Helena City News, Fall Edition 2019 by Dave Smith

Helena City News Serving the City of Helena and the surrounding area

Fall 2019

Your 2019 Helena High School Homecoming Queen

MISS ALLISON TANNER INSIDE THIS EDITION:

HELENA HUSKIES WIN REGION 5 CHAMPIONSHIP! Earn home berth for first round of State 6A Playoffs. Let’s pack Husky Stadium!

BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULES INSIDE

Let’s fill the gymnasium and make Helena a tough place for opponents to play!

MEET HELENA’S OLDEST LIVING WWII VETERAN, KENNETH MULLINS A salute to a member of our greatest generation before Veteran’s Day in November.

www.MyHelenaCityNews.com / www.CityofHelena.org

FROM THE MAYOR Greetings to all! Fall has arrived, and we are excited to see that the Helena High School Football team is off to a great start this year and has seen record high numbers of fans turning out to support the program. Coach Busby and his staff continue to do a great job with these young athletes and have made great improvements in just his second season at HHS, and the upgrades to the field surface and track are beautiful. Our band, cheerleaders, and student section are the absolute best. I must say that the Helena High School Band is one of the best marching bands I have ever listened to. I hope you will all continue to help me support the program and all the school activities at HHS and HES, HIS and HMS as well, it really does make a positive difference in our community. I would like to bring to your attention some very important resolutions that the City Council recently has or will soon approve. September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we also recognize October as Breast Cancer awareness month. The resolutions support two very important awareness events, and I hope you will continue to support research to help find a cure for these ter-

rible diseases. Dyslexia Awareness Month will also be on the list as well and a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the Magic Moments organization for their work helping children and families who are fighting serious illnesses enjoy a special event that they could not otherwise enjoy while battling serious health issues. This October also brings in a new budget year for the City of Helena as we look at funding and improving services that are provided for our citizens. In the last budget year, the city enjoyed a slight increase in tax revenues, and we expect that trend to continue. I appreciate the department heads’ and the city council’s efforts and hard work each year to work out the best spending plan possible with the revenues that we have available. Now on to recently approved projects: Turn lane modifications will begin in the very near future at the Highway 261/52 side of that intersection for a new retail development where Chick-Fil-A intends to build. The development will have other small retail shops on the 7-acre tract as well. This new development, in the heart of the new business district, will be a great boost for the city’s tax revenues which is much needed to help provide services and improvements for our community. USX is also back working on new previ-

MAYOR Mark R. Hall

CITY COUNCIL Hal Woodman, Council President Laura Joseph, Pro Tempore Leigh Hulsey Alice Lobell Brian Puckett 2 Late Summer 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

ously approved retail plans near Hillsboro and 52. The plans have been in place for many years, but the economy was not conducive to construction until the recent upswing. The plans also include a park that would be a great addition to that area of the city. The addition of these projects will help Helena stay on a solid financial footing so that revenues continue to be enough to support our city services. I was very excited to be notified by Senator Cam Ward that the Hwy 261 lane additions are set to begin in 2021. The 36-million-dollar project will be a great example

of cooperation between ALDOT, local cities, and the county to see that commuters get some long overdue relief along this section of the state highway. I will keep you posted on the progress. And finally, please remember to please shop Helena businesses first as your tax dollars are used wisely to help support local schools and all our city services. Thank you for helping me make Helena the best it can be! Wishing you a blessed and safe fall season,

Mark

Proud of this group of Husky senior football players! Friday Night Lights for Helena ﬁnds the stands jam packed with fans, none bigger than Mayor Mark Hall, shown here with Coach Richie Busby and seniors after they clinched the 6A Region 5 Championship, beating Jackson-Olin 49-21. The win guarantees the Huskies a spot in the state playoffs and gives them a home berth for the ﬁrst round. With two regular season games left at presstime, we wish this tough Husky squad all the best the rest of the way, and as always, GO HUSKIES!!!

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!!!

2019 Alabama 6A Region 5 Champs!!!

Your Helena Huskies are Alabama’s Class 6A Region 5 Champions! Friday, October 18th played out the way most prognosticators predicted, with the Huskies rolling over a young Jackson-Olin Mustang squad by the score of 49-21. The game was never in doubt, as the Huskies scored at will behind its big, experience-laden offensive line, either with QB Luke Stamba throwing to one of his sticky handed receivers, running it himself, or handing it to #20, Marquis Johnson or one of the other fleet-footed running backs, like #26 Kobe Hughes. Except for two scores against its reserves, who took over in the final half of the 4th quarter, the stout Husky defense gave up only one

touchdown over the first three and a half quarters of play. “Just a great night for our team, seniors, coaches and our community,” said Head Coach and Athletic Director, Richie Busby. “Super proud of these seniors and coaches for turning this program around so fast. All the hours of hard work have paid off for these guys.” With the big win over the Mustangs, the Huskies improve to 7-1 on the season; its lone loss coming from a currently undefeated Hueytown team. The win clinches not only the Class 6A Region 5 Championship for the Huskies, but also assures them of a home

*See complete game photos on the Helena City News Facebook page! berth in the first round of the state playoffs. As this goes to press, Helena is set to host its closest rival October 25, when the Pelham Panthers come to town for our local version of the Iron Bowl. It is also Senior Night for the Huskies, who recognize a senior class ripe with talent and poised to make a run at the state championship after finishing with an away game at Calera November 1st which wraps up the Huskies’ regular season. Buckle up Husky fans—let’s enjoy watching this bunch of Huskies the rest of the way and congratulate them on their new Class 6A Region 5 Crown!

Clutch receiver #16 Antonio Ruiz pulls down a catch in the end zone from #13, QB Luke Stamba

Helena Huskies—2019 Class 6A Region 5 Champions!

