Helena - The Magazine August 2022

AUGUST 2022

BUS OF HOPE TRAY WEEMS MAKES MEMORABLE RETURN TO HELENA

LEANING ON EACH OTHER

OUT OF THE

F3 SURVIVES ON FAITH, FITNESS AND FELLOWSHIP

SHADOW ERIC FORT STARTS TREND TO RECOGNIZE GOLD STAR CHILDREN

CityOfHelena.org 1

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City Leadership

A letter from the mayor

With a new town center project in the works, it’s an exciting time to be in Helena July turned out to be a bang of a month with several big events happening. Now, it’s time to direct our thoughts and energy toward going back to school.

As we gear up for August, I would like to provide more information about the Helena Forward Project that was recently approved by the City Council.

The Helena Forward Project is a resolution that was passed on July 11 to enter into a partnership agreement that includes two main projects to 4 CityOfHelena.org

continue moving our city forward in a way that will benefit our residents for many years to come. I know that there have been a lot of questions, so I would like to share with you what the resolution does and how that affects the city and our partners.

This State Amendment 772 Agreement will bring a new town center as well as a sports and leisure complex. Within the town center, the city will build a new municipal building

The Helena Forward Project is going to bring an estimated $86 million economic impact to our city.

US Steel will be “donating” all the land to the city The firm, MKSK, has been listening to the community and the residents’ desires and is an expert now, while also funding several portions of the project. in building comprehensive plans that are actionable A total of $5 million has been secured to develop the for the community on the best way to move forward sports park through federal and state money through with a plan. All of this is to say, the project is on track AML (Abandoned Mine Land) grants.

A developer will pay all the costs with their plans, and they have been with associated with developing the town us every step of the way in developing center. The city will be responsible for this agreement. the $4.58 million of the cost completing The deliverables of this Helena the infrastructure of the town center Forward Project will be the 12 acres site. on the corner of Shelby County 52 and We are not borrowing or dipping into Hillsboro Parkway for the town center any of the reserve funds we built up over and municipal building, and a 50the last few years. Nor are we making acre sports and leisure complex at the any residents pay for this cost. corner of Coalmont Road and Hillsboro We are funding this through the Parkway.

Mayor Brian ARPA funding we received from the The town center will be a mixed-use Puckett federal government. The municipal development that will bring the villagetype atmosphere of living, working and playing while building will be funded by new bond debt service so promoting alternate transportation methods in a there will be no tax increase.

The Helena Forward Project is going to bring an community feel for everyone to enjoy. We are not going to bulldoze all the trees, but will incorporate estimated $86 million economic impact to our city the natural areas throughout the park—similar to Lee and will average approximately $42 million in future annual economic impact on our city for this first Springs Park.

The biggest question I am hearing is how is this phase on the overall Helena Forward Project.

Sign up for the weekly emails for the latest updates. being paid for? The simple answer is that we have Until next month have a great August going back been able to capital stack the funding of this project and will continue to do so, so that we as residents to school. Reminder that traffic will pick back up during the two peak hours of the day. don’t bear all the costs of this project.

Together As One,

-Brian Puckett, mayor of Helena

CityOfHelena.org 5

In this issue FEATURES

26

An inspiring ride Tray Weems makes special return to Helena school bus 09-87

34 Out of the shadow Helena’s Eric Fort brings recognition to Gold Star Children

38

Stronger Together Members of the F3 Nation in Helena reflect on what it means to come together in faith, fellowship and fitness 6 CityOfHelena.org

Follow the new City of Helena

Facebook.com/helenathemagazine

TikTok @CityOfHelenaAL

CONTENT

4

A Letter from the Mayor

8

City Government

THE MAGAZINE

20

Greetings from the Jane B. Holmes Public Library

22

9

City Hall Faces

12

Helena Church Directory

14

Education Q&A: Bryan Pope

18

Marketplace

The Guide

Meet Your Neighbor

In the News

Sports Q&A: Klark Sammis

HELENA

23

Official Publication of the City of Helena

EDITORIAL Alec Etheredge Meg Herndon Michelle Love Anna Grace Moore Emily Sparacino

DESIGN Jamie Dawkins

24

Connor Martin-Lively

49

Daniel Dennis

50

My Helena

Kimberly Myers

PHOTOGRAPHY Keith McCoy Christina Dennis

MARKETING Rhett McCreight Jessica Caudill Tori Montjoy Michaela Hancock

ADMINISTRATION

ON THE COVER Shadow Survivors Eric Fort’s journey to bring recognition to Gold Star Children Photo by Keith McCoy Cover Design by Jamie Dawkins

Need to rent a Pavilion for an upcoming Birthday or Family Reunion?

