Pelham City News

Pelham City News Serving Pelham and Surrounding Communities

Spring 2014

Springtime Springt in Pelham!

TIM ALFORD NAMED INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT CITY EASTER EGG HUNT IS APRIL 19 AT 9AM OPENING DAY AT THE BALLPARK IS APRIL 5

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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK

…and the accolades just keep on coming; Two more noteworthy distinctions have come our way since our last newsletter went to press. Movoto, a national real estate blog, ranked the City of Pelham the third best city in Alabama. Coming in behind Madison and Auburn, Pelham’s ranking was based upon a low crime rate, a low unemployment rate and our quality of life. Next, Runner’s World Magazine has listed Oak Mountain State Park’s Peavine Falls Road “among Runner’s World’s 27 gorgeous running locations.” Actually, the Runner’s World article said Peavine Falls Road was one all

runners should run before kicking the bucket. For those of you who have never run Peavine Falls Road, as beautiful as it may be, be warned, kicking the bucket is a distinct possibility.

Equally exciting is the study to assess the feasibility of bringing a Hotel/Convention Center to Oak Mountain State Park. This study represents a partnership between the State of Alabama, Shelby County and the City of Pelham. I believe this plan will make Pelham even more appealing as a recreation destination while safeguarding the forests and mountains we all love so well.

The UA Frozen Tide Hockey

Team didn’t end this season at the National Championships as planned, but ended at a respectable 2nd place in the SEC. Among the season’s high points had to be the attendance record set at the Alabama/Auburn Iron Cup weekend and the well-executed SEC tournament held at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. Next year, not only will we again host the SEC tournament, we will also be hosting the Division III National Hockey Championships in March.

I was honored to attend the dedication of the National Veteran’s Shrine at the American Village in Montevallo. An integral part of this monument is the Register of Honor that seeks to document for posterity the military service of every American who has ever served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. I encourage all Veterans and the families of Veterans to

register their service and the service of their loved ones at the National Veterans Shrine. As the knuckleheads in Washington seek to gut our military – again - this is the perfect time to preserve the memories of our Veterans and their service forever.

Lastly, I think we can all agree weather forecasting is at best an inexact science. Everyone was inconvenienced to some degree by the late January snow event; some more than others. We all, however, need to learn from it. Overall, I am extremely pleased with how we came together as neighbors. It’s been said, “Character is only found in the face of adversity.” I’m proud to say Pelham is blessed with an abundance of both Characters and Character.

Yours Truly,

Left: Mayor Waters shows off one of his unofficial “mayor” shirts at the Polar Plunge in January after having taken the plunge himself. Below middle: Pelham Parkway in front of city hall as the “snow dusting” took hold.

Below right, Mayor Waters, in costume as Sheriff Woody from the Toy Story movie series, poses with Pelham Police Lieutenant Davy Lott, who is in costume as Jedi Master Yoda from Star Wars.

Opposite page, on left: City Councilman Maurice Mercer talks to Pelham Board of Education Vice President Paul Howell during a reception. Opposite page, on right: the Pelham City Council poses with a visiting boy scout.

2 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2014

FROM COUNCILMAN MERCER I hope this letter brings a WARM greeting your way.

After several weeks of cold, rain, and snow, I’m glad to see spring. By the time you read this most of you will be getting ready for spring break. Hopefully, that translates to fun, sun, and maybe sand in your toes. It is my prayer that you all will make it to and from your destination without incident. February marked our 1st Quarterly Town Hall Meeting for 2014 and the 2nd is being planned for early summer.

Please remember that these meetings are for you. It’s an opportunity for you to come and ask the Council and Mayor direct questions.

Martin Luther King once said, “Everyone can be great because anyone can serve.” Service can come in helping your neighbors as many did in the

snow. Service can come by reading to your kids class at their school. The City of Pelham has several functioning boards that have vacancies or will one day. We have had many residents answer the call by submitting their names for various boards. If you have a desire to serve in this capacity, please submit your name and resume. Currently we have vacancies on the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Board of Adjustments and Appeals, and Industrial Development. In the near future, we will need volunteers for our Pelham City Schools Foundation Board. All of our boards serve generously without pay to enhance the area that the particular board governs, guides or advocates.

For those of you who like to try new cuisine, I’m looking

Rick Hayes - President, Place 1 Ron Scott - Place 2 rickhayes@pelhamonline.com ronscott@pelhamonline.com

forward to Pelham’s own Jakes Southern and Caribbean Café to open soon. The menu seems to be something very unique to our area. The restaurant is located in south Pelham on Hwy 31 and the corner of county Rd 68 across from Staples. No matter your choice, I encourage to shop and eat in Pelham FIRST. We must continue to support our local businesses.

Opening day is near (April 5th), and I’m looking forward to the opening ceremonies and the first pitch. The Parks and Rec Department along with the coaches and volunteers really make the day as well as the season come together. The kids will make lasting memories

and life-long friendships. I hope to see you at a game.

April 21st marks our annual Youth Government Day with Valley Intermediate. We look forward to the resolutions, thoughts, and ideas from our future leaders of our great city.

Amanda, Emma, and I look forward to seeing you around Pelham.

All the best, Maurice Mercer

Maurice

Beth McMillan - Place 3 Karyl Rice - Place5 bethmcmillan@pelhamonline.com karylrice@pelhamonline.com PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2014 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 3

FROM PELHAM SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT RICK RHOADES

Since coming on board as the interim superintendent just a few weeks ago, Dr. Tim Alford has been working with consultant, Dr. Suzanne Freeman, and chief school finance officer, Lauren Butts, to establish a cohesive transition leadership team. This team is assisting the board of education in guiding the newly formed Pelham City School System from a community dream to a reality. This trio has been busy defining their roles, relationships, and responsibilities while establishing their temporary offices on the first floor of Pelham City Hall.

The transition team has also been busy meeting with the administrators, faculties and staffs of Pelham schools in order to explain transition procedures and to receive feedback and input on

4 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2014

issues and concerns. At the same time, the group has been developing a draft plan for central office personnel and related job descriptions which will be presented to the board of education for its review.

While the team has established recommendations on personnel, it has concurrently begun work on developing fiscal policies and procedures for the transition period, establishing a bank account, reviewing, purchasing and installing accounting software and hardware while beginning the process of formulating budgets for the transition period as well as the fiscal year beginning in October. Both these budgets will be presented to the board of education as well as the state department of education for review, input and approval.

The transition team has also worked with a consultant selected by the board to assess the information technology infrastructure of the system and to make recommendations for improvements in hardware, software, materials, supplies and equipment to support world class technology programs and activities.

Following the selection of the Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood firm as the system’s architect, the transition team has worked with architect Gary Owen to assess the current status of facilities and to begin developing long- and short-term plans for facilities improvements.

More recently, the group has been working with the board’s law firm to determine the process for completing the search for a permanent superintendent of education to provide leadership to the new system. It is anticipated that applications will be solicited soon with a May-June target date for the naming of the superintendent by the board.

Negotiations on a separation

agreement between the Shelby County and Pelham City Boards of Education are scheduled to begin soon, and Interim Superintendent, Dr. Tim Alford, recently stated, “I am confident that our deliberations and negotiations will lead to a fair and equitable agreement which works to the best benefit of students in both jurisdictions.

Once the agreement is approved by both boards of education and the new leadership is in place, we can move forward with formally putting the Pelham School System in place and helping our good schools move forward and become even better. I want to thank and commend the mayor and the city council as well as the members of the Pelham Board of Education for their excellent leadership and support.

There is much yet to be done, but even more has already been accomplished. I look forward to the continuing challenge.

Sincerely, Rick Rhoades

Rick

Garbage and Recycling Guidelines for Pelham Residents WEEKLY CURBSIDE CART COLLECTION:

• All trash or recycling MUST be in the designated carts, with the lid completely closed.

• Carts must be 2 feet apart from each other and no further than 4 feet from the curb, and at least 4 feet away from overhead obstacles, mailboxes, permanent structures, etc.

• All carts are to be on the street by 6:00 a.m. on the day of pick up, including bulk pickup.

WEEKLY RECYCLING SERVICE:

Pickup is every week, same day as garbage collection. ONLY approved recyclable items are to go in the designated recyle carts.

NO GARBAGE, PLEASE.

APPROVED LIST OF RECYCLABLES: Plastic food, beverage, detergent bottles and jugs labeled #1 – #7, metal and aluminum cans, newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, telephone books, brown paper bags, corrugated cardboard, cereal boxes, office and copy paper, shredded paper in a paper bag, file folders, file and packing boxes, junk mail, brown or gray paper packages (soda cartons, dry food packages, etc).

Please remember to rinse all plastic, metal and aluminum items thoroughly.

ITEMS UNABLE TO BE RECYCLED: Plastic bags, milk or juice cardboard cartons, pizza boxes, loose shredded paper, medical waste, glass, tissue products, paper towels, or any paper that has contact with food items, wax-coated paper, paper cups, plastic buckets, dishes, cookware, tupperware, rubbermaid products, Styrofoam or bubble wrap.

SPECIAL BULK WASTE SERVICE:

Pickup twice per year on scheduled collection dates in April and October, as listed on the Pelham Online website.

No bulk waste items may weigh over 300 lbs or be over 6 ft long.

