Helena City News, Fall Edition 2019

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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Never lose Hope!

“You can’t choose how you’re born or where you’re born, but you can choose the future you have,” says Hope Hodges, the 2018 and 2019 recipient of the Miss Wheelchair scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to impressive women in wheelchairs demonstrating good character, maintaining a good GPA, and volunteering experience here in Alabama. The scholarship is given through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Hope is the kind-hearted and inspiring daughter of Tony and Wendy Hodges and is a lifelong resident of Helena. She is the eldest of triplets with her younger (as she often reminds them) brothers, Payne and Spencer, both currently attending Troy University. They were in the Helena graduating class

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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.

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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

november

december

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!

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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.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Fall 2019

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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

29

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

6:00

Nov. 15

Chilton County

Away

7:30

Chilton County

Away

6:00

Nov. 19

Oak Mountain

Home

7:30

Nov. 19

Oak Mountain

Home

6:00

Nov. 21

Clay-Chalkville

Away

7:30

Nov. 21

Clay-Chalkville

Away

6:00

Nov. 25-27

Vestavia Thanksgiving Tournament

Away

TBA

Nov. 25-27

Northridge Thanksgiving Tournament Away

TBA

Dec. 2

Thompson

Home

7:30

Dec. 2

Thompson

Home

6:00

Dec. 3

Vestavia

Away

7:30

Dec. 3

Vestavia

Away

6:00

Dec. 5

Hueytown

Home

7:30

Dec. 5

Hueytown

Home

6:00

Dec. 9

Chilton County

Home

7:30

Dec. 9

Chilton

Home

6:00

Dec. 10

McAdory

Away

7:30

Dec. 10

McAdory

Away

6:00

Dec. 12

Clay-Chalkville

Home

7:30

Dec. 12

Clay-Chalkville

Home

6:00

Dec. 18-20

Childersburg Christmas Invitational

Away

TBA

Dec. 27-30

Oak Mountain Christmas Tournament Away

TBA

Dec. 26-31

Freeport-Sandestin Shootout

Destin, FL

TBA

Jan. 3

Mortimer Jordan

Away

5:30

Jan. 3

Mortimer Jordan

Away

7:30

Jan. 7

Calera*

Away

6:00

Jan. 7

Calera*

Away

7:30

Jan. 10

Pelham*

Away

7:30

Jan. 10

Pelham*

Away

6:00

Jan. 14

Chelsea*

Home

7:30

Jan. 14

Chelsea*

Home

6:00

Jan. 17

Calera*

Home

7:30

Jan. 17

Calera*

Home

6:00

Jan. 21

Pelham*

Home

7:30

Jan. 21

Pelham*

Home

6:00

Jan. 24

Chelsea*

Away

7:30

Jan. 24

Chelsea*

Away

6:00

Jan. 28

Thompson

Away

7:30

Jan. 28

Thompson

Away

6:00

Jan. 31

Oak Mountain

Away

7:30

Jan. 31

Oak Mountain

Away

6:00

Feb. 4-7

Area Tournament

TBD

TBA

Alabama Youth Ballet Company 250 MULLINS DRIVE • HELENA, ALABAMA 35080

Interested in being part of Stevan Grebel’s production of The Nutcracker this year?

Call or text: (205) 210-9401 for more information.

Husky Day 2019 Saturday, August 17, was a scorcher on the thermometer, but was a day of celebration to start the new school year and upcoming fall sporting events in the city. The day kicked off with an opportunity to get a signature from members of the varsity football team. Soon after we were introduced to all the fall middle school sports teams including softball, volleyball, track and field and more.

The middle school, junior varsity, and varsity football teams played thirty minute

scrimmages to give us a little taste of things to come this season. Near the end of the evening, we heard the Helena High School band and saw performances by the middle school and high school dance teams and cheerleaders. The nightcap was a concert by McAbee’s Garage Band.

Hats off to all the participants and from the looks of results on the field this fall, Husky Day 2019 heralded bright days ahead for Husky Nation!!

Future looks bright with Helena Teen Council!

Teen Council is an organization to help young members of the community actively build civic, knowledge, and leadership skills for their future. They also help bridge a link between the cities youth and adults. This program holds the students to a greater standard by requiring a certain GPA and several hours of community service.

