Pelham City News

Pelham City News

Serving Pelham and Surrounding Communities

Spring 2013

Racquet Club’s Omar Alcaino named USTA’s Alabama Tennis Pro of the Year!

INSIDE...

SOUTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIP Oak Mtn State Park, May 17-19 www.xterraplanet.com

PHS GIRLS SOFTBALL CARRIES NO. 1 RANKING INTO MAY

PELHAMBRATION COMING TO CIVIC COMPLEX IN JULY

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2013 PHS GRADUATES

Girls high school softball is big and getting bigger in Pelham!

Beat the heat and help Pelham start a new tradition of FUN this summer!

List of all of them plus valedictorians, salutatorians and honor graduates!

WWW.PELHAMCITYNEWS.COM

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK

Greetings, Spring has sprung, the pollen is here and so is the warm weather. A lot has already happened and there is much more happening in Pelham.

Both the Easter Egg Hunt and Opening Day of ball season were recently held at Pelham City Park. The weather for the Easter Egg Hunt was a little wet and gray, but the first pitch of baseball season was met with wonderful weather and we had a great

turnout. It was my pleasure to welcome the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to the Pelham Racquet Club for an international tennis competition in April. It is still amazing to me that professional tennis players from around the world make their way to Pelham to compete and have been doing so for the past ten years. Thanks to Billy Crandall and his staff for making all of these events a success.

Congratulations to the

Pelham/Chelsea Fire Explorers; they competed in the 10th Annual Trussville Explorer Competition and brought home trophies in three separate contests.

Fire Chief Danny Ray and his Explorer Advisors, Chief Zekoff, Lt. King, Fire/Medic Thomas Nails, Fire/Medic Billy Earnest and Fire/Medic Everett Hazen are to be commended for the time they give to our young people.

The Pelham Beautification Board continues to plan “Pelhambration.” This event is going to be big, folks. Be sure and mark July 13th on your calendar and plan to spend a day with your Pelham friends, neighbors and those who chose to do business in our town. It should prove to be a day full of fun, food and

entertainment. If nothing else, The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena will be the COOLEST place to be on July 13th.

Lastly, please stand ready to help me welcome home Pelham’s own Company B/167th Infantry when they return from Afghanistan in the very near future. Operational security prohibits me from being more specific at this time. When the time comes, however, we need to support and recognize our returning soldiers. Hooah!

See ya around town,

Gary W. Waters Mayor

From above left, clockwise, Mayor Waters on the lighter side: presented with a hockey jersey from the Frozen Tide at Senior Night; attended the Hockey Division III Nationals in Springfield, Missouri; took a plunge for Special Olympics, suit and all; then changed to pose with event coordinator and Pelham Police Officer, Debbie Sumrall; and with city council members and volunteers at Opening Day in April at Pelham City Park.

2 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

FROM COUNCILMAN MERCER Greetings to you all, As we continue on our journey into the 21st century, I hope this letter finds you doing well. Your Mayor and Council have been hard at work since our last report in January. We hosted the first quarterly town hall meeting in March with over 100 residents in attendance. By the time this edition of the Pelham City News is published, we will also have held our 2nd business council meeting. These meetings have been organized to give everyone an opportunity to speak on issues near their heart. Naturally, we owe it to you to listen.

Furthermore, I believe it is important to understand what issues are important to our community stakeholders: the residents, civic organizations and the business owners.

Issues that seem to be on most residents’ minds and hearts are our schools and children. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

We can all agree that we want our students to have the best education in the safest environment possible. You may have read or heard that the City of Pelham is doing a feasibility study on whether or not to form

Rick Hayes - President, Place 1 rickhayes@pelhamonline.com

our own school system. I have had many residents contact me as proponents for “Pelham City Schools” as well as opponents of a new system who wish to stay with “Shelby County Schools.”

When the study is complete, each of you will have your opportunity to respectfully express your thoughts on this. I am as much interested in the results of the study as I am in the thoughts of the parents and residents whom this will affect.

As far as safety is concerned, residents can take some peace of mind knowing that we have four officers assigned to full-time duty at each of our larger schools: Pelham High, Riverchase Middle, Valley Intermediate, and Valley Elementary. We also have patrol officers making frequent stops at the Linda Nolen Learning Center to ensure safety.

As graduation approaches, I’d like to encourage our young readers to work hard to finish the school year strong as well as prepare for the fall at the respective colleges, universities, or other post high school endeavors you might choose to pursue.

Remember to put God first, and he will direct your paths.

Next, I’d like to congratulate Pelham resident and library

board member, Mrs. Connita Griffin Turner, on earning the Allstate Insurance Honor Ring Award for top performance. In addition, I’d like to congratulate two service organizations that received awards at their regional meetings. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Xi Omega Alumni won the Ida K. Martin Reactivation Award and the Timeless Pictorial History Award.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Alabaster-Pelham Alumni won the Southern Province Small Chapter of the Year Award. I am delighted to hear about all of our local residents achieving high marks.

In closing, we are actively working to promote and market Pelham. Pelham is a jewel that we need to share in order to attract businesses, residents and travelers.

Retail Strategies has been contracted to serve as the city’s representative for economic development and attract business while Communities of Distinction will film and air a television program featuring our city on a

Ron Scott - Place 2 ronscott@pelhamonline.com

Beth McMillan - Place 3 bethmcmillan@pelhamonline.com

national network bringing more positive attention to Pelham. I’d like to thank Mayor Waters and Council Member Ron Scott for their work and diligence on these two issues.

Many of our grandparents would say, “April Showers bring May Flowers.” I’ll go one step further by adding, “When the weather is grand, take time out to Play in Pelham: catch a baseball game (schedules on www. pelhamonline.com), support Relay for Life of North Shelby (May 17th at Pelham High), bring the family to Pelhambration (July 13th at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena) or a host of other events to simply enjoy yourself.

If you have a specific question, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email.

My Best Regards, Maurice Mercer Pelham City Council Place 4 mauricemercer@pelhamonline.com

Karyl Rice - Place 5 karylrice@pelhamonline.com

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Above, left to right: The Lady Panthers donned pink early in the season to raise awareness of breast cancer; Coaches Sullivan and Tutchtone talk strategy with one of their ace pitcher,s Whitney Gillespie, in the on deck circle; the girls with the first place first place trophy they won at their spring break tournament.

Lady Panthers coming down home stretch with No. 1 state ranking!

As this goes to press, Amy Sullivan has her Lady Panthers softball team ranked No. 1 in the state going into the final regular season game. Head coach of the varsity, Amy, along with assistants Sabrina Tutchtone and Anna Laura Dyer, comprise the school’s softball coaching staff along with Ashley Belew, who coaches the JV. With a 35-4 record on the season, the girls finished regular season region play 6-0 and carry a #1 seeding into the playoffs. with their No. 1 state ranking, the team enjoys its best regular season winning percentage in Pelham High School history, even eclipsing the 2008 team’s success.

On senior night April 25, the girls beat Hueytown, ranked #5 in the state at the time, 8-2. It was Coach Sullivan’s 450th win.

Amy says, “I am blessed with a wonderful group of girls who continue to amaze me. I constantly search for ways to push and challenge them and they push back. No matter what challenge I place in front of them, they try their best to achieve without question. It is truly a TEAM first, family environment. Every practice or game it seems to be someone different who steps and gets the job done. We do not have one selfish player on the team, and that has resulted in victories.”

Amy says she tries to keep the girls playing to a standard, and it 6 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

has definitely paid off. Their terrific record this season has been buoyed by the play of athletes like Panthers pitcher and 2012 Birmingham News Shelby Player of the Year, Whitney Gillespie, Emily Spain and Becky Fox. The three have been outstanding from the pitching circle all season.

The Lady Panthers don’t only excel at pitching though; they’re also strong at the plate. Whitney, Kristian Foster, Reagan Curtis and Caitlyn Sapp’s slugging abilities and RBIs really helped pull the team from behind more than once.

Recently Krsitian Foster and Caitlyn Sapp were selected to play in the AHSAA North/South all star game, and Amy was selected as the head coach.

So far, six girls have committed to play at the next level: • Whitney Gillespie, Jax State • Alicia Richardson, Jeff Davis CC • Kristian Foster, South Alabama • Becky Fox, UAB • Caitlyn Sapp, Jax State • Emily Spain, Auburn The Panthers compete in 6A, Region 8 this season along with Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park. Having some opponents shuffled into and out of the new Region 8 hasn’t changed their outlook much, though. “The whole 13 years I’ve been here, we’ve played against Hoover in our region” Amy recalls. “They’re always a powerhouse. And this year

we were up against the defending state champs, Chelsea.” So you might say Amy is used to the backand-forth of shuffled school regions and playing against top competition.

“Which teams the Panthers come up against doesn’t really matter,” says Amy. “All these kids in the Birmingham area play so much ball, they are all good players playing on good teams.”

Area, regional and state tournaments all happen in May. If you get the chance, check out the Lady Panther’s Facebook page and go show your support for our No. 1 ranked Lady Panthers as Top, Amy Sullivan with Whitney Gillespie on Senior Night; Middle, they go for a first Emily Spain with Asst. Coach Sabrina Tutchtone; and bottom, Emily, ever state title.

Becky Fox and Whitney strategize with Caitlyn and Kristian.

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Meet Pelham High School’s Head Baseball Coach Sean Anderson Although he’s Pelham High School’s new head coach this year, working with kids in baseball is anything but new to Sean Anderson. After playing baseball his whole life, and coaching since college, he’s got a lot of experience under his belt. This particular group of kids includes boys he helped coach under Nathan Collins at Riverchase Middle a few years ago. “I feel like I’ve been teaching some of these kids my whole life!” he said. “Well, their whole lives, at least.”

Sean started out just like this crop of Panthers—but at Jacksonville High School. He went on to George C. Wallace Junior College in Dothan, and finished his education at Auburn University at Montgomery playing baseball the whole way. It was during what would have been his last year at AUM that he realized he wouldn’t be able to play professionally. “I’d always played, so I thought, ‘I better get into coaching so I can at least be around it!’”

While finishing his degree at AUM, he began helping Coach Lewis at nearby Jefferson Davis

High, working with a team instead of playing on one for the first time. Sean says working there helped him realize what kind of work it would take to win in the 6A division.

After graduating, he took a coaching position at Hayes Middle School in Birmingham, but it wasn’t baseball. He coached track for one year, while coaching football and basketball for three. Sean began as an assistant baseball coach at Pelham High School

during his final two years at Hayes.

He left them for Pelham High permanently when he took the school’s opening for a graphic arts teacher. “We didn’t do much graphic arts, though,” he laughed.

“We built [bottle] rockets.”

With the change in school

came a change in location, and he moved his wife of 20 years, Tammy, and their children, the now 16-year-old Justin and 10-year-old Ashley, into the Shelby County School District in Alabaster. However, after becoming more settled at PHS, teaching intramurals and P.E. this time, Sean finally moved the family to Pelham, and Sean says they couldn’t be happier.

“If we let Ashley pick where to eat dinner, she always chooses Cozumel Grill,” says Sean. “It’s her absolute favorite.” And since Justin started mowing lawns, the two of them always take their equipment to Three M Karts and Mowers for new parts or to get something repaired. It’s become something of a tradition. Sean says people and businesses like this really help make Pelham a great place to live. “This is our home now.”

The family lives right down the hill from the high school, and Sean really enjoys the convenience of it. “It takes about a minute to get up to the school, and that’s if there’s traffic!” he says with a laugh. “It only takes about 30 seconds when there isn’t.”

In the years since coming to Pelham, Sean has worked as assistant junior varsity coach, assistant varsity coach, and head freshman coach for the Panthers under three different head coaches, right up through the recently departed Jeff Mauldin. Jeff left Pelham last year to become head baseball

coach at Hewitt-Trussville, leaving the path open for Sean to step up to the plate, so to speak.

Sean doesn’t have a changed game plan as a head coach. “You coach the way you coach,” he explains. “I just worry about the kids playing—how they play the game. They gotta play hard, play smart.”

Back in November 2012, the Alabama High School Athletic Association moved the Panthers into the new Region 4, along with Chelsea, Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Thompson. It will be a new challenge against these different schools, but they aren’t going to change the way they practice much. Sean says, “they’re learning how to play the game of baseball, not learning how to play against specific teams.”

Something must be working, at press time, the Panthers just won a second round playoff series against Spain Park 2 games to 1.

Sean wanted to make sure everyone knows how much he appreciates his other coaches. He says assistant varsity and head pitching coach David White is phenomenal with both the younger and older kids. He also says freshman / junior varsity coach Nathan Powell and assistant coach Dale Massey are both really energetic and especially good with the younger kids.