ACCEPTABLE BULK ITEMS: Grills (gas or propane tank removed), push lawnmowers (not riding, with gas tank removed), paint cans with dry paint only (see Special Handling secion on the website), furniture, mattresses, lumber (not wood, yard debris or tree limbs), vacuum Cleaners, auto interior parts, picnic tables, dismantled swing sets, bicycles, general debris, etc.

UNACCEPTABLE BULK ITEMS: Refrigerators, televisions, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, hot water heaters, tires, oil, batteries, engine blocks, window AC units, riding lawnmowers, bug spray, paint cans with liquid paint, hazardous waste, needles or medical waste.

If you wish to receive an additional cart or return an additional cart, please call Pelham Water Works at 205-620-6420. Any other questions, call Trash Taxi at 205-419-4005 or visit:

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Dr. Tim Alford is moving quickly as Interim Superintendent

Dr. Tim Alford, a former chool Administrator, was named Interim School Superintendent for the new Pelham School System in the board of education meeting held January 27.

He and his wife of 48 years, Freddie, who is a former educator herself, moved to Pelham to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

“I wouldn’t have gotten

involved if not for this school board, and especially Rick Rhoades, who persuaded me,” laughed Dr. Alford. Then he turned serious. “This is a board that has the best interests of the students in mind.”

A unique perspective is brought to the position with Dr. Alford, through his many different roles with school systems in the past. He has not only served

as Superintendent for Andalusia City Schools and Jasper City Schools, but also as the Mayor of Enterprise and most recently as the Director of the Alabama Office of Workforce Development.

His experience in these roles allows him to find solutions that will benefit the city as well as the school system itself.

Working to find the right architects, bank, accounting firms; helping with the central office staff plans and helping the system get started with everything from purchase orders to bus routes has kept Dr. Alford on his toes.

He plans to work with not only the BOE and city council, but the faculty and staff of all Pelham schools as well, and he is also looking at the possibility of sharing personnel with surrounding cities.

Aside from the startup tasks, there are other items he cites as priorities for the city, like more up-to-date computers and a

Pelham’s Annual City Easter Egg Hunt Pelham’s Parks and Recreation Department’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Pelham City Park’s youth football field.

Over 8,000 eggs will be hidden this year! Event festivities begin at 9 am. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures and to meet and greet children.

Pelham Park Youth Baseball/Softball Dates April 5 May 3 May 17

Youth Baseball/Softball Opening Day at the Ballpark Youth Football/Cheerleading signups 9am-12pm Youth Football/Cheerleading signups 9am-12pm

Pelham Racquet Club Dates April 6-13 Women’s 25,000 Legacy Pro Circuit Tournament May 15-18 USTA 55 and Over State Tournament

faster internet connection in all schools. “We want to provide the best possible technology for the students,” he explained.

While construction work on existing campuses and possible new buildings are in the future, he still wants to consider them, too, he said “since we are building from the ground up what this system will be.”

Another task for Dr. Alford is making recommendations for a permanent superintendent.

“I’m here to get things started and ultimately help find the right superintendent to be what Pelham needs long-term,” he said.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with the schools, city, board of education and community to lay the groundwork for this new system. I thank them for their cooperation and support,” he said, concluding, “The sky’s the limit for the Pelham school system.”

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Churches

LOCAL

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Oak Mountain Independent Church

EPISCOPAL

Saint Francis of Assisi

1475 Highway 35, 663-1927Pastor George Golden Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 A.M.

3545 Cahaba Valley Road, 988-4371 Father Neil Kaminski • saintfrancisindiansprings.org Sunday Holy Eucharist 8:30, 10:45 A.M.

RiverPoint Church

METHODIST (United)

375 Bearden Road, 621-0112 Pastor Bobby Lewis • riverpointchurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 A.M.

BAPTIST

Crosscreek Baptist Church

Lakeview Methodist of Pelham

5154 Highway 11, 663-3309 Pastor Rev. Stephen Strange • lakeviewonline.net Sunday Morning Worship 8:30, 10:30 A.M.

MORMON

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

600 Crosscreek Trail, 663-4886 crosscreekbaptist.org Sunday Worship 10:00 A.M.

2720 Cahaba Valley Rd, 733-9038 • lds.org

CrossWay Christian Fellowship

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

First Baptist Church-Pelham

9013 Highway 261, 980-5577 Pastor Chris Hodges • churchofthehighlands.com Sunday Morning Worship 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 A.M.

Indian Springs First Baptist Church

192 Chandalar Place Drive, 655-1332 Pastor Earl V. Gardner Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 A.M.

Living Hope Baptist Church

2760 Pelham Parkway, 637-3473 Pastor Jerry McClain • kingdomchristiancenter.net Sunday Worship Service 10:30 A.M.

Oak Mountain Baptist Church

Meets at Shepherd’s Promise, 620-1725 Pastor Bob Kuehner • lifechristian.us Sunday Celebration 10:00 A.M.

Oakland Baptist Church

1449 Court Place, 663-1937 Pastor Rick Bishop • wherelifeisgood.com Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Meets at Shelby Co. YMCA, 966-3327 Pastor Fred Muse • crosswaycf.org Sunday Worship 10:00 A.M.

2867 Pelham Parkway, 663-7492 Pastor Dr. Mike Shaw • fbcpelham.org Sunday Worship 8:00, 9:15, 10:45 A.M. 3375 Cahaba Valley Road, 988-3662 Pastor Charlie Dale • isfbc.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 A.M.

419 Philippians Boulevard, 664-0491 Pastor Clay Parrish • livingwithhopechurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 A.M. 1805 Highway 35, 663-3045 Brother Ken Phillips • ombcpelham.org Sunday Worship 10:30 A.M. 244 Cahaba Valley Pkwy, 988-0031 Pastor Jonny White Prayer, Preaching & Praise 10:30 A.M.

Sun View Baptist Church

Meets at Valley Intermediate, 685-9447 Dr. Mark A. Boyd • sunviewbaptist.com Sunday Morning Service 11:00 A.M.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ at Oak Mountain 2054 Oak Mtn State Park Rd, 663-6566 Bob Hutto, Evangelist • oakmtnchurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Pelham Church of Christ

3405 Pelham Parkway, 663-7735 Dick Sztanyo • pelhamchurchofchrist.com Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 A.M.

CHURCH OF GOD

Pelham Church of God

2100 Highway 52 East, 664-0120 Pastor Mitch Underwood Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 A.M.

Pelham Church of God of Prophecy 3362 Pelham Parkway, 620-9598 Pastor Krameon Martin Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 A.M.

Church of the Highlands-Riverchase

Hope World Outreach Ministry

Kingdom Christian Center

Life Christian Fellowship

Life Church

Master’s House Ministries

135 Corporate Way, 620-0720 Pastors David & Diane Rogers • mastershouseministries.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Oak Mountain Community Church

889 Oak Mtn State Park Rd, 663-7176 Pastor Gene Brown • oakmountaincc.com Sunday Worship/Kid’s Church 10:30 A.M.

The Rock Church

3540 Pelham Parkway, 383-7545 Pastor Steven Van Gieson • rockofbirmingham.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Calendar of Events March

15 - Respite Care (special needs 0-21), free, must reserve AaronsStaffRespite.org 16 - Game, Pet, Match at PRC w/Humane Society, 1-5 pm 17 - St. Patrick’s Day - Valley Elementary Spring Book Fair March 17-21 - City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7:00 pm, Work Session 6:00 pm 23 - HICA/City of Pelham Latino Town Hall, Mi Pueblo, 12:00-2:00 pm 24 - Shelby County Schools’ Spring Break March 24-28 31-BOE meeting, 7 pm

April

1 -5K Pre-Registration, Valley Elementary 12:00-6:00 pm, 620-5552 2 -5K Pre-Registration, Valley Elementary 7:00-11:00 am, 620-5552 6 -Women’s $25,000 Legacy Pro Circuit Tournament, Racquet Club, April 6-13 5 - Youth Baseball/Softball Official Opening Day 7 - Valley Elementary Teacher Appreciation Week April 7-11 - City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7:00 pm, Work Session 6:00 pm - Women’s $25,000 Legacy Pro Circuit Tournament, Racquet Club, April 6-13 14 - BOE meeting 4 pm 19-City’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt, City Park football field, 9:00 am - Respite Care (special needs 0-21), free, must reserve AaronsStaffRespite.org 20 - Easter Sunday 21 - City’s Annual Youth Government Day & Youth Council Meeting 22 - Pelham Business Council, 11am-1pm, Pelham Civic Complex 26 - Cintas Shred Event at the Pelham Library, 8:00 am-12:00 pm 28 - BOE meeting 7 pm - ProAm Tournament, Pelham Racquet Club

May

3 - Youth Football/Cheerleading Registration, Park & Rec. Ofc., 9:00 am-12:00 pm 5 - City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7:00 pm, Work Session 6:00 pm 8 - Philip Davis Memorial Golf Tourney, Ballantrae, OfficerPhilipDavis.com 9 - Buck Creek Festival May 9-10 BuckCreekFestival.com 11 - Mother’s Day 15 - USTA 55 & Over State Championships May 15-18, Racquet Club 17 - Youth Football/Cheerleading Regisration, Park & Rec. Ofc., 9:00 am-12:00 pm - XTERRA Southeastern Championships May 17-18, Oak Mtn State Park

Truth International Church

3157 Pelham Parkway, Bishop Robert Ivy Sr. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 A.M.

PENTACOSTAL

New Testament Christian Church

2976-D Pelham Parkway, 401-1629 Pastor E.J. Rodriguez • newtestamentchristianchurches.org Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 A.M.

