Hele H elena Ciitttyy New elen Newwss Serving the City of Helena and surrounding area
Winter 2015
First Fridays start back April 3rd!
DRUG DROP-OFF BOX NOW AVAILABLE IN HELENA
This gives residents the ability to safely dispose of unneeded prescriptions.
HHS VARSITY SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL SCHEDULES INSIDE Come out to the games and support your Helena High School Huskies!
MUSIC VIDEO RAISIN’ CANE SHOT IN HELENA
Helena’s Founder’s Day
Billy Bob Thornton and Mike Collie, the writers, visit Helena.
150th Anniversary Celebration April 18th, 2015 SPONSORED BY:
Helena Historic Preservation Committee
www.MyHelenaCityNews.com / www.CityofHelena.org
FROM THE MAYOR
Greetings! I hope you are as excited about 2015 as I am as we move forward with positive energy and hope for a great new year. Here are just a few updates and highlights of things to come. The Highway 261/52/17/91 intersection improvements are now complete, and the results are proving to be well worth the investment. Engineers’ estimates of moving traffic at a higher rate through that busy intersection are proving correct, and also proving that small improvements can make a big difference. Just as an update, the project for the traffic control device (red light) at the intersection of County Road 52W and Hillsboro continues to move forward. The equipment being
manufactured for the project is expected to be delivered near the end of February so we hope to finally see this improvement in place soon as well. Many important and fun activities will be happening in the coming months, one of which is the first ever Founders Day Celebration in April. This event is being organized by the Helena Historical Committee. Please contact Councilman Hal Woodman if you wish to donate or help with the event. The annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Old Town Amphitheatre will also take place before Easter. Please go to cityofhelena.org for more information including dates and times for all these and other upcoming events. Spring baseball, softball and soccer registration has been ongoing at the City Park and Recreation Department. Park Director Jason Powers and Park Facilities Director Bill Miller
HMS Dance Moms schedule Chili Cook-Off Is your chili the best around? Do you want to prove it? Then bring your recipe on down to the Helena Amphitheater February 28. There will be four chili categories: Original, Vegetarian, Deer and Exotic. Each category also includes a kids’ division. The deadline to enter is February 20, and the entry fee is $30 per recipe.
Mail applications and checks to: ATTN: Dance Moms 1505 Hillsboro Lane Helena, AL 35080 Registration will take place the morning of the 28th at 5:30a.m. Judges will be announced shortly after Noon. Rules and more info may be found at: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Dance-Moms-ChiliCook-Off/
2 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
are looking forward to fun and rewarding seasons for all youth participants. I would like to thank the City Council for supporting efforts to complete the Helena High School athletic facilities. The completion of the baseball and softball facilities will be a welcome addition to the Husky sports complex. I hope to see you at the games. Congratulations to all our school teams and organizations as they continue to excel and help make our city the best place to live in Alabama. Helena Middle School basketball teams enjoyed championship seasons and at this writing the High School basketball teams were set to compete in area AHAAA State Tournaments in Tuscaloosa. I am so proud of our boys and girls teams this season. Good luck also to HHS Track and Field as they are well on their way to a great season as well. All the school teams bring a great sense of pride to our com-
munity that is very appreciated by all. Another major survey, this time by Movoto.com, of crime statistics among cities in Alabama has ranked Helena and Vestavia as the safest cities in our state. In this day and time that is not an easy accomplishment, proving that our citizens and our police officers work together to make our city’s environment the safest it can possibly be. Please continue to support all our local businesses in Helena. Your support makes a positive impact on the city and we truly appreciate it. Thank you for choosing Helena as your home! God bless you and your family, together we can make Helena an even better place to be in 2015.
Mark Kindest regards, Mark
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Cam Ward, April Weaver present tourism grant to Buck Creek Festival Committee now accepting vendor, sponsor applications and entries for art contest It’s that time of year again: the 14th Annual Buck Creek Festival is less than 100 days away! While we in Helena already know and love our festival, other communities, cities and leaders from around the state have begun to take notice of what is an honored and special annual event for our city. Case in point: Senator Cam Ward and Representative April Weaver attended a city council meeting in December to present the State of Alabama Tourism Grant to the BCF Committee on behalf of the Alabama Tourism Department. “Every year we give a certain amount of money to tourism grants, and it’s hard to beat the Buck Creek Festival,” said Senator Ward. “I remember when I first ran for office, I came by the festival that year and was amazed at how the community rallies behind this
event. I think it says a lot about what we do here and a lot about us as a community.” Representative Weaver added, “It is a pleasure representing Helena. I have certainly enjoyed my time being a ‘duck wrangler,’ as has Senator Ward. The regional presence of this festival is a wonderful, wonderful thing, and when we got this opportunity to look at the tourism grants, we knew BCF was one we wanted to put on the radar screen.” The BCF Committee is already hard at work accepting applications for vendors and actively seeking out sponsors for the event. Both vendor and sponsorship forms can be accessed on the Buck Creek Festival website: buckcreekfestival.com The annual Buck Creek Festival Art Contest is also underway! Each year, local artists are challenged and encouraged to come up with a
design that embodies the festival— and will be used as the official logo for the year. As such, submitted art should be suitable for use on T-shirts, posters, advertisements, the BCF website, etc. The committee asks for art that is entertaining, exciting, compelling, engaging and unique. Artwork must be submitted as a JPG file at that is at least 300 dpi in resolution, and using no more than six colors. The theme of each submission should be related to ducks, music, the waterfall, and family to properly represent Helena. Also, the following must be incorporated in each design: 14th Annual Buck Creek Festival Helena, AL May 8th and 9th, 2015 The submitted art and other related materials must be original work. Collaborative efforts will be accepted; however, all collaborators
must sign the release on the entry form. Artists are allowed to sign their work. One print copy of each design is also requested for review by the committee. Mail these to: 2015 Buck Creek Festival Post Office Box 23 Helena, AL 35080 The BCF Committee will continue to accept entries until 6:00p.m. March 1.
Above: The Buck Creek Festival Art Contest winners from 2010-2014. Below, State Senator Cam Ward, 6th from laft, and State Representative April Weaver, 4th from left, were present at a recent council meeting to present a check to the Helena Buck Creek Festival committee. Shown here are BCF volunteers with Mayor Mark Hall and Council President and BCF organizer, Cris Nelson.
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You are invited to help the city of Helena celebrate her 150th birthday this year on April 18! The Helena Historic Preservation Committee, whose mission it is to preserve, protect, and bring awareness to our city’s rich history, has taken the lead for conceiving Helena Founder’s Day and the 150th Naming of Helena Celebration, which will take place April 18 from 10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater. The event will include music, artisan craft vendors and folk artists, food vendors, a children’s area and the opportunity to be photographed in the “Old Photo Booth.” An essay contest for students will be held with a prize offered for the best composition on the theme ‘I Am Helena’. Charity Miller, committee member, who is spearheading the planning of this event said, “We will also feature a reenactment performance that opens in the Civil War era and leads up to Peter Boyle proposing to Helen Lee (see history note following). The finale of the play will feature the unveiling of the wedding dress of the real Helen Lee.”
The historical connection: During
Reconstruction, railroads were extended through this area (first named Cove in 1845, then in 1856, known as Hillsboro) as part of the post-war development of central Alabama’s mineral resources. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad sent engineer Peter Boyle to survey a route south from Birmingham to Montgomery, Alabama. The station established near the town of Hillsboro was named Helena after Boyle’s sweetheart, Helen Lee, the “beautiful and enchanting” daughter of Needham Lee Jr., forever memorializing his war-time romance. After the area around the station developed and encompassed the town of Hillsboro, the community incorporated to become the City
of Helena. Miller recently shared these details at a Helena Business Association meeting and added that Founder’s Day Sponsorships for businesses or individuals are available with contributions at these levels: Bronze—$150, Silver—$500, Gold—$1000 and Platinum—$2500. Funds raised will also be appropriately shared with the Helena Historic Museum. Museum founder, Ken Penhale will be speaking at the event. The deadline for sponsorship application is March 2. A link to the sponsorship form and other updates leading to this event may be found at: https://www.facebook.com/ HelenaHistory The lovely lady pictured at left is our town’s namesake, Helen Lee.
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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City and state leaders visit HIS for Gifted Education Month
As January is Gifted Education Month, special guests Superintendent Randy Fuller, Senator Cam Ward and Mayor Mark Hall visited two HIS classrooms to see students’ ongoing projects. Also visiting were Lusia MacPherson, Superintendent of Gifted Education and Advanced Programs and Laurie Sherrell, SCBOE Lead Teacher for Elementary Gifted Education. In the classroom of Shelli Abernathy (Gifted Resource Specialist) students worked at individual computers where they are learning the Scratch program, which teaches the necessary building blocks and vocabulary to learn how to code. Senator Cam Ward noted, “These kids want to learn. The computers in this classroom were purchased with grant money, not from the SCBOE budget, and seeing these kids so engaged
just makes me want to be able to do more.” Superintendent Fuller remarked, “In my first principal job twenty-five years ago, I recall a rural Jefferson County classroom with one computer, an adding machine and a book of seventeen ledgers.” “What we are seeing here today is the future,” all agreed. Mayor Hall told students, “I see how engaged you all are and I want to say that we are committed to Gifted Education on a local level as well.” The visitors were presented with tissue-paper Olympic-style flames with cards that read, “Gifted students represent a vital resource that has unlimited potential. We need to make sure these exceptional young people have the support and services they need to be successful.” “Thank you for helping Ignite Gifted Potential,” said the
message signed by teachers Shelli Abernathy, Amanda Miller and Jim Green. In Amanda Miller’s gifted classroom, visitors observed teams of students working together with Legos and found
objects. “These students learn that each person brings their own something to the project,” Miller said. They build their social skills and they learn tolerance of other’s views which fosters respect.”
Superintendant Randy Fuller, State Senator Cam Ward and Mayor Mark Hall look on as students demonstrtate their computer prowess.
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Coach and Personal Trainer Cindy Dobbins teaches a 6:00 pm Tuesday evening workout that has its regulars sweating but always coming back. “Cindy’s drive and determination never wane; she never gives up on us. She keeps us moving and afterwards you have the ultimate satisfaction of a great workout.” —Audry Sanders “Cindy challenges me and my body more than any other class here at SNAP. And it’s fun. I can see the results.There is plenty of focus on lower body and abs, which is what most women need.” —Angie Hester “I run on the treadmill at SNAP in the mornings and I come to Cindy’s class, which is definitely challenging. I have been coming for a year and I find it makes me feel better about myself. An added plus is that I don’t have to watch what I eat! —Shelia Wilkes “I came to the Helena SNAP from Calera, as the
facility is much cleaner and then I got hooked on the classes, too. I have been coming to Cindy’s classes for about eight months and can see more flexibility and greater stamina.The instructor is what makes this class! — Mike Barrett “The Tuesday night class is predominately female,” Barrett, who usually attends with his wife Jaime, added. “I want to issue a challenge to all the SNAP guys to come try this class. I tell you, these women are tough!” Jamie and Wesley Brakefield first tried Cindy’s class in late January. “I loved it,” Jamie said, “And I’ll be back. When you first start, you do what you can and build from there.The class is designed to keep your heart rate up, even if you have to adapt some of the moves.” Cindy Dobbins’ class rotates through four different workouts monthly.
RETRO ROBICS—Work up a sweat with Nostalgia in this heart-pumping traditional high/low impact aerobic class. OVERDRIVE—High Intense training intervals that include a variety of techniques.Weather permitting, this class is held outdoors. THE MIXX—Be prepared for anything in this cardiovascular fitness
challenge, circuit-style class. BUTTS & GUTS— Target problem areas with various drills focusing on glutes, quads abdominals and hamstrings. Men and women of all fitness levels will benefit. SNAP members can take all offered classes for $5 per month. Not a member? No problem. Non members can take any class for $5 a class.
Buck Creek clean-up scheduled for March 14 Cahaba Riverkeeper David Butler is spearheading a clean-up of Buck Creek and the Cahaba River on Saturday, March 14 from 8am-1pm. The area to be covered is between Lorna Road and Hwy 52. “This is shaping up to be our biggest cleanup yet, and we need everyone who is interested to let us know. Registration will be held that morning in Amphitheater Park, and the City of Helena is one of the sponsors,” said David Butler, a Helena resident who has spent perhaps more hours than anyone on these waters. Once an employee of Alabama Small Boats—a community presence since 1988, he continues to base his own business, Canoe the Cahaba, in that facility with the blessings of landlord Rolfe Russell. “There is not another outfitter in the area that is as committed, and for that he has my gratitude,” David emphasized.
“If you are taking an outing, there is no parking fee. We try to do our part as well, as a friend to the people of Helena, and we ask that as a courtesy, others not park there or litter.” “This is the only river access/ takeout for 20 miles,” David explained. “For over ten years, I have seen the same families enjoy the river.” “What many people do not realize is that even if you don’t throw your trash directly into the river, it still makes its way there after a rain. If you walk your dog along the river and don’t scoop the poop, it will be washed in.” “It only costs $2 to dispose and properly recycle a tire, but we still end up fishing out about 50 tires per year—everything from small tires to tractor trailer tires.” Not long ago, PHS students gathered up 1500 pounds of trash in just one day. “Cahaba Riverkeepers are part
of the Waterkeeper Alliance and together with Alabama WaterWatch, headquartered at Auburn University, we are designing and implementing a broad testing program to help understand what is happening on the river.” David explained that during spring and summer, he helps with chemical and bacteriological testing in 10 different sites over ten weeks. There is a spike for about five days after a rainfall. “We do this not to vilify anyone or any city, but to learn and share. The information is shared to encourage citizen responsibility; it takes the commitment of our residents to do their part.” David added, “We are appreciative of our sponsors thus far: Cohen, Carnaggio, Reynolds Architects; John Allen Baggett, DMD; Foresite Construction, LLC; Canoe the Cahaba; Friends of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge; Alabama Power
Prescription drug take-back program underway at Helena PD While Helena has had an expired medications drop-off box for residents for the past several years, it was only placed out for collections a few times each year. About three months ago, the Helena Police Department partnered with CVS Pharmacies and the Shelby County Narcotics Task Force to purchase and provide a permanent fixture for city residents. “Drugs have a shelf life,” said Helena PD Lt. Brad Flynn. “Taking an expired pill can be extremely dangerous. This initiative is not about solving a drug problem, it’s more of a safety issue. You don’t want to keep dangerous, expired medications around the house for your children to find.” The box itself, a bright red MedReturn Drug Collection Unit, was purchased through a grant with CVS. “It’s part of a bigger project CVS is doing to take old prescriptions out of circulation,” Lt. Flynn explained. It is checked once a week by the Helena
officer who is a member of the Shelby County Narcotics Task Force, and the contents are turned over to the force for safe and proper disposal. The box sits in the lobby area of the Police Department inside City Hall, which is open 24/7. Drop off is anonymous and Lt. Flynn assures that the department will not inventory what medications are collected. More than just human medications are accepted, as the task force will destroy pet meds too. Any prescription or over-the-counter medications, ointments and pet medications are accepted. Vitamins, drug samples, prescription patches will be accepted too. Needles, thermometers, liquids, inhalers, and aerosol cans will not be accepted, due to the danger and mess they could cause inside the box. “We just want people to know about the box,” said Lt. Flynn. “It’s a safe option for the disposal of old, unsafe medications.”