But he really attributes the team’s success to Pelham itself.

“Without the school and the community, we couldn’t do all of this,” Sean says. “The community is so supportive, and we’ve got former Mayor Bobby Hayes to thank for everything we have.” Be sure to come out and show your community support during the playoffs and help cheer on our Panthers!

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USTA AL Tennis Pro of the Year Omar Alcaino The Pelham Racquet Club (PRC) has had a lot to brag about recently: the 10-year anniversary of hosting a USTA Pro Circuit event, the Legacy Credit Union Women’s $25,000 Challenger, and the USTA naming Omar Alcaino its Alabama Tennis Pro of the Year!

Born in Santiago, Chile, Omar isn’t like a lot of athletes who started playing their sport at a young age. He didn’t start playing tennis until he was 16.

“Mainly because I needed work, a friend of mine worked at a country club, and helped me get a job.” But that’s all it took to get him hooked. Omar says he feels that he was born to play tennis.

They gave him a racquet, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Once he started playing and improving his game, his friend and fellow player, Jaime Fillol, took notice. Jaime had been traveling all over the world to play in tennis tournaments, including many in the United States. College representatives scout athletes at these tournaments. When recruiters from Hampton University approached Jaime, he told them about Omar. At the age of 19, he was recruited to what was Hampton Institute at the time, and moved to Virginia on a tennis scholarship. “Coming to the U.S. definitely had its challenges,” says Omar. “I came here without even speaking English. I was forced to learn out of necessity.”

After Hampton, he took classes at Marion Military Institute in Alabama for a year, and then at Auburn University for 6 months. “I was looking for the best possible scholarship,” he said. Omar obtained his degree from U.A.B. After that, he traveled around Europe competing in tournaments for a year and a half. He then came back to UAB as a graduate assistant, and then

worked two years as assistant tennis coach. “Teaching tennis was always easier for me, even when I was playing. I can teach because I know what it takes to get there,” he said.

Following the stint at UAB, he taught full-time at Highland Racquet Club, Riverchase Country Club, Inverness Country Club and most recently, right here at the Pelham Racquet Club. Omar has worked at the PRC for three years now, and he joined its teaching pro staff in July 2012. “This place is just incredible. I’m very thankful to work here.”

Omar thinks the location of the club has been a boon to its success. “I like Pelham, it’s very quiet. I just love this place.” He credits a lot of what has been accomplished to the club itself.

“I wish we could make this place be more widely known across the country because the facilities here are incredible, it’s just so beautiful,” he gushes.

“With all the PRC’s courts and its upgraded facilities—I’ve worked at the country club level—but there are so many more opportunities here. There is so much potential,” said Omar.

“It’s always busy here,” he continues, “with lessons, the practice courts and the tournaments.” Being such a popular spot does have a few minor downsides though. “If we could stay open until 10 p.m., people would be happier, but we have to go home sometime.” he laughs. “We have to sleep!”

USTA Alabama gave out its 2013 awards in February at their annual meeting. According to the association’s website, Omar won the award because, as a tennis professional, he demonstrates a significant contribution to the game of tennis through the promotion of the USTA’s programs at the PRC and supports the USTA Mission Statement: “To promote

and develop the growth of tennis.” When talking about the award, Omar acknowledges, “I was considered because one of my students nominated me, Elizabeth Harkins.” Elizabeth is on one of Omar’s teams that played local, state and sectional tournaments the last two years.

“Omar has been my team captain and my inspiration for almost two years,” Elizabeth said in her nomination letter. “In the time that I have known and played with him, I have grown exponentially as a player. I have watched him nurture the love of tennis in my teammates and others at the club. He has shown that his number one priority is not winning as much as he can, but rather to promote fun and enhance the ability level of his players.”

Omar also credits Pelham Parks and Recreation Director Billy Crandall, who was on Omar’s first team at PRC, for helping get the word out about what they were accomplishing.

The team Billy was part of went all the way to the national tournament in Palm Springs, California, where a lot of people heard about PRC for the first time. “People opened their eyes to what I have done here.

It helped recruit players, and everyone wanted to be a part of it,” he says. “It might have also

helped me be considered for the award,” said Omar.

Having a boss like Billy, who loves tennis just as much as he does, makes it easier for Omar to reach his own goals. “I can put groups of people together, and keep teams together to work towards their goals,” he says.

Some of what the USTA looks at is how many new players have gotten involved with the sport as beginners, and how many are now engaged with the USTA itself, and the Pelham Racquet Club has made great strides in that regard recently. “Here, I get new players every day!” said Omar.

After all this, Omar still sets his sights high, “After being at Nationals for the last two years, winning the Nationals for PRC is my goal.”

Omar has a son, Ryan, and a daughter-in-law, Ashley, who live nearby with their young daughter, Sofia. Neither of the adults is involved in tennis, but Omar has a dream—“Hopefully my granddaughter will be!”

We certainly hope she and many others will want to learn to love the game of tennis and where better than at the PRC with Omar?

Congratulations to Omar on his award and to the entire staff at the Pelham Racquet Club for their hard work and dedication!

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 13

The six fishermen who have placed in tournaments hold their awards. Schools earn cumulative points based on their tournament performances.

Top: Pelham High Bass Club with coaches and boat captains; right: an “A Rig” and bottom: Justin Woodruff and Drew Wilson win the first tournament of 2013.

Pelham High School Bass Club #4 out of 52 schools in state!

In 2011, a local Pelham High parent named Marc Howard, an avid bass fisherman, got the idea for a high school bass club, and a new opportunity was created for Pelham High students.

PHS Bass Club fished its first tournament in February 2012, under the auspices of the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association (ASABFA).

The Pelham High team has 12 fishermen, and it competes in five tournaments each year in a field of 197 teams representing 49 different Alabama high schools.

In this season’s first tournament on Weiss Lake, the Pelham High duo of Justin Woodruff and Drew Wilson took first place with a five fish limit weighing in at 13 lbs. 10 ozs. (Of the 197 boat crews that entered the tournament, only 67 had enough fish to weigh in, and only five of them had their limit.)

Asked why he formed the club, founder Marc Howard offered this, “I believe kids are going to get involved in something whether it’s good or bad. We fish five prefish tournaments as well as five tournaments, so that means ten 14 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

weekends of good, clean fun for our student anglers.”

Marc, a native of New Iberia, Louisiana, has a son, Tyler, who fishes on the team as a sophomore.

Other team members include Jordan Humphries, Drew Wilson, Justin Woodruff, Austin Handley, Dalton Dewberry, Collin Hutto,Travis Kem, Bailey Eason and Jon Bailey. Marc is the head coach and the assistant coach is Kerry Wilson. Students are not allowed to drive the boats, so adult boat captains include the two coaches and Keith Handley, Mark Hutto and Terry White.

Following are some excerpts from local bass fisherman Jacob Taylor’s account of the Lake Weiss tournament win from his fishing blog, BamaBite.com, including a Q&A with the winning fishermen: One-hundred-ninety-seven boats, each containing two student anglers and a boat captain, braved the elements in February on Lake Weiss for a chance at walking across the Gadsden State Cherokee Arena stage as champions. A bag of 13 lbs. 10 ozs. from the Pelham High School team of Drew Wilson

and Justin Woodruff would allow them to take that walk.

We caught up with Drew and Justin to ask them a few questions about their big win. Here’s what they had to say…

The conditions have been tough for awhile now. How did you guys go about locating fish during practice?

Drew: “I didn’t have a good practice at all. I tried EVERYTHING to get a bite, but I didn’t catch a single fish during practice.” Justin: “My dad and I did manage to catch a few fish in Little River on A-Rigs and Jigs.

The quality was there, but there just weren’t many bites.”

Obviously, things turned at some point for you guys. What made the difference come tournament time?

Drew: “Things started out much the same as practice. We didn’t catch a fish until mid-day, a nonkeeper. We knew we needed to make a change, so we decided to run into Little River and give it a shot.”

An “A Rig”

Justin: “When we got into Little River, we starting catching fish in about 13 ft. of water, and we knew we had to stay in there the rest of the day.”

What tactics did you use to trigger those bites? Justin: “We were throwing A-Rigs. You had to crawl it on the bottom to get a bite, but once we figured it out, it was one after another.” Drew: “We landed a couple fish over 3 lbs., but we knew we needed another good fish to have a shot. I rolled my rig off the end of a big lay down, and a 3.64 lb. Largemouth smoked it. I just started screaming. I thought that fish might have done it for us, and it did!”

Congratulations to these upand-coming anglers, and best of luck to all our Panther fishermen the rest of the season!

Jackie Droxler, Head fitness trainer at Snap Fitness Helena

For the past two years, Jackie Droxler has worked as the head fitness trainer at Snap Fitness Helena. With almost 30 years of personal fitness training experience under his belt, he really knows how to help you get the results you want, no matter what those results might be! Case in point: readers will remember the article about the Bobby and Wendy Coats family in our last issue.This local family wanted to be prepared for skiing on a trip to Colorado, so they came and talked to Jackie about it.

They were able to train for better Colorado skiing right here at Snap Fitness Helena with Jackie.

Jackie started moving towards his career in personal fitness after graduating from Spring Garden High School in Piedmont, Alabama. He and a friend, Mark Anderson, realized their hometown of Piedmont didn’t have a gym and decided to change that.Their club did so well that two years after it opened, the city bought it from them, and it became part of the Piedmont Civic Center.

Jackie stayed there as an advisor for a year before another friend realized the fitness knowledge that Jackie possessed would make him the perfect individual to manage his gym, the Cosmopolitan Health Club in Jacksonville, Alabama.

It was at Cosmopolitan in 1985 that Jackie got his first taste of helping other people train with specific goals in mind. An older gentleman at the club wanted to enter a local body building competition and approached Jackie asking for help. Jackie thought,

“You want to pay me to show you how to work out? That’s a pretty novel idea right there!” And help he did—after training with Jackie, the man went on to win his competition!

Around this time, JSU football players started coming to Jackie, who was still at Cosmopolitan, for help with their own sportsrelated training.

About this time, a JSU freshman, the late Patrick Aaron, was hired and got to know Jackie at Cosmopolitan. It was Patrick who had the idea to bring a fitness club to the Helena-Pelham area since he was from here.“I hadn’t been in this area since 1978, when I came to see Oxford High play Thompson in football.There wasn’t much around back then, so my first thought was,‘cows don’t work out!’ But Patrick knew that Helena and Pelham had a bright future, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

He and Patrick founded Paragon Fitness in 1990 on Hwy 31, which changed to World Gym in 1994.

By the time they sold World Gym in 1999, it had 3,800 members— many who had come to know and trust Jackie with their personal fitness. Patrick went on to found Powerhouse Gym in 2000, while Jackie moved with him but began working solely as a personal trainer.

Jackie later worked at Sportsplex in Hoover as a manager for two years. In 2010,Adam Stuart, owner of Snap Fitness Helena, approached Jackie about coming to work as a trainer for his new gym.“I liked Adam,” Jackie says.“I liked his business philosophy—it’s

all about the customer at Snap Fitness. He asked me to help him out, so I did. It’s in a great location—in the middle of a neighborhood—and the people who work out here are glad to have such a nice, modern facility so near their homes.”

Snap Fitness is different from the larger gyms where Jackie has worked in the past, and he says that makes it even better and enables him to give more one-onone attention to those trying to either get into shape or train with some specific goal in mind. “This is a smaller club, and everybody knows everybody. It’s like Cheers!

Everyone’s asking about you and your kids. It really drew me to this place.”

“Snap Fitness has a family atmosphere, unlike the ‘big box’ gyms,” Jackie says.“In other gyms where I have worked, there is huge stress to sell memberships. It’s not like that here.There is nothing intimidating about Snap Fitness.”

When someone new starts coming to exercise here, trainers like Jackie talk with them to determine their knowledge of fitness, the food they eat and any injuries they have so that they can more accurately build an exercise program to help them achieve their personal goals.

The helpful and knowledgeable staff at Snap Fitness is what makes it such a great place to work out. Jackie says,“it’s a great place with good trainers who will always help you if you have a question or need assistance.” Especially with equipment. Jackie helps spot many people using weights, like regular attendee Lee Gladden on the bench press, (seen at right).

When asked about his own current fitness goals, Jackie said with a laugh,“My motivation for fitness at this point is to stay out of the back of an ambulance!”

All jokes aside, exercise and fitness is an important part of staying healthy, and they know all about getting and staying healthy at Snap Fitness. Jackie’s discussions with orthopedic surgeons about how to exercise around injuries and other personal limitations has changed his own his regimens over the years and helped him craft better and more specific exercise routines for anyone who comes to talk with him.

Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, train for a sport or just want to get back into shape, the trainers at Snap

Fitness Helena can help you.

Snap is even offering two free sessions with a personal trainer, which includes a free Fit Score assessment, for new members.

There’s never been a better time to start at Snap Fitness Helena than now!

HELENA, AL

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Residential Beautification Award 189 Chase Drive The yard is clean and well kept, but the real story here lies with the folks inside. Their driveway is designated “Roll Tide Lane,” which is a sure fired tip-off that some devoted Alabama fans live at 189 Chase Drive. Henry and Jo Carter follow Bama football and went to Miami to watch the team win its 15th National Championship in January.

From their back porch at home, they enjoy watching the residents of their purple martin house (which are not purple martins), bluebirds and cardinals, and as it grows warmer, they will begin hanging and filling multiple hummingbird feeders.

From the screened porch they can survey their large garden plot, and the potatoes, pole beans, butter beans, okra, tomatoes, field corn, field peas, squash, and eggplant that are all planted will be soon be sprouting green.

Henry Carter usually plants his garden on Good Friday, however, this year, it was too wet and cold. He uses the compost from his bins and boasts two rototillers “and a hoe.”

Of Italian heritage, Jo Carter grew up dancing and “jitterbugging around the kitchen” with her mother and sisters while cooking. Jo grows cardoons (artichoke thistle), which she dips in eggs and flour and fries like a fritter—one of her favorite dishes. Cilantro, mint, coriander and other herbs grow in nearby pots, so they have all they need for good eating alongside Henry’s grilled specialties.

For over thirty years they have enjoyed an annual family reunion based around fried catfish, fried squash and okra. This tradition, begun in Louisiana, now continues in Pelham.

Over the years, their two sons have called home requesting favorite

recipes—Jo’s spaghetti, turkey and dressing, and beef stroganoff.

Jo and Henry, who graduated UA in 1955, met working at State Farm Insurance in downtown Birmingham. Six months after meeting each other at an office party and dance, they married. In February, they celebrated their 57th anniversary.

After living in Louisiana for twenty-five years and raising their family, the Carters returned to the Birmingham area and in 2000, built in the Royal Chase community in Pelham.

“We love being tucked away here—it’s a wonderful neighborhood.

We love our neighbors.

Everyone looks out for each other,” they said.

The Carters appreciate the YMCA facilities where they work out, and Henry spends a little time “fraternizing with the men’s coffee group.”

The Carters have always been a sports-minded family. Their sons, Dr. John Carter and Jody Carter, who now live near Shreveport, played football and baseball. Jo and Henry have five grandchildren.

They enjoy traveling, as well, and have explored many cities to both the north and south—Key West, Port Eads, Louisiana, Boston, and Kennebunkport, Maine—where they enjoyed lobsters caught fresh that day. “We were told, don’t go eat anywhere they have white table cloths, so we ate the best lobster ever on newspaper-covered wooden tables with benches,” said Jo. One of their favorite places is the tiny town of Mamou, Louisiana, the “Cajun Music Capital of the world,” where they have found both great Cajun food (boiled crawfish) and music under one roof. Jo recommends the fried green tomatoes served with crawfish sauce and, afterwards, joining in the dancing which brings those of every age to their feet.

Need help putting your home back together?

Call us. We’re Pelham’s Home Repair Specialists!

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16 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

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PHS Color Guard Teams take top honors!

The Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity teams won again against several local and state teams during spring break.

Going into the championship competition, the JV sat in first place against many teams in their division. The varsity squad ran neck and neck against some of the best color guard teams in the Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky region and competed in the top

class for high school teams. It was a tough competition for both teams April 5-7 in Nashville. We are happy to report that the JV won first place in their division for the region and was named state champion for being the highest rated Alabama team in their division.

The Varsity won third in their division for the region and was awarded state champion for being the highest rated Alabama team in their division.

Congratulations to the girls on their hard work this year. They make Pelham look good, and we are proud of all they have done over the past year.

Clockwise from top: JV and Varsity Color Guard teams pose with recent trophies; Savannah Cambron performs a dance number; Katie Beth Rice, Allie Fain and Courtney Wood accept an award on behalf of the PHS Color Guard at left at a recent competition.

Home Plate Cooking

Celebrating 5 years!

Making life a little easier…one meal at a time

Catering available too!

DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING TODAY? Visit us at Home Plate Cooking! We have individual plates, family meals, sides, salads, breads, desserts and the best chicken salad!

Hours: Monday - Friday - 10am-7pm Saturdays 10am-2pm. www.homeplatecooking.com • 1915 Hwy 58, Helena, AL 35080 18 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

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Coppélia A Story of Stubborn Love, Jealousy, and Mistaken Identity

Tywain Griffen

May 18, 2013 3:00 PM Pelham High School All Seats Reserved

$10

Front, l-r: Winner Kristin King, Shelby High; Winner Krysten Kegler, Shelby High.

Back, l-r: Stan Lewis, AP Member; Runner Up Xavier Lacey, Pelham High; Courtney Mitchell, AP Scholarship Chair; Maurice Mercer AP Member .

Featuring students of

Grebel Dance

Pelham/Alabaster chapter of Fraternity recognized

The Pelham/Alabaster Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. earned three consecutive titles of “Alumni Chapter of the Year” recognizing the chapter as a leader in Alabama and Florida last month.

They will compete this summer for the national title in Houston.

President of the Alabaster-Pelham Kappas, Dale Thornton, says the fraternity is working on awarding its 3rd annual scholarship this May and its 4th time participating in the North Shelby Relay for Life.

Hollis ~ Hollis to wed in July Mr and Mrs Richard Knight, of Pelham, announce the engagement of their daughter, Natalie JoAnn Hollis, to Eric Ray Hollis of Sulligent.

Natalie is the granddaughter of Mrs. JoAnn Plylar and Willis Hollis, of Trussville. She is a 2006 graduate of Pelham High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and received a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Special Education. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Student Council for Exceptional Children, Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She is currently employed by Hoover City Schools.

Eric Hollis is the son of Danny and Kelly Hollis of Sulligent. He is the grandson of the late Edward and Jean Hollis, and John and Jonnie Smith of Sulligent. He is a 2000 graduate of Sulligent High School and a 2005 graduate of Samford University where he was a 4-year letter winner in baseball and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Biology. Eric played for four years in the Chicago White Sox minor league system, including two years for the Birmingham Barons. He spent two years as a hitting coach in the White Sox organization and is currently employed by Hoover City Schools.

The wedding will be July 12, 2013, at Douglas Manor in Chelsea.

The couple will honeymoon in St. Thomas.

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BP SETTLEMENT If you own ANY business in Shelby County or the State of Alabama, you may be entitled to recover a cash settlement from the BP Horizon Settlement.

Businesses and professionals all across Alabama are currently making claims under this Class Action Settlement EVEN THOUGH THEIR BUSINESSES ARE NOT ON THE COAST. The oil spill affected the economy of this State as a whole. You owe it to yourself and your business to determine if you qualify.

Determining your eligibility to recover is a very simple process. There is no charge to evaluate your claim.

Any qualifying business is entitled to recover regardless of the type of business you own.

• DOCTORS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS • FURNITURE STORES • REAL ESTATE AGENTS • PHARMACIES • CONTRACTORS • GAS STATIONS • TIRE STORES • MANUFACTURERS • BEAUTY SALONS • HARDWARE STORES • RESTAURANTS (Just to name a few) For more information call:

JIM PINO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys at Law 363 Canyon Park Drive Pelham, AL 35124 Phone: 205-663-1581 Fax: 205-663-1424 Email: Jeff@jimpinoandassociates.com Web site: www.jimpinoandassociates.com

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 19

Commercial Beautification Award America’s First Federal Credit Union

Coach Sean Anderson’s Pelham Panther Summer Baseball Skills Camp

Upcoming 5K-5th grade: June 3-June 6 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Upcoming 6th-8th grade: June 3-June 6 12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Pelham High School baseball field and indoor facility Visit www.pelhamathletics.org for online registration and printable forms. Registration forms will also be delivered to area schools near the end of the school year.

For more information contact Head Coach Sean Anderson at sean@pelhambaseball.org.

20 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

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The Pelham Beautification Board’s Commercial Award for this issue goes to America’s First Federal Credit Union, located at the corner of County Road 52 and Racquet Club Parkway.

Manager Mary Laughery and employees, Penny Carroll, Kelly Chambless, Debbie Gragg, Keta Green, Jessica Kendrick and Gabe Whited would like everyone to know they are taking donations for Easter Seals during business hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In 2008, America’s First relocated to their new Pelham office on Racquet Club Parkway, and spring brings color to their corner with cherry blossoms and redbud blooms. Landscaping is maintained by NatureScape, Inc. Congratulations to America’s First Federal Credit Union for helping make Pelham such a beautiful place!

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Pictured above are members of the combined Pelham/Chelsea teams and advisors in front of the Fire College’s travelling smoke simulator used in training exercises.

Pelham Explorers win competition

Pelham Explorers Post 2611 competed in the 10th Annual Explorer Competition hosted by the Trussville Fire Department in April. Teams participated from all over Alabama and Texas. Pelham’s post currently has 17 active members with several members graduating and hoping to continue in the fire service.

Pelham Explorers won trophies in the following categories: • 1st Place in Make and Break • 3rd Place in Room Search Some Pelham Explorers assisted Chelsea in order for them to complete a team, and their team won 1st Place in Motor Vehicle Crash.

Advisor’s in attendance were: Lt. Ricky King, Billy Earnest and Robin Wilkinson from Pelham and Jason Bryant from Chelsea.

The Explorers and the advisor’s wish to thank Mayor Gary Waters, Chief Danny Ray, the Pelham City Council, the City of Pelham and Chief Pete Zekoff for all of their support.

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621-9877 PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 21

Connor Wilkins signs Alabama’s First rugby scholarship Tuesday, April 16 was an exciting day for Pelham High School Senior Connor Wilkins, as he officially signed his letter of intent to attend Spring Hill College in Mobile.

Connor’s parents, David and Sharon Wilkins, and his sister Anna, were on hand as were Connor’s paternal grandparents, Mary Jean and Harold Wilkins.

Crowding the room were many of Connor’s friends, classmates and fellow athletes, many of whom talked excitedly about that night’s upcoming soccer game against Oak Mountain.

The biggest surprise about Connor’s signing, though, is that while he plays soccer at Pelham, he is going to Spring Hill to play rugby!

His path to rugby came from his playing soccer and football. While still playing football, he started playing soccer on a dare from PHS’s “Coach Mac,” who coaches the soccer team. Occasionally, Connor would play soccer on a team coached by family friend and rugby enthusiast Tom Harwood, who would always say things like, “If we were playing rugby, here’s what would happen...” One day, Tom took the family to see a game of rugby, which Connor really enjoyed.

Connor soon visited and played rugby with the guys at Birmingham Vulcan Rugby Football Club. Michael Laney, president of the club,

Pelham High School Senior and YMCA swim instructor, John Perko, gives swim lessons to some happy children at the Pelham branch of the YMCA.

YMCA Swim Lessons Proven to Save Lives 22 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

said upon meeting Connor and seeing him play, “it was pretty obvious he was going to be one of the ones who would stick with it.” And stick with it he did— Connor personally started a rugby club at PHS that practices on the weekends. His father says, “Connor is the impetus behind the high school rugby movement here.”

A coach from the Birmingham club told Spring Hill about Connor and everything he was doing for the sport in Pelham, and the college brought him down to play with their team. They must have liked what they saw.

Connor said being the organizer for a rugby team is sometimes frustrating, but it’s obviously panning out for him.

Since he was the man who introduced Connor to rugby, Tom was given a chance to speak. He chose to talk about how much rugby means to him, and even got a little choked up about it. He talked about how glad he is that Connor decided to join the ranks of those who play. He also joked about the other sport Connor plays: soccer. “When I was growing up, rugby and soccer were butting heads a lot, sad to say.” He explained that in rugby, they even call the player who makes the most mistakes the “soccer boy.” But, Tom laughs, “I love soccer now, so it’s okay.”

Then Michael was called up to speak. “I want to congratulate you; this is a historic event,” he stated, shaking Connor’s hand before turning back to the audience. “Connor is the first player in the state of Alabama to sign for college with rugby.” And right he is—Alabama does not currently have any high school teams, only college and some adult and semi-pro leagues. Perhaps eventually there will be enough interested students to start official high school rugby clubs.

