home had been leveled.

Ms. Eleanor also remembers that F. D. Roosevelt made a whistle stop and speech in Helena when running for president in 1931. “It was July 3, the day of my 12th birthday party.

Everyone had a dunce cap on, and they all left my party and ran down to the tracks.”

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Dr. Defranco remembers that when he first hung out his shingle here, there wasn't much else along Hwy 17 besides him, Winn Dixie and the BP station. Times have changed in Helena, but one thing remains steady; Helena Family Dentistry’s commitment to providing Helena residents with the best in friendly, professional dental care. Helena Family Dentistry’s staff stays up-to-date and state-of-the-art in every aspect of the services it provides its patients.

If you or your family are in need of a family dentist, Dr. Stacey Defranco and staff invite you to call today for an appointment.

You’ll be welcomed with open arms and giant smiles!

Helena Family Dentistry Staff, 2013 (not pictured, Christina Harless)

No representation is made that the quality of dental services to be provided is superior to the quality of services provided by other dentists.

14 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

SHE SAID

YES!!!

Helena is for lovers.

Our cover story…

“I was thinking of the time we had spent on Buck Creek in Helena.”

Gene Game Almost anytime you visit Amphitheater Park in Old Town Helena, there may be multiple photo shoots going on near the dam or along the creek banks.

Professional photographers from all over Central Alabama recognize Old Town Helena for its rich heritage and natural beauty.

It was a quiet summer afternoon when Hoover photographer Susanne King found herself kneedeep in Buck Creek taking pictures of an expectant mother when both the photographer’s and subject’s eyes were drawn to a scene playing out on the creek bank.

Susanne said she asked her client if it was OK and then began shooting pictures of an older couple across the creek on the opposite bank when all of a sudden, a commotion arose.

It was a rare moment that Susanne captured on film, and she was kind enough to share it with us. The picture is familiar to many on Facebook, where it has made its rounds over the last month. Now for the rest of the story…

Gene Game, retired from Alabama Gas Co. with 33 years service and a widower, said that he first met Pat Mclain, office manager for Five Star Lumber in Pelham, as a member of the Yellow Rockers, a square dancing club in Vestavia that often visited Gene’s dance club, the Shelby Shufflers, from Pelham.

After his wife died, Gene said his large house started to close in on him. “I was about as low as you can go,” said Gene. “One night, out of the blue, I picked up the phone and called Pat,

asking her out to dinner.”

“I said sure,” said Pat, who says she had known both Gene and his late wife, and knew what a tough time Gene had in the months following her death.

“I really thought we would just go out as friends and that would be that,” said Pat. “We had dinner at Main Street Tavern in Montevallo,” remembered Gene.

A few dinner and lunch dates later, Gene asked Pat if she’d like to get some cheese, crackers and wine and visit a pretty spot he knew on Buck Creek for a picnic.

She said yes. (Whoops! That comes a little later.) Anyway, back to the story.

So the friends drove to Old Town and put out a spread on the bank of Buck Creek. Gene says they talked for about three hours, just getting to know each other better. “I didn’t want her to think I was being too pushy,” said Gene, “but after that afternoon in Old Town Helena, there weren’t too many days in the week that we didn’t see each other.”

About a year later, according to Gene, they were in a store that carried wedding rings and were just casually looking at them

when he noticed that there was one which Pat seemed especially fond of.

“He had been joking with me for six months,” said Pat. Everything I’d say, he’d jokingly ask if that meant I was going to marry him,” she laughed. “I didn’t take him seriously.”

Gene went back to the store a few days later though and bought the ring that seemed to light up her face when she loomed at it.

“I was thinking of the time we had spent on Buck Creek in Helena,” said Gene. “It was our special place where we had really gotten to know one another and I think both realized from that day that it was going to go further, so it just popped in my mind. That was going to be the place I proposed to Pat.” “The next time we were together,” Pat said, “we were driving in Helena when Gene pulled off the side of the road and I asked him why we were stopping.”

“I walked her down to the spot we had first talked in depth,” said Gene. Pat said she turned and asked him again, “Why are you bringing me here?”

“When I turned around, I noticed he had tears welled up

in his eyes and he said, ‘This is the spot I first knew I wanted a future with you.’”

“At that point, we were both crying,” said Pat. That is the point where Susanne King, the photographer, noticed them and started snapping pictures. Gene pulled the box holding the ring out of his pocket, presented it to Pat and asked her to marry him.

At that point, they both heard a commotion across the creek, turned around, saw Susanne taking pictures and group of folks watching them from across the creek. Susanne snapped the picture above as Pat held up her ring and Gene yelled, “She said YES!” to exuberant applause from all witnessing Gene and Pat’s special moment.

It truly is a small world, too.

Pat says that her daughter, Marcy, has worked in Gene’s doctor’s office for years and knew Gene well. She joked with her mother, “I loved him before you did.”

Best wishes to the happy couple who first found love on the banks of Buck Creek.

Gene’s club, the Shelby Shufflers, have performed before at the Buck Creek Festival. If you’d like to check them out, contact Anita Southern at: anitasouthern@centurytel.net.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School 2013

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as Huskies. The coaches and players have been working hard this summer to prepare for this tournament and the upcoming season.

The Huskies beat Riverchase, Bumpus, Liberty (out of Madison County), Simmons and Berry Middle School in the championship game. Football season is just around the corner, and we hope to see you at a Husky football game cheering our teams onto victory.

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HMS boys set the bar high last year with head coach Ryan Brewer leading the team to an undefeated season and Southern Conference Championship.

Above: The 8th grade Helena Huskies participated in a 7-on-7 tournament at Spain Park High School Friday, July 26th, and went undefeated winning the championship there, too! This is the first of many championships Helena will bring home as we start our new tradition

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PHS Panthers are preparing to make another run at the playoffs this season. Although top talents like Fletcher Johnson and Eli Beall have moved on to college, a bevy of young talent takes the field this season for Coach Brett Burnett.

Starting QB, No. 7 Devon Mines, is a dual threat who says he patterns his game after NFL great Michael Vick. Devon was a star QB at HMS. Expect a terrific effort from him this year as he leads the Panther offense. Look for Morgan Sharp to shine in the backfield this year, too.

Mississippi State commitment Braxton Hoyett anchors the defensive line for the Panthers this year, in a season that will see a lot of new faces getting their chance

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UA Graduate Jessica Moore draws strength from adversity

Jessica, a lifelong Helena resident, says some of her favorite memories were the countless hours at Penhale Park playing softball, summers at Gobbler’s Knob and attending the Christmas Parade every December. She graduated from PHS in 2009 where she was Varsity Cheerleading Captain.

She also was a member of the FCA, SGA, FFBLA and the Spanish Club.

Jessica graduated Magna Cum

Laude with a degree in K-12 Collaborative Special Education from the University of Alabama in May. Throughout her four years at there, she completed over 700 relevant experience hours in various classrooms across Tuscaloosa as well as a 24-hour American Sign Language course.

Jessica is a member of the Kappa Delta Epsilon Honor Society.

While at Alabama, Jessica served on the Council for Exceptional Children and loved attending the Special Olympics. She was a Phi Mu, and she served as Recruitment Chairman in 2012.

Jessica said college has been filled with some of her most fun and unforgettable times. A few of her favorite activities in Tuscaloosa included football games, Homecoming week, Spring breaks with her college friends, and going to church at the Church of the Highlands campus in Tuscaloosa. “Winning

three National Championships out of four years wasn’t too shabby,” she said, “and it is definitely not something many college graduates can say. The greatest part of all was finally getting the opportunity to attend the national championship game my senior year in Miami.”

“College was such a learning experience for me. I truly learned the meaning of responsibility, determination, and perseverance.” Jessica lost her father her freshman year at UA, and she experienced the devastating April 27 tornado her sophomore year. Jessica said the relationships, friendships, and opportunities in Tuscaloosa kept her going strong when she just felt like giving up. “Tuscaloosa will always have a meaningful place in my heart.”

“If I gave any advice to graduating high school seniors, I think it would be to just

remember Jeremiah 29:11.

His plan is greater than any we could ever imagine. His plan will present you with opportunities you never thought possible, and it will take you places you never thought you’d go. I always saw myself coming back to Helena after graduation, and now here I am job hunting in Tennessee!”

Jessica is engaged to be married to Case Roberts of Athens, Tennessee, in the spring of 2014.