Renew Our Rivers; The Cahaba Environmental Center; Warrior Ranch; and Whole Foods in Mountain Brook, who will be providing lunch on clean-up day.” See more at: facebook.com/ events/896063587072606/ David Butler can be reached by email: david42240@yahoo.com or (205) 874-5623.
Helena High School welcomes boys’ basketball Coach Laatsch and his Laatsch Patch to the Helena sports community
When boys basketball coach Chris Laatsch was given the opportunity to join the talented team of coaches and teachers at Helena High School this year, it was an easy and exciting decision. Coach Laatsch, who has been coaching for 23 years, jumped at the chance to start a program from scratch. "There is nothing prior to build from, everything is us, we can make it our own," he explained. Basketball is more than just a job for Coach Laatsch; it is a family bonding activity. His
family was equally enthusiastic about helping to establish a strong foundation for Husky basketball. Coach Laatsch and his wife Leigh have seven children who have basically grown up on the court. "Our children were always with me at practices, during games, in meetings, and watching film,” the coach said. “Basketball has been a huge blessing to us.” Jason attends the University of West Florida along with his brother, Joshua, where they both play basketball. Katherine, Jason's twin, cheered at Samford
University and is now finishing up her degree in education. Even though the older three are away at college, the coach laughingly said, “whenever we get together, a game is going to break out.” As for the remaining siblings, Allison, Mary Elizabeth, and Austin absolutely love being in Helena! However, moving to Helena did present a challenge for William’s senior year. Because the children were leaving Briarwood High School, which is located in an unincorporated part of Shelby County, it meant that they would not be eligible to play sports for one year in any Shelby County school. This was not realized until after Coach Laatsch accepted the coaching position at HHS. “I thought it wasn't fair for my son William to not be able to play basketball his senior year, nor was it fair to keep the other children from enjoying a sport they loved so much,” Coach Laatsch explained his hesitation. “I just couldn't do that to my kids.” William had something to say about that. “He put his arm around me and said, ‘Dad, don't you dare throw this opportunity away! We know this is where the Lord is calling you and our family—don't turn this down for one
Above: Coach Laatsch poses with his son William after a heated Helena / Thompson basketball game. Below: The “Laatsch Patch,” Coach Laatsch’s seven children. Right, senior William shoots during a game with Thompson. Opposite, the HHS cheerleaders make the Husky hand sign and student section during a basketball game.
year of high school basketball for me.’ How many 17-year-olds say that?” Coach asked humbly. Moved by William’s unselfish response, Coach Laatsch began to look at realistic options for his son to be able to play. When moving from a private school, the only way an athlete would be eligible to play is if they attended a school outside the county system. With this in mind, they sold their home in Eagle Point and moved to Maylene so that William could attend Thompson High School, and he enjoyed a successful season there. “It’s been hard not having William with me, but I'm grateful for what Coach Patrick Davis has poured into my son,” Coach Laatsch said. “This experience showed William how others run their programs differently—he has grown and learned so much as a player and as a young man.” Because they opted to attend Helena, Mary Elizabeth and Allison can only practice and assist with basketball at HHS this year. The same goes for Austin at HMS. “I told them they can film, keep stats, be good teammates—
Laatsch cont. bring value to their team any way they can,” coach said. “They have found ways to be excellent in the roles they played this year.” Although they do not reside in Helena, the Laatsches feel that they are very much a part of the Helena culture. “It's a wonderful community, the people are top-notch and we’re thrilled to be here.” Coach Laatsch now has a committed and loyal basketball team and family who want to do the absolute best that they can for Helena sports. The Helena student section for the boys basketball games have even adopted the name “Laatsch Patch” and wear t-shirts proudly displaying the moniker. One of the most unique match-ups for the Husky season was when Helena played Thompson. Father and son on opposing teams was not a negative thing, though. “I just focus on what Coach Davis has taught me to do and execute the plays that he calls out instead of
focusing on the fact that I am playing against my dad,” William said confidently. “I want to make my dad proud, and I think he would want me to listen to my coach and give the team my best.” Many athletic programs have a tradition of celebrating senior athletes during the last home game before area play. Senior Night is a tradition that Jason and Joshua were able to experience with their dad as their coach. William had looked so forward to making that same memory with his dad but would not be able to because he played for Thompson. Knowing the importance of Senior Night and realizing what William said to his father about taking the job at Helena, Coach Davis made sure he scheduled
the Huskies to play the Warriors during Thompson’s Senior Night. Coach Laatsch was grateful— “Instead of being at a different game, I was able to be there for William and we were together as opponents, which gave it its own special meaning.” As the first season of Helena High School basketball comes to a close, the coach looks to the future. “Thompson, of course, is a great rivalry. I think we'll be playing Pelham next year, which should also be a good game,” he said. "We’ll have former
teammates playing against each other—and that will be exciting.” Coach Laatsch could not be happier with the strong foundation laid from this inaugural year. But even more, he looks forward to meeting new, prospective players and getting to know everyone better. “I love using basketball as a vehicle to train young men to be something bigger than themselves,” Coach Laatsch said. “They're not gonna play basketball forever, but they will be great men, great husbands and great fathers someday."
Helena Police get body cams In March 2013, Alabama Department of Homeland Security awarded a $23,000 grant to the Helena Police Department to purchase nine body cameras for officers. The city’s budget provided about $7,300 to fund the equipment for the remaining eleven officers. Mayor Hall has noted that implementing the use of body cams for each officer is another way to make sure that community trust is instilled. “Our citizens can know that our police department is doing everything possible to always do
the right thing.” The small black camera attaches to the middle front of the officer’s uniform shirt and the battery and data pack are in the front pocket. It records highdefinition video with clear audio of interactions. Helena Police Officer Chris Morgan, pictured here, said the camera is a benefit for the department and the community. “It’s a safety aspect for us and the public,” he said. “You don’t notice it’s there, but you feel more protected when you have it with you
because you have a constant recording of what you say and what the public says.” Hats off
to our police and city leaders for their proactive role in keeping our citizens safe.
Career Day always a fun event at Helena Intermediate School Head Football Coach Watt Parker encouraged all students to play not just one, but many sports, in order to be wellrounded. He pointed out that grades are still the most important part of school; always do your best. He spoke about the Husky Nation and presented a video giving students a view of Helena High School. Forensic Scientist Greg Risch is a DNA Specialist for the Alabama Dept. of Forensic Sciences. His daughter Sydney attends HIS. He showed the students how different aspects of science, such as analyzing fingerprints, are used to solve
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crimes. Radio & TV Producer Calvin Wilburn showed a video tour of his office featuring his coworkers. Stating that he begins each workday at 3:30 am, much of what he does is fun, and he is doing something he absolutely enjoys. Wilburn also mentioned a perk of his job is meeting famous people such as Bo Jackson, Duck Dynasty characters, the Casting Crowns and Toby Mac. He is pictured here with his son, Reese. Alabama Power Manager Ken McDonald, Mark Linbaugh and Charlie Miles (pictured here with students) divided the
students into two teams to work together building a substation. One team read the instructions, the other team followed through showing the value of teamwork. Captain Chad Agee and Deputy Chief Pete Valenti from the Helena Fire Dept. told students that the firemen “see themselves as a family, but get serious about their work.” They spoke of how their job requires that they never stop learning and attend schools for additional training. Paramedics are required to take continuing ed classes, and they also practice putting out different kinds of fires. The reward of being a fireman, they
emphasized, is being appreciated! (Capt. Agee had to leave on a call before this photo was taken.) Chef Joseph Sciarrotta, originally from New Orleans, shared with students that his specialty is seafood. He introduced students to various kitchen tools—garlic press, knives, and knife sharpener. “Every chef needs lots of tools for lots of reasons. My mama, for example, used a wooden spoon to spank me,” he told amused students. Most popular handout: students received paper sous chef hats as shown in the group photo below. Thanks to all who participated!
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A Nurturing Christian Environment
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Chase Learning Center & Daycare is a child daycare and learning facility that offers a nurturing Christian environment for your precious children. We strongly believe that encouragement and compassion foster a productive and healthy learning atmosphere, and we are proud to offer that for your children. Call us at 620-1616 to speak with one of our staff members, or stop by anytime to tour our facility and meet some of our teachers. We provide after school pickup in Alabaster, Helena and Pelham and offer reasonable rates for after school care, summer care and holiday programs for children kindergarten through 12 years of age. We also provide infant care, preschool and private kindergarten. Call us today!
The Shining Diamondz need your help! For several years, group of enthusiastic cheerleaders with special needs have been practicing hard every week at the Alabama Cheerleading Center (ACC) gym on the outskirts of Helena. This group, the Shining Diamondz, are one of the Bama All-Stars teams sponsored by the ACC to attend, perform and compete in cheerleading competitions. Members jump, tumble, roll, and lift each other to new heights through cheerleading. “These athletes have practiced very hard every week and are so deserving to compete among other cheerleaders in the community and out of town events,” said Mary Chambliss, mother of cheerleader Preston. “For two and a half minutes while they’re on stage, being cheered on by the crowd, it feels like nothing else. There is no judgement.” For its first two years, the team had five members, with seven last year and 10 this year. The members range from 5-year-old
Haley Cole, Lindsay Martin, Preston Chambliss, Luke Bean, Jenny Payne, Stephanie Bajalia, Tristan Kulhman, Brenna Kelly and Hailey Grace to 44-year-old Thomas Postal. “We’re all here for each other, like an extended family,” Mary said. Mary thanks Britton Blackburn and his staff at the ACC for working with the Shining Diamondz for two years now. “Britton is a good Christian man, and he runs a great gym,” she said. “They really work with these kids, expecting them to work hard in practice. It’s nice to know there are things for your children with special needs to do here in Helena.” Cheerleading gives Preston and the others something to look forward to every week. Several team members come to the ACC each Monday and on “open gym” nights as well. Mary explained cheerleading has helped Preston lose weight and enjoy exercising. He and his teammates learn to set achievable goals for themselves,
become more social, and are more active in the community through cheerleading. The team will travel to New Orleans and Florida this season. Since the Shining Diamondz travel on their own dime to competitions, the financial burden can sometimes be too much for a family that already has medical bills to pay. Mary started a Go Fund Me account again this year for the team to help raise money for food, gas and hotel costs for these families. The goal is $1500, and a little more than $100 was raised by the end of January.
HMS Girls’ Basketball team wins big Congratulations to the Helena Middle School Girls’ Basketball team who won the Southern Conference tournament championship. The ladies
went into the season ending tournament with a 13-3 record and a number 3 seed. After defeating Briarwood and Chelsea respectively, Helena faced the
number one seed, John Carroll. Helena had lost twice to John Carroll during the season by a total of 6 points, so both teams knew this would be a challenge. Hueytown middle school played host to the championship game on January 16th. The battle drew to a 18-17 Helena lead at half. The second half was sparked by season scoring leader, Niya Oden who led with 10 third quarter points and a game high 22 total points. Emma Johnson
City Councilman Hal Woodman has donated $50 to the fund, and once again challenges other board members and Helena city leaders to match his donation. Anyone interested in donating to the fund should visit gofundme.com/klml1k. For more information, call Mary at 205-533-9656 or 615-300-3047 or email her at adewbug@hotmail.com/
had a season high 10 points and Brooklyn Oden scored 7. The Husky defense held John Carroll to just 10 points in the second half and a 42-27 final. The defense proved solid through the tough play of 8th grader Victoria Brown and 7th grader Allison Tanner. This is Helena’s first conference championship. The Huskies where lead this season by the scoring of Niya Oden (292 points) and her seventh grade sister, Brooklyn (176 points). Coaches Nancy Pierce and Christine Hoffman know the seven-eighth graders provided the leadership for this successful season, giving the seven-seventh graders a strong chance to repeat next season.
Front row (7th grade): Kimiko Robison, Brooklyn Oden, Allison Tanner, Sha’Kyia Pierce, Jamelia Williams, Kirsten Hughley, Rachel Forrester. Back Row (8th grade): Victoria Brown, Tiffany McIver, Niya Oden, Emma Johnson, Madison Rogers, Melanie Watson, Dejanee Weems. TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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Raisin’ Cain filmed in Helena Mid-morning at Helena City Hall in early December, down by the Police Department entrance, a crew from SkyDive Films out of Nashville and director Zac Adams were underway filming a clip for a scene in the music video Raisin’ Cain, which was written by Billy Bob Thornton and Mark Collie. The choice of Helena and other places in Birmingham for this video came as a suggestion from Councilman Mike Jones. His company, Mike Jones Entertainment, partnered with 101 Ranch Records for production of the video. “Back in August, we were in LA with Mark, Billy Bob, and the label executives planning the album release, tour, and media packages,” Mike related. “Mark and Billy Bob wrote a song
titled Raisin’ Cain, and it was set to be Mark’s next single in preparation for his new album. The first time we heard it, we all knew it was going to be a big hit.” They were in a studio off Sunset Strip when Mark, Billy Bob, and the Boxmasters finalized their record deal. The making of this video is a kind of musical reunion, as the Boxmasters, Teddy Andreadis, JD Andrew, Brad Davis, and Billy Bob Thornton have played around Alabama in the past. “The album was finished at the House of Blues Studios in Nashville,” Mike continued.