Rent a City Park Pavilion: cityofhelena.org/parks-recreation/helena-parks/

Publisher Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. 115 North Main Street Columbiana AL 35051 205-669-3131 Daniel Holmes General Manager Mary Jo Eskridge Customer Service Helena - The Magazine is the official publication for the City of Helena that is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. This publication replaces the weekly newspaper Helena Reporter that was produced specifically for the Helena community since 2015.

The magazine is mailed to all households and businesses in the 35080 zip code and will be available year-round throughout the City of Helena. Additional copies may be available at Helena City Hall at 205-663-2161 or info@helenathemagazine.com.

Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Please email advertise@helenathemagazine.com for advertising inquiries.

CityOfHelena.org 7

Utilities and Services Cable, Internet and Phone uAT&T Uverse – 1-888-708-0934 att.com uSpectrum – 1-855-707-7328 spectrum.com uC-Spire, Fiber Internet – 1-855-277-4735 cspire.com Gas uSpire – 1-800-292-4008 spireenergy.com Power uAlabama Power Company – 1-800-245-2244 alabamapower.com Trash Services uRepublic Services – (205) 631-1313 republicservices.com Water and Sewer uHelena Utilities City Water Service (205) 663-1670 LOCAL SCHOOLS uShelby County Board of Education – (205) 682-7000 shelbyed.k12.al.us/ uHelena Elementary School – (205) 682-5540 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hes/index.htm uHelena Intermediate School – (205) 682-5520 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/his/index.htm uHelena Middle School – (205) 682-5300 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hlms/index.htm uHelena High School – (205) 682-3650 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/index.html uHillsboro School - (205) 864-7330 thehillsboroschool.org

City Government Brian Puckett Mayor bpuckett@cityofhelena.org

Alice Lobell

Leigh Hulsey

Christopher VanCleave

Place 3, Council President

Place 1

Place 2

auhulsey@gmail.com

cvancleave@ cityofhelena.org

Laura Joseph

Hewy Woodman

Amanda Traywick

Place 4

Place 5

ljoseph@cityofhelena.org

hwoodman@ cityofhelena.org

City Clerk and Treasurer

alobell@cityofhelena.org

We want to hear from you!

Do you have an issue that City Hall needs to know about?

Please use the City Action Center at cityofhelena.org to get a resolution to your neighborhood issue.

atraywick@ cityofhelena.org

Departments City Hall (205) 663-2161 Fire Department (205) 663-5809 Sports Complex (205) 620-2877 8 CityOfHelena.org

Library (205) 664-8308 Police (205) 663-6499 Utilities (205) 663-1670

THE GUIDE

HELENA HUSKIES 2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Husky pride is alive and well as we ease into football season. Grab your jerseys and your Husky gear and we’ll see you at the games!

AUG. 18: vs. Chelsea at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery AUG. 26: at Buckhorn SEPT. 2: vs. Homewood SEPT. 9: at Chilton County SEPT 16: vs. Pelham SEPT. 23: vs. Jackson-Olin SEPT. 30: at Briarwood OCT. 7: Bye OCT. 14: at Calera OCT. 21: vs. Benjamin Russell OCT. 28: vs. Vestavia Hills CityOfHelena.org 9

AROUND TOWN AUGUST AUGUST 2 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library AUGUST 2 | 6 P.M. National Night Out with Helena Police Department AUGUST 4 | 6:30 P.M. Diversity and Inclusion Round Table Talk at City Hall AUGUST 6 | 8 A.M. – NOON Helena Market Days AUGUST 8 | 6 P.M. City Council meeting at City Hall THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

AUGUST 9 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

First Day of School August brings several exciting new events including the start of a new school year!

Schools in Shelby County will start back on August 11 with staggered start days.

AUGUST 11 | 8 A.M. School year begins in Helena (Staggered start) AUGUST 11 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Old Town Live “Downtown Jukin’” SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Helena Market Days 8 A.M. - NOON Helena’s Amphitheater Park This will be our last Helena Market Days of the year! Market Days are filled with local food vendors, artists, cooking demonstrations and other fantastic options to keep you entertained on Saturday mornings. Here, participants are able to see the varied and diverse creative minds that truly make Helena unique.

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6 P.M. Helena’s Amphitheater Park The city of Helena presents its August installment of Helena Old Town Live. Get down with Jess Meuse, Shootin You Straight and Rollin in the Hay featuring Alabama and Georgia Music Hall of Famer Donna Hall.

AUGUST 12 | 8 A.M. Second staggered start day for Helena schools AUGUST 13 | 8 A.M. – NOON Helena Market Days AUGUST 16 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library AUGUST 18 | 10 A.M. BINGO at the Helena Sports Complex AUGUST 18 | 10 A.M. Mahjong at the Helena Sports Complex AUGUST 20 | 6 P.M. Old Town Live at Amphitheatre Park AUGUST 27 | 8 A.M.-NOON Helena Market Days

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 1 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library SEPTEMBER 5 Labor Day SEPTEMBER 6 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library SEPTEMBER 8 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library SEPTEMBER 12 | 6 P.M. City Council meeting at City Hall SEPTEMBER 13 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library SEPTEMBER 15 | 10 A.M. Senior BINGO at the Helena Sports Complex

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board Round Table Talk 6:30 P.M. Helena City Hall Join the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board for a special presentation from the University of Montevallo’s Dr. Amy Samuels and Dr. Gregory Samuels. The presentation will be a round table discussion about how diversity and inclusion play a role in our everyday lives and how members of the Helena community can celebrate diversity more in today’s world.

