NEW!!! Helena City News Family and Friends Pics© After each issue, we find we have taken far more pictures than we can ever use in our magazine. Recently, we decided that some of the people in these pics, or their family and friends, might like to have some of these. The following 50 pages contain images not used in the print copy of the magazine due to space restraints. (We could have probably done 100 extra pages, tbh.) If you’d like original versions of any of the prints seen on the following pages, just send us the code next to the pictures you would like and your name and email, and we’ll send you a copy. Please contact us through our email: helenacitynews@aol.com. These pictures are not for commercial use and are being made available to family and friends for their private, personal use. Copyright Helena City News 2020.
©
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We stopped by the Jane B. Holmes Public Library in December just in time to catch Santa and his helper visit with a few local children‌
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Special thanks to “Miss Jane” and Wayne Pennington for hosting
Along with the Jane B. Holmes Helena Public Library!
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Sant� at the Library
We took a few more pictures than we could print at Allison Tanner’s
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signing ceremony as she celebrated an orange and blue signing with family and friends‌
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The Husky Band hosted a couple of holiday concerts in December.
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Here are a few pictures from the events which were free and open to the public‌
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Everybody loves a Christmas parade, and after 49 years, Helena does Christmas Parades right!
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Here are some extra pictures we had left over from the Helena Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by the Helena Beautification Board and the Helena Festival, hosted by the Helena Business Association
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The holidays are always a special time in Helena!
We had a few extra pictures from J.C. Wilburn and Will Griffith’s
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signing ceremony as the athlete’s celebrated with family, teammates, coaches and friends…
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More from the Will Griffith and J.C. Wilburn signing ceremony
The Helena Belles played a powder puff football game
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in November to raise money for charity
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Senior Night with the Helena Huskies football team, band and visual ensemble A big win over rival Pelham is always sweet, but a thumping on Senior Night is something to remember!
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GO HUSKIES!!! 2019 6A REGION 5 CHAMPS!
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Finally
At this year’s Helena Christmas Parade, as usual, we walked the entire parade route taking pictures along the way. I noticed this little guy wearing an LSU jersey giving me the “stink eye,” and I’m wondering to myself what that’s all about. It wasn’t until later, after I began editing the photos, that I realized the reason for his disdain. You see, I was decked out in my Bama gear, head to toe. Well, OK, a Bama shirt and cap, but yelling Roll Tide to all who had on their Bama gear. He must have heard me, but was too polite to comment. So to #18 above and to all my LSU friends, congratulations on your magical 2019 season. Your team proved it was the best in the land after finishing with an unblemished 15-0 record to claim the College Football National Championship (and whipping both the Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers in the process). In the words of LSU’s beloved Coach O., Geaux Tigers!
Serving the City of Helena and surrounding areas
New Year’s 2020
Anybody like pancakes? Kiwanis Annual Pancake Breakfast Helena Intermediate School, CR 52W Saturday, February 8th, 7am til 11am
Just $5 for ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT!
INSIDE THIS EDITION: RICHIE BUSBY NAMED 6A STATE COACH OF THE YEAR! To be honored at a banquest later this month as top 6A Coach in Alabama.
BYWATER OYSTER BAR AND GRILL OPENS IN OLD TOWN
Another outstanding seafood restaurant opens in town and getting rave reviews!
HELENA LIONS CLUB INTRODUCES LUNCHEON LECTURE SERIES Lions luncheon dates set through June, 2020. See their article on page 27.
www.MyHelenaCityNews.com / www.CityofHelena.org
FROM THE MAYOR Greetings to all! Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a very good Christmas as we move into an exciting new year with new hopes and plans for success and improvements. While we made many wonderful improvements in 2019, the new year looks to be even better with several major projects set to take off. One of the most anticipated projects will be the 261 lane additions which are finally in the works with ALDOT after state officials notified us that they will appropriate $30 million towards the project this year. This project will be a great example of cooperation between ALDOT, local cities, and the county to see that commuters get some long overdue relief in this section of the state highway. We expect engineering to be complete this year with right of way and utility work to start soon after. We will keep you posted. I recently met with engineers who are finalizing plans for the intersection improvements that I hope see start this year at the 261/Helena Elementary School intersection. We will be pushing ALDOT to start this project as soon as possible.
Another highly anticipated project that will bring Chik-Fil-A to town will also require turn lane modifications, this time at the Highway 261/52 intersection, and it will be completed this year. The new retail development will eventually have other small retail shops on the 7-acre tract in the heart of the new business district. This will be a great boost for the city’s tax revenues which is much needed to continue providing city services and improvements for our community. USX is back working on their new (and previously approved) retail plans near Hillsboro and CR52. The plans also include a park that will be a great addition to that area of the city. The addition of these projects, all anticipated in 2020, will help Helena stay on solid financial ground so that revenues continue to be enough to support the city services upon which our residents depend. I was very happy to present a proposal to the council, which they approved, to enter into a partnership with Shelby County to add over $300K in improvements at the Joe Tucker Park tennis courts and the proposed Miracle League field. The plan includes additional restrooms and sidewalks. The new tennis court will also have one court that can
MAYOR Mark R. Hall
CITY COUNCIL Hal Woodman, Council President Laura Joseph, Pro Tempore Leigh Hulsey Alice Lobell Brian Puckett 2 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
double as a Pickle Ball court (a popular new sport). This will be a new addition for us. We will continue to improve our recreation facilities with other plans in the works for improvements. Our utility board plans to start a project to replace aging water lines and sewer lines to help eliminate line failures. One in particular is the main that runs along Hwy 58 which has had many maintenance issues over the last several years. There will not be any major interruptions in service when the lines are replaced as most will run parallel to the older lines. This will be a great improvement for water and sewer service and will eliminate costly repairs and service interruptions.
These are just a few of the major projects we will be tackling this year. 2020 will be a busy time for us with some major and much needed improvements set to take place in our city. I hope everyone has the best year ever, and please remember to continue shopping Helena businesses first, so that your sales tax dollars are put to their best use supporting our local schools and city services. Thank you for helping me make Helena the best it can be! Best Wishes to All,
Mark
Mayor Hall with his guests from Magic Moments before loading up for the 49th Annual Christmas Parade in December.
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!!!
Helena’s own Miss Alabama, Tiara Pennington, on stage at The Miss America Pageant with several others who made Top 7. Here she is hugged by Miss America 2020, Camille Schrier, Miss Virginia.
Photo courtesy of Southern Exposure Photography
Tiara Pennington, left, appeared with her mother, Dedra Eastland Pennington, in an advertisement for the National Psoriasis Foundation. Tiara earned $22,150 in scholarship assistance in 2019, and furthered the cause of the National Psoriasis Foundatuon by appearing in ads for them and using the skin condition for her philanthropic platform. Tiara was the first African-American to be crowned as Miss University of Alabama in November, 2018. She said that she knows that the color of a person’s skin should not stop them from reaching their goals, because if it did, she would not be where she is today. Miss University of Alabama is an official preliminary, sponsored by the Alabama Alumni Association, to the Miss Alabama competition for the Miss America Organization. (Excerpted from the Crimson and White)
Miss Pennington
goes to Connecticut
and makes Top 7 in a talented field of contestants
In a night unlike any other that has come before it, the Miss America Pageant apparently made a decision to venture away from its historical direction in December. That said, our candidate, Helena’s Miss Alabama, Tiara Pennington, still made the Top 7 in an event where tradition seemed to be out of place. The direction of the pageant this year was anything but traditional. It would seem as if our opera singer had little chance in a year when the winner displayed an erupting chemical reaction—think
of it as an exaggerated Mentos in a Coke bottle experiment—as her talent. It was a tribute to her beauty, style, dignity and sophistication that Tiara made the Top 7 though, and there were certainly no more worthy platforms than Tiara’s. She chose The National Psoriasis Foundation as her philanthropic platform and called it “Psoriasis Take Action Alabama.” The philanthropic platforms that contestants select are now called “social impact initiatives.” Tiara has family members affect-
ed by psoriasis; both her mother and an uncle suffer from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis which affects some who suffer from the skin condition. Miss America 2020 was held in Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena on December 19th. As a student, Tiara was named the first African American Miss University of Alabama in November, 2018. She is a junior there, but is taking a year away from her studies while she fulfills her duties as Miss Alabama. She says she intends
to return to school to finish her degree requirements for a bachelor’s in political science though, and after that, she has plans to go to law school. The Miss America Pageant was the end of a pageant journey that has earned her thousands of dollars in scholarships along the way ($22,150 in 2019). Our heartfelt congratulations go out to our Miss Alabama, Tiara Pennington, along with our best wishes for the bright future she has ahead of her.
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Helena Troop 2 hears back from deployed military member Several times a year, Helena BSA Troop 2 puts together care packages for our troops stationed overseas. Recently, the troop received a request to send some packages to the 82nd Airborne who were deployed to parts unknown. Barry Winn (assistant scoutmaster) quickly put the boys in action. The boys scheduled a meeting and put the packages together. The care packages contained food/snacks, hygiene products, entertainment (such as games and magazines), as well as thank you cards and personal letters and messages to the troops. All the items in the packages are donated and postage is paid for by the boys’ fund raising efforts such as popcorn sales, Boston butts and the Troop 2 tree lot located on Hwy 31 at the old Pelham City Hall. From the last batch that was sent to the 82nd, Troop 2 received a shout out from Private Hailey Pitts who posted several pictures to her facebook page and sent the boys a thank you letter. Last year, the boys also received a thank you for care packages in the form of a flag in a glass case from a unit deployed to the Middle East. The flag had been flow in an F-15 on a mission
over Syria. The Troop is blessed with a number of adult leaders who are veterans and several who are retired military who help instill in the boys a love of country and appreciation for those who have served and are currently serving. When asked about why they send the packages, Troop 2 Senior Patrol Leader Alex Angle said, “We forget about how much we have because having is second nature to us. We send these packages out to the men and women in service to remind them what it’s like to have (something from home) and to thank them for the sacrifices they make.” Troop 2 meets on Tuesdays at 7 pm at Grace Christian Church, 869 Co Rd 52, Helena, AL 35080. Anybody interested in joining the troop is invited to attend. The troop’s charter organization is the Helena Kiwanis Club and they are sponsored by Grace Christian Church. Hats off to all our Helena scouts, and in particular, Boy Scout Troop 2 for the work they do to provide important packages from home for our miltary members serving overseas.
Helena Middle School Cheer Squad earns bid to compete at nationals! Congratulations to the Helena Middle School Cheer squad on an excellent performance Sunday, November 10, at the Hoover Met. The Helena girls received best tumbling, most creative, best stunting awards, and a bid to the nationals competition to boot. And in December, more great news—our HMS Cheerleaders won 1st place in their division, and along with that, a fully PAID bid to the nationals in April. They were also named Grand Champions at the December competition. The HMS cheer sponsor is Michelle Saindon. Way to go, girls! 4 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
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HMS teams with Marine Reserves Helena Middle School faculty and staff decided to do something a little different this year to help Toys for Tots with its annual Christmas toy drive. Headed up by HMS Coach Shaun Kendall, they took the faculty and staff listings to create gift tags and then drew names. The person they drew had to think of a toy they would have wanted as a child, and then they purchased it and brought to the school on December 19 during the school’s faculty and staff brunch. Helena dad and Marine Reservist, SSgt Adcock with the 4th
Combat Engineering Battalion, Echo Company out of Bessemer, brought a trailer and helped load the toys to distribute to less fortunate boys and girls in the six county area he coordinates for the Marine Reserves Toys for Tots program. Ssgt Adcock and his wife have two daughters who attend Helena Intermediate School, 3rd and 4th graders Christine and Kenley. Coach Kendall reported that nearly 100 faculty and staff participated in the toy drive. Hats off to all involved for this wonderful christmas service project! Expanded Showroom!