While filming in Helena, Thornton and Collie spoke to tv camera crews to issue a casting call for the some 700 extras “dressed for a rowdy, roadhouse country show” needed for the evening’s filming at Workplay.
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“Several artists and music executives were invited to a private listening session. We began planning the national tour and album release.” “The label needed a video to go along with the single. So Mark called me one afternoon and asked if our team could produce the music video and live production. It was a very tight film schedule and needed to be completed before Christmas, but we agreed to take on the project.” “Billy and Mark began to brainstorm on what the video would look like. Having the production and casting rights gave us the ability to choose sites and locations for the filming. I called Mayor Hall and Chief Jones and discussed the project. We all believed that this would be a great opportunity for the city so our team put the wheels in motion.”
“We chose Helena for all of the town shots and police scenes. We chose one of our client venues, Workplay Theater, as the live performance shoot location. We sent security, management, production, and transportation teams to Nashville.” “Helena was very welcoming to the film crews, actors, and artists during their time here. Mark, Billy Bob, the producers, directors, and film company all gave rave reviews of the city and the people here. They were only in town for three days on this trip. But they enjoyed every minute.” “The video release date” Jones said, “is being held by the record label until the single is set and ready for release to radio. We expect it should be early spring. The video will be released worldwide and will be showcased on CMT, GAC, and country music media outlets.”
Helena Husky car tags for sale Show your support for the Helena Athletic Association by purchasing a Helena Huskies
car tag for only $20! For more information, please visit: HelenaAthleticAssociation.org
Peek’s Auto Tops & Interiors offers high-quality car work in new location
Frank Peek has been in the car business with his family since he was very young. Chances are, if you bought a car in Birmingham in the 60s or 70s, you got it from the Arnold Peek Motor Company. You bought the car from Frank’s dad, James, and his uncle Arnold worked on it. Frank worked there when he wasn’t in school, until he went to college in 1976. After earning a degree in Theology in Texas, paid for by a choir scholarship, Frank returned to Birmingham and went to work for his Uncle full-time, who insisted on factory training. He made regular trips to Detroit for over ten years, where he was factory trained in both the installation and repair of convertible tops and electric sunroofs.“Being trained in Detroit in the 80s and 90s was a fantastic experience,” he said. When his father and uncle retired from the business, Frank decided it was time to start his own shop. So, in 2002, Peek’s Auto Tops & Interiors opened in Calera to great success. Among others, his son, Kevin, worked alongside him until graduating magna cum laude from UAB.After moving in 2007, Peek started looking for a location closer to home.“I had people telling me,‘I heard about your shop, but I can’t ever make it out to Calera,’ and I wanted to change that,” Frank said. Then he found it: a great space on Keystone Court next to Max Motorsports and behind Cahaba Tire on Highway 31. “I’m looking forward to
rebuilding old relationships in this area. Here is where I need to be.” With the great work and fantastic customer service he provides, the city is lucky to have Peek’s Auto Tops in town. The focus at Peek’s is on building great relationships with the customers to help them determine exactly what they want and gaining their trust through providing quality work.“My dad, when he sold cars, always told me to ‘determine what kind of car a customer will buy, so you can tailor their experience,’ and I try to follow that example,” Frank explained. Recently, a man brought in a 1931 Plymouth for an interior job—he wants Frank and his staff to give it a “museum-quality” look, with the finest leathers that he offers at the shop.“I get these types of orders on old cars several times a year,” Frank said. “I even refurbished an Auburn Boattail Speedster that went to a museum once.” Peek installs and repairs all types of convertible tops, but with all the custom work he does, it’s no surprise that he estimates 60-70% of his work is done on high-end convertibles like Porsche, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, Audi and Ferrari.“I repair and install convertible tops in these cars, as well as custom-make and install high-quality leather interiors,” he said. He also specializes in a new phenomenon he has seen in the past few years. In convertibles
the back window repaired; if you manufactured around 2002 and want beautiful custom leather after, companies began bondinteriors; sunroof repair or ing convertible top material installation; new carpet, headliner directly to the hard glass.When or even chrome add-ons, head this bonding process fails, most on over to Peek’s Auto Tops & shops just recommend a comInteriors: open Monday-Friday plete top replacement.“I have 8a.m.-5p.m. and Saturday by developed a way to repair these, appointment. 668-0099 giving the customer a few more years of life out of their top.” Frank inspects each top to determine if it is a candidate for this money-saving process. “I do several of these back window repairs each month, particularly in warmer weather.” “I only use the best quality convertible tops.They come with a 5 or 6-year warranty, depending on the manufacturer.The new tops have a lifetime warranty on the rear window bond.” Frank concluded.“I really think I offer services that are hard Above: Before and after photographs of a Chevy truck seat restoration job. to find elsewhere.” Below: Frank’s shop cat Hepzibah, named by his 6 Also, sunroofs ofand 7 year old little girls after the Empress on the TV fered at Peek’s have a show Bewitched, takes a nap in an office chair. lifetime warranty on parts and service. He regularly installs these in both new cars, trucks and SUVS, as well as older models. If you need your convertible top repaired, replaced or
Helena 2014 Christmas Parade
The Helena Annual Christmas Parade is one of Shelby County’s oldest traditions and this year’s version did not disappoint! Many thanks to all the volunteers who give of their time each December to kick off the Helena holiday season. Shown here are a few snapshots from the big event. New this year was the Helena Husky marching band. Husky pride is evident all over town!
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Anne Redd donates birthday gifts to charity
Not many 9-year-olds would donate their birthday gifts to others, but that’s precisely what Anne Redd did this past December, to Children’s Harbor. Kids visiting or staying at Children’s Hospital in downtown Birmingham have a fun, kid-friendly hang out space there in the Children’s Harbor room.
Games, fitness equipment and basketball facilities for the children along with a salon for parents are among the services offered. “I really like it,” said Caleb, Anne’s younger brother who attends counseling there. “There’s all sorts of games and you can do all sorts of stuff!” Any child visiting the Children’s Harbor room gets two tokens to try to win Beanie Babies out of a claw machine. “It’s exciting to win one,” Caleb exclaimed. The last time the Redd family visited, Anne noticed the machine running low. “I wanted to help restock it,” Anne said, so she asked friends and family for Beanie Babies or money to donate instead of presents for her birthday on December 11. Her uncle, grandparents and
other family members donated $75 to the Beanie Baby Fund, which anyone can donate to online. “She ended up giving a donation of two dozen Beanie Babies,” Anne’s father Jason added. He and wife Heather are very proud of their daughter. “It felt good to do that, bring some happiness to other kids at Children’s Harbor,” Anne said. “So they can have something soft, cuddly and friendly with them to be happy at a scary time.” “Suppliers sell Beanie Babies to the fund at cost, to get the most benefit out of monetary donations,” explained her father. “It’s a great program, I’m glad it’s there to give back. CH has been such a blessing for us, they treat each patient and child the same.” Anyone can help with the Children’s Harbor Beanie
Baby Project! More information and donation buttons are available at www.childrensharbor. com/beanie-baby-project. You can specifically order Husky Beanie Babies to donate to the cause!
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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Meet former student and new HIS teacher, Shelby Wesson Formentano New HIS 4th grade teacher Shelby Wesson Formentano has come full circle since her own days at HIS in Mrs. Statum’s 4th grade classroom. Shelby was a member of the first fifth grade class to graduate from the thennew intermediate school. After her internship, she spent this past fall in the classrooms of Natalie Landrum and Jennifer Thornton. She graduated December 12 from the University of Montevallo. After learning the position vacated by teacher Julia Jones was to be available, she applied. The notification that the job was hers “was like a Christmas present for me!” she said. On Sunday, December 28, she arrived in her new classroom and with the assistance of her mother, Brenda Wesson, and mother–in-law, Shauna Formentano, and created a cheerful, bright, inviting environment. “My students have done a great job with this transition,” she noted. Her desk holds notes written to her by students in the first week. “Welcome, Mrs. Formentano. We hope you love
your job!!! You are so awesome!!! I hope all your kids are as special as you are,” said one. She also notes that she has received a warm welcome and appreciates the support offered from the entire HIS staff. Shelby has lived in Helena since second grade and has known she wanted to be a teacher since fifth grade. “My teacher that year, Mrs. Ward, was fantastic. She really touched me, and from then on, I planned to make teaching my career. At one point, I saw myself teaching high school art, but then I changed to Elementary Education.” During college, Formentano also worked for five years/ summers at Primrose School at Riverwood, where she became Assistant Director in May 2013. “That is where I learned a lot of my teaching management style. Leaving was bittersweet,” she noted. It was in her Primrose threeyear-old class that her husband,
Stefan Formentano, proposed to her. “He orchestrated the kids to shout ‘Say Yes!’” she recalls about this special day. The couple enjoy traveling and have a cat named Calcifer (named for a character in the show Studio Ghibli) and a puppy named Simon, after a character in Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time. “My kids can relate to these names in that they enjoy the same shows,” she explains. Formentano says her teaching style emphasizes Constructivism, which means
given the opportunity, the students construct their own teacher-guided education. “I also emphasize Intellectualism— the progressive way education is headed, but I also feel the Classics are important. I play Mozart in the classroom while they are working.” “I remember this school as a great environment for learning,” Formentano says, “and I want to pay it forward each day in my classroom.” Always great to see a Helena student do well. Best of luck, Mrs. Formentano!
9th-12th grade students—join the HHS Book Club! Left-Right: Nick Williamson, Yuliana Ortiz, Heather Kirk (Sponsor), Katie Wolf, Becky Wolf, Laura Melton, Reagan Bright, Sydney DeVoe (Not Pictured- Katie Graham)
24 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
The Helena High School Book Club, started by the school’s media specialist, Heather Kirk, meets once a month at Top it Off in Helena. Students from 9th12th grades meet to discuss the book of the month, and they also brainstorm together to select the next book club choice. Of course when a group of readers get together, favorite books, authors,
and other school topics always come up as well. Some of the book club selections so far have included Trapped by Michael Northrop, My True Love Gave to Me by Stephanie Perkins, and Taken by Erin Bowman. All Helena High students are invited to attend next month and enjoy a cup of yogurt while chatting all about books! The next meeting will be Thursday, February 26th, and the group will be discussing the book Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer.
2000 Southlake Park, Suite 100 205-968-1160
Experienced optometrist Dr. Tracey Mercer opens office just off Valleydale Optometrist Dr.Tracey Mercer, who has 14 years of experience working in the Pelham area, is excited to announce the opening of her own practice. Located at 2000 Southlake Park, Suite 100, her optometry office joins a burgeoning medical plaza right off I-65. She started seeing patients January 12. Feel free to call 205-968-1160 to set up an appointment today. “I’d noticed the office buildings on Southlake Park for several years, and really wanted to get in here too,” Dr. Mercer said. With a chiropractor, dentist, neurologist, ENT, orthopedic surgeon and others in the same plaza, moving in as the area optometrist only seemed natural.“It will be good to be able to refer amongst ourselves,” she said. “Patients are already
accustomed to coming here for their other doctors, and since it’s right off I-65, it’s very convenient,” Dr. Mercer continued.“The location couldn’t be better.” After achieving her undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama and graduating from UAB’s School of Optometry, Dr. Mercer coowned a practice for 18 months before she and husband Robert Mercer, minister at Asbury United Methodist Church, had their first child. Now that their kids are in school, she has more time to run her own practice. One of the biggest reasons she has taken this step is that she wants to be able to spend as much time with patients as she deems necessary.“Doctors typically work at a very fast pace to keep up with demands that are placed on them—now I’ll be
the one who decides how much time I get to spend with my patients discussing their health,” she explained. But as the Girl Scout Assistant Troop Leader for 8-year-old Hannah, and Vice President of the PHS Band Boosters in support of Drew, a 15-year-old trumpeter in the PHS Tower of Power Marching Band, her time is in high demand.“I’m the ‘Cookie Mom’ for the scout troop, so that time of year can be hectic,” she laughed.“But I love being involved in the Pelham community, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Dr. Mercer is excited to announce she will be offering a raffle for a year’s worth of contacts or a free pair of glasses in June and December each year. A patient’s name will be entered into the raffle each and every time they refer a new patient to
Dr. Mercer’s office. Dr. Mercer now accepts Medicaid, Medicare, BlueCross BlueShield,Viva,VSP,VCP, United Healthcare, New Southland and many others, a list of which is available upon request. She offers comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings and glaucoma treatments among other services, all completed on brand-new, state-of-the-art medical equipment. She also offer many top brands of glasses and sunglasses for her patients, including: Coach, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, Marchon,Vera Bradley, Silhouette, Izod, and many others. “I am so thankful to have the opportunity to have something like this, my own practice, in such a beautiful new building,” Dr. Mercer concluded.“I am excited to get started and meet new patients in the community.”
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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WELCOME TO THE JANE B. HOLMES PUBLIC LIBRARY!