PRESBYTERIAN Korean Presbyterian Church

7814 Helena Road, 982-1990 Pastor Rev. Steven Son Sunday English Worship 11:00 A.M.

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Lauren Butts, Suzanne Freeman hired to start up city school system “I’m excited to be a part of Pelham and creating something that’s new—seeing it start and knowing how good it will be,” said Suzanne Freeman, who was hired as an Educational Consultant to help Pelham in the process of starting its school system.

This is her third time consulting with a city or board beginning its own school system.

Beginning as a teacher, she worked her way up as a Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and then as Superintendent of Trussville schools in 2004.

She was named the 2008 State Superintendent of the Year and was one of four finalists in 2009 for National School Superintendent of the Year. On February 25, she was named Superintendent for the new Pike Road School System. But Pelham is lucky to have her in the meantime.

Suzanne also has experience in working on separation agreements, so meeting with the SCBOE attorneys to talk about taxes, revenue and expenditures is routine for her. But she has help in that department.

The PBOE also recently hired Lauren Butts as the Chief School Financial Officer, or CSFO. Her

former position was head of Hoover Schools payroll, but she has also previously worked as the CSFO of Bibb County.

“I’ve always really enjoyed being a CSFO for schools,” Lauren said. “I looked forward to the greatest challenge of starting a system from the ground up,” which she gets to do in Pelham.

The pair of hardworking women have great respect for the members of the city council as well as the board of education for all the work they have already done. “They’re always taking on more work, they’re good at pitching ideas, collaborating and brainstorming,” Lauren said.

“We respect the city leaders and school board members who are excited about their schools and want to provide more resources so great teachers and administrators can provide even better educational services to the students,” Suzanne said.

“We will look back one day and be thankful to the city leaders and school board members for creating such a strong and progressive school system.”

“It takes all of us working together and bringing our different talents to the table,” Lauren

agreed. “Their work makes us want to be a part of their team.”

The women are also taking steps towards earning Pelham an official entity number from the US Department of Education. This is a necessary step to receive E-Rate reimbursement for any technology equipment bought for the schools.

For the first several weeks, Dr. Alford, Lauren, and Suzanne had no computers or other equipment in the newly-created office on the ground floor of city hall–they are truly building the system from ground up.

But the open space in the office gave them a lot of room to plan, spreading their in-progress lists and charts all over the walls.

A lot of work has been done from home, with the ladies emailing each other, Dr. Alford, and the Board to share ideas and

keep things moving forward.

Figuring out how to staff the central office, who to fill each role with, is one of their first challenges. They have created an organizational chart and job descriptions. They want to have enough staff to be responsive to the needs of the schools; however, they also want to have a lean staff at the central office so that more resources can go directly to the schools.

They appreciate working with Dr. Alford and the Board.

Suzanne said, “Our personalities compliment each other, so we make a great team. We get a lot of work done and are excited about the creation of Pelham City Schools.”

“It’s a good thing that we are both the type of people who like putting puzzles together,” Lauren laughed.

PHS student designs Pelham City Schools logo With the Helena-Pelham split looming ahead, and talk of the Pelham-Shelby County separation permeating the news, division is on the minds of many Pelham residents. So it’s no wonder that PHS sophomore Jake Nelson wanted to bring a sense of unity into his design for the Pelham City Schools’ logo contest.

“Since the Helena students are leaving and we’re splitting to become our own school system, I thought we should have something with unity,” he said.

His design features green, black and yellow rings– which he said are balanced to further push the representation of unity– with a panther head in the center.

He researched other school system logos, and decided that torches are an overdone symbol for learning. “Pelham is becoming its own school system, so we definitely needed a Panther in there,” he explained.

He entered the contest after learning about it in his Art II class with Mrs. Harrison. “I thought it would be great to

design something for the city I was raised in, just to be able to give back to the community,” he said. He is very excited about his design being used permanently by the new school system.

For winning the contest, Jake received a $100 gift card from Renasant Bank, which the PBOE has chosen as the interim bank for the school system. “I didn’t even know there was a prize,” laughed Jake. “I’ve always liked art, and thought it would be fun.”

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City Council President Rick Hayes was happy to announce the donation of $84,000 to Pelham’s five city schools during a February 3 meeting.

The council passed the motion unanimously. Rick said the money will help support the arts and other school extracurricular activities and events as the city moves forward with its school board. He continued, “This allows the schools to fund some facility upgrades that they desperately need.”

PHS received $34,000, which it will utilize in capital improvements on the football and baseball stadiums and to fund clubs and extracurricular activities, as well as to purchase Elmo projectors and iPad 2 tablets.

The city donated $15,000 to VES. They plan to use the money along with $50,000 they already have to purchase iPad 2 tablets and related educational materials including

speakers, smart boards and other equipment related to technology.

Another school using the funding for technology is RMS, which will use the $15,000 it received to buy computers, projectors and related items. The money will also be used to fund competitive academic teams.

VIS will be using its $15,000 on materials and training costs for the “The Leader In Me” program it has undertaken.

Finally, the Linda Nolen Learning Center will use the $5,000 it received to purchase teacher workshops, as well as laptops, iPads and other learning accessories.

The one-cent sales tax enacted by the council in August as a way to fund Pelham City Schools provided $60,000 of the donated funds. (The total money raised through this tax exceeds $1.6 million.) The remaining $24,000 donated to schools came from the city’s general fund budget.

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2014 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 15

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Real Estate Co. names Pelham #3 city in state!

Movoto Real Estate is a national online real estate brokerage. The company recently published a list of their 10 Best Cities in Alabama (which they call the gem of the south) on their blog, and Pelham was cited as number 3 on that list. Congratulations, Pelham!

“Alabama may be known as the Heart of Dixie, but after this ranking, this southern state has captured our hearts as well…

[It] has a certain charm for everyone’s fancy,” the company’s article said. “There is something

undeniably charming, comfortable, and downright American about the Heart of Dixie.” It talked about Alabama’s unique, idyllic and quaint places as well as a few more luxurious locales.

Their ranking system was determined by the following criteria: each city’s businesses and amenities, cost of living, median home price, rent and household income, the teacher/student ratio, crime rate, sales and income tax rates, unemployment rate, median commute times to work and school, and the

weather, including temperature and air quality.

Pelham is one of the safest places on the entire list, with a crime rate “49 percent lower than the rest of the state,” it said.

It claimed the high quality of life that makes residents want to live in the city is because of a high median income of $67,622, high median home values near $167,000 and rent prices around $902.

“Where Pelham really shined, though, was in its low unemployment rate of just 5.4 percent, making it one of the five most employed places

in Alabama,” said the article.

But due in part to Pelham’s somewhat sprawling borders and out-of-the-way communities, the average commute time is higher than the state average at 28 minutes.

Still, with strong city leaders, an engaged public, a new city school system underway, and the many growing businesses and amenities in Pelham, it’s no wonder our city was picked for this list. Check out the rest of the list here: http://www. movoto.com/blog/top-ten/bestplaces-in-alabama/.

Shelby County Schools approve new zone lines — Some children in unincorporated areas of Alabaster will be rezoned to Pelham The Shelby County Board of Education approved new zone lines to accommodate measures of the separation agreement with Alabaster City Schools.

This redesign of the “Alabaster Zone” is necessary to address the children in unincorporated areas

of the “Alabaster Zone” who will be attending Shelby County and Pelham schools.

For the 2014-15 school year, this will affect incoming kindergarten students who live in areas outside the “Alabaster Zone” and current fifth graders,

living outside the Alabaster Zone, who will exit Alabaster’s school district and go into Shelby County and Pelham schools as sixth graders.

Incoming kindergarten and graduating fifth graders will be rezoned to Helena, Montevallo,

Calera, Columbiana, and a small portion to Pelham.

A map of the affected areas can be found on the Shelby County website. Parents may contact the Shelby County Transportation Department for additional details at 682-7130.

PHS Color Guard teams are on their way to a championship!

At the Hoover Indoor Guard Competiton on Saturday, February 22, the PHS Varsity Color Guard won first place in the Varsity

Division, and the JV Color Guard won second place in the Junior Varsity Division.

They competed again in Huntsville, and the

color guard championships take place this month in Nashville.

Congratulations to the PHS Color Guard!

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2014 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 17

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Annual Oak Mountain Polar Plunge raises more than $6000 for Special Olympics The Pelham Fire Explorers and members of Boy Scout Troop 110 were among those to truly enjoy wading in the frigid water during the 4th Annual Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park Saturday, January 18.

Nearly 50 “plungers” came out in the 30-degree temperatures and went into water around 45 degrees.

Onlookers crowded around the “plunge point” as well as around a large, very warm fire built and tended to by helpful OMSP staff. It was this fire that helped many of those soaked from the lake to warm up in spite of the event being held during our own “polar vortex.”

Each participant had to raise at least $50 to support their plunge.

Money raised by the event, which was sponsored by local law enforcement, goes towards offsetting the cost of sending 136 Alabama athletes to the Special Olympics. The 2014 USA Games will be held in Princeton, New Jersey, June 14-21.

This year, festivities at the Polar Plunge included a costume contest brought on by last year’s large number of plungers who showed up in-character.

Mobsters, inmates, fake policemen and Supergirl joined others in wading out to high-five a OMSP worker in the lake. The Polar Plunge polar bear mascot

was joined by Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog to keep the plungers in line.

