Serving the City of Helena and surrounding areas
Late Summer 2020
Covaledictorian
Christian Vansant Salutatorian
Luke Dixon Covaledictorian
Life
Abigail Ford
in the time of
COVID Helena High School’s Class of 2020 holds special outdoor commencement Celebrates with “Last Chance Dance” to make up for missed prom—senior photos with graduation night and dance pictures inside Football schedule tentative at presstime due to Covid-19 (in calendar of events on page 24) ALSO INSIDE THIS EDITION: PARAGON FITNESS OPENS IN HELENA IN AUGUST! Corner of County Roads 95 & 58— Check out their ad on page 16!
CITY ELECTIONS COMING UP AUGUST 25—POLLS OPEN 7-7 Mark your calendars and vote to elect your city leaders for the next four years
HELENA NURSE WORKS 30 DAYS IN A NEW YORK CITY COVID UNIT Read her account plus find out what she did and does to protect herself and her family
www.MyHelenaCityNews.com / www.CityofHelena.org
FROM THE MAYOR
As most of you know by now, I will not be seeking a 3rd term as the Mayor of the City of Helena. Please know this has absolutely nothing to do with my willingness or ability to serve but has everything to do with a promise I made in 2012. When I ran for the office in 2012, I made a promise, a promise that I would not become a career mayor, and I set my time for two terms of service and I was lucky enough for the voters to give me those two terms as your mayor. I now intend to keep my promise, as I feel it is very important to be a man of my word. Too often, politicians lose the public trust by going against important promises that were made, and I will not do that. I want to thank each one of you for helping me keep and make Helena a safe and great place to live, work and play. I am very proud of the many accomplishments and improvements we have made together, and I have been very fortunate to have a city council that approved many of the improvements and funding requests for projects and yearly budget additions that I presented to them during my time of service. Most notably, the completion and improvements to the facilities and athletic fields at Helena High School, and the additional funding we were able to give to all our schools to help them deliver better educational opportunities for our students. I know that great schools make great communities, so contributing much needed extra funds to Shelby County Schools located in Helena has always been a top priority. To date we have provided over $9 million for school-related projects. We also added
new youth football and soccer fields for our city youth leagues, made tennis court additions and improvements along with other needed upgrades for our public parks and city-owned facilities. Several great new retail projects, including a Chick-Fil-A, are now underway. They will help provide much needed tax revenues to help fund and improve city services. The State (ALDOT) has approved over 30 million dollars and announced plans to add additional lanes on Highway 261 from the Helena city limits to Highway 31 beginning in 2021. In addition to this plan, I also secured a 2.5-million-dollar commitment from the Regional Planning Commission to add turn lanes at 52/261 at the Post Office and Helena Elementary. This project is now in the engineering and design phase. We extended the turn lanes at Helena Intermediate School, adding guard rails and school zone warning lights for safety. Turn lane improvements were also made at 52 and 13 and additional lane improvements are set to be made again this summer at 261/17 and 91 to help with traffic flow for the new retail development planned there. I am very proud of the Wastewater Treatment Plant project that saved our taxpayers $12 million after reducing a $20 million project to an $8 million improvement, while meeting and exceeding all EPA and ADEM requirements. The design and the renovation have received awards from professional engineering organizations. I have worked to improve public service, adding additional school resource officers, replacing aging police cars and equipment, adding a new stateof-the-art ladder truck and replacing an older fire truck for our fire department fleet. We also reduced our fire insurance ratings down to an ISO 2 rating, which helps save homeowners money on fire insurance premiums. We were fortunate to receive a grant for almost $200K for a paramedic transport unit. Further, I
MAYOR Mark R. Hall
CITY COUNCIL Hal Woodman, Council President Laura Joseph, Pro Tempore Leigh Hulsey Alice Lobell Brian Puckett 2 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
am proud to announce that the city will receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice COPS program for a half million dollars to go towards the hiring of several new police officers this coming budget year. This grant will fill a critical need to help our police continue to provide great service as our city continues to see growth. This will free up general funds so that the fire department can improve services and add personnel as well. I have always worked closely with our public safety staff to manage and help mitigate emergency events successfully, from a nearby pipeline explosion, to catastrophic road failures, weather related damages, fires, and other related incidents. We have consistently been ranked as one of the safest cities in Alabama for the last eight years. We made many improvements and added additional equipment for our public works team, including new mowers, tractors and a new brush/debris transport truck and service trucks to replace an aging fleet. When I took office in 2012, one of my biggest concerns that needed to be immediately addressed was that the city did not have any money in its reserve fund. This was almost unheard of for a city our size and was a huge concern. Thanks to implementing a strict budgeting plan and with the help of all our department heads and the city council, I am very proud to say that we have now managed to build that reserve fund to almost $3 million without asking for a tax increase from our homeowners so that we could continue to enjoy one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. Prior to taking office almost eight years ago, our city employees had not had a cost of living raise for over seven years. We changed that almost immediately, reinstating cost-of-living raises for our city employees for the past seven years. I also worked to lower costs of their health
insurance premiums by absorbing increases and reducing monthly premiums and appointed an employee insurance committee to review and recommended yearly changes for our employee health insurance plans. I am very proud of our staff and employees for always working hard to deliver professional services 24/7 365 days a year. They are the reason this city is safe and maintained as well as it is. Helena is a great city and has some of the greatest citizens in this state, and I will cherish all the good times and special relationships I have made. Who knows, while I promised to serve only two terms as mayor, you never know where or when you might see me again in another role. Thanks again, it truly is and has been an honor to serve, and I am excited about the possibilities that the future may bring for me and the city as we all move forward when my term expires in November. As an old saying goes, “Saying goodbye can only bring a new beginning.� God bless you all and God bless the City of Helena! Sincerely,
Mark
CITY CLERK Amanda Traywick
IMPORTANT CITY NUMBERS City Hall: 205-663-2161 Fire Dept: 205-663-5809 Police Dept: 205-663-6499 Utilities: 205-663-1670 Sports Complex: 205-620-2877 Library: 205-664-8308
GO HUSKIES!!!
Miss HHS 2020 Madison Chapman
Miss HHS was a Saturday filled with interviews, celebrations of accomplishments, encouragement, and smiles. It was also one of the last high school events with “normalcy” prior to social distancing and COVID-19. Sixty-one girls and 14 escorts participated in this year’s Miss HHS pageant which was held February 29, 2020. Lifelong Helena resident Madison Chapman was crowned Miss HHS. She was a member of the Helena Belles, HHS Majorettes, HHS Athletic Trainer, HHS Spanish Club, and HOSA (Future Health Care Leaders of America). Madison was a member of multiple honor societies including the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, National Spanish Honor Society, and Career Technical Honor Society. She plans to attend the University of Alabama this fall and work towards a major in biology through the Honors College pre-medicine track. She also plans on a double minor in Spanish and general business. Madison says that her favorite memory at Helena High School was participating in homecoming week each year. She loved how all the grades came together to have fun and support the Huskies! Madison is the daughter of proud parents Anna Marie and Jeff Chapman and big sister to Jeffrey. We wish Madison all the best in her future endeavors! All the winners at the 2020 Miss Helena High School Pageant Miss Congeniality: Deya Parker Most Photogenic: Katie Glawson Best Escort: Seaburn Hines Freshmen Elite: Anna Kate Elliott Sophomore Elite: Reese Tew Junior Elite: (tie) Meagan Ingram and Megan Calvert Senior Elite: Lauren Lancaster 4th Alternate: Olivia Beland 3rd Alternate: Payton Medeiros 2nd Alternate: Bailey Brophy 1st Alternate: Miranda Batchelor Miss HHS 2020: Madison Chapman
Helena elects its city leaders for the next four years August 25th Helena Sports Complex—7am-7pm The applications for elected public officials for the City of Helena’s municipal election are in and have been certified. The candidates you will elect to serve as your mayor and city council members for the next four years are listed below. Helena currently has what is known as an “at large” city council (even though they hold place numbers), so voters may cast their votes for every place. Helena’s municipal election is Tuesday, August 25th. The polls, at the Sports Complex, are open from 7am-7pm. It is said that the elected officials in your city do as much or more to affect your daily lives than do state and national elected officials, however, only a fraction of registered voters participate in local elections as compared to the larger, more publicized state and national races. We urge you to do your part. Educate yourself on these local candidates and go to the polls August 25th to cast your votes. We have also included any web pages below that you can reference to learn more about each candidate. Many have died in the past to give you the right to vote—now you do your part—VOTE! Mayor Brian Puckett vs Scott Summerlin
www.facebook.com/BrianPuckettMayor www.facebook.com/Scott-Summerlin-for-Mayor-of-Helena-100107118454233
Place 1 Leigh Hulsey vs Scot Newman
www.facebook.com/hulseyforhelena www.facebook.com/Scot.Newman1
Place 2 Dominga Gardner vs Chris VanCleave www.facebook.com/Gardner4Helena/ www.chrisvancleave.com
Place 3 Alice Lobell is unopposed. Place 4 Tangee Edwards vs Laura Joseph
www.facebook.com/tangee.edwards www.electlaurajoseph.com
Place 5 Hal “Hewy” Woodman is unopposed. On pages 6-9, you will find advertisements for a few of the candidates who qualified to run for local office. All candidates were contacted, and the ones on these pages are those who elected to advertise in our magazine. We have some outstanding folks running this year, be sure to learn all about them and get out to vote August 25th! TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Late Summer 2020
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CONGRATULATIONS
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Alex Angle
Madelyn Bright
Bailey Brophy
Caleb Byers
Madison Corley
Madison Davenport
Molly Dillahunty
Luke Dixon
Rachael Forrester
Claire Gray
Ben Gulledge
Will Hawes
Sarah Ann Haynes
Tania Hernandez
Abby Hess
Jabe Hildreth
Dalton Hillman
Zach Horton
Daryl May
Myles Medeiros
Payton Medeiros
Joshua Miller
Michael Moran
Joseph Haley
Brandon Nguyen
Jordan Payne
Anna Peoples
Alaina Pitts
Lauren Pritchett
John Miles Ratley
Gigi Sarris
Rob Saville
Colin Simpson
Ryan Sumner
Abigail Traweek
Will Traweek
Madelynn Tuech
Adaia Washington
Alexis Webb
Hayley Weidler
Shyla Williams
Charlie Wilson
SCOT NEWMAN
Helena City Council Place 1
2020
AUGUST 25TH
I am happy to announce that I am running for Place 1 on the Helena City Council. I am running for city council because I love this city and I believe there needs to be a fresh outlook for Helena’s future. When my family and I came to Helena six years ago, we were accepted with open arms; like we were family. We need to keep this home town feeling! To introduce myself to those that don’t know me, my name is Scot Newman. I am happily married for 12 years to my beautiful wife Jen. She works as a CCMA at a nearby primary care physician’s office. We have one child together, Bryce Newman, who is 11-years-old and will be attending Helena Middle School this year. My step son, Drew Hosler, just graduated from Bowling Green State University of Ohio and now heads to the University of Michigan for his master’s in Saxophone Performance. I also have a daughter, Allison Newman, who graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in broadcasting. A little bit about me: I have worked in the automotive industry for the past 22 years, working my way up to my current position of manager. In my off time, I have served as both a coach and an assistant coach for the Helena Recreational Youth Sports League in soccer, football, and baseball. I am the director of Helena Market Days (Helena’s Farmers Market) and with my team of terrific volunteers, we have kept Market Days a success, bringing locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to town and bringing families together every Saturday morning during the summer months for the past three years. I am also currently the president of Helena’s Buck Festival This will be our team’s first Creek Festival. year, and we’ve already had to make some tough decisions. One of them was postponing the festival this year due to the global pandemic, which just seemed the responsible thing to do. We decided to move it to October 23rd and 24th, 2020, rather than cancel it altogether. Helena had a Fall Festival here for many years, and we plan to make this October weekend a successful and fun two-day family event that offers something for everyone.