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Monday - Saturday from 10am til 9pm / Sunday from 12pm til 6pm • (205) 624-2595 485 Helena Marketplace, just down from Walmart Neighborhood Market
Fifth Earl Cigars offers Helena’s cigar aficianados a place to call home Bo Eaton says he named his Cigar Shop Fifth Earl Cigars after the Fifth Earl of Lonsdale, Hugh Lowther, from the UK, who popularized the size of cigar that is named in his honor, the Lonsdale. It just so happens that this is Bo’s favorite size cigar, too. Bo grew up in Homewood but has lived in Helena since moving here after opening Fifth Earl Cigars on September 8, 2018. Todd Smith, a neighbor of Bo’s in Braelinn Village, has lived here for 30 years. Todd has recently gone into business with Bo as a partner. The two share a longtime passion for premium cigars. “The run-of-the-mill grocery store cigar is a machine-made mass-produced product,” said Todd. “This, as opposed to a master cigar maker (torcedor) who spends time searching for just the right leaves and types of tobacco to create to create the best cigar possible. This is what makes all the difference. Even the wrapper leaf is selected not only for its looks, but also for how it adds to the flavor and the way in which it burns,” he continued. 8 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Premium cigars are each rolled by the hands of an experienced torcedor. Each master torcedor typically works with an apprentice who trains for years to become a master at his craft, creating the perfect cigar for aficionados worldwide. “I wanted to create the perfect place for smokers of premium cigars to come—no matter the weather—and enjoy their smokes in a comfortable spot—or where they can come in and just relax,” said Bo. “Our smoker’s lounge offers just that, a place where you can come in and watch one of our four big screen TVs, play a friendly game of checkers, sink into a piece of our comfortable den furniture to read a book or enjoy a smoke with one of your favorite beverages. Or simply take the time and catch up on your favorite social media or message boards on your phone or tablet.” Or just relax and do nothing,” added Todd with a smile. Between the entrance where customers are greeted (and where some nifty smokers accessories are displayed, Fifth Earl offers the largest humidor in Helena, according to Todd, where hun-
dreds of different varieties of premium cigars await discriminating smokers. “We stock everything from the traditionally popular Macanudos and Perdomos to the latest in flavored cigars like Acid and Java, which feature infused tobacco in their stogies. Bo adds that they are stocked up now with all sorts of smoker’s accessories, and they also offer variety packs with a selection of different cigars for those not sure which brand or type they like best and for those premium cigar smokers who appreciate a great value. “In addition, we also carry a custom blend of pipe tobacco and have pipes for sale,” added Bo. “Our accessories range from inexpensive but clever gift ideas to more luxurious choices,” said Todd. “We try to have something for everyone who enjoys a great premium cigar experience.” Fifth Earl also rents private lockers where members can store their favorite smokes and accessories, eliminating the need to bring anything from home except themselves. Fifth Earl Cigars is making quite
a name for themselves among cigar smokers in the area, and they invite you to come in soon to experience the cigar culture they offer right here in the heart of Helena. Fifth Earl Cigars is open 7 days a week at 485 Helena Marketplace, just down from the Walmart Neighborhood Market in the same building as the State Store. Hours are 10am-9pm everyday except Sunday, when the shop opens from Noon-6pm. To Helena’s premium cigar smokers and all their friends, come in soon and join the party! From Fifth Earl Cigars to all of you, Happy New Year! Have questions or want more information? Call Bo or Todd today at 205-624-2595.
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Beignets & Lattes hold ribbon cutting ceremony with the HBA presiding Mia Hernandez represents Helena
well at Greater Alabama Council annual meeting From a Helena Police Explorer post: Explorer Mia Hernandez was selected to represent Alabama Law Enforcement Exploring at the Greater Alabama Council Exploring annual business meeting. She is delivering the report on Exploring/Venturing. We are happy that Mia was selected for this honor. She does a great job representing the City of Helena, The Greater Alabama Council, and all of Law Enforcement Exploring. Thank you Mia for your dedication to Post 790 and Law Enforcement Exploring! 10 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Friday, November 22nd, was an important day for Beignet fans in Helena. Beignets & Lattes held their official ribbon cutting signifying that the mother and son team of Carolyn Linski and her son, Nathan is ready for you to come in and help yourself to some good ole Louisiana hospitality! Members of the Helena Business Associaton (HBA), the Helena Belles, Mayor Hall and others gathered for the momentous occasion. All reports we have heard have been very encouraging and judging by the smiles on the faces of all who have tried the mouth watering pastries, Beignets are here to stay in Helena. Stop by soon for their choices of Birmingham’s Domestique coffees, lattes or espessos. If you’re in need of a little stronger pick me up, try the ‘Nitro’ coffee. It’s sure to get your creative juices flowing!
Jack Gray named Volunteer of the Year and 49th Annual Christmas Parade Grand Marshal Jack Gray had a busy time in November and December, as he was selected as Helena’s Volunteer of the year and followed that up by being named the Grand Marshal of the city’s 49th Annual Christmas Parade. The Volunteer of the Year luncheon, hosted by City Council President Hal Woodman honored volunteers from the following groups: BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT PLANNING AND ZONING BEAUTIFICATION BOARD HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE LIBRARY BOARD Jack was honored for his more than 30 years of volunteer work in the City of Helena. He has volunteered to served on The Planning and Zoning Committee for 28 years, 18 years on the Buck Creek Festival Committee, worked with Movies in the Park’s Sundown Cinema, Civitans, Helena Market Days, served as a poll worker, worked with the annual Helena Christmas Parade and is a founding member of the infamous “Helena Boys Club.” To celebrate Jack Gray’s volunteer spirit, dedication and hard work over the years, Helena’s “Itty Bitty Parade Comittee” selected him to honor as this year’s 49th Annual Christmas Parade Grand Marshal. He was driven to his seat on the reviewing stand by his friend, local businessman Dan Rasmussen. Congratulations, Jack, and thank you for all that you do!
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Jack is flanked above on the Parade reviewing stand by his wife, Stephanie and daughter, Melanie beside. Parade emcee was Helena’s own Brian Peters.
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Bywater Oyster Bar & Grill opens in Old Town Helena! Now, I know that fried foods are not good for my waistline, but every now and then, I just need a good fried seafood fix. My favorites are shrimp, shrimp, fish and oysters. In that order, and yes, I DO know that I listed shrimp twice. Good huspuppies and French fries are also a must, in my mind, when I partake of these southern delicacies. (I like to dip mine in ketchup, too.) Since Cock of the Walk (one of my old favorites) closed in Pelham many moons ago, I have not had a great fried seafood platter any place I can think of north of the beach, and I don’t get down to the beach nearly as often as I’d like. Well, I learned the other night that a great fried seafood platter is not only available in the Birmingham market, but one is available right here at home in Old Town Helena! Bywater Oyster Bar and Grill does fried seafood platters right, and offers terrific hushpuppies and fries, too, with just the right blend of corn 12 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
meal and Creole spices to give those hushpuppies a extra little kick. (Their menu offers a wide variety of more elaborate seafood dishes, too, but I was after the old fashioned fried platter on the night we visited.) I ordered their Deluxe Seafood platter, which comes with two nice sized pieces of corn fed catfish, generous portions of large, lightly corn meal breaded shrimp and oysters, terrific hushpuppies and fries served without a hint of grease. I asked for a side of Bywater’s cole slaw, which is coarsely shredded cabbage dressed in their own blend of mayonnaise and light spices. At Bywater, the cocktail and tartar sauces are made fresh each day, and you can tell it. The fried seafood is lightly breaded in their secret cornmeal blend and comes out perfectly golden and not even remotely greasey. Same with their hushpuppies and absoluetly perfect french fries. The generous catfish filets tasted mild and sweet and without any of the gamey taste I have noticed with catfish recently at
some other restaurants. (Owner Matt Norman says it’s because he buys only corn fed catfish.) My wife, Kim, was in the mood for something different, so tried their Crabcake BLT, and said it was a taste treat too. I tried it and have to agree—it’s a different take on a BLT than I’ve seen before, and it works! They have lots more on their menu, of course, besides fried seafood. On my next visit, I’m going to try their grilled shrimp. Judging by their fried version, I’ll bet it’s something special, too! We ate at the bar in order to watch basketball, and there are several flat screens scattered around for your viewing pleasure. Vanessa, our bartender/server, was friendly and outgoing without being overbearing, and we got the sense that we were in good hands as she refilled our drink glasses often and was there for whatever we needed. In fact, that’s the one thing you notice at Bywater, the entire staff is just so friendly and welcoming.
Bywater has an interesting drink menu, too, and from what I could see from other diners, they offer generous wine pours, as well. In addition to cocktails you’d expect in a nice restaurant, Matt offers his version of Brazil’s National drink, the refreshing “Caipirinha.” For dessert (and who splurges with fried seafood without having dessert?!?), we shared Bywater’s bread pudding, suggested for two, and on our server’s suggestion, tried it with a generous shot of Bailey’s over the top. Let me just say we have a new contender when we talk about who has the best bread pudding in Birmingham. Bywater’s version of it is definitely a top player. It is absolutely as delicious as any I have tried before, and the shot of Bailey’s really puts it over the top! The next time you are in the mood for some great seafood, check out Bywater Oyster Bar and Grill in Old Town Helena. I give them a hearty two thumbs up!
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This is a picture from the Helena Kiwanis Club meeting on October 29. Claudia Deason, Club President is on the left and Sheri Holbert, from Samaritans Purse, is on the right.
Helena Kiwanis get tips on packing shoe boxes from Sheri Holbert with Samaritan’s Purse Helena Kiwanis Club had Sheri Holbert as a speaker October 29th. Sheri is on the Community Relations Team for Operation Christmas Child. This is a part of the Samaritans Purse organization. (Some might remember Sheri as the former owner of Picture Perfect Framing in Pelham from many years back.) Sheri gave the group tips on how to pack a shoe box. She also related some experiences that she had when she was part of a group from Samaritans Purse who went to the Republic of Georgia in the former Soviet Union. She participated in giving the packed shoe boxes to children and saw their delight at receiving the gifts. Each year the Helena Kiwanis Club packs shoe boxes as one of our service projects to enrich the lives of children around the world. This year Helena High School Key Club, Helena Middle School Builders Club, and Boy Scout Troop 2 are all filling shoeboxes. These are all organizations that the Helena Kiwanis Club sponsors.
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Kiwanis Annual Pancake Breakfast Helena Intermediate School, CR 52W Saturday, February 8th, 7am til Noon
Just $5 for ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT!
Kathy Paiml, HIS Principal
Pancakes, anyone? The 2020 annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast returns to Helena Intermediate School Saturday, February 8, from 7am til Noon. HIS Principal Kathy Paiml is the perfect host. She and Kiwanis volunteers roll out the feed wagon for this event, which features all-you-can-eat pancakes and fixings for just $5 per person. Tickets available at True Value Hardware Store or from any member of Kiwanis, Key Club or Boy Scout Troop 2. All proceeds from the breakfast are used for local projects to benefit children and youth. Plenty of parking with easy access. Sugar free syrup available on request. Call 205-999-5329 for more information. Please mark your calendar now and make plans to attend the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast this year! (Pictures are from last year’s event, the first to be held at Helena Intermediate School.)
14 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Helena Husky Torie White signs with the UAB Blazers
Front row center, Torie White is surrounded by her Husky teammates, Coach Scott Lowery and Mayor Mark Hall for the signing event.