CityOfHelena.org 11

Meet Your Neighbor

Pastor Josh Knierim The Church at Old Town

Pastor Josh Knierim has carved out a special place for himself and The Church at Old Town in the Helena community. Knierim has been in ministry for about 18 years, and said when the opportunity to help build TCAOT arose, he was happy to jump at it.

“Our family has always tried to be open to wherever God would lead, but our hope was that God would lead us to a place where we could deeply invest in a community and make a difference in people’s lives,” Knierim said. “As we have seen the church grow and as we have gotten to know folks in the town, we are so grateful that God led us here to Helena.”

The church just hit its one-year anniversary and in that time, Knierim has thrown himself into representing the church and the town in the best ways possible. They’ve participated in several local festivals and holiday celebrations, including hosting the city’s Easter egg hunt where they supplied 8,000 eggs. Knierim said they also enjoy being the hub for the Christmas parade festivities.

Knierim said he wants the church to always be an open door for

anyone and everyone who may be seeking something.

“From the beginning, we have desired to be relevant to the city,” he said. “We believe that we have a responsibility to do our part in caring for the spiritual needs of the people of Helena and the surrounding areas. We know that everyone has some type of struggle in their life, and we would love to be a place of hope and connection.”

He continued that he loves the small-town feel of Helena from the local restaurants to the close-knit relationships. He said it’s clear how the people of Helena love their city, and that’s something he admires greatly.

“I love to see the connections that are being made as folks grow close to one another and as they grow in their faith together,” he said. “As a pastor, it is a blessing to get to know people’s stories and see how God is at work in their lives. Another thing that I love about TCAOT is that we are blessed to have so many children and teenagers at the church. It’s an honor being able to pour into the next generation and help them prepare to navigate this challenging world.”

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In the News GIRL SCOUT CAMP TEACHES YOUNG GIRLS TO REACH FOR STARS Young girls from Shelby County, including Helena, celebrated space and science with an annual Girl Scout camp located in Chelsea. The girls enjoyed crafting, outdoors activities and visits from Star Wars characters.

HUSKIES HAVE STRONG SHOWING WITH POSTSEASON SOFTBALL AWARDS Following a run to the state championship series, the Helena softball team had several players honored on this year’s All-County and All-State teams. The Huskies had seven players named to this year’s All-County team, including Cam Bailey, Ann Marie Stanbridge, Sara Ezekiel, Presley Lively, Alana Scott, Bella Holliday and Alex Erwin. In addition to that, Bailey, Lively and Holliday all made this year’s Class 6A All-State Team.

HELENA HAS 4 NAMED TO ALL-COUNTY GIRLS SOCCER TEAM Helena’s Bailee Washington and RK Hulsey both made this year’s first team, while Miah Rosener made the second team and Abby Blevins was an honorable mention player. All four were key in leading the Huskies to an area title and a spot in the playoffs.

14 CityOfHelena.org

HELENA’S RON ADAIR PREMIERES ART WORK AT SCAC Ron Adair celebrated America’s favorite pastime with his art show at the Shelby County Arts Council. The show highlighted Adair’s portraits of celebrated sports athletes like Babe Ruth and Tim Tebow.

In the News HELENA STEAKHOUSE OPENS ITS DOORS Helena’s Old Town welcomed the newest restaurant endeavor to the block with the opening of the new Helena Steakhouse in June. The restaurant serves classic southern recipes of favorites like mac and cheese and roasted veggies with top-quality beef.

OLD TOWN LIVE CELEBRATES FAMILY WITH JUNE CONCERT Helena families flocked to Amphitheatre Park on Father’s Day weekend to celebrate the return of Old Town Live. The June installment of the concert series celebrated all families with a special performance from cover band Rock & Roll Playhouse, who performed a series of classic rock songs with a family-friendly twist.

CityOfHelena.org 15

In the News 10U HUSKIES WIN DIAMOND CUP STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Members of the 10U Helena Huskies baseball team celebrated a huge win at the State Championship in Cullman. The players won with a score of 8-4 and beamed with pride as they took their win.

HELENA BOYS SOCCER TEAM HAS 5 ON ALL-COUNTY TEAM This year’s All-County boys soccer team had five players from Helena. James Solorio was named to the first team after totaling 21 goals and 10 assists, while Cade Shannon and Cesar Gonzalez combined for 22 goals and 15 assists to earn a spot on the second team. Grant Lavercombe and Luis Robles both represented on the honorable mention list.