We plan for the festival to resume its normal scheduling in May, 2021. Finally, I have also helped with the Helena Business Association’s annual Christmas Holiday Event. The city of Helena is about to go through more growth in the future, but we need to make sure that this growth is controlled. Growth is good for Helena as it provides more tax dollars to use for more and better city services to our citizens. However, we need to make sure we are ready for it with someone who will be at every city council meeting and make the right decisions for the good of all Helena residents. I know that this person is me, Scot Newman. When you vote to elect me to the Helena City Council, here are a few of the things I will work on: a. We all know there are traffic concerns and improvements are in process. But I will work to see if there are more opportunities to improve what’s already planned and coming. b. Work with our school system to make sure our schools are ready for Helena’s growth and that educational opportunities don’t become impaired. c. Work with others to make sure our city stays safe, and that any growth in Helena doesn’t ruin our hometown charm. d. I will be an advocate and promote our business community. There are many other things to focus on, and it is time to get things done! I hope that you will support me in this exciting journey. Please come out and vote for me on August 25th, 2020. If you would like a yard sign, please email me at Newman4Helena@gmail. com. Also, if you would like to donate to my campaign, I have multiple ways to make it easy for you. You may use Anedot, Venmo, or you can simply mail a check to me: Committee to Elect Scot Newman, 452 Old Cahaba Way, Helena, AL 35080. Thank you in advance for any contribution you choose to send to me! https://secure.anedot.com/committee-toelect-scot-newman/donate www.venmo.com/Scot-Newman-2 If you would like to reach out to me, please contact me either by email at Newman4Helena@gmail.com, message me on Facebook, or call/text me at: (313) 377-9078. Thank you, and I look forward to representing you and our city on the Helena City Council, Place 1.
THANK YOU!
VOTE SCOTT SUMMERLIN HELENA
M AY O R
Congratulations to the Helena High School Class of 2020—Go Huskies! Since I am asking for your vote to serve the city of Helena as mayor, I want to tell you who I am. …I am a husband, married to my adorable wife, Dr. Jennifer Summerlin, for 28 years. …I am a father, blessed to have two beautiful and strong daughters, Alex and Abby, and one amazing son-in-law. …I am a grandfather with possibly one of the cutest little grandsons ever. …I am a recently retired law enforcement officer, having served multiple communities for the past 25 years as a patrol officer and a school resource officer (retired from
Vestavia Hills). …I am a resident of Helena for 20 years, participating in school, community, fund raising, athletic, and band events in support of my family and friends. I am now asking for the opportunity to serve the community that I love—the community where I have raised my children and now my own daughter is raising my grandson. I care deeply and passionately about this community, and I want it to continue to be the place where families of all types and sizes are able to safely raise their children, who are afforded experiences in education, athletics, and the arts.
Here is who I am Not: …I am not a politician, but a public servant. …I will not throw around buzz words or political talking points. …I will not enter office with a personal agenda. Rather, I want to support and understand the concerns and goals of the citizens of Helena. …I am not interested in “fixing” the city of Helena. I want to preserve the city’s uniqueness and continue its forward progress, building on projects started by the prior administration. In continuation of Mayor Hall’s
25TH
AUGUST dedicated and tireless service, as mayor, my priorities will revolve around supporting our first responders, building educational opportunities for our children, and beginning new projects reflective of the community’s needs. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you over the coming weeks. Please share this with as many people as you can. Thank you! Working together we can continue building the best city for ALL of our citizens. Send me an email if you are willing to support me with a yard sign, and I will deliver one to you. summerlin4mayor@gmail.com.
THIS AD PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT SCOTT SUMMERLIN Mthe AYOR • 101 R , HELENA ALABAMA /35080 MyHelenaCityNews.com Late Summer 2020 7 TO ADVERTISE, CALL Publisher atOWNTREE 746.1188 P/ ATH
VOTE Tangee
EDWARDS Helena City Council, Place 4
Tangee Edwards is a lifelong resident of Helena. She is very outgoing. Her family roots are based in Faith and Service to Shelby County. She ambitiously expressed, “I was raised to have integrity, to be honest, a hard and efficient worker, and most of all to have loving compassion for all people.” These characteristics are evident in Tangee’s outreach efforts. She has worked with several non-profit organizations including the Helena Library Board, PALS, NAACP, The Pregnancy Resource Center, Knowledge is Power School Drive, Order of Eastern Stars, several churches, and a host of other missions. She is a Humanitarian and Philanthropist who engages in local and global projects. Tangee’s international endeavors would add a new global perspective to the Helena City Council. “I have been blessed to conduct business and do mission work around the world. Seeing hands-on how other countries live and develop enhances my own self-awareness. Maintaining a high quality of living includes understanding how the world around us is developing. Being able to have conversations abroad with innovators and leaders, especially in technology, has the potential to propel us towards becoming a leading city for our
nation” added Tangee, who attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She has managerial experience at Wells Fargo Bank and an entrepreneurial background in various businesses. “Community first” speaks volumes for Tangee’s platform. “Our community has grown at a rapid pace. To maintain that ‘small-town feel,’ which is known to be a selling point, we must expand the diversity of our Community Programs” observed Tangee. “My desire is to expand the community’s involvement with our Civil Servicemen and Veterans. Several members of my family have served this county, including my husband David (Army veteran), My Brother Maurice (Magistrate Judge, Bessemer Police Department), and a host of other family members. I lost my Father, Walter Mack (USMC), at a young age because of the chemicals he was exposed to during his service in Vietnam. He received a Purple Heart from his war injuries, and he died from the Agent Orange he was exposed to while serving. Therefore, I understand personally how involvement from the community can help foster well deserved honor and respect.” “Our Seniors have worked hard to
lay a strong foundation. I would like to see various Senior Programs that provide information and activities to them as they continue to age with grace. My Aunt, Addie Deviner, served under Mayor Penhale’s leadership as a Historian and Librarian for the City of Helena. She pastored over 30 years in Shelby, Jefferson, and Bibb Counties. After many years of service to Helena, the activities available for seniors her age in Helena were limited. I would like to see our Senior Citizen Center as a hub of activities and resources for all.” “I volunteered at Voice Of Faith under the leadership of Pastors Erma and Frank Kirksey. We provided a free summer camp to youth ages 5-18. This educational program provided two meals, snacks and field trips. We need more affordable programs like this for our children in Helena.” Excellence in Education is important to Tangee. “My Mom (Mellnee Edwards Mason) is an Educator who retired from Jefferson County Schools after 35 years of teaching. She currently is a member of the Helena Kiwanis Club and Kingwood’s Nifty After Fifty. I remember that she would use her own money to decorate her classroom in order to create a better learning environment. We need more
TANGEE
EDWARDS
Helena City Council, Place 4
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funding to ensure an environment that is conducive to learning, but our teachers shouldn’t have to bear this expense. Our growth demands that we work closely with the Shelby County Board of Education to address capacity issues. Covid-19 has caused us to rethink learning and the safety of our kids.” “For the safety of our residents, improving traffic conditions and infrastructure are major concerns. I would like to advocate to our State and County boards to address these issues. I would like to increase our incoming revenue through economic and social development. We have a great market for tourism which should stimulate commerce for our local businesses.” Tangee asks for your vote in the Municipal Election August 25th and pledges her attention to the needs of Helena. “I am very accessible, and I have a heart to serve. I would like our residents to openly communicate their desires to me. I look forward to working with my fellow council members to implement a vision for our community that will magnify our beautiful city.” On August 25th, when you think Helena, think Tangee Edwards!
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Helena Middle School Huskies Snatch
VICTORY From The Jaws Of Defeat —End Their Season 18-3 The Helena Middle School Softball team was on a run before theirs and all Alabama athletic teams’ seasons came to an abrupt end with the global Sars-Cov-2 pandemic taking hold and filling ICUs in the state and around the world. The Helena City News was there for a part of their final game though, and it was a game we thought was worth an article (especially since we took some nice photos of the first few innings). The HMS team, then 17-3 on the season before it all shut down, had just trounced rival Pelham Park Middle School 14-1 in the opening game of a home double header,
and when we had to leave for another assignment, the Huskies were down to a tough Calera Middle Eagles team after 3 innings, and it looked as if this might be their 4th loss of the year, still giving the girls what would have been a great record at 17-4 and have them vying for a 4th straight conference title. Imagine our surprise though after we got home and looked online to find that Coach Sanders’ girls had managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat! That’s right, down 5-4 in the bottom of the 7th inning, it was do or die time for the Huskies and Molly Rollan delivered, hitting a
14 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
double on the first pitch of her final at bat sending in two runs and giving Helena an incredible 6-5 win. Hats off to the HMS Huskies on a tremendous win in what would become the final game of their 2020 season. Harley Morrison earned the win for the Huskies, surrendering five runs on ten hits over seven full innings and striking out six in the process. The Huskies racked up ten hits of their own in the game, with Ava Middlebrooks and Cammi Pugh leading the charge, both with three
hits on the evening. It is a shame that the HMS Husky softball team, and indeed all the spring athletic teams in Helena, would learn that their seasons had abruptly ended the following day after Governor Kay Ivey issued “stay at home orders.” I am a praying person though, and I believe that through prayer and medical science, we will see an end to this pandemic sooner rather than later. From this page to God’s ears, and as always, Go Huskies!