Next, they called up Coach Mac, who Connor’s father David said has been “very important in Connor’s sports life.” Coach Mac discussed not only Connor’s sportsmanship and athleticism, but also his focus on his studies. “He’s a true student athlete.”

When Connor got up to speak, he thanked all of his coaches, family, friends and God for helping him get where he is in life. He also had a message for all the naysayers. “This is for all the people who told me rugby would never take me anywhere…It kinda did.”

Congratulations, Connor—all the best in the coming years!

“Learning to swim is important, and it’s never too early or too late to take swimming lessons,” reminds Jenny Dick, YMCA Associate Aquatics Director. Group, semi-private and private lessons are all available to you at the Pelham branch of the YMCA. Coached by Mallory Bradley and Hollan Chapman, Swim Birmingham YMCA (SBY) competitors ages 10-16 swim September through May and compete with other YMCA branch teams such as Greystone and Hoover as well as participate in USA swim competition meets that include teams from all over Alabama. Kady Wallace has shown outstanding times in this division.

Visiting the indoor and outdoor pools recently, we found Graham Ailswort, Audrey Scheiring, and Benjamin Sibrian enjoying lessons with swim coach John Perko.

Perko, who graduates from Pelham High School this month, took lessons from Jenny Dick when he was six-years-old. Now he returns as a teacher himself. “It’s very enjoyable and rewarding,” Perko said.

For more information, see the “PH Swimming” section online at: www.ymcabham.org/pelham.

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Spain Park Day Camp Located at Spain Park High School, Spain Park Day Camp is one of the best summer programs Birmingham has to offer. From field trips to arts and crafts, to chef school and themed Fridays, your child will have the best summer ever! Our camp is geared towards kids ages 4-13.

Registration dates are May 1st and 8th at Spain Park High School from 4PM -7PM. Come and reserve your spot while getting to meet SPDC staff and counselors. Camp begins on Tuesday, May 28.

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PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 23

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES!

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 Tai Chi Demonstration Class Sat., May 25 2 pm Tai chi is a great way to increase flexibility and strengthen muscles and tendons. It is also a great way to decrease stress and improve balance.

Tai chi Instructor Charlie Fetcher will give a brief history of tai chi and help attendees learn the basic moves of this ancient discipline. This event is free, but class size is limited. Please register early. Please call the library at 6206418 for more information or to register.

Adult Summer Reading Program Begins June 1 Pelham Public Library invites everyone 18 and older to participate in the eighth annual Adult Summer Reading Program which runs from June 1 through July 31. Each time an adult checks out five or more books or audio books (adult fiction, nonfiction books, magazines and/or books on CD; excluded itemsjuvenile/young adult material, games, music or movies) the library patron may place their name in the drawing box. There is no limit to the number of entries per patron. Exciting prizes will be awarded to the lucky winners in early August. Please call the library at 620-6418 for more information.

Teen Summer Reading Program Begins June 1 For avid readers, ages 11-18, Pelham’s Teen Summer Reading Program begins June 1! Stop by the library and enter the contest by simply checking out five teen fiction, non-fiction, manga, books on CD, or graphic novels. Teens may enter as often as you like. Teen Summer Reading events include weekly gift card drawings, movies and craft nights as well as a photography contest, and the library’s annual Gaming Tournament. The grand prize drawing for a Nook HD will be held July 29. Call the library at 620-6418 for more information.

Summer Beach Reads Sale through May 25!

The Pelham Library will hold a mini-book sale through May 25. Paperbacks and children’s books will be sold for only 25 cents each, so don’t miss out on these great bargains while stocking up on summer vacation reading material!

For more information, please call the library at 620-6418.

ONGOING ADULT PROGRAMS

For those who are unable to take advantage of the weekday computer classes, Pelham Public Library offers night and weekend classes. Classes are free and will remain small to ensure attendees receive the most from their participation. Patrons are encouraged to register soon. You may register in person or call the library at 620-6418.

May Computer Classes Intro to Email Tuesday, May 14 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Excel 2007 Basics Tuesday, May 21 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

CHILDREN’S REGULAR PROGRAMS Come see what you can “Dig up” at the Pelham Public Library this summer!

We are getting ready for a great summer of books, prizes, and programs.

You won’t want to miss the fun, so come “Dig Into Reading” at this year’s Summer Reading Program. Children 12 and younger are invited to participate in a summer full of fun. Join us for magicians, puppets, movies, LEGOs, crafts, story times, and of course prizes! We will once again be giving away a bicycle from Bike Link to one lucky boy or girl as well as other great prizes.

Registration for the “Dig Into Reading” program begins May 28.

Tuesday, May 28: “Dig Into Reading” Kickoff Party at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join your friends for FREE Ice Skating and lots of fun!

(You may register for the Summer Reading Program at the kickoff party or drop by the library anytime between May 28 and July 22.) For additional information, contact the library at 620-6465.

Children’s Events: Movie Days: Mondays @ 2:00 p.m. June 3-July 22 Special Performers: Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m. June 4-July 16 Storytimes: Wednesdays @ 9:15 and 10:30 a.m.

PJ Storytime: Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m. June 5-July 18 (No storytime July 4) Craft time: Thursdays @ 2:00 p.m. June 6-July 18 (No craft time July 4) LEGO Club: Fridays @ 10:30am June 7-July 19 Special Programs: Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m. (see library calendar for details)

Tuesday, July 23: “Dig Into Reading” Grand Finale Carnival at the Pelham Public Library, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

TEEN PROGRAMS The Library is so much more than a place to get information for school assignments. The Teen Department offers video game tournaments, movie nights and reading contests. So teens, just think of us as another recreational destination—and best of all, it’s FREE!

ES JUVENIL

Pelham Purl Jam Knitters Sat., May 18, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Need more fiber in your diet? Join us for knitting at the Pelham Public 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! Our group will meet on May 18th and once monthly after that. Registration is required. Please contact the library with any questions at 620-6418.

Page Turners Book Club Monday, May 20, 6:30 p.m.

The Page Turners Book Club meets at the Pelham Library for about an hour on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The book selection for May is a biography of your choice. Registration is not required. Please call 620-6418 for more information and upcoming book titles.

P READING ROGRAM SUMMER

TEEN S

Calendar of Events

Library & Senior Information pages 30-31

May 10 - VES Carmella’s Italian Ice $2 (every Friday till end of school year) - 12th Buck Creek Festival, Old Town Helena, 6-10 pm 11 - Pelham Library Guild Flapjack Fundraiser, Applebee’s Pelham, 8-10 am - Youth Football/Cheerleading Registration, Park & Rec. Ofc. 9 am-12 pm - Buck Creek Festival (Vendors, Music & Duck Race) 10 am til…

12 - Mother’s Day 16 - Shelby Co. Seniors’ Picnic, Oak Mountain, 9 am-1 pm 17 - VES Carmella’s Italian Ice $2 (every Friday till end of school year) - Relay for Life of North Shelby, PHS Stadium, 6 pm till 6 am May 18 Visit www.facebook.com/RFLNS for more information 17 - XTERRA 2013, May 17-19, Oak Mtn State Park, call 877-XTERRA(983772)1 19 - Spring Fling Dance (w/ Wolfgang), Senior Center, 7-9 pm $5 per person 18 - Youth Football/Cheerleading Registration, Park & Rec. Ofc. 9 am-12 pm - Coppelia featuring Grebel Dance/Ala. Youth Ballet, PHS Auditorium, 3 pm 21 - Pelham City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7 pm, Work Session 6 pm 23 - Shelby Co. Schools Semester Ends, Dismissal: Students 1 pm, Faculty/Staff 3 pm - PHS Class of 2013 Graduation, Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 7 pm 24 - Shelby Co. Schools Teacher Workday 27 - Memorial Day (Municipal Offices, Library & Sr. Center Closed) Allied Waste will run as usual 28 - Summer Reading Kickoff-Free Skate, Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 1-3 pm

Pelham Seniors IN ACTION MahjongG! Pelham Senior Center • 620-6064

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 10:00 AM-3:00 PM 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. To view full event calendar online, visit www.pelhamlibrary.com. For more information, contact Director Regina Jimenez at 620-6064 or email: pelhamseniorcenter1@ yahoo.com.

MONDAYS

TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

June

3 - Ice Skate Camp June 3-7, Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 8 am-4 pm - PHS Baseball Camps by 2013-14 Grade: K-5th 8:30 am-12:00 pm; 6th-8th 12:30-4:00 pm, PHS Baseball Field/Indoor Facility - Emergency Siren Test, 10 am - Pelham City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7 pm, Work Session 6 pm 9 - Flag Day Celebration, Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 3-5 pm 10 - Tennis Camp June 10-13, PRC, ages 5-10 9-10:30 am, 10-Up 9-11:30 am 16 - Father’s Day 17 - Tennis Camp June 17-20, PRC, ages 5-10 9-10:30 am, 10-Up 9-11:30 am - Pelham City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7 pm, Work Session 6 pm 21 - First Day of Summer - Senior Dance (w/ Ray Newman), Senior Center, 7-9 pm, $5 per person 22 - Aaron’s Staff Respite (special needs 0-21), free must reserve AaronsStaffRespite.org

July

FRIDAYS

Needlecraft-10:30-12:00; Mah Jongg-12:00-3:00 Crafts 12:30-3:00; Exercise 12:30-1:15 May 27 Closed for Memorial Day Art 10:30-12:30 $5/month; Advanced Line Dancing 1:00-2:00 Beginning Line Dancing 2:00-3:00; Rummikub 1:00-3:00 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 Pelham New Pioneers 10:30-1:00 May 16 Senior Picnic May 23 Bingo May 30 Bingo June 6 Covered Dish: Bill Hawkins Turkey Town Trail of Tears June 13 Bingo June 20 Guest: Jan Corbett Prescription Medicine June 27 Bingo July 4 Closed for Independence Day July 11 TBA Pelham Golden Voices after Pioneers; Rummikub 1:00-3:00 Tai Chi 10:30-11:30; Healthy Choices 11:30-12:30 Exercise 12:30-1:15; Games 1:00-3:00 Bookworms 1:15-1:45 (May 31) May 17 Spring Fling Dance 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5 per person Entertainment by Wolfgang June 21 Dance 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5 per person Entertainment by Ray Newman

1 - Emergency Siren Test, 10 am - Pelham City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7 pm, Work Session 6 pm 4 - Independence Day (Municipal Offices, Library & Sr. Center Closed) NO Allied Waste Pickup: Collection will run one day behind through Saturday 8 - Tennis Camp July 8-11, PRC, ages 5-10 9-10:30 am, 10-Up 9-11:30 am 13 - Pelhambration, Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 11 am-4 pm 15 - Ice Skate Camp July 15-19, Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 8 am-4 pm - Tennis Camp July 8-11, PRC, ages 5-10 9-10:30 am, 10-Up 9-11:30 am - Pelham City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 7 pm, Work Session 6 pm 20 - Aaron’s Staff Respite (special needs 0-21), free must reserve AaronsStaffRespite.org 23 - Summer Reading Grand Finale Carnival, Pelham Library, 1:00-2:30 pm

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 25

Advertorial Amy Webb poses in her new ladies clothing boutique on Main Street in Old Town Helena.

Stop in for the latest trends in fashion at a price that won’t break the bank!

Great looks for summer for ladies young and young at heart The name Helena Mercantile conjures up memories of an old country store with all sorts of goods from staples and candy to seeds and garden implements, but nothing could be farther from the reality of this smart new shop for women on main Street in Old Town Helena.

Owner Amy Webb was born and raised in Shelby County before her family moved to Vestavia, where she graduated high school. She went on to college at UM before transferring to South Alabama and eventually married Barry Webb, a tennis pro.

Today the couple, 14-year area

residents, have one 12-year-old son, Jacob, a 6th Grader who plays travel baseball, Youth League football and plans to try out for the middle school football team this spring. “He taught himself to play piano and drums,” says Amy. “We have no idea where he gets his musical talent,” she laughed.

Amy has always worked in retail, first at Parisian and then at a place called the Nuthouse in Mobile, which is where she got experience in going to market and all the other skills necessary to work in retail.

She operated the tennis pro shop at the Country Club of Birmingham. back when her husband was the tennis pro there. Then she got the idea to open a store with her own tastes in fashion in Old Town Helena.

Amy says she wanted to open a

LET OUR FAMILY CARE FOR YOURS. Doctors Eric Solomon and Vicki Moore welcome Dr. James Colvard to their practice on Highway 119 in Pelham. Dr. Colvard specializes in family medicine, and is now accepting new patients.

Call 205.733.1130 to schedule an appointment. accepting neW patients same day appointments early morning appointments

boutique with an “urban vintage” look for ladies both young and young at heart. “There wasn’t anything like it in Pelham or Helena,” she said.