Torie White, infielder for the Helena Huskies softball team, signed to continue her playing career for the UAB Blazers next year. A signing ceremony was held at the Helena Sports Complex in November. Teammates, family, friends and former coaches were all in attendance. With a season left to play for the Huskies, Torie has already received All-State, All-Region and All-County honors during her high school career. Torie is strong at the plate, sporting a .441
average with 45 hits, 37 RBI, 10 doubles, eight homers and 27 runs scored. She also plays travel ball with the 18u Premier Thunderbolts. UAB Coach Jimmy Kolaitis had this to say about Torie: “She is a local athlete who can play multiple positions for us. She is a gap to gap hitter who has the potential to hit with some power. Helena Husky Middle School Coach Mark Sanders, her coach in 7th and 8th grade, had this to say about her: “Torie White is an
exceptional athlete and a very talented, skilled softball player. She is super competitive and driven to achieve and succeed. In two MVP type seasons at the middle school, Torie’s batting average was .570, On base percentage was .620, and had a team leading .825 Slugging Percentage. Amazingly, in 162 plate appearances over two years, she only struck out 12 times. And defensively she was stellar; 96% fielding in 57 games played. Torie is a team player, loves her teammates, and
expects excellence in her game. Her character and work ethic are outstanding.” Coach Scott Lowery starts his first full season as the head coach of the Husky softball team this year, and is surely proud to have a senior leader of Torie’s abilities on his roster. It is hard to believe, but it is almost time to watch our 2020 Helena girls take to the softball field next month. Congratulations to Torie and and as always, Go Huskies!
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Alan Koch: More than a Professional Baseball Player Born on March 25, 1938, professional baseball player Alan Koch was a dominating right-handed pitcher from Demopolis, Alabama. Koch was a standout at Auburn University— Alabama Polytechnic Institute back then—where he earned his undergraduate bachelor of arts. Out of college, he was drafted to play in the AAA-minor league before his debut with the Detroit Tigers on July 26, 1963. After a year with the Tigers, Alan was traded to the Washington Senators. He finished his professional career that same year, laughing that he was “a good two-pitch hitter in a threepitch league.” Alan went on to attend the University of Alabama (UA), where he earned both a masters in history and a law degree. He also earned an LL.M (masters in law) in tax law from New York University. With that degree, he worked with the Alabama Hospital Association in various capacities and for a large hospital in Mobile until his retirement. Alan Koch became the step father to Alan and Derek Enslen in 1982. Alan Enslen went on to receive his own law degree at UA and then earned a masters in law from Georgetown University and has a career today in international law. He currently lives in Vestavia Hills with his wife, Melissa. Derek graduated from UA in 1998 with a degree in English. He and his wife Shea moved to Helena in 2001 with their two daughters. Catherine is currently a sophomore at Helena High School and Sarah is a 6th grader at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School. The girls have fond memories of their grandfather laying on the ground to color with them, playing with their stuffed animals, or just letting them crawl into his lap to watch a movie. Alan Koch was inducted into the Jewish Baseball Hall of Fame and the Marengo County Sports Hall of Fame before he passed in 2015. He was described as a very humble, honest man who always 16 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
did the right thing. His granddaughter, Catherine, says, “He left behind so many life lessons and things that I didn’t understand when I was younger, but now that I am older, I really try to implement them into my daily life. One of my favorite quotes that he used to say was ‘You have to be patient with other people, you don’t know what they are going through.’ He was the perfect example of how to treat others.” Alan and his wife, Linda, enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family most of all. He even stayed in
touch with a couple of other notable names from his athletic past including Phil Niekro, Harmon Killebrew, and Vince and Barbara Dooley. Alan’s step-son Derek, says, “he had a charisma about him” that made him so easy to talk and relate to. “Dad could always find a way to relate to someone and make them feel at ease.” Derek credits Alan with shaping him into the person that he is today.
“You have to be patient with other people, you don’t know what they are going through.” Alan Koch 1938-2015 A big Helena salute goes out to Alan Koch—he was far more than a professional baseball player!
Helena’s most distinctive neighborhood With generous rolling landscapes, beautiful public areas, old hardwood shade trees and spacious, executive style homes, Riverwoods is the place you want to be. For more information on making Riverwoods your home, contact Greg Arcara on his cell at (205) 566-1426 or his office at
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Anna McEntire named Helena Middle School’s and Shelby County’s Middle School Teacher of the Year! Anna McEntire is Helena Middle School’s Teacher of the Year! And if that’s not enough, she followed that recognition from her peers and administration up by being recognized as Shelby County’s Middle School Teacher of the Year! We sat down with this bright young dance team coach who teaches science to learn a little more about her. Anna is a product of the Shelby County School System, attending Oak Mountain schools from K-12. She graduated from Oak Mountain High in 2006. She was a member of her middle school and high school dance teams, (captain her senior year). “When Mr Gunn interviewed me at HMS, he told me there was a dance team coach opening, and that’s when I thought to myself that this was all falling in line. I’ve coached other sports, but I know the most about dance, so I was really excited,” she said. “It’s something I know, and I’m confident doing it.” Teaching at Helena Middle since August 2018, the Teacher of the Year recognition is that much more special. Entering her eighth year of teaching overall, Anna had several teaching stints prior to arriving here: three and a half years in the Tuscaloosa City School System teaching high school chemistry and biology, three years in Florida teaching marine science, 8th 18 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
grade physical science and 6th grade earth and space science. “Then I got a job at a charter middle school down there. It was the first time I taught middle school, and I fell in love with it! I had taught in high school for several years, and when I started at the middle school, I thought, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to be good at this,’ but I fell in love with it. I knew then that this is what I was meant to do. I taught 6th and 8th grade at that Panama City Charter Academy, and then I moved back home. A lot of my family is here, and I wanted to be closer to them. When an opening came up in Helena for 7th grade, I took it even though I had never taught 7th grade before. I soon learned that that age group is my ‘sweet spot.’ I’m teaching the grade that I want to teach, and I’m coaching the sport that I want to coach, and it has just been a perfect fit,” said Anna. “I’m super grateful, and I tell my colleagues and friends, I’m doing the job that God put me on earth to do, and to have this recognition, it was really surprising, but it is just validating the fact that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I was made for.” We asked Anna what she was like at the age she teaches now. “Well, in 7th grade, I was very, outgoing. I was really, really chatty, vivacious, and I loved
performing on the dance team. My favorite subject was science. I fell in love with science in middle school, but what made me want to teach science was my 9th grade biology teacher, we called her Mrs. K. She just made science come alive. I loved how she instilled that passion in all her students, but she also cared for us as individuals—as human beings. She really was just in tune with how we were doing. She genuinely cared about our well being. I just remember my love of science being coupled with an adult who really cared about me and saw me as an individual, and I knew right then and there that that is what I wanted to do. But my middle school science teachers were what sparked that interest. That’s what’s really neat about middle school. The kids are still developing. They’re trying to figure out who they’re going to be as human beings, what they like, what they don’t like, what kind of friend they’re going to be, and what kind of friends they want in their life. I love teaching middle school because I feel like I can really make a difference in that pivotal time in their life while they are making these big decisions. What’s my favorite subject? What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing? You can take a child who really doesn’t know what they like, they just come to school because they’re supposed to, and then you
can see them become inspired and interested, and it’s really neat to kind of be that beginning step for them, and start that trajectory of ‘Oh, I like this,’ or ‘Oh, I’m good at this,’ or ‘I am this type of person’ and then they’re going to dig a little deeper as they progress in their educational careers.” Anna has one sibling, an older brother, Clay, who is an orthodontist in Tampa with a wife and three kids (and one on the way). “He is my role model, for sure. We are both products of Shelby County schools and we both did our undergraduate work at Auburn University. We are planning a beach trip over the holidays.” Anna is the daughter of Larry McEntire of Tampa and Ann McEntire of Birmingham. This bright young teacher is single, but when we asked if we could consider her one of Helena’s most eligible bachelorettes, she laughed and said no, she has a boyfriend. (Sorry single fellas.) After sitting down with outstanding teacher, it’s easy to see how she earned her teacher of the year recognitions so early in her career. Our prediction is that this is the first of many honors to come her way. Helena Middle School is fortunate to have Anna McEntire as a science teacher and dance team coach as are her students, the real beneficiaries of her skills as a teacher. Congratulations, Anna!
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First Choice Creek Water & Creekview Estates agents
Karen Spann 205-790-5113
Annette Durrett 205-243-9970
Billy Bowen 256-749-8131
Crystal Russell 205-516-6422
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Silver Lakes agents
Judy Teasley 205-229-5929
Lynn Tolbert 205-910-2243
Randy Manzella 205-222-3871
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.
Husky State Champion Allison Tanner commits to Auburn University Track Program As we drove up to the Helena High School field house December 10th, we noticed a big Auburn banner posted outside flapping in the breeze. It was a hint of what was about to happen inside as one of the Husky track team’s state champions was set to formally commit to run track for the Tigers next fall on the Plains. Inside, a group of family, friends, coaches, former coaches, teachers, administrators, the mayor and teammates gathered in support of Allison. Coach Richard Anderson started things off by offering this to the assembled crowd: “Allison is driven to be great. She’s a winner in the classroom. She’s a winner in the hallways of our school, and she’s a winner on the track. She’s kind. She has one of the kindest hearts I’ve ever been around. She’s very giving. She gives of her time, helps others out. She looks out for people who need to be looked after. Allison is a very positive individual. Even when she doesn’t have a good day running, jumping or whatever, she’s very positive, and that’s good for me, because I don’t always handle it so well,” he said with a smile. “She is a leader. This fall during cross country, she couldn’t run because she was injured. But she was there
at practice every day, biking and working to try and maintain her fitness. More importantly than that, she was working and helping our younger girls become better. That’s Allison Tanner, that’s why it’s been so great to be around her. I’m going to be really sad when May rolls around, but I’m glad she picked Auburn, because that’s my alma mater,” Coach Anderson said with a big grin on his face. Allison stood up next, and after offering a prayer of thanks, went on to thank her former coaches, one of which was Coach Meredith George, who was in attendance. A former high jumper herself, she coached Allison (and older sister, Julia) in middle school. Allison gave credit to her dad, Dean, for always taking time to get her to the track at Pelham to work on her track skills. She also thanked former Helena High Coach Russell, who she credited with making her believe she could compete at the SEC level. She also thanked Mrs. Blanton, senior counselor at HHS, for accommodating and enabling her to visit with the Auburn track coach while on a group visit to the Auburn campus. It seems Allison had been emailing the Auburn track coach and had arranged to meet with him while she was
there. And it was there that they extended her the offer. After thanking other family members including sisters Julia and Anna for their support, mom Cyndi for all she did over the years including driving her and friends to meets in the minivan, and her grandparents, Roy and Anita Tanner, for always being there for her, Allison yielded the floor for teammates to speak. Two of Allison’s high jump teammates, TJ Funches and Jake Knight, stood up and told the crowd about ways in which Allison had positively affected them and their track skills and their lives. Allison’s dad, Dean Tanner, stood and told about Allison’s drive to always improve her game, and thanked her for the time the two of them had spent together over the years honing her skills. Her sister Julia stood and told some humorous stories about two track stars growing up together, including the “fat head” she surprised Allison with as she held it up at a meet last season. And last but not least, former Helena Middle School Coach Meredith George stood up from the back of the room and had this to say to Allison: “God put me in your life and you in mine to be your ‘Mama George’ for a reason,
and we have always had that ‘high jumper’ connection because I know the struggles, what it’s like to fight for state championships. I knew what it felt like, and we have always had a strong connection. I am blessed to be part of your journey, Allison. I am expecting amazing things from you at Auburn, and I love you.” Tears welled up on a couple of occasions as Allison talked about her dad and her team mates, and the love in the room for this amazing athlete was palpable. It’s not every day that a school’s homecoming queen is also a state champion athlete committed to compete at an SEC school the following year, but that is exactly what the school has in Allison Tanner. Oh, and did we mention, she is also president of the SGA? Seems Allison is a star in the classroom, too. Hats off to future Auburn runner Allison Tanner. Her dad, himself an Alabama alumni, said it best when he told her at the conclusion of his remarks, “I love you, and believe it or not, I’m proud to say War Eagle.” I think lots of folks in Helena will join you in saying that when they see this Helena girl suited up in orange and blue next year. We’ll start—War Eagle!