Senior Davis Humphrey says, “Serving on the Helena Teen Council is beneficial to any high school student because it shows them step by step how the community works and functions. By being on the council you are a chosen leader

in the commmunity; along with that you are given the opportunity to play a part in serving the community over and over again, which allows numberous local events to thrive. “This program is sponsored by “Ms. Alice” Lobell, a retired longtime educator at Helena Elementary School and a member of the Helena City Council.

Helena Teen Council is seen serving around the community through various avenues including helping to decorate floats for the annual Christmas Parade, working the Mountain Dew cart for Helena’s Fourth of July celebration, volun-

teering to help raise money for Helena Miracle League and visiting the local retirement home (as seen in pictures here and on page 6 where the council held a birthday party for a 102-year-old resident). They also take an annual trip to Montgomery and have been given the opportunity to talk to State Senator Cam Ward and State Representative Matt Fridy. Matthew Gudino said, “Visiting Montgomery, our state capital, was my fondest memory.

We learned how our state government is organized, how they vote on bills, and learned the history of our state being so close to the 200th

anniversary of joining the union.”

Students like Anna Kathryn who aspires to attend the University of Mississppi to major in exercise science with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy are good people to look up to. There have been several teen council graduates to on to do great things including the current Miss Alabama, Tiara Pennington, who will compete in the Miss America Pageant this December.

If you or your child is interested in joining this organization, they can fill out an application on the city’s website at CityofHelena.org.

Contact me for details and availability of mini sessions!

Rachael Lyn Photography FALL MINI SESSIONS: $50 for 20 min. sessions November 3rd in Montevallo RachaelLynPhotographyAL

32 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

rachaellynphotos rachaellynphotography@yahoo.com

Long Shot: The man who inspired the movie talks to Helena High School students Kevin Atlas Laue spoke to the students at Helena High School just after school started, and issued them a challenge to make a difference. Kevin is a dynamic and inspirational speaker.

When you first see Kevin you notice that his left arm ends right below the elbow. At birth, Kevin’s umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and his arm, cutting off circulation to that arm.

He lost his arm but his arm saved his life by relieving the pressure from his neck. Kevin claims “God’s got jokes.” He calls his arm his “nub” and encourages others to own what makes them unique as well.

Kevin faced many challenges as a child. His parents divorced, and Kevin had to spend long hours in

daycare while his parents worked.

In third grade, Kevin was unable to read and was diagnosed with both ADHD and dyslexia. He also had a speech deficiency and was color blind. He went through counseling and anger management. In Kevin’s words, “I was the worst kid in town.” His father died of cancer when he was 10, and Kevin said he felt broken.

In 7th grade, Kevin was 6’4” and tried out for his school’s basketball team. The coach cut him from the team because he claimed, “basketball is a two-arm sport.”

Kevin felt defeated, but another team called and offered him a spot on their team. He learned to use his short arm to his advantage while playing defense. That coach changed Kevin’s perspective on

his arm. He explains, “We all have something we cannot change about ourselves. Learn to own it and love it. Own yourself and love yourself so others can accept and love you, too.”

Kevin went on to be the star basketball player for his high school. A coach encouraged him to change his habits and routines in order to play at the collegiate level. He was challenged to look beyond himself and appreciate others. His actions started a trend at his school. The small act of giving three compliments a day led to a much greater movement.

In his senior year, Kevin broke his leg and fell into a deep depression. After being bedridden for weeks, Kevin returned to school to find support from two friends

that he had encouraged before.

He claims they saved his life by being the inspiration he needed at the time.

Kevin is the first one-handed recipient of a Division I college scholarship for basketball. He attended and played basketball for Manhattan College and graduated in three years as an honor student.

Today Kevin has joined with Varsity Brands to encourage others.

He has spoken to hundreds of thousands of students all over the world and inspired and elevated them. Kevin worked with Varsity Brands on the film series, Believe In You, to tell the stories of other inspirational people.

Oh, and he has a movie out about his life (pic below) now streaming on Hulu.