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Helena 5th Grade Girls finish season strong—place 2nd with youngest team in Pelham league! The Helena 5th Grade Girls Basketball Team was the Pelham Girls Basketball League’s youngest team this year, but that didn’t slow them down any. The Helena girls finished second in both the season and the championship tournament, going 8-3 on the year. They lost in the final game to Oak Mountain, who finished the season undefeated. “Helena does not currently have a girls only basketball league,” explained head coach Jay Satterfield, “so we went looking for a competitive league for our girls to play in. Scott Mitchell and Polly Butts (Helena High Assistant Principal David Butts’ sister) head up the Pelham league, and teams from Alabaster, Calera, Briarwood, Montevallo, Oak Mountain and Pelham fielded teams this year.” “We had 30 Helena girls try out in Helena, and we selected 11 for our team,” said Coach Satterfield. “We had four 5th graders, six 4th graders and one 3rd grader on our team which made us the youngest team in the league,” he continued. “We are all very proud of what the girls accomplished, and we look forward to watching these young players develop.” Impact Players for this year’s squad were #22 Isabel Heintz and #1 Hannah Satterfield. Head Coach Jay Satterfield’s assistant coach this season was Helena ALFA agent Josh Johnson. Congratulations on a terrific season to the Helena 5th grade girls team!
Helena 5th Grade team: Hannah Satterfield #1 Vangie Pinkney #2 Nataleigh Lagrone #4 Kayla Wallace #5 Cassie Capps #10 Willow Glasgow #11 Grace Ambrose #14 Brooklyn Smith #21 Isabel Heintz #22 Eden Steele #30 Abigail Johnson #31
PARAGON FITNESS
HELENA, AL
Paragon Fitness is proud to introduce the most experienced and qualified personal training and group instruction staff in the area, each one bringing their own timeproven methods and areas of expertise—helping clients achieve their own goals of better and more functional fitness whether it is improved athletic performance or helping one who is out of shape to painlessly and gradually improve their fitness levels one step at a time. Jackie has worked professionally in the local fitness arena for the past 39 years. He is excited to join his partner, Marianne, a nine-time power lifting champion in the All Natural Power Lifting Federation, in opening Paragon Fitness. Watch soon for the opening of Paragon Fitness in Calera, too!
Jackie Droxler and Marianne Hamilton are pleased to announce the opening of Paragon Fitness, Helena’s new state-ofthe-art fitness center at the corner of County Roads 58 and 95.
MEET OUR TEAM
Tracy Martin, certified personal trainer & group fitness instructor
Josh Stamps, beginning trainer/membership sales
Chris White, trainer in training/membership sales
Cindy Dobbins, certified personal trainer/group fitness instructor
Chelaine Wright, certified personal trainer/group fitness instructor
Hayley Norwood, fitness expert and certified personal trainer
Anna Reimers, certified personal trainer & group fitness instructor
Merri Gwin, certified personal trainer & group fitness instructor
SHELBY LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Monday-Friday 8am - 4 pm Saturday 8am - 3pm 8163 HIGHWAY 119 ALABASTER, ALABAMA
Owned by Helena Resident ANTHONY TRONCALLI
(205) 663-6133 (205) 540-4246
“Everything you need for a GREAT Landscaping project!”
• Screened Topsoil • Pea Gravel • Red Rock • Cross Ties • Firewood • Pine Straw • Gravel • Mulch • Sand We Carry Bagged Materials, too! • Potting Soil • Top Soil • Sand • Compost & Manure • Mulches
YE S, W ED EL IV ER !
“I am the vine, you are the branches.” John15:5a
KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard flies over Shelby Brookwood in May As a show of support for Covid-19 response efforts, the Alabama Air National Guard performed a flyover of Birmingham area hospitals on May 5 to show their support for their essential employees who serve in the Greater Birmingham area. Piloting the KC-135 Stratotanker refueling jet that flew over Shelby Brookwood was one of Helena’s own, but since calls to his Air Guard unit were not returned, the pilot shall remain nameless in this article. Still, it’s a heartwarming thing to think that one of our own was piloting that big jet! Cars lined Highway 31 in the area of the hospital, and people could be seen standing atop the hospital’s parking garage to witness the show of support by our military. Hats off to all the people who are deemed “essential” in our area and have worked throughout the Covid-19 crisis. 18 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Helena’s most distinctive neighborhood With generous rolling landscapes, beautiful public areas, old hardwood shade trees and spacious, executive style homes, Riverwoods is the place you want to be. For more information on making Riverwoods your home, contact Greg Arcara on his cell at (205) 566-1426 or his office at
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Helena Intermediate School
HW Y3 1
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(205) 560-0474.
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(205) 560-0474
Helena Elementary School
Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020
Ms. Toni Redding
Helena Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020 is Ms. Toni Redding. This Pelham High School graduate took a different path to become a teacher than most. Here is her story… The oldest of three girls born to Ron and Barbara Redding, Toni’s family lived in Shelbyville, Kentucky, when she was born. “I always thought it was funny that we moved from Shelbyville, Ky, to Shelby County, Alabama, and our area code there was the reverse of our area code here, 502 as opposed to 205,” she laughed. Her dad, a gemologist, moved the family to Pelham when Toni was about 14-years-old. He had taken a job with one of the Birmingham area’s top jewelry stores at the time, Goldbro’s Diamond Center. Many who went through Riverchase Middle School back in the day might remember Toni’s mother, Barbara, for the many years she spent there as the school’s secretary. After high school, Toni attended the University of Montevallo, where she earned an undergraduate degree in accounting. She went on to earn an MBA from the University of Tennessee. From there, Toni worked in the business world for about eight years for the late, great Ross Perot and his
company, EDS, in Dallas, Texas. There she worked in accounting and finance and went through their systems engineering program before deciding that she wanted to go into teaching. “The Dallas City School System was having trouble hiring qualified teachers at the time, and they offered interested parties with college degrees an opportunity to cross train at Texas Women’s University and earn a Texas teaching certiicate,” she said. Toni took them up on that offer, and after completing the course requirements, she soon found herself with a teaching job in the Dallas City School System. She would teach in Dallas for the next six years. It was serendipitous that the State of Alabama allowed Texas teaching certificate holders the opportunity to transfer and obtain an Alabama teaching certificate, so when the urge to move closer to her parents struck, she was able to continue her teaching career here. Toni has now been teaching first graders in the Shelby County School system for the past 21 years. “Initially, I thought I wanted to teach high school math,” she said. Two of my most inspiring teachers were math teachers at Pelham High—Mr. Arthur Greenlea and Ms. Addelle Simpson—but after experi-
20 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
encing the joy of watching the young ones’ faces so excited about their environment, I was hooked! In first grade, they are just learning who they are, and it is such a joy to witness. They make me feel young every day,” said Toni with a smile on her face. She went on to talk about the significant challenges young ones face today. “To me it is just too much, too fast, too soon,” she said. “I don’t think children have changed, but the environment around them certainly has. We have moved from a naturebased era to the technological age, but the children’s development is still much the same. They have the same desires they always did—they want to spend time with their parents, maybe walking with them, going to the park or reading a book. I like a quote taken from a fellow educator, Diane Roberto: ‘We are all still curious, energetic beings who grow by experiencing our environment. That hasn’t changed, and we neglect our growth if we deny that human tendency.’” We asked Toni what other advice she could offer parents of first graders after the 21 years she has spent teaching and spending time with them, and she had this to offer: “As your child’s first and best teacher, cherish these early learning years. Teach them about the things that really matter and don’t change. Laura
Ingalls Wilder once wrote to a fan about these things. She said, ‘It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have and be happy with simple pleasures; and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong.’ These are powerful truths that when lived out in front of our children equip them to navigate whatever environment they may encounter as they grow. Rejoice, for your children have Big Dreams and a Bright Future in which YOU get to participate.” Jeff Norris, principal at Helena Elementary during the 2019-2020 school year, offered these thoughts about his school’s Teacher of the Year: Ms. Redding is thoughtful and intentional. She is purposeful in her interactions with students and adults alike. She is always kind and teaches her students to be kind, as well. She treats her students with respect. She has high expectations for her students and meets them where they are to help them grow each day. She really loves her job and her students, and it shows! Hats off to Ms. Toni Redding as our town honors her dedication to helping raise up our next generation.
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Pick your homesite in Helena’s Creek Water or Silver Lakes today!
Creek Water
We Build Dreams!
Creek Water
• Just minutes to the heart of Helena! • Top quality Donovan-built homes! • Large wooded lots, 1/2 - 1 acre • Park in neighborhood with outdoor fireplace, walking trails, and creek access!
Silver Lakes
Just minutes to I-459 at CR 52 and the heart of Helena! Donovan Builders now has exceptional, private, secluded lots to build your dream house in Helena’s Creek Water and Silver Lakes communities.
Only 7 Lots in Creek Water, House prices starting at $359,900 Make your lot reservations now—will build to your plan or ours.
Hurry while the selection is BEST!