SOLORIO, WASHINGTON AND HULSEY EARN ALL-STATE RECOGNITION In addition to their All-County nods following a special season, James Solorio, Bailee Washington and RK Hulsey all were named to this year’s All-State soccer team.

Solorio was named to the boys second team, while Washington and Hulsey both made the girls first team.

FREDDY’S HELENA LOCATION ANNOUNCES OPENING DATE The new Helena location of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has announced it will open its doors on July 26.

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In the News

HELENA CITY COUNCIL HONORS TRACK AND SOFTBALL ATHLETES FOR BIG WINS The Helena City Council honored members of the Track and Field team as well as the Helena softball team for special seasons.

HHS BASEBALL TEAM HAS REPRESENTATION ON ALL-STATE AND ALL-COUNTY TEAMS The Helena baseball team was well represented on postseason lists this season after winning the area championship. On the All-County team, Mitchell Rhodes, Mac Turner and Reece Mims all made the first or second team, while Ryan Storey, Colby Thacker, Logan Barber and Connor Gibbs each made the honorable mention list. On the All-State Team, Storey was an honorable mention player in Class 6A after batting .315 against one of the state’s most difficult schedules.

CityOfHelena.org 17

Sports

KLARK SAMMIS Boys varsity soccer coach for Helena High School

18 CityOfHelena.org

How long have you been the head varsity boys soccer coach?

I have just finished my fifth season at Helena High School.

What made you get into coaching?

Definitely my experiences as a player growing up made me want to continue being around soccer. I am very passionate about the sport, and coaching was a way to fully immerse myself. Also, part of what drew me to becoming a teacher was the possible opportunities for coaching. I was lucky enough that my AD at my first teaching job in Tampa gave me a chance to be an assistant. It was the very next year that I was hired on as a head coach at a different school and I have been a head coach ever since.

What is a moment in your Helena coaching career that stands out to you?

If I were to pick one moment, it would be this past season winning the Falcon Fest tournament up in Huntsville. Our first game of the tournament did not go like we wanted it to, but in our post game conversation the players decided that the rest of the tournament would be different. We went on to win three games straight handley, including a top 10 6A team and a 7A school. It was amazing to see the team decide they wanted to do something and then go out there and accomplish it without looking back.

How does the Helena community compare with other school communities you’ve worked with in the past?

The community is definitely more tight-knit. Some of the players have been playing with each other since they could kick a ball in the back yard all the way up through club and playing for their school. It is really cool to see them reminisce about going undefeated on their U7 team or a goal they remember from middle school. The parents are the same way, some have been coaching their kids and the other athletes on the team since they were 5 years old.

What is the key in building a strong bond between players?

To me, there are two main factors that have been successful for me in helping a team come together.

First, creating accountability by setting standards from the beginning and never wavering. Players begin to hold themselves and their teammates accountable for their actions and form a certain set of expectations. For example, it is not enough to show up to practice, you have to be there on time and practice with intensity. Secondly, taking opportunities to hold team events outside of training and games. Eating a pre-game meal together, having a FIFA tournament, going to a Legion game together. Those moments make a difference.

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Library Update

GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES PUBLIC LIBRARY

I

If you have never visited the library, it is located behind Helena City Hall and next to scenic Joe Tucker Park.

Please visit soon!

As you read this, the library summer reading program for 2022 will officially be complete. Oceans of Possibilities has been a great theme, and there have been some outstanding programs this summer. Special thanks to the City of Helena, library staff, the presenters who visited and most of all to the citizens of Helena who participated.

Fall is rapidly approaching, Library Director and the library is making Dan Dearing plans for a full calendar and new ideas to get you reading.

For families with toddlers and younger children, the library offers the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. It is free and very simple to follow. Start laying the groundwork for reading success with this fun program. Ask for details at the library front desk.

Additionally, Storytime is a great resource for these same patrons. Erin Black does a great job providing an interactive program, and there are all kinds of activities to get you moving every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

For you juvenile readers, keep reading as school starts back, and check out a library program starring your favorite crime stopper, Dog Man! Supa Awesome Dog Man is a program aimed at kids 6-10 and features a how-to-draw activity, coloring sheets, a free bookmark and more. This event will take place Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

Attention Teens: Don’t have a library card? Now is

Please visit the library soon,

20 CityOfHelena.org

the time to ask your parent to help you get one! The library has a growing collection of teen books and great material for young adults. Or download the Libby App to access great e-books and more.

Finally, for adults and seniors, August and September are great months to visit the library. With the summer wrapping up, library staff attention moves to providing great new books, movies and audiobooks for the patrons.

Look for new titles in large print, great new DVD titles and other additions. Stop by the library today!