The two met through their families on a company trip to Costa Rica. Jessica says that no matter where her marriage and life takes her in the future, she will always call Helena “home” and is so thankful for the family, friends, and opportunities the town has given her.

Jessica is the daughter of Theresa Moore.

Best of luck Jessica in all your future endeavors!

Suburban Goose gets hooked Rescued by caring residents

State All-Star softball games pit coach against her players PHS Softball Coach Amy Sullivan and two of her players, Caitlyn Sapp (left) and Kristian Foster, competed on AHSAA AllStar softball teams in games held on July 16 at Lagoon Park in Montgomery. In a twist of fate, the coach and players were placed on two different teams. Amy coached the North All-Stars, while Caitlyn and Kristian played for the South.

In the first game, the South held off the North for a 3-0 win.

In the second, the North came back with an 8-4 victory, leaving the teams with a split for the day.

Caitlyn was named MVP for the South team, with three RBIs and a run scored in Game 1, followed by a three-run homer off her bat in Game 2. “It’s really nice to earn the MVP award,” Caitlyn said. “I was just trying to do the best I could. The home run felt really good. She gave me a pitch I was looking for, and I did what I could with it.”

18 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Earlier this summer, Tangie Tilley was outside enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful, sunny Helena afternoon. As she took a walk around the lake near her home in Riverwoods, she came across a creature needing help. It seems a wild goose was tangled in discarded fishing line that littered the bank of the lake there. Tangie gathered her neighbors Jason Meadows and John and Dana Burch and with their assistance, was able to set the goose free.

“Many of our neighbors stopped as they passed to ask what we were doing,” Dana said. The goose, who they named Captain Hook, was lucky these good samaritans were there to help. The next animal who gets stuck might not have that luxury. The neighbors have one request: please, everyone, clean up after yourself when fishing!

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CedarCreekNursery.com Pelham High School Cheer Squads Compete at Auburn University Pelham High School Cheerleaders attended the UCA Cheerleading Camp at Auburn University May 29- June 1.

Panther Varsity won 1st Place in Extreme Routine The Junior Varsity squad also won awards: 2nd place in Extreme Routine 3rd place in Overall Game Day 3rd place in Cheer Pelham JV and Freshman squad competed together in the Home Pom Routine and placed 1st.

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Local fisherman Jacob Taylor gives advice for fishing in Helena Jacob Taylor teaches PE in the Shelby County School System and loves to fish. Always has.

“It’s one of those things my dad instilled in me,” he says. “Some of the earliest memories I have are on the water. I can’t say I’ve ever had a bad day fishing.”

He and his wife, Kelly, live on Lay Lake, where he does most of his fishing. Jacob explains that you don’t have to go to a big lake or river to fish, though. A small creek or pond near your house can be a great spot. The hardest part is finding a spot where fish are likely to be. Don’t be afraid to hike along a river or wade out into the water: it may be exactly what you need to do to catch something.

If you’re attentive, you can hear the splash of a fish coming up to the surface, or see them in the shadows of murky water or spot the flash of a fin catching the

sun. If you watch for the signs, you’ll find where to cast your line and catch a few fish.

Jacob says catching bream is fairly easy, especially for kids, because the fish spawn continually all summer. Keep a look out for light areas underwater in ponds or lakes, like the one at Joe Tucker Park. Light areas are

less muddy than the rest of the bottom, which means there may be rocks where bream are likely to spawn and feed.

Different bodies of water require different techniques for fishing. “In moving water, like Buck Creek, fish will sometimes congregate behind a fallen branch,” Jacob says. It gives the fish a place to take a break in the current bringing insects and other food past them. Fish also tend to swim up on shoals, little rapid-like areas, at feeding time.

When the sun is bright, it’s easier to see fish in the shallows, but they’ll try to stay hidden in the shade of deep water or under trees, piers and moss-covered pools to stay cool. A good time to go fishing is in the early morning, when it’s quiet and cool, because fish will be feeding, Jacob says. Rainy weather is good, too, because they’re likely to be more

active. (Just be careful there’s no lightning.)

Don’t be shy with the types of lures you try. Jacob uses everything from trick worms, floating frogs and crappie grubs to live worms and crickets. “If you use live bait, such as crickets or worms, you’re liable to catch anything,” he says. “Floating frogs are one of my favorite lures for summertime pond fishing.”

Other types of lures are also effective. “Roostertails are a classic, made to move and shine like a minnow under the water,” Jacob says. “These are a great lure for kids; they can generally catch something, and they won’t get bored.”

The easiest way to get better at fishing, though, is to just get out there and do it. “Fishing is really trial and error,” Jacob laughs.

“You never know what fish will do or when they’re going to bite!”

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With rising gas prices, now is THE time stop by the library to find out about everything and pick up some books, movies or music while you are here. Save time and money! The library has current DVD titles as well as many classics and family favorites, books and music ready and waiting to be checked out by YOU! Stop in and visit soon; always remember to bring your library card!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES: Story Time Every Tuesday & Thursday at 11:00 AM

LIBRARY DIRECTOR DANIEL DEARING

JANE B. HOLMES PUBLIC LIBRARY 230 Tucker Road, Helena, AL 35080 HOURS: Mon. 10-7, Tues. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-2, Sun. Closed.

Good day to everyone!

The summer is coming to an end, and the library would like to thank everyone who came to visit, and especially those of you who participated in our programs and events. We had great participation and attendance. The Juvenile and Young Adult participants in our program read over 4,000 books!

For any of you who did not attend, be sure to think of us next year, as we plan all year for a great program every summer. We could not make this happen without the help of our city leaders and many dedicated volunteers.

As school starts back and fall approaches, be sure to stop in to see what is new. Sports, band, and other extracurricular activities can be time consuming. Remember to READ, and visit the library. Reading improves your life in so many ways.

A special thanks goes out to the Helena Business Association, as they were kind enough to present the library with a check for $500 from the proceeds of the Buck Creek Festival. We appreciate this organization so much, as they work tirelessly to provide this entertaining event, as well as movies in the park!

Speaking of helping the library, August is Book Drive month this year for the library. Please bring any books, movies, audiobooks, or music in good condition to donate to the library.

Then, make sure to attend the library Birthday Party on Thursday, September 5 ALL DAY – we will have a book sale all day, and refreshments at 4:00 pm. Feel free to bring a present to the library!

Ideas include: cleaning supplies, office supplies, cash, gift cards to Ace Hardware, Publix, Staples, Best Buy, Books-a-Million, Zone 1, Dollar General, or other local businesses.

Parents of young children, do not forget about our FREE Storytime Program every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 AM! Thinking of starting a new book this fall? Be sure to try out the Jane B. Holmes Public Library Book Club! It will meet on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 10:00 am. They will read The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh for that meeting, and Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner for the next meeting on Monday, October 4, 2013. Have fun and READ! Please go to www.cityofhelena.org to check out our upcoming events by clicking on the Calendar, or find out what new books and movies we are featuring in our New Releases section.

Aug. Book Drive—All Month Long!

Aug. 13 Back to School Party with FREE Goldfish Crackers at 4:00 pm Aug. 15 JBH Library Volunteer Appreciation Program at 4:00 pm Stop in for refreshments, learn about volunteering, and to thank current library volunteers.

Aug. 19 Orville Wright Birthday Program at 4:00 pm Aug. 27 Bookmark Day—Free Bookmarks All Day Sept.

Library Birthday Celebration—All Month Long!

Sept. 5 Library’s 26th Birthday Party and Book Sale—All Day Refreshments at 4:00 PM Sept. 9 JBH Library Book Club Meeting at 10:00 am Sept. 11 Patriot Day honoring our Soldiers and First Responders Sept. 17 Check out 10 Books, Get a Prize!

Sept. 26 Library Awareness Day—See All the Services/Programs we offer!

Oct. 1 National Pizza Month Program—Stop by and get your FREE book bag and cool pizza book mark!

Oct. 14 JBH Library Book Club Meeting at 10:00 am

Stop by the Jane B. Holmes Public Library soon to check out the NEW RELEASES which include the following book titles: The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag; The Heist by Janet Evanovich; Second Honeymoon by James Patterson;The Kill Room by Jeffrey Deaver; Ladies Night by Mary Kay Andrews; Classified by Fern Michaels; and The Quarryman’s Bride by Tracie Peterson.