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Ms. Addie turns 102 at Maplewood Lane Assisted Living in Helena! Members of the Helena Teen Council visited Maplewood Lane Assisted Living, located at the entrance to Joe Tucker Park last month to wish a very Happy Birthday to one of its residents, 102-year-

old Ms. Addie Taylor. The Teen Council was well represented for the event. The teens were joined in the birthday celebration by one of their sponsors, Kristi Scozzaro and the Helena City Council liaison to the

teen council, Alice Lobell. Alice presented a beautiful bluebird painting which she had painted as a special gift for Ms. Taylor, who seemed in awe of the painting and the special birthday cards each

member of the teen council made and presented her, each with heartfelt sentiments written inside them. Kudos to a bunch of great Helena kids and their sponsors for such a genuine display of human kindness!

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Helena salutes 2nd Lieutenant Aaron McIver “I grew up with my dad in the Navy and then the Air Force. He was very strict and always talked about the military when I was growing up.” This was 2nd Lieutenant Aaron McIver’s answer to our question, “At what point did you decide that the military might be right for you?” Aaron earned an appointment to the Military Academy at West Point and graduated from there May 25, 2019. Aaron said he had taken three years of ROTC at Pelham High School before transferring to the newly opened Helena High School for his senior year, where he became a member of the Huskies’ first graduating class in May of 2015. “I looked at other colleges, UAB and Georgia Tech among them, and I interviewed with the ROTC program at Georgia State University. I have an uncle who is a major who works in that program.” He asked me, “Why go to school on an ROTC scholarship when, with your dad a military man, you could apply to West Point.” “So I decided to go through that whole process, which was very rigorous. When I arrived at West Point for a visit, officials there let me know right away that I had a scholarship,” said Aaron. 8 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Aaron said the three people he admires most are his dad, Anthony McIver, Will Smith and President Barack Obama. “My dad taught me how to be a man; respectful and hard working. Will Smith was my childhood hero. He is just a great person. I watch a lot of his inspirational videos. He has a super competitive personality that I admire, and he is competitive in everything he does. He said that even in a gym on a treadmill, either the guy next to you is going to beat you or die trying, because you are never going to give up, never going to quit. And finally, I was in the 6th grade when President Obama was elected, and I was living in a small California town outside Bakersfield. The demographics there were mainly white and Hispanic people, with very few blacks. I was in the gifted program there and the only black guy. There were only two black families in the entire school, and I remember that most everybody was against Obama. My parents made me read up on his background though. Here was a black man who was not given a chance to win, and he had just won the election to become President of the United States of America. I remember a speech he gave to young black people to always

believe in their dreams. I think I always thought that being a military officer would be my ultimate, but President Obama inspired me to reach much higher than this. So who knows what the future holds? You’ve heard the phrase, ’Tell God your plans and he‘ll laugh at you,’” he chuckled. We asked Aaron how he ended up in Helena to begin with, and he told us his family moved to Helena the summer before his 9th grade year when his dad was transferred from his job in St. Louis. “My first three years living in Helena, I went to Pelham High School and played on the basketball team. I was a peer helper, and competed on the debate team before Helena had its own high school. I was excited to transfer to Helena and graduate from there when it opened though. Having been raised mainly on the West coast, I didn’t know what to think about moving to Alabama at first. But in Helena, we found nice people. The people there are great for the most part. I lived next door to the mayor and cut he and Mrs. Hall’s grass during the summer. I also worked at True Value Hardware for Daniel Barron while I lived there. I really enjoyed all the Southern hospitality.” Asking him again in his heart of

hearts what he thought he’d like to do once his military commitment was up, Aaron again reminded me of what God thinks about our plans when we make them ahead of time, but said that he could either go the business route or possibly consider getting into politics, maybe running for Congress or something if the right opportunity presented itself. ”My commitment to the Army is for 8 years after graduation, after which I should be a Major,” he said. “And then I’ll probably try and narrow in on my future career plans.” Aaron is currently in the Basic Officer Training Course at Fort Sills, Oklahoma, and he will move to his first duty station in December at Fort Lewis in Washington, near Seattle. Aaron said his dad is now a biomedical engineer living in Lilburn, Georgia with his mom, Beatrice, who works as a physician’s assistant at the VA Hospital in Atlanta. Both must surely be proud of their son, 2nd Lieutenant Aaron McIver, as he graduates West Point and begins his military career. I know I speak for all of Helena when I say, “we are proud of you, too, Aaron, and wish you all the best that life has to offer you in the years to come!

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HHS Coach Scott Lowery

takes on new role as Head Softball Coach Stepping into his new role as head coach of the softball program at Helena High School is Scott Lowery. Coach Lowery brings over 17 years of coaching experience to the Helena softball program including serving as an assistant coach for the team last season. Coming from Riverchase Middle School, Scott and his wife, 10 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Caroline, have two young daughters: Gretchen, 6, and Blakely, 2. As Lowery transitions into his new role, he is hopeful that the student-athletes’ work ethic and positive attitudes will serve as great examples for his daughters. Scott began his career playing baseball and football at HewittTrussville High School. He then

went on to continue his baseball career at Jefferson State Community College before finishing at The University of Montevallo (UM). After graduating, Scott began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at UM. When asked why he wanted to coach, Coach Lowery attributed his passion for his chosen career to his father and later, his high school coach, Jack Wood. “They continuously encouraged me and my work ethic and made my efforts feel important. They made a difference in me, and I wanted the opportunity to do that for somebody else one day,” said Lowery. Lowery is excited to work with the talented group of ladies who made it to the Alabama State Championship Tournament last season. That team only lost three seniors from last year and will gain some talented incoming freshman from the 2019 Southern Conference Championship team at Helena Middle School. Coach Lowery

has plans to balance out the talent on the field and has a goal of leading the program to its first ever AHSAA 6A Softball Crown. During our interview, Scott proudly displayed one ring he has already won with the Baseball program at Pelham High School in his first year as an assistant coach there. His philosophy for coaching is “love and hard work—love what you do and work to get what you want.” Scott plans have a positive influence on not only the Lady Huskies, but also as an assistant varsity football coach and as the strength and conditioning Coach at Helena High School. While the bar has already been set high for the Huskies Softball Program, Coach Scott Lowery seeks to exceed all expectations and take the team to the next level. Good luck next season, Coach, and as always, Go Huskies!