Helena Mercantile specializes in young ladies dresses, cowgirl boots and accessories to match. “Everything is affordable,” said Amy, “which I feel is very important in today’s economy.

Many of the boutiques in the Birmingham market are just priced too high in my opinion, so we felt is was very important to offer smart looks at prices regular people could afford,” she added.

The next time you ladies are out shopping for your spring or summer wardrobe additions, be sure to check out Helena Mercantile near the tracks in Old Town Helena and be sure to tell Amy you saw her on these pages.

dr. james colvard family medicine oak mountain

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26 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

The

Future is in Good Hands

With Pelham High School ’ s Graduates of 2013

Each year, the senior counselor selects six Pelham High School seniors who embody traits that make them ideal representatives of their graduating class as well as their community. (This year, Laura Cochran is at the helm as the new senior counselor.) The following students share their favorite PHS memories and future plans. The day has finally arrived, and we want to commend each and every graduate on this milestone in their lives. Most importantly, we wish the Class of 2013 a future filled with happiness, good health and much success! Our caps are off to you, the Pelham High School Class of 2013!

Justin Brooks (son of Venice Brooks and Lewis and Brooks): Justin said, “My favorite high school Resia Brooks) memories are always the sporting events against Thompson. Those are always the craziest, most fun, and most crowded games.” Favorite PHS teacher: 11th grade Pre-Cal teacher, Mrs. Ross. “Not only is she a good teacher,” Justin said, “but she gets involved with extracurricular activities and builds relationships with students outside the classroom.” Justin said, “The most influential person in my life is definitely my dad. He has kept me humble my entire life and disciplined with my grades, athletics, and social life.” After graduation Justin plans to attend Spring Hill College to continue his basketball career and study to become an attorney. Justin said, “In 20 years, I hope to see myself working in the Front Office or Finance Department of a professional sports team franchise.”

Jessica Eve Mansel (daughter of Billy and Angela Mansel): Mansel) Jessica said, “Being a Drum Major is my favorite high school memory. Music has always been important to me; standing on the podium and conducting the Tower of Power Marching Band was an amazing experience.

Football games, parades and band trip memories won’t ever be forgotten.” When it came to choosing a favorite teacher, Jessica said, “The entire band staff is my favorite.

I have learned more from them than I can express. This amazing group has not only taught me about music and leadership, but also about myself and who I want to be.” Jessica said, “The most influential person in my life isn’t one individual; it’s my entire family. I have been loved and supported by my parents, sister, grandparents, and more. Their belief in me, in God, and their unconditional love are never ending.” Beginning this August, Jessica will be living on the campus of Auburn University. “I plan to major in Special Education and march with the Auburn University Marching Band.” Jessica stated emphatically, “I can’t wait to put on that gorgeous orange and blue uniform!” Jessica concluded, “In 20 years I will be married and hopefully blessed with healthy children. I will be enjoying every day in my Special Education classroom and also continuing my love for music by playing with my local church.”

Gardner Fish (son of Karen and Brad Fish): Gardner said, “My favorite high school memory was the Spain Park football game this season. The whole team was committed the entire week. Our hard work and dedication lead to a huge victory and a playoff berth.” Favorite PHS teacher: Spanish teacher and Peer Helper sponsor Mrs. Mellissa Copes. “Her altruism and sincere selflessness has been inspiring,” Gardner said. “The last two years she has taught me to be kind to everyone.” Gardner related that the most influential person in his life is his grandmother, GiGi. GiGi “She has been with me through hardships and has been a huge influence on my Christianity,” Gardner said. “Her guidance has helped me to make positive choices.” After graduation, Gardner will be attending Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. “I will be playing football and majoring in History,” He enthusiastically cheered, “Go Ephs!” Gardner stated, “Twenty years from now, I see myself as a lawyer or sports agent. I also hope to represent Alabama as a U.S. Senator. I want to support and be an affirmative voice of the people of the United States.”

Maddie Gathings (daughter of Robin and Ron Gathings): Maddie said, “My favorite high school memory is from my sophomore year when Carson Sumpter wrote a song, ‘Dancing,’ especially for me. I choreographed a dance, and we performed together at “With Every Beat” where we got a standing ovation.” In response to her favorite PHS teacher, Maddie stated, “Mrs. Laura Cochran has impacted my life in so many ways. Technically, Mrs. Cochran is my dance team sponsor, but I’ve always looked at her as my second mother. She inspires me daily with her faith and dedication to everything she does.” Maddie’s mom has influenced her life greatly. Maddie said, “She shaped and molded me into the young woman I am today. She has taught me about the important things in life. Most importantly, my mom is my best friend.” After graduation, Maddie plans to attend Auburn University as a nursing student. “I also plan on continuing my dance career, and I am so blessed to have been chosen as a member of the Tiger Eyes Dance Line,” Maddie said. “Twenty years from now I plan to be working in Pediatric Oncology. I hope my life will include a family with a husband and two children. However, I will go with whatever plans God has for my life.”

Moises Roman (son of Benito Roman and Roberto Roman): “I have three favorite high school memories,” Roman) Moises said. “Going on the band trip to Chicago and rooming with my four best friends; meeting my girlfriend, Jessica Ford, my sophomore year; and playing Pelham soccer and forming a brotherhood with my team.” Favorite PHS teacher: Mrs. Acree, Moises said, “Because she is a great teacher, and I loved her style of teaching. There was never a dull moment in her class, and I was always laughing.” He added, “The most influential person in my life is my dad. I’ve always looked up to him in everything he does. I love how he’s a simple man with a great heart. He’s also very intelligent. He’s always been there to steer me in the right direction and help me through life’s problems.” After graduation, Moises plans to go to UAB and major in Nursing. While attending the university he plans to continue his music career by playing in the marching band and various ensembles. He added, “I also plan on trying to walk-on with the UAB Soccer team.”

Although he’s not sure where he’ll be in 2033, he has some definite ideas about his future. “I’ll probably have a beautiful family and a great job. Whatever I do, I hope I’m doing God’s will and am living an amazing and happy life,” Moises concluded.

Araceli Garcia Esquivel (daughter of Irene Esquivel Garcia): Araceli said, “My favorite high school and Cupertin Garcia) memories were spending time with my ESL classmates helping each other learn English, and at the same time, working on our core classes.” Favorite PHS teacher: Ms Sandoval. “She has helped me academically but also encouraged me to grow as a person. The fact that she believed in me and pushed me to do better means a lot.”

Araceli stated. “The most influential person in my life is my mom,” Araceli said. “She is more than a mother, she is a friend that I can always count on no matter what. She loves me and always supports me.” After graduation Araceli plans to attend Jefferson State for two years.

“And hopefully transfer to Samford University,” she said. “There, I hope to study either Pre-Med or Accounting and Business.” In 2033, “I see myself owning a medical clinic where I can give service to low-income families. I also see myself managing accounts for a financial institute.” Araceli said, “I haven’t quite decided my path yet.”

Class of 2013

Andrew Thomas Abbott Andrew Tanner Adams Lindsey Carrington Adams Megan Nicole Aenchbacher Andrew Edward Ageeb Yajhara Cheyenne Aguiar Barreda Taylor Chance Alexander Raven Ann Allen Lauren Alexandra Allison Sarah Beth Allison Adam Joel Alred Daniel Amador Gomez Carl Aaron Henson Anderson Grant Elliott Andrews Estefany Angel-Rosas Alvaro Edgar Arceo Christian Arceo Mallory Nicole Austin Ryne Tyler Ayala Joshua Allen Barclay Brittney Erin Barker Zachary Mark Barr Chasen Scott Bartlett Elijah Harold Ezra Bauer Ramiro Bautista Guzman Abby Joanne Beal Lexus Sue Beal Eli Davis Beall Katherine Jean Belue Hadden Anne Bennett Alexander Edward Bergman Mark Elliot Beverly Patricia Kathryn Bianco Kelsie Renea Billings Hannah Elizabeth Blackwood Molly Katherine Bogan Kolby Lee Booth Andrew Alleyne Bosworth Courtney Paige Boutwell Coley O’Neal Bower Jacob Alexander Bowers Michael James Boyd Robby Joseph Brannum Robert Langston Brantley Wilson Chase Brashier Wesley Sean Bredehoft Ashley Raegan Bright Victor Alfaso Brito Barajas Hayley Alexandra Brock Justin Gadson Brooks Amanda Annise Brown Ashley Nicole Overton Brown Caitlin Grace Brown Kristin Nicole Brown

PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

Stephen Tucker Brown Megan Leigh Brumfield Sidney Hope Brunson Katherine Shelby Burgess Meredith Elise Burgess Brody James Burley Leslie Claire Burnett Andrew Thomas Burnside Shelby Anne Bush Steven Tyler Bustamento Lucas Brock Butler James William Byrd Rogelio Leonel Canales Cordova Zachary David Canant Shelby Jordan Carmichael Angel Javier Cartagena-Sanchez Tessa MacKenzie Case Walter Louis Cash III Janeth Castro Roman Lillie Marie Childers Ja’don Patricia Kathleen Christian Austin Lee Church Justice Harrison Clark Matthew Tyler Clayton Lauren Alexis Cleary Robert Christopher Coats Nicholas Evan Collins Chandler Jay Cook Daniel Joseph Cottone Miguel Nicholas Cottone Sydney Taylor Couch Jacob Jerome Covington Jordan Aubrey Cranor Chase Patrick Crawford Christina Michelle Crawford Alexandra Li Crosby Eduardo Cruz Enriquez Brianna Suzanne Culp Marissa Catherine Curtis Joseph Parker Daley Jake Darrin Davis Taylor Robin Davis Tyler Marchelle Davis Luz Selina Delgadillo Mara Nichole DeLuca Austin Tyler Deveaux Christopher Vincent DiChiara Kevin Russell Dickey Paige Alexis Dillenbeck Zachary Neil Dorsey Blane Alexander Eddins Ryan William Edinger Amarachukwu Vivian Eke Ashley Nichole Elliott

*

Brittany Storm Ellis Lexis Michael Ensminger David Misael Espinoza Jordan Randall Farley Summer Sierra Farley Meghan Susanne Farrell Nicholas Daniel Curtis Farren Davis Kent Faulkner Anna Marie Felts Gardner Thomas Fish Michaela Brook Flaherty Mallory Nicole Flurry Austin Mitchell Ford Chase Tyler Ford Jessica Ann Ford Nicole Alexandra Frank Haley Erin Freeman Zachery Ty Freeze Abigail Catherine Furman Araceli Garcia Esquivel Josefh Adbeel Garcia Vargas Curtis Jordan Garner Sidney Brooke Garner Reed Loftin Garrett Lillie Anne Gaston Madelyn Anne Killian Gathings Ashley Nicole Gentry Itzel German-Cayetano Jennifer Leigh Giddens Whitney Dane Gillespie Alexis Marie Glover Ke’Nesha Deondra Glover Agueda Jaqueline Gonzalez Vera Myles Brunson Gray Kathryn Susanne Gustafson Nayeli Del Rosario Gutierrez de LaCerda Bryana Marquis Hall Aubrey Chandler Hamilton Ethan Joseph Hand Hayley Isabella Hand Tiarra Nicole Haney Christopher Michael Hanson Dylan Mark Hardy Drake Andrew Harmon Madeline Rose Harper Travis Ray Harper Andrew Lee Harris Meagan Danielle Harris Megan Danielle Harris Logan Michael Harwood Abigail Lee Head Kayla Elizabeth Henderson Mary Ashley Hereford Javier Hernandez

Mayra Isabel Herrera Escobedo Kameron Armond Herron Jackson Hart Higginbotham Kaitlyn Lane Hill Caden Lee Hinds Ashland Renee Hinton Phuc Minh Thi Hoang Merrill Bennett Holland Patrick Bryant Holley Johnathan Wilson Sewell Holsomback Jordan Elizabeth Holsomback Brittany Lee Horton Jessica Emma Hubbard Francisco Javier Hueramo Mejia Austin Tucker Huey Julianne Huff Isaac Jacob Hughes Sarah Malena Hull Shelby Anne Hull Hannah Elizabeth Hurst Gunther Dane Hutchison Maradith Nicole Ingram Ryan John Ingram Emily Ann Jacks Brandon Lawrence Jackson Sarah Elizabeth Jackson Nicholas Lawrence James Teale Ann-Marie Jenkins Christian Michael Jimenez Alyssa Rebecca Johnson Haley Dianne Johnson James Fletcher Johnson Amy Katherine Jones Judson Scott Jones Dellyssa Michele Jordan Abigail Leigh Kahl Ryan Paul Kailey Paeton Renae Keene Bryan Christopher King Jacob Hawthorne King Zachary Allen King Amelia Elizabeth Kortright Rachel Nicole Krebs Ricardo Lara-Ortiz Jabari Lateef Phong Dinh Le Elizabeth Ashley Leach Isaac Leal Meagan Marie Ledbetter Adam Wesley Legate Elizabeth Ann Letart Katherine Sterling Liddell Logan Mitchell Lindsay Marley Anna Lisenba Antonio Monte London Brittany Elizabeth Long Chelsey Nicole Long Nicole Frances Loseman Thomas Franklin Lowery III Jessica Eve Mansel