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Amy Sullivan Shelby County Softball Coach of the Year Lady Lions made it to the National Championships, with records of 33-1 and 32-2.

Shelby County Softball Coach of the Year Amy Sullivan, center is flanked The two by her assistant coaches and athletic director, l-r: Anna Laura Dyer, Ashley summers Belew, Amy, Sabrina Tutchtone and AD Kim Kiel. after her Lady Panthers coach Amy Sulfreshman livan has been named the Shelby and sophomore years at EmmanCounty Girls’ Softball Coach of uel, Amy worked basketball clinics the Year for 2013. With a record of at the University of Tennessee.

46-6 on the season, undefeated in “Working with kids in clinics and area and region play, and coming camps, it’s what I enjoy,” she says. out of Montgomery in May as After Emmanuel, Amy enrolled state runner-up in division 6A, it’s at Kennesaw State University in no wonder the coach received this GA, playing basketball for the distinction—she earned it! Amy Owls in her final two years of takes no credit though, saying, eligibility. Then she moved back to “The girls are the reason we get Carrollton to attend the University coach of the year status. I’ve been of West Georgia. Her final semester truly blessed—these are great girls.” in school, she worked as a student Born in Carrollton, Georgia, teacher with her former PE coach, Amy grew up playing sports with Robyn Doldan, at Carrollton her cousins. She stayed active up Elementary, the same school she through Carrollton High School, attended as a child. where she played slow pitch softShe was then fortunate enough ball, basketball, tennis, ran track to work at one of Nancy Lieberand was on the swim team. “For as man-Klein’s basketball camps in long as I can remember, I wanted Dallas, TX. “While I was working to coach and work with sports,” in Texas, that’s where I started to she says. fall in love with coaching,” she says.

Amy taught PE and Health at “I was blessed with scholarship offers in softball and basketball but McNair Middle School in Decatur, GA, for one year, followed by 2 chose to play basketball. My high years at Carrollton Elementary school and travel softball career School, before moving to Alabama were slow pitch,” she explained. to accept a job at Bessemer “My competitive side didn’t want Academy as Athletic Director, head to sit on the bench a season at basketball coach and softball coach. the college level while making the Amy’s years playing basketball in transition to fastpitch.” college didn’t change her allegiance; Because of this, she accepted a she says, “I absolutely love softball.” basketball scholarship to EmShe was finally able to get back to manuel Junior College in Franklin the sport at Bessemer, where she Springs, GA, which she referred got her first taste of fastpitch ball, to as “a true basketball machine.” which she fell in love with. Her Athletic Director Mike Bona’s Bessemer Academy team finished work with the teams so impressed 26-4 and 3rd in the state. her at a game she attended there After a year in Bessemer, in 2000 with her dad that she committed PHS offered Amy the positions before leaving the school that day. of asst. basketball, softball and Both years Amy was enrolled, the 24 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

volleyball coach, all of which she accepted. She assisted coach (and now A.D.) Kim Kiel with basketball for three years, Tammy Richardson with freshman volleyball one year, and ended up becoming head softball coach about two weeks before that first season—and she never looked back.

Amy also achieved certifications to teach Physical Education and Health Education in K-12 schools.

These led her to her role as physical education teacher at Helena Elementary, which she does currently alongside her coaching duties at Pelham High.

Sabrina Tutchtone and Anna Laura Dyer are Amy’s assistant coaches at PHS, with Ashley Belew serving as her head junior varsity coach. Amy says the key element to their coaching style with the girls is about keeping it all in perspective.

“We always get the girls to play like

Check us out on

the score is 0-0 as a challenge for them. If they pretend we’re losing, it’s easier for them to think, ‘hey, we gotta get a hit.’”

“These kids are something else, they keep it interesting,” Amy says.

“They work hard and stay hungry.

They are very motivated. I could not ask for a better group of kids.”

It’s plain to see just how great this team of girls is. In fact, the icing on the cake of their fantastic 2012-2013 season is the fact that six Lady Panther starters received scholarships and committed to Division 1 schools, which is a record for Pelham High School.

We agree with Amy—it’s been a great year for Pelham High School softball. And with only two seniors on the team, the future looks bright for the Lady Panthers with a winning coach like Amy Sullivan at the helm!

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Nate.Wells@thewhaleschool.com truly large number considering that only around 2-7% of all scouts reach Eagle.

In order to become an Eagle, a scout must plan, organize, lead, and manage a service project that benefits the community. Austin’s Eagle project, in the back of Joe Tucker Park, actually builds on the projects of two other scouts in Troop 2 for the Helena Kiwanis Club. Clay Strozier’s project was to clear a road leading to a site for club’s proposed new building, while Alex Wurstner’s project was to lay the pipes for it.

Austin’s project, which took two years, was to clear the site for the building itself, as well as dig out an area for a basement.

When the Kiwanis building is finished, Troop 2 will be able to hold meetings there. For

Troop 2 Eagle Scouts Zac Turner and Austin Hogue have a lot to brag about from their Boy Scout Troop, as they are the newest Eagle Scouts for Helena’s Troop 2. There are around 60 scouts in Troop 2, which was formed in January 2008 after breaking off from the larger Troop 532. Larry Crawley was Troop 2’s founding Scout Master, followed by Larry Faulkner, and now Dr. Larry Lee. Troop 2 started out with 34 charter members, 23 of whom have earned Eagle rank, which is 68% of the original scouts—a

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now, the troop meets at Grace Christian Church.

Zac’s Eagle project, a kiosk for a map at Oak Mountain’s Camp Tranquility, also benefits Troop 2 directly. The camp is an integral part of life for Troop 2, explains Zac: “Whenever we get new scouts, that’s where they earn their first merit badges.” The wooden kiosk he built for the map has a stone base for stability and a roof to protect it from the elements.

As with Austin’s project, another Eagle Scout, Jake Bowers, also had his Eagle project in Camp Tranquility.

Through Jake’s project, scouts and leaders replaced the rotten wood on the roof of the Rock Leader Lodge and attached shingles to the new roof.

Zac and Austin said the Scout Masters and leaders who helped them the most along their journey were Dr. Larry Lee, Larry Crawley, Larry

Faulkner, Matt Owen, and Jerry Pate. According to Austin, the leaders are very involved with their scouts, and he credited them with the high level of participation Troop 2 has put into their scouting. “We’re just a very active troop. I hear other scouts quit because they aren’t doing anything,” said Zac. “There are so many Eagle Scouts in our group, the younger scouts look at us and say, ‘I wanna do that too.’ ” As the Helena-based scouts would cheer, “Troop 2, ONE TROOP!”

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Historic Preservation Committee named

A committee has been named to deal with all things historic in Helena. The group will work with town historian and member, Ken Penhale, at the Helena History Museum.

Committee members include: Front row, l-r: Charity Miller, Shannon O’Guin, Kara Barr and Hal Woodman Back row: Alan Farmer, Dan Dearing, Ken Penhale, Jay Riley, and David Rice.

Not pictured: Linda Cato Wurstner and Jason Redd.

26 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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Wayne Williams says goodbye to HIS When Wayne Williams was hired as principal of HIS in 2001, the school was not finished. “I remember the school without windows, when they were still putting up walls,” he said. “I have literally watched the school be born and grow over the last 12 years.” It’s fitting, then, that Dr. Williams is retiring as Helena High School is being built right down the road.

News of his retirement may surprise some, as he made the decision after school ended for the summer. He explained being principal of a school the size of HIS is a huge responsibility, and in his retirement, he will be able to focus on caring for his elderly mother, Bonnie Williams.

The decision was hard for Dr. Williams to make, as he has grown close with the faculty and staff at HIS as well as his students and members of the community. “If God had given me the choice to work anywhere I wanted, he could not have dropped me in a better community than Helena,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted the community to be proud of the school, and we’ve worked together to make that happen,” he explained. “We would not be able to do what we do without community support. We have been successful in creating an environment that is emotionally safe as well as academically challenging.”

He added, “I’ve always been proud of the school building— you would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful elementary school—but it’s the people inside that make HIS special,” he said.

“I’m certainly going to miss the daily interactions with students, parents and staff. The kids here have always made me feel special; they almost make me feel like a rock star.” He was quick to note, “But I’d rather be a principal than a rock star.”

“I’m embarrassed to tell people I’m retiring,” he joked.