NEW MOVIES The Bad Guys: Animated; Based on the books by Aaron Blabey Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: Starring Nicolas Cage Ambulance: Starring Jake Gyllenhall Father Stu: Starring Mark Wahlberg NEW BOOKS Escape: By James Patterson Beautiful: By Danielle Steel The 6:20 Man: By David Baldacci Best is yet to Come: By Debbie Macomber Black Dog: A Stone Barrington Novel: By Stuart Woods

Jane B. Holmes Public Library 230 Tucker Road Helena, AL 35080

Phone: (205) 664-8308 Facebook: Helena.Public.Library.Friends Website: cityofhelena.org/public-library Instagram: @helenalibrary

-Daniel Dearing, library director

August’s Top Picks COOK ONCE DINNER FIX: QUICK AND EXCITING WAYS TO TRANSFORM TONIGHT’S DINNER INTO TOMORROW’S FEAST

By Cassy Joy Garcia | Adult non-fiction The Cook Once Dinner Fix solves the “what’s for dinner” question without requiring enormous amounts of time, energy, skill, or money. Now dinnertime can be fun, fast, affordable, and sustainable.

THE 6:20 MAN

By David Baldacci | Adult fiction A cryptic murder pulls a former soldier turned financial analyst deep into the corruption and menace that prowl beneath the opulent world of finance.

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY

By Jenny Han | Young adult Some summers are just destined to be pretty.

But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ACE BIOLOGY IN ONE BIG FAT NOTEBOOK

By Matthew Brown | Young adult/juvenile nonfiction The BIG FAT NOTEBOOKTM series is built on a simple and irresistible concept—borrowing the notes from the smartest kid in class. There are five books in all, and each is the only book you need for each main subject taught in middle school: Math, Science, American History, English Language Arts, and World History.

THE SCHOOL FOR WHATNOTS

By Margaret Peterson Haddix | Juvenile An innovative story of friendship with touches of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery.

I WISH FOR YOU

By David Wax | Easy/picture This timeless and lushly illustrated book explores the values we can draw from the wondrous and inspiring natural world around us.

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CityOfHelena.org 21

City Hall Faces

Meet Bill Miller

Head of Helena’s Parks and Recreation Department Bill Miller has lived in Helena for 25 years, 18 of which have been spent working with the city. His job as head of Helena’s Parks and Rec department involves planning, developing and directing the year-round and citywide program including developing policies and procedures, writing grants and executing short-term and long-term plans. Not only does Miller coordinate department activities with youth sports, he also works closely with schools and local camps. Miller works with volunteers on local events such as the Helena Buck Creek Festival, Old Town Live, the annual Easter egg hunt and the Fourth of July celebration. Miller said his favorite part of his job is getting to know the families of Helena and watching young players grow to become successful athletes in high school and beyond.

22 CityOfHelena.org

Helene United Methodist Church

Grace Christian Church

Helena Church Directory ANGLICAN Lamb of God Church Head Pastor: Caron Glenn Davis 5140 Hwy 17 (205) 919-7932 Lambofgodcec.org BAPTIST The Church at Old Town Head Pastor: Josh Knierim 815 Highway 52 E (205) 663-7879 Thechurchatoldtown.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 (205) 620-4575 Helenachurch.com

New Vision Christian Church Senior Pastor: Van C. Houser 2383 Highway 95 (205) 919-6678 Nvcc4god.org

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Grace Christian Church Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson 869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233 Gracechristianchurch.org

The Rock Church Head Pastor: Bryan Van Gieson 501 2nd Avenue West (205) 358-7625 Rockofbirmingham.org

Gospel Light Baptist Church Lead Pastor: Gary Bohman 5781 Roy Drive (205) 685-0772 Glbcbham.com

METHODIST Helena United Methodist Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenaumc.org

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkles 5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323 Mpbchelena.com

Church at Cahaba Bend Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday 3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060 Cahababend.org

Riverside Baptist Church Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910 Rbchelena.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Open Door Independent Church 120 Laurel Woods Drive (205) 482-5963 Opendooral.com

Crossbridge Community Church Lead Pastor: Cody Brister 1455 Starkey Street (205) 358-3500 Crossbridgehelena.com

Cornerstone Church Life Christian Fellowship Lead Pastor: Rev. Tim Trimble 2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332 Cornerstonechurchhelena.org

The Voice of Faith International Ministries Head Pastor: Franklin Kirksey 1560 Cunningham Drive (205) 663-7396 PENTECOSTAL Helena Pentecostal Worship Center Head Pastor: Rev. Joel Wayne Pate 2nd Ave. & Branch St. (205) 663-1697 PRESBYTERIAN Harmony Church of Helena Head Pastor: Mike Ensminger 3396 Helena Road (205) 663-2174 Helenacpchurch.com Christ Community Church Head Pastor: Phil Chambers 2222 Highway 52 (205) 881-4222 Cccbham.org

CityOfHelena.org 23

Education

BRYAN POPE Digital media specialist for Shelby County Schools 24 CityOfHelena.org

How long have you worked with Shelby County Schools?