31

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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

LT Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager USN; US Navy Hospital (Balboa)-Physician’s Asst., San Diego, CA; 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

2019 Varsity—top row, l-r: Maddie Rasmussen, Stella Reynolds, Brianna Wilson, Mia Johnson, Emily Crowe, and Ann Marie Stanbridge. Bottom row, l-r: KK Wilson, Izyriah Kenney, and Jenna Winter

Husky Volleyball team 2019 Edition Husky Supporter: Dr. Priscila Denny and OAK MOUNTAIN ORTHODONTICS

Helena Husky athletics depends on its sponsors to do much of the work it does to develop, equip and promote Helena athletes each year to keep them competing at the highest levels. One of these just happens to also be a sponsor of this magazine, Dr. Priscila Denny of Oak Mountain Orthodontics, and we’d like this opportunity to thank her and ALL the Huskies’ sponsors for their generosity again this year.

Seen above are a few ‘fan pics’ taken recently at Husky Editions of Friday Night Lights. These are snapshots of Dr. Denny with a few of her satisfied Husky patients. We could only show a few of her ‘stars’ here, but they make up a smattering of the various sports and also band operations that Dr. Denny’s and others’ donations help support. One very special patient was there each Friday, but was out on the field playing football and unable to pose for a picture. (So we took one to use as you can see below.) If you appreciate the big smile on #20 Marquis Johnson’s face each time he breaks through the defensive line or crosses the goal line for another Husky touchdown, just know that the ‘movie star smile’ on his face was created by Dr. Priscila Denny, his orthodontist!

August 23 kicked off the fall season for your Helena Huskies’ volleyball team. The team came into this season with the loss of nine seniors, four of which continued on to play in college. With the loss of so many experienced players, many new leaders have stepped into a leadership role.

One in particular is Jenna Winter, the 2019 squad’s only senior. While the team is young, Coach Amanda Lewis says, “We have such a dynamic group of girls. They work so hard and have improved tremendously since the start of the season. I’m encouraged by their progress and development.”

Coach Lewis has been the Hus-

Studio shot by Bryan Pope

kies only head coach for the six seasons Helena High School has been in session. She has led her teams to four Regional appearances and two Elite 8 appearances.

Along with her assistant coach, DeLeisa Lowery, the coaches have confidence in their team to push through weak expectations and find success on the other side.

With competitive rivals in the same conference, Pelham and Chelsea are thought to be the biggest outs for the Huskies this year. The three of them will fight to move on to the regional round which only takes two teams per conference.

Good luck the rest of the way, girls, and Go Huskies!!!

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Fall 2019

37

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.

Attend the Church of Your Choice This Sunday!

2035 Highway 58; Helena, AL 205-663-0111 www.helenaumc.org

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

www.AlabasterSmiles.com No representation is made that the quality of dental services provided is greater than those provided by other dentists.

38 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Bowling for a Miracle A couple months ago, local friends, businesses, churches and civic organizations came together for the second annual Bowling for a Miracle fund raiser. The event benefiting the Helena Miracle League Field was held at Oak Mountain Lanes in Pelham. Recording artist and Helena Miracle League Ambassador, Bo Bice, opened the event by singing the national anthem. Recording artist Jessica Meuse and Halle Nolan, Mike Dubberly of WBRC Fox 6 News and Shannon Stevens greeted attendees and bowled with Miracle League players. The Miracle League players enjoyed bowling with friends and family members.

Helena Miracle League founder, Mary Chambliss, had the idea to start the league to provide children and adults of all abilities a chance to play baseball. The future field, to be built in Helena, will feature a special rubberized surface that will be custom designed for Miracle League players. The field, parking lot and bathrooms will all be built to accommodate the needs of the players and ensure that every player has an opportunity to participate.

The Helena Miracle League organization is in the process of raising one million dollars to build the

Miracle League field in Joe Tucker Park. The City of Helena led the way by donating the land to build the field. This year, over $17,000 was raised during the bowling fund raiser and silent auction. If you would like to donate to the cause, you can go to the league’s Facebook page, Helena Miracle League or at www.helenamiracleleague.com and click the donate button. Donations may also be mailed to Helena Miracle League at P.O. Box 17, Helena, AL 35080.

Mary would like to thank everyone who made the fund raiser event a success. Among many who made the day successful were its organizers, Donna and Greg Arcara, Oak Mountain Lanes, all the groups and businesses who sponsored a lane and came out to bowl, Helena City Council members and the celebrity guests who spent their afternoon bringing joy to others.