“At 51, I’m not supposed to be retiring! I will not say my best days are in the past…it’s only

halftime, and I can’t wait to see what the second half will bring.”

He spent his last month at HIS finishing the new playground he is very proud of and getting ready for the new school year, which will see Kathy Paiml as his successor. “I’m looking forward to handing the ball off to the new principal,” he said.

“God told Abraham to pack his bags, but he didn’t know where he was going. That’s where I am right now; my bags are packed but I don’t know where I’m going,” he laughed. “I’ll be waiting to see what door God opens for me. I might look into Christian education.”

HIS welcomes new principal Kathy Paiml On July 11, SCBOE approved Kathy Paiml as the new principal of Helena Intermediate School, replacing the retiring Dr. Williams immediately. “I’m really looking forward to being part of the Helena community,” she said. “Helena is a great small town.”

“What I’m really excited about is going from 6 grades to focusing on 3 grades,” Kathy continued. “When you’re working on a curriculum for fewer grades, you can be more specific, more focused as a leader.”

And Kathy has lot of experience working with 3 grades,

because she taught 1st-3rd grade for nine years at Trace Crossings, before moving on to be assistant principal under Linda Campenotta at Green Valley Elementary. During this time, she was also an adjunct professor at UAB. “After being an assistant principal for 6 years, I was ready for the next step,” she said. “I knew Shelby County was a great school system, and things just fell into place.”

Kathy has already been working hard throughout the summer to get HIS ready for the new school year. “I enjoyed meeting everyone at registration, my head

is swimming with names,” she laughed. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the faculty and staff, and to working with the children, parents and the PTO.” But she’s had some help, she explains, “Genet Holcomb has been helpful in the process. Her wealth of knowledge has helped me learn the new school system and community.” They have spent some time out of the of-

fice, too, though. She said, “The office staff took me to the Depot and around the community on a kind of driving tour to visit the middle and high schools.”

We would like to join the HIS staff in warmly welcoming Kathy to Helena.

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The Farmer’s Market runs each Saturday from 8-Noon through August 24, when Chef Vizzini from Sanford dining and Chef Tombrello from Bernie’s on Main will do an “Italian celebration” for the Chef Demo at 9a.m. If you have not yet been, come out and enjoy some great Alabama grown foods, unique vendors and musical talents while it lasts!

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The Russians take Helena by Storm!

Mayor Mark Hall welcomed the Kiwanis Club of Helena and ten special guests from a Russian Delegation to the City Hall council chambers on June 11. There, they posed questions concerning municipality matters to Mayor Hall.

Hosted by the Friendship Force of Birmingham, they were participants in the Open World Program with the topic of Accountable Governance.

In the diverse group from various Russian cities were a post-graduate student/scientist/businessman studying IT companies, both successful start-ups and established leaders in the area of 3-D scanning systems. They were seeking advice on present investment and cooperative marketing opportunities for a system they are developing called “3Dom”.

Others were seeking to learn more about the U.S. health care system, particularly Medicare and Medicare programs and recent health care reforms.

They were seeking the best

American practices to share with state and municipal officials responsible for development and realization of the social policy in Russia.

A participant in the “For Fair Elections” movement planned to “identify common grounds for growth and further development of the civil society.”

Some were involved with innovative companies within institutions of higher education, such as Urals Federal University, working to research energy efficiency and innovative conservation technologies. They hoped to establish contacts that might lead to opportunities for joint projects with American colleagues.

All were interested in the business and management practices of American companies, non-profit organizations, and municipal government structures with the intention of bettering their own country.

The delegation was provided

30 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

a tour of the police and fire departments and the library.

They also toured HES and HMS escorted by principals Mary Cooper and Scott Knight.

Local Kiwanis program chairpersons Gerald and Callie Waldrop arranged for them to hear an overview of Kiwanis from members Coke Clark and Jerry Pate and information about Kiwanis sponsored youth programs and Helena’s “All Kids” Boundless Playground from Camille Maier and Claudia Deason.

They were assisted by Ksenia Semenova, one of the group facilitators who speaks fluent English and is a Junior Brand manager for Heinz Foodservice. The delegation was escorted by Exchange Directors Eva Herron and Jackie Matte with translation provided by Elena Goldis and Kate Humphrey, who lived in the USSR, before becoming American citizens.

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Helena Lion’s Club Global Membership Chairman, Melvin Murphree, and Lion Jerry Satterwhite are welcoming Bill May as one of many members to join the new Helena Lions Club. “I’m proud to welcome these men and women into Lions. Helena is proud to have such a fine group serving their community. Volunteering makes you feel appreciated and needed.

It provides an opportunity to give back what has been given to

you.” said Lion Murphree.

Who are the Lions?

Lions are groups of service minded men and women who are interested in improving their communities. To be a Lion is to be an active volunteer, a member of a respected international organization, a leader in the community and a friend to people in need.

The 1.35 million members that serve in over 45,000 clubs from over 200 countries make Lions

Clubs International the world’s largest service club organization.

What do Lions Clubs do?

“We Serve.”

Lions move to make a difference locally and globally.

Lions are best known for their efforts to eradicate preventable blindness, but also participate in many other kinds of projects, including assisting those in need, sponsoring international exchanges for young people, providing supplies to victims of natural disasters and bringing clean drinking water to remote villages.

Wherever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better.

Why join a Lions Club?

As a Lion, you will have the opportunity to help others, meet new people and use your talents to make a real impact.

You will acquire new skills, meet challenges head - on, cultivate lasting friendships, grow personally and have fun at the same time. You will know that what you do is appreciated and worthwhile.

Are there opportunities for my family?

Yes, You can join a Lions club with your spouse and other adult family members living in your household and receive a special dues discount. Your local club can provide you with more information. If you have younger children, many clubs welcome children at special club events and activities, teaching them the joys of volunteering and guiding them to a lifelong dedication to helping those in need.

So Lions are for women too?

Yes, Women have been serving in Lions Clubs for years. In fact, women are the single fastest growing membership segment of Lions Clubs International.

I’m ready to help.

Lions help where help is needed—in their own communities and around the world—with unmatched integrity and dedication. Lions clubs are groups of men and women who identify needs within the community and work to fulfill those needs. For more information about becoming a charter member of the Helena Lions Club, contact Lion Melvin Murphree at (205) 663 4909.

Austin Dubberly graduates, earns many honors Helena native Austin Dubberly, who attended the University of Montevallo and played four years on the Falcons baseball team, earned the John Bennett Walters Award as the top male scholar-athlete during the 2012-2013 season.

He also won the male Sportsmanship Award for the year.

Austin entered the Montevallo baseball record book with 613 career assists, passing the previous school record of 521 set by B.J. Holloway. He also has the second-highest record for sacrifice hits and the third highest for number of career at-bats.

32 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Austin, along with sophomores Vinny Rodriguez and Zack Willoughby, was named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Academic Team in 2013.

He and UM senior pitcher Michael Shreves were named second team Rawlings NCAA Division II Southeast Region Gold Glove selections, as well.

Austin helped the Falcons reach their first Peach Belt Conference tournament championship game during this season.

Austin was named to the first team of the All-Peach Belt Conference and second team NCAA Division II All-South-

east Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association following his sophomore season in 2011.

Austin graduated from Montevallo in May with a degree in Business Management and a 3.677 GPA. He was named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Academic team in both his junior and senior seasons, and was on the conference’s Presidential Honor Roll several times.

Congratulations to Austin for all his athletic and academic achievements. We look forward to seeing where this talented athlete will play next.

local A.M.E.

Churches

New Bethel A.M.E. Church Highway 261 • 201-5531 Pastor Rev. Wilma Merriweather Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

BAPTIST

CrossBridge Community Church Starkey Street (off Hwy 261) • 621-2695 Pastors Harris Cook & Bruce Squires • crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church Helena 815 Highway 52 E • 663-7879 Senior Pastor Greg Walker • fbhelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Gospel Light Baptist Church 5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor Steve Kilpatrick • glbcbham.com Sunday Bible Study 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Highway 261 • 663-5257 Pastor Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

New Elam Baptist Church Cunningham Drive Pastor Rev. Lester Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Riverside Baptist Church 1919 Highway 52 West • 426-1910 Pastor J.J. Stanbridge • e-mail: jj@rbchelena.org Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 6700 Highway 13 • 424-4539 Pastor Rev. Randy Keef Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

CHRISTIAN-DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Grace Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 869 Highway 52 • 426-1233 Pastor Tommy Morgan • gracechristianchurch.org Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 • 620-4575 Evgs Curtis Flatt & Bryan Moody • church-of-christ.org Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

EPISCOPAL

Lamb of God Charismatic Episcopal 5140 County Road 17, 378-8022 Pastor Rev. Glenn E. Davis • lambofgodcec.org Sun. Worship/Children’s Church 10:00 a.m.