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULAR WEEKLY/BIWEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Police Explorers, Explorer Training Facility, 4:00-7:00PM Fire Explorers, Station 2, 5:00PM TUESDAYS Kiwanis Club of Helena, Helena Senior Citizens Bldg, each 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday, 7:00AM, Family Night at a local restaurant the first Tues of each month, 7:00PM For more info, visit kiwanisclubofhelena.com Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM Helena Lions Club meets the 4th Thursday, Mikey’s at Fox Valley, 12:00PM, Visit Helena Lions Club Facebook page for more info THURSDAYS Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM
january
20th - Martin Luther King Jr Day–Municipal Offices, Library & Shelby Co. Schools Closed Garbage Collection: Santek will run as usual 21st - Youth Baseball, Softball, Soccer Registration, Jan. 21-24, Helena Community Center, 1:00-5:00pm; Register online at helenaparkandrec.org thru Jan. 25th at 11:00pm 25th - HMS Baseball presents HMS Queen of Diamonds: Young Miss (Grades 3-5) 2:00pm; Miss HMS (Grades 6-8) 6:00pm 26th - Youth Baseball, Softball, Soccer Registration, Helena Community Center, 1:00-5:00pm, helenaparkandrec.org 27th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm
february
1st - Little Miss Helena–Tiny Miss (PreK-K) and Little Miss (1st-2nd Grades), 4:00pm 8th - 16th Annual Kiwanis Club All-You-Can-Eat $5 Pancake Breakfast, Helena Intermediate Cafeteria, 7:00am-Noon 10th -Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 11th - Helena Business Association meeting, Jane B. Holmes Library, 8:00 am, visit hbahelena.com for more information - Helena Utility Board meeting, Community Services Bldg, 5:00pm 14th - Valentine’s Day 15th - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 17th - President’s Day Shelby Co. Schools Data Assessement/Inst. Planning–NO Students 20th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 22nd - HAA Father-Daughter Dance (Pre-K4-6th Grade), Helena High Cafeteria, 3:30pm-6:00pm, visit helenaathleticassociation.org for more information and/or to purchase tickets 22 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
24th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 29th - Miss HHS Pageant, Helena High Auditorium, TBA
march
1st - Read Across America Day/Dr. Seuss’s Birthday 7th - Mother-Son Dance (Pre-K4-5th Grade) presented by the Soccer Club, Helena High Cafeteria, 6:00pm-8:00pm 8th - Daylight Savings Time begins, Spring forward one hour 9th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 10th - Helena Business Association meeting, Jane B. Holmes Library, 8:00 am, visit hbahelena.com for more information - Helena Utility Board meeting, Community Services Bldg, 5:00pm 13th - Shelby Co. Schools, Teacher Workday–NO Students 17th - St. Patrick’s Day 19th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 21st - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 23rd - Shelby Co. Schools Spring Break March 23-27 - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm
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From your local tax and accounting team at Jones & Associates, LLC With tax season upon us, we are all ready to sweat bullets, crunch numbers, and pray for lower taxes and higher refunds. No one can make any promises for the latter, but there is no reason your tax season should be frenzied and stressful. Here are five tips to help out taxpayers:
Tax Tip #1: File ON-TIME or file for an extension if you know you won’t have all of your documents by April 15th! Even if you are a dependent of taxpaying age, you should file as a “dependent of another” if you worked in 2019 and had state and federal taxes are taken out of your paycheck(s). More likely than not, you will get every cent back in your tax refund. Jones & Associates files all dependents’ returns for free. Take what the government owes you; don’t just let them keep your money. It is YOUR money. If you’re unsure of what documents you need to file taxes, call Jones & Associates for business and individual consultations
to help you start off on the right track. Tax Tip #2: Find a tax preparer who will work WITH you and not against you. Here at Jones & Associates, each person who walks through our door is treated like an individual of our very large family. We won’t sugarcoat the bad news, but we will work our hardest to support you in your tax endeavors. You should be treated like a person, not a number. It is very easy to overlook a missed checkmark or wrong number when filing your own taxes, and having an experienced accountant prepare your return can be helpful and prevent you from paying more taxes than you might owe. Tax Tip #3: E-File! E-Filing is the way to go. Mailing a tax return can be VERY risky. Your information and anyone’s information on your return could be at risk. Jones & Associates uses professional tax preparation software with a secure transmission directly to the IRS; it makes everything more secure and easier for you. The bonus is a faster return with E-Filing. Tax Tip #4: Missing a W-2 and don’t know what to do? Here are three steps to help you out:
1. Contact your employer. Ask your employer—or former employer—to send your W-2. Make sure to verify that your address on the W-2 is correct. 2. Contact the IRS. The IRS can provide you with a wage and income transcript based on the Federal tax information your employer reported to the Social Security Administration. Have your social security information ready along with all information regarding your employment. If you are trying to retrieve a W-2 that you attached to your return, the IRS can provide you with a copy of the return for a fee. 3. File Form 4852. This form is a substitute for Form W-2. Use Form 4852 to estimate your income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible. It is a good idea to have your last pay stub on hand with the Year-to-Date earnings and withholding amounts. IMPORTANT: If you receive your W-2 later and notice that the information is different from what you reported on the Form 4852, you must file an amended return. This can be done by filing Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This, however, will slow the process of receiving your tax refund. Jones & Associates can guide you through any amendments or form
4852 to help get you on your way to processing your return. Tax Tip #5: If you receive a letter from the IRS, don’t panic. Instead, do the following: • Read it carefully • Highlight or underline the objective of the letter • Respond with any disputes • If a response is not warranted, do not reply If you filed with a tax service, call them and let them know you received something in the mail from the IRS. They will most likely know exactly how to handle it and interpret the letter for you to better understand what the IRS is telling you. And lastly, even if the problem is solved, save the letter in your records. You should keep tax records for up to seven years! Do not depend on your tax service to keep your records that long though, because they are only required to keep the records for three years.
Wishing you all a good 2019 tax season, Jones & Associates, LLC, Your Accounting and Tax Team
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2020
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The Holidays included some great times for our local readers. From books to read during downtime, stories to read with family, along with great programs like crafts and “Lego Fun,” the library had patrons in mind during the Holiday season. The library would like to thank the Helena Christmas Parade Committee for their generosity and service to our community. Our staff and Friends of the Library had a great time preparing costumes and “floats.” Marching in the parade is always fun. As we move into the New Year, keep the Jane B. Holmes Public Library front and center for your 2020 plans! The State of Alabama has higher expectations for students and their reading comprehension. For you younger readers and parents out there, VISIT the library to find books to read and improve your skills. Our community has worked hard over the years to provide a great collection of books. Read them
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for school and for fun. Visiting the library also teaches responsibility, and gets you out and into your hometown. Very important! As the New Year is upon us, remember the library as a great place to get started on your personal growth. Check out a fun book or DVD about exercise, cooking, and improving overall health. Take up reading as a hobby. It is good for you, and the price is right—FREE! (If returned on time.) January 9th featured a great speaker from the Alabama Humanities Foundation. Local “Road Scholar” Karen Utz presented a program called “MUSIC OF THE MINES, MILLS, AND RAILROADS OF THE BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT.” Our thanks to Karen, for bringing us such a neat cultural program. The library also has a new program, called “Knit, Stitch, and Chat.” Bring your knitting, stitching, or other simple craft project
to work on while you chat with others in your community! The program date is Wednesday, January 29 at 10:30 AM. For more info, call 205-664-8308. Be sure to stop by for Storytime and meet our new storyteller. Her name is Erin Black, and she is a local mother of two boys. She owns Old Towne Music in Helena. Erin combines stories, music, and other activities for a fun and interactive program. Make plans to visit the library and attend Storytime for fun, to learn, and to meet new friends! We look forward to seeing you soon, and make sure to bring your library card! Hope all is well, Daniel Dearing, Library Director Jane B. Holmes Public Library
Storytime with Miss Erin! Tuesday & Thursday 11 am
205-664-8308 • Visit us @ www.cityofhelena.org
Helena High School’s Health Science program one of few like it in the state The two teachers who head up the Health Science program are also in attendance at all of The high school’s sports activities, so their faces are probably familiar to more than just the high school students who read this. Michael Shields, MEd, LAT, ATC has been with the school since its second year when he replaced Cory Locke. Gina Gonzales, MAEd, LAT, ATC came aboard the following year. In the time these two have been in charge of the Helena Health Science program, its enrollment has nearly doubled from 120 students to 230 today, and they have added two new courses to the growing curriculum. “Our program is an excellent way for students to actually get to experience a variety of health care occupations,” said Gina. All students begin the program by taking Foundations of Health Science (a prerequisite), and then venture into one of the other courses of study in years two and beyond. The school offers one pathway of Sports Medicine I and Sports Medicine II, and a second pathway of Kinesiology & Biomechanics and then Exercise Prescription & Physiology. “We want to expose students to as many healthcare career opportunities as possible to help
them determine which they may like and have an aptitude for,” said Michael. “Our students have the opportunity to gain a baseline knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, human movement, and sports-related injury,” added Gina, “which can prepare them for many health-related fields. Offering job shadow experiences to our deserving seniors is one of the best ways for them to nail down their career interests and plans following high school graduation.” Michael and Gina are also CoHead PlaySafe Athletic Trainers for the high school, working under the direction of Dr. Ricardo Colberg, the team physician. The Health Science program at Helena High is affiliated with Andrews Sports Medicine, ATI Physical Therapy, and PlaySafe Alabama. The Sports Medicine Services in our communities are not funded by the state. PlaySafe, a non-profit organization, strives to support essential sports medicine services for our athletic youth and community by providing and funding certified athletic trainers to secondary schools in the community. Certified athletic trainers are experts in sports related injury prevention, assessment and care. The presence of a full time ATC can simply put, save a life! Select Health Science students
serve as athletic training student aides during the school’s sports activities, too. “They are able to get more hands-on experience outside the classroom by witnessing real-life injuries during practice and games and even assisting us with daily treatments in the athletic training room,” Gina said. HOSA is the name of the Health Science student club at the school for Future Health Professionals, and is a state and international organization. Gina said, “We hold fundraisers to raise money towards HOSA state and national competitions, donate to breast cancer and leukemia research, and host blood drives each year to encourage student and community involvement in saving lives. For community service, our HOSA group also volunteers each year at the Mercedes Marathon.” Last year, HOSA Sports Medicine students from Helena placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th in competition with other schools from around the state, with the Top 50 students competing in the finals. Students took a 50-question written test, after which they had to complete a hands-on component,” Michael said. “We’re aiming for a 1st place finish this year,” he added with a smile. “All in all, we try and expose the students to enough that they should have a good idea about
which healthcare careers might best fit their talents and interests,” said Gina. “And also to let them know what they may not like,” said Michael, “before they spend a lot of time and money exploring these fields at the next level, where courses cost a lot more money.” “Helena High School has the most extensive program in the state offering this type of curriculum,” Michael continued. “We offer students job shadowing opportunities with both ATI Physical Therapy and Andrews Sports Medicine. We are always looking for opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience.” Gina added, “We are super proud of the program we’ve built here at Helena! Some former students have reported back to us about how the knowledge from our Health Science program has prepared them for their college Health Science classes. It’s great to see some of our hard work pay off and to see our students succeed.” Thank you to Michael Shields and Gina Gonzales for taking the time to explain the wonderful Health Science Program that Helena High School students are taking advantage of in ever increasing numbers. And thanks for all you do to keep our Husky athletes competing at the highest level!