New eye doctor in town! Helena Vision Care welcomes Dr. Aimee Poirer to their optometry practice. Call to schedule an eye exam at (205) 664-7577. Helena, help us welcome Dr. Aimee Poirier to the community. Aimee is a new optometrist on staff for Helena Vision Care on Highway 17, just a couple of blocks south of the junction of CR 58 and Hwy 17. Growing up in the heart of Hoover, Aimee stayed in state for college and attended Auburn University for her undergraduate degree. She then finished her schooling at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Optometry program. In her free time, Aimee says really enjoys playing beach volleyball and spending time with her husband and three girls. Aimee and her husband, Wallace, have been married for six

years, and they are really looking forward to spending more time in Helena. Aimee says she has known Dr. Jamie Reid for years. They worked together previously and are excited to have that opportunity again. Jamie says, “We are excited to have Aimee with us. She is a great addition to our family care atmosphere.” Helena Eye Care provides eye care to patients of all ages. Aimee says she is excited to have the opportunity to work in such a family-friendly practice and have the opportunity to watch as some of her younger patients grow up. Welcome to Helena, Dr. Aimee!

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South

Diesel and Automotive Repair BC stands for ‘Because of Christ.’ It’s to honor the tremendous outpouring of Christian love and generosity that our family experienced while we underwent the greatest struggle of our life.” www.bcsouthda.com

BC South — (205) 230-7306 (To cut out and put on the fridge) Many of you already know Brian Edmonds and the special service business he operates. The rest of you, at least the ones who drive cars or trucks, will want to know him, too. Brian owns BC South Diesel and Automotive Repair. Based in Helena, Brian does not own a garage. Instead, he offers a mobile repair service. That’s right, this mechanic who learned all about how to fix automobiles from his father, Charles, a mechanic for Stockham Pipes and Valves when Brian was growing up learned all he could from his dad. “He taught me just about everything I know,” said Brian, who also spent 15 years working as a diesel mechanic himself for Averitt Express before life interfered. Brian had met his wife, Amy, on a blind date. Amy, a Graysville resident then, had a friend who knew them both and thought that they should meet. “I took her to my favorite Mexican restaurant at the time, Guadalajara’s in Hoover. “I worked night shift for Averitt back then, 11-7, but she didn’t know it. She always tells people I just pushed her out of the car when our date was over,” he laughed. “But what she didn’t know was I was about to be late for work!” It all worked out though, and the couple 14 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

were married about a year later. “Hoover was just a nighmare for us,” said Brian. “Too much going on in too small a space for us, so we moved to Laurel Woods in Helena and have not looked back,” said Brian, himself a Hoover native. Fast forward 14 years, and today Brian and Amy are the parents of two children: Jalie, 9, plays flag football in Alabaster and enjoys art and drawing and Parker, 7. Parker was diagnosed at three months of age with HLH, a rare form of blood cancer often misdiagnosed as Leukemia with often tragic consequences as a result. Parker and the Edmonds basically lived at Children’s for two years as the medical professionals there battled Parker’s disease. “Neither my wife or I qualified to be a bone marrow donor after being genetically tested, so Parker went on the donor registry. An “angel” by the name of Tara Jolley from Washington, D.C. became the marrow donor that saved our son’s life,” said Brian. Two bone marrow transplants and seven years later, you would never know Parker had been sick as an infant. “Spending so much time at Children’s gave us a new appreciation for the families with children on life-saving treatment regimens there. Some have happy

outcomes, and sometimes you arrive at the hospital only to find an empty bed where a sick child rested only the day before. “People sometimes ask why I named my mobile car repair business BC South, and I am proud to tell them that the BC stands for ‘Because of Christ,’ he shared, “It’s to honor the tremendous outpouring of Christian love and generosity that our family experienced while we underwent the greatest struggle of our life,” he said. “The love we were shown while we didn’t know if our child was going to live or die was something that we as parents will never forget, and we work every day to bring awareness to others who find themselves in roles similar to the one we played. Going through something like that definitely reaffirms your faith.” Today, Parker enjoys drawing like his big sister, Jalie, but really likes to get dirty with dad when he is outside working on cars. “He loves Hot Wheels, too,” said Brian. Brian, a skilled mechanic who grew up in the business, will work on your car where it is most convenient for you—at your place or whereever you are. Case in point, my daughter called me a few weeks back. She was pulling through Jack’s to get a biscuit

on her way to work when all the lights started going crazy on her dash and her car died. She called me, and I called Brian. A friend had passed along his card to me. He was there in Jack’s parking lot with me in about an hour. He quickly diagnosed the problem as a bad alternator, went to get the parts from across the street at O’Reilly Auto Parts and within another 30 minutes or so, the car was ready to go. The cost was about the same or less than what a garage would have charged, and we were happily on our way. “No repair is too small or large,” said Brian, “but we typically limit our business to repairs and don’t do things like oil changes unless it is in addition to a repair.” Brian does all sorts of repairs, from tranmission problems to A/C and heater work. All repairs performed by BC South carry a 12-month warranty on parts and installation (when parts are supplied by Brian and except for normal wear issues). Brian’s number is (205) 230-7306. (Tear it out and put it on the fridge.) He is open 7 days a week from 7am-6pm, and you can visit his website at: www.bcsouthda.com. Give him a call the next time you find yourself with an ailing vehicle, and sit back as he works his BC South magic!