I have worked with Shelby County Schools for the past four years. I have served as a marketing teacher at Calera High School, an administrative assistant at Helena High School and my current position as digital media specialist for Shelby County Schools.

What does your job as digital media specialist entail?

I am responsible for producing digital media content for the school district, including video, photography, podcasts, live streaming, social media graphics and more. I also work with digital media programs in our high schools to help upgrade equipment and provide training to the teachers to help update and improve digital media in all of our communities.

In your opinion, what makes Shelby County Schools stand out from other school systems?

It feels like family. The leadership takes time to get to know you and invest in you. It’s amazing to be known by the superintendent and so many of the leadership. They often show personal appreciation and often make personal visits to our schools to encourage and support our faculty. I can honestly say that Shelby County Schools is such a great place to work and an even better place to send your children for school.

What stands out to you about Helena when working with content from Helena schools?

While working as an administrative assistant at Helena High School, I had the opportunity to work with Husky TV and its teacher, Mrs. Screws. We had a goal of upgrading their equipment, developing their skills and streamlining their processes. They have made incredible improvements over the last few years, and I am thankful to have been a part of their growth. This program was actually the inspiration for what I now do in all of our high schools. If you haven’t already, make sure to catch an episode of Husky TV on YouTube.

What do you love about the Helena schools community?

The people. A lot of people want to work in Shelby County because they know we have great schools, great communities and great students. This allows the schools in Helena to be able to select the best for their staff. And we can see that in the quality of people at each of the Helena schools. We have incredible teachers in Helena. But it’s not just the teachers, Helena has some of the best bus drivers, the best Cafeteria Staff, the best custodians.

What is your favorite part of your job?

So many of the staff members at our schools do their job without the spotlight and without any praise. My job allows me to shine a light on these amazing people, to connect with them and tell their stories. That is the best part of my job. Also, it’s good job security, because there are so many more great people with great stories to tell.

CityOfHelena.org 25

AN INSPIRING RIDE Tray Weems’s special day on Helena school bus 09-87

BY MICHELLE LOVE PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA DENNIS AND CONTRIBUTED BY BRYAN POPE 26 CityOfHelena.org

A

As former Helena student Tray Weems made his way through the halls of Helena Intermediate School, he couldn’t help but smile. Tray hadn’t been in the school for quite a few years at this point, but that same feeling of happiness was undeniable.

It was also contagious, as Tray’s former teachers, principal and aids were all there with the same smile on their own faces. This was a special day, and everyone there was in agreement that if anyone deserved that happy feeling, it was him.

Tray was diagnosed with centronuclear myopathy, a condition characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy in the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles used for movement. As a result, Tray has very limited mobility and uses his wheelchair to get around.

His return to HIS was part of a wish – to ride on his favorite school bus, Bus 09-87, one more time.

Renee Robertson, his former bus driver, was more

than happy to make that wish a reality.

“It was a blessing to get to do it for him,” she says.

“He’s just the sweetest boy, he really is. He’s always had a positive attitude and he really made it easy to do this for him.”

Renee drove the bus during the time Tray attended Helena Elementary and Helena Intermediate, before his diagnosis. She says for as long as she’s known him, he’s had a contagious positive spirit that he still holds today. He loves to joke and tease in a playful way. During his time on the bus, Tray formed a friendship with Renee and bus aid Caroline Ward.

Their rides on the bus were filled with fun moments such as spraying Caroline with silly string and jokingly “locking” her off the bus.

Tray’s love for the bus grew with every ride, so much so he told Renee that he wanted to be a bus driver when he was older. Renee said he frequently sends her videos related to bus information and CityOfHelena.org 27

28 CityOfHelena.org

trivia.

“I just wanted to see that bus one more time. That bus is legendary,” he says.

Tray and Renee’s friendship served as a support system for him when things got rough in life, according to Renee. She and her husband would frequently pick him up and take him to church, or she and Caroline would pick him up and take him to grab a burger.

Tray ultimately moved to Bessemer halfway through his fifth grade year, and Renee says that it devastated him to have to move. She and Tray lost touch for a couple of years before he reached out to her and her husband on Facebook.

“We would check on him and see how he was doing, and he was kind of down going through a rough patch,” she says.

A few weeks went by where Renee didn’t hear from Tray, then he reached out to her and told her some shocking news.

“He messaged me saying, ‘I just want to let you know I’m in Children’s Hospital and I’m not doing so well,’” Renee recalls. “I was like, ‘What’s going CityOfHelena.org 29

on?’ and he said just point blank: ‘Well, I’m going to die.’”