METHODIST

Helena United Methodist Church 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Pastor Rev Mary Bendall • helenaumc.org Worship 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Modern Worship Sunday 7:19 p.m.

The Church at Cahaba Bend 3721 Highway 52 West • 621-8060 Pastor Rev Lori Carden • cahababend.org Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Contemporary Worship 10:30 a.m.

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Trinity Church of the Nazarene Laurel Woods Dr. & Hwy 58 • 664-4659 Pastor Rev. David Shirer • nazarene.ch/trinity/ Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Cornerstone Church 2694 Highway 58 • 663-9332 Pastor Rev. Tim Trimble Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

New Vision Christian Church 2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org Sun. Corporate Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.

Voice of Faith International Ministries 1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 Pastor Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Sunday Worship 7:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Thursday Bible Teaching 10:00 a.m.

PRESBYTERIAN

Christ Community Church Meets at Helena Intermediate • 621-6248 Pastor Phil Chambers • cccbham.org Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Helena Cumberland Presbyterian 3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Pastor Rev. Tommy Johnson • helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

Our area churches offer many services and programs year-round. Many will be hosting Vacation Bible Schools in June, please visit the church’s websites for more information on upcoming events.

Attend the Church of Your Choice This Sunday!

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Music is in her blood…

Meet Michelle Ellis Michelle Ellis loves music. The 43-year-old, who works at HMS as a special ed aide, recently started giving voice lessons. To those who know her family history, this comes as no surprise.

Her eldest sons, Whit and Tyler Milsap, helped found the band 7StoneRiot, and younger son Todd, a PHS junior, can play the drums. Her mother, Cathy Burns, was a singer, songwriter and recording artist in the 1960s.

“Our whole family is musically inclined, said Michelle. “None of us can read music, but the ability is there. It was no surprise to me that my boys are all some kind of musician.”

Under the name Michelle James, Michelle recorded an EP in 1999 titled “From My Heart.”

The CD features five songs sung

by Michelle, four of which were written by her mother. She had the opportunity to perform these songs and others at City Stages in 2000, with help from her producer, Arturo LaCruz, who is currently working on 7StoneRiot’s first album.

Although her voice lends itself well to the twang of songs on “From My Heart,” country music was not the path Michelle wanted to take. Instead, she said,

“I was a rock ‘n’ roll girl. I wanted to be Pat Benatar.

I remember when I was 10, standing in front of a mirror, singing into my hairbrush and rocking out.”

Some of her influence came from her mother, as well. Back in the ’60s, Cathy, with Joe Wegman, formed Cathy and Joe, which Michelle asserts to be one of the last great doo-wop bands. The duo’s 1964 hit with Smash Records, called “I See You,” reached #82 in the nation on the Cash Box Top 100 in October of 1964.

Like mother, like daughter: at the height of Michelle’s musical career in January of 2001, her track “Man of the Year” and cover of “Harden My Heart” reached #360 on the Country Music Charts. That same month, Michelle also reached #63 on the Worldwide Mainstream Artists Most Played Artist Chart, right behind the two Kennys—Rogers and Chesney.

When her sons began to show an interest in learning to play music a few years ago after playing the video game Guitar Hero,

she jumped on the opportunity to help them.

“You have to believe in yourself and your product, and we really believe in them,” she said.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work—we know nothing is going to be handed to them.”

Along with Whit and Tyler, Reid Aldridge and Austin Dobbs make up 7StoneRiot. They have garnered a following playing at bars and restaurants around the area, including Rio’s, Tyler Navarre’s and Pub 261. You can keep up with the band on their Facebook: www.facebook. com/7srband or Twitter feed: twitter.com/7StoneRiot You can also see videos of them on their YouTube account: youtube.com/ user/7StoneRiot.

Michelle said her mother supported her family’s music right up until the end—even coming to one of her grandsons’ first

gigs in 2011, although she was going through chemotherapy at the time. Cathy passed away in September of that year after a hard battle with uterine cancer.

“She would be really proud of the boys,” said Michelle. “Especially ‘Take Away,’ the moving song Whit wrote about living with the knowledge that you’re dying.” Their grandmother was the inspiration for that song. “I feel like she’s pulling for us,” said Michelle.

During the school year, Tyler plays baseball for Central Alabama Community College. They won the Jr. College World Series this year.

Michelle is married to Steve Ellis, a sales representative for Schwan’s. Along with their three boys, they also have a dog, Baxter Burgundy, and two cats, Bailey and Sissy.

Want to be a Performer?

Pelham High Baseball Banquet The Pelham High School baseball team celebrated their fantastic season at a baseball banquet with the presentation of championship rings and this masterfully decorated cake by Home Plate Cooking.

If you’ve always wanted to perform on stage with fellow musicians, check out the Open As. The Open As are a group of amateur musicians dedicated to improving their musical talents and entertaining their audience. They give two free concerts a year, a Christmas Concert and a Summer Pops Concert. Adult amateur

musicians with a similar interest are invited to join the group. The group rehearses at Helena United Methodist Church for two six-week periods: one preceding the summer concert and one preceding the Christmas concert.

People wishing to join the group should contact Cindy Orcutt at 205-432-9665.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School 2013

35

MUSIC LESSONS, ENSEMBLE CLASSES & KINDERMUSIK Voice • Guitar • Piano • Violin

Lauri Williams, DMD, PC Charles Bordenca, DMD 219 North First St. Alabaster, AL 35007 Phone 205.664.2130 After Hours 205.941.0631

Schedule your FREE Kindermusik preview class today ages 0-5!

Classes start Sept. 3rd.

CALL NOW: Erin Trapolino, 563-9484 erin.trapolino@gmail.com Registration available online www.OldTowneMusicHelena.com

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XYZ (eXtra Years of Zest) Club weekly activities held at the Helena Senior Citizens Center

Located at 222 Tucker Road, behind city hall and next to the library

Senior Exercise Classes are held at the Helena Senior Citizen Building every Monday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Activities include chair aerobics, bending, stretching, and other low impact exercises focusing on flexibility and stability. Come join in for some healthy fun and fellowship!

Valid only at the following locations:

30 Coalmont Road • Helena • 663-0011 3437 Pelham Parkway • Pelham • 663-4100

Serving the Southeast Since 1963 135 Belcher Drive • Pelham, AL 35124 • 664-3300 36 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

10/10/13

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL… We’re the Home of the Free Because of the Brave!

SGT Jon M. Aaron

USN; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Joe & Tammy Williams’ son, Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor’s grandson

PFC Jonathan R. Barnett

Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin D. Gilbert

USA; Calvary Scout-3rd Brigade-1st Armor Div.; Fort Riley, KN; Susan Barnett’s son

USCG, Machinery Technician; Key West, FL; Leslie’s husband, Annette & Dan Duffy’s son-in-law

PFC Matt Barnett

SSG Jay Gortney

USA; Delta Co.-232nd Medical Battalion; Fort Sam Houston, TX; Susan Barnett’s son

ARNG; 20th Special Forces; Iraq; April’s husband

SGT Steven M Bennett SFC Eric Bond

USA; 82nd ABD, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Paul Zimmerman’s cousin

Chief Petty Officer Termaine J. Pruitt

USN; NAS Pensacola, FL; Termaine Jr, Trevorn, Chelicia & Tristin’s father, Janice & Austin Pruitt’s son

SGT Peter J. “Pete” Reese

AMN Brad Hubbard

ALARNG;135th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Chief of Material Readiness; Kuwait; Shirley & Rusty Rigg’s son & Kim Rigg’s brother

SPC Michael Hubbard

USA; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, KY; Dwight & Michelle Rosse’s son, Britney & Carlton’s brother

SRA Mitch Braswell

PVT Vincent Brown

USA; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Ruth Meadows grandson, Kimberly’s husband, Bonnie Hubbard’s brother