Left: James Thomson shown after his swearing-in ceremony with wife, Kelly and daughters Isla, left and Vanna. Middle: James as a teen in South Africa with another tournament victory, and right, the family celebrated James’s most recent milestone with a trip to the beach, where youngest daughter, Isla, got to see the ocean for the ﬁrst time. She is seen here burying big sister, Vanna, in the sand.

Helena’s James Thomson earns his U.S. citizenship In October, 2007, a young golf professional in South Africa was given the opportunity to see the world and work in some of the most elite golf clubs the U.S. has to offer. Immediately after winning the largest Pro Am in South Africa, 24-year-old James Thomson boarded a plane and headed to Florida. It has been said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy planning.” Such is the case with James, who decided to make his home in Pelham after marrying Helena native, Kelly Smith, May 23 of 2009. James, a PGA card holder in South Africa, received his U.S. PGA certification in March, 2012.

Despite having to start over, doing seasonal work and cleaning golf carts, James said that he had his eyes set on getting back to doing what he loves most—teaching and playing the game of golf. James currently works as a PGA professional in Birmingham. In his off time, you might find him playing at the Oak Mountain golf course where his friend, Benny Smallwood, recently retired from running the course or working in the wood shop he has in his basement, where he creates beautiful furniture for his family and for wife Kelly’s River and Cape Montessori School.

James, who goes by the nickname “Vleis,” comes by the sport honestly. His dad, John Thomson, is the recently retired general manager of Parow Golf Club in Capetown, South Africa. “He’s played since he was a wee lad,” said his mom, Susie. “It’s like he was born with a golf club in his hands,” she laughed. Much has happened in the seven years since James earned his U.S. PGA certification: the couple bought a house in Helena’s Dearing Downs community and Kelly started River and Cape Montessori in the old building that used to house Meadowlark Farms restaurant and later The

Cates House. The couple has two daughters: Savanna James, 6, and Isla Gray, 2. This past August 21, James earned another milestone of which his entire family is proud—he became Helena’s newest U.S. citizen, joining a group of fellow immigrants from around the world pledging allegiance to the United States of America. The group watched a moving video where the President welcomed the group of freshly minted U.S. citizens to their new country. Please join us in welcoming Helena’s James Thomson to the land of the free and the home of the brave!

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Joseph Roberto and Ty Stricklin—Little League World Series Champions Helena athletes Joseph Roberto and Ty Stricklin were on the 13U team that went undefeated this summer to win the 2019 Little League Intermediate (50/70) World Series Champtionship. The team was invited to play in the Southeastern Regional tournament in Curnersville, North Carolina as regular season Alabama State Champions. After continuing their undeafeated streak at that tournament, they hoped on a

plane to Livermore, California, to compete in the World Series. The boys swept through the tournament to take that title, too. The team, which is based out of McCalla, is only the 3rd American team to win this world series title. The players enjoyed meeting and spending time with players from all over the world including the team from Mexico, who they played and beat 9-5. Little League took care of the boys while they

were in California, rewarding them for their accomplishments. The team recieved new equipment, uniforms, banners, medals, and tickets to an Oakland A’s game. The Southeast All-Stars played with Helena residents Joseph Roberto, the son of Joey and Joelle Roberto. Joseph is a life long resident of Helena and enjoys not only baseball, but is also a star on the gridiron playing on the undefeated (as this goes to press)

Helena Middle School team as a linebacker, running back and quarterback. Ty Stricklin is the son of Randy and Ashley Stricklin. They have lived in Helena for about six years. Outside of baseball, Ty really enjoys fishing and hunting. Congratulatuions to these two fine baseball players. We look forward to following their athletic careers as they continue to grow and develop!

Field of Angels—Helena Middle School and High School cheerleaders join members of last year’s HMS baseball team to help out with a memorymaking day for some special athletes On Saturday, September 7th, Helena Middle School and Helena High School cheerleaders and members of last year’s Helena Middle School baseball team, participated in Field of Angels. This is the 10th year for Calera to host this fall baseball league for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Coach Trent Posey, Helena Middle School baseball coach, is also the coach for one of the Angel teams. Students played baseball with the special athletes, ran with them around the bases and cheered them around every one. It was an incredible experience for everyone involved! (Oh, and if #8 looks familiar, that’s Joseph Roberto from the story above this. Our guess is that you’ll be hearing lots more from him in the years to come.) 16 Fall 2019 / 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 Dixie Youth recognized Helena youth baseball founders Ken- Kenneth poses with his surviing siblings in this photo from the neth Mullins, Keith Campbell and others in the mid 1990s. 1970s.

Kenneth Mullins

Kenneth Mullins at home with the love of his life, the late Irene Simmons Mullins.