Donovan Builders, LLC, is an established, high quality homebuilder. You expect more in a Donovan home, and you get it. Jack Donovan stakes his reputation on every home he builds, and it shows in the craftsmanship on display. From elegant, coffered ceilings to traditional, old world wood cabinetry and flooring, tile showers, granite tops and elegant fixtures throughout, features in Donovan homes are usually only found in homes with a much higher price. Large, private wooded lots are trademarks of Donovan’s newest homesites AVAILABLE NOW in Creek Water and Silver Lakes. Hurry in to select your favorite—only 7 left in Creek Water! Donovan’s lots in Creek Water and Silver Lakes are going fast. There is a new sector in Silver Lakes with 13 lots, 3 stocked lakes, walking trails & a playground for the kids. Surrounded by hills and trees, residents in these communities have the best of both worlds—only a few minutes from I-459 at the CR-52 interchange and about the same to all the shopping and dining opportunities found in Helena and along U.S. Hwy 31. Residents here are also close to all that the Hwy 150 corridor in Hoover has to offer, PLUS—there is easy access to the Amazon Distribution Center, Future UAB Medical West and Mercedes Benz in Vance! All this and more make these communities the perfect places in North Shelby County to call home. We’re available for you seven days a week, so call today and let our team of Realtors® (over 100 years combined experience) assist you in finding the perfect place to call home. Donovan Homes has a full-time decorator to expertly assist you with all your selections and will work hard to make your dream home a reality. Call one of our agents today!
First Choice Creek Water agents
Karen Spann 205-790-5113
Annette Durrett 205-243-9970
Billy Bowen 256-749-8131
Crystal Russell 205-516-6422
karenspann11@gmail.com
annettedurrett@gmail.com
billy@billybowen.com
crystalrussell1187@gmail.com
Silver Lakes agents
Judy Teasley 205-229-5929
Lynn Tolbert 205-910-2243
Randy Manzella 205-222-3871
To Creek Water: From Helena, take CR 52W towards the Cahaba River. Turn left at Hwy 13 across from Riverside Baptist. Turn right on Hwy 93 after about 3 miles, Creek Water on left. To Silver Lakes: From Helena, take CR 52W towards the Cahaba River. Turn left on So. Shades Crest Rd, right into Silver Lakes, right on Oakleaf Circle, left on Rosebay Lane, left on Greendale Dr.
California native Randy Maxwell named Helena Intermediate Teacher of the Year for 2019/2020 Helena Intermediate’s Teacher of the Year for the 2019/2020 school year is Stockton, California native, Randy Maxwell. The oldest of two sons born to Randall Sr and Carol Maxwell, Randy says the family moved around a lot during his childhood while his dad was in the navy, and then spent several years after his navy time was finished living in West Virginia. The Maxwell family lived there until his dad took a job with Koppers in Hueytown, and they headed south. The family soon settled into their new home in Alabaster. Randy graduated from Thompson High School in 1988 after which he spent two years in college before deciding to try his hand in the business world. He spent the next 15 years working in the remodeling business before making the decision to return to school and earn a degree in education. He graduated from the University of Montevallo with a degree in Elementary Education with a
collaborative focus. Today, Randy teaches a fifth grade inclusive classroom at HIS. where half his day is spent in inclusion and the other half in general education. He partners with fellow fifth grade teacher Lauren Sims. Randy teaches math and science to his students half the day and her students the remainder of the day. She teaches English language arts (ELA) to both groups. Randy is married to Trisha, who works in HR for Blue Cross. The couple has two children: McKinley, 19, a freshman at South Alabama in their nursing program and Cameron “Cam,” who is a senior this year at Helena High School. Randy says he and Trisha have always enjoyed the outdoors but have concentrated on taking regular walks since Randy overcame a health scare a few years back, after which he dropped 50 lbs and began to take his health much more seriously. We asked Randy with all his varied life experiences, what he’d
like to see more of in regards to educating the next generation. “Not every student is destined to go to a traditional four-year college,” he said, “and I believe some will be best served learning a good trade. There is no shame in making a living working with your hands,” he continued. “I’d like to see more emphasis put into allowing students the opportunity to learn more about some of these options.” Here is a statement from his principal, Kathy Paiml, who added a few comments from his fellow teachers… “Mr. Maxwell has high expectations for his students. His approach to teaching has generated warm and close relationships with his students, their parents, and faculty. He pushes his students to grow and mature in a positive way, with not only academics but also life skills. Randy balances tough love with encouragement, patience, and compassion. He spends much time building and maintaining relationships in order to find opportunities to help
students build good character.” Ms. Paiml continued, saying, “Randy Maxwell is highly respected by his peers. Here are a few comments his co-workers shared when asked why they nominated him for this award. ‘Randy has a way with students that shows he has the teacher gift. He has worked with some difficult students over the years and exhibited a great deal of patience and kindness working with them.’ ‘Randy is so great with those who need a little extra attention and love. He is patient, but also firm, loving, and with great expectations.’ ‘He has a great heart for all our students. Randy realizes the importance of life and passes that on to his students.’” Ms. Paiml finished by saying, “We are very proud to have Randy Maxwell represent Helena Intermediate School as our Teacher of the Year. As one of our faculty members said, ‘Everyone needs a Maxwell!’” Hats off to HIS’s Teacher of the Year, Randy Maxwell!
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Late Summer 2020
23
CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULAR WEEKLY/BIWEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Police Explorers, Explorer Training Facility, 4:00-7:00PM Fire Explorers, Station 2, 5:00PM TUESDAYS Virtual Storytime–Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM www.facebook.com/Helena.Public.Library.Friends/ THURSDAYS Virtual Storytime–Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM www.facebook.com/Helena.Public.Library.Friends/ SATURDAYS Helena Market Days, Old Town Amphitheater, 8:00AM-12:00PM (through August 29)
* Due to the Covid-19 pandemic dates/events may be subject to change and/or cancellation!
August
13th - Back to School for Shelby Co. Schools 15th - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 20th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 21st - Helena High vs Dallas County, Husky Stadium, 7:00pm* 24th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 5:00pm 25th - Helena Municipal Elections, VOTE at Helena Community Center, 7:00am-7:00pm 28th - Helena High at Chelsea, 7:00pm* 29th - Last Helena Market Days of 2020, Old Town Amphitheater, 8:00am-12:00pm
September
4th - Helena High at Wetumpka, 7:00pm* 7th - Labor Day–Municipal Offices, Library & Shelby Co. Schools Closed Santek will run usual garbage collection routes 11th - Helena High at Benjamin Russell, 7:00pm* 14th - NO Helena City Council meeting 17th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm
Helena’s Hometown Florist Call Lee Lee or Kayla today!
18th - Helena High vs Pelham, Husky Stadium, 7:00PM* 19th - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 25th - Helena High at McAdory, 7:00pm* 28th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 5:00pm
October
2nd - Helena High vs Chilton County–Homecoming, Husky Stadium, 7:00pm* 6th - Helena Municipal Runoff if needed, VOTE at Helena Community Center, (Sports Complex) 7:00am-7:00pm 9th - Shelby Co. Schools Teacher Workday–NO Students - Helena High at Calera, 7:00pm* 12th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 6:00pm 15th - Helena 6:00pm elena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 16th - Helena High vs Stanhope, Husky Stadium, 7:00pm* 7:00 17th - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 26th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 5:00 5:00pm 30th - Helena High vs UMS Wright–Senior Night, Husky Stadium, 7:00pm*
BC
South
Diesel and Automotive Repair www.bcsouthda.com
(205) 230-7306
Owned locally by Brian Edmonds, a skilled mechanic who grew up in the business. “I will work on your car where it is most convenient for you—at your home, business or wherever you are. Keep this ad handy, and the next time your car needs some work, please call me!” Brian works on all makes and models of cars and trucks, from transmissions to A/C and heaters. All work performed by Brian carries a 12-month warranty on parts and installation (when parts are supplied by Brian and except for normal wear issues).
Open 7 Days a week from 7am-6pm
We sell effective & stylish masks too—call too— call us! 24 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Call Brian the next time you find yourself with an ailing vehicle, and then sit back as he works his BC South magic!
Add a BURST of
COLOR to YOUR lawn! CEDAR CRE
NURSE
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RY
Helena Welcomes Cedar Creek Nursery!
Trees • Shrubs • Annuals & Perennials • Bagged & Bulk Mulch, Top Soil, Potting Soil Pottery • Yard Art & Garden Decor • Statuary • Chemicals We have everything you need for your lawn including fertilization and weed control, vegetable gardening supplies and accessories, pest and weed controls, landscaper materials including mature trees — something for everyone! We have bulk bins full of mulch, pea gravel, driveway gravel, and soil. Come See us!
(205) 624-4554 | Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm (Closed Sunday) 4726 County Road 52 • Helena, Alabama 35080 CedarCreekNursery.com | Find us on Facebook: Cedar Creek Nursery Helena
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Greetings from the Library! Our Summer Reading Program is officially over after another successful year. It was truly an interesting program at the library this year. It was a learning experience, and we are very happy we were able to make it happen. For starters, our library was able to have 30 great virtual programs over the summer. We hosted 6th Day Creatures which displayed many different amazing animals. Gene Cordova entertained us with his puppets and ventriloquism. Tommy Johns the magician surprised us with two videos for our program. The Helena Fire and Police Departments were kind enough to take time from their busy schedules and allow us to film them. They provided entertaining and informative programs! To close out Summer Reading, Miss Kit performed her fabulous bubble show. In addition, Mrs. Erin stepped up and did Storytime live from her home and inspired us all summer long.
HOURS:
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10 Monday 0-6 y a Tuesd 1 0-6 y1 a sd e Wedn
10-6 Thursday -5 Friday 10 Closed y a rd Satu losed Sunday C
New Hours!
Our Crafty Friday take home crafts and the Art of Origami were also big hits! We appreciate the patience everyone has shown as we do our best to provide library service for the community. Moving forward, Covid-19 continues to be a serious situation. If there is any good news, it has given everyone a chance to do something important: READ! E-books and digital Titles are also a great option to consider at this time. The Public Libraries of Shelby County have added hundreds of new Juvenile, Young Adult, and Adult Titles in a variety of electronic formats. For instructions on how to gain access, please visit https://www. shelbycounty-al.org/162/Downloadables As for the Jane B. Holmes Public Library in Helena, the library is open with access to books, movies, magazines, audiobooks, and movies. All Helena Library movies are now 7 Day Loan. Our hours are now Monday through
Thursday, 10-6 and Friday, 10-5. Fax and Copy services are available, but the public access computers are unavailable until further notice. Please call 205664-8308 or www.cityofhelena. org for information. Masks or face coverings are required when visiting the library until further notice. As we move into the fall, the library strives to provide access to information and programming. On August 7th, there will be a take home craft (while supplies last) to celebrate Book Lovers Day, as well as an Origami Heart Bookmark virtual craft on Monday, August 10th. In addition to Virtual Story Time with Mrs. Erin (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM), the library will have a neat book display of Eric Carle books on August 17. Check out 10 books on August 26th, receive a prize! (while supplies last). September features the Introduction of a new program: 1,000 Books before
Kindergarten! For parents with younger children, this is neat way to get your child interested in books and reading. And it’s FREE! Please check the website for more information and upcoming programs and videos. Most of all, stay safe, and remember to READ! New Books: All Adults Here by Emma Straub Near Dark by Brad Thor Cajun Justice by James Patterson A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber Devil’s Bones by Carolyn Haines Deadly Touch by Heather Graham Deadlocked by Catherine Coulter The Order by Daniel Silva
New Movies: Just Mercy starring Michael B. Jordan Underwater starring Kristen Stewart Scoob! Charlie’s Angels starring Naomi Scott Trolls World Tour Onward – Disney Pixar Arrow: Complete Season Eight Castle Rock: Complete 2nd Season
205-664-8308 • Visit us @ www.cityofhelena.org
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL… We’re the Home of the Free Because of the Brave!