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2020
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Photo: Mayor Mark Hall participates in the Lions Lecture series
Helena Lions Club introduces Luncheon Lecture Series 2020 The Helena Lions Club announces its Lions Luncheon Lecture series for 2020. The event will be at Noon every 4th Thursday at Mikey’s at Fox Valley. Helena City Council President and Lions Club President, Hewy Woodman, said “The series is
intended to share interesting knowledge from local leaders with members of the public while also providing a sense of community.” The Lions Club is the world’s largest service club. The Helena Lions have been responsible for multiple projects, scholarships
and medical assistance for those with eye disease. Food and drinks are available for the lectures at Mikey’s at Fox Valley. The Lions would also like to thank the owner Michael Lee for hosting the meetings and Sarah Brantley for coordinating.
Please email Hewy Woodman at HWoodman@cityofhelena.org for more details. Once again, the Lions Lecture Series meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month at Noon at Mikey’s at Fox Valley, 6745 Hwy 17. See you there!
2020 Lecture Series speakers scheduled… Jan 23rd Feb 27th Mar 26th
Allison Boyd, Shelby County Probate Judge Dr Lewis Brooks, Shelby County Superintendent Chris VanCleave, Rose Society & Helena Beautification Bd.
Apr 23rd May 28th June 25th
Helena Fire Department Matt Fridy, Alabama House of Representatives Scot Newman, Award winning Farmer Market Chairman
Helena U12 Girls Soccer Wins Big Win their division at the Alabama Soccer Showdown Tournament
The Helena U12 Girls Soccer team recently wrapped up another successful regular and tournament season. During the eight game regular season against opponents from around the Birmingham Metro area, the team achieved an impressive 7–1 record. This successful season added to a record of 22–2 over the last three seasons combined. In addition to regular season games through the Central Alabama Soccer League, this group of girls has been dominant in tournaments in which they have participated. Most recently, on the weekend of November 16th, the girls clinched the Championship in the recreational division of the Alabama Soccer Showdown Tournament. In this tournament, the Helena team pitched shutouts in two of the three games played and outscored their opponents a total of 13–2. The Helena U12 Girls soccer team players include: Kayleigh Ames, Addison Foxworth, Ava Garner, Emilee Golson, Henley Havens, Reagen Mishoe, Ashlyn Northrop, Kate Nunley, Mallory Puckett, Baileigh Rumage, Logan Shackelford, Adyson Shelton, Camille Thomason and Maddie Vincent. Coaches were Chip Rumage and Brandon Foxworth. TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2020
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Will Griffith, front left, and JC Wilburn with Coach PJ Guy and his assistants at the signing ceremony.
Huskies JC Wilburn and Will Griffith commit to play college baseball It was a packed house at the Helena Sports Complex in early December as JC Wilburn and Will Griffith hosted a signing event where each announced their college of choice. With both athlete’s game jersey adorning the partition behind their seats, JC and Will sat a table facing the crowd with hats and commitment letters in front of them. They’d have to listen to some congratulations, advice and glowing comments made about them first however, from Mayor Mark Hall and their head coach, PJ Guy. Coach Guy told the assembled crowd, “I wish we had a before and after pic of what these two looked like as freshmen compared to what they look like now, because it’s amazing at the transformation. All the hard work, the dedication, and what they have done the past four years to get to where they’re at tonight, it’s an inspiration to me as a coach; it’s an inspiration to all our coaches. I know that one day 10 years from now when I talk to my players about players from past teams, these two names will come up. It’s why all these people are here tonight, to honor you and your 28 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
families. We love you, we’re proud of you, and I can’t wait til this spring as we try to get back to where we want to be.” JC took the podium next and after thanking God for His blessings, he thanked Coach Guy for turning him from “an unathletic 9th grader to a semiatheltic senior. Thanks for taking time away from your family to help turn us into good young men. You’ve had a great impact on my life, and I’m thankful for that.” JC went on to thank Coach Cummings and Coach Colvin. “Coach Cummings takes time away from his family, too, helping me with infield and hitting and also making sure we don’t get struck by lightning.” Thanks were also given to other coaches, some in attendance and some not, from his earlier travel ball days. JC thanked his family as well for all the love and support they have shown throughout the years including brothers Tyler and Reese. “This year, me and Reese get to be on the same team. It’s been a dream of mine. We’re going to make some fun memories we’ll remember for a lifetime.” Will came to the podium next, and after thanking God for giving
him the opportunity and ability to play the game of baseball, he also thanked Him for surrounding him with a great family, great friends and great coaches. Will thanked his parents, “especially my mom for feeding me and always making sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” He thanked his dad for countless trips to the field and never complaining about throwing batting practice. “You’re one of the biggest role models in my life,” he said to his dad, “and I hope that one day, I can do for my family what you’ve done for ours.” He thanked his sister Meg for always being there for him and thanked his grandparents and extended family for “giving me money, buying me food and always checking in on me. It really means a lot having family like you who would do anything for me.” “Thanks to Coach Guy for always pushing me to do more than I think I can, whether it’s in the weight room, on the field or in life, you always push me to be better than I think I can be, so thank you.”BWill went on to thank Coaches Colvin and Cummings for being such positive influences on his life and having so much pa-
tience with him, “especially when it comes to hitting.” He thanked his other coaches, both current and past from his days in travel ball, and his teammates, “who even make winter conditioning fun. It’s a great feeling to come to eighth period every day and work with y’all.” JC Wilburn will continue his baseball career following his upcoming senior season with the Huskies at Wallace State Community College. Will Griffith will play for the University of Alabama at Huntsville after completing his senior season at Helena High. Special guests were on hand as well for the evening as Mayor Mark Hall, city council members Alice Lobell and Hal Woodman, and radio and television celebrities Rick and Bubba were all in attendance. Many will also recognize JC’s dad, Calvin Wilburn for his on air persona, “Speedy,” on the Rick and Bubba show. JC’s mom is Terri Wilburn. Will Griffith is the son of Mark and Kim Griffith. Congratulations and Godspeed to both these outstanding baseball players as they plan their futures in the sport they love!
Helena High Theater Department earns high marks at competition On November 2, Helena High School had a strong showing at the District 6 Trumbauer Theatrical Competition. Over 60 students competed in Individual Events and 31 of them qualifed for state. The following earned a “Superior” rating in their respective categories: Earned Superiors in Individual events: Classical Comedic Duet - Loren Carter & Mia Barberini Classical Comedic Monologue - Alex Foster Classical Dramatic Monologue - Hannah Jackson Classical Dramatic Monologue - Kallie Moon Classical Dramatic Monologue - Sarah Standige Classical Dramatic Monologue - Scott Key Costume Design - Cassidy Mazzola Costume Design - Morgan Sanders Duet Pantomime - Watson Rice & Torey Ashley Duet Reader’s Theater Comedic - Blake Childers & Jackson Kelley Female Comedic Modern Monologue - Olivia Beland Female Dramatic Modern Monologue - Alyssa Parker Female Dramatic Modern Monologue - Baylee Marek Female Dramatic Modern Monologue - Ryann Jones Female Dramatic Modern Monologue - Shelby Watts Female Dramatic Modern Monologue - Zoe Chuang Female Dramatic Musical - Miranda Davis Group Acting - Loryn Free, Mason Schober, Olivia Bennett, Alaina Acton, Eli Tilton Group Musical - Hannah Jackson, Rhett Jackson, Eli Richardson, Scott Key, Olivia Beland, Callie Jackson Makeup Design - Brandy Hobson Male Modern Dramatic Monologue - Jackson Kelley Modern Comedic Duet - Kaylen Morse & Justinian Mayo Modern Comedic Duet - Trinity Glover & Olivia DuFour Playwriting - Loryn Free Scene Design - Eli Tilton On top of the all the individual event success, the theater department brought a one-act play to the competition. They performed a condensed version of the fall play, “Ghost Train” and several of the students won awards based off their performance. All Star Cast Members for The Ghost Train: Brandy Hobson Alyssa Parker Miranda Davis Best Actor in a One-Act play: Eli Tilton Moving on to State Trumbauer Competition On December 6-7, Helena High School had a strong showing at the State Trumbauer Theatrical Competition. Over 2400 students competed at Trumbauer with only 29 being from Helena in Individual Events. The following earned a “Superior” rating in the respective categories: Earned Superiors in Individual events: Classical Comedic Monologue - Alex Foster Classical Dramatic Monologue - Hannah Jackson Costume Design - Morgan Sanders Female Comedic Modern Monologue - Olivia Beland Female Dramatic Musical - Miranda Davis Group Acting - Loryn Free, Mason Schober, Olivia Bennett, Alaina Acton, Eli Tilton Group Musical - Hannah Jackson, Rhett Jackson, Eli Richardson, Scott Key, Olivia Beland, Callie Jackson Makeup Design - Brandy Hobson
Playwriting - Loryn Free On top of all the individual event success, the theater department also placed in several categories. Classical Comedic Duet Novice - 3rd place - Loren Carter & Mia Barberini Scene Design Novice - 1st place - Eli Tilton Costume Design Novice - 2nd place - Cassidy Mazzola Modern Comedic Duet Novice - 2nd place - Kaylen Morse & Justinian Mayo Congratulations to all for such a successful Trumbauer!
Awards earned from Alabama State Trumbauer Competition Top photo: Classical Comedic Duet Novice - 3rd place - Loren Carter & Mia Barberini (far right, last 2) 2nd from top: Modern Comedic Duet Novice - 2nd place - Kaylen Morse & Justinian Mayo (middle 2) Bottom left: Scene Design Novice - 1st place - Eli Tilton (far right) Bottom right: Costume Design Novice - 2nd place - Cassidy Mazzola (far right)
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2019 Husky High School Football Impact Players selected Hats off to the 2019 Helena Husky football team, especially its 28 seniors, who, with the help of a tremendous group of coaches, moved the culture here to a winning one in football for the first time in the short life of the school when they won the Class 6A Region 5 Crown. The sting of a first round playoff loss was evident as tears marred the faces of players, support staff and fans as they left Husky Stadium after a 17-0 defeat at the hands of Clay-Chalkville. The Cougars came in with a game plan that keyed on #13, QB Luke Stamba and #20, RB Marquis Johnson, and key on them they did, stonewalling both athletes for four quarters. But last season had its highlights, too. What could be sweeter than whipping your rival, Pelham, 62-20 on Senior Night? (Scorebaord pictured below right.) Something tells me that winning the Region 5 Championship will not be a one-off for Coach Richie Busby’s team, as fresh troops arrive this summer in the form of a hungry group of Helena Middle School players fresh off their own championship season. They join a good group of returning underclassmen to form the nucleus of teams who should compete for even more regional championships and playoff appearances in the future. And from there, who knows? We predict that Husky Nation is going to like what it sees over the coming years from its football program, and we feel privileged to have a front row seat to watch it unfold. The Huskies move to the South, where they will compete in 6A Region 3 next fall. They add teams like Dallas County, Wetumpka, Benjamin Russell, Stanhope Elmore and UMS Wright to their schedules. Meanwhile, the Helena City News, in conjunction with the Husky Coaches, present… Your 2019 Helena City News Impact Players for the 2019 season: Offense Quarterback Luke Stamba Running Back Marquis Johnson The Entire Offensive Line: Tackle Seaburn Hines, Guard Matthew Ray, Center Sam Regina, Guard Jack Blanton, Tackle Chase Perry and H Back Chris Miller Offensive Honorable Mention: Receivers Antonio Ruiz, Will Griffith and Riley Marks Defense Linebackers Nathan Dunaway and Iceberk Cave The Entire Defensive Line: Defensive Ends Cole Pugh and Ethan Trimm, and Tackles Joey Corbin and Tucker Knight Defensive Honorable Mention: Lawson Smith and Zach Goodwin Special teams: Kicker Logan Maloney Congratulations to the entire Husky 2019 team on a terrific season. You laid the foundation for a championship program at Helena High. 30 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
6A Coach of the Year, Richie Busby, gets a congratulatory hug from star offensive lineman Seaburn Hines as teammates Nathan Dunaway and Will Hawes look on after the Huskies clinched the Region Title with a victory over Jackson-Olin.