Salute to Kenneth Mullins—Helena’s oldest WWII veteran As far as we know, Kenneth Mullins is Helena’s oldest World War II veteran at the age of 92. His story started on February 7, 1927, but his ancestors were pioneers in the development of this area. His great grandfather, John Walter Davidson, was one of the men who first surveyed Helena. His grandfather, C.T. Davidson, helped with the building of Buck Creek Dam, had the town’s cotton gin, and built both the city’s electrical power plant and its telephone exchange. Kenneth’s father, Luther C. Mullins, helped build the original Helena Middle School (K-6) and opened Mullin’s grocery in downtown Helena and kept it running through the Great Depression. Kenneth is the fourth of six children born to Luther and Nellie Mullins. Tragically, one of his older brothers, Alfred, died at the age of 10. Kenneth remembers the tornado that destroyed their house here in 1933. He said a neighbor came and pulled a wall off of him and his father just in time 18 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

for them to make it out. In 1944, when Kenneth was just 17-years-old, he was walking down the streets of what is now Old Town Helena when Irene Simmons, an elementary school teacher, spotted him and soon “took him off the market,” as Kenneth put it. Kenneth was drafted into the Army before he could finish high school. While in basic training in Tyler, Texas, the Kenneth and Irene got married before he was sent off to Japan for the last 13 months of WWII. While Kenneth was away, Irene kept her teaching job at the elementary school until eventually transferring to Thompson Elementary, where she retired in 1980. Mullins remembers growing up in his father’s grocery; enjoying it so much that he took over around 1953. Eventually he built a new building for the growing business (which you might recognize today as Southeastern Butcher Supply). Two years after taking over his father’s grocery, Kenneth

helped found Helena’s Volunteer Fire Department. He became its first Fire Chief in 1956 and held that position for the next 16 years. As if Kenneth didn’t have enough on his plate, he also was a co-founder and coach of Helena’s first Dixie Youth baseball team about 1961. With only about a dozen kids signed up to play that year, they had more fun than they had wins. But years later and with hundreds of children participating in the current iteration of youth baseball here, the program he started for youth in Helena is deemed a success by all today. Kenneth’s children participated in the sport. Son Phillip now lives near Corpus Christi, Texas, and Kevin lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Kenneth’s friend, the late Keith Campbell, was the other co-founder of the youth baseball program here and became a partner in Mullins grocery in 1965. Kenneth kept his store open until 1983 when he decided to retire.

Retirement consisted of golf, church groups and dancing with his late wife. The two of them competed in several local and out-of-town square dance showcases. Mullins says, “I have really enjoyed square dancing since I was about 14 years old.” In his golden years, he enjoys sitting on his back porch and gazing out over the picturesque lake behind his home. Irene, a graduate of the University of Montevallo (then known as Alabama College), enjoyed writing history books and playing piano. Irene passed in 2015 and is now laid to rest in Helena Cumberland Cemetery. This family has played key roles in Helena’s history, and we thank Kenneth for all the richness we enjoy today in Helena thanks to many of the foundation blocks that were laid by him and members of his family. And in the lead up to Veteran’s Day next month, our hats are off to Kenneth Mullins, along with our heart felt thanks for his service to our nation during WWII.

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To Creekwater and Creekview Estates: 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, Creek Water Estates on right. 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.

POWDER PUFF GAME, PARADE

& COMMUNITY PEP RALLY Powder Puff football games are annual homecoming traditions and pit junior girls against senior girls for the next 12 months’ bragging rights. The boys are the cheerleaders here and made up of two ‘skin teams.’ The guys also serve as the coaching staffs for each team. The game was played the day before homecoming at a hot and sunny Husky Stadium. We thought we spotted an ESPN drone flying above the stadium as if to record the day for a future edition of 30 for 30 or one of Tom Rinaldi’s pieces about girls in football, but alas, it was just Brian Pope playing with his new aerial camera. Anyway, the 2019 Edition of the game was dominated by the seniors, though the juniors did flash at times. The senior girls prevailed, however, 3 touchdowns to 1 (who keeps traditional scoring in a powder puff game? Pfffft. Shown here are a few photos from the girls’ big game. There are also some photos from Helena’s Homecoming Parade featuring lots of student built floats, smiles and hometown spirit. The parade flowed into a packed stadium Thursday afternoon and evening for a big community-wide pep rally. It was a great buildup to Friday night’s big event, the presentation of the school’s 2019-2020 Homecoming Queen and Court. And then of course, the Homecoming game itself, a lopsided affair which saw the Huskies roll up a 61-10 victory over SouthsideGadsden. Exactly the right prescription for a homecoming game—everybody did their part and the week went off without a hitch. Enjoy the photos and be sure to visit the Helena City News Facebook page and like it to see lots more pictures from events written about here. As always, Go Huskies!

Homecoming Parade pics

Community Pep Rally starts

(See lots more pics on Helena City News Facebook page!)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULAR WEEKLY/BIWEEKLY EVENTS

MONDAYS Police Explorers, Explorer Training Facility, 4:00-7:00PM 9th -Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 10th - Helena Utility Board meeting, Community Services Bldg, 5:00pm Fire Explorers, Station 2, 5:00PM 16th - Helena Elementary 5K Christmas Parties TUESDAYS Kiwanis Club of Helena, Helena Senior Citizens Bldg, each 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday, 7:00AM, For more info, 17th - Helena Elementary 1st Grade Christmas Parties visit kiwanisclubofhelena.com 18th - Helena Elementary 2nd Grade Christmas Parties Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM 19th - Helena Elementary Polar Express Day Helena Lions Club meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday, - Shelby Co. Schools dismiss at 1:00pm (HIS 12:45pm) Helena Senior Citizens Bldg, 7:00PM, Visit Helena - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm Lions Club Facebook page for more info - Cheer on Helena’s own Tara Pennington, reigning Miss Alabama, THURSDAYS Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM compete LIVE in the Miss America competition on NBC at 7:00pm 20th - Shelby Co. Schools–Teacher Workday–NO Students - Shelby Co. Schools–Christmas Holidays Dec. 20-Jan. 6 25th - Helena vs Pelham* (Senior Night), Husky Stadium, Kickoff 7:00pm 21st - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 5:00-9:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 26th - Gospel Recording Artist Sanchez Tanniehill Book Signing, 23rd - NO City Council Meeting Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00am-2:00pm 24th - Christmas Eve–Municipal Offices & Library Closed 28th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm Santek will run as usual - Helena Intermediate Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 28-Nov. 1) 31st - Halloween–Please drive slowly and watch for little goblins 25th - Christmas Day–Municipal Offices & Library Closed NO garbage collection: Santek will run one day behind rest of week 31st - New Year’s Eve–Municipal Offices & Library Closed Santek will run as usual 3rd - Daylight Savings Time ends, Fall back one hour 5th - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 am, for meeting site visit hbahelena.com or their Facebook page 11th - Veterans Day–Municipal Offices, Shelby Co. Schools & Library Closed Santek will run as usual - No City Council Meeting 12th - Helena Utility Board meeting, Community Services Bldg, 5:00pm 14th - Book Bingo @ 6pm, Jane Holmes Library 16th - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 5:00-9:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 21st - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 23rd - 1st Annual HAA Diamond Club Car Show, HHS, 8:00am-2:00pm 25th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm - Shelby Co. Schools–Thanksgiving Break November 25-29 28th - Thanksgiving Day–Municipal Offices & Library Closed Nov. 28-30 NO garbage collection: Santek will run one day behind rest of week