SGT Jon M. Aaron USA; 4/14 K Co (DET B), Unit 43671, FPO AP 96426-3671; Al Anbar, Iraq; Karen Dickinson’s son E-3 HTFN Alex Avery USN; USS Frank Cable, Guam; Phil & Deana Avery’s son, Maria Avery’s brother, Ken & Mary Penhale’s grandson PFC Zachary Barr USA: 7th Special Forces Group; Eglin AFB, FL Cynthia & Mark Barr’s son SGT Steven M. Bennett USA; Paratrooper/Rigger; Fort Benning, GA Clara & Ken Lorino’s son SFC Eric Bond USA; 82nd ABD, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Paul Zimmerman’s cousin
LCPL Jared M. Fitzgerald USMC; 9th Communication Battalion; Camp Pendleton; CA; Rosemarie Butler’s son and Jeff’s stepson, Justin and Tyler’s brother
Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager USN; US Navy Hospital-Physician’s Asst., Beaufort, South Carolina Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager’s daughter
Cpl Tyler A. Franklin USMC, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines Camp Lejeune, NC, Julie Franklin’s son, Christina’s brother, Alynna’s husband, Carson’s dad
SPC, Alexander Palmer Combat Medic Schofield, O’ahu, Hawaii
Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin D. Gilbert USCG, Machinery Technician; Mobile, AL, Leslie’s husband, Cohen & Kerrigan’s dad, Annette & Dan Duffy’s son-in-law SSG Jay Gortney ARNG; 20th Special Forces; Iraq; April’s husband SGT Brooks Gray USA; Ranger; Scofield BKS, HI; John Gray’s son, Lauren & Ryan Gray’s brother
Captain Joshua Bowen USA; 1st Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO Tom and Susan Bowen’s son, Fallon’s husband
SRA Brad Hubbard USAF Fort Gordon - Augusta, GA Rod & Susan Hubbard’s son
Captain Fallon Bowen USA; Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter-in-law, Joshua’s wife
SPC Michael Hubbard USA; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Ruth Meadows grandson, Kimberly’s husband, Bonnie Hubbard’s brother
LT Sarah Bowen USN; USS John Stennis Aircraft Carrier; Bremerton, WA; Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter
SPC Eric Hunley ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Mike & Barbara Hunley’s son; late Chris Hunley’s brother
LT Jordan Bowen USA; 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Div., Ft. Hood, TX; Tom and Susan Bowen’s son SRA Mitch Braswell USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Mike & Judi Braswell’s son
CPL Michael Jeffries ARNG; 1/167 Infantry Battalion Company B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Amy’s husband, Colin & Gavin’s father
PVT Vincent Brown USMC; Chesapeake, VA; Leonetta Prevo’s son
MC1 Andrew “AJ” Johnson USN; Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU); Dam Neck Annex, NAS Oceana; Virginia Beach, VA.
SGT Dallas C Caviness USAF; 172 Inf. Brigade; Germany; Rebecca’s husband, Norah’s father, Rhonda’s son & Devin’s brother
LT Commander David Kang USN; White House, Washinton, DC; Stanley & Sue Kang’s son, Sunny Kang’s brother
1st LT William B. Cofer USA; Fort Campbell, KY; Dorothy & Jim Cofer’s son, Deborah’s brother
SGT Jacob S. Lenoir USA; Sniper Unit of 1-64 Inf; Fort Stewart, GA; Beth Eades’ son, Caitlyn’s husband
CPO Austin C. Daniel USN; Norfolk, VA; Mike & Claudia Daniel’s son, Justin, Tatum & Autumn’s brother
SRA Tanner McGinnis USAF; 90th SFS Tactical Response Force; FE Warren AFB; Cheyenne, Wyoming Ken & Jo McGinnis’ son
Captain Jon P. Darrenkamp USA; Schofield Barracks, HI; Carol Darrenkamp’s son, Stephen & Eric’s brother
2nd LT Jacob Allen Meins USAF, Special Operations Command; Kathy Meins Martin’s son
AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks USN; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Joe & Tammy Williams’s son, Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor’s grandson
MSG Jacqueline M. Moore USA, 387th; Wichita, KS; Leroy E. Lucas’ wife, Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris’ mom
SSgt Phillip Hembree USAF Police, Japan Deborah Hembrees’s son, Joann Pilato’s grandson Jessica’s husband and Emily Faith’s daddy.
SSGT Christopher S. Murphy USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Jack & Karen Murphy’s son, Alyssa’s husband
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!
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 ARNG; 152nd MP Co.; Lauren’s husband; Kai, Sam, Dalton, Brook & Kaiti’s father CPL Casey B. Reitz USMC, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC, Tom and Suzi Reitz’s son, Tommy, Joey, and Emily’s brother SPC Dwight A Rosse Jr. USA; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, KY; Dwight & Michelle Rosse’s son, Britney & Carlton’s brother Kenneth R. Russell USMC, 123 Beaufort, South Carolina Carolyn Russell’s son SPC Patrick D. Sharp USA; 82nd ABD; Al Asad, Iraq; Shawn Sharp’s son 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 Cpl Rodney Stephens ARNG; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Andrea & AnnaBelle’s father Capt John M Traylor, Jr USAF; 64th Aggressor Squadron; Nellis AFB, NV; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son SGT John Christian Vansant USMC; VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS; New River, NC; Keith & Sherill Vansant’s son Major Maxwell B. Ward USAR; Afghanistan; Kathie’s husband, Maggie’s dad, Bette Ward’s son, Michelle (Lin) Saville’s brother PFC Zachary Walton USA; 3-1 Cav. Regt. Delta Troop; Ft Benning, GA; Becky Click’s son, Alex Walton & Sydney Mollica’s brother, Amber’s husband FC3 William J. Welch USN; USS Lake Erie, Pearl Harbor, HI; Devinne Brooks’ husband PFC Nathaniel Wilkins USMC; Naval Air Station, Pensalcola FL; Son of Vicki and Derek Wilkins
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Left to right above: Angel Johnson, Stacy Ricafort, Jaime Adams, Denise Graham (sitting)
205-663-6673
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5 Brown Circle • Alabaster, Alabama 35007
28 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
H E L E N A’ S C O M M U N I T Y O F FA I T H A.M.E. New Bethel A.M.E.
Highway 261 • 201-5531 Rev. Wilma Merriweather Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM
BAPTIST CrossBridge Community Church Starkey Street (off 261) • 621-2695 Pastors Harris Cook & Bruce Squires crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 PM
First Baptist Church Helena
815 Highway 52 E • 663-7879 fbhelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM & 6:00 PM
Gospel Light Baptist Church
5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor Gary Bohman • glbcbham.com Sunday Bible Study 9 & 11:30 AM Sunday Worship 10 AM & 6 PM Wednesday Prayer Service 7 PM
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Highway 261 • 663-5257 Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM
New Elam Baptist Church Cunningham Drive • 663-2230 Rev. Lester Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM
Riverside Baptist Church
1919 Highway 52 W • 426-1910 Pastor Chris Wilson • rbchelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:15 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM
Shiloh Baptist Church
6700 County Road 13 • 424-4539 Pastor Randy Keef Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
CHRISTIAN—DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Grace Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 869 Highway 52 • 426-1233 Rev. Brad Henderson gracechristianchurch.org Sunday School 9:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
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 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM
EPISCOPAL Lamb of God Charismatic Episcopal
New Vision Christian Church
The Church at Cahaba Bend
Member Presbyterian Church in America 2222 Hwy 52 • 881-4222 Pastors: Phil Chambers & David Cunningham www.cccbham.org Sunday Worship 10:30 AM
2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org 5140 County Road 17 • 919-7932 Sunday Corporate Prayer 9:00 AM Rev. Glenn E. Davis • lambofgodcec.org Sunday Worship 10:15 AM Children’s Church 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Voice of Faith Int’l Ministries 1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 METHODIST Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Helena United Methodist Church Sunday Worship 7:00 & 10:00 AM 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Thursday Bible Teaching 10:00 AM Dr. Mary Henley • helenaumc.org Worship 9AM Traditional, 11AM Contemporary PRESBYTERIAN Sunday School 10AM 3721 Highway 52 W • 621-8060 Rev. Keith Elder • cahababend.org Sunday School 9:15 AM Contemporary Worship 10:30 AM
Christ Community Church
Helena Cumberland Presbyterian NAZARENE 3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Trinity Church of the Nazarene Laurel Woods Dr. & Hwy 58 • 664-4659 Rev. David Shirer • nazarene.ch/trinity/ Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Cornerstone Church 2694 Highway 58 • 663-9332 Rev. Tim Trimble cornerstonechurchhelena.org Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM
Pastor Mike Ensminger helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM
Our community of faith offers many services and programs year-round. Please visit the church’s website for additional information about upcoming events and programs.
Due to Covid-19, contact the church of your choice for current worship options Helena Kiwanis meets the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 am at the Helena Senior Center behind city hall. Breakfast is served, and we always have interesting speakers! 1st Tuesdays are Family Night at a local restaurant. We sponsor four High School Key Clubs, a Middle School Builders Club, and Boy Scout Troop 2. We raised money to build the Boundless Playground in Joe Tucker Park, we sponsor an annual Pancake Breakfast, and read to children at the Alabaster Head Start Program several times a year, at which time we present each child with several books. Helena Kiwanis is an excellent way to meet your neighbors and become more involved in the community. Won’t you please join us for breakfast and find out more?