JANE B. HOLMES PUBLIC LIBRARY 230 Tucker Road, Helena • 664-8308 HOURS: Monday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; Tuesday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Wednesday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Thursday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; Closed on Sunday. Good day to everyone! The Jane B. Holmes Public Library would like to welcome everyone to 2015! As always, we have some great new items and exciting events planned for the coming weeks. Winter is a GREAT time to visit the library, check out what is new, and make sure your card is up to date. Please allow a few minutes to update or get a new library card if you have not been to visit lately. Cold days and nights mean a great opportunity to curl up with a favorite book, watch a movie from our great DVD collection, or find some music or a talking book as you relax or work on a project. Check our new feature: Books and items you might have missed in 2014! It is right in front of you as you walk in the library. Once again, the library is happy to announce that a local company, Vulcan Materials, has been kind enough to make a donation of $500.00! This funding will help the library as we march on towards our goal of providing great library service for Helena. Vulcan Materials has been so generous to the library over the years, and we cannot thank them enough. By giving to the library, Vulcan Materials has provided countless opportunities through material that has been purchased for patrons of all ages. We appreciate the efforts of Vulcan Materials. February and March offer some great programs at the library. Do not forget Story Time, a FREE resource for families with younger children. Mrs. Jennie is ready to read some great stories and sing some songs every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 AM. For other programs such as Writer’s Night, Book Sales, St. Patrick’s Day, and featured Displays, please check out our calendar! It is available on the City of Helena website. Look for news about the library and links to other resources. Simply click Library on the left hand side of the page. For anyone interested in the Friends of the Library, please contact
Daniel Dearing, Library Director. The Friends group helps our library in a variety of ways, and we are so fortunate to have this group of interested patrons and citizens. The Friends meet on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00pm at the library. Please stop by to visit soon, and remember to bring your most valuable possession: Your Library Card! Sincerely, Daniel Dearing, Library Director
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Story Time EVERY Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 AM Come by for this fun, free program every Tuesday and Thursday! Mrs. Jennie will be here to tell you some great stories and have a good time! Check out our calendar at www.cityofhelena.org (click on library) for more events and additional information!
Stop by soon to check out a book or two, a movie and/or some tunes—we have the classics to the latest releases and everything in between! TITLES JUST IN…
Twisted Innocence–Terri Blackstock; Dead Heat –Patricia Briggs; Killing Monica–Candace Bushnell; The Assassin–Clive Cussler; Cold, Cold Heart–Tami Hoag; Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café–Max Lucado; The Marriage Charm–Linda Lael Miller; Private Vegas–James Patterson
GREAT FLICKS…
Lucy; The Drop; Gone Girl; The Box Trolls; Simpsons- Complete 17th Season; Left Behind
CLASSIC TUNES TO THE LATEST HITS…
London Sessions (Mary J. Blige); Hozier (Hozier); Rock or Bust (AC/DC); Monuments to an Elegy (Smashing Pumpkins); Songs of Innocence (U2); Angels Among Us (Alabama); Kidz Bop 27 We also reserve books, music and audio materials at the Jane B. Holmes Public Library. Ask at the circulation desk or call the library at 205-664-8308 for details.
HHS Key Club meeting The HHS Key Club, sponsored by the Helena Kiwanis Club, recently held Charter Night for this school organization that has a membership of over seventy students. Past District Governor Gene Maier made the introductory welcome to students and parents and later President-Elect Luther Jarmon presented the new banner to HHS Key Club officers. Kacie Hines from the Vestavia High School Key Club spoke about the history of Key Club, now in its 90th year. Hines told students how Key Club has become a passion for her and shared her own experiences attending national and international Key Club conventions. She encouraged members to build character by getting out of their comfort zone
and to care about others by promoting district projects. “Above all, be inclusive. Your experience serving the community and the connections to members in this club will benefit your school and you in the years to come. I do challenge you to step up now,” she concluded. HHS Faculty Advisor (and chemistry teacher) Emily Channell said, “I’ve been extremely impressed with these Key Club members. One start-up project was gathering over 300 boxes for Operation Christmas Child.” “Your Key Club Family is forever. I hope that many of you will take the opportunity to attend the Key Club District Convention in Mobile in March,” Channell said, adding that scholarships to attend this event are available.
L-R back row: District Governor Kacie Hines, Lt. Governor Elect Sarah Brabston, Lt. Govenor Lexey Monceaux, District Secretary Brianna Farley L-R front row: Faculty Advisor Emily Channell, Meghan Sullivan, Jordan Ingram, Emily Decroes, and Emily Gustafson
HHS Key Club Officers were installed and presented with a gavel and the bell that starts each meeting. They were told, “This may be the first step in a journey that can change your life.”
Save the Date for Helena Kiwanis Pancake Day coming up on February 28 at Helena Elementary School. Tickets are available from any HHS Key Club Member.
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Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2015 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.
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HHS Varsity Baseball and Softball Schedules
HHS Varsity Baseball Schedule Home Games Played at Helena High School Field day
date
opponent
location
time
Chelsea/Montevallo Tournament Brookwood ACA-Tuscaloosa ACA-Tuscaloosa Sipsey Valley Sipsey Valley West Blocton Hale County
TBA Helena HS ACA Helena HS Helena HS Helena HS Helena HS Helena HS
4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA 11:00 a.m.
West Blochton West Blocton Chelsea Spain Park Hillcrest Gardendale Gardendale Tuscaloosa County West Blocton
Helena HS West Blocton HS Chelsea HS Chelsea HS Hillcrest HS Gardendale HS Gardendale HS Helena HS Helena HS
TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY Mon-Fri. 16-20 Tues. 17 Thurs. 19 Mon. 23 Thurs. 26 Thurs. 26 Fri. 27 Sat. 28 MARCH Tues. Thurs. Sat. Sat. Sat. Mon. Mon. Thurs. Fri.
3 5 7 7 7 9 9 12 13
Sat. 14 Hanceville Sat. 14 Holtville Sat. 14 Brookwood Tues. 17 Prattville Sat. 21 Prattville Sat. 21 Bibb County Mon. 23 Calera Tues. 24 Homewood Tues. 24 Homewood Thurs. 26 Calera Fri. 27 Calera Sat. 28 Gordo Sat. 28 LAMP Sat. 28 Prattville March 30-April 2 Hoover Buccaneer Classic
Helena HS Helena HS Brookwood HS Helena HS Prattville HS Prattville HS Helena HS Homewood HS Homewood HS Calera HS Helena HS Gordo HS Gordo HS Prattville HS
11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. TBA 4:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 4:30 a.m. TBA TBA 6:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. TBA TBA 12:00 p.m. TBA
Helena HS Helena hS Jemison HS Huntsville HS Helena HS
5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
APRIL Tues. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Mon. Fri.
7 9 10 11 13 17
Central-Tuscaloosa Jemison Jemison Huntsville ACA-Tuscaloosa First Round of Playoffs
Head Varsity Coach PJ Guy
HHS Varsity Softball Schedule Home Games Played at Helena High School Field day
date
opponent
FEBRUARY Thurs. 19 Hueytown Fri-Sat. 27-28 Homewood Tournament
location
time
Helena HS TBA
5:00 p.m.
Helena HS Jemison HS Helena HS Helena HS Calera HS TBA Helena HS
5:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
MARCH Tues. 3 Thurs. 5 Mon. 9 Tues. 10 Thurs. 12 Fri-Sat. 13-14 Mon. 16
Leeds Jemison Homewood Jemison Calera Vestavia Tournament Vestavia
4:30 p.m.
Tues. 17 Thurs. 19 Tues. 24
Leeds Hueytown Thompson
Leeds HS Hueytown HS Helena HS
4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 a.m.
Thompson Homwewood Chelsea Calera Oak Mountain Cullman Tournament
Thompson HS Homewood HS Chelsea HS Helena HS Pelham HS TBA
5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm
APRIL Tues. 7 Thurs. 9 Tues. 14 Thurs. 16 Fri-Sat. 24-25 Thurs. 10
Head Varsity Coach Heidi Kouveras
www.helenaathleticassociation.org
Helena Lions Club now official The Helena Lions Club was officially designated a club and signed their charter at a dinner event in December. Sponsored by the Pelham Lions Club, members of both gathered to hear guest speaker and Past Council Chairman Jerome Thompson of the Global Membership Team, serving Multiple Discrict-34. “These present are individuals with the heart of a servant who want to improve the quality of life in this community. This club is now a living breathing organism,” said District Governor Barry Elliott. The duties of each officer were summarized leading to the introduction of Helena Lions Club officers Emmanuel Scozzaro, president; Dr. Jamie Reid, vice-president; and Bill May secretary/treasurer. Kristi Scozzaro serves as membership chairman. Also in attendance were Board Member Rodney Clarke, District Governor Jim Crews and Mayor Mark Hall. An organization since 1917,
Lions Clubs have grown now to 1.39 million members worldwide, with 46,000 clubs in 208 countries. The Lions offer disaster relief in a timely manner to tornado and fire victims and support the Boy Scouts. Many are troop leaders. They also sponsor local high school bands to go and perform in the parade held during the International Convention. “It is vitally important that we build trust in our community to know they can trust us to give back 100% of that which we raise,” Jerome said. “The Lions seek to expand our horizons beyond helping individuals with eye screenings and glasses.” “We are sponsoring programs to recycle electronics like phones and make a difference. The Lions also work to fight world hunger. One out of six students in Alabama schools deals with hunger every day.” Alabama Lions offer a High
School Leadership Camp in Troy and support Camp Seale Harris for diabetic children. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to president Emmanuel Scozzaro and the club was presented with a Gavel and Gong (dated 1957) from the West Hills Lions Club. They also received a podium and a Lion Statue in honor of Past District Governor Ralph of the West Hills Lions Club. The evening’s meal was sponsored by APH Radio with entertainment by
the Helena High School Choir. The long-term Helena Lions Club goal is to support the Science Department at HHS and the HHS choir. Below, Emmanuel presented a check to Principal Jay Peoples for the science lab.
adoption in about three weeks. The event even made Fox 6 News with a visit from news anchor Sarah Verser. “We have so many families that have a heart for helping others, animals included,” said Maegan. “That our students care
about servicing the community in which they live is a true testament to the greatness of Helena.” No doubt students will be following the future paths of these puppies, and this occasion will become one for their memory books!
HES Helping Animals Hat Day When HES Guidance Counselor Maegan Vick recently discovered four abandoned puppies at her mother’s house, she sought advice from her coworkers as to how these puppies might be helped to find “forever homes.” Maegan spoke with Sonya King of Two By Two Rescue, who immediately began a search for foster homes for the puppies. As students and parents learned of the situation, they too wanted to help. Principal Mary Cooper allowed students to have a Helping Animals Helena Hat Day to help raise money for the puppies’ fostering fees. The school created flyers and the teachers shared pictures of the puppies with students and 30 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
explained how the fundraiser would help the animals. The students and faculty members raised $500—enough to cover medical care and fostering needs for all four puppies, plus an extra $100 to help another animal in need. “Our students, parents, and HES faculty members were so invested in wanting to help animals through Two by Two Rescue,” said Maegan, who herself has two Great Pyrenees named Fluff and Puff. The puppies were taken to their new foster home on January 11. Anna Heflin, who is fostering all the puppies, said they will be micro chipped, spayed/neutered, and receive their vaccinations before going on the website for
H E L E N A’ S C O M M U N I T Y O F FA I T H A.M.E. New Bethel A.M.E. Church Highway 261 • 201-5531 Rev. Wilma Merriweather Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM
BAPTIST CrossBridge Community Church Starkey Street (off 261) • 621-2695 Pastors Harris Cook & Bruce Squires crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 PM
First Baptist Church Helena
815 Highway 52 E • 663-7879 Sr Pastor Greg Walker • fbhelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM & 6:00 PM
Gospel Light Baptist Church
5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor Steve Kilpatrick • glbcbham.com Sunday Bible Study 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Highway 261 • 663-5257 Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM
New Elam Baptist Church Cunningham Drive • 663-2230 Rev. Lester Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM
Riverside Baptist Church
1919 Highway 52 W • 426-1910 Pastor JJ Stanbridge • rbchelena.org Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Sunday Bible Study 10:30 AM
Shiloh Baptist Church
6700 County Road 13 • 424-4539 Pastor Randy Keef Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
CHRISTIAN—DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Grace Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 869 Highway 52 • 426-1233 Pastor Tommy Morgan gracechristianchurch.org Sunday School 9:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 • 620-4575 Evgs Curtis Flatt & Bryan Moody church-of-christ.org Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM
EPISCOPAL Lamb of God Charismatic Episcopal
New Vision Christian Church
2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org 5140 County Road 17 • 378-8022 Sunday Corporate Prayer 9:00 AM Rev. Glenn E. Davis • lambofgodcec.org Sunday Worship 10:15 AM Children’s Church 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
Voice of Faith Int’l Ministries
METHODIST Helena United Methodist Church 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Rev. Mary Bendall • helenaumc.org Sunday Worship 8:30, 11:00, 11:02 AM
The Church at Cahaba Bend
1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Sunday Worship 7:00 & 10:00 AM Thursday Bible Teaching 10:00 AM
PRESBYTERIAN Christ Community Church
3721 Highway 52 W • 621-8060 Rev. Lori Carden • cahababend.org Sunday School 9:15 AM Contemporary Worship 10:30 AM
Meets at Helena Intermediate • 621-6248 Pastor Phil Chambers • cccbham.org Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
NAZARENE Trinity Church of the Nazarene
3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Pastor Mike Ensminger helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM
Laurel Woods Dr. & Hwy 58 • 664-4659 Rev. David Shirer • nazarene.ch/trinity/ Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Cornerstone Church 2694 Highway 58 • 663-9332 Rev. Tim Trimble cornerstonechurchhelena.org Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM
Helena Cumberland Presbyterian
Our community of faith offers many services and programs year-round. Please visit the church’s website for additional information about upcoming events and programs.
Attend the Church of Your Choice This Sunday!