Major David Russell Rigg SPC Dwight A Rosse Jr. SPC Patrick D. Sharp

USA; 82nd ABD; Al Asad, Iraq; Shawn Sharp’s son

SPC Eric Hunley

Christopher Dylan Burrell

ARNG; 1/167th Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan

SGT Paul Bushnell

USMC; Expeditionary Unit deployed from 29 Palms, CA; Bill & Julie English’s son, Sarah’s husband

SGT Dallas C Caviness

ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Mike & Barbara Hunley’s son; late Chris Hunley’s brother

CPL Michael Jeffries

ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Amy’s husband, Colin & Gavin’s father

Lt. Commander David Kang

USA; 172 Inf. Brigade; Germany; Rebecca’s husband, Norah’s father, Rhonda’s son & Devin’s brother

USN; Japan; Stanley & Sue Kang’s son, Sunny Kang’s brother

2nd Lt. William B. Cofer

USA; Fort Rucker, AL.; Tom Lefebvre’s son

CW3 Corey Lefebvre

USA; Fort Benning, GA; Dorothy & Jim Cofer’s son, Deborah’s brother & Kristen Beam’s boyfriend

Petty Officer 1st Class Austin C. Daniel USN; Norfolk, VA; Mike & Claudia Daniel’s son, Justin, Tatum & Autumn’s brother

USN; The Alexander at Ghent, 1600 Granby St Apt 455, Norfolk, VA 23510; Charlie & Janie Brooks & Janet & Dennis Dickey’s son

CPL Rodney Stephens

ARNG; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Andrea & AnnaBelle’s father

2LT John M Traylor, Jr

USAF; 552nd TRS; Tinker AFB, OK; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son

PFC Zachary S Traylor

USMC; 3-23 Inf; Baton Rouge, LA; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son

SGT John Christian Vansant

USMC; VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS; New River, NC; Keith & Sherill Vansant’s son

Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik B. McKenzie

USAR; Afghanistan; Kathie’s husband, Maggie’s dad, Bette Ward’s son, Michelle (Lin) Saville’s brother

2nd Lt. Jacob Allen Meins

USN; USS Nimitz; Randy & Peggy Walton’s son, Annalee’s brother

MSG Jacqueline M. Moore

USA; 3-1 Cav. Regt. Delta Troop; Ft Benning, GA; Becky Click’s son, Alex Walton & Sydney Mollica’s brother, Amber’s husband

SSGT Christopher S. Murphy

USN; USS Lake Erie, Pearl Harbor, HI; Devinne Brooks’ husband

USA; Sniper Unit of 1-64 Inf; Kandahar, Afghanistan; Beth Eades’ son, Caitlyn’s husband USN; USS Curtis Wilber, Yokosuka, Japan; Bond & Lisa McKenzie’s son, Brooke’s brother, Megan’s husband USAF, Special Operations Command; Kathy Meins Martin’s son

2nd Lt Eric C Darrenkamp

USA; Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI; Carol Darrenkamp’s son, Jon & Stephen’s brother

SPC Ashley Bruce Squires

USA; 3rd Inf. Div., 1-30 Inf.; Ft. Stewart, GA; Jesi Mason Squires’s father, Bruce & Tammy son, Aubrey & Austin’s brother

SPC Jacob S. Lenoir

LCPL Roberto M Conde

USMC; Expeditionary Unit deployed from Camp Lejeune, NC; Robert & Aurette Conde’s son

LT James Brooks Dickey

USN; US Navy Hospital (Balboa)-Physician’s Asst., San Diego, CA; Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager’s daughter

SGT Brooks Gray

USAF Fort Gordon - Augusta, GA Rod & Susan Hubbard’s son

USMC; Chesapeake, VA; Leonetta Prevo’s son

LT Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager

ARNG; 152nd MP Co.; Lauren’s husband; Kai, Sam, Dalton, Brook & Kaiti’s father

USA; Ranger; Scofield BKS, HI; John Gray’s son, Lauren & Ryan Gray’s brother

USA; Paratrooper/Rigger; Fort Benning, GA; Clara & Ken Lorino’s son

USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Mike & Judi Braswell’s son

Alyssa’s husband

AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks

4/14 K CO (DET B), UNIT 43671, FPO AP 96426-3671; Al Anbar, Iraq; Karen Dickinson’s son

USA, 387th; Wichita, KS; Leroy E. Lucas’ wife, Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris’ mom USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Jack & Karen Murphy’s son,

Major Maxwell B. Ward Adam Walton

PFC Zachary Walton

FC3 William J. Welch

E-mail Helena active duty military personnel’s name, address and where they’re stationed to helenacitynews@aol.com. If your loved one has returned, PLEASE let us know so that we can keep our prayer list current. Thank you!

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More than 300 University of Montevallo students received their diplomas at spring commencement May 4, 2013. Congratulations to these Helena native University of Montevallo graduates: Kara Renee Anderson, BA Madison Beth Jones, BS Lyndsay C. Blohm, BS Danny Murphy Jordan, MED Tavi Rebecca Juarez, BFA JaNae Bennett Bozeman, MED Quincy Jamal Collins, MED Miranda B. Killian, BFA Austin C. Dubberly, BBA Thomas A. Kuehner, BS Casey M. Luttrell, MED Alan Stuart Evans, BS Anthony J. Giovino, BS Charity Marie-Farmer Miller, Andrea Godsey, BS MED Mary Elizabeth Harrison, BS Lisa M. Nichols, BA Samantha L. Willis, BA Amber Michelle Howard, EDS Helena residents who received Honors from Montevallo in 2013 included Victoria Gould, Madison Jones, Austin Peek, Kathryn Leventry, and Spencer Webber.

Victoria, Austin and Madison received Freshman Honors Scholarships. Madison also received the Montevallo Ambassador Program Scholarship, and was named a Montevallo Master for the upcoming academic year.

Tom Phan was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.

Spencer Webber received the Wales Wallace Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Jessica Roberts received Highest Honors.

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Helena Arts Council named For all things artsy and to provide a little culture to the local scene in Helena, the city recently named the following individuals to steer its efforts in its future artistic endeavors.

Front row, left to right: Laura Brookhart, Monica Josephson, Kate Wilson, Michael Johnson and Tim Wolfe. Back row: Hal Woodman, City Council Liaison, Lora Lunsford, Rosalie Oetting, Mandy DelCambre and Laura Beth Joseph. Congratulations to all. We look forward to enjoying the fruits of your efforts.

HES Volunteers paint the school

The non-profit group Surgance organizes community volunteers for community projects, and over the last two summers, Surgance Project Manager Mark Warner has organized wonderful folks to help complete a school-wide painting project at HES. Mark said, “Thanks to all our volunteers, we were able to prep and paint a total of 29

classrooms, seven hallways, and a large workroom at Helena Elementary School.”

Principal Mary Cooper says many school alumni returned to HES to volunteer with Surgance, which warms her heart.

She’s pleased with the painting, as well. “It really gives everyone a boost and will be a more pleasant working and learning environment for the children of Helena.”

HES has more work being done: Shelby County workers have already painted the cafeteria and several more hallways. The entire ceiling in four hallways, including the main office hall, is being replaced.

“There will also be a new roof over the office, Kindergarten, Media Center and Cafeteria parts of the building,” the principal said.

Amy Gunter

Helena Photo Contest Winners

Amy Gunter is the overall winner of the Helena Picture Challenge for the Summer of 2013 as advertised on the city website and No Sleep in Helena. Special mention honors go to Michelle Martin for events photo, Tommy Daspit for Artistry, and Jennifer Stringfellow for Parks and Rec. Thank you all for participating, and remember all submitted photos will be showcased on the city website.

Submitted by City Councilman Hal Woodman

Helena Native, Trevor Fitts Pitches for Bulldogs in Division I College World Series

Pictured from left to right kneeling: Elise Dufour, Victoria Mauterer, Reagan Lamb, Tatum West, Mallori Janoulis, Abby Hubbert, Dhamara Guerrero Pictured from left to right standing: Harper Bell, Brooklyn Kirksey, Lilli Williams Coaches pictured standing left to right: Asst. coach Randy Hubbert, Head Coach Josh West, Asst. Coach Damon Dufour

Trevor Fitts’ nasty curve helped get his Mississippi State team to the series in Omaha, but UCLA brought a lot more experience to the diamond.