The winner of the costume contest was dressed as an overweight cop, complete with badge, hat, noticeable spare tire with stomach hair and a box of donuts. Although he went into the lake with donuts, he came back out with an entirely soaked, probably ruined fake stomach hanging around his thighs. “Not your best look!” someone in the crowd shouted, laughing.

Not only was local law enforcement represented at the plunge, so were local politicians.

Mayor Gary Waters took the plunge as Sheriff Woody from Toy Story. Councilman Ron Scott was dressed as an early advertisement-style weightlifting and sunbathing man, complete with striped red suit and fabulous black mustache.

These men joined Police Chief Tommy Thomas, Fire Chief Donny Ray and other Pelham law enforcement in taking the icy dip.

More than $6,000 was raised for the Special Olympics through this endeavor. Thank you to all those who participated and cheered on others in this successful fundraising event.

Everyone encourages more people to take part in this unique event at OMSP next year.

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Former Captain Larry Palmer named city’s first Deputy Police Chief With 27 years on the Pelham Police Department under his belt, serving the last six as police captain, it’s no wonder Larry Palmer was chosen as the city’s first Deputy Police Chief. He was sworn into his new position December 18, along with four new officers, bringing the total officers in the department to 71.

“I’m just proud to be a part of this department.”

Larry’s father and older brother were both in law enforcement, so he’s seen drastic changes occurring over the last 45 years in the way police departments are run and the ways in which they react to different situations. “Society expects a lot out of us, and we have to deliver,” he said, acknowledging one of the harder mental aspects of the job. “But all the bad days pay off with that one day I saved someone.”

“It’s a unique job. You’ve gotta want to be a cop for the right reasons,” he continued. “We start each day with the attitude that we will provide the most professional police service that we can. Pride, professionalism and integrity mean a lot to us.” Larry’s mantra is to lead by example, and he says he always challenges his officers to be a cut above the rest.

As Deputy Chief, Larry will work as Chief Tommy Thomas’s right-hand man, helping a lot more with the day-to-day operations of the department than he did as captain.

He will assist with hiring, administration, patrolling, internal investigations and enforcing rules and regulations.

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“I’m looking forward to what this job will bring in the next few years,” said Larry. In about 6 months, once the department has hired a new Captain, he will have some help with all this.

And since it’s a new position, he knows some aspects of it might change as they learn what works. “If tasks would be better

served by someone else, we will delegate,” he explained.

Working his way up the ranks from Patrol, Patrol Supervisor and Patrol Commander to the Investigations Department and most recently as Captain, he’s seen how the department works inside and out. “It’s been fun, it’s a great career,” Larry said.

“A great city full of good people makes all the difference.”

Pelham Racquet Club Sunday, March 16th 1:00 – 5:00 pm Proceeds will benefit the Shelby County Humane Society & The Sanctuary Invite everyone!

There will be dogs & cats on site for adoption!

Sign up for mixed doubles 2:00 – 4:00 pm $25 per person/Snacks provided Call 205-621-3380 to sign up!

Deadline, Saturday, March 15th Demo Day with Wilson, Prince, Maui Jim, Gamma, Babolat, Tecnifibre!

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OMSP’s Peavine Falls Road on Runner’s World bucket list Peavine Falls Road made the list of “27 gorgeous running locations to add to your bucket list,” posted first in a tweet from the Runner’s World magazine’s Twitter account.

Being on the “Rave Runs” list puts Peavine Falls Road with the likes of Utah’s Valley of the Gods, California’s Big Sur, Italy’s Brenta Dolomites, and the Col des Montets Pass in France, as well as trails in Portland, Boulder, New Orleans and even Hawaii.

The entry on Pelham said,

“Not far from downtown Birmingham, Peavine Falls Road provides a hilly, serpentine three-mile route through Oak Mountain State Park.”

In an in-depth article about this spot, they mention something many may not know: the road was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration. Good to know local history is being taught!

Also in the Runner’s World article, an anonymous runner

was quoted as saying, “Halfway through your six mile run (at the top!) your reward is an amazing scenic view, magnificent rock formations and a gorgeous waterfall.” This is high praise for those wishing to see natural beauty on their runs.

The article also makes sure to tell runners to take Peavine Falls Road, not Peavine Falls Trail, as that would be better suited for hikers than runners. That just shows there’s a little bit of everything for nature lovers at our own Oak Mtn. State Park!

Businesses who went above and beyond during the winter storm In this issue, the Pelham Beautification Board has decided not to award beautification winners. Instead, they would like to use this space to thank businesses and residents who went above and beyond during the winter storm of January 27-29.

Some of the businesses earning recognition from them include: • Bama Concrete • Byrd Contractors • Home Depot • Linda Nolen School – Administration & Faculty • Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena • Pelham Fire Department • Pelham High School – Administration & Faculty • Pelham Police Department • Pelham Street Department • Publix ~ Huntley Parkway

• • • • • • •

Publix ~ Southgate Village Residents who assisted others in so many ways Riverchase Middle School – Administration & Faculty Tony’s Hot Dogs Valley Elementary School – Administration & Faculty Valley Intermediate School – Administration & Faculty Waffle House There was a great outpouring of help and support by many, and we apologize if we missed you on our list. Thank you so much for making our community stronger!

Pelham Hometown Heroes

Local Female Athlete receives USA Swimming Recognition Local swimmer Molly Steele was chosen by USA Swimming to attend one of four National Zone Select Camps the organization offers each year in late May. These camps offer a unique motivational and educational experience for emerging youth athletes.

Alabama is part of the Southern Zone, which chose only 28 female athletes to participate in this exclusive event.

Molly began swimming at the age of 7. After swimming at her first local YMCA swim meet, she was hooked on the sport.

In 2009, she was ready to take her swimming to the next level,

so she joined the competitive swim team Hoover Blue Thunder. After a couple years of perfecting her strokes and working on technique, she began training under the direction of Head Coach Rick Moulton.

Training six days a week for 2-½ hours a day with only one month of recovery during the year has shaped her into an amazing young swimmer.

Rick continues to encourage, challenge and motivate her on a daily basis. His continued efforts force her to dig deep within herself and find the determination that is needed to be successful in the competitive

world of swimming.

If you ask Molly about her natural talent as young swimmer, she will give credit to the Lord and it is her desire that He receive all the glory and credit from any accomplishments she makes.

For now, Molly’s short-term goals are to obtain Junior National, National and Olympic Trial Times within the upcoming years. Molly would like to pursue swimming at the college level, and she hopes to one day to achieve her long-term dream goal of making it onto the US Olympic Team.

Good luck, Molly!

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2014 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 23

MISS PHS 2014 PAGEANT WINNERS

3rd Alternate: Erin McDonald

1st Alternate: Jessica Barr

Freshman Elite: Courtney Zajic

Miss PHS: Lydia Cobb

Junior Elite: Ashlyn Coats

24 PelhamOnline.com / Early Spring 2014

2nd Alternate: Tiffany Hogue

Sophomore Elite: Tatum Bell

McDonald, and 4th is Holley Gray.

The contestants from each grade with the highest score are also awarded the title of Elite. 2014 Freshman Elite is Courtney Zajic, Sophomore Elite is Tatum Bell, and Junior Elite is Ashlyn Coats.

The contestants themselves vote on the title of Miss Congeniality, and in a surprise, this title also went to Lydia Cobb. The Best Escort title went to Connor Atkisson.

4th Alternate: Holley Gray

Best Escort: Connor Atkisson

Miss PHS: Lydia Cobb

Most Photogenic: Ashlyn Coats

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Pelham Senior Lydia Cobb was named Miss PHS 2014 during the pageant held Saturday, February 15. She was crowned by last year’s Miss PHS, Savanna Windham.

Contestants each year are awarded points for their personality, interviews, and the ever-popular beauty walk. The senior with the highest total score is crowned Miss PHS, with four alternates. This year, 1st Alternate is Jessica Barr, 2nd is Tiffany Hogue, 3rd is Erin

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2014 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 25

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Dana Payne Martin leaves VIS, takes position at SCSS Central Office Former VIS Principal Dana Payne Martin has taken a position in the Shelby County School System Central Office after 29 years of work in the school system. She was approved in a January 23 Shelby County Board of Education meeting as the School Improvement and Federal Programs Supervisor.

“This is a great career opportunity for me, to be able to move to the central office and reach students county-wide,” Dana said.

She will be working in the Federal Programs office with Leah Anne Lowe and Janise Hampton, collaborating with them and other senior administrators throughout the county. “I’m excited about

having this role and working with them in a different way,” she said. One of the programs she will work on supports the children of homeless families in Shelby County. She will also meet with principals in Title 1 schools to work on initiatives to encourage more parent involvement.

“An important part of my new job will be working with all schools in Shelby County on school improvement. I’m very excited about being involved with helping schools implement best practices and strategies that will improve student achievement for all students in Shelby County,” said Dana.

The biggest change will be not

working inside a school, as she has done throughout her career.

“The thought of not going to work with these little people every day is one of the saddest things about this,” she said.

“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make—it pulled at my heart strings.”

“The children have been so sweet, showering me with cards saying they love and will miss me,” she added, gesturing to the

notes and papers covering the walls of her office.

“I’ve been at VIS for 12 years.

They’re like my family,” she continued. “I have such a heart for this school and community, but I know I leave them in capable hands—those of Robin Hollingsworth.”