Melanie Nicole Marchi Elliott Stone Martin Joshua Austin Texas Martin Zachary Ray Martin Gloria Cecilia Martinez Rios Alexis Taylor Maske Zachary Scott McCann Christopher Alan McCarthy Terralyn Chañasi McCary Daniel Caleb McClain Kaitlyn Louise McGairty Alan David McGill Sydney Kaleb McLaren AEon Gissell McNeal Kenneth Bernard Meadows John Allen Melton Macee Caroline Merriam Jesus Miranda-Muniz Stephen Walters Mixson Marcus Jacob Mizerany Antonio Montalvo Nicolás Montoya Agudelo Kaitlin Lynn Moore Mitchell Duane Morin Chase Nicholas Mote Cameron Andrew Murray Chisom Ugochukwu Muruako Bradley David Neal Heather Marie May Nelson Thuong Hoai Nguyen Jacob Robert Nichols Robert Earl North Jr. Carlos Ernesto Oliva Villalta Cameron Lee Owen Michael Marguerite Owens Jonathan David Pace Christopher Gage Parten Jordan Lee Pelkey Jonathon Shane Penrose John William Perko Kaitlyn Nicole Peterson Randall Aaron Phillips Claudia Yazmin Pineda Jaclyn Alyse Pitts Blakely Catherine Powell Brandon Dwayne Powell Alexis Shantel Pritchett Jonathan Rasha’d Pruitt Thomas Jackson Pruitt III James Nicholas Prybloski Jeremy Wayne Puckett Madeline Rae Putnam José Alfredo Quijada Flores Roxana Marilin Quijada Martinez Matthew Blake Rader MerryMichael Elizabeth Ramsey Lauren Olivia Ranson Pedram Jerome Rastegar Daniel Alexander Ratliff Natalie Brooke Ray

De’Errius Rashaud Reed Brian Zachary Reese Alexxis Kambriana Reid Casey Baker Reitz Alicia Christine Richardson Renae Marie Ries Andrew Nicholas Riley James Alexander Riley Gloria Elena Rios Gallegos Alfredo Rivera Samuel Akio Robison Jessica Janeth Rodriguez Arceo Jose Rodriguez Moises Alejandro Roman Olascuaga Andrew Bailey Romanowski Erica Michelle Royal Katelyn Nicole Rush Brandon Isaiah Ryce Mauricio Ashley Sandoval Garcia Steffanny Andrea Sarmiento Carly Morgan Sartain Marie Elizabeth Saville Matthew David Schmale Elizabeth Rose Schmidt Jennifer Lee Schmidt Jessica Jo Schrick Jabari Dennis Scott Daphney Jean Seabrooke Mayra Serrano William James Sheridan Catherine Bailey Shiflett Cinthia Roxana Silva Marquez Elizabeth Jean Simpson Willie James Simpson Mallory Joy Sisk Katherine Janet Skinner Connor Blake Slane Meagan Ashleigh Slappey Justin Rashard Sloan Bradleigh Alexander Smith Jessica Nicole Smyly Katherine Stella Snow Molly Laural Snyder Ellen Elizabeth Spain Dalton Hunter Sparks David Andrew Squires Braden Daniel Standefer Caitlin Amanda Starkman Chase Brenton Stephens Devin Michael Stevens Daniel Patterson Stone Caitlin Stephanie Stovall Nicole Krystine Stratton Kayla Renee Sugg Corey Tanner Sullivan Danielle Marie Sullivan Alexandria Nicole Summerlin Natalie Nicole Sutton Brian Andrew Swimelar Adalene Grace Symons

Kelsy Taylor Taber Julia Kathryn Tanner Ryan Joseph Tapley Perla Tena Toledo Allison Courtney Thomas Liza Taylor Thompson Austin Cole Thornton Jordan Dwayne Timothy David Dinh Tran Jesus Trejo-Ceron Kynnedi Nikole Tripplett Haeden Noelle Tucker Trevor Seth Tucker Dwight Anthony Tuggle II Brittany Lynn Underwood Alexis Ray Veal Eric Andrew Vildibill Everardo Villalvazo Garcia Peyton Lane Vines Anfernee RaShad Voltz Anthony Leroy Walker Jr. Christopher Louis Walker Zachary James Walker Jaci Marie Wall Emily Hope Walsh Rachel Ann Wandrisco Elizabeth Anne Wasdin Mark Tyler Watts Nicholas Aaron Watts Rebecca Anne Weiller Jenna Nicole Wheeler Steven Graham Whitaker Christopher Alan White Donna Elizabeth White Emily Catherine White Dalton Russ Whiten Jacob David Lee Wiggins James Roy Wiggonton Christopher William Wildman Connor David Wilkins Elizabeth Marie Williams Marisela Williams Justin Lanier Williams-Hall Alexandria Willis Savanna Leigh Windham Brittany Nicole Wolfe Sarah Morgan Wood Landon Duke Woodall Justin Richard Woodruff Tarsi Anne Woods Xavier Alexander Wright Robert Alexander Wurstner Jasmine Patrice Young John Matthew Young Mary Allison Young Eliuann Yuret Torres Seth Christian Gottlieb Zimmerman

Valedictorians Molly Bogan Robby Brannum Wesley Bredehoft Andrew Burnside Tessa Case Christina Crawford Meghan Farrell Abigael Furman Kathryn Gustafson Hayley Hand Ryan Kailey Nicole Loseman Kaitlin Moore Hoai Thuong Nguyen Alexxis Reid Connor Slane Bradleigh Smith Katherine Snow Molly Snyder Kelsy Taber Julia Tanner Jordan Timothy Zachary Walker Emily White

Saluditorians

Alexander Bergman Anna Marie Felts Araceli Garcia Esquivel Maddie Gathings Jennifer Giddens Ethan Hand Madeline Harper James Fletcher Johnson Brandon Powell Roxana Marilin Quijada Martinez Lauren Ranson Gloria Rios Gallegos Steffanny Sarmiento Boada Morgan Scott Donna White Alexandria Willis

HonorGraduates

*Candidates for Graduation

Katherine Jean Belue Patricia Bianco Leslie Burnett Taylor Davis Luz Selina Delgadillo Brittany Horton Alyssa Johnson Jessica Mansel Joshua Austin Texas Martin Mallory Sisk Nicole Stratton Liza Taylor Thompson

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 29

Legacy Federal Credit Union Women’s $25,000 Challenger USTA Pro Tennis Tournament Hosted at Pelham Racquet Club Professional women tennis players from all over the world came to compete for a part of the purse at the Legacy Federal Credit Union Women’s $25,000 Pro Circuit Challenger at the Pelham Racquet Club (PRC) April 7-14. This was PRCs 10th year hosting the USTA Pro Circuit event, which is a real triumph—Pelham’s is only the 12th tournament on the national circuit to accomplish this.

Mayor Gary Waters presented gathered PRC staff and USTA officials with a proclamation from the Pelham City Council naming the week of April 7-14 USTA Pro Circuit Week.

“Sometimes people think that this is a Pelham residents only facility, but it’s not,” said Mayor Waters. “This proves that given tennis is an international sport, even the smallest towns can be as international as we want to be.”

“This is not an easy accomplishment, I can assure you,” PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

Dianne Atkinson, a USTA official, explained. “It takes a village to run one of these tournaments.

It takes a team, and you have an outstanding team here at the Pelham Racquet Club.”

There was a Rick & Bubba Kids’ Night where free clinics were put on by the pros and fun for all. Bill “Bubba” Bussey has always been a strong supporter of PRC and was a sponsor for this tournament.

The final doubles match pitted Ashleigh Barty from Australia and her partner, Arina Rodionova from Russia, against ShaoYuan Kao and Hua-Chen Lee, both from Taipei, Taiwan. Their grueling match finally came to a head with Ashleigh and Arina emerging as champions.

The final singles match featured Marina Duque-Marino, from Colombia, vs. Kurumi Nara, from Japan. After an intensely close match that found each pro winning a game, then

losing the next, going back-and forth over all three sets, Marina finally came out with the title.

“I want to congratulate Kurumi, because it was a very tough match,” Marina said afterward, shaking hands with her opponent. She then smiled at the crowd. “Thank you for having me!” she exclaimed.

Marina was not the only person thankful to be at the PRC for the annual $25K Challenger. “I travel many days a year on many clay courts,” said Missy Malool, the USTA tour supervisor for this tournament. In reference to our racquet club, she said, “you’ve got such a gem, such a jewel here in Pelham. We’ve enjoyed being here in Pelham, and if you’ll have us again next year, we’d love to come back.”

Missy, that sounds like a date to me. Thanks go out from the city to all who had a hand in making this year’s tournament such a success, from title sponsors

such as Legacy Federal Credit Union to Rick and Bubba, Shelby County, Shelby Family Chiropractic’s Dr. Roderick White, Wilson’s Jain Pound, Comfort Suites, Resort Quest’s Joe Daleo, AL Crown, Texas Roadhouse Pelham’s Kristina Young, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute’s Tracy Causey, Lemack Sports Group’s Dr. Michael Patterson, Coca-Cola, Gold’s Gym, Citgo’s Greg Butcke, Babolat, Southern USTA, Gamma Sports’ Becky Beckett, Joe’s Italian, Taziki’s, and Roly Poly. You have our gratitude for your help. To Chaney Mills and all the many staff members, pros and volunteers at the Pelham Racquet Club and Park and Rec Director Billy Crandall and his crew, all of whom stepped up to ensure everyone had a terrific experience, the city is extremely grateful.

See you at next year’s USTA Women’s $25,000 Challenger event!

Kids Day at Pelham Racquet Club Pro Tourney a Huge Success!

Each year during the Women’s $25,000 Challenger Tennis Tournament, PRC offers a Free Kid’s Day. This event gives players the opportunity to try tennis as a new sport.

This year was one of the most successful events yet. PRC Assistant Tennis Pro, Rusty Wilkes, was the Kid’s Day Event Director. Coach Wilkes said this year at least 175 youth attended the Kid’s Day event. Last year around 150 kids attended. Wilkes said the event has grown and each year gets better.

Wilkes said there was at least a month of work involved in getting this event organized with equipment, pro staff, prizes and volunteers. He worked closely each day with USTA Southern Rep, Kevin Theos, to make sure the event had plenty of extra equipment and information.

Theos provided PRC with free 10 and Under membership forms, extra rackets, nets and tennis balls.

The USTA currently sets a major priority on 10 and Under

Tennis. The extra equipment was necessary, as kids 10 and under, or 8 and under use smaller nets, smaller courts, junior size rackets, and lower compression tennis balls. This provides younger children with an opportunity to develop better skills and rally in tennis. Basically, 10 and Under Tennis is much like the Tennis version of T-Ball in Little League Baseball. Ten and Under Tennis allows kids to have success and enjoy the game right away while developing a passion for tennis as a lifetime sport.

During the Kid’s Day event, there were 3 courts used for 10 and under players. These courts featured tennis pros Steve Faulkner (Pelham Tennis Center), Kevin Theos (USTA), & Omar Alcaino (PRC). Also, six courts were used for younger 8 and under players. These courts featured Jason Gardner (Hoover CC), and PRC members Danny Trotter and Julie Dypendall.

Of course, Coach Wilkes reminds everyone that Kid’s

Day is not only for younger, new players. Each year we offer something for every age and any skill level of junior tennis. So, even more advanced juniors who play middle school, high school, USTA Junior Team Tennis, and/ or USTA Tourneys are welcome to attend. The more advanced juniors ages 11-18 featured Tennis Pro’s Roy Stewart (PTR), Cain Mashego (Greystone YMCA), Clay Parrish (PRC), and Paul Boykin (USPTA). Also, Pro’s Greg Howe (PRC Asst. Pro) and Southern Tennis Hall of Fame Member, Ann Etheredge (PRC Head Tennis Pro) were featured for advanced level juniors.