The Miracle League is always looking for new players and volunteers. Players ages 2 and up can participate and do not have to be Helena residents. To participate, please email Mary at helenamiracles@hotmail.com. Look for the League in December wrapping Christmas presents at the Helena Senior Center to raise money. Please consider using them this year,

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Renea Spear, owner of Brown Sugar Desserts by Renea, has always had a love for baking. Like most little girls, she began baking in her Easy Bake Oven, with her granddaddy as her number one customer! It wasn’t until she was an adult, however, that Renea realized baking sweet treats didn’t just give her great joy; Renea realized her baking talent was a gift from God. Renea founded her business with this thought in mind: “Find a

40 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” What started out as making a cake or pie for family, friends or co-workers had grown so much that in 2017, she made the decision to follow her passion full-time. After finding one location in Helena to sell her baked goods, things just didn’t work out, but on her way to church one day, Renea and her husband, John, noticed a For Lease sign in her current location’s window, and they discovered it would suit their needs

perfectly. Renea and John did a lot of the remodeling themselves and opened for business August 12, 2019. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held August 31st with Mayor Mark Hall and several council members in attendance along with friends, family and hungry sweet lovers there to buy some treats.

Since Brown Sugar Desserts

by Renea opens bright and early at 6:30am Tuesday-Friday, patrons can start their day with the wonderful smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls, muffins, croissants and pigs in blankets to enjoy with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee. The shop also offers an assortment of sweet treats: cakes by the slice, cheesecake by the slice, whole cakes, muffins, cinnamon rolls and homemade cookies.

If you have an idea for an extravagant specialty cake, contact Renea and let her help make your

idea a reality—she is a master decorator as well as a baker.

Some of Renea’s most popular desserts include Red Velvet Cheesecake, Strawberry Shortcake and Deep Dish Peach Cobbler.

“There’s a little piece of my heart in every dessert I create, and I will forever desire to share it with the world! If I can satisfy your sweet tooth and make you smile along the way, I feel accomplished,” said Renea. “We believe the best things in life are sweet, so we aim to provide that sweetness in every bite of one of our homemade, delicious desserts!”

Whether you’re looking for a treat to compliment your Sunday dinner or an over-the-top birthday cake design, Renea says she would like to be a part of the occasion. Contact her with your request and she’ll satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!

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PeeWee Football: HELENA STYLE We took our camera out to watch a couple of Helena youth league football games last month. This evening’s slate included the Husky 1st and 2nd Grade teams vs Vestavia Hills and the 4th Grade team vs Chelsea.

It is always so much fun watching the youngest guys, as two coaches on each team stay on the field to align the players before each play. The scene can become somewhat frenzied as they attempt to put the little ones in place. In this night’s contest, you got the sense early on that the last team to possess the ball with meaningful time left on the clock might win this one, and that idea played out true to form, as the Huskies took the lead late, but leaving 1:30 or thereabouts on the

clock was all it took for Vestavia to reclaim the advantage and make the trip home with a W on their schedule.

It was quite another case with the 4th grade team, though.

The Huskies scored early and often in their battle against Chelsea. It was 37-8 Huskies at the half, and having another appointment to get to, we had to leave early, but suffice it to say the Huskies won in a romp.

The youth league plays their games mainly on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. The atmosphere is lively and good natured and it’s a cheap night out to watch and support our youth league football teams and cheer squads. Home games are played at the Helena Sports Complex. Go Huskies!

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Helena Metalworx—Helena artisan creating ageless designs Joey Doss is a skilled metal sculptor who works in a garage behind his home without the benefit of air conditioning. It’s a hot environment in summer, but it doesn’t deter Joey from filling custom orders for a wide range of variations he makes from old glider patterns year round. “Most of the old gliders you see still around were the three-seat sofa variety,” Joey said. “But I adapted the idea to create a chair glider which has become my best seller.”

Joey says he started out rebuilding old muscle cars. “I’d buy them, fix them up and sell them for a profit. I built my own powder coating system to paint them with and did that for a few years before purchasing a plasma table recently and starting to experiment with cutting designs into sheets of metal. A friend 42 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

saw what I was doing, and from that, I got a contract to build all new benches and trash cans for the Summit Shopping Center on Hwy 280,” he said.