Smart money says Trevor, only a sophomore, will get another shot before he’s finished with the college game. Best of luck, Trevor; Helena is proud of you!

Girls’ Softball Team Win Championship Game The USSSA 8U North League State Championship was held in Fultondale, AL, May 20-22 2013. The Helena Heat defeated Locust Fort Crimson Angels 9 - 8 in the championship game.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School 2013

39

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CommuteSmart would like to invite your company to become an official partner!

As a partner, CommuteSmart will provide free services and incentives that enable your employees to benefit from alternative commuting. By becoming a partner your organization can also benefit from improved workforce morale, increased worker productivity, better recruitment, lower absenteeism and reduced parking issues.

By signing below, you affirm that your company agrees to become a partner of the CommuteSmart Rideshare program. As a partner, you are committing to implement one or more worksite-based voluntary programs that will help reduce congestion and pollution in Jefferson and Shelby counties!

Name Title Company/ Organization Number of Employees Date

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1-87-RIDEMATCH| fax: (205)264-8449 2 20th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 40 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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205-664-1800 Tyler Milsap former PHS baseball star, gets championship ring his first year at CACC! Helena resident and former PHS baseball star Tyler Milsap now plays for Central Alabama Community College, which competed in the 2013 junior college world series on June 1.

The Trojans took to Suplizio Field in Grand Junction, Colo-

rado, for the final game of the tourney. There, they defeated the Palm Beach State Panthers 7-3 for the 2013 NJCAA Division I Baseball National Championship title. This win is the first baseball title in CACC history. Congratulations Tyler!

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TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School 2013

41

Jerrell and Peggy hold a copy of his poem entitled “My Valentine.”

Helena Man Writes Poems in Tribute to Family Jerrell Rowell is a retired printer, pressman and photographer for the Birmingham News who worked twenty-five years in their employ, retiring in 1992. He was honored for his unique contributions to his company in each department for which he worked. He is also a husband, father and writer of poetry and songs.

During his service with Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, Unit 17, he found himself at the Air Force Base in Dreux, France, where “restless, tossing and turning and unable to sleep,” he roused himself to pen a poem to his wife on the night of December 13.

Coincidentally, at that moment, she was giving birth to their oldest son, Jerry. He learned that fact the following day when a call from the Red Cross came, informing him mother and baby were doing well.

The poem is part of his self-assembled collection of writings, and, entitled Troubled Soul, it reads:

Jessica Powell Plays in Championship Game Jessica Powell lives in Helena and just completed 4th grade at Helena Intermediate School. She also plays with the Alabama Twister’s 4th grade AAU Basketball team.

She recently was involved in a national tournament for 4th graders in Orlando Florida.

Her team finished second in the tournament for Division II. The team’s only loss was in the Championship title game in Orlando’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Nationals Tournament

Lonely is this heart of mine Now that I’m away For every moment that I live Is another empty day.

Once my life was happy and free And often filled with joy For every day was shiny and bright Like a brand new toy.

Beauty that once meant everything Has seemed to disappear For happy sounds of children playing No longer do I hear.

But deep within this lonely heart And troubled soul of mine I see the beauty that seldom’s seen But never hard to find.

To think how lucky I must be To have someone to care To share in love and happy days And part of my burden bear.

Though thousands of miles are between us now My heart is always there For now I know the Lord only gave One heart for us to share.

Many of his tributes are to his wife of over fifty years, Peggy, written for anniversaries and special occasions: Peg, oh my heart And she’ll always be My only true love That God sent for me.

For over half a century We’ve held to each other Our love is so strong We can handle any weather.

He has written other tributes to his father, a “hard-working farm boy,” and to his sons, Jerry, Randy and daughter Karen. He has written a poem about nurses and their special service, deeming them Angels in White. Several of his poems have been published by the National Library of Poetry and hang framed in his home.

HES student a published author

to a team from Los Angeles, California. Alabama Twister’s road to the championship game: Defeated teams from Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, and California….before losing in the Championship game to the team from Los Angeles. We are proud of Jessica and her team’s success!

42 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Shawna McGriff says she edits her son Alexander’s books. His aunt illustrates them. Here’s what Alexander says about Young Prince Gold, the main character in his books.

“Young Prince Gold is a boy who goes out on different adventures.

He always tries to help out his friends and others.”

“I like to read, and I like books that are funny. I like to write about things that are funny and things that help kids. When I saw my mommy writing children's books for girls, I asked her about books that boys could also read. So, I came up with the name Prince Gold because yellow is my favorite color.”

“I started writing in my kindergarten class at Helena Elementary School. My first three books are from kindergarten. I am going into the second grade now.”

Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial GalleryWetumpka, Alabama announces GENIUS LOCI: THE SPIRIT OF PLACE Landscapes, Cityscapes, Seascapes what is it about land and water? Whether your perspective is Southern, Northern, Western, Eastern, and no matter where we live on this tiny sphere, the landscape holds a certain fascination for all of us.

Every place on our planet has an abiding presence available for consultation and inspiration and this presence transcends both fashion and style as this exhibit demonstrates.

Genius Loci: The Spirit of Place opened at

the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery in Wetumpka, Alabama on July 5, 2013 and will run through September 27, 2013.

Gallery hours are from 8:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The exhibition includes over 50 works that interpret the theme, ranging from realism to abstraction to surrealism and includes fiber, photography, painting and sculpture.

Deborah Gamel, a native of Helena, will be showing her work, so come and check out Deborah’s work!

Come see our beautiful and unique dresses for all special occasions from homecoming to pageants, prom and sorority events.

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We also rent pageant dresses and tuxedos.

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Jessica Wilder, Charles Self Wedding Announcement of the late Phillip Gilbert and Diane Gilbert of Gardendale.

The charming southern wedding took place at Magnolia Springs Manor, an antebellum home in the historic downtown of Helena, AL. Jessica and Todd spent their honeymoon in the Bahamas and reside in Calera.

Be A Part of This Pelham Tradition

with Grebel Dance!

REGISTER NOW! Classes begin

Photo courtesy of Katie Elise Photography

Jessica Leigh Wilder, daughter of Helena Fire Chief John Wilder and Jacqueline Wilder, married Charles Todd Self, son

August 19

Nutcracker Auditions

August 24

Call 205-987-7234 for more info TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School 2013

43

CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS TUESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS

Exercise Classes, Helena Senior Citizens Center, 10 A.M. Police Explorers at Explorer Training Facility, 4-7 P.M. Fire Explorers at Station 2, 5 P.M. Kiwanis Club at Helena Senior Citizens Center, 7 A.M. Story Time at Jane B. Holmes Public Library, 11 A.M. Exercise Classes, Helena Senior Citizens Center, 10 A.M. Story Time at Jane B. Holmes Public Library, 11 A.M. Helena Middle School Football Games (see schedule on page ?)

Pelham High School Football Games (see schedule on page ?)

August 15th - HES New Kindergarten Parents Meeting, Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.

16th - HES Meet the Teacher Day, by Grade: 2nd–8:00-8:45 a.m.; 1st–8:45-9:45 a.m.; 5K–9:30-10:15 a.m.

17th - Helena Market Day, Old Town Amphitheater, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Aaron’s Staff (FREE) Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org 19th - Back to School, Shelby County Schools 2013-14 School Year Begins - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 p.m.

22nd - Planning & Zoning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 p.m.

23rd - HES PTO sponsored Welcome Back Picnic, Free Food, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

24th - Final ‘13 Helena Market Day, Old Town Amphitheater, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

26th - HES PTO Cookie Dough Sale Fundraiser Aug. 26-Sept. 10 27th - HES 1st Grade Parents Only Academy, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

29th - HES 2nd Grade Parents Only Academy, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

September 2nd - Labor Day–Municipal Offices, Library & County Schools Closed NO Garbage Collection: Mon./Tues. garbage routes collected Tues., Sept. 3 - Helena City Council, rescheduled, check cityofhelena.org for date 3rd - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 a.m., for meeting site, visit www.helenabusinessassociation.com or their Facebook page 4th - Emergency Siren Test, 10:00 a.m.

5th - JBH Library Birthday Party/Book Sale–All Day, Refreshments 4:00 p.m.

9th - JBH Library Book Club Meeting, 10:00 a.m.

10th - HES 5K Parents Only Academy, 1:30-2:20 p.m.

11th - JBH Library Patriot Day honoring soldiers & first responders–All Day 16th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 p.m.