Wilkes said there’s no way we could have a Kid’s Day event of this size, without the help of so many Tennis Professionals from Pelham and other clubs around the Birmingham area. Also, several parents like Julie Anderson, Amy Dramer, Charlie Lavett and Melanie Rehovsky volunteer each year to help pass out prizes to the kids attending. USTA

provided free beach balls, posters, and water bottles to all youth who attended. Other volunteers included Carol Ostberg (Bham Junior Team Tennis Coordinator), and Alabama Hall of Fame member, Vicky Marty. In addition to free tennis clinics with the pros and prizes, kids were also offered free food and drinks.

Families were encouraged to stay and watch feature Pro Circuit matches Friday during the Rick & Bubba night.

Wilkes said all the local tennis pros featured are high level and great with junior players.

But another big thrill for the kid’s attending was the fact that many of the women’s pros in the pro circuit tourney were also teaching the kids. Those players come from places like Bulgaria, Germany, Russia as well as right here in the USA. Wilkes said this yearly free event for kids is a huge investment into the future of tennis. For more information on youth camps and clinics, call PRC (205) 621-3380.

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188

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ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Crosslife Church

224 Commerce Parkway, 965-3078 Pastor Tommy Conner • crosslifeonline.org Sunday Worship Gathering 6:00 P.M.

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

Oak Mountain Independent Church

METHODIST (United)

RiverPoint Church

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

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

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

BAPTIST

Crosscreek Baptist Church

600 Crosscreek Trail, 663-4886 Pastor Dr. Jay Kieve • crosscreekbaptist.org Sunday Worship 10:00 A.M.

First Baptist Church-Pelham

2867 Pelham Parkway, 663-7492 Pastor Dr. Mike Shaw • fbcpelham.org Sunday Worship 8:00, 9:15, 10:45 A.M.

Indian Springs First Baptist Church 3375 Cahaba Valley Road, 988-3662 Pastor Charlie Dale • isfbc.org Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 A.M.

Living Hope Baptist Church

419 Philippians Boulevard, 664-0491 Pastor Clay Parrish • livingwithhopechurch.org Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 A.M.

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32 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

Lakeview Methodist of Pelham

MORMON

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 2720 Cahaba Valley Rd, 733-9038 • lds.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

CrossWay Christian Fellowship Meets at Shelby Co. YMCA, 664-0137 Pastor Fred Muse • crosswaycf.org Sunday Worship 10:00 A.M.

Hope World Outreach Ministry

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

Kingdom Christian Center

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

Life Christian Fellowship

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.

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

Kelly Ray (Rehab Tech) Todd Howatt (PT) Laura Richardson (PT) Sara Edge

EPISCOPAL

Saint Francis of Assisi

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

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

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

Church of Christ at Oak Mountain

Pelham Church of Christ

The Rock Church

Truth International Church

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

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

CHURCH OF GOD

New Testament Christian Church

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.

PENTACOSTAL

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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Senior Ryan Tapley of PHS signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Belmont University in Nashville last month. He is the first Pelham soccer player to play division I soccer in over 10 years.

Ryan developed a love for soccer at an early age. His parents took him to the Pelham YMCA when he was four to start playing the game. His father, Howie, said, “He scored 5 goals in one game his first season. That’s when we knew we were on to something with him.”

Ryan played for elite teams in the Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) starting at the age of 15. Playing with BUSA means Ryan does a lot of traveling, playing against athletes who are some of the best in the nation, during the off-season.

Stasia, his mom, says many national and Olympic soccer teams scout players from BUSA, and his work there, along with Pelham’s soccer program, is what attracted Belmont to him.

Stasia thanked Ryan’s girlfriend Trisha Bianco, a prima ballerina with the Alabama Ballet (while still at PHS), for helping handle everything over the past year. She described how both Ryan and Trisha have missed events like prom and homecoming because of their own practices, performances and games. Stasia also thanked Madison Kimborough, who was Ryan’s “first soccer buddy at the YMCA.” And finally, she expressed her gratitude to PHS’s soccer coach, Patrick McDonald.

At RMS, Ryan was in Coach Mac’s physical science class. He helped recruit him to Pelham’s soccer team in the following years. The coach, who Ryan affectionately calls ‘Big Mac,’ had a few words to say about Ryan. “His hard work and determination rub off on everyone on the team. I’m proud to know him.”

Best of luck to Ryan in the coming years at Belmont!

Pelham 6th Graders win 2013 Park and Recreation Basketball Championship The children of Pelham, Helena and Alabaster come together each year for fun and sportsmanship through community youth sports programs. The basketball programs in these three cities form a league that is set up for 3rd through 6th grade boys. One aim of the programs, other than exercise and the sense of community the sport provides, is to prepare the boys for middle and high school basketball. Because of this, the league goes by high school basketball rules.

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Teams are formed by grade level within each city. This year, all combined, there were 12 teams with 3rd graders, 13 teams from the 4th grade, 9 from the 5th, and 14 from the 6th.

The teams all played eight games this year, with the season coming to a close in February, with a single elimination tournament: the Pelham/Helena/Alabaster Park and Recreation Basketball Championship.

Pelham’s team number 3, 6th graders coached by Frederick Clay and Steve Rye, took home the victory as the winners of the 2013 Pelham/Helena/Alabaster Park and Recreation Basketball Championship, which was held on courts in all three cities. Their victory comes as no surprise to those who have been paying attention to the team this basketball season. The boys went undefeated, with a record of 8-0-0!

Team members included: Miles Clay, Jacob Shumate, Jonathan Scarbrough, Karlton Meadows, Donnie Ball, Kyle Grogan and Grayson Dill. Congratulations, guys!

PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 33

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Monday June 24th – Friday June 28th 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.

Golf clubs are available upon request.

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Ballantrae is hosting a Demo Day on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Stop by the main practice tee to try out the latest golf equipment from the following vendors: Cleveland, Nike, Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade,Wilson and Cobra. Callaway will be available from 10:00am to 2:00pm. A Ballantrae representative and a representative from each vendor will be available during this time to assist you with any questions you may have.

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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

CPL Jonathan D. Jarvis

Cameron Rich

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

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

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

1LT A.J. Blount

MC3 Andrew “AJ” Johnson

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

US Navy; Flight Demonstration Squadron, Pensacola, Fla.; 2002 PHS grad,, Son of Trudy Johnson

1st SGT Flynn D. Broady, Jr.

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

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

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

David Douglass

CM1 (SDW) Jack D. Johnson

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

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

SGT Jeffrey S. Kisamore

SPC Christopher G. Evanko

US Air Force; Afghanistan; 2000 PHS graduate

US Army, Ft. Bliss, Texas; 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

PO3 Bradley Jacob Hardin

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

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 Navy; USS Ronald Reagan, San Diego, Calif.; Son of Rachel & Michael Jordan

US Army; Medic; Fort Riley, Kansas; Deploying to Africa early 2013; Son of Tom & Julie Martin

CPL Daniel T. Hedrick

SGT Clayton Wells Miller

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

John Hensley US Army; Afghanistan; Nephew of Jim Phillips

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

PFC Tiara Stovall US Army; Fort Hood, Texas; Daughter of Stephen & Toni Thomas

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

PFC Kimberly Sweat US Army; Fort Kit Carson, Colo.; Daughter of Mike Sweat, granddaughter of Shirley Grimes

Maj. David Benjamin Traylor Army National Guard; Afghanistan; Son of Mary Woodard, Husband of Donya , father of Emma, Alyssa, & Thad

SGT Kevin Turner US Army; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; Son of Mike & Cheryl Turner, husband of Kelly, proud father of Jacob

PFC Preston G. Turner US Army; Fort Lewis, WA; Grandson-in-law of Jack & Jean Collum, son-in-law of Jim & Tamie Fernandez, husband of Angela, father of Allen & AvaRose

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

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

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

If your loved one is from Pelham or Indian Springs 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 us at 746-1188, so that we can remove them from our active duty prayer list. Visit us online any time at: www.PelhamCityNews.com.

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A sad farewell to Giuseppe “Joe” Bertolone

G

iuseppe Bertolone, known as Joe to locals, died March 5, 2013, at his restaurant, Joe’s Italian, on Weatherly Club Parkway on the way into Ballantrae. Many Pelham families came to consider Joe and Elvira, Mama, and their family, well, as family.

The following is from a conversation one of our writers, Laura Brookhart, had with Joe’s eldest daughter, Sonia, last month “My Dad and I had a bond,” Sonia Bertolone de Carrillo told me. “We had a similar way of thinking. He could do long division without a calculator, and I have that same ability. We always know within a dollar or two what we have in the checking account. We have the ability to keep a running tally of inventory and sales in our head.”

“Papa had an amazing mind. He was a phenomenal businessman— he could predict trends and knew what people wanted. He loved all things Russian, especially Russian history; I’m named Sonia, a Russian name. He spoke Spanish, Italian and English and loved the Germanic languages.”

“He was a geography buff, loved to travel and meet people. All this with a sixth grade education.”

Giuseppe “Joe” Bertolone left Sicily in 1947 at the age of six and had never been back. In 1997, the family took him to his birthplace and hometown of Mussomeli, in the Sicilian region of Italy. He didn’t remember his exact address, but 38 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

they searched for the neighborhood by referring to a photograph of him standing on a balcony taken at about age seven. “When we found his old home, the neighbor came out and recognized him. ‘You look just like you did when you were a little boy,’ the old lady exclaimed. It was so moving for everyone,” Sonia recalls with eyes misting.

“We had plans this summer to go back to Italy. Papa wanted my daughter, Francesca, to see it. We were going to take my mother, Elvira, to Sicily for the first time.”

The Bertolones first arrived in California from Italy in 1977.

Joe’s brother, Michael, had moved to San Jose, California, in 1966, and had begun investing in real estate. His brother made all the arrangements for the Bertolone family to come to the states— processing paperwork and preparing documentation.

“As it happened, we arrived to find the expected investment money gone. My brother, also named Michael, had just been born; my sister, Mary, was born in 1978. The original Joe’s Italian restaurant in Gilroy came about by necessity—my father, 36, had to support his family.”

Joe and Mama planned to retire and move back to Italy and had already purchased a home there. By 2005, however, their grandchildren began to arrive, and their plans to spend six months in Italy and six months in the US were abandoned.

They sold their California restaurant and followed daughter Mary to Alabama, who moved here in 2003. Their son, Michael, and then Sonia soon followed.

“Dad spent about a month sitting on his sofa ‘in retirement,’ but then he began to need something more. Mother was satisfied making cakes from home, but Dad had dementia, and we wanted to keep his mind occupied.”

“It was my prayer that my father’s body would give out before his mind—because we didn’t want to see him progress to Alzheimer’s.

He had just had blood work done that showed he was nearing that diagnosis about a month before he died.”

“My dad was such a social person. He loved being around people; he loved kids. He smacked on old ladies; he smacked on younger ladies; he was always kissing them on both cheeks. He loved everyone! I could take him anywhere, he was so diplomatic. He was so good looking and was just such a good guy.”

Joe, Mama, Sonia, Mary, and Phoenix, age six, went on a cruise in July 2012. Joe had a pacemaker and had to get special paperwork to fly.

They sailed from Genoa to Naples, Palermo, Tunisia, Barcelona and Marseilles.

En route, Joe met a Finnish family—Felix, his wife, and his mother who was about 75. They became friends when Felix’s mother went missing for a period of time aboard the ship.

When they returned from the cruise, Joe wanted to keep in touch

with the family and acquired, in addition to the iPad he took on the cruise, an HP laptop; a digital camera, and a touch screen computer. He learned to email, Skype and Facebook with his friends. His granddaughter came from California and taught him all the ins and outs. “It was all magic to him; he was in awe and loved learning all about it.”

“At 7:15 the night of March 5, I told my husband, Bruno, ‘My heart hurts. Maybe I overdid it at the gym or at work today.’ Not five minutes later, my sister called and said, ‘You have to get down here now. We’ve lost Dad.’ I knew right then he was gone.”

If Joe was anything, he was a hard worker. The family all returned to work the day after his funeral, knowing that was what he would have wanted. “The community has been wonderful to offer us so much prayer and support after my father’s death,” said Sonia.

“We have a family plot at the cemetery in Andora, a small town in Italy, where we will go this summer and place him.”

His presence continues in Sonia.

She shared a dream she had a few weeks after his death,, “Dad came to deliver a message. I said, ‘Dad, what are you doing here? You’re dead.’ He said, ‘Yeah, I know. But I’m okay. Just take care of your mother and siblings.’”

Sounds just like him.

Rest in peace, Papa Joe, a little bit of you remains in all of us who had the pleasure of enjoying your food and your hospitality.

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Congratulations Class of 2013!