“On a whim, I did a glider for a customer, and before you know it, people were bringing me their old gliders to refinish. I decided to try to build one from scratch for myself, and the plasma table allows me to cut out all kinds of designs in the metal. I built my own jigs for turning the metal and began selling the gliders to people who saw them at arts and craft fairs, and such.”

Joey can create most any design someone might be looking for. A recent order found Joey building a sofa glider for a former Marine with all the USMC symbols cut into it. The customer was very pleased with the way it turned

out, Joey reported.

Joey’s creations are not limited to furniture, either. As seen in the plaques he is holding in his picture above left, he can cut out nearly any design a customer might want. His plasma table is connected to a computer where his designs originate, and he can then apply a variety of finishes to the metal.

The plaques he holds are cutouts of the State of Alabama: one commemorates HELENA Buck Creek Festival 2019 and the other celebrates the city he grew up in, Helena, Alabama, Est. 1877.

About the only thing limiting what Joey can create are his customers’ imaginations, said a friend who owns a glider chair built by Joey and Helena Metalworx. “He is a true artist when it comes to metals.”

Joey founded Helena Metalworx in July, 2018, and says his business grows a little more with each sale as friends of his customers see his products and want something built for themselves.

Joey has a son, Carson, who is 13 and a daughter, Kynlee, 7. As a small business owner, word of mouth has been his best source for work, he said.

Give Joey a call if you need anything made from metal refinished, have an idea for something you’d like him to create for you or if you would like a couple of his beautiful gliders to put on your porch. (They make outstanding gifts!) He is very reasonable—his glider chairs sell for about $250 depending on designs and finishes selected.

Joey can be reached by telephone at (205) 872-3340.

Shelby County Composite Mountain Bike Team Join now in time for the fall preseason The Shelby County Composite Mountain Bike Team is a 22-member team comprised of 6th through 12th grade students from Shelby County. Current members are from Helena, Chelsea, Alabaster and Coosa Valley Academy. The Shelby County Composite MTB team competes at a statewide level under the Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League. The Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League was started in Alabama four years ago with just four students. Now the state has 30 teams stretching from Huntsville to Gulf Shores with about 500 students participating.

They are under the leadership of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). The five core principles that NICA integrates into the program are: inclusivity, equality, strong body, strong mind, and strong character. With the support of local volunteer coaches and sponsors, they provide a high quality youth development program that fulfills their mission of getting more kids on bikes.

The Shelby County Composite MTB team is lead by Director, Larry Garner, Head Coach, Danny Sullivan, Assistant Coach

Communications, Jason Ruha and Assistant Coach Ride Leader, Dennis Creighton. Coaches are screened and extensively trained on mountain biking as well as safety and first aid. Their goal for the team is to teach beginners safe riding practices, an understanding of the sport and to give them a fun and challenging cycling experience. The goal for the intermediate and advanced riders is to advance in racing categories and increase in proficiency.

Their mission is to get more kids outside riding bikes with less time in front of the television and on video games. They teach skills that promote lifelong mental and physical health.

The commitment to inclusivity, equality, and character development can be seen throughout the organization. Unlike some organized school sports, everyone participates all the time with mountain biking. Each student is competing on an individual level.

Some students enjoy competing while others enjoy riding. The coaches respect the choices of the students by telling them “You do you!” The mountain biking team is comprised of both male and female athletes. The coaches feel

this adds a richer dynamic to the team when they are all working together. Mountain biking instills confidence. Students are coached to learn how to overcome obstacles on the trail like facing a challenging uphill ride, or crossing streams. These skills can be applied to real life obstacles.

The team utilizes state and community parks. They practice at Oak Mountain State Park, Cahaba River Park, Tannehill State Park and take spin classes at the Shelby County Branch of the YMCA in Pelham. The trails selected for practices and for races are all planned trails that are designed for riders of all levels.

The mountain biking year is divided into a pre-season, a regular race season and an off-season.

The pre-season starts in October with registration, workshops and clinics. The regular season starts in December with regular weekly training. The regular race season starts in March with five races per season.

Teams are made up of students in a geographical area or school.

If five or more students from a particular high school compete, then they must compete as a team for that school. At

that point the high school can sponsor the team. Many teams in the area have developed into high school sponsored teams as they have grown in membership.