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www.OldTowneMusicHelena.com 30 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Pictured flanking the 2020 State Champion Indoor 4X200 Relay Team are Coaches Greg Appling, left and Coach Richard Anderson, right, head track coach at Helena High School.
Helena High wins State Indoor 4X200 Track Title and High Jump events Three members of the Huskies’ State Champion 2019 4x100 meter relay team repeat and win 6A State Indoor Title for 4x200m relay. Members of the 2020 State Champion 4X200 relay team are: Montana Harris—Junior Lemaria Bennett—Freshman Brooklyn Kirksey—Sophomore Kya Gardner—Junior TJ Funches wins State in 6A High Jump. Helena High School athletes have swept the 6A Boys High Jump State Championships for the last three years, both Indoor and Outdoor. Thanks to Coach Dominga Gardner for the picture!
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To the Helena High Class of 2020
Be the Difference
May your feet touch land undreamt of May your eyes see sights unknown May your hearts be always open To ideas that like seeds have been sewn. May your mind be slow to anger And your arms be full of love May your legs be quick to move you Towards paths which come from above. May your brain be always searching For the truth be it good or bad And to lighten the loads of others From burdens you never knew they had. Your raising my might be over now But one thought seems fresh and clear There’s no better way to find the truth Than to listen with well-schooled ears.
Go and be the difference, Huskies!
Helena High School graduates 313 Huskies Holds commencement June 2nd in Husky Stadium After many had doubts that the Class of 2020 would even get to hold a graduation ceremony, the decision was made by the Shelby County Schools Board to allow outdoor commencement exercises. Helena High School administrators, faculty and staff immediately sprang into action. They chose June 2nd as the date, and each graduate was allowed to invite four guests, meaning some friends and family were forced to watch a video to see this rite of passage for the 313 members of the Class of 2020 at the school’s Husky Stadium. It was a small price to pay, though, and the stands soon filled with onlookers, mostly family groupings that mostly maintained social distancing guidelines with graduates aligned in chairs spaced six feet apart on the field. Speeches were given by the Class President, Jabe Hildreth, Covaledictiorians, Abigail Ford
and Christian Vansant, Salutatorian, Luke Dixon, Principal April Brand and Helena Mayor Mark Hall. We thought you’d enjoy seeing a few pictures from the event and portraits of the class of 2020 in its entirety. We were also in attendance as Helena Hollow hosted a “2nd Chance Dance” to make up for the prom the class had missed. Thanks to Amy and Jamie Griffin for making this special night possible for the graduates. Best wishes to this group of Huskies who missed so much, from cancelled athletic seasons and scholastic opportunities to their final two months of school. As covaledictorian Abigail Ford said to her class, “Congratulations on the longest skip day ever!” Here’s hoping yours is the last class to endure these hardships. Godspeed to you all, and may your biggest dreams come true!
Helena High School
Class of 2020
JANEY ACTON
THOMAS ADAIR
JAYCEE ADAMS
ALYSSA ADLEY
LUIS ALCANTARA
MUHAMMAD ALQAZA
BLAKE ANDERSON
GRIFFIN ANDERSON
ALEXANDER ANGLE
TOREY ASHLEY
CHANDLAR ATKINS
JONATHAN AYERS
TRACEY BAILEY
MAXWELL BALLARD
KELSI BARGMAN
MIRANDA BATCHELOR
OWEN BEAGLE
HALEIGH BEARD
CLAYTON BEECH
RACQUEAL BIVINS
KATELYN BLACKMON
THOMAS BOLEN
WILLIAM BORST
JORDAN BOYKIN
ASHLEE BRASWELL
MADELYN BRIGHT
BAILEY BROPHY
BRIDGET BUFFINGTON
MAXWELL BURCH
LOGAN BURNETT
CONNOR BURTON
NICHOLAS BUTTS
CALEB BYERS
JAYANNA CAMERON
MALLORY CARROLL
CAROLINE CARTER
DAUNTE CAVE
COLLIN CERWICK
MADISON CHAPMAN
NOAH CHARIF
BLAKE CHILDERS
ALEXANDRA CHUANG
Helena High School
Class of 2020
HALEY COLDREN
SARAH COLLINS
CAROLINE COOK
JEREMIAH COPE
MADISON CORLEY
JACOB COX
DAVIS CUMMINGS
TYLER DARDEN
JILLIAN DAUGHERTY
MADISON DAVENPORT
EVERETT DAWSON
JACOB DEES
AUDREY DEIFENDERFER
WYATT DEVERS
KYLEE DEWING
CARMELINA DICHIARA
JACK DICKERSON
CHRISTOPHER DIEHL
MOLLY DILLAHUNTY
LUKE DIXON
BAILEY DORIETY
LOGAN DRAMER
OLIVIA DUFOUR
NATHAN DUNAWAY
LAUREN EADS
COLLIN EARLEY
LYDIA EDWARDS
MARINA ETHEREDGE
ABIGAIL FORD
RACHEL FORRESTER
ANDREW FORTSON
CODY FOSTER
JERMYA FOSTER
TANNER FREELS
GRACIE FROST
DOMINIC FULLER
STANLEY FUNCHES
BLAKE GARNER
ROBERT GARNER
SAVANNAH GARNER
JACK GAY
JILLIAN GHOLSON
Helena High School
Class of 2020
MICHAEL GHOLSON
ZACHARY GILLEN
TRINITY GLOVER
MATTHEW GONZALEZ SALAZAR
COOPER GOODWIN
ZACHARY GOODWIN
ALYSSA GOSSETT
MARIANA GRANADOS RAMIREZ
CAYLEIGH GRANGER
CLAIRE GRAY
CORI GREEN
WILLIAM GRIFFITH
MATTHEW GUDINO
BENJAMIN GULLEDGE
QUINTON GUTHRIE
ZACHARY HAITHCOCK
JOSEPH HALEY
KERI HANKINS
HOLLY HANZICH
JONATHAN HARTLEY
WILLIAM HAWES
SARAH HAYNES
RYLIE HELBERG
TRAVIYON HENDRIX
TANIA HERNANDEZ
GABRIELLE HERVIG
ABIGAIL HESS
SAMUEL HIGGINBOTHAM
JABE HILDRETH
DALTON HILLMAN
ANDY HOANG
BRANDY HOBSON
BROOKE HOPTON-JONES
JAKE HORN
ZACHARY HORTON
KENDELL HOSEY
KAMERON HOUSER
OLIVIA HUDSON
COLE HUFF
ALEXANDRA HUGHES
KIRSTEN HUGHLEY
JACOB HULSEY
Helena High School
Class of 2020
DAVIS HUMPHREY
JEREMY HUNTER
CALLIE JACKSON
HANNAH JACKSON
TYLER JACKSON
JORDAN JAMES
JAKOB JOHNSON
KELCEY JOHNSON
BRODIE JONES
DAMIAN JONES
ERVIN JONES
MADDIE JONES
MECHELLE JONES
KYLER JORDAN
MEGAN KALLAHER
CALEB KELLEY
JACKSON KELLEY
DAVID KEY
COLBY KILEY
MACKENZIE KIRCHLER
JACOB KNIGHT
SAMUEL KNIGHT
TUCKER KNIGHT
NOEL KOSHY
NOAH LAGLE
LAUREN LANCASTER
MALEA LANE
MARY KATELYN LATHAM
TRENT LAVERCOMBE
IAN LEE
ELIANA LEONARD
MINGSHU LI
ELISE LOVOY
LILLIAN LOWERY
HANNAH MACON
ISAIAH MALDONADO
LOGAN MALONEY
BAYLEE MAREK
RILEY MARKS
CAMERON MAXWELL
CALEB MAY
DARYL MAY
Helena High School
Class of 2020
LOGAN MAY
JUSTINIAN MAYO
DYLAN MAYS
CASSIDY MAZZOLA
JACE MCBRIDE
SAM MCCOURT
RILEY MCHUGH
SARAH MCKENZIE
MYLES MEDEIROS
PAYTON MEDEIROS
ALIYAH MERCHANT
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
JOSHUA MILLER
JASMINE MIMS
JADA MIMS
DRAKE MINSHEW
ADAMARI MIRANDA-MARTINEZ
IAN MOELLER
KELSEY MOONEY
LEON MOORE
MICHAEL MORAN
MARISSA MORRIS
LAUREN MURPHY
BAILEY NAHRGANG
BRANDON NGUYEN
SHEAMAYA NORFLEET
MEGAN OAKES
ALLY O’DELL
BROOKLYN ODEN
MICHELLE ORTIZ
DARIUS OWENS
CAITLIN PANNELL
CAMERON PANNELL
ALYSSA PARKER
WILLIAM PARKER
REED PARRISH
JORDAN PAYNE
JAHEIM PEAK
HUNTER PENNINGTON
ANNA PEOPLES
CHASE PERRY
GABRIELLE PICKETT
Helena High School
Class of 2020
CADEN PIERCE
ALAINA PITTS
TRAVIS PORTER
ZHANYA POWELL
TALON PRITCHARD
LAUREN PRITCHETT
COLE PUGH
TILYR PUGH
DENISHA RAMIREZ
JOSEPH RANDALL
RICHARD RANDALL
JOSIAH RANSOM
ZAIN RASHID
JOHN RATLEY
DAWSON RAY
SAMUEL REGINA
LADARRIUS RICE
WATSON RICE
ELIJAH RICHARDSON
ALEXANDRIA RICKETTS
CHLOE RISCH
SAMANTHA ROBINSON
KIMIKO ROBISON
WILLIAM ROGERS
ANNA ROSENOW
BENJAMIN ROY
ANTONIO RUIZ
CAYLEE RUTLAND
SAMUEL SANTOS
GIAVANNA SARRIS
ROBERT SAVILLE
ABBIE SCHIFANELLA
KATELYN SCHLOTZHAUER
KIERRA SCHULZ
ALYSSA SCOTT
LAUREN SCOTT
HOPE SEITZ
LAUREN SELF
ANNA KATHRYN SHARP
AMBER SIDES
HALEY SIDES
COLIN SIMPSON
Helena High School
Class of 2020
MICHAELA SINGER
AMBER SISSON
CHASE SMITH
DEMARCUS SMITH
HANNA SMITH
NATALIE SMITH
ROBERT STAMBA
KAYLYN STRINGFELLOW
JAMES SULLIVAN
RYAN SUMNER
DAVIS SYX
ALLISON TANNER
EVELYN TERRY
HANNAH TIDWELL
ELIJAH TILTON
HUDSON TINNELL
ABIGAIL TRAWEEK
WILLIAM TRAWEEK
ETHAN TRIMM
NEA TRIPPLET
MADELYNN TUECH
CATHRYNE VANDERKAMP
CHRISTIAN VANSANT
CLAIRE VONDERAU
TOREN WADE
RILEY WAGAR
MALLORY WARE
ADAIA WASHINGTON
JACKSON WATERS
JARVIS WATKINS
KELLEN WATKINS
ANA WATTERS
JOHN WATTS
TAELOR WATTS
ALEXIS WEBB
ASHLEY WEIDLER
HAYLEY WEIDLER
JORDAN WHEELER
MICHAEL WHEELER
TORIE WHITE
KIERSTEN WIDNER
JOHN WILBURN
Helena High School
Class of 2020
PEYTON WILKINS
GARY WILLIAMS
SHYLA WILLIAMS
NOAH WILLIAMSON
CHARLES WILSON
CHRISTOPHER WILSON
LAURA WILSON
RYAN WINSTON
JENNA WINTER
CONNOR WOLF
MACKENZIE WOLF
ALEX WOOD
RYAN YATES
Helena High School Class of 2020 Valedictorians: Abigail Leland Ford Christian Schilleci Vanzant
Salutatorian:
Luke Bradford Dixon
Honor Graduates:
(4.0 or higher GPA) Alyssa Camille Adley Miranda Lynn Batchelor Haleigh Renee’ Beard Bailey Elizabeth Brophy Logan Alexander Burnett Jayanna Alexis Cameron Caroline Grace Carter Olivia Madison Chapman Alexandra Bennett Chuang Caroline Kelley Cook Madison Irene Corley Davis Lillard Cummings Jillian Alexa Daugherty Jacob Connor Dees Carmelina Ann Dichiara Jack William Dickerson Molly Rhea Dillahunty Luke Bradford Dixon Olivia Ann Dufour Abigail Leland Ford Andrew Walker Fortson Amy Claire Gray William Carter Griffith Matthew Gudino Benjamin Cole Gulledge
HANNAH ZMYSLOWSKI
Joseph Michael Haley Sarah Ann Haynes Jabe Samuel Hildreth Andy Thien Hoang Alexandra Roselynn Hughes Davis Alexander Humphrey Hannah Christine Jackson Megan Brooke Kallaher Jackson Warren Kelley David Scott Key III Eliana Grace Leonard Elise Caroline Lovoy Sarah Kaley McKenzie Payton Elizabeth Medeiros Aliyah Merchant Christopher Ryan Miller Kelsey Nicole Mooney Michael Joseph Moran Brandon Hong Nguyen Megan Leigh Oakes Ally Elise O’Dell Caitlin Nicole Pannell Cameron Ashley Pannell William Terney Parker Jordan Rae Payne Caden William Pierce Alaina Mackenzie Pitts Talon Reed Pritchard Lauren Jewell Pritchett Joseph Michael Randall John Miles Ratley Samuel Joseph Regina Elijah Shane Richardson Chloe Morgan Risch
NOT PICTURED: NICHOLAS CRUCE TREY DABBS BOWMAN DOWNEY KALEB MARTIN WILLIAM NORTH KALEIGH TUCKER CHANDLER WOOD