Congratulations Class Class of 2013!

Congratulations of 2013!

We’re growers as well.

Congratulations Class of 2013!

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings will vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL.

Congratulations Class of 2013!

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings will vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL.

© 2012 Allstate Insurance Company.

Subject to terms, conditions and availability.

Savings will vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Company. © 2012 Allstate Insurance SubjectCompany. to terms, conditions and availability. Savings will vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL.

40 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

© 2012 Allstate Insurance Company.

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings will vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Company.

CongratulationsCongratulations Class of 2013! Class of 2013!

OPENING DAY

AT PELHAM CITY PARK! Elected officials and adult volunteers joined our Pelham youth baseball and softball players as they kicked off another season at Pelham Park last month.

Many thanks to all in attendance, and best wishes to all the ball players and coaches for a safe, fun and successful year!

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PelhamCityNews.com / Spring 2013 / TO ADVERTISE, CALL 746-1188 41

Pelham Ice Skating Camps Figure Skating AND Ice Hockey Children have a wonderful opportunity to learn or improve their ice skating skills this summer at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena’s Skate School.

Director Danny Tate announced that they will hold a total of three camps this summer:

Youth Football and Cheerleading Registration May 11 and 18

Monday, June 3-Friday, June 7 • 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Pelham Youth Football and Cheerleading registration Monday, July 15-Friday, July 19 • 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. will be held at the Pelham Park and Recreation Office: Monday, August 5-Friday, August 9 • 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 11 • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Each camp cost $250 per participant. For more information, call the Civic Complex at 620-6448, and ask for the skate school.

Saturday, May 18 • 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Visit www.pelhamonline.com/parks-recreation/ or 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham AL 35124 call the 620-6426 for additional information. www.PelhamCivicComplex.com • (205) 620-6448

As the weather heats up, there’s not a cooler place to be. Ice skating year round!

Banquet & Party Facilities • Catering Arena for Trade Shows & Special Events

All New Skates For Rent!

500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham AL 35124 www.PelhamCivicComplex.com • (205)620-6448 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

& Ice Arena

Attorney and Tax Advisor Justin Smitherman says he liked the looks and feel of North Shelby County since he was a young boy helping his father, Greg Smitherman, build houses here.

“I always thought Helena and Pelham were beautiful places. With Buck Creek, Bishop Creek and the Cahaba River running through them and Oak Mountain State Park, the area has always seemed like a slice of paradise to me.

Originally from Montevallo and a graduate of the University of Alabama and Samford’s Cumberland School of Law, Justin decided to hang out his shingle as Alabama Law Services in the CVS Shopping Center in Helena, right across Highway 17 from Publix and just over the hill from Pelham.

Being a relatively new practice, you’ll find you get a lot of one-on-one time

ADVERTORIAL

Alabama Law Services opens an office just over the hill in Helena.

Estate Planning and Tax Law Interests with Justin, who has worked extensively in estate planning, family law, bankruptcy and real estate (both landlord/tenant law and sales).

“I have always been a “numbers guy,” said Justin, “and I am happy to offer free consultations for any legal or tax questions clients may have.”

Alabama Law Services has convenient hours and is happy to work on the weekends by appointment. “And I will open earlier or later than my regular hours by appointment,” he adds.

If you are in need of legal or tax advice or services, give Attorney Justin Smitherman a call at Alabama Law Services and find out all that he can do to help you.

Alabama Law Services, LLC Justin N. Smitherman, Attorney at Law

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 are greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

YMCA Pelham is the place to be with programs, classes, and free special events all summer long for the entire family.

• Summer Day Camp • Summer Swim Team • Y Active youth fitness class

• Swim Lessons • TRX Suspension Training • Movies by the Pool every Friday in June and July

Join

YMCA Pelham Today!

Visit us online at ymcabham.org/pelham

YMCA Pelham 2610 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124

664-9622 ymcabham.org

MISSION To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

VISION We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America. A United Way Partner.

44 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

Lefty Thomas Lowery inks letter of intent to play for UAB Blazers Thomas Lowery, a left-handed pitcher and batter, signed a letter of intent in November to continue his baseball career with the UAB Blazers.

Thomas began as a freshmen on the Panthers Varsity baseball team which is a tremendous testament to this young man’s athletic ability and talent. As a junior, the southpaw had the lowest ERA in PHS history at 0.83, and was named the Birmingham Metro and Shelby County Pitcher of the Year. He was also an All-State selection and is widely recognized as the top pitcher in the Birmingham area.

In 2010, the players were interviewed for the team’s baseball program in order for fans to get to know their up and coming baseball stars. Thomas’ greatest sporting experience was “pitching in Cooperstown, New York at the age of 10.” Wow what an accomplishment and a special memory to share with your children and grandchildren!

When asked about his career plans, Thomas replied simply, “To get an Academic Scholarship and play college baseball.” (With a 3.6 GPA, he had that one in the bag.) It looks as though this young man’s intelligence and hard work to improve his game each year has paid off handsomely.

Thomas is the son of proud parents, Thomas and Michelle Lowery, of Pelham.

We wish Thomas all the best in the future, both in the classroom and on the baseball diamond. UAB is the winner in the Thomas Lowery sweepstakes. GO BLAZERS! Open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Emergency Svc. Avail.

The Neighborhood Plumber

“Don’t Call a Stranger, Call Your Neighbor!” — 35 years in Business

www.theneighborhoodplumber.com

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• Certified Backflow Testing & Installation • Drain & Sewer Cleaning ($50 max discount given. Not to be combined with • Experienced w/ Lime any other discounts or coupons.) & Pressure Problems • Commercial and Residential

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After Hours Emergency Service

Front, sitting, l-r: Kacie Maher and Sawyer Martin. Second row, l-r: Katie Kramer, Carly Edinger, Grace Nolen, Lexi Johnson, Hannah Rearden, Savannah Strange. Top row, l-r: Emorie Long, Dalton Merrill, Kaytlyn Maddox, Hannah Pritchett, Hannah Walsh and Coaches Jessica Brown and Polly Jones.

Riverchase Middle School wins Southern Conference

Riverchase Middle School’s softball team won the Southern Conference Softball Championship April 6 in Calera!

The following teams played: Riverchase, Chelsea, Helena, Columbiana, and Calera. The Panthers beat Chelsea 3-2 and Helena 4-1 on Friday to get to the championship game on Saturday.

The Panthers beat Chelsea in the championship game 12-7. Coach Brown stated that throughout the season, she kept telling the girls it is not how you start, it is about how you finish, and true to that form, the Panthers came out on top this season!

Coach Brown said, “The most amazing part about coaching this group of young ladies is the way they came together at the end when it counted the most. Every player on the team had a job to do and they did it. The girls played hard and worked together throughout the whole season. Hard work beats talent any day.” Achieving is Believing.

RMS softball team gives back

Earlier this year at a Pelham Softball Clinic, the Riverchase Middle School softball team worked with youth players ages 5 through12. For volunteering their time, the City of Pelham donated $690 to the team.

The RMS softball players and coaches reach out to the youth in the community to help build a great foundation for Pelham softball.

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PICKETT

PICKETT

THERE'S ALWAYS A PARTY going on at Rio’s!

CONSTRUCTION, LLC

CONSTRUCTION, LLC

• Remodeling and Restoration • Vinyl, Fiber Cement, and Wood Siding • Custom Decks • Patios and Pergolas • Roofing • Basement Finishing • Interior and Exterior Repairs • Tile, Hardwood, and Carpet • Brick, Stone, and Concrete • Room Additions, Garages, and Carports • All Types of Fences • Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling • Pressure Washing and Painting • Energy Efficient Windows and Doors • Screened Porches and Sunrooms • Electrical and Plumbing

1ST ANNIVERSARY PARTY Saturday, June 29 with

2 Blu & the Lucky Stiffs Check out our for daily specials and come see us in Helena!

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Handmade soap in Shelby County Dr. Roderick White is pleased to announce his office relocation to Shelby Family Chiropractic. Prior to relocating, Dr. White practiced in Helena at Cahaba Wellness. The move to Shelby Family Chiropractic with Dr. Stan Stubbs will provide new treatment and diagnostic options for patients, including on-site x-ray, decompression tables, and a class IV K-laser.

Both doctors are excited to offer one of the latest laser therapy options to their patients. Laser therapy is a non-surgical approach to help with acute and chronic pain. It can also help decrease inflammation, symptoms of osteoarthritis, reduce spasms and increase healing.

For those who may be considering chiropractic services, Dr. White provides a wide variety of services to children, adults and the elderly who have musculoskeletal problems and loves seeing families get well together. He also spends a lot of time treating athletes and helping them function better. Dr. White has helped both amateur and professional athletes with chiropractic care. All patients receive comprehensive, personalized care. He will work closely with patients to help get them back to health and to full performance levels.

Dr. White is a graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. He is a Samford alumni and serves as his class representative on the alumni council. He is an active member of the Alabama State Chiropractic Association. He serves as Vice President of the local chapter and is a member of the Ethics Committee.

Dr. White would like to express his appreciation to his many patients for entrusting him with their health and wellness.

He thanks them for their support during this transition. While his location has changed, his commitment to helping patients achieve optimum health through chiropractic treatment has not.

Shelby Family Chiropractic is located across from Alabaster City Hall in the Hillside Medical Plaza building at 224 1st Street North in Alabaster, AL. For more information about the practice, visit their website at: www.shelbychiro.com. For an appointment call 663-5444.

46 PelhamOnline.com / Spring 2013

There is a new soap company in the area. Kimberly Ford’s Skull Girl Soaps are hand-made with all natural ingredients, and she is proud that her business is a small, family-owned operation. Her soaps can be purchased at SkullGirlSoaps.com, Etsy.com and on Facebook. You can also find her at local events; she will be at the Buck Creek Festival and various other events where vendors show their wares. She offers unique ideas for wedding and party favors by request. For more info or to order you favorite scented soap, call her at 902-1555.

Maplewood Lane Maplewood Lane is an Assisted Living/Respite Care facility that opened in 1995 and is licensed by the State of Alabama as an Assisted Living Facility.

Our highly trained, experienced and caring staff truly enjoys caring for the elderly and adults with special needs. Residents will be encouraged to live an active life through the many social activities we offer. We provide a homelike atmosphere with professional care based on years of experience.

What this means is that by entrusting your care, or the care of your loved one to us, you will receive personalized care in a smaller community (16 units) with a level of professional expertise typically found only in large facilities. We like to think

223 Tucker Road Helena, AL 35080

HELENA ROAD (Hwy 261) HELENA P.O.

HELENA CITY HALL & FIRE STATION

Joe Tucker Road

2 Y5

HW

Maplewood Lane

we provide the best of both worlds. We never forget that caring for the elderly and their families is a very personal experience for all of us!

We recognize that frequently, elderly individuals need a few weeks or even a few months of assistance as they recuperate from illnesses or accidents.

There may also be a need for some individuals to give their families a break from daily care if they are living with them.

Finally, there may simply be a desire to “try us out� without feeling that there is any long-term commitment.

Because of these unique requests, we also offer temporary or short-term residency options known as Respite Care (based on room availability).

31

(205) 620-2905 Barbara Huffstetler, RN, Administrator www.maplewoodlane.com

3162 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 www.PelhamOnline.com / www.PelhamCityNews.com

Presort Std. U.S. Postage Paid Permit 15 Pelham, AL

PLEASE DO BUSINESS WITH OUR ADVERTISERS!

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Send us your articles & pictures!

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100 Metro Parkway Pelham, AL 35124

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• Divorce • Estates & Wills • Personal Injuries • Family Mediator • DUI • Bankruptcy

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.

PET OF THE MONTH

“ I’d like to be your family lawyer.”

“My experience as a judge, attorney and family mediator enables me to guide you through the legal complexities of today’s world with the utmost in professionalism and time-proven results.”

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.

“Patches”

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Adjacent to Pelham Public Library • 3110 Cummins Street No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed are greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Owned by Noelle Fleming of Pelham

Open 7 days!

CONVENIENT HOURS!

We’re a Full Service Veterinary Office offering boarding, vaccinations, exams and every aspect of animal health care. www.NorthShelbyCountyAnimalHospital.com

Brent Chandler, DVM • Brooke Jordan, DVM Shae Hicks, DVM MON , WED & FRI 7-7 • TUE & THU 7-6 • S AT 7-4 • SUN 4-6

2689 Pelham Parkway • 620-3636

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FURNITURE • RUGS • LAMPS • ACCESSORIES

We’re online, too! -WWW.PELHAMCITYNEWS.COM - Come for a visit!