Shelby County Composite MTB team is open to all 6th – 12th grade Shelby county students that do not already have a school team. It is open to public, private and homeschool students.

Students interested in joining the team should contact Larry Garner at shelbycountymtb@ gmail.com.

The Shelby County Composite MTB Team is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and welcomes the support of community sponsors and donors.

With financial support, the team awards merit-based incentives to athletes for bike repairs, uniforms, equipment and bikes as needed. Interested sponsors and donors should contact Larry Garner at shelbycountymtb@ gmail.com.

For more information about mountain biking teams visit the Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League www.alabamamtb.org and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) www.nationalmtb.org.

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Miss Alabama News—Tiara Pennington Day celebrated in Helena!

The City of Helena is proud to call Miss Alabama, Tiara Pennington, one of its own. Mayor Mark Hall declared August 11, 2019, Tiara Pennington Day. City council member Alice Lobell planned a lovely reception in Tiara’s honor. The Helena Belles welcomed guests for the former Belle, and the Helena Teen Council served refreshments.

Tiara lit up the room with her arrival and greeted her guests and supporters with enthusiasm. Resi-

dents of all ages lined up to meet her. Tiara graciously autographed photos and posed for pictures with all her Helena fans.

Tiara was presented the key to the city by Mayor Hall. With poise and eloquence, Tiara accepted the key and spoke to the crowd expressing her appreciation for the warm welcome and honor she received from her hometown.

The reception was well attended by Helena residents and honored guests. Those in at-

Beignets and Lattes, anyone?

44 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

tendance included Tiara’s parents and grandmother, Helena City Council Board Members and Department Heads, as well as many of Tiara’s former teachers. Planning and Zoning board member and former Miss Alabama judge, Robert Radice, was there to greet Tiara. Also in attendance was Bill Wright (Helena Police Chief Folmar’s father-in-law), who worked with the Miss America program as a state judge for over 25 years.

The Miss Alabama organization

was well represented by Nan Teninbaum, President of the Miss Alabama organization as well as members of the Miss Alabama Board of Directors: Debra Talley and Sheri Harbison.

The City of Helena wishes Tiara well as she competes in the Miss America Pageant. You can watch the pageant broadcast live from Atlantic City on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 7-9pm CST on NBC. Good luck Tiara!

Two of our favorite things are coming to Helena. Beignets and Lattes, located on Shelby County 58 and Hwy 17 in the Coosa Mart Center, plans to serve up some New Orleans originals starting next month. Owners Carolyn Linksi and her son, Nathan, moved to the area earlier this year and started to work on their dream of becoming business owners. Originally from Metairie, Louisiana, Carolyn is bringing with her a tasty recipe to accentuate the local brew they will be serving. Domistique Coffee is from Birmingham and will be served daily in their house coffees, lattes and espressos, as well as something called ‘Nitro’ coffee, an energizing blend they plan to offer to those needing a stronger pick-me-up.

A unique feature of Beignets and Lattes is they that they offer a drive-thru for easy morning stops on the way to work. I hope you are as excited as we are to see this business do well in Helena. They have already been welcomed into town by members of the Helena Business Association (of which they are now a part), and members of their church family at Christ Community Church. We can’t wait!

Pictured top left is Thomas Trussell playing with the late, great Henry ‘Gip’ Gibson. The late Gip was the owner of Gip’s Place, an original “juke joint” that has been located in Bessemer since 1952. Gip’s Place is only open on Saturday evenings these days and draws a diverse crowd, all of who share Gip’s love of the blues.

Helena’s Travelling Troubadour—Thomas Trussell Thomas Trussell is a local musician with musical talent in his blood. His great grandfather was a gospel singer, and Thomas’s love for music started when he was just a child. He has fond memories of singing along to the radio while riding in the car with his grandfather, who he refers to as “Pops.” He enjoyed listening to old blues and classic country music. He also liked the music his mother played and fell in love with classic rock.

Tragically, Thomas’ father died when he was just 19-years-old. The death of his father helped Thomas to look at his life from a new perspective. His new philosophy was to enjoy every day. And that new outlook changed the direction of his life.

Thomas returned to his love of music as an adult. He started singing with some of his friends who played guitar. At the age of 22, Thomas decided he wanted to play the guitar. He started out by borrowing his brother’s guitar and getting some instruction from him.