Richie Busby named Alabama Football Coaches Association 6A Coach of the Year! Congratulations to Helena High School Football Coach and Athletic Director, Richie Busby, for being named the Alabama Football Coach’s Association 6A Coach of the Year! Richie and his staff have done Yeoman’s work in creating a culture of winning in our football program, and his players have bought into it fully, as evidenced by them winning the 6A Region 5 Championship this past fall. The sky’s the limit, and I can’t wait to see how high this coach can carry the Huskies in the coming years. This is from the ALFCA’s website at alfca.com… The Alabama Football Coaches Association is proud to announce the winners of the Coach of the Year Awards for each classification for the 2019 season. The awards are based on nominations from the ALFCA membership, recommendations from a coach of the year committee, and verified by the ALFCA Board of Directors. The Coach of the Year awards will be presented at the annual ALFCA Coach of the Year Banquet at 11:15am Saturday, January 25th. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: 7A Wade Waldrop James Clemons 3A Jeff Smith Walter Wellborn 6A RICHIE BUSBY HELENA 5A Darrell LeBeaux Pleasant Grove 2A Paul Benefield Fyffe 1A Tate Leonard Isabella 4A Terry Curtis UMS Wright SENIOR NIGHT SCOREBOARD AFTER THE HUSKIES SOUNDLY DEFEATED THEIR LOCAL RIVALS, THE PELHAM PANTHERS.
Amy Knight with Shelby County Schools Superintendant, Dr. Lewis Brooks after receiving her award as Shelby County High School Teacher of the Year.
Amy Knight named Helena High School Teacher of the Year and then named Shelby County’s High School Teacher of the Year, too! Born and raised in Gardendale, Alabama, this year’s Helena High School teacher of the year remembers being active in her school’s Student Government Association (SGA), was on the school’s tennis team and served on the school’s yearbook staff while she was a Gardendale Rocket. After high school, Amy says she went on to Samford University, where she earned a bachelor’s of science degree with an emphasis on nutrition and dietetics. She met her husband, Spencer, at Samford, and the couple was married after Amy graduated. Spencer was attending seminary in Texas at the time, and today serves as Minister of Ministries at Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover. Amy and Spencer have been
married 22 years now. They have three daughters: Anna Caroline 16, Olivia 14, and Averi 9. Amy started at Helena High School the year after the school opened, and she teaches Anatomy and Physiology there. She also serves as the school’s SGA sponsor. “I love it,” said Amy, “It keeps me busy all year. The Helena High SGA tries to help out with various community needs throughout the year, and we volunteer each year at the Mercedes Marathon. Teachers of the Year are selected annually by a vote of the teachers, counselors and administrators at the school, so it is quite an honor. Principal April Brand had this to say about this year’s honoree: “Ms. Knight is truly a rockstar teacher who is beloved by both
students and colleagues alike. As a science teacher, she engages students in learning all about the human body in ways that make it relevant to them in their daily lives. Her approach to classroom instruction challenges students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. As our SGA sponsor, Ms. Knight has played a pivotal role in helping to establish a culture of student leadership and engagement in the students of Helena High School.” High praise indeed from Principal Brand. We asked Amy what she likes best about her job, and she did not blink before saying, “The students—definitely the students. My anatomy and physiology students are all hard workers,” she said, “and my peers help make it a pleasure for me to come to work each day.”
Hats off with our heartfelt gratitude to Amy Knight, Helena High School’s 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year! After this article was written, news came to us that Amy Knight was selected for another milestone rescognition. The Shelby County Board of Education named her the High School Teacher of the Year for all of Shelby County. So not only is Amy Helena High School’s Teacher of the Year, she is also Shelby County’s High School Teacher of the Year. It couldn’t have happened to a more dedicated and skilled teaching professional. Hats off and our most hearty congratulations to Amy Knight on her most recent well deserved recognitions!
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This fall’s Barktoberfest featured terrific weather and lots of furry friends roaming the grounds at the Old Town Amphitheater.
Hey, what’s better than thousands of dogs playing at a festival? Answer: thousands of dogs with their dog loving owners having a blast all together at Barktoberfest! Funnel cakes, gourmet hot dogs, shaved ice, and homemade lemonade was devoured by 3,000 festival partiers. The dogs got to enjoy an off-leash play area, treats from Fetch, as well as, shots and microchips by Dr. Hodges of Lake Crest Animal Clinic. A heartfelt thanks to our corporate sponsors and over 60 vendors. A huge congratulations to Jennifer Nolan and Kellie McKinney who served as festival directors. A job done with excellence, girls! A big thumbs up to the 100 plus volunteers who made the big dog party happen. Sonya King
32 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
5th Grade Huskies win it all in 2019 JSYFL 6A Division Finish season a perfect 10-0! Photos courtesy of Tim Mathews
Top: Coaches and players after championship game; above left, QB CJ Horn hands off to Lane Harris who finds a big hole courtesy of a steam rolling offensive line; middle photo, Jonathan Roberto breaks a few ankles on his way to pay dirt; and right, the three MVPs selected for the team: #5 Lane Harris, #18 CJ Horn and #37 Jonathan Roberto.
A big congratulations to 6A 5th Grade JSYFL Coach Shane Harris after his fifth grade team swept the field this past season, defeating Homewood 28-6 in a championship game that was decided early, The team finished the season a perfect 10-0. Speaking with Shane after the game, he said, “I want to thank Mayor Mark Hall, Parks Director Bill Miller and Helena High Athletic Director Richie Busby for working with Scott Verner to host the JSYFL Championship games at our house this year.” He went on, “We played all 6A
teams this year and even three 7A teams, and still managed to go undefeated. This is a talented group of kids who we have had together since the 2nd grade. They won it all during the 3rd grade, too, and came in 2nd to a tough Hoover team in 4th grade. And now, it is such a blessing to bring home the 6A trophy again. We had five new players that came on board this year. These kids worked hard to help our program grow.” Shane said he would also like to thank his coaching staff. “Without these guys it would be tough. We work hard both on and off
the field to prepare these kids for each game. And not only about football, but life lessons, too,” said Shane. The 5th grade coaching staff: • Chad Horn, Offense • Josh West, Defense • Joey Roberto • Tommy Lucas • Jimmy Moore The 5th grade Huskies threw for over 1200 yards this year and averaged over 350 yards per game rushing—3,500 yards on the season. The stout Husky defense gave up only 38 points the entire 2019
season. Unheard of in this day and age. (That’s just 3.8 points per game allowed.) Three MVPs were selected for the year. They are: #5 Lane Harris, RB #18 CJ Horn, QB #37 Jonathan Roberto I know Coach Langer at the Middle School can’t wait to get all these guys old enough to play for him. Congratulations once again to the 2019 Husky 5th grade team! We look forward to watching you bring home more trophies for Husky Nation for years to come.
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Helena’s Buck Creek Festival 2020 The ducks will quack again at Helena’s Buck Creek Festival this May 8-9!
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When the festival’s board members retired after last year’s event, a new board began to take shape. The newly-formed 501(c) (3) nonprofit, Helena’s Buck Creek Festival, will produce the two-day annual event featuring live music, vendors, a children’s area, and the festival’s signature attraction—the rubber duck race. Proceeds from the festival will continue to benefit local charities and service organizations. “This festival plays such an important role in the character of our city,” commented Helena City Councilor Laura Joseph. “Not only does it bring thousands of guests to Helena every year, it gives us an opportunity to come together as a community and just have a great time.” Members of the new Helena’s Buck Creek Festival Board of Directors include: Chairman Scot Newman Vice-Chairman Laura Joseph Treasurer JoAnna McClellan Secretary Crystal McLoughlin Board Member Emmanuel Scozzaro “This year’s festival is probably going to be a little different because we’ve got a new group of volunteers, but our mission and goals are still the same: to have a fun, family-friendly event that benefits the community and local
charities,” said Newman, who is also the man behind behind the very successful Helena Market Days over the past few summers. Helena’s Buck Creek Festival is currently recruiting sponsors, vendors, and musical acts to perform at this year’s event. For additional information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/HBCF20. Interested in volunteering at this year’s festival? Contact Crystal McLoughlin at crystal@mcloughlinconsulting. net Interested in becoming a sponsor for this year’s festival? Contact Laura Joseph at ljoseph27@gmail.com Interested in becoming a vendor at this year’s festival? Contact Scot Newman at helenasbuckcreekfestival@gmail.com
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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
Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager USN; US Navy Hospital-Physician’s Asst., Beaufort, South Carolina Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager’s daughter
Cpl Tyler A. Franklin USMC, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines Camp Lejeune, NC, Julie Franklin’s son, Christina’s brother, Alynna’s husband, Carson’s dad
SPC, Alexander Palmer Combat Medic Schofield, O’ahu, Hawaii
Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin D. Gilbert USCG, Machinery Technician; Mobile, AL, Leslie’s husband, Cohen & Kerrigan’s dad, Annette & Dan Duffy’s son-in-law SSG Jay Gortney ARNG; 20th Special Forces; Iraq; April’s husband SGT Brooks Gray USA; Ranger; Scofield BKS, HI; John Gray’s son, Lauren & Ryan Gray’s brother
Captain Joshua Bowen USA; 1st Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO Tom and Susan Bowen’s son, Fallon’s husband
SRA Brad Hubbard USAF Fort Gordon - Augusta, GA Rod & Susan Hubbard’s son
Captain Fallon Bowen USA; Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter-in-law, Joshua’s wife
SPC Michael Hubbard USA; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Ruth Meadows grandson, Kimberly’s husband, Bonnie Hubbard’s brother
LT Sarah Bowen USN; USS John Stennis Aircraft Carrier; Bremerton, WA; Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter
SPC Eric Hunley ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Mike & Barbara Hunley’s son; late Chris Hunley’s brother
LT Jordan Bowen USA; 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Div., Ft. Hood, TX; Tom and Susan Bowen’s son SRA Mitch Braswell USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Mike & Judi Braswell’s son
CPL Michael Jeffries ARNG; 1/167 Infantry Battalion Company B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Amy’s husband, Colin & Gavin’s father
PVT Vincent Brown USMC; Chesapeake, VA; Leonetta Prevo’s son
MC1 Andrew “AJ” Johnson USN; Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU); Dam Neck Annex, NAS Oceana; Virginia Beach, VA.