october

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3rd - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 am, for meeting site visit hbahelena.com or their Facebook page 4th - Helena Elementary Santa Pics 5th - Helena Intermediate Helena Harmonies, 6:30pm 7th - 49th Annual Christmas Parade, “A Christmas Toy Shoppe, 1:00pm Forms available at www.cityofhelena.org

22 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Miss Emma Cunningham

Miss Macie Flynn

Miss Maggie Gunter

Husky Homecoming Court 2] 019

Miss Jordan Hunter

Freshman Attendants Miss Emma Cunningham, escorted by her father, David Cunningham Miss Macie Flynn, escorted by her father, Brad Flynn Miss Sadie Henderson, escorted by her father, Ross Henderson

Sophomore Attendants Miss Sadie Henderson

Miss Kaylee Armstrong, escorted by her father, Chase Armstrong Miss Tori North, escorted by her father, Robert North. Miss Maddie Ware, escorted by her father, Scott Ware.

Miss Jillian Daugherty

Junior Attendants

Miss Daisy Capps, escorted by her stepfather, Anthony Regina Miss Maggie Gunter, escorted by her father, Jason Gunter Miss Jordyn Hunter, escorted by her father, Bill Hunter Miss Keylee Armstrong

Miss Tori North

Miss Maddie Ware

Miss Daisy Capps

Senior Attendants

Miss Jillian Daugherty, escorted by her father, Michael Daugherty Miss Cayleigh Isbell-Granger, escorted by her brothers, Brodie and Brett IsbellGranger Miss Lillian Lowery, escorted tonight by her father, Patrick Lowery Miss Alaina Pitts, escorted by her father, Tim Pitts Miss Allison Tanner, escorted by her father, Dean Tanner And the 2019 Helena High School Homecoming Queen is… Miss Allison Tanner! Allison is the Student Body President and a Helena High School Ambassador. She is involved with Peer Helpers and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. She is a member of the Spanish Club and multiple other honors organizations. Allison is a member of the Cross Country and Track Teams. She leads a girls small group at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church where she is also a Mustard Seeds Program Volunteer. After graduation, Allison plans to pursue a degree in business marketing while competing for the track and field team at either Mississippi State University or Samford University. Congratulations to Miss Allison Tanner! To assist Principal April Brand with the crowning of the 2019 Homecoming Queen was the Mayor of Helena, Mark Hall and Helena High School’s 2018 Homecoming Queen, Miss Anna Grace Walley. Anna Grace is a freshman at Jacksonville State University. And to top it all off, the football team showed out, topping its opponent for the evening, Southside-Gadsden, in blowout fashion with a score of 61-10. It’s always a great day to be a Husky, but on this Homecoming night, it just seemed extra special!

Miss Cayleigh Isbell-Granger

Miss Lillain Lowery

Miss Alaina Pitts

Miss Allison Tanner

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Fall is on its way, and it is a great time to visit the library. Stop by to get a library card, update your information, or to see what is new. As the days get shorter, you will be ready to explore new books, movies, magazines, or any of our other material. The library is constantly adding items and updating the collection. Speaking of new items, check with the library staff to find out about placing items on hold from home or here at the library. Your library card gives you FREE access to items from ALL Shelby County Libraries, and reserving them is a simple process. You will receive a text message or e-mail when your item is ready. As you read this, the library will have celebrated with Alabama as our State turns 200! We have received some great new items, had neat informational displays and giveaways, and hosted some fun and informative events as a part of this program. Special thanks to the

0 Census is Don’t forget that the 202lby County is She here and IMPORTANT! NE to parstrongly encouraging EVERYO pe Your Sha . sus Cen 0 202 ticipate in the 0! 202 sus Cen Future: United States

10-7 Thursday -5 0 1 Friday 10-2 Saturday losed. C Sunday come to trick or treat! Event: Wear a costume or just Oct 28 4-6:30 pm Halloween

Alabama Bicentennial Commission for including our City and Library as part of the celebration. Speaking of thanking people, the library would like to thank the Farmer’s Market Committee, its leadership and volunteers for helping the library set up a space to let people know about the services we provide. It was fun to visit and see our local farmers, vendors, and, of course, the people of our town! The Friends of the Library look forward to this event each year, and we appreciate their help volunteering at the event. If you are interested in joining The Friends of the Library, please call Daniel Dearing at the library: 205-664-8308 or email ddearing@shelbycounty-al.org It is a fun way to support the library and The City of Helena. Stay tuned to our website and the Friends of the Helena Library Facebook Page for updates and new events!