Samantha Marie Robinson William Evan Rogers Antonio Roberto Ruiz Caylee Lauren Rutland Robert Ashurst Saville Katelyn Ann Schlotzhauer Alyssa Marie Scott Lauren Camille Scott Hope McKenzie Seitz Anna Kathryn Sharp Colin Cameron Simpson Michaela Annalise Singer DeMarcus Jelani Smith Allison Joy Tanner Evelyn Christina Terry Hannah Elyse Tidwell Elijah Harris Tilton Abigail Allen Traweek William Davis Traweek Nea Nichelle Reana Tripplett Madelynn Grace Tuech Christian Schilleci Vanzant Claire Marie Vonderau Mallory Paige Ware Adaia Dorieva Washington Anastasia Victoria Watters Alexis Faith Webb Hayley Amber Weidler Jordan Aaron Wheeler Kiersten Savannah Widner Peyton Lane Wilkins Madison Elaine Williams Jenna Catherine Winter Mackenzie Shaye Wolf
“I’d also like to take a moment to congratulate you on pulling off the longest senior skip day ever.” Covaledictorian Abigail Ford, injecting a bit of humor into her speech to fellow Class of 2020 graduates
Meet Helena High School’s Class of 2020 Covaledictorian
Abigail Ford
One of two Valedictorians in the Helena High School Class of 2020, Abigail has lived in Helena for the past 15 years. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she moved to Waco, Texas, when she was two years of age for about a year before landing in Helena. Abigail says she attended kindergarten in Helena, but then attended Gwin Elementary for first through fifth grade after her mom started teaching there. “I transferred back to Helena schools in the middle of the sixth grade after deciding it would be better to go to school closer to home,” she said. Growing up, Abigail says she got into sports later than most kids. “I danced for a few years before I really got into running. I joined the HMS cross country and track and field team, and I have been running ever since.” She says she is very involved in her church and its children’s ministry and has been for as long as she can remember. “I believe these activities helped teach me self discipline and the value of service as I was growing up, and they are a huge part of who I am today.” Asked about her favorite high
school memories, she had this to say, “I think I have loved the simple things the most in high school. Study sessions with my favorite group, late night Sonic runs, Waffle House trips, lots of football and basketball games, and all the times spent talking in the car for hours with my closest friends. The people who I have spent my time with in high school are the ones who have given me the best memories—ones that I’ll never forget.” Abigail’s studious side has earned her quite a few honors along the way, some of which include: • National Honor Society • Science National Honor Society • Mu Alpha Theta • Rho Kappa • Spanish Honor Society • Art Honor Society • National English Honor Society • Most Valuable Student in honors English, honors geometry, honors world history and honors biology (2017) • Most Valuable Student in honors algebra II with trigonometry, honors chemistry, health, photography, and honors Spanish III (2018) • Most Outstanding Student in honors pre-calculus (2019) • Alabama All-State Cross Country Team (2017).
Abigail plans to attend Auburn University and major in chemical engineering. “I want to work in the food and drug side of chemical engineering, working to create safer, healthier products.” We asked her thoughts on the Covid-19 global pandemic. “While this pandemic has drastically changed my life in the present, it has yet to destroy the goals and hopes I have for my future. I know that I still have the power to achieve great things down the road, despite my current circumstances. In the past few months we have been forced by this pandemic to slow down our otherwise busy lives. People have had time to get the sleep, exercise, nutrition, and the self care they need. I hope moving forward, people will continue to take the time to slow down occasionally and give themselves rest and attention while spending time with their families.” We asked her feelings about all the racial strife afflicting our nation today. “I am both angered and hurt by the racial injustices happening right now in our country. We were all made by the same Creator, and
are called to love one another, not hate. There is no room in modern society for racism or hatred, so we must do better as individuals and as a society to enact change.” We asked our covaledictorian her thoughts on the biggest problem we face today as a nation and what her solution would be? “I believe the biggest problem we face today as a nation is division. It exists everywhere you look and in every aspect—divisions of gender, race, politics, and intellect. Now I realize this is a big issue to tackle, and it certainly can’t be solved with one quick step. A problem like this requires many small, but progressive steps. It all starts with perspective, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. If you can understand the viewpoint of another, then unity and compromise can begin to happen, resulting in the destruction of division.” Abigail is the daughter of Amy Ford. Hats off to one of Helena High School’s best and brightest from its Class of 2020—covaledictorian Abigail Ford. We offer you our very best wishes for a bright, happy and succeesful future!
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Meet Helena High School’s other Class of 2020 covaledictorian The other covaledictorian of Helena High’s Class of 2020 is Christian Vansant. Christian is a lifelong resident of Helena, attending Helena schools from day one. Christian says he played on an amateur Frisbee team for a couple of years, but mainly pursued scholarly endeavors for his extra curriculars, including being on “Destination Imagination” team for two years in middle school, on the math team as a senior in high school and a member of the History Club. Asked about his favorite memories from high school, Christian said that his favorite memories tend to be those that involve having fun with friends outside of school. “I love getting to see theater performances. I love the inside jokes me and my friends create, and I think my favorite memory is going to Dave and Buster’s with all my friends and just messing around for a few hours.” Christian set himself apart his senior year when he aced his ACT scoring a perfect 36. He earned the following recognitions while a student at Helena High School: Mu Alpha
Christian Vansant
Theta, Math Honors Society (2017-present), Spanish Honors Society (2017-present), National Honors Society (2017-present), AP Computer Science School Award, and AP Scholar with Distinction Award. He is also the Math Team Captain (2019-present), and a member of both the History Club (2019-present) and the Space Club (2019-present). Christian also distinguished himself by constructing permanent exercise stations in a local park, served as a volunteer for Helena Elementary’s Spring Fling 20172019 and offered unpaid tutoring for math, chemistry and Spanish during his high school years. Christian plans to further advance his academic skills at the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) this fall where he plans to work towards a BS in Computer Science. “Hopefully, I can find some clubs to join, and I’ll be as active socially as I can. I hope to get an internship next summer as well.” “The pandemic has changed how I see the world in the moment, but I don’t think it’s really changed my outlook for the future at all. Not much has really changed for me; I’ve just
42 Late Summer 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
been inside a whole lot more. Although it is seeming to have a negative impact on many things (psychological, economical, sociological) I actually think it may make people more aware of illnesses and act as an impetus to get people to make an effort to keep themselves healthy and the places they go clean. Also, I think it’ll probably bring people closer together after the pandemic is over because we’ve been away from one another for so long.” Asked about the divisions in our nation today, Christian had this to say: “I don’t want our nation divided, but there are injustices to the black community that can’t be ignored. I think the recent pandemic has worsened the situation but it’s always been there, and we need to act strongly to keep it away. Killer Mike just recently made a speech about the subject, and I agree with him on most of his points, but he says it much better than I could. He encourages the people to hold mayors, chiefs, and new prosecutors accountable and work on changing the system that allows these injustices to happen. Here’s the link to that speech https:// youtu.be/kSWasOhArfM. I
think the biggest problem in our nation is our stubbornness and unwillingness to accept one another. Although we have political, cultural, and ideological differences and it’s completely ludicrous to force everyone to have the same ideals, we can still see each other as humans that are all simply looking to better our society. Why not look for things we can agree on rather than constantly fighting about what we disagree on? I’m not saying it isn’t natural or important to debate, and of course people need to have values, but when the majority of Americans believe in climate change, why not come together to do something? When the majority of Americans recognize the injustices happening right now, why not use our democratic power to vote in new prosecutors, mayors, chiefs, and deputy chiefs? So, essentially the way to solve our stubbornness is to find what we agree on and work hard on keeping those values that we share on the main stage in America.” Christian is the son of Amy Schilleci and Steven Vanzant. Hats off to covaledictorian Christian Vansant and best wishes for a bright and successful future!