Kiwanis 11th Annual Pancake Day! Saturday, February 28 7 AM — 12 PM Helena Elementary Lunchroom TICKETS ARE JUST $5.00 for a delicious, hot off the griddle pancake breakfast! FUNDRAISER FOR MANY WORTHWHILE PROJECTS IN THE HELENA COMMUNITY
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Scott Thigpen pens novel about ride of his life
Scott Thigpen, a UAB Digital Media Manager, moved to Helena 8 years ago thanks to his wife Kate. “I like living here a lot,” said the former Wall Street Journal illustrator said. “At work, I sit and use my hands a lot, so I needed to do something with my feet. Buck Creek is awesome for that—I run there all the time.” In an extra effort to lose weight about five years ago, Scott began riding around his neighborhood of Bridlewood on his brother’s bike from college. “If you want to get into riding, running, whatever,” he now laments his prior lack of foresight, “go in and drop some cash on the proper equipment—your body will be the better for it.” Before he began traversing the trails at Oak Mountain but after becoming tired of pro cyclists zipping around him on the main roads of the park, Scott made a nerve-wracking trip to Cahaba Cycles in 2010. “I was intimidated, so I just bought the cheapest mountain bike they had that day.” When he was just starting to cycle, he felt directionless in life. “I was floating in a sea of mediocrity,” he said, which was unlike the usually driven 35-year-old who gives 120% in all his endeavors. After hearing “You need direction!” from his wife Kate, he decided on a goal: the Tour Divide. In the prior months, Scott 32 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
watched “Ride The Divide,” a documentary about that lengthy and treacherous cycling tour, several times. “It was seducing me,” he said. “I couldn’t get it out of my head.” But he knew he needed to do a lot of training before taking on the course. So he cycled on trails in Oak Mountain and Mt. Cheaha by himself before teaming up with Coach Tracey McKay to properly train for two years. In 2012, he decided he needed to change his diet, and traded illustrations for a new meal plan from a nutritionist—blogging about his progress at www.driven2divide.com. He flew to Canada for a 2,853-mile-long course in June 2013. Logging around 133 miles of cycling a day, usually in the cooler temperatures at night, Scott competed the course in 22 days. “My ADD and overactive imagination both helped me daydream or ‘live in my head’ on long boring stretches,” he explained. Next, he biked a paved 90-mile night ride. Then he biked a 300mile ride that forced him to sleep alone, outside at night, in preparation of the Great Divide. Then he biked a 24-hour ride at Oak Mountain, during which you’re only supposed to stop to eat or use the bathroom. However, in the middle of the night when “a baby possum darted out from nowhere,” scaring him, he paused. “There were lightning bugs everywhere! I could see the galaxy for days,” he exclaimed. “I walked my bike two hours with all its lights off so I could look at the stars.” On the 350-mile Trans-Georgia Race through the Blue Ridge
Mountains, Scott ran into hogs, bears, and many friendly locals along the way. He also faced his first nights alone in the woods. “But if you’re singing Ke$ha at the top of your lungs in the middle of the woods at night, it’s hard to be spooked,” he laughed. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is bigger than all of the other races. It is a one-stage, 2,745mile long route, and the bikers in the race are self-supported, meaning more lonely nights along the trail with just his bike and his pack. “I tried to get motels as often as I could, but a few times I slept by the side of the road or in the woods,” Scott confirmed. In Montana, the trail up Richmond Peak was treacherous, lead to much colder temperatures, and had “heavy grizzly activity.” After eating as much food as he could, he abandoned the rest and managed to get through their territory unhindered. “At one point, I could feel something staring at me. I picked up my bike and screamed—and a bunny jumped out down the trail ahead of me,” he laughed. He described seeing another rabbit with singed fur fall out of the trees above him one day on a thin mountain trail after the trees were struck by lightning. Despite all the pitfalls and scary nights, and in part due to help from those he met along the way, 40-year-old Scott finished in 4th place for singlespeed bikes and 40th place overall in that race of 167 people in 2013. “Even though I did the Divide, I’m not Billy Badass; I’m not even an athlete,” he claimed, laughing at the notion. “I like video games and geeky stuff. I just put my mind to it and worked to achieve my goal.” The race closest to Scott’s heart, though, is the annual Ride of Love: 154 miles of fundraising cycling ending
at Camp Smile-A-Mile to a large group of enthusiastic children cheering for them, asking for photographs, hugs and autographs. “I try to raise at least $500 in pledges and donations every year,” Scott said. “120 riders raised $60,000 for the camp last year.” “I have a huge belief in the human spirit. I believe that 95% of people are good,” he continued. The experiences he’s had the last few years since taking up biking and going on the massive Great Divide definitely gave him the affirmation he needed. “When I was in the shadiest spots, or around sketchy people, the nicest, kindest people you could ever meet came out of the woodwork to help me out when I was lowest.” Once he completed his goal, Scott came back home to Helena to write a book about the people he met and experiences he had. That book, Trail Magic and the art of Soft Pedaling, features dozens of his illustrations that help bring the story to life. It came out in October 2014. Scott also wanted to write the book, which can be purchased at www.softpedaling.com, to show another side to Alabamians. “There’s more to Alabama than how the media portrays us, and I wanted to highlight that,” he said. “Alabama is way cooler than you think it is.”
Shelby County
FIELD OF TEAL Join us for Pelham High School Baseball’s Field of Teal in support of Ovarian Cancer research and awareness on Saturday, February 28th starting at 11A.M. They will collect money for research as well as pass out literature to help raise awareness about the disease. Players and coaches will be wearing teal, the ribbon color for ovarian cancer, in support of Tammy Anderson, Coach Sean Anderson’s wife. She is currently undergoing treatment for stage 2 ovarian cancer; her mother lost her battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer several years ago. Schedule of play: Pelham vs. Oak Mountain 11:00AM Oak Mountain vs. Hewitt-Trussville 1:15PM Hewitt-Trussville vs. Pelham 3:30PM
For all you ladies out there who are looking for a fun, exciting workout that will break the boredom of the gym, look no further, Shelby County Adventure Boot Camp for Women is your answer. This exciting “out of the gym” experience started in December. Like us on Facebook for up to date information and special promotions
Help us move toward our goal of eradicating Ovarian cancer for future generations.
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Helena Husky Cheerleaders receive recognition
In December, youth cheerleading teams from Helena were recognized at a city council meeting. Above, Parks and Recreation Director Jason Parks, left, poses with Helena Cheerleading program representative Crystal Jones and Mayor Mark Hall. Top left, the 3rd grade cheerleaders took 1st place. Top right, 2nd grade cheerleaders took 2nd place. Bottom left, the 4th grade cheerleaders took 3rd place. Bottom right, the 5th grade cheerleaders took 4th place. Congratulations to all our girls!
Rio’s Bar and Grill gives foster kids a happy Christmas The Saturday before Christmas, Rio’s Bar and Grill was flooded with Shelby County foster children opening Christmas presents bought for them by patrons of the bar through a program called ‘Taylor’s Wish.’ “We served donuts and chocolate milk and gave our ‘Angels’ the chance to meet the kids they adopted,” said Rio’s co-owner Crystal Hamrick. “We love seeing the joy on their faces, and this gives us a way to connect with them in a much more concrete way.” For more than two years now, Rio’s has been turning out more than just fantastic drinks, great bar fare and some of the best local nightly entertainment in the area. Rio’s also has a history of community fundraisers and charity efforts unlike many other bar or restaurant establishments. “We’ve been blessed, we know 99% of the people who come through the door—and anyone we don’t know isn’t a stranger for long,” Crystal asserted. “As this was our second year doing ‘Taylor’s Wish,’ our regular 34 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
patrons were begging us to put up the tree at the beginning of November!” Although their program is run in much the same way as official “Angel Trees,” Rio’s “Taylor’s Wish” tree is not affiliated with any group. Crystal’s cousin Lynn April works with foster kids at the Shelby County DHR, and Lynn’s daughter Taylor Wooten was challenged by her teacher at HMS in 2013 to do something selfless during the Christmas season. She decided to set up her own tree to help out the foster kids with whom her mother works, so they named the program after her. Each child up for “adoption” had a list of needs and wants under a picture with their name on the Christmas tree in Rio’s. Needs generally are basic things like diapers or a swing for babies or clothing and shoes for anyone, while wants were anything the children came up with. “Just because they’re in the foster care system doesn’t mean they’re any different than any other kid— they still want video games and
face pressure from other kids to wear brand name clothes,” Crystal said. “Some of them wouldn’t even have a Christmas if we didn’t get them a few things. And 99% of people who ‘adopt’ a child get them everything on their list if they can afford it.” This year, 48 children were
“adopted” through Taylor’s Wish in total. In that day of presents and meeting at Rio’s before Christmas, a lot of joy was shared. “That’s one of the best days of the year—it’s very emotional,” Crystal shared. “To give these kids one day like everyone else has, it’s worth it.”
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Helena Florist is a fullservice florist. A few items of our product line are… Fresh cut flower arrangements, full selection of blooming and green plants, fruit and goodie baskets, latex and mylar balloons, plush animals and more… Please take a look at our interactive floral design classes at sipsandsnips.com
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Helena Florist is your hometown florist serving Helena and the metropolitan Birmingham area since 1999 and is celebrating it’s 15th anniversary this year!! TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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Looking for a family dentist? Make an appt with Dr. Stacey Defranco– proudly serving Helena families for 17 years. CALL HIM TODAY!
1001
Ashley-Brook Lane, Helena AL
621-3100
www.helenafamilydentistry.com
Emergency appointments are always welcomed! New in town? We’re always happy to see new patients.
Some Friday appointments available! WE ACCEPT: Blue Cross • Southland • Guardian • Delta Dental No representation is made that the quality of dental services to be provided is superior to the quality of services provided by other dentists.
SENIOR SOFTBALL ANYONE?
The Russ Arthur Senior Softball Association (RASSA) is looking for you! Anyone 55 years or older who loves playing softball and is interested in getting some exercise and sharing some camaraderie, please join us on the softball field for our 2015 season (which runs from March through October). RASSA sponsors Tuesday and Thursday morning leagues at West Homewood Park. There are four teams each
morning and games are played at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. The annual cost per league is $35 plus $10 for the uniform shirt, which you keep. If you are interested, please contact Ed Girard, RASSA Commissioner, at the following email address: edward.girard@ farmersinsurance.com Think you are too old? Our oldest player is 87, and quite a few are over 70. You will be amazed at the talent on the field at all age levels though!
25
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36 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
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For beginners, ages 6 to 10-Years-Old CALL NOW: 563-9484 erin.trapolino@gmail.com Registration available online www.OldTowneMusicHelena.com
The Movoto Real Estate Company has named Helena the safest city in the state! Movoto Real Estate is a national online real estate brokerage. The company recently published a list of their 10 Safest Cities in Alabama (which they call the gem of the south) on their blog, and Helena tied with Vestavia Hills for the number one spot! “Congratulations to Helena, not only for making first place
this year, but last year as well,” said the blog entry for the city. “So just why is this city so safe— still? That would be because, once again, it had the fewest property crimes per person and therefore the fewest total crimes per person in the state.” The post continues on to say that in 2013, Helena had only 187 crimes (169 property
crimes and 18 violent crimes) and no murders. “With such low numbers in all of our categories, Helena residents had just a 1 in 93 chance of being the victim of a crime, which is by far the lowest in the state.” The information Movoto used for this years’ list came from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2013 uniform crime report
for all Alabama cities with populations higher than 10,000. “Alabama may be known as the Heart of Dixie, but these 10 places are the heart, or hearts, of safety. You know what we mean,” the blog joked. To view the full list or for more information, visit Movoto. com/blog/top-ten/safest-placesin-alabama-2013.
The 90lb Helena Huskies had a great season The 90lb Helena Huskies football team had a great record this year at 7-1, advancing to the 2nd round of the playoffs and placing 2nd in the Jefferson championship game. Congratulations, athletes!
Big thanks to the coaches: Head Coach-Jamie Cummins; Assistant Coaches- Kyle Woods, Eric Bouler, Richie Tucker, Kip Hale, Chris Copeland and Joey Reborto.
It’s About Time Urgent Care in Helena does everything most other urgent care facilities do—with ONE big difference. We are professionals you know —Professionals you can trust to meet your needs again and again. It’s more than your time that’s important to us, it’s you as a person and a neighbor. That’s what drives us to provide much more than just prompt care for the treatment of urgent medical needs.We specialize in individualized care with an emphasis on obtaining your best possible outcome using our years of experience, onsite
digital X-ray, EKG, and select lab services. So when minor illnesses and injuries strike your family, look no further than It’s About Time Urgent Care for quality, compassion and, of course, convenience. We are working hard to be ready to serve the public late February/Early March and will be located at 225 Helena Market Place next to the Walmart Neighborhood Market. After opening, the hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9A.M. to 4P.M. The owners, Dr. Deborah
Stanford, MD and Elizabeth Deslattes, DNP, FNP-BC, RN are committed to high quality care for their patients. We look forward to serving our friends and neighbors in the Helena community. Look for a fun and exciting grand opening event, free to the public in April. Until then,
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TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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38 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
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Helena’s Founder’s Day
A celebration Sponsored by: The Helena Historic Preservation Committee April 18th, 2015 “FOLK ART” Purpose: To allow our entire community to participate in Helena’s Founder’s Day Celebration.
What is Folk Art? Remember being a kid and going to the county fair? Remember having your parents DRAG you through the tent that had the cross-stitching, crocheting, knitting, painting, and rows and rows of canned items in those wonderful mason jars? Folk Art is exactly that. If you are a member of the community and do these things and more, we want you to enter. Apply for entry by April 1, 2015.
How do I apply? Fill out the form on the back of this page and mail to the following before April 1, 2015: Helena Municipal Building ATTN: Helena Historical Preservation Committee/Folk Art 816 Hwy 52 East Helena, Alabama 35080
Someone will email you with the time and location to turn in your items.
What can I enter? Here is the list of categories and sub-categories: Clothing and Textiles: Needle Works: ~Crocheting
~Sewing
Scarf Hat Gloves Shawls Sweaters
Shirts, Blouses Coat, Jacket Dress Ensembles Smocking Vest
~Knitting Scarf Hat Gloves Shawls Sweaters
Cross Stitch Needle Point Knooking Needle Lace Quilting Applique Embrodiery
Crochet Knitting Tatting Lucet Braiding Tapestry
Preserved Foods:
Woodworking:
Pickles Jellies, Jams, and Marmalades Preserves Relishes Sauces
Small Furniture ~Doll ~Usable Plaques Wood Engraving Boxes Kitchen Goods Dispensers Misc
Feel free to tear out this page and use the bottom as your submission form.