Dana will continue to work at VIS helping Mrs. Hollingsworth until a new assistant principal is named later this school year.

Administration from the University of Montevallo before taking professional development training courses through the SCBOE. After beginning her career in Calera 18 years ago, teaching 4th grade. She then moved to VIS and has been at the school ever since. After starting out teaching 4th grade, she became VIS’s reading coach

for eight years before taking over as Assistant Principal two years ago. And now, she is happy to continue doing what she loves best—helping students reach their full potential.

“God puts you where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there, and he put me at VIS with Dana,” she said.

“I love my VIS family.”

Robin Hollingsworth takes over as new principal at VIS Following the announcement that Dana Payne Martin would be leaving VIS came the Shelby County Board of Education’s decision to appoint Assistant Principal Robin Hollingsworth as the school’s new Principal.

“I’m honored at this opportunity, and I look forward to the future,” Robin said at the February 20 meeting.

Robin thanked Dana for being an incredible mentor, life coach and friend over the course of their years together at VIS. “I’m looking forward to working with all the changes in the new school system as they come, and to carry on the legacy of Mrs. Martin from the past 12 years,” she said.

She also thanked her husband Brent, whose mother was also an educator, which she said helped him to understand the life of a teacher. Their children–Jordan, Reece, Riley and Cole–have been

a source of comfort for her because, as she said, “they know I have a lot of children to take care of at work, too. They will ask me how work was, or what happened with that student I was worried about.”

This educator knew that she wanted to teach since second grade, and her parents, Rodney and Martha Hightower, have supported her the entire way. The first time she voiced her desire to go to college to teach, her father said, “Have you thought about the salary?”

Her mother immediately responded, “Rodney, shut up.

She needs to do what she loves.”

She earned both her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and her Master’s in Education

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Erin Landa and Andrew Givan to run cross country in college Pelham High School seniors Erin Landa and Andrew Givan have signed to run cross-country on the collegiate level. Erin will be joining the team at Troy State University and Andrew will run at the University of Montevallo. Both have enjoyed four years of cross-country and 28 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2014

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Alex Urban commits to Wallace State Pelham Panther Alex Urban signed a letter of intent to play for Wallace State on Tuesday, February 4. Fellow Panther Tyler Payne pledged to Snead State that same day.

Coach Anderson is proud of these two college-bound players.

“They’re both great senior leaders and kids who have a good time playing the game. That's important to us,” the coach said.

Alex has been playing outfield in baseball since the age of 5, and says center field is his favorite position.

He cited dad, Tommy Urban,

and uncle, Andy Urban, for helping him get into the game.

“They’ve had me around the game of baseball since I was born,” he explained.

His introduction to Wallace State came through Uncle Andy, who played ball there. “I felt like I already knew it because of my uncle,”Alex said. He had the opportunity to play in a summer game at the campus, which helped opened up a conversation with Coach Puttman.

Alex’s dream is to be a college baseball coach, so that will be his focus once he finishes college.

He thanked Coach Anderson and his parents for pushing him to be a better player and a better person.

He also wanted to thank Zach Canant, his best friend for many years who also played baseball.

Zach graduated from PHS last year but came back to visit for Alex’s signing.

“I wish these boys luck, but right now, we’ve got some unfin-

ished business to take care of this season!” Sean laughed.

Good luck, Alex and Tyler!

Braxton Hoyett signs with Mississippi State

At a signing party at PHS on February 5, Panther Defensive Lineman Braxton Hoyett, above right, pledged to continue his football career at Mississippi State. Quarterback Devon Mines, above left, also pledged that day to play at Clark Atlanta Univer-

sity in Georgia.

“These guys are both great men of character, and they’ve helped us a lot in football these past four years,” said PHS Head Coach Brett Burnett.

“I’m proud to be a part of Pelham, I will represent you guys

every day in Mississippi!”

Braxton said proudly.

He said his parents, Lasonjia and Nicholas, helped him along his school and sports career.

“My parents pushed me every day to be great,” he explained.

He also gave “a special shout out” to Coach Dill and Coach Ward, because they were the first people at PHS to believe in him. “Coach Dill also told me to step it up at practice or I wouldn’t start. And he wasn’t kidding,” laughed Braxton.

PHS track star Caitland Smith signs with University of Texas Longhorns We reported on PHS track star Caitland Smith last year in our Spring issue, when she had several track and field wins under her belt. Now, just a year later, she’s still miles ahead of the competition!

At the 6A AHSAA State Indoor Championships on February 7-8, she gave three great track performances. She won an individual state championship title in the 400-meter run, her

favorite event, with a time of 56.61 seconds. In the 60-meter dash, she took second place with a time of 7.51 seconds. To cap off her 1-2-3 accomplishments, she took third in the long jump event.

The senior also ran in the 4x200 relay with Erin Hines, Quiana Moore, Samantha Hassen and Claire Vaughn to claim fourth place. These accomplishments helped the PHS team take

the State Runner Up trophy, but even that isn’t the biggest news for Caitland.

Last month, she signed a letter of intent to run track next year as a University of Texas Longhorn.

Congratulations, Caitland!

He had made the decision to go to Mississippi State after visiting the campus a few times and meeting with the coaches. “They have great coaches there. I feel like family when I go. It will be a great experience,” he said.

In college, he is ready to experience the higher level of football competition, and is looking forward to playing in the SEC. He plans to major in broadcasting, and eventually would like to be a sports commentator.

Good luck, Devon and Braxton!

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Pelham Library receives grant The FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association have announced an $83,500 grant to the Pelham Public Library as part of the Smart investing@your library® initiative. Smart investing@your library® is administered jointly by the Reference and User Services Association — a division of ALA — and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The program funds library efforts to provide patrons with effective, unbiased educational resources about personal finance and investing.

Using the awarded grant money, Pelham Public Library plans to concentrate its efforts on improving the financial literacy of families with schoolage children. For children up to age 8, the library will collaborate with educators from the Milwaukee-based Betty Brinn

Children’s Museum to create hands-on, moneysmart exhibits.

These exhibits will develop children’s financial math skills and basic money management knowledge. Children ages 9 to 13 will participate in Money on the Bookshelf and Bank on Books — two programs that combine reading development with lessons in personal finance.

Students will learn about saving, budgeting, credit, compound interest and related mathematics concepts. High school students will learn about budgeting and the financial considerations of living on their own through the interactive Reality Check simulation.

Supplementary lessons from the University of Tennessee’s Love

Your Money online program and the National Endowment for Financial Education’s High School Financial Planning Program will enhance learning.

Parents will work with project educators to examine the

Money as You Grow sequence of financial competencies (endorsed by the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability) and learn to help their children establish good money management skills.

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2014 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 31

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL Always Remember That We are the Home of the FREE Because of the Brave!

Staff SGT Jeremy Barton

PO3 Bradley Jacob Hardin

SGT Clayton Wells Miller

US Army; 1st Armored Division; Iraq; Son of Fred & Mary Barton, brother of Christopher

US Navy; USS Ronald Reagan, San Diego, CA; Son of Rachel & Michael Jordan

US Marine Corps; HI; Grandson of Earl & Linda Wells Miller

1LT A.J. Blount

CPL Daniel T. Hedrick

US Army; Afghanistan; Husband of Christina, son of Barry & Terrie Blount, son-in-law of Jesse & Lori Hernandez

US Marine Corps ARFF; Air Station Miramar, CA; Husband of Brooke, father of Gracie & Cole

SRA Eric Lee Bowen

John Hensley

US Air Force; Charleston, SC; Son of Ed & Sonyia Bowen

US Army; Afghanistan; Nephew of Jim Phillips

1st SGT Flynn D. Broady, Jr.

US Marine Corps; Combat Instructor, Parris Island, SC; Son of David & Linda Jarvis

US Army; Iraq; Son of Ret. SGT Flynn & Marjorie Broady

2nd LT John H. Calhan II US Army National Guard; Ft. Benning, GA; Husband of Katie Burks Calhan

PFC Nicholas A Coleman US Marine Corps; Twenty-Nine Palms, CA; Son of Danny & Donna Coleman

David Douglass US Marine Corps; Montgomery, Ala.; Pelham firefighter; Son of Tom & Ann Douglass

PFC Geoffrey Eggleton US Army; 385th MP Battalion; Fort Stewart, GA; Son of Geoff Eggleton & Anita Wheatley

SPC Christopher G. Evanko US Army, Ft. Bliss, TX; 2007 PHS graduate; Son of Tracey & John Evanko, Jr.