New! FICTION: The Institute - Stephen King The Titan Secret - Clive Cussler Your Battles Belong to the Lord - Joyce Meyer The Girl Behind the Red Rope - Ted and Rachelle Dekker Christmas in Winter Hill - Melody Carlson The Timepiece - Beverly Lewis Cut and Run - Fern Michaels Killer Instinct - James Patterson Vendetta in Death - J.D. Robb Dark Side - Danielle Steel Beneath the Attic - V.C. Andrews Russian Account - Stephen Coonts Contraband - Stuart Woods

NON-FICTION: Unfreedom of the Press - Mark R. Levin The Second Mountain - David Brooks Your Battles Belong to The Lord - Joyce Meyer What Color is Your Parachute 2020 Richard Bolles The British Are Coming - Rick Atkinson Songs of America - John Meacham &

Tim McGraw Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem - Daniel R. Day

OUR NEWEST MOVIES: Avengers: End Game – Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans Aladdin – Will Smith, Mena Massoud John Wick 3 – Keanu Reeves True Detective: Season 3: Mahershala Ali Young Sheldon: Season 2: Ian Armitage MIB International – Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson Godzilla: King of Monsters – Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown Secret Life of Pets 2 – Animated Descendants 3 – China Anne McClain, Dave Cameron

NEW MUSIC: Rocketman: The Soundtrack Bruce Springsteen: Western Stars Essential Elvis Presly Now That’s What I Call Yacht Rock! Taylor Swift: Lover

205-664-8308 • Visit us @ www.cityofhelena.org

Helena Intermediate ‘Pig’torial Helena Intermediate School hosted their 2019 Coin Drop last month with the a goal of raising $25,000. The final count was $27,005.34 and the kids were rewarded with some ‘PDA’ (Pig Display of Affection) by administration, coaches, and SRA on September 25. The students named the 6-week-old piglets Oreo and Peppa. You can see them this fall season by visitng the Old Baker Farm in Harpersville.

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Lee Lee’s Petal Cart: A story of faith Ten years ago Lee Lee Gaissert would have laughed at the thought of owning her own flower shop. But God had a plan for her that she couldn’t yet see. She started making door wreaths for friends and as her orders grew, she started selling them on the Facebook Marketplace. Her daughter Kayla was attending the University of Alabama and also started selling wreaths in Tuscaloosa. When Kayla finished school, Lee Lee asked her if she would be interested in going into business together and opening a brick and mortar store. The two took a leap of faith and opened The Petal Cart in August, 2015 in Pelham near the bowling alley. They started out with silk flowers only, but in a few months became a full service florist. The Petal Cart stayed in Pelham for three years, but when the lease was up, they felt it was the perfect opportunity to move to Old Town Helena. The location of their dreams had become available, and they jumped

at the opportunity. In September 2018, they opened in their current location in the heart of Old Town Helena. Lee Lee said they felt love and support from the Helena community from the first day they arrived. She found her fellow business owners to be caring and the customers wonderful. The new location, with all of its character and charm, was just what they wanted, and they were even able to build a walk-in cooler. Customers enjoyed the ability to use the unique cooler to walk in and pick out their own fresh single stem flowers to make their arrangement or have the Petal Cart do it for them. The Petal Cart became a regular at Helena Market Days where customers kept coming back for their beautiful mason jar arrangements. They adopted a beloved dog mascot, Ellie Mae, who loved to greet customers and bring joy to everyone. Lee Lee and Kayla’s special bond grew even closer as they learned more about their flourishing business. Lee Lee

says she loved watching Kayla grow and mature into a beautiful young woman with lots of business sense. Business was booming and everything seemed to be going great. With the growing business, Lee Lee found herself stretched. She was working 12-15 hour days, not eating healthy and not taking care of herself. She put her own health on the back burner while taking care of the needs of the business. When she started to feel some discomfort in her leg, she didn’t think much of it. With the amount of work she was doing, she thought she had just pulled a muscle. She pushed through the discomfort and continued to work at the same frenzied pace. The pain continued, but Lee Lee just thought it was because she wasn’t off her feet long enough for a pulled muscle to heal. On April 8, 2019, Lee Lee’s life changed in the blink of an eye. While out shopping, she tripped and could not get up. Lee Lee knew something was wrong. An ambulance was called, and she was taken to the hospital. On arrival, the x-ray showed a broken hip but it showed a tumor there as well. Lee Lee was shocked and confused as the doctors started to talk to her about cancer. She says she feels fortunate to have been accepted as a patient by one of the best orthopedic oncologist groups in the world, and they are right here in Alabama. The doctor quickly worked to figure out a plan to repair Lee Lee’s hip and devise a treatment plan for the cancer. On April 10th, Lee Lee had surgeries to remove the tumor and perform a total hip replacement. After the surgery, scans showed that Lee Lee actually had lung cancer that had metastasized. Lee Lee was again shocked, as she had had no prior symptoms of lung cancer. The next challenge she faced was where to receive treatment for the cancer and how quickly she could get into a program. She had a customer who knew about Lee Lee’s diagnosis and was able to help her get an appointment within a couple of days. Lee Lee was able to

start treatment for one spot on her lung and 3 spots on her liver right away with chemo treatments and immunotherapy. With six treatments behind her, Lee Lee’s cancer is now retreating, she says. The chemo and immunotherapy treatments are working! The cancer that was in the bone of her hip is now gone with the total hip replacement. The spot on her lung is 1/3 the size it was and of the three spots on her liver, only one remains and it has shrunk by 50 percent. Lee Lee says she can feel the hand of God in her journey. She feels breaking her hip was a blessing; she would not have found the cancer soon enough without it. She feels that God led her to open the store in Helena and put the right people in her path to receive the right treatment for her cancer. Lee Lee’s faith in God is stronger than her fear of cancer. She says she knows God can cure. Lee Lee quotes Psalm 118:17 “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” She has faith that she will be healed completely. Lee Lee says she wants people to see how good God is and be amazed at the work He has done. She wants people to “never doubt God’s ability to heal.” Today, Lee Lee has a thankful heart and says she is full of peace. The outpouring of love and support from the Helena community has been overwhelming, according to Lee Lee. Area businesses and residents alike stepped up and helped her in every way possible. She wants them to know that there is not enough thanks and love to give back to them for their awe-inspiring support. Lee Lee gives God the glory and praise for everything He has done. She knows that whatever comes her way in the future; God has her in His hands. Amen, Lee Lee, Amen!