“Although we lost the final nine weeks of high school, I am very grateful that we were able to gather together one final time to rejoice in our accomplishments and our success.”
Meet Helena High School’s Class of 2020 Salutatorian
Luke Dixon
The Salutatorian for Helena High School’s Class of 2020 is Luke Dixon. Luke says he has lived in Helena for a little over four years now. “I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. I moved to Oregon when I was 11. I lived there for three years, and I moved to Helena in the 8th grade when I was 14. I went to Hood River Middle school in Oregon for the majority of my middle school education, and I finished off 8th grade at Helena Middle school. I went to high school at Helena High for all four years except for half of one semester in sophomore year, which was taken at Brookwood High school in Georgia.” Asked what extracurriculars Luke participated in, he said, “I tried out a few different sports. I played baseball for many years when I was very young. I also ran track and played basketball, but not for very long.” Asked about his favorite memories from his time at Helena High, he had this to say:
“I enjoyed football and basketball game nights. I also enjoyed meeting new people, because Helena was a new community for me throughout high school. I also really enjoyed almost every teacher that I had throughout the past four years.” Luke was named to the following while at Helena High School: Math, English, Science, History, Spanish, and National Honor Societies, as well as earning the title of salutatorian. Luke said that he plans to attend Auburn University and plans on majoring in architecture. He says the current global pandemic has not changed his outlook on the future, but it has changed his outlook on life as a whole. “It has changed my priorities, and has allowed me to consider my health and the health of others more than I had in the past. I think many positives can come from this pandemic. I believe that this pandemic can alter the rules and regulations in many jobs. The health of employees and
customers should be of higher priority. I also believe that this pandemic has uncovered the possibilities of disease in the world, and if something similar happens in the future, we will be more prepared to face it and protect as many people as we can.” “I believe that the changes that people of the Black Lives Matter movement are protesting for are not things that anyone should have to fight for. These rights should have been given to them long ago. I believe that everyone deserves the same treatment, and that we as a nation should unite together to create peace and unity for all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, or anything that people believe divide us. I believe that our nation has been
divided. We may be the United States of America, but we are not working as a whole to fix the things that we need to fix. I believe that the problems in the world would be fixed much quicker without the hate and the division that separate the people. Luke is the son of Kim Dixon and Beth Welch. wBest wishes to Luke as he pursues his dreams at the collegiate level and beyond!
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2nd CHANCE DANCE Helena Hollow hosts dance for Helena High School students
2nd Chance Dance is a big hit!
Missing their regularly scheduled prom because of safer-at-home orders issued in an effort to atten the curve of Covid-19 infections, these high school juniors and seniors were ready to let their hair down. The students missed a lot this year, and for the seniors, there is no going back. We were there with our camera to catch some of the smiles that seemed to grow larger as the night went on. Even the June 5th rain couldn’t dampen their spirits.
Everyone agrees, the Party Barn at Helena Hollow is the best place in town to get together with friends and have a party. Best wishes to all our Helena students, and particularly, the Class of 2020 who were congratulated by covaledictorian Abigail Ford, at graduation — “You just pulled off the longest skip day ever!”
Laurice Ransom, R.N., clockwise from above left: With members of the famed FDNY; on the bus with her coworkers; and in her assigned unit at Coney Island Hospital.
Laurice Ransom, R.N. From Helena to New York City “I felt a calling to go there. It’s why I became a nurse in the first place, to help ease the suffering of others.” Laurice Ransom lost her mother to colorectal cancer as a high school senior. She remembers a very special nurse who made quite an impact on her mother’s care during those dark days, and this became the driving inspiration behind Laurice’s choice to become a nurse. She decided then and there that she’d like to make that kind of difference in the lives of others, too. Today, Laurice, or “Reese,” as she is known to family and friends, works as an R.N. at Brookwood Shelby Medical Center in Alabaster. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, and as the nation watched the horrors unfold in cities across the country, the tragic scenes of desparation in New York seemed to call out to her. After much prayer, Laurice
decided to offer her services to the place she felt was most in need, the overrun hospitals in New York City. She flew there and arrived March 18, at a time when the city found itself ravaged by the insidious virus. “The City of New York assigned each of the health care workers who had come to offer their services a hotel room, a hospital and unit, and a shift we’d work our entire stay,” she said. (The city took over a total of three hotels to house and feed the workers.) Laurice was assigned to an intensive care unit at a hospital in Brooklyn and was put on the 6:30pm-7:30am shift. She said there were over 2,000 doctors and nurses from outside New York working in hospitals there. After a brutal month of seeing the worst this devastating virus had to offer,
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Laurice arrived back home April 20th, and after being quarantined for an additional two weeks and testing negative twice for the virus, she was prayerfully reunited with her family in Helena. “I give all the glory to God and my prayer warriors back home,” said Laurice, adding that some of them were “mad prayer warriors,” because they did not want her to go in the first place. “But I felt a calling to go there,” she said. “It’s why I became a nurse in the first place, to help ease the suffering of others.” We asked Laurice if the situation there in New York was as bad as it looked on television. “Even worse,” she said. “People were dying all around my unit. My shifts included filling lots of body bags. I think the least we had to die in our unit was
nine in one night and the highest was 23 in a single shift. This is the stuff nightmares are made of. I’ve never seen anything like it, and pray I never do again. Several of my coworkers fell ill while I was there, and one of them lost their life to the disease.” After Laurice left New York, a doctor she had worked with committed suicide after dealing day-in and day-out with the tragedy and after having survived Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, herself. “She was from New York,” said Laurice. “I think that being from there, she just couldn’t see an end to it. I had Helena and a family to come home to, but living there as she did, there wasn’t an end in sight in her mind at that time to escape the terrible nightmare in which she lived.”
Laurice at home with three of her five children, l-r: Lauren, Jonas and Josiah Laurice wanted to thank everyone in Helena who prayed for her while she was in New York, and wanted to offer a few speical thanks to the many who helped with her children still living at home while she was serving her country in New York City: “I would like to thank Jennifer Sellers for being an amazing first grade teacher to Jonas, Helena Middle School for working with me countless hours to bring me up to speed with regards to the unexpected online learning. I’d like to offer a special thanks to Shawn Kendall, instructor at the middle school, as well for having patience with me. Thanks also to Josiah’s Helena High School boys basketball team for preparing meals and bringing them to my kids. Special thanks to Yosha Blankley, Catina Gay, Melissa Fitts, Ginger Pierce, Michael Jackson and Ashley Marshall. Also, my neighbor Polly and my ENTIRE subdivision for consistently checking on my babies and bringing them Easter dinner; my sisters, Marika Covington, Marquita Covington and Dimetria Kelley for being the BEST AUNTIES EVER; my cousins for consistently praying and checking on me in our group chat; my cousin, Robbie Ransom, for providing for my kids’ needs; and so many of my friends that I cannot begin to name and most importantly, my Dad, Larry Wilson, for be THE BEST GRANDDAD EVER!
We asked Laurice if she had done anything special besides wearing protective gear, which was provided by the City of New York, to protect herself from the contagion. “A lot of prayer,” she said. “I tried to eat a nutritious diet to keep my immune system strong and took extra Vitamin C and Echinacea.” Echinacea is an herbal supplement thought to bolster one’s immune system. “I also made sure to stay super hydrated at all times,” said. Staying well hydrated helps one’s natural defenses in fighting off infection. “And of course, I wore all the protective gear I could get my hands on. I washed my hands at every opportunity and made sure not to touch my face.” We went on to ask Laurice her thoughts on so many people around
here not paying attention to CDC guidelines—wearing masks, gloves, social distancing and the like, and she offered this: “It’s kind of like when a doctor prescribes a patient a course of antibiotics and they take them for a day or so, then stop taking them because they feel better, but before the invasive bugs that caused the infection in the first place are totally eliminated. A reoccurrence can occur and sometimes with a vengeance. We have sheltered in place for a time and we feel like everything is back to normal. Some may think that ‘Hey, we are okay. We are strong, and Covid-19 is not something we need to worry about.’ Let me assure you, this virus is still out there just waiting for a receptive host. We have not encountered the worse case scenario
here, and I pray that we don’t. But people going out without protecting themselves and in turn exposing others that they come in contact with are just asking for trouble, in my opinion. I would recommend that everybody cover every orifice when they go out in public settings and obey CDC guidelines about hand washing and not touching their face. Wash your hands often, and be especially extra sure you wash them after you’ve finished shopping.” “Many people are under the impression that if they don’t have a fever, they are not able to pass this virus to others, but this virus is far different than others. There are carriers who might exhibit no symptoms whatsoever. But they can pass it on to others whose immune systems, for
whatever reason, are not that strong against this virus,” said Laurice. Laurice Ransom is the mother of five children, three of which are still at home, and one of which recently graduated in the Helena High School Class of 2020, featured in this edition, Josiah, 18. Lauren is a 13-yearold student at Helena Middle School, and Jonas is 6 and attends Helena Elementary. We’d like to thank Laurice for taking the time to share some of her experiences with us, and thank her and all health care workers for their service in our nation’s time of need. We’d also like to thank Laurice for the valuable advice from one who has served on the front lines in this war against the wnovel coronavirus pandemic. Welcome home, Reese!
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