Folk Art Application Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________________________________ Email (For Communication Purposes): ___________________________________________ Category: __________________________________________________________________ Subcategory: ________________________________________________________________ Description of item: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Category: __________________________________________________________________ Subcategory: ________________________________________________________________ Description of item: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
39
H E L E N A’ S C O M M U N I T Y O F FA I T H A.M.E. New Bethel A.M.E. Church Highway 261 • 201-5531 Rev. Wilma Merriweather Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM
BAPTIST CrossBridge Community Church Starkey Street (off 261) • 621-2695 Pastors Harris Cook & Bruce Squires crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 PM
First Baptist Church Helena
815 Highway 52 E • 663-7879 Sr Pastor Greg Walker • fbhelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM & 6:00 PM
Gospel Light Baptist Church
5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor Steve Kilpatrick • glbcbham.com Sunday Bible Study 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Highway 261 • 663-5257 Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM
EPISCOPAL Lamb of God Charismatic Episcopal
New Elam Baptist Church Cunningham Drive • 663-2230 Rev. Lester Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM
New Vision Christian Church
2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org 5140 County Road 17 • 378-8022 Sunday Corporate Prayer 9:00 AM Rev. Glenn E. Davis • lambofgodcec.org Sunday Worship 10:15 AM Children’s Church 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
Riverside Baptist Church
1919 Highway 52 W • 426-1910 Pastor JJ Stanbridge • rbchelena.org Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Sunday Bible Study 10:30 AM
Shiloh Baptist Church
6700 County Road 13 • 424-4539 Pastor Randy Keef Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
Voice of Faith Int’l Ministries
2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Rev. Mary Bendall • helenaumc.org Sunday Worship 8:30, 11:00, 11:02 AM
The Church at Cahaba Bend
CHRISTIAN—DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Grace Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 869 Highway 52 • 426-1233 Pastor Tommy Morgan gracechristianchurch.org Sunday School 9:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 • 620-4575 Evgs Curtis Flatt & Bryan Moody church-of-christ.org Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM
PRESBYTERIAN Christ Community Church
3721 Highway 52 W • 621-8060 Rev. Lori Carden • cahababend.org Sunday School 9:15 AM Contemporary Worship 10:30 AM
Meets at Helena Intermediate • 621-6248 Pastor Phil Chambers • cccbham.org Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
NAZARENE Trinity Church of the Nazarene
3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Pastor Mike Ensminger helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM
Helena Cumberland Presbyterian
Laurel Woods Dr. & Hwy 58 • 664-4659 Rev. David Shirer • nazarene.ch/trinity/ Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Sunday Worship 7:00 & 10:00 AM Thursday Bible Teaching 10:00 AM
METHODIST Helena United Methodist Church
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Cornerstone Church 2694 Highway 58 • 663-9332 Rev. Tim Trimble cornerstonechurchhelena.org Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM
Our community of faith offers many services and programs year-round. Please visit the church’s website for additional information about upcoming events and programs.
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Jim Parks, Rio’s help raise nearly $6,500 for Wounded Warrior Project
Jim Parks, far right, poses with (left to right) Pub 261 owner Mike Sarvaunt, veteran Tom Long, Rio’s co-owner Crystal Hamrick, and veteran Ron Holley.
Jim Parks truly is one of the most interesting men in Helena. In December, he had a fruitful conversation in Rio’s Bar and Grill with Mike Sarvaunt, owner of Pub 261. “Mike told me, ‘If you grow a beard for a month, I’ll donate $100 to a charity of your choice,’ and I thought, ‘all I have to do is not shave—this will be the easiest $100 I ever earned for a good cause,” Jim said. But Jim suggested Mike grow a beard too, and from there it developed into a competition: who could grow a beard and raise the most money for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) by Groundhog Day? In just seven weeks, Jim, representing Rio’s, raised $3,910, and Mike, representing Pub 261,
raised $2,527, for a total donation of $6,437 to WWP. “We took a $100 challenge to nearly $6,500, because people really care,” Jim said. “The compassion people have for Wounded Warriors is great. I have a new respect for people because of how they care and how selflessly they gave to the cause.” Originally, Jim thought it would be fantastic to raise $500, but after Christmas, Mike countered with a higher goal: for the two men to raise more than $1,000. Within a few weeks, they had already reached, and extended, that goal, which spurred the men on to gather even more donations. “People commented on my beard wherever I went. I
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would say, ‘I’m growing it out as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project,’ and almost before the words were out of my mouth, people were practically throwing money at me,” Jim said happily. “I’m just a guy with a beard. I’m not even a vet. I’m just a pretty face—a face some friends of mine think looks better behind this beard.” He continued, “But veterans, those guys come back home shaken up, even blown up—and the government treats them like spent equipment. It takes family and a community like this to help take care of them.” Jim and the good folks at Rio’s know a lot about bringing a community together to help those in need—in the two years the bar has been open, co-owner Crystal Hamrick has organized fundraising events so often that more than $50,000 has been donated to charities, local families in need and more. “This is the most giving bar I have ever seen,” Jim said. “No other business in this area gives so much back to the community. There have been times Crystal didn’t have the chance to meet someone in need, but she helped them out anyway.” Crystal, however, points to community leaders and regulars like Jim for helping out along the way. “We contribute what we can, but the real givers are our fantastic patrons,” she said humbly. “Whenever we host an
event, everybody comes out to support the cause. You can just feel the support from the Helena community.” Matt Predmore is one of those regulars at Rio’s. He grew up with a lot of respect for two of his uncles, who were Navy Seals, so he feels a personal connection to the WWP. “He was our biggest contributor,” Crystal said. “One Saturday night at Rio’s, he matched every donation up to $500. It was a blessing.” Pub 261 had a major contributor during the competition, too: a regular who goes by Sarge. When this decorated veteran heard about the WWP fundraiser, he donated a slew of items to be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Mike’s team. “Just because the initial challenge date has passed does not mean that we aren’t still taking donations,” Mike clarified. “Many items are still up for auction on the Facebook group Wounded Warrior Auction Items.” A huge thank you to Rio’s Bar and Grill, Pub 261 and all of their fantastic staff and patrons for making this fundraiser a success.
GRADY’S
All Seasons Lawn Maintenance Call 205-451-7997 Today! Cut, Trim, Blow, Pine Straw, Mulch, Shrub Maintenance, and Leaf Blowing If you grow it, we‘ll mow it! We are MAID for your lawn! (Get it?) Ask about our refer a friend program.
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
41
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL… We’re the Home of the Free Because of the Brave!
SGT Jon M. Aaron
SSG Jay Gortney
4/14 K CO (DET B), UNIT 43671, FPO AP 96426-3671; Al Anbar, Iraq; Karen Dickinson’s son
ARNG; 20th Special Forces; Iraq; April’s husband
SGT Steven M Bennett
USA; Ranger; Scofield BKS, HI; John Gray’s son, Lauren & Ryan Gray’s brother
USA; Paratrooper/Rigger; Fort Benning, GA; Clara & Ken Lorino’s son
APO3 David R. Black
USN; USS Stennis; Bremerton Wa.; Ruth and Perry Black’s son
SGT Brooks Gray
AMN Brad Hubbard
SPC Brad Bokenkamp
USAF Fort Gordon - Augusta, GA Rod & Susan Hubbard’s son
SFC Eric Bond
USA; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Ruth Meadows grandson, Kimberly’s husband, Bonnie Hubbard’s brother
USA; HHB 210 Field Artillery Brigade, 21D: Camp Casey, South Korea; Ed & Amy Bokenkamp’s son
SPC Michael Hubbard
USA; 82nd ABD, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Paul Zimmerman’s cousin
SRA Mitch Braswell
USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Mike & Judi Braswell’s son
PVT Vincent Brown
USMC; Chesapeake, VA; Leonetta Prevo’s son
SGT Dallas C Caviness
SPC Eric Hunley
USA; Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI; Carol Darrenkamp’s son, Jon & Stephen’s brother
LT James Brooks Dickey
USN; Carmel Pacific Ridge, 5925 Linda Vista Rd Apt #1323, San Diego, CA 92110; Charlie & Janie Brooks & Janet & Dennis Dickey’s son
AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks
USN; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Joe & Tammy Williams’ son, Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor’s grandson
LCPL Jared M. Fitzgerald
USMC; 9th Communication Battalion; Camp Pendleton; CA 92055 Rosemarie Butler’s son and Jeff’s stepson, Justin and Tyler’s brother
Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin D. Gilbert USCG, Machinery Technician; Key West, FL; Leslie’s husband, Annette & Dan Duffy’s son-in-law
SPC Patrick D. Sharp
USA; 3rd Inf. Div., 1-30 Inf.; Ft. Stewart, GA; Jesi Mason Squires’s father, Bruce & Tammy son, Aubrey & Austin’s brother
Lt. Commander David Kang
ARNG; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Andrea & AnnaBelle’s father
CW3 Corey Lefebvre
USAF; 552nd TRS; Tinker AFB, OK; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son
SGT Jacob S. Lenoir
USMC; 3-23 Inf; Baton Rouge, LA; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son
Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik B. McKenzie
USMC; VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS; New River, NC; Keith & Sherill Vansant’s son
2nd Lt. Jacob Allen Meins
USAF, Special Operations Command; Kathy Meins Martin’s son
USAR; Afghanistan; Kathie’s husband, Maggie’s dad, Bette Ward’s son, Michelle (Lin) Saville’s brother
MSG Jacqueline M. Moore
Adam Walton
ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Amy’s husband, Colin & Gavin’s father
USA; Fort Rucker, AL.; Tom Lefebvre’s son
2nd Lt Eric C Darrenkamp
SPC Dwight A Rosse Jr.
USA; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, KY; Dwight & Michelle Rosse’s son, Britney & Carlton’s brother
CPL Michael Jeffries
1st Lt. William B. Cofer
USN; Norfolk, VA; Mike & Claudia Daniel’s son, Justin, Tatum & Autumn’s brother
Lt. Colonel David Russell Rigg
ALARNG; National Guard Bureau Headquarters; The Pentagon Shirley & Rusty Rigg’s son & Kim Rigg’s brother
USA; 82nd ABD; Al Asad, Iraq; Shawn Sharp’s son
USN; Japan; Stanley & Sue Kang’s son, Sunny Kang’s brother
CPO Austin C. Daniel
PFC Casey B. Reitz
USMC, MCSF Battalion, Naval Submarine Base, King’s Bay, GA; Tom and Suzi’s son, brother of Tommy, Joey, and Emily.
ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Mike & Barbara Hunley’s son; late Chris Hunley’s brother
USA; 172 Inf. Brigade; Germany; Rebecca’s husband, Norah’s father, Rhonda’s son & Devin’s brother USA; Fort Campbell, KY; Dorothy & Jim Cofer’s son, Deborah’s brother
SGT Peter J. “Pete” Reese
ARNG; 152nd MP Co.; Lauren’s husband; Kai, Sam, Dalton, Brook & Kaiti’s father
USA; Sniper Unit of 1-64 Inf; Fort Stewart, GA; Beth Eades’ son, Caitlyn’s husband USN; USS Curtis Wilber, Yokosuka, Japan; Bond & Lisa McKenzie’s son, Brooke’s brother, Megan’s husband
USA, 387th; Wichita, KS; Leroy E. Lucas’ wife, Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris’ mom
SSGT Christopher S. Murphy
USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Jack & Karen Murphy’s son, Alyssa’s husband
LT Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager
USN; US Navy Hospital (Balboa)-Physician’s Asst., San Diego, CA; Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager’s daughter
Chief Petty Officer Termaine J. Pruitt
USN; NAS Pensacola, FL; Termaine Jr, Trevorn, Chelicia & Tristin’s father, Janice & Austin Pruitt’s son
SPC Ashley Bruce Squires CPL Rodney Stephens 2LT John M Traylor, Jr PFC Zachary S Traylor
SGT John Christian Vansant Major Maxwell B. Ward
USN; USS Nimitz; Randy & Peggy Walton’s son, Annalee’s brother
PFC Zachary Walton
USA; 3-1 Cav. Regt. Delta Troop; Ft Benning, GA; Becky Click’s son, Alex Walton & Sydney Mollica’s brother, Amber’s husband
FC3 William J. Welch
USN; USS Lake Erie, Pearl Harbor, HI; Devinne Brooks’ husband
E3 Spencer R. Wood
USN Corpman; Balboa Hospital; San Diego, CA Rish & Christa Wood’s son, Whitney Brown’s stepbrother
E-mail Helena active duty military personnel’s name, address and where they’re stationed to helenacitynews@aol.com. If your loved one has returned, PLEASE let us know so that we can keep our prayer list current. Thank you!