17th - JBH Library Check out 10 Books & Get a Prize–All Day 21st - Aaron’s Staff (FREE) Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org 26th - JBH Library Awareness Day of Services/Programs Offered–All Day - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

October

Helena Intermediate’s Fall Festival is usually held in early October—info unavailable at press time—visit their Website & watch for banners announcing dates & times 1st - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 a.m., for meeting site visit www.helenabusinessassociation.com or their Facebook page 2nd - Emergency Siren Test, 10:00 a.m.

7th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 p.m.

- HES Book Fair Oct. 7-11 8th - HES Family Book Fair Night 4 p.m.; 1st Grade Performances 6:15 & 7:15 p.m.

12th - Helena Ham Fest, Old Town Amphitheater 14th - JBH Library Book Club, 10:00 a.m.

44 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

DOING SOME SPRING CLEANING?

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Varsity Cheerleaders ready to rock Ned Bearden Stadium

Sean Glass records Helena Hold on Photon is a musical project of Helena’s own Sean Glass.

His song “Helena” has been played on several top-ranked radio stations across the country and was featured on the radio show Next Big Thing (KALX-California). The song is available for free at holdonphoton.com or can be heard quickly on YouTube (www.youtube. com/watch?v=0BdJJ4uZAKA). His second album is called “Everything Depends.” Below are lyrics to the song “Helena”:

The Pelham Panther vasity cheer squad posed for this shot on a hot July morning. Just a couple of more weeks and these ladies will be in action Friday nights cheering the Panthers on to victory!

Be sure to get your season tickets now. Parking passes available for easy in and easy out. Call 682-5500 for more information, or visit pelhamathletics.org/football.

Well it’s a train town we cross tracks all the time unless there’s one shakin the rails rollin down the line through Helena Becca’s in the Walgreens window glad she’s feelin better too she’ll smile when she sees your face that’s what people do in Helena Meet me down by the waterfall bring the good dog she’ll chase that ball when it cools down we can fill our bellies out on the porch at the depot deli Goin’ down to the coffee house with a new one to test out and maybe I’ll see you round in Helena

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TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School 2013

45

IT’S BEEN 1 YEAR - THANKS HELENA FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!!!

LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF HWYS 95 & 58 IN HELENA CHECK OUT OUR

Tuesday: OPEN MIC Wednesday & Thursday: KARAOKE

and then PARTY ALL WEEKEND LONG! Zack Nichols designs new city banners Zack Nichols is the graphic designer responsible for the new Helena Husky logos on the banners around town. Nichols studied art at Samford University and, after graduation, quickly got into graphic design.

Currently he works with Resource Ministry Partners in Pelham, but over the last eight years, has also used his design experience at a Christian resource/event company and a sports marketing and printing company.

Zack has designed athletic logos and promotional pieces for middle and high schools in Hoover, Pelham, Bessemer City and Oak Mountain as well as here in Helena. His resume also includes individual product pieces for the University of Alabama and Auburn University.

“I absolutely love sports,” Zack says.

“I grew up a huge Alabama fan, always looking at game programs and promo material, so it’s a very natural fit.”

Zack and his wife, Malinda, have attended the Church at Cahaba Bend for the last 6 years. They say the church is what drew them to the Helena 46 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org

community. Zack became the parttime Director of Student Ministries and started helping lead worship on Sundays soon after joining.

“Having worked with Helena students for the last 5 years, Malinda and I have fallen in love with the family-centered culture of the community. We knew some time ago that we wanted to raise our children here. We have a 4-month-old daughter named Evalyn who’s already preparing to be a Helena Husky.”

Crystal Puts the Fun in Fundraiser at Rio’s!

Article submitted by Jim Parks, pictured below The owner of Rio’s Bar and Grill attributes her first year of success to a generous clientele and the love of her late uncle Bill Johnson.

Crystal Hamrick, along with her husband, Chuck, never imagined that their business, located at the corner of county roads 95 and 58, would be as popular as it is today, since the first beer was sold on June 29, 2012. Crystal named the bar in memory of her late uncle, who died in a traffic accident nine years ago.

“His nickname was Rio, and his friends always said he would probably open a bar named Rio’s when he retired from trucking,” Crystal said. “Since he didn’t get to do that, I opened the business to honor his memory; and I feel his spirit with me every day.”

The neighborhood bistro with a “Cheers-like” atmosphere celebrated its first year of operation on June 29 with a full day of music, food and FUNdrasier for the family of T.J. Santos. The benevolent gesture was just the latest in a series of fundraisers over the past 12 months. All told, four major charity events at Rio’s brought in $13,000 for three families and a local animal rescue operation.

“I love fundraisers,” Crystal said. “They actually are very fun, because you get to meet lots of new people and hang out with great friends, while doing something good for someone.”

Crystal combined the fundraiser for T.J. Santos with Rio’s one-year anniversary when the family’s plight was brought to her attention by her friend, Reid Aldridge, lead singer of the band 7StoneRiot.

“When Reid told me T.J. was an active American soldier from this area, serving overseas; and that he was diagnosed with stage three cancer, I felt we should

do something,” Crystal said. “It was a great oneyear anniversary party, and we raised $4,000 for the family, thanks to our generous customers.”

Joining 7StoneRiot in donating their musical talents for the day were Jess Meuse, Chico Jones and Sexy Tractor.

Crystal produced her first fundraiser in August, 2012, just two months after opening Rio’s, when she learned of the death of Jamie Lynn Cagle, a local young mother of two.

“I first read about her in the Helena City News; then continued to follow the story on Facebook,” Crystal said. “I was never blessed to meet her; but as a mom of two myself, I just wanted to help. This event was when I really found out how awesome and generous my customers really are. We raised nearly $3,000 for the family; and the band, Whiskey Dix even donated their time and tips.”

Two months later, Crystal learned of the tragic shooting death of one her patrons, Casey Cumberland.

“Casey, his girlfriend and sister were frequent customers, and I felt we needed to do something to help his family and celebrate his life,” Crystal said.

In October, 2012, Rio’s hosted a benefit which raised nearly $4,000, through donations and the sale of tee-shirts, which displayed Casey’s motto: “One Life, One Chance.”

“Again, the Whiskey Dix

The inaugural crew at Rio’s included owners, Chuck and Crystal Hamrick, Anne Jacks, and Meagan Blickenstaff, posed here at the first anniversary.

donated their time and talents, Two by Two, plus another and our customers really stepped $1,000 in food and pet supplies.” up to show their support,” In addition to the money Crystal said. raised in the last 12 months It would be six months before through community support, Crystal orchestrated another Rio’s made considerable fundraiser -- one this past April donations to Easter Seals of that went to the dogs.

Birmingham, and Safe House “I had always wanted to do through participation at the something for Two by Two annual Buck Creek Festival.

Rescue when I first opened,” “I love Helena and my family Crystal said. “But I felt I had to of customers, because they are help those families first.” some of the most generous The event to benefit the people I’ve ever known,” Crystal Helena-based animal rescue said. “I believe my Uncle Bill operation came to pass when would be very proud of what Crystal and Chef Bobby Beard we’ve done here; and I will shared the idea of crawfish boil. continue to honor his memory Beard, who lives in Helena and by working smart and sharing is a regular at Rio’s, is an awardmy success. People sometimes winning chef at Ross Bridge think karma is only for bad Resort and Spa in Hoover. things; but it’s for good things, “That was a fabulous too. If you do good, then good event,” Crystal said. “Chef will come back to you.”

Bobby donated his cooking skills Local celebrity / Poet Laureate Jim Parks and wife Wendy are and served several regulars at Rios’s. hundred pounds of crawfish, corn and potatoes. And, again, our awesome customers came out and donated about $2,500 in cash for

Please do business with our local merchants. They sponsor many local activities and provide you with convenience, quality and professionalism. Show them you care by keeping your sales tax dollars at home where they will do you the most good!

P.O. Box 1209 Pelham, AL 35124 www.MyHelenaCityNews.com/www.CityOfHelena.org

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Mark R. Hall

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Amanda Traywick

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Leigh Hulsey Pres. Pro-Tem, Place 1 Mike Jones, Place 2 Cris Nelson, President, Place 3 Leslie Bartlett, Place 4 Hal Woodman, Place 5

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48 Back-to-School 2013 / www.CityOfHelena.org