SGT Dallas C Caviness USAF; 172 Inf. Brigade; Germany; Rebecca’s husband, Norah’s father, Rhonda’s son & Devin’s brother
LT Commander David Kang USN; White House, Washinton, DC; Stanley & Sue Kang’s son, Sunny Kang’s brother
1st LT William B. Cofer USA; Fort Campbell, KY; Dorothy & Jim Cofer’s son, Deborah’s brother
SGT Jacob S. Lenoir USA; Sniper Unit of 1-64 Inf; Fort Stewart, GA; Beth Eades’ son, Caitlyn’s husband
CPO Austin C. Daniel USN; Norfolk, VA; Mike & Claudia Daniel’s son, Justin, Tatum & Autumn’s brother
SRA Tanner McGinnis USAF; 90th SFS Tactical Response Force; FE Warren AFB; Cheyenne, Wyoming Ken & Jo McGinnis’ son
Captain Jon P. Darrenkamp USA; Schofield Barracks, HI; Carol Darrenkamp’s son, Stephen & Eric’s brother
2nd LT Jacob Allen Meins USAF, Special Operations Command; Kathy Meins Martin’s son
AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks USN; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Joe & Tammy Williams’s son, Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor’s grandson
MSG Jacqueline M. Moore USA, 387th; Wichita, KS; Leroy E. Lucas’ wife, Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris’ mom
SSgt Phillip Hembree USAF Police, Japan Deborah Hembrees’s son, Joann Pilato’s grandson Jessica’s husband and Emily Faith’s daddy.
SSGT Christopher S. Murphy USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Jack & Karen Murphy’s son, Alyssa’s husband
E-mail Helena active duty military personnel’s name, address and where they’re stationed to helenacitynews@aol.com. If your loved one has returned, PLEASE let us know so that we can keep our prayer list current. Thank you!
Chief Petty Officer Termaine J. Pruitt USN; NAS Pensacola, FL; Termaine Jr, Trevorn, Chelicia & Tristin’s father, Janice & Austin Pruitt’s son SGT Peter J. “Pete” Reese ARNG; 152nd MP Co.; Lauren’s husband; Kai, Sam, Dalton, Brook & Kaiti’s father CPL Casey B. Reitz USMC, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC, Tom and Suzi Reitz’s son, Tommy, Joey, and Emily’s brother SPC Dwight A Rosse Jr. USA; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, KY; Dwight & Michelle Rosse’s son, Britney & Carlton’s brother Kenneth R. Russell USMC, 123 Beaufort, South Carolina Carolyn Russell’s son SPC Patrick D. Sharp USA; 82nd ABD; Al Asad, Iraq; Shawn Sharp’s son SPC Ashley Bruce Squires USA; 3rd Inf. Div., 1-30 Inf.; Ft. Stewart, GA; Jesi Mason Squires’s father, Bruce & Tammy son, Aubrey & Austin’s brother Cpl Rodney Stephens ARNG; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Andrea & AnnaBelle’s father Capt John M Traylor, Jr USAF; 64th Aggressor Squadron; Nellis AFB, NV; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son SGT John Christian Vansant USMC; VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS; New River, NC; Keith & Sherill Vansant’s son Major Maxwell B. Ward USAR; Afghanistan; Kathie’s husband, Maggie’s dad, Bette Ward’s son, Michelle (Lin) Saville’s brother PFC Zachary Walton USA; 3-1 Cav. Regt. Delta Troop; Ft Benning, GA; Becky Click’s son, Alex Walton & Sydney Mollica’s brother, Amber’s husband FC3 William J. Welch USN; USS Lake Erie, Pearl Harbor, HI; Devinne Brooks’ husband PFC Nathaniel Wilkins USMC; Naval Air Station, Pensalcola FL; Son of Vicki and Derek Wilkins
Helena’s own Brandon Sunday stars in A&E TV show—Live PD Brandon Sunday was born and raised in Helena in the days before we had our own intermediate, middle or high school. In those days, Helena kids attended Helena Elementary through 5th grade and then traveled to Riverchase Middle School and then on to Pelham High School. “It’s hard to imagine Helena with its own high school,” said Brandon with a proud smile. After graduating from Pelham High School in May, 2005, Brandon decided to join the marines. He served four years in a transportation group attached to the artillery unit in the 5th Batallion, 10th Marine Division and was deployed twice to AlFallujah, Iraq. “Our first tour in 2006 was hit by a lot of IEDs,” said Brandon, “but things slowed down a bit by our second tour in 2007.” Brandon managed to stay out of harm’s way, though, and after the second tour, was transferred back to his home base, Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged from there at the end of his fouryear commitment. “After finishing my time in
the marines, I applied with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, but they did not have any openings at the time. So, I went to work for a company in Pelham called Motivated Movers and moved there, living in a rented apartment. I worked in Pelham for a year before Bryan, the owner of the company, transferred me to Atlanta to start a branch of Motivated Movers there.” “I had put in an application with the Jefferson County Personnel Board previously, and after I’d been in Atlanta for about a year, an opening came up with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in June of 2012, and I jumped at the chance to get into law enforcement.” He was hired as a deputy sheriff, and like all Jeffco deputies, he started out working in the jail. Brandon worked in the jail until May of 2014, when he was promoted to patrol duty. When new Sheriff Mark Pettway took over, there were some tough parts of the county where criminals had been basically having their own way. Sheriff Pettway set up a crime task force team charged with enforcing the law in
these trouble spots. Nine deputies were selected, one of which was Brandon. The Jefferson County crime team force is known by its acronym, SNET, which stands for “Sheriff’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team.” The team was put into action in May of this year, and found success right off the bat. They were so effective that Birmingham’s WVTM, Channel 13, did a story on them in July, just two months after the team had been put into action. After the airing of the online version of that WVTM article, producers at the A&E Network in California saw it and thought SNET would make a good addition to their television series, Live PD, a show that follows law enforcement officers live from 12 departments all over the country from 8-11 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. When the show cuts to Jefferson County, Alabama, from the show’s control center in New York, the star of the show is Deputy Brandon Sunday. With his distinctive Southern accent, Brandon is seen making traffic stops and going on routine calls, but one never knows just what
all that might entail, hence the popularity of the show. Brandon has a unique, common sense way of community policing, and approaches each stop with a healthy respect, he says. “The show really came about all of a sudden,” said Brandon. “The team was formed in May by Sheriff Pettway, the story was broadcast on Channel 13 in July, and the show started airing with our regular segments the first of October, not even two months ago. So we are still getting used to things. A camera man from California rides with me five days a week, filming stops and he’s right there beside us on calls, filming and letting people know how law enforcement here operates on a day-to-day basis.” Brandon is the son of Alvin Sunday of Alabaster and Rhonda Smith Sunday of Helena. Brandon plans to marry his fiancé, Nicole Miller, in October, and says Nicole has the sweetest daughter, Brylei Kayce Miller. Be sure to tune in to A&E each Friday and Saturday night from 8-11 pm to watch this former Helena resident in action!
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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 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Dr and Mrs George Allison above, c. 1950s and right, today at their home in Helena’s Timber Park.
“We love people and want to meet needs. Really that’s all we have ever done.”
Meet Dr George Allison and his loving wife, Marygene Dr Allison will tell you that he is a retired Baptist Preacher. But he is also a man who joined the Marines in 1946. “I tried to go to work in business,” Dr Allison quipped, “but they said I was too young.” So at the age of 17, he went the military route instead. After serving for two years in the Marine Corps, Dr Allison attended Oklahoma State University in the state of his birth, and then went on to Southwestern Baptist Seminary, in Fort Worth, Texas, where he met a pretty coed there named Marygene. “It was love at first sight,” said George. “I asked her if she’d like to get a Coke and talk about the Baptist Student Union,” he said. “I didn’t know who he was,” chimed in Marygene, who added, “but he liked my car, a baby blue Studebaker,” she smiled. (Marygene was an only child and had gotten that car from her doting father.) Marygene was a Bible teacher for three groups of nurses in the Baptist Student Union (BSU), and they were both members of the BSU. “The funny thing is, I
don’t think we ever did talk about the BSU,” said George with a mischievous grin. After Marygene graduated from seminary with a master’s in Religious Education, the couple was married. A year later, George earned his bachelor’s of divinity degree. It was during this time that the couple had their first child, a son they named Mike. Not long after, Marygene’s father took ill and died back home in Tuscaloosa, so the young family moved there to help take care of things and had baby #2, Joe. (Youngest son, John, would follow three years later.) George had been named the first full time preacher at Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church, where the family stayed about five years. After that, George served at First Baptist Oneonta. “We always had missions on our hearts,” said George, “and it wasn’t too long before the Baptist Missions Board assigned us to Vicenza, Italy. We worked there with the Army in the north of Italy,” George remembered. “Our son Mike didn’t
take well to the climate there though,” said Marygene, who shared that he had asthma and chronic respiratory infections. So the family moved back to Tuscaloosa and moved in temporarily with Marygene’s mom, who they had recently hosted in Italy. They all took a mission tour to the Holy Land from there, and youngest son John was baptized in the Jordan River, George remembered. In later years, George would take Riverchase Baptist Mission and form Riverchase Baptist Church. From there, he moved to First Baptist Bessemer, from which he retired in 1993. (There are many assignments we have skipped over due to space restraints.) “I’ve retired about seven times now,” laughed George. As “retirees,” the Allisons came over and joined Hunter Street Baptist Church, where he served as Minister of Senior Adults. Marygene started the English as a Second Language program (ESL) there in 2000 and was its director for about 10 years. We are blessed to have George
and Marygene Allison as Helena residents now. The couple moved here to be nearer their youngest, John, now a pharmacist working at St Vincent’s and living in nearby Maylene with his wife and their three children. Oldest son Mike is a music minister today in Dallas, Texas, and middle son, Joe, is in Florida on the staff of Bayside Baptist Church. Dr George Alllison said one of his priorities these days is to find a young minister to use the more than 400 sermons he has stashed away in a special album that spans his life’s work. Wonder if we have any aspiring young ministers among our readers who could make that happen? Marygene said in closing, “We love people and want to meet needs. Really that’s all we have ever done.” Salute to former Marine and retired Baptist preacher, Dr George Allison and his wife, the sharp-asa-tack Marygene; we are happy to have you both happy in Helena!
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Queen of Diamonds Pageant
January 25—Young Miss 2pm Miss HMS 6pm
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Email: saddlebredsuzi59@gmail.com 40 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Helena Middle School presents the “Miss Queen of Diamonds Pageant” sponsored by the HMS baseball team on Saturday, January 25 2020. The “Young Miss” will begin at 2 p.m. and the “Miss HMS” at 6 p.m. in the HMS Gymnasium. Admission is $5. Overall, the pageant has a total of 65 girls participating from the Helena area. Last year’s pageant was such a hit with the middle school girls that HMS was thrilled to add the intermediate age group to this year’s event. The pageant provides the HMS baseball team with funds to purchase new jerseys, equipment, and aids in field maintenance. The “Miss Queen of Diamonds Pageant” promotes confidence as the girls present themselves on stage and the laughter and memories are priceless. HMS baseball players will be escorting the pageant contestants, giving the boys a great experience in showing respect and learning to be gentlemen. HMS is extremely thankful for the community support that allows us to encourage our adolescent girls and boys as they grow and mature. We hope everyone feels welcome in coming out to support this wonderful event!