H. EMMANUEL SCOZZARO, JR. ATTORNEY "Legal Counsel That Believes in Counseling" • Adoption • Divorce • Child Custody & Support • Criminal & DUI • Personal Injury • Wills & Estates
205-624-3367 | 1-844-333-6762 scozzarolaw@gmail.com www.scozzarolaw.com 3965 Helena Rd., Helena, AL 35080
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
42 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Colonel Ellis D. Bingham pens new book Colonel Ellis D. Bingham, at 84, has an incredible recall for history as well as details from every year of his long life. He shared some youthful memories recently before talking about the book he has written. Published in 2012, its title is Wake Up America Before It’s Too Late! Born in Louisville, KY, his parents divorced when he was six months old, so Col. Bingham was raised by his grandparents until the age of nine. “I’m 1/6 Cherokee,” he points out, “and I began hunting with my grandfather when I was five. He taught me to shoot a .410 shotgun, but I carved a bow from Osage orange wood, and I came to be pretty good with that bow.” The young Bingham would hunt in a nearby field where pheasants were plentiful, but one day was noticed by local police as he walked home with “two dinner pheasants” and was thus driven to his grandparents for a little interrogation. “Oh, I cried, and they let me keep the bow, but not the arrows. Of course, there were more of those to be had at Sears,” he grinned. When he reached intermediate school, he discovered he could shorten the walk to school by walking along the railroad tracks, jumping on the train and hopping off near the school. “This lasted
about three weeks before I was caught,” he recalls. Afterwards, he was sent to Millersburg Military Institute. Meanwhile, his mother had moved to Detroit where she hosted an early women’s talk show on WJPK radio called My Ladies House. He entered the University of Michigan in 1948. By 1950 the Korean War had begun and after hearing that one of his cousins in the Second Tank Battalion was trapped in the Chosen Reservoir, he “ran off” to join the Marines. He arrived on Paris Island December 28, 1950. In March 1951, he graduated from PFC at the top of his class. Headed home again, his bus stopped in Nashville, TN, where “I had never seen so many beautiful girls. I said then, I want to marry a girl from Tennessee.” As U.S. Marine Corps private, he served as a light machine gunner from June 1951-July 1952. His 5th Regiment was integral in the last major offensive of the war, dubbed “Heartbreak Ridge” from which only 66 of the 244 American soldiers made it out alive. In an explosion, he lost a portion of his hearing when his eardrums were blown out. He spent two years on the USS Antietam, was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and then met the woman of his dreams, Joanne Crane, who was indeed from Tennessee. They were married for 51 years prior to her passing in 2007. They raised two children, Ellis D. Bingham III and Jacqueline Ann Bingham. With his young family underway, Col. Bingham transferred to the Army as a combat signal officer /parachutist. He spent time in Germany with VII Corps Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Company and is a lifetime member of the 75th Airborne Rangers. He also served in Vietnam (1966-67) in combat as an S2 Intelligence Officer; and spent the years until 1973 in other military
capacities. He then served as Communications Engineer/Analyst to the Joint Chiefs of Staff J6 and was promoted to Colonel. After retiring from his second career as Director for Environmental Services in Fauquier County, Virginia, the Binghams moved to Helena in 2004. “History is now repeating itself,” Col. Bingham believes, “and we are on the verge of another Sodom/Gomorrah. Muslim history shows that since 621A.D., their goal in the world is to create chaos.” “I am an analyst and I bring those observations to the insidious plot to destroy our Christian heritage and American way of life.” The cover statement of Col. Bingham’s book says it presents “seven situations that, if not acted upon and corrected, will destroy this great nation. All nations should realize that if America, as the world knows it, is destroyed, the ‘free’ will cease to exist.” “My book,” Col. Bingham says, “is written as a soldier.” It is
available online at Books-a-Million and Amazon. Col. Bingham welcomes the opportunity to speak to local groups and clubs about his book or any of the subjects covered therein. He asks to be contacted at 205-621-7783.
Top: Colonel Bingham poses with his new book in his home. Left: The Colonel when he was stationed in Vietnam 1967. Above: The Colonel as the 1973 Analyst to the Joint Chiefs of Staff J3. Below: The Colonel when he was an S2 Intelligence Officer in the Airborne Brigade – 1st Calvary Division.
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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University of Montevallo 2014 fall graduates Almost 200 students received their diplomas at fall commencement at the University of Montevallo December 12. The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Lawrence J. DeLucas, a former payload specialist for NASA and a professor in the department of optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Following the address, Dr. John W. Stewart III, president of the University of Montevallo, W. Formentano Sarah Hitchcock Crystal Mahan Littlejohn Austin T. Peek Abbey Renee Rice Astria Ashley Smith 44 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
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conferred degrees on 150 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 42 candidates for master’s degrees and six candidates for the educational specialist degree. After students received their diplomas, Mike Malone, president of the UM National Alumni Association, inducted graduates into the 27,000-member organization. Helena Helena Helena Helena Helena Helena
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When you are told, “Your tests are normal, it’s all in your head,” how does that make you feel? Continual weight gain Life-altering fatigue Depression Insomnia Hair loss Constipation Brain fog Memory loss Irritability
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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MONDAYS Exercise Classes, Helena Senior Center, 10:00 AM Police Explorers, Explorer Training Facility, 4:00-7:00 PM Fire Explorers, Station 2, 5:00 PM TUESDAYS Kiwanis, Helena Senior Center, 7:00 AM; 3rd Tues. 5:30 PM Story Time, Jane B. Holmes Public Library, 11:00 AM THURSDAYS Exercise Classes, Helena Senior Center, 10:00 AM Story Time, Jane B. Holmes Public Library, 11:00 AM
February
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14th - HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 15th - Helena Historic Preservation Committee, Helena Museum, 2:30 pm 16th - Presidents Day: Shelby Co. Schools and Offices Closed - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 19th - Friends of the Jane B. Holmes Library Meeting, Library, 6:00 pm 20th - Helena Elementary PTO Spirit Day - Deadline to register for HMS Dance Moms Chili Cook-off Feb. 28 21st - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org 24th - Helena Lions Club Meeting, San Antonio Grill, 7:00 pm 26th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 28th - HMS Dance Moms Chili Cook-off, Helena Amphitheater, Registration begins at 5:30 am, Judges announced at 12:00 noon - Kiwanis 11th Annual Pancake Breakfast, Helena Elementary Cafeteria, only $5 for pancakes & beverage of choice, 7:00 am-12:00 pm
March
2nd - Helena Intermediate Book Fair March 2-6 - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 3rd - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 am, for meeting site visit helenabusinessassociation.com or their Facebook page 4th - Emergency Siren Test, 10:00 am 8th - Daylight Savings Time Begins (Spring Forward One Hour) 9th - Shelby Co. Schools Teacher Workday/Prof. Dev.–No Students 10th - Helena Lions Club Meeting, San Antonio Grill, 7:00 pm 15th - Helena Historic Preservation Committee, Helena Museum, 2:30 pm 16th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 19th - Friends of the Jane B. Holmes Library Meeting, Library, 6:00 pm 20th - Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday, Feb. 20-22 21st - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org 24th - Helena Lions Club Meeting, San Antonio Grill, 7:00 pm 26th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 30th - Shelby Co. Schools Spring Break March 30-April 3
April
3rd - First Fridays in Old Town: Dining, Arts & Music, 6:00-9:00 pm 6th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 7th - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 am, for meeting site visit helenabusinessassociation.com or their Facebook page 8th - 5K Pre-Registration Helena Elementary, 7:00-11:00 am, For info call 682-5540 - Emergency Siren Test, 10:00 am 9th - 5K Pre-Registration Helena Elementary, 12:00-6:00 pm, For info call 682-5540 10th - Helena Elementary Spring Fling 2015, 5:30-10:00 pm, For info call 682-5540 11th - Helena Elementary Spring Fling 2015, 10:00 am-8:00 pm, For info call 682-5540 12th - Helena Elementary Spring Fling 2015, 1:00-5:00 pm, For info call 682-5540 14th - Helena Lions Club Meeting, San Antonio Grill, 7:00 pm 16th - Friends of the Jane B. Holmes Library Meeting, Library, 6:00 pm 18th - Founders Day, Helena Amphitheater, 10:00 am-3:00 pm - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org
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The Brown Family: living with a Sickle Cell Warrior
“Living with a son who has Sickle Cell means that we’ve had to become advocates and educators for him,” says Helena resident Gwen Brown, speaking of her son Jakkob. She is happy to report that Jakkob, who has Sickle Cell SS, the worst form of the disease, just celebrated his ninth birthday. “He can be up one minute and down the next, which makes planning difficult and can confuse people who don’t know about the disease.” Sickle Cell anemia is a disease that affects the shape of red blood cells. The sickle or crescent shape of the cells means they cannot carry as much oxygen as normal red blood cells, and they are more likely to block blood flow, causing pain, organ damage and other issues. Acute chest syndrome is common in those with sickle cell, and often, the spleen is quickly compromised due to the small healthy red blood cell supply. Thankfully, Jakkob has yet to suffer these more serious “side effects.” However, “if Jakkob has what others would consider a ‘lowgrade fever’ of 99.5, that is a code yellow for us, which means a trip to the pediatrician or ER,” his father Eric said. “We tell his teachers, ‘Our son is vibrant and active; if he gets quiet and still, do not second guess it, call us.” Before Jakkob, Gwen and Eric were both unaware that 46 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
they carried the sickle cell trait— meaning each of them had one parent with the trait. When both parents have the trait, the chance of one of their children developing the disease is highly likely. Jakkob describes what he feels when the sharp sickle cells block one of his blood vessels: “It feels like needles are sticking me.” The Browns refer to this, anytime it happens, as a “pain crisis.” Often, a heating pad, rest and drinking water can get him through a crisis. “Sometimes we have to turn into sergeants to get him to move when he is in pain,” Gwen said. “We don’t like seeing him in pain, but he has to make himself move to get his blood flowing again.” Other times, a trip to the ER is necessary. Thankfully, saying “sickle cell” in an ER moves you through the wait very quickly, and a simple saline drip can get his blood moving again. Now Jakkob has been pricked for IVs, transfusions and blood work so many times that he has scars, so they try to go to his pediatrician as often as possible. “We have a great bond with our pediatrician, Jeffrey Stone at Greenvale Pediatrics. He is hugely compassionate and has great bedside manner,” Gwen said. “And we trust each other. If he thinks the crisis is minor, he treats Jakkob. If he thinks we should go to the ER, we go
immediately. If he thinks a crisis might pass, he tells us to go home, because he knows we will monitor him and take action if anything changes. If he isn’t in the office when a crisis occurs,
we just go to the ER instead.” Once in the ER for more than a saline drip, it’s a whole different ballgame. Gwen describes keeping alert through doctor visit after hospital visit, writing down all Jakkob’s medical information and history in a Self Care notebook. “Once we started referencing medications he’s taken in the past, what has worked and what hasn’t, doctors finally started taking notice and heeding what Jakkob and I were telling them. It all goes back to being an advocate, teaching him to speak up for himself about his health.” Since it affects the blood, sickle cell can also lead to more infections, and situations that would be no problem for other
Sickle Cell cont. parents often send the Browns right back to the ER. For example, getting in and out of a pool is a risk because the quick changes in temperature “confuse the blood,” according to Gwen. “One day, Jakkob did a flip off the couch and didn’t tell us because he didn’t think anything was wrong. We ended up in the ER that night—he had given himself a hairline fracture, which caused a blockage and pain crisis,” Eric described. “Incidents like that are why we really push for him to tell us anytime something could have possibly gone wrong.” Gwen agreed, explaining that they have had to become experts on Sickle Cell themselves so they can educate Jakkob’s friends and teachers on the condition. “We encourage teachers to educate the classroom on sickle cell so the students know why Jakkob is out sick so often. That way,
when a student asks, ‘why do you get to drink water or have a snack when we can’t?’ his classmates can say, ‘It’s because he has sickle cell, remember?’ And that support means so much to him.” The support first had to come from the family, and the Browns will be the first to admit it’s been a hard road. “We used to live in such fear... but we finally realized if we didn’t learn to embrace this, the disease would have taken him out,” Gwen said. “In the sickle cell community, we call those afflicted ‘warriors,” because this disease doesn’t have time for the weak. Our faith keeps us going.” Eric agreed, “We have embraced our faith. God has gotten us through so much already.” And they may have more to get through on the road ahead. Sometimes, Jakkob’s body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs quickly enough because of his
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“It is hard for him to deal with sudden changes in plans when Jakkob gets sick, but he understands and tries. They all have learned to adapt and be strong for each other.” The next hurdle for the Browns? Trying to organize a city-wide blood drive in Helena to help raise awareness about Sickle Cell. “Look at Jakkob’s face, remember he is someone from your community—you can donate blood to help him,” Gwen said. “Eric and I can’t donate blood because we have the sickle cell trait, but we do regularly donate platelets to give back.” In the meantime, the Browns are content to enjoy life together, one day at a time. “Life is short, Gwen concluded. “When Jakkob is having a good day, we want to be there with him, if at all possible. We embrace each day with him.”
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anemia, and he also has asthma. So, last year, he had his adenoids removed to help lessen problems with sleep apnea—and was out of school a month to recuperate. Thankfully, he is protected under a 504 Plan, which means the staff at HES works with the Browns to come up with a plan to help him finish work when he is out due to sickness. For example, after surgery, his teacher came by after school every day to teach him what he missed. “Since he started school in Helena, we haven’t had to worry about his school work. The teachers have been so good with meeting with us,” Gwen said. “The support of educators is essential.” Also essential is the support of his siblings: the 16-year-old Hannah, who loves books, and the 15-year-old EJ, who loves to draw. “EJ has autism, so he likes to have a routine,” Gwen said.
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47
Three Helena residents complete Star Wars Rebel Challenge in Disneyland
The Force is strong with Russ Stringer, his son Kyle and Kyle’s girlfriend Caitlyn Wood, as the trio traveled out to California to take part in the runDisney Star Wars Rebel Challenge event over the weekend of January 16. Running has been a means to achieve a healthier, more active life for Russ since 2011 when he tore an ACL and meniscus. It was a wake-up call when his father died after saying he wanted to be there for Russ the next time he ran a race. “I knew I needed to start training to be in better health for Kyle, so I could be there for him when he needed me,” Russ said.
He ran in the runDisney Dopey Challenge at Disney World with friend and fellow Helena resident Jim Doris in 2011, followed by Birmingham’s Mercedes Marathon in 2013—but a broken leg later that year put him out of commission for a while. “I had to get back into running shape as soon as I could after physical therapy,” Russ said. “What we started as a family, we’ll finish as a family!” Kyle, who ran in high school and college and has a higher fitness level, is pushing himself for faster times. Caitlyn, who is a dancer instead of a runner, joined in so she could see the park for her first time. “I told Kyle I’d run a half-marathon if it meant I got to go to Disnleyland,” she laughed. Indeed, many of the marathons and other events set up by Run Disney (like the Tinker
Russ poses with actor Sean Astin following their completion of the Rebel Challenge this year.