Then his best friend, Tyler, gave him more instruction. Thomas took to the guitar right away. With the exception of the help he got in the beginning, Thomas taught himself to play.

As Thomas started to develop

his music, he took a look at what types of music he liked. At the time he really liked the Dave Matthew’s Band and classic rock. He started researching what kind of music influenced and inspired his favorite groups. He stumbled across a whole new world of music. Thomas found the old blues. The Delta blues really resonated with him. He found the melodies to be simple and complex at the same time.

At 23, Thomas was watching a friend’s band play at a local venue.

During the band’s break his friend let him play a little. The owner of the establishment heard Thomas playing and to Thomas’s surprise, asked him to come back the next week to perform. And so Thomas’s musical career began.

Now 15 years later, Thomas is a true travelling troubadour. He has come a long way in developing his musical style and has become a talented artist. He says he still enjoys singing in the car. He frequently covers classic rock and old country and finds himself singing songs in the car and memorizing all the words effortlessly. Area locations Thomas has played lately include Grocery Brew Pub, Diplomat Deli, Good Fellas, Beef O’Brady’s and Champy’s. You will often see him at other popular area locations,

like Zydeco, Cahaba Brewing, and Brook Highlands Bar and Grill.

One of the highlights of his career was playing at the blues’ lovers’ paradise, Gip’s Place, with the late, great, legendary Gip right there beside him. He also performs charity events and private parties. When Thomas is not performing, he enjoys teaching others who have his

same love of guitar. He goes to his students’ houses to work with them in the comfort of their own home.

Growing up, Thomas never thought he would be a musician.

He says there is not a lot of money in being a hometown musician, but he is thankful to have the opportunity to so something he has always loved while supporting his family.

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45

Steel City NFL Flag Football Shown above is a pic of Helena Middle School student Kylie Hosey and a representative from the “Make a Wish” organization, who were recognized at the September 9th Helena City Council meeting.

Helena proclaims September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month A proclamation was announced at the September 9 meeting of the Helena City Council recognizing September as “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” to increase efforts to bring awareness and support to those going through treatment for childhood cancer.

Helena has several residents personally touched by childhood cancer, and a number of them were in attendance. Resident Kylie Hosey was among those there.

Kylie was diagnosed in 2016 with cancer. The city of Helena has worked along with organizations like the “Make A Wish Foundation” to support Kylie and her family. Kylie is now a 7th grader at Helena Middle School and has finished all of her treatments.

In an effort to help find a cure, an annual 5k fundraiser run is held each year at Helena High School to raise money for research into finding a cure.

All Helena schools wore gold ribbons to recognize the month, and the Huskies’ football team has placed gold ribbons on their helmets in solidarity.

46 Fall 2019 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Helena resident Cliff Manus has always had a fierce love for sports. He grew up playing multiple sports and his passion led him to start coaching. At the age of 19, he coached his first sports team and had a blast. He continued to coach and work as both a referee and an umpire through college. In 1994, Cliff started umpiring in Helena. His business grew over the years, and in 2010, he founded the Cahaba Official Association serving Alabaster, Calera, Helena, Montevallo and Pelham. Cliff refereed flag football in Alabaster and had several Helena families approach him about bringing flag football to Helena. In 2014, Cliff also got a phone call from the Mayor of Alabaster who wanted Cliff to head up the flag football league in that city. With the community’s growing interest, Cliff started the Steel City NFL Flag Football program with teams from Helena, Alabaster, Calera and Chelsea.

The first year the group had 24 teams and 172 players participate.

Steel City NFL offers an opportunity for players, grades kindergarten through 8th, to get a strong foundation in football.

The program uses a customized rulebook developed by Cliff himself. The teams play five on five on a smaller field. This adjustment makes play more competitive. There are 8-10 players on a team, and each player gets to learn about and experience playing multiple positions.

Steel City NFL is now in its 6th season. This year, the group has 34 teams and over 330

players . Some of the players have returned for all six seasons because the parents see the value in the program. Cliff claims, “The program gives kids a safe environment to learn football fundamentals and new football positions.”

The program affords the players the opportunity to participate in competitive, serious play while learning new skills. They develop a skill set without the fear of getting hit or injured. This builds confidence in all the players. The experience also develops life skills that translate to the real world, according to Cliff.