After his diagnosis, doctors had given Tray three options: he could have a tracheotomy, use a sip and puff wheelchair, or he could do nothing, which would lead to his death. Tray told Renee he had chosen option three.

Renee, Tray’s mother and his doctor eventually talked him into trying the wheelchair to keep fighting. One day, Renee received a call from Tray’s social worker who told her that Tray had one wish – to spend a day on the Helena bus with Renee and Caroline.

The two women went to work making his wish a reality, though there were obstacles they had to overcome. First, the county couldn’t approve of Tray riding on the bus since he wasn’t a Shelby County student anymore, and insurance wouldn’t cover him

30 CityOfHelena.org

riding a moving bus.

Renee didn’t give up though. Ultimately, they found a loophole. While they weren’t able to have Tray on the bus while it was moving, they were allowed to have him on the bus one last time if it was parked. Next came the task of tracking down the bus since it was not used in the Helena district anymore.

The bus had been moved to a route at Oak Mountain, but they were able to get it detailed and cleaned so it would look nice for the special day.

Renee and Caroline picked him up and took him for a ride on Renee’s wheelchair-accessible van, then they took him to see the bus, which was decked out in his honor. There was a giant banner that read “Welcome Back,” and photos of Tray adorned the outside and the inside of the bus.

Upon his arrival, Tray was greeted by his former teachers, bus subs and the school principal. Everyone

was smiling with eyes full of tears as they were so happy to see him back at the school and in such good spirits. His old computer teacher even allowed him to play his favorite computer game.

Renee and Caroline even had gifts for Tray related to the bus.

“All the kids who ride my bus, on their last day before they go off from Intermediate to Middle School, I would have them move their nametag to the back wall of the bus, and I would call it ‘The Wall of Fame,’” Renee says with a smile.

All these years later, she still has Tray’s elementary and intermediate name tags, and she put them on the Wall of Fame on that special day. They also gave him a cross arm from the old bus that was signed by Robertson with “Best Bus Ever – Tray Weems.”

“We just wanted to come up with things that would make it a fun day for him,” she says. “It went by so fast, but it was such a great day.”

Renee says it meant the world to her that everyone was able to come together to make the day so special for such a remarkable young man.

“It wasn’t just me and Caroline, it was the city of Helena,” she says. “He loved the whole thing, the teachers, the aids, the bus. He loves Helena and he loves the school. He fixated on the bus but we know it’s not about us; It was that feeling of just being loved on by everyone in the school system.”

Tray said that day on the bus was one of the best days of his life. He said it means everything to him to have the love and support of people like Renee and Caroline.

“Our bond can’t be duplicated for real,” he told Renee in a text. “No one I’ve met has come close to the way you guys made me feel. I consider y’all CityOfHelena.org 31

32 CityOfHelena.org

You just don’t realize the impact of the little things you do that they impact someone in such a powerful way.

- RENEE ROBERTSON

family.”

Tray just celebrated his 18th birthday, and he has a business called Techtray Mobile that sells clothing merchandise. Focusing on his business, his love of busses and his friendship with Renee are all things that keep him positive.

“I like to do things to keep my mind off my situation and that keeps me positive,” he says. “Like, I’ve got a business that I focus on a lot of the time. It helps me stay positive.”

They still love to laugh at the memories made on the bus, everything from Tray directing the bus route to bombarding Caroline with silly string, these are things Tray and Renee both hold dear to their hearts.

“I had no idea that the little things we did would mean so much,” Renee says. “You just don’t realize the impact of the little things you do that they impact someone in such a powerful way.”

CityOfHelena.org 33

OUT OF THE SHADOW Helena’s Eric Fort brings recognition to Gold Star Children

BY MICHELLE LOVE PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY 34 CityOfHelena.org

M

Monday, Aug.1 marks a very special day across the country and in Helena as it is Gold Star Children’s Day. The day serves as a way to honor and recognize Gold Star Children, which are children who have lost a parent while serving in combat.

Eric Fort is a Gold Star Son, and he is the champion voice for Gold Star Children whose efforts made the day possible. Fort’s story began when he lost his father in the Vietnam War. His father, Eric P. Brice, was a U.S. Navy pilot in Vietnam who was stationed aboard the USS America. On June 4, his plane was hit and went down in the Gulf of Tonkin, but not before Brice saved his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO).

Brice was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions. Unfortunately, Brice’s passing put Eric and his mother in a club nobody hopes to join – The Gold Star Families.

The term Gold Star Families has been around since World War I, when families of service

members displayed a red and white flag with a blue star to let others know their loved one is deployed overseas. If they were to get killed in action, they would place a gold star over the blue star.

There are several days dedicated to families, wives, mothers and fathers of those who were killed in war, but there was nothing dedicated solely to the children. As a Gold Star son, this always bothered Fort.

“I grew up in an era where my dad was killed in a war that was quite controversial and unpopular,” he says. “We didn’t talk about it a lot…there was always this silent struggle we dealt with trying to cope with it. For a lot of us, our heart died the day our loved one died.”