Howlin’ with the Huskies at Beef O’ Brady’s Tuesday, August 27, APH Radio hosted “Howlin’ with the Huskies” at Helena’s Beef O’Brady’s, and we were there with our cameras to chronicle the event held just after the season opening win vs McAdory. Coaches and players took turns on stage behind APH radio mics and went over film from the previous Friday night’s big win. The cheerleaders were also on hand to greet fans, and a couple of them took a turn at the mic, as well. Coaches and players are at Beef O’Brady’s each Tuesday at 6:30pm after a Friday game. All fans are invited to come out and watch the coaches and players as they analyze the previous week’s game.

Three more members of the Helena Huskies 2017 6A State Champion Baseball team are also playing college ball Brooks Brophy Brooks Brophy was a closer in the championship series for the Huskies in 2017 and he also played 3rd base. Now a junior at UAH, Brooks finds himself on the mound exclusively for the Chargers. Brooks says he loves Huntsville and lives with three of his teammates in a house about 500 feet from campus. He is a biology major, and says he is planning a career as an orthopedic surgeon. He takes the MCAT in May and plans to apply to as many medical programs as possible once he gets that out of the way. Brooks is the son of Cindy and E.J. Brophy and has one sister, Bailey, who is a senior this year at Helena High School. Brooks Tolbert Brooks is a pitcher these days at Snead State Community College in Boaz, and he rooms with John Stephen Heacock, a lifelong friend who was also a member of the 2017 Husky State Championship baseball team. Brooks is majoring in civil engineering and has job shadowed some people working in the field. He says he’ll probably apply with some of the utility companies or an engineering firm after graduation. Brooks says he 28 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

enjoys eating the great burgers at the Boaz Cafe. “They’re not quite as good as the Depot’s, but it’s close,” he said. Brooks is the son of Brent and April Tolbert of Helena. John Stephen (SJ) Heacock “When I was in 7th grade, my friend Brooks Tolbert told me ‘SJ’ sounded better than ‘JS’ and it just stuck,” said SJ, explaining his nickname. SJ committed to the Snead State Parsons in August, 2018, and is now practicing, working out and playing fall ball with them as a middle infielder. “Living in Boaz, a small town, was not a hard adjustment coming from Helena,” said SJ. His favorite place to eat there is the Subway inside Walmart. “It’s my go-to spot when I’m wanting something to eat,” he says. SJ is the son of Forrest and Anne Heacock who have moved to Oxford to be nearer to SJ and also their place on Lake Logan Martin. Best of luck to these three young men as they continue to chase their dreams, and remember, all of you have a city full of fans here in Helena!

Introducing your Helena Belles, 2019-2020

Freshman**

Abby Berish Allie Graydon Allie Rae Anderson Anna Kate Sellers Avery Drew Emma Cunningham Hailey Schwartz

Madi Reese Lagle Madison Morris Maggie Dillahunty++ Payton Reed Sadie Henderson Stella Reynolds Victoria Bunham

Sophomores

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

WELCOME

CO-DIRECTORS OF THE HELENA BELLES

Anna Marie Chapman Stacey Franklin INVOCATION

STUDENT PASTOR, THE STATION CHURCH

Tim Hess

OPENING REMARKS CITY OF HELENA, MAYOR

Mark Hall

GUEST SPEAKER MISS ALABAMA and Former Helena Belle

Tiara Pennington

PRESENTATION OF THE BELLES HELENA CITY COUNCIL, PLACE 3

Alice Lobell

CLOSING FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE

Abigail Viola Addie Holcomb Alexis Browne Ashlyn Collett Ava Carson Charlie Ann McKinney** Gracie Arnold Grayson Barnett Holly Hamaker

Justice Bullock Kate Hawes Katie Glawson ** Lauren Scarborough Lexie Gregory** Macey Martin** Maddie Gordinier++ Madison McLaughlin ** Sarah Jessica Stogner

Juniors

Addie Weathers++ Carrington Romanick Emi Reed Emma Bjornstad++ Emma Grace Franklin++

Jada Kennedy ** Mary Carol Dassau Meagan Ingram Morgan Sanders Olivia Beland **

Abbey Hess Abigail Traweek Ana Watters Caitlin Pannell Cameron Pannell++ Caroline Cook++ Gia Sarris++ Lauren Lancaster Madelynn Tuech

Madison Chapman++ Madison Corley Madison Davenport Megan Oakes Melina Dichiara Molly Dillahunty Payton Medeiros Samantha Robinson

Seniors

** New Belle

Officer

photo courtesy of adam short, ambient-exposure-photography TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Fall 2019

Helena High School GIRLS BASKETBALL 2019-2020 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

SITE

Nov. 27

Central Tuscaloosa Tip Off

Away

Nov. 12

Homewood

Nov. 15

Helena High School BOYS BASKETBALL 2019-2020 SCHEDULE

VARSITY

DATE

OPPONENT

SITE

VARSITY

TBA

Nov. 14

McAdory

Home

7:30

Away