Bell half-marathon or Glass Slipper Challenge) are more a social event than a race. “We weren’t in it for a personal record, but for personal achievement—we wanted Caitlyn to experience what Kyle and I did after our first race,” Russ said. The Thursday before the race, all three attended an expo to receive their free shirt and number, followed by a Wookie Welcome Party that included Chewie Wookie Cookies and a few hours in Tomorrowland. On Friday, they took a park tour, caught the ride from Cars and saw the Aladdin show. Saturday was the 10K leg of the challenge, and Sunday was the final half-marathon. The trio was able to explore the park each day after recovering from their races, as well as briefly on Monday before heading home. Russ even met actor Sean Astin of Rudy and Lord of the Rings fame, who also completed the Rebel Challenge this year. “Competitors” dressed up in all manner of Star Wars and other costumes for each race that weekend–including Kyle and Caitlyn, who ran as Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa. “I saw a couple people attached together in an AT-AT Walker costume, who walked the length of the race that way,” Russ said. They agreed running solo in a group is preferable to attempting something highly coordinated like that. But who knows, they might change their minds before the next race. But will there be a “next race” for everyone? “It was a good challenge and fun
to do, but I don’t know if there will be a second race for me,” Caitlyn laughed. “The best part of the race is that I don’t have to train anymore! But I definitely shed a few happy tears after accomplishing this goal.” With 30-minute runs twice a week and distance running on Saturdays as training, one can understand where Caitlyn, who doesn’t like running, would get tired of it all. “Training is a lot harder than the marathons themselves,” Kyle expressed. “The adrenaline that kicks in during a race makes running a lot easier.” But unlike Caitlyn, Kyle and his dad now say they are “addicted” to running, and have begun pushing each other on their runs together in Helena. “We’ve formed a closer bond talking while running, and that father-son connection has made training a lot better,” Russ said. It’s a good thing they enjoy training, too: he and Kyle have their sights set on the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World in January 2016. Congratulations on your achievements, Russ, Kyle and Caitlyn, and may the Force be with you!
First Friday starts back the ďŹ rst Friday in April! (April 3) Shown here are a few snapshots from our ďŹ nal event of 2014, the December Holiday edition. The short days of December meant it was all after dark. Come out April 3rd to join in the fun of our 2015 lineup!
John Madderra brings snow to Helena with homemade machine With a mechanical engineer for a dad, Joshua and Casey Madderra are always helping him with a project. Pinewood Derby cars here, treehouses there, it seems like Helena native John Madderra is always building, planning or tinkering with something. So in January 2014, when meteorologists were describing an incoming “Polar Vortex,” all John could think was, “What can I do that’s fun during the Polar Vortex?” After researching snow
machines online and discovering just how expensive they can be, he decided to build one himself. “I took my kids to pick up pipe fittings, adapters and a couple other things from local hardware stores,” he said. “I modded this, researched that, made nozzles with drills and a punch, and thought, ‘this might work!’” Using a pressure washer and air compressor he already had, John was able to make his own homemade snow machine. The Madderra driveway has been the testing spot since then for the right combination of water and air going through the machine to make snow. “I’ve learned a lot about the wind, temperature and humidity conditions necessary for snow since then,” John laughed. “It’s fairly easy to make ice, but it’s difficult to make snow!” One trick he learned last year for superb sledding is to
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lay down a layer of ice first, then top it with powder. He brought this into practice in early January when conditions in Helena were just right for snow—pending a little mechanical help from John. “The better I get at tinkering with the levels on the machine, the further I can get the snow to go down the hill in the front yard,” he said, explaining that using the long edge of the river and big hills in Cahaba Falls as the larger testing ground for the machine mean for long sledding trips in the long run. Josh, Casey and their neighborhood friends were certainly glad to get a little taste of snow fun in Helena thanks to their dad, and James Spann even
shared photos from the Madderras on his weather forecast on TV last year. We can’t wait for the next cold front to come through so we can hang out with the Madderras in a Helena winter wonderland!
Parks and Recreation happenings... Hope everyone had a great holiday season full of joy and family fun. As the Spring approaches, Parks and Recreation have a lot of upcoming sports programs. Capital Improvements Two new tennis court signs are being installed at the Joe Tucker Tennis Courts as well as six new Pavilion signs at Cahaba Lily Park and Joe Tucker Park. The batting cage at Joe Tucker Park has been refurbished with a new surface and border. Special thanks to David Higgins and Jake Adams for their hard work helping coordinate this project. A new piece of outdoor adult fitness equipment will be installed at Joe Tucker Park in the very near future. The equipment will be located by the small playground that borders the walking track. Outdoor Pavilions at Cahaba Lily and Joe Tucker Parks Just a reminder as the weather begins to brighten and heat up, you can reserve the outdoor pavilions at Cahaba Lily and Joe Tucker Parks. Please don’t just show up at the pavilion with your group. To reserve a pavilion, call 620-2877.
Senior Center Congratulations to Sue Franklin for being named the President of the Helena Senior Center for 2015. If you would like to get involved at the Senior Center, give Sue Franklin a call at 664-2443. Soccer The Spring soccer season will begin in late March. Teams are being assembled and practices will begin in February. The new athletic field at the Helena Sports Complex will be an additional site for soccer practices and games during the Spring season to compliment our Penhale Park fields. We will have kids ranging from 5-14 years old competing against teams from all over metro Birmingham. Most games will occur on Saturdays, so come check out a game if you have a little free time.
Baseball/Girls Softball Opening Ceremonies are Saturday, March 7th at the Helena Sports Complex. All baseball and softball teams will be recognized. There will be fun activities for all members of the family. Team pictures will also take place that day. We look forward to another exciting season for the kids and coaches. Sponsorship Opportunities If your business would like to be a sponsor for the upcoming
soccer/baseball/softball season, there are some great and affordable opportunities to get your business some great exposure to the community. Your sponsorship will be for 6 months and will get direct exposure to thousands of people. Contact Jason Powers at 6202877 for details. Please visit www.helenaparkandrec.org for any information related to sports programs.
Basketball Our basketball season is beginning to wind down. We have 19 teams playing teams from Pelham/Calera/ Montevallo/Alabaster. The playoffs began the week of Feb. 9th. Good luck to all during the playoffs!
Three American Chestnut trees planted in Joe Tucker Park
On a bright, brisk Saturday in January, the City of Helena was given a gift of three American Chestnut trees by the American Chestnut Foundation. The trees were planted at Joe
Tucker park by members of the Helena Beautification Board under the guidance of Fred Kapp, Educational Liaison at the Green Industry Training Center, and local nurseryman,
Stuart Meyers. The trees will be registered by the American Chestnut Society. Those who helpe d with the planting were Fred Kapp of the Green Industry Web Portal,
Stewart Myers of Myers plants and Pottery, Vice Chairman of the Helena Beautification Board Patrick Wright, Board Member Ana Baker and board volunteer, Peggy Holly.
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Love board games? Christian Wilson may be your new best friend Galaxy Trucker and Space Alert are among the dozens of games he created. “Vlaada’s games are a great blend of elegant European game mechanics and fun American theme games,” he explained. “I started meeting up with friends to play games at the old Joe Muggs at the Summit each Monday, but we quickly outgrew that space,” he related. “The gathering became so large that we had to split into multiple nights in several locations across the Birmingham area.” After writing informally about games on his personal blog for a few years, Christian decided to start his own game review website in 2010, and Meepletown.com was born from that idea. “We post a long-form article every Monday, alternating between game reviews, event coverage and game designer interviews,” he said. And the name he chose really is indicative of the site: a “meeple” is what you call the little playable character pieces in the game Carcassone, a popular European-style game. Christian also wanted to use the site to connect to other game enthusiasts online. After running the site for a few years, Christian received an email from Trine University professor Dr. Derek Thompson in Indiana. “He had been writing game reviews for a while, but not very many people Christian, on the right, and Derek, on the left, had the opportuni- were reading his blog. He had been ty to learn the game Chimera from designer Ralph Anderson (in reading our posts on Meepletown, the center) at GenCon 2014. and wanted to know if he could
Meet Christian Wilson: software security analyst for BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama by day, board game enthusiast by night. He, like many of us, had a rich childhood playing games. He then discovered modern designer board games around 2001 and has been playing non-stop in the 14 years since. Christian’s favorite games are “anything by the game designer Vlaada Chvatil,” who is from the Czech Republic. Dungeon Lords,
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“Meeples” that make up the logo for Meepletown.
write for us,” Christian said. “He teaches a course on psychology in gaming! Of course I welcomed him aboard.” He and Christian’s wife Hillary round out the writers for the site. “I really like the community of people I have met through games, and I want that feeling to pass on through the website,” Christian explained. “I want our readers to get to know us, rather than just posting straight game reviews and nothing else.” So in addition to the reviews, Christian, Derek and Hillary also talk about attending gaming conventions; everything from the huge and hugely successful GenCon in Indiana down to the local Alabama conventions like Imagicon, Alabama Phoenix Festival, and most importantly, Play On Con. Play On Con takes place every year around the 4th of July in the Columbiana 4H Center, and Christian has served as its Gaming Director for the past three years. “It’s all family-friendly games during the day, but there are adults-only rooms at night where we play games that are a little more risque,” he explained. “We want anyone who wants to learn new, fun games to attend our convention!” Recently, Christian has been running games each Wednesday after 6p.m. at The Keep in Alabster, because it’s a lot closer to his home in Helena. He shared that BoardGameGeek.com and Meetup.com have been great tools alongside Meepletown for organizing game nights in the community, and anyone is welcome to join these events too. Generally speaking, the people who come to the game nights are teenagers to older adults. “You get out of the house, hang out with other people and play some really fun games,’ Christian enthused. “We’re always happy to have new players! You just have to be ready to have a good time!”
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53
Kindness Week at HIS HIS kicked off Kindness Week Monday, January 26 in a big way with Mayor Mark Hall, Senator Cam Ward and Superintendent Randy Fuller visiting classrooms and catching up with the excitement of the event planned by School Counselor Renita Matthews. “The Kindness Challenge is something we plan to do all the time, not just an activity for this week. We are challenging all our
900 students to do five acts of kindness each day this week and track them,” Mrs. Matthews explained. “That will total 45,000 acts!” Superintendent Fuller spoke to the students saying, “I may incorporate this into my own resolutions for this year.” Fuller was touched when he was handed a surprise, a neatly written note from student Macie Flynn that read, “Thank you for all that you do. You make all the schools in Shelby County fun and you have to deal with a lot of things, and I thank you for that.” Macie even colored ab orange heart on the note. This presentation and an interview with Fox 6 News Anchor Sarah Verser was taped for the following night’s news. Fuller shared that Teachers schoolwide were wearing t-shirts he has a drawer where donated by www.alabamacheerleadingcenter.com he keeps notes that commemorating the Great Kindness Challenge.
Student Kenna Kimbrell presented Mrs. Paiml with her own note of appreciation. She is shown here at the Great Kindness Challenge bulletin board along with Mrs. Paiml and Mrs. Matthews.
students have written to him over the years and Macie’s note will go there. “I keep them and look at them when things get tough,” he added. On the classroom wall hang reminder signs of encouragement, such as the one that says, “Attitudes Are Contagious. Is Yours Worth Catching?” Senator Cam Ward said of the Kindness Challenge, “A lot of good will come of this.” Mayor Hall said “When you
engage our children in school, it carries home. Who knows what the things they practice this week can turn into?” Principal Kathy Paiml also spoke on behalf of The Kindness Challenge to Fox News saying, “This campaign is also part of our anti-bullying program. The point is for kindness to become habitual.” The event is part of the larger initiative Kids For Peace—You can read more at: www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org/
HES students, teachers dressed up for 100th day of school
We Are 100 Days Smarter! proclaimed the signs at Helena Elementary School on Tuesday, January 20, exactly 100 days into the school year. With strategically drawn-on wrinkle lines, more than a bit of powder in their hair, curlers in 54 Winter 2015 / www.CityOfHelena.org
all colors, canes and some veryold-folkish eyeglasses, the HES students were happy to enact the elderly characters they portrayed that day. “I have been trying to teach in my granny voice all day,” one teacher in her floral housecoat
said “and now I can barely talk!” Brief comments answering the statement, “When I am 100 years old, I will...” were posted in the hallways along with their aged photos. The answers varied from ‘be a nurse,’ ‘babysit kids’, ‘be nice to
everyone’ to ‘be old and wild’. There were also several comments about resting, wearing pajamas and watching TV all day. The really amazing thing to contemplate is the possibilities that life will bring to our children by the year 2107!
River & Cape Montessori Nursery School
For more information, please see our Facebook page.
The first Montessori school in Shelby County to accept infants under 18 months. ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW FOR VERY LIMITED SPACE! Monday through Friday • Exclusively for children 6 weeks through the 3rd year Call Kelly Thomson today at (205) 542-1424 to schedule an appointment and tour. “The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that precedes or follows in the whole life of the child.” –Dr. Maria Montessori, Creator of the Montessori Method
OUR PROGRAM AND ITS INSTRUCTOR: • • • •
Adhere to the methods designed by Dr. Maria Montessori Take advantage of both indoor and outdoor learning experiences Plan menus using the “Dirty Dozen” guidelines and support our local farmers Love and nurture every child that enters our classroom
Every child wants to learn; choosing the right environment makes the difference. For more information, contact Kelly Thomson at (205) 542-1424 or Email her at: RiverAndCapeMontessori@gmail.com. Conveniently located in Helena’s Dearing Downs subdivision off Highway 95.
3RD ANNUAL
Night On The Town Helena Athletic Association ❖
Saturday, February 21, 2015 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm Linc Point off Lakeshore Parkway 101 Oslo Circle, Birmingham, AL 35211
Dinner
Music
Silent Auction
You Do Not Have To Be Present To Win
$100 Donation Ticket Admits Two
Visit www.helenaathleticassociation.org
Hosted By:
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Winter 2015
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Helena City News SHOP HELENA FIRST! P.O. Box 50, Helena, AL 35080 www.MyHelenaCityNews.com www.CityOfHelena.org
MAYOR
PRESORT STD. U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 15 PELHAM, AL
Mark R. Hall
CITY CLERK Amanda Traywick
CITY COUNCIL
Leigh Hulsey Pres. Pro-Tem, Place 1 Mike Jones, Place 2 Cris Nelson, President, Place 3 Leslie Bartlett, Place 4 Hal Woodman, Place 5
POSTAL PATRON
HELENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Spring Fling 2015
Fri, Apr 10 5:30pm- 10:00pm Sat, Apr 11 10:00am- 8:00pm Sun, Apr 12 1:00pm- 5:00pm Carnival rides and food will be on the field behind the school! Armband pricing information will be shared closer to the event. Please come and join us for this fun, familyfriendly event that is Helena Elementary School PTO’s major spring fund raiser. Thank you for supporting Helena Elementary! For additional information, call the school office at 682-5540.
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