Captain Samuel Garrison US Army; Fort Bragg, NC; Son of Lance & Marcia Garrison

PFC Robert Lee Hallman Afghanistan; 2009 PHS graduate; Son of Lee Ann Hallman & Don Hallman

SrA Alexander D. Hand US Air Force; Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS; Son of Doyle & Sally Hand

CPL Jonathan D. Jarvis

MC2 Andrew “AJ” Johnson US Navy; Defense Media Activity, Ft. Meade, MD; 2002 PHS grad, Son of Trudy Johnson

Tyler Payne US Marine Corps; 2004 PHS graduate; Son of Dana Payne Martin & David Payne, husband of Madison

Cameron Rich Army Rangers; Afghanistan; Son of Scott Rich, brother of Brittany, grandson of Ken & Linda

LCDR Robert Sawyer US Navy; OIC, Historic Ship Nautilus & Museum, Groton, CT; Son of Ken & Liz Sawyer

PFC Tiara Stovall

CM1 (SDW) Jack D. Johnson

US Army; Fort Hood, TX; Daughter of Stephen & Toni Thomas

US Navy; Deployed in Iraq; Husband of Stacy, father of Joshua & Janci

Tre’ Christian Stovall US Army; Fort Riley, KS; Son of Stephen & Toni Thomas

MP Sal Juarez US Army; Iraq; Son of Dr. Jesus & Blanca Juarez, husband of Kimberly, dad of Ethan & Gavin

NCO Corporal John Justin Kirchler US Marine Corps; Iraq; Son of Kim Kirchler

1st LT Randal C. Knight US Army; Afghanistan; Husband of Rebecca Binford Knight

PFC Kimberly Sweat US Army; Fort Lewis, WA.; Daughter of Mike Sweat, granddaughter of Shirley Grimes

SPC Justin Aaron Womack US Army, Fort Bragg, NC; Afghanistan; Son of Betsy & Anthony & Phillip Womack

SGT Jeffrey Malone US Army National Guard; 167th Infantry; Afghanistan; 2007 PHS grad; Husband of Monica, father of Hunter

2nd LT James R. Mann IV US Army National Guard; Fort Lee, VA; Husband of Beth, proud father of Ashlee, Anna & Jay

SPC Christopher Martin US Army; Medic; Ft. Riley, KS; Son of Tom & Julie Martin

If your loved one is from Pelham and serves on active duty, please e-mail us their name, rank, address and where they are stationed to: pelhamcitynews@aol.com. When they come back home, please update us via e-mail or call 746-1188, so we can remove them from our active duty prayer list. Visit us online any time at: www.PelhamCityNews.com.

RMS Boys Basketball takes home the trophy Riverchase Middle School 8th Grade Boys Basketball team brought home the Southern Conference Championship Trophy by beating the undefeated Briarwood Christian team 51-36 January 17.

RMS was coached by Brandon Byers and Jeff Allison.

32 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2014

Bottom row, leftt to right: Garrett Stonicher, Sloan Gartman, Justin Allison, Garrett Bates, Nic Blackburn, Jake Germek. Back row, Left to right: Coach Byers, Noah Golden, Devon Bennett, Blake Hester, Will Pierce, Mitchell Rottier, Mason Goolsby, Coach Allison

Congratulations to all the players and coaches!

SPRING INTO On the first Friday of each month, merchants and vendors gather in Old Town Helena. In addition to this, there are always plenty of food booths and plenty to keep the kids occupied! For more information, please visit the First Fridays of Helena, Alabama Facebook page. We hope to see you there on a First Friday event real soon!

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Alabama Law Services, LLC Simplifying All Your Legal and Tax Needs

Justin N. Smitherman - Attorney at Law www.AlabamaLawServices.com • jsmitherman@alabamalawservices.com 4685 Highway 17 Suite D, Helena, AL 35080 • Office: (205) 419-4414 • Fax: (205) 419-4407 No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Alabama Law Services Celebrates One Year Anniversary Law firm offers affordable legal representation and tax preparation for individuals and businesses Attorney Justin Smitherman is proud to have served this community for over one year.

“I am very thankful to be in the position I am in today and I wouldn’t be here without the overwhelming support I have received from the businesses and citizens of Shelby County,” said Justin. A graduate of the University of Alabama and the Cumberland School of Law, he grew up in Shelby County and was happy to come back home and open up his business.

His law firm, “Alabama Law Services” is located in the CVS Pharmacy center, just north of the new Walmart Neighborhood Market on Highway 17.

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Since opening his doors at the beginning of last year, Justin has become a part of the Shelby County community. In addition to assisting local residents and businesses with both legal and tax matters, he sponsored the Buck Creek Festival, joined the Kiwanis Club of Helena and the Helena Business Association.

He also made donations to local schools. “I am happy to give back to the community and I will continue to do my best to support the community and its residents,” he said.

Most days you will find Justin working at his desk, but he enjoys speaking with people and makes himself very accessible

by telephone, appointment, or walk-in. Justin offers free consultations for all legal and tax matters. He works extensively in wills, trusts, probate, bankruptcy, real estate, and personal injury.

He also prepares tax returns with fees as low as $50 total.

Alabama Law Services maintains normal business hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. However, Justin says he is happy to make appointments earlier or later and on Saturdays. If you are in need of legal services or help with taxes (who isn’t?), give Justin Smitherman a call at Alabama Law Services today and find out how he can help you.

10th Annual PHS Write Night honors creative students of all types The 10th Annual Write Night truly earned its title, “It Will Always Go On,” after being cancelled several times due to winter weather ravaging the region. The event, produced by the PHS Literary Magazine and the Theatre Department, garnered its largest audience ever on a wintery February night even after a day without school.

Featuring twenty-eight performances of music, poetry and dramatic readings, the

night was emceed by Matthew Hill, Haley Giffin and Bailey Stephens.

Joseph Burnett received a standing ovation and cheers for his drum solo and an original, improv jazzy piece played by Jay Newton (bass) Nathan Gaskins (electric guitar) Lane Clark and Gerardo Hernandez (acoustic guitar) was a highlight near the show’s end.

Write Night is a celebration of all the arts with the PHS theater

lobby staged as a temporary gallery for student work in photography, sculpture and drawings on display.

Recently, at the Trumbauer State Festival, competition, the cast of Almost, Maine proudly placed second. Cast members Hunter Savage, Kayla Turner, Matt Hill, John Kennedy, Emily Orcutt, Brooke Thompson, Kaylie Rose Elward, Blaine Elward, Lydia Cobb and Caylin Cobb presented a flawless

performance under the guidance of theater teacher, Jamie Stephenson.

Also at the state competition held at Troy, John Kennedy gave an incredible monologue and Hannah Boutwell placed second in sound design, and Kaylen Cobb placed first in pantomime.

Upcoming is a presentation of “The Foreigner,” so take that opportunity to attend and support the talent in the PHS Theater Department.

PELHAM SCHOOLS HAVE A LONG HISTORY by A.J. Wright In this photograph of Pelham before 1909, building No. 1 is the Rutherford High School; No. 2 is the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; and No. 3 is the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The house in the photograph, in front of and between building No. 2 and building No. 3, is the Turpin Family house.

The original of this photograph, along with many other “old” original photographs of Pelham, are in a collection owned by Bobby Joe and Diane Seales.

The recent creation of a city school system brings to mind the history of schools in Pelham.

The Shelby Guide newspaper for April 23, 1872, noted that

“citizens of the village and vicinity have just completed a large and commodious Academy and have an interesting school under the superintendence of Rev. C.L. Kirksey, nearly fifty pupils…” In February 1879, the Shelby Sentinel noted that the school, “in a flourishing condition,” was then managed by Mr. Shell Cross.

The building also served as a church and was known as Rutherford High School. Destroyed by a storm in April 1909, it was replaced by a two-story wood frame structure with the school on the bottom floor. This second facility, the Pelham School, was replaced in 1936 with a one-story building that had classrooms,

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an auditorium and lunch room and served as an elementary school for about 150 students.

After Valley Elementary opened in 1964, the third school served as city offices until replaced on the same site by the current City Hall in 1975.

A resident who attended the Pelham School, Ida Cumberland, once told the Shelby County Reporter about the experience. “When the wind would start blowing and the weather would get bad, they would make us get out and get down in a ditch. They were afraid the building would blow away with us in it.” More details about these early schools can be

found in a history of Pelham written by Library Director Barbara Roberts and available at the library for checkout.

In September 1974, Pelham High School opened with students in grades 7, 8 and 9; the first class graduated in 1978. Riverchase Middle School opened in 1977, and Valley Intermediate followed in 2000.

What is now the Linda Nolen Learning Center began in a large classroom in Shelby County High School in 1977.

As Pelham’s own city school system develops, other schools may well open and close as they have in the past, but we look forward to making history again.

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University of Montevallo President and Dean’s List Fall 2013 More than 860 University of Montevallo students were named to the honor roll for the fall semester.

The President’s List included the names of 519 students.

To make the President’s List, a student must earn at least a 3.8 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and be a full-time student

at the university.

Dean’s List honors went to 344 students. To make the Dean’s List, a student must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and be a full-time student at the university.

Pelham students who made the President’s List were: Kimberly E. Allen, Catherine

Ballentine, Lauren A. Barber, Glennleigh Boyd, Mary K. Calderini, Kelly M. Haberstroh, Hayley I. Hand, Kevin R. Kierspe, Jennifer C. Payne, Shadia S. Shunnara, Adalene G. Symons, Linh K. Tong, Caitlyn E. Wood and Hayden O. Wood.

Pelham students who made the Dean’s List were: Jonathan

D. Bentley, Katherine M. Gonzales, Hannah N. Ingram, Rachel M. Ingram, Casey J. Nichols, Rachel A. Ruehmer, Elizabeth R. Schmidt, Amory W. Strange, Laura M. Tracy, Emily F. Vonbartheld and Anna M. Wilkins.

candidates for the educational specialist degree. After students received their diplomas, Jim Methvin, president of the National Alumni Association, inducted graduates into the 21,000-member organization.

Pelham’s Hunter C. Bunch graduated with a BS, John E. Cowart graduated with a BA, and Alison Kitty Holsomback graduated with an EDS.