To participate in the program, there is a $140 registration fee per player, which includes shorts, jersey and flags. Player registration is in the month of April with player evaluation in May. The teams start practicing in mid July for an hour and a half twice a week. The season kicks off with a jamboree played around the second Saturday in August. The games are played at Veteran’s Field Park in Alabaster, which is convenient to all the area teams. There is no cost to get into the games.

Cliff sees a bright future for the program and hopes to see it continue to grow. He anticipates adding new areas to the group and a few skills camps in the future. Come out to cheer your fellow Helena Huskies on in the championship game October 26th at Veteran’s Field Park in Alabaster. To follow the Steel City NFL Flag Football program look for them on Facebook or contact them via email at steelcityflagfootball@gmail.com.

Helena Middle School Huskies Dominate the Pelham Ridge Panthers 49-20 victory against previously unbeaten Pelham Ridge earns Huskies the

2019 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP!

What started out as a game that looked as if it would go tit-for-tat in Helena Middle School’s football game vs Pelham Ridge for all the marbles October 17th, quickly became anything but.

After allowing the Panthers to answer the Huskies’ opening touchdown drive and tied 6-6 after those first two possessions, a stout Husky defense, led by big #78 Reese Mims, #61 Myles Gladden, #2 Hunter Hale, #34 Jordan Washington, #3 Joseph Roberto, #4 Nathan Thomason and Company, closed the door on the Panthers, not allowing another point to be scored against them before reserves were brought in near the end of the game when the contest had already been decided.

Meanwhile, the potent Husky offense, led by a bunch of maulers up front the likes of which middle school rarely sees, #14 QB Carson Acker, RBs #3 Joseph Roberto and #34 Jordan Washington took over and turned the Championship Game into an old fashioned rout, finishing with a big 46-20 victory and keeping the Southern Conference Crown right where it belongs in the Husky trophy case.

This 8th grade team amassed back-to-back undefeated seasons:15-0.

Hats off to their coach, Garrett Langer, and his assistants for the work they put into keeping this bunch of athletes fine tuned to their purpose of finishing each and every game with a W in the win column.

Some accolades for this 2019 HMS 8th Grade team: • Finished the season 8-0

Above, the Champions pose for a post game group photo after listening to Coach Langer’s inspiring words post game; #2 safety Hunter Hale with an interception return; and #34 defensive end Jordan Washington with a QB sack.

• Went 15-0 over two seasons (perfect 7-0 as 7th graders in 2018) • Outscored opponents 335 to 107 on the season • Averaged 42 points per game • Allowed only 14 points per game • The only football team in Helena Middle School History to go undefeated during their entire 7th and 8th grade years LAST NIGHT’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IMPACT PLAYERS: #34 RB and DE, Jordan Washington: 4 carries for 71 yards (17.75 ypc), 2 rushing TDs, and a fumble return for a touchdown, 5 tackles #3 RB and MLB, Joseph Roberto: 10 carries 163 yds rushing (16.3 ypc), 2 rushing TDs, 6 tackles #78 DT and LT, Reese Mims: 7 tackles (4 tackles for loss) #61 DT Myles Gladden: 8 tackles (3 tackles for loss, fumble recovery) #2 WR and FS, Hunter Hale: 7 tackles, INT #4 OLB, Nathan Thomason: 6 tackles, (3 tackles for loss) Helena High School Athletic Director and Coach, Richie Busby, looked on from the sidelines with a gleam in his eye, knowing all too well that he is the soon-to-be heir to this fortune of talent. This as his team prepared to clinch the State 6A Region 5 crown the following night, which it did with a 49-20 win over Birmingham’s Jackson-Olin.

Congratulations once again to the HMS players, coaches and staff on a GREAT season, and as always, Go Huskies!

To see more photos from the Huskies’ big win over Pelham Ridge for the Southern Conference Championship, see Helena City News’ Facebook page.

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Helena City News P.O. Box 50, Helena, AL 35080 www.MyHelenaCityNews.com www.CityOfHelena.org

Leigh Hulsey with the Helena City Council is looking to connect with representatives from neighborhood homeowner’s assoociations to help form community liaisons. If you are interested, please contact Leigh at auhulsey@gmail.com.

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