The Helena Belles held their annual Charity Powderpuff football game Sunday, November 17th This event began in 2015 and has grown to become one of the Belles’ favorite events. Not only do the girls get to play a competitive game of football, they get to do it for a great cause! Through ticket sales by each Belle, $2965 was raised and presented to this year’s local charity. For their selected 2019 charity, the Belles organization was excited to partner with Vineyard Family Services to support its Backpack Buddies program. In Shelby County alone, there are over 10,000 public school children on the free meal program. During weekends and holiday breaks, this program helps meet the needs of over 950 of these students each month during the school year by making sure they have nutritious, easy to prepare food to take home when other resources might not be available. The Purple team - consisting of Senior and Freshmen Belles took on the Pink team of Juniors and Sophomores. This year, the Purple team was victorious, defeating the Pink team by a score of 35-14. Teams were coached by Dads and HHS Varsity Football players. Students also officiated the game. Mary Carol Dassau sang the National Anthem at halftime, and Mayor Mark Hall was present to help CoDirector Anna Marie Chapman present the check to the Backpack Buddies program. The Belles can be found all around Helena helping out with various events. They are often recognized by the traditional Southern Belle gowns they wear, but sometimes they represent this terrific service organization in jeans, shorts and t-shirts as in these powder puff pictures. Hats off to the Helena Belles for all they do to support our town!
Submitted by Stacey Franklin, Helena Belles Director
f f u p r e d Pow
HELENA BELLES
FOOTBALL
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Tree Lighting Christmas
Ceremony
Sponsored by the Helena Beautification Board
&
The Helena Holiday Festival
Sponsored by the Helena Business Association (HBA) Friday, December 6th
The Helena Holiday Festival preceded the city’s annual Tree Lighting Event to kick off Helena’s 2019 holiday season. The HBA brought in Santa Claus with lots of local vendors to help with everybody’s Christmas shopping, and food trucks provided dinner and drinks. The Helena Beautification Board brought in jazz recording artist, saxophonist Van Burchfield, to provide musical entertainment next to the Helena High School Choir. The night went off perfectly as these two events seemed to compliment each other in every way. Thanks to all the local organizations that helped out, including the Helena Explorers, The Helena Teen Council and the Helena Belles. Hats off to all the event sponsors, and thanks to everyone who came out to kick off the 2019 Christmas season in Helena!
42 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
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49 th
The
Miracle In
e rad Pa
l H elena Chr ist a u ma nn A s
wn o T Old
The 49th Annual Helena Christmas Parade was unusual in that it featured full sun and temperatures that felt more like spring than Christmas. (The only ones who had a problem with this were the photographers in the crowd, as full sun in the middle of the day does not usually make for great photography, lol.) It seemed like one of the biggest turnouts in recent memory, and judging by all the smiles on participants’ faces, the day went just about as well as anyone could wish. Thanks to all the folks on Joy Childers’ Parade Committee for working so hard to make the parade seem so effortless and thanks to
44 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org www.CityOfHelena CityOfHelena
everyone who either participated in the parade, supported a loved one in the parade or just came out and cheered for all the parade entries. The winners for this year’s parade were: FLOATS: 1st Helena Soccer, 2nd Girl Scouts Serve Troop 280, and 3rd Studio V Salon. PERFORMERS: 1st Silver Sneakers from Helena Health Club, 2nd Helena Middle School Dance Team and a tie for 3rd between Premier Dance and Dance Et Cetera
Congratulations to all the winners, and Happy New Year from your friends at Helena City News!
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GO HUSKIES!!! HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2020 Varsity Baseball Schedule day/date Sat., Feb. 15
opponent location time Auburn Auburn 10:00am Grissom 12:30pm Thur., Feb. 20 Thompson Helena 6:30PM Sat., Feb. 22 Tuscaloosa County Helena 11:00AM Central Phenix City 4:00PM Tue., Feb. 25 Hoover Helena 4:30PM Thur., Feb. 27 Oak Mountain Helena 4:30PM Sat., Feb. 29 Hoover Hoover 9:00am Flowery Branch, GA 11:30am Tue., Mar. 3 Tuscaloosa County Tusc. Co. 6:30pm Th-S, Mar. 5-7 Perfect Game Tourney Hoover TBA Wed., Mar. 11 Homewood Helena 4:30PM Thur., Mar. 12 Thompson Thompson 6:30pm Sat., Mar. 14 Enterprise Oak Mtn 1:00pm Oak Mountain 3:00pm Tue., Mar. 17 Pelham* Helena 6:30PM Thur., Mar. 19 Pelham* Pelham 6:30pm Sat., Mar. 23 Hartselle Hartselle 11:30am Grissom 1:30pm W-S, Mar. 25-28 Hoover Tournament Hoover TBA Tue., Mar. 31 Calera* Helena 6:30PM Thur., Apr. 2 Calera* Calera 6:30pm Mon., Apr. 6 Chelsea* Chelsea 6:30pm Wed., Apr. 8 Chelsea* Helena 6:30PM Sat., Apr. 11 Hartselle Helena 11:00AM Russell County 4:00PM *Area Game *Home games in bold print Head Coach P.J. Guy
46 Winter 2020 / www.CityOfHelena.org
HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2020 Varsity Softball Schedule day/date opponent location time Thur., Feb. 13 John Carroll Away 5:00pm Mon., Feb. 17 Thompson Tournament Away TBA F-Sat., Feb. 28-29 Hillcrest Cancer Tournament Bowers Park TBA Tue., Mar. 3 Moody Home 5:00PM Thur., Mar. 4 Hayden Away 5:00pm F-Sat., Mar. 6-7 ASOF Charity Tournament Oxford TBA Tue., Mar. 10 Calera* Home 5:00PM Thur., Mar. 12 Mortimer Jordan Away 5:00pm F-Sat., Mar. 13-14 Prattville Christian Tournament Prattville TBA Tue., Mar. 17 Pelham* Away 5:00pm Thur., Mar. 19 Chelsea* Home 5:00PM M-Th, Mar. 23-26 Gulf Coast Classic II Gulf Shores TBA Tue., Mar. 31 American Christian Academy Away 5:00pm Thur., Apr. 2 Pelham* Home 5:00PM Tue., Apr. 7 Calera* Away 5:00pm Thur., Apr. 9 Thorsby Home 5:00PM F-Sat., Apr. 10-11 Stanhope Varsity Tournament Stanhope TBA Tue., Apr. 14 Chelsea* Away 5:00pm Thur., Apr. 16 Tuscaloosa County Away 5:00pm Mon, Apr. 20 Hayden Home 5:00PM Tue., Apr. 21 Hueytown Home 5:00PM Thur., Apr. 23 Oak Mountain Home 5:00PM F-Sat., Apr. 24-25 31st Annual Hoover Classic Hoover TBA Tu-F, Apr. 28-May 1 Area Tournament TBA TBA Th-S, May 7-9 Regionals Oxford TBA Th-F, May 14-15 State Tournament Montgomery TBA *Area Game *Home games in bold print Head Coach Scott Lowery
Vaughn Family has passion to fund arthritis research A mother speaks out on behalf of her children
Jeff Vaughn has been a resident of Helena for about 27 years now. His three oldest daughters Ashley Cox, Shelby, and Brennan were raised here. In 2006, he married his wife, Julia, and together they had two children. (Little) Julia, 12, and Garrett, 10. When Julia was 40-years-old, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The Arthritis Foundation has played a huge role in her life not just because she has RA, but also because both of her children have been diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), an autoimmune disease which affects over 300,000 children in the United States. Here is their story… “We were visiting my sister’s horse farm in Connecticut the summer of 2009, and my sister and I noticed that my daughter, Little Jules (LJ), was limping. I thought she twisted her ankle while she was out in the barn, but after a few months, I noticed that the back of her left ankle was larger than her right one. It was so swollen that you could hardly see her ankle at all. I called our pediatrician, and after several blood tests, he sent us to a Pediatric Rheumatologist at UAB/Childrens Hospital, who confirmed our pediatrician’s initial diagnosis: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. LJ was only 2-years-old. For the first three months, LJ took Prednisone, Naproxen and weekly Methotrexate injections, but unfortunately, the arthritis moved into additional joints. Then, her rheumatologist added a second shot, Embrel, one shot for each hip, once a week. This regimen continued for 2 years, with blood draws every three months and eye exams every three months. LJ’s first MRI was ordered to see that her jaw had grown properly and to rule out potential future disfiguration. Her 2nd MRI was on her ankle. At that time, LJ was playing softball, and she had
other team members to run bases for her because her ankle hurt so badly. The results of this 2nd MRI revealed that she had Enthesitis, an inflammation of the tendons. A 3rd MRI was measured for the growth of her hand, and the latest MRI examined her SI Joint, the joint that connects her back to her spine. LJ has undergone several X-rays on other joints in her body to make sure that they are growing correctly. Thankfully, all of these tests have shown that her bones and joints are growing as they should be. LJ has definitely experienced challenges, but we are so thankful that her Juvenile Arthritis was detected early and that her doctors were aggressive with treatment. She still has some hard and painful days, but she pushes through like a champ. She loves swimming (one of the best sports for kids with arthritis) and has also participated in cheerleading, baseball, dance and horseback riding. This year, she’s taking a break from sports but continues to play the clarinet in the school band. Little Julia says, ‘One thing I want everyone to know about having arthritis is that, even when you are hurting, to always believe in yourself and never stop what you love doing.’ Eight years after LJ’s diagnosis, my son Garrett woke up to get ready for school and immediately fell to the floor with pain in his
right knee. My big, strong boy had to slide down the stairs to get me, and after taking one look at his melon-sized knee, I knew that he, too, would soon be diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Over the past two years, Garrett had experienced pain in his ‘heels,’ which we later learned that that was Garrett’s eight-year-old mind saying ‘heels,’ when it was his ankles hurting instead. I took him to see his pediatrician several times and each time he couldn’t find anything wrong, so we used Tylenol and heel lifts to help with the pain. It would come and go and honestly, I didn’t think both my children could have JIA. Garrett was playing basketball at the time, and I thought he just hurt due to running on the court. I learned a few short months later, when Garrett woke up with his knee so swollen he couldn’t walk and he was crying out in severe pain, that I was wrong. Blessed in a way that LJ already had a Pediatric Rheumatologist, we were able to get in within a day of Garrett’s knee swelling. After a brief visit, I felt that we were for certain going to end with a diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. With a gloomy look on his face, Garrett bravely walked down the hallway at Childrens to a procedure room, laid on the hospital bed and received his first cortisone injection. The Rheumatologist wanted to try and get fluid removed from his
swollen knee, but due to the pain, it just wasn’t feasible. It was a year this past May, and Garrett had been doing very well taking Naproxen. Just recently, he started having pain in both knees and ankles and all his fingers. Garrett started on Methotrexate in September, 2019, and takes Zofran to help with the nausea he feels from the Methotrexate. It is still too soon to know if this will stop the joint pain, inflammation and Enthesitis, but we are hopeful. Both of my kids have what is called Oligoarthritis, which occurs when four or fewer joints are affected within six months of diagnosis. They also have Enthesitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the tendons that attach to the bones, and Uveitis, which are inflammatory cells inside the eye. These inflammatory cells, although connected to JIA, have a different makeup and, if undetected, can cause blindness. Thanks to our pediatrician and rheumatologist, both Little Julia and Garrett were diagnosed early, which has saved them from serious, long-term joint damage.” LJ have since joined the local Birmingham Arthritis Foundation’s Board, is currently learning how to advocate and has taken on the role of co-chair to bring back the Bone Bash fund raising event after an absence of ten years. This fun and spirited evening was held last fall, and raised funds to support the mission to conquer arthritis. The costumed affair included spooky decorations, a buffet dinner, bar, costume contests, a silent auction, and frightfully fun entertainment, including live music, dancing, games and more. With your help, the arthritis Foundation will continue to lead the way in curing arthritis and improving the quality of lives for all our loved ones affected by this heartless disease.”
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