Congratulations to these top UM students!

University of Montevallo Graduates from Pelham in Fall 2013 Almost 230 University of Montevallo students received their diplomas at fall commencement Dec. 13. The commencement speaker was Andrew Young, politician, human rights activist and

businessman. Following the address, Dr. John W. Stewart III, UM president, conferred degrees upon some 165 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 62 candidates for master’s degrees and two

Congratulations to all!

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GREBEL DESSERTISSEMENTS This was the 6th year for the event presented by the Alabama Youth Ballet Guild to promote and bring awareness of the arts, specifically classical ballet and dance, to our community. Guild officers and members planning and volunteering for the event were: Sabrina Murray, president; Paula Macklin, vice-president; Eden Roy, treasurer; Lizzie Hudson, secretary; Kenn Davis, Jessica Newman, Mary Frances Vogen, Susan White, Sariah Homan and Felicia Daniels.

The theme for this year’s Dessertissements was “Keep Calm and Dance Tango.” A highlight of the event was musical entertainment by Ken and Suzy Spencer, Fiddlin’ in the Parlor, whose daughter, Anna,

danced. Anna is a senior at John Carroll Catholic School. Anna plans to continue dancing in a professional company. Other highlights were silent and live auctions, a performance by the Alabama Youth Ballet’s junior and senior companies, wine and desserts. The short dance program of classical ballet variations, lyrical and jazz dances, was presented while the bids were being tallied. Audience members were then asked to join American Tango teacher, Priscilla Collums, for a fun and engaging lesson in Tango.

A highlighted auction item was a pair of pointe shoes autographed by three PHS graduates all of whom played football at the University of

Alabama: Tyler Watts, Lane Bearden and Michael Proctor.

Other items auctioned included a luxury condo weekend at Orange Beach, Brios gift certificate, clothing by Earth Creations, artwork, jewelry and more.

Sponsors for the event were Karyl Rice, President Pro Tem of the Pelham City Council, Junior Davis & Associates, Councilman Maurice Mercer, Shirley Bailles of Nationwide Insurance and Crystal Wilkerson Photography.

Other guests attending were: Amy Patterson Knowles and Grace, Katherine Harper and Ava Grace, Craig Murray with Matthew and Emily, Matthew and Elizabeth Korcz with Nikolas and Thomas, Winnie Davis with Kennedy and Karrington,

Brian Roy with Joseph and Rebecca, Melanie Douglas and Mykell, Bailey and Lila Killian with Claire, Randy and Shawne Sisk with Kathryn-Taylor who recently competed in the Youth American Grand Prix, Amanda Willis-Brice, Amelia Self, Mary Rose Kitchens, Jimmy and Mary Louise Russell, Keith Knowles, Marta Portillo with Ivetthmaria, Janet Rooney and Porter Rooney with Thomas, Lizzie Hudson with Alice, Thomas and Beth Findlay with Frances Rooney, Rick Goff with Henry, Tinia Bilich, Stephen and Susan White with Shelby, Charlie and Felicia Daniels with Zoey, Deyanira Garcia with Jaylin, Doni Doblado, Lynda Gilbert with Allie and Ana Lejava.

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2014 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 39

Registration Fee: $75 (includes all 5 clinics, all range balls & clubs if needed) Saturday, April 5th – 9am - 10am Introduction to Golf & Putting Fundamentals Saturday, April 12th – 9am - 10am Chipping & Pitching Fundamentals Saturday, April 19th – 9am - 10am The Basics of The Full Swing

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Celebrate Autism Awareness Month Contributed by Misty Gillispie One in 50 children are diagnosed with Autism…I have two. I have two beautiful, funny, loving, smart –in a way I will never comprehend– boys who happen to have autism. Autism doesn’t look the same on every child. It’s a spectrum diagnosis, so each person is unique, fearfully and wonderfully made, just like you and me.

Forget the characters portrayed in movies or the descriptions that you have read about in magazine articles. First and foremost, they are kids, teens, or adults who want all of the same things that you and I do…love, acceptance, and friendship.

Raising a child with autism is hard. I won’t lie to you and pretend that it isn’t, but what I will tell you is that it’s worth it! Like any mother, I want to see my children reach their full potential, follow their dreams, and be happy. I have watched my oldest son go from not being able to speak, having little eye contact, and struggling to follow simple directions into this amazing teenager who is a straight-A student, is responsible

and kind, and has absolutely no problem holding a conversation or even making a very strong argument as to why he shouldn’t have to do the dishes!

I also have a 4 -year-old who hasn’t found his voice yet, but who can work an iPad better than Apple Store genius and has totally mastered the art of giving kisses and hugs to get what he wants.

My family doesn’t look like the average Ball-Park Smiths or even what I had envisioned years ago, but I wouldn’t trade this life for any other in the world.

God has used my children to shape my husband and I in a way that we could have never imagined possible. He has made us better than we are because of them. And I know that my little girl has seen firsthand how each of us are different, but no less important. Brothers are brothers, not a diagnosis.

So what can you do for Autism Awareness Month? I haven’t met a single person yet who hasn’t told me about a friend, neighbor, family member or co-worker who loves someone with autism.

This month, I challenge you to reach out to these children and families! Invite them to a BBQ, ask if their child can come over for a playdate, bring them a meal… just encourage them that they are doing a wonderful job and that they are loved! 80% of marriages end after an Autism diagnosis, most within the first two years. These families need to know that they are not alone!

There were many days that everyone else’s life looked perfect to me, we felt broken and alone, different. Yet, there were also many days that I got a phone call or visit from a friend, or even just a friendly smile instead of a glare when my child was having a meltdown in a store to remind me I do not have to do this alone!

Our family, friends, church,

teachers and therapists have been there every step of the way, and for that I will be forever grateful!

We all need to learn, love, and embrace autism.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. — Psalm 139:14

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Autism Warning Signs: • No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter

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Pelham Public Library Mon.-Thur. 9 AM-8 PM, Fri. 9 AM-5 PM, Sat. 10 AM-5 PM & Closed Sunday

620-6418

www.pelhamlibrary.com

SPECIAL EVENTS – ADULTS

ONGOING EVENTS – ADULTS

Zumba at the Library, Saturdays Apr. 5-May 10, 8:30-9:30 AM Registration/Fee Required Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and before you know it, you’ll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do and totally exhilarating. Participants, ages 18 and up, should wear comfortable, loose clothing and gym shoes. Space is very limited, so register early! Library cardholders only pay $30 for the six week session upon registration, the fee for non-cardholders is $40. Call the library at 620-6418 for more information.

Purl Jam Knitters, Saturday, Apr. 12 and May 10, 1:00-3:00 PM Need more fiber in your diet? Join us for knitting at the library! For beginners, we will show you the basics to get you started on your own scarf. Please bring size 8, 9 or 10 knitting needles and a skein of light to medium colored yarn. Experienced knitters, crocheters, and other fiber artists are encouraged to join us for some good conversation with people who appreciate your craft! Registration is required. Please contact the library with any questions at 620-6418.

What’s That Button Do?: Getting The Most Out Of Your Digital Camera, Saturday, Apr. 5 12:30-4:30 PM, Registration Required Whether you are trying to take pictures to display on a web site, frame and hang as fine art, or just capture family or vacation memories; today’s digital cameras are packed with capabilities and features that greatly enhance and extend the users’ ability to capture and create images that fill a wide range of needs. The 3-hour class will cover: Camera types and their advantages and disadvantages, Camera standard operational modes, and Special features and effects. This class is designed for those who have just gotten their first digital camera, or for those who have had one for a while but never really felt comfortable shooting in any mode other than full auto—point and shoot. Attendees should bring their cameras and camera manual. The class is free, but seating is very limited, so call the library at 620-6418 as soon as possible to reserve a space.

Library Guild sponsors Smart investing@Your Library Events Last year the Pelham Library Guild was awarded a Smart Investing@Your Library grant for $83,500. The Guild was able to secure these funds for the benefit of the Pelham Public Library due to their 501-C-(3) nonprofit status.

As part of the grant the Pelham Public Library will host programs and events to provide free and unbiased information on investing and personal finance for residents of the City of Pelham. Saturday, April 26 is Protect Your Identity Day at the Pelham Public Library, so attend the event below at the library and take advantage of this opportunity to safely have your documents destroyed and out of the hands of others.

Cintas Hosts Shred Event at the Pelham Public Library Saturday, Apr. 26, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM Gain peace of mind by knowing that your important documents will not end up in the wrong hands. Protect yourself from identity theft. This free event will provide city residents with a safe and secure resource to shred their confidential personal and business documents. During the event, anyone can bring their documents in and have them shredded by an on-site, certified Cintas employee.

From drop-off to destruction, all documents will be constantly monitored and protected. No reservation required. There is a six box limit per individual. No CDs/DVDs. Call the library at 620-6418 for more information.

Introduction to Essential Oils, Saturday, May 3, 2:00-3:00 PM Essential oils have been used around the world for centuries and people have been recently rediscovering their benefits. Essential Oils Educator, Erin Perry, will be discuss these natural products and how to incorporate them in your daily life. A drawing will be held for a free vial of essential oil. No registration required.

42 PelhamOnline.com / Early Spring 2014

Page Turners Book Club, Monday, Mar. 17, Apr. 21, and May 19 6:30 PM The Page Turners Book Club usually meets at the Pelham Library for about an hour on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. Registration is not required. Please call 620-6418 for more information.

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES In an effort to assist those that cannot take advantage of the weekday classes at the library, Pelham Public Library offers night computer classes. Classes are free and will remain small to ensure that students receive the most from their participation. Patrons are encouraged to register soon. Those interested may register in person or over the phone at 620-6418.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS/EVENTS – CHILDREN’S Cuentos para Niños sponsored by iSpeak, LLC of Pelham, Tuesdays, Mar. 18, Apr. 22, and May 20, 10:30 AM English and Spanish speakers alike are invited to a special bilingual storytime at the Pelham Public Library. Melissa Danen of Pelham’s iSpeak will be sharing stories and songs in Español while Mary Campbell of the Pelham Library shares in English. English speakers will be introduced to simple words and phrases in Spanish. Spanish speakers will enjoy stories in their native language while also being exposed to English. This free storytime, sponsored by iSpeak, LLC, is for kids of all ages regardless of native language. For more information about the company contact Kelley de Paz at ispeak@globo.com or call 721-8876.

Information can also be found at www.ispeakwell.com. For information call 620-6418 or go to www.pelhamlibrary.com.

ONGOING PROGRAMS/EVENTS – CHILDREN’S Together Time (all ages): Wednesdays @ 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7 PJ Storytime (all ages): Thursdays @ 6:30 PM March 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17, May 1, 8; NO STORYTIME MARCH 24 JUNIOR LIBRARIANS The Children’s Department will begin registration for Junior Librarians on April 14. Rising 6th-8th graders are invited to volunteer at the library once a week to assist with the Summer Reading Program. Registration forms will be available at the library and on www.pelhamlibrary.com. Spots are limited to the first 30 registrants.

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2014 Summer Junior Clinics Level 1 Clinic -$64 Monday, June 2nd - Friday, June 6th 9:00am - 10:30am Ages 7-11 Level 2 Clinic - $64 Monday, June 9th - Friday, June 13th 9:00am - 10:30am Ages 9 to 13 Level 3 Clinic - $64 Monday, June 16th - Friday, June 20th 9:00am - 10:30am Ages 11 to 15 To Register Contact The Ballantrae Golf Shop at 205-620-4653 or email Head Professional Hal Brown at hbrown@pelhamonline.com One Week Before Each Clinic PGA Instruction on Short Game, Full Swing, and much more! Fun Games and Contests!

(205) 620-4653 • Visit our website: www.ballantraegolf.com/lesson_information/ Golf clubs are available upon request.

Pelham Seniors IN ACTION Pelham Senior Center • 620-6064 Open Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Shelby County Schools Kindergarten Pre-Registration Tuesday, April 1, 2014 • 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Wednesday, April 2, 2014 • 7:00 AM-11:00 AM

The Pelham Senior Center is open to Shelby County residents, ages 55 and over, for fellowship, music, bingo, trips, fun, exercise, games and much more. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.com to view the senior center’s full event calendar. For more information, contact Director Regina Jimenez by Email, pelhamseniorcenter1@yahoo.com or call 620-6064.

MONDAYS

Needlecraft-10:30-12:00; Mah Jongg-12:00-3:00; Crafts 12:30-3:00; Exercise 12:30-1:15 Apr. 28 Trip to Buds Best Cookies

TUESDAYS

Art 10:30-12:30 $5/month; Adv. Line Dancing 1:00-2:00; Beginning Line Dancing 2:00-3:00; Rummikub 1:00-3:00

Parent or legal guardian must bring a photo ID! You also need to bring your child’s: • Certified birth certificate (state issued) • Current Alabama immunization form (blue) • Social security card (requested) AND • Two of the following current proofs of residence*: mortgage, lease, rent receipt, or a power, gas, or water utility bill with name and service address • Any applicable divorce decree or court-ordered custody documents *Current proof of residence documents will be required again at the start of school. Call 682-5552 for more info.

WEDNESDAYS Reveille Men’s Coffee Club 10:00; Bridge 10:00-1:00; Wii Bowling 11:00; Exercise 12:30-1:15; Rummikub 1:00-3:00 THURSDAYS Pelham New Pioneers 10:30-1:00 Mar. 20 Melinda Mills plays our favorite songs Mar. 27 Bingo/Trip to Paul Bryant Museum Apr. 3 Covered Dish Lunch – Larry the Magician Apr. 10 Jerry Ryan’s One Man Band Apr. 17 Bingo Apr. 24 Newman Evans One Man Band May 1 Covered Dish Lunch – TBA May 8 Seasoned Performers May 15 Wilson Hill Band May 22 James & James Band May 29 Bingo; Rummikub 1:00-3:00; Bingo 1:30-2:30 (Mar. 20; Apr. 3, 10, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22) FRIDAYS

Tai Chi 10:30-11:30; Healthy Choices 11:30-12:30; Exercise 12:30-1:15; Games 1:00-3:00; Bookclub 1:15-1:45 (Mar. 28 & April 25) Mar. 21 Wolfgang Mardis Gras Dance 7:00-9:00 $5/person Apr. 18 Ray Newman Spring Fling Dance 7:00-9:00 $5/person May 16 Wolfgang Honor the Armed Forces Dance 7:00-9:00 $5/person

“Snowpocalypse” may have halted motorists, but nothing could stop the good Samaritans of Pelham From the winter storm on January 28 come many stories of frustration, including those of stuck or stranded motorists, educators and students all across the greater Birmingham area.

But from Pelham come stories of “stranger saviors” and other good Samaritans who worked tirelessly in the snow to make sure everyone was safe.

Pelham Board of Education member Paul Howell said he and other board members visited VIS in the days following the storm. “We heard heartwarming stories about pizza and corn,” he laughed warmly, explaining the school wanted students to have well-balanced meals throughout the unplanned “lock-in.”

City Councilwoman Beth McMillan is thankful for the teachers who stayed, for entertaining and uplifting the children stuck at schools across the city—including her own.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Tim Alford praised Pelham educators and aides for their dedication. “We should not let this time go by without publicly recognizing and honoring those who stayed at the schools all night and cared for the children in this community,” he said.

“If ever there were a test of how caring and committed the teachers are in this community, this is it.”

BOE President Rick Rhoades agreed, saying, “There are not many times you get to be in the

46 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2014

presence of heroes, and we are in a room with a boatload of them.”

City council members had good things to say about those across the city who gave selflessly to help move many to safety during the crisis.

Karyl Rice thanked Steve Hill, who braved the roads to take many, including herself, home that Tuesday. Ron Scott acknowledged multiple men who helped in the Ballantrae area, including Matt Basic, Brandon Sunday and “a man named Tony with a Jeep Wrangler who was driving around Stoneykirk.”

“We’re very fortunate to live in a community where so many people stepped up to help out,” said Council President Rick Hayes. And two more of those people out on “the front lines” were Mayor Gary Waters and his son, Kyle.

After taking his mother, Lynn, from where she was stranded to her home, Kyle and his truck were assigned to transportation and rescue by the police department. He took police officers to calls for help as well as taking stranded drivers to a safe haven or home when possible.

Mayor Waters helped transport many people as well,

also making key decisions for the safety and comfort of his constituents. He personally bought 487 blankets from Walmart on the Waters’ credit card and delivered them to schools so the many students and faculty stuck overnight would be able to sleep comfortably. The city reimbursed them for their kindness. “Gary just wanted to make sure those children and teachers knew they were not alone, and wanted them to think of this as an adventure,” explained Lynn.

The two men, like many of the people who stepped up during this weather event, worked like this for days, serving and assisting wherever they were needed. “I’ve been married to that public servant for nearly 38 years, and Kyle was born into and raised with that public servant attitude as well as our other two children,” said Lynn Waters proudly. “None of what they did during that event was out of character for them.”

Others who worked tirelessly to get everything back to normal included Jack Donovan, of Donovan Builders, his brother and several of his employees working in the Grey Oaks area.

Jack and brother Charlie worked

alongside Randy Tolleson, Preston Weaver, Kyle Kelly, Jason Haupt and Birmingham Firefighter Shondu Green, making around 75-100 “rescues” up and down Hwy 11.

Jack and Charlie started out to get Jack’s kids from school on a 4-wheeler. They ended up taking several other students to their homes as well—including the children of Chelsea’s Mayor Nivens. Kyle made a trip to Highland Lakes to reunite an autistic boy with his family, and several of the men helped elderly couples make their way to safe places– as far away as Vandiver.

“I couldn’t help as much since I’m in this wheelchair, but they were endless with the resources that we had available,” said Jack. He did open up Grey Oaks home Lot 113, which is a fully furnished home with heat and electricity that was not yet purchased, as an overnight shelter to 18 wayward travelers.

Deputy Police Chief Larry Palmer said the Pelham PD succeeded in their goal to make sure “everyone was safe, warm and fed.” Mayor Waters said he was very pleased with the city’s response to this crisis.

“Not only have we been able to mitigate all of Pelham’s needs, we also have been able to help our neighbors as well,” he said.

“We can all be proud that our personnel conducted themselves as professionals, and as if they’ve been to the rodeo before.”

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pelhamcitynews@aol.com. Pictures should be in color, high resolution (as close to 300 dpi as possible), and saved as JPEG files. For additional information, call 746-1188.

For advertising information, call 746-1188 or Visit Us Online at www.PelhamCityNews.com Opinions expressed in the Pelham City News are often those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the city, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein.

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