Fort coined the term “shadow survivors” for Gold Star Children because they felt they were in the shadows of other Gold Star survivors who were always being recognized for their loss.

“We felt overlooked, and that brought on a lot of CityOfHelena.org 35

We didn’t talk about it a lot…there was always this silent struggle we dealt with trying to cope with it. For a lot of us, our heart died the day our loved one died.

- ERIC FORT

emotions,” he says. “So, I decided, ‘You know what, I’m tired of this. I decided I was going to try and get a Gold Star Children’s Day. So I reached out to some different people and I got a lot of support for it, but a lot of people were like, ‘Hey, good luck.’”

Eric reached out to several people at different federal levels to try and get things in motion, but hit a wall with every contact. Eventually, he decided to reach out to Alabama State Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner.

36 CityOfHelena.org

Within two weeks, on July 22, 2021, Fort had a proclamation declaring Aug. 1 as Gold Star Children’s Day in the state of Alabama that was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey.

Fort said it marked Alabama as the first state in the country to have an official proclamation recognizing Gold Star Children’s Day. “I cannot thank Sen. Waggoner enough for listening and actually being a servant to the people,” he says.

Since that day, the day has grown to a national proclamation with complete unanimous approval making Aug. 1 the official Gold Star Children’s Day for the U.S. Fort said Helena City Councilmember Leigh Hulsey reached out to him praising him for his hard work to bring respect and recognition to Gold Star Children. On July 26, 2021, the city of Helena

issued a proclamation declaring Gold Star Children’s Day in the city.

“It just started with an email, a hope and a prayer that somebody would listen and thankfully they did,” Fort says.

Eric adds that the whole point is to remind people that children are survivors too, and they should not be overlooked.

“There are some amazing resources for children whose dad or mom have been killed in action really since Desert Storm, I would say, and even more prevalent since 9/11,” he says. “We didn’t have those resources in the Vietnam era. So, there are a lot of things we want, but what we really want, the ultimate goal is for no child to ever go without recognition for the loss of their loved one and the pain they are enduring, and we want them to know about the resources that they can use to ease that pain.”

CityOfHelena.org 37

STRONGER TOGETHER Members of the F3 Nation in Helena reflect on what it means to come together in faith, fellowship and fitness

BY MICHELLE LOVE PHOTOS BY ADAM SHORT 38 CityOfHelena.org

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It’s 5:30 a.m. on a Friday morning, and the sun is barely peeking over the trees at the playground of Helena Elementary School. The members of the F3 Birmingham chapter in Helena (they refer to themselves as “The Pack”) are preparing for their morning workout. The AOQ, or Area of Operations Leader, Steven Lewis says the workout starts promptly at 5:30, and he wasn’t exaggerating.

This early-hour, physical endeavor has become routine for many of the men. Some of them are new, but after the session is over, all of them say they will be back.

For those unfamiliar with F3, it is a national network that includes 3,274 free, peer-led workouts

for men in more than 250 regions. F3 stands for the three core values of the organization itself: Faith, Fellowship and Fitness. What started 11 years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina has since grown to more than 30 states and two countries with over 2,000+ scheduled workouts a week.

In the Birmingham area, there are more than 30 groups, including the “The Pack” in Helena, that meet five days a week. The Helena location started five years ago and meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. According to Steven, they have, on average, 20 men who join the group on a given day.

“Some days, we could have 30 people, some days 10 people. It really just depends,” he says.

CityOfHelena.org 39

Steven was originally skeptical of joining the group, citing that he never dreamed of getting up at 5 a.m. to exercise. After finally caving to a friend’s pushing, he realized how different he felt being part of something that challenged him both physically and mentally. Two years later, he’s the AOQ. The “Q” means that person is responsible for the queue of exercises lined up for that day.

“The cool thing about it is it’s very fitness based, but it pushes you to a level of difficulty that’s just so challenging enough that you want to keep coming back,” he says. “And it’s not just physical, it’s mental and emotional.”

The core principles of the groups are that it is free of charge, open to all men, held outdoors rain or shine, every workout is peer led and every meeting must end with what is called a “Circle of Trust,” where whoever is leading the workout that day gives a devotional or inspiring word on how to either be a better father, be a better member of your community, or how to deal with things like anger.

Steven said those conversations push members to be more emotionally open and to motivate them to try harder at being the best husband, father, or just human being they can be.

In F3, members are encouraged to find leadership from within.

Togetherness in friendship is just as important as the spiritual and physical aspects. For example, everyone who attends F3 from day one is given a nickname that sticks with you as long as you’re a member of the group.

Everyone is also encouraged to lead a workout as soon as they feel comfortable to do so. It keeps participants on their toes, while also conveying that everyone is equal.

To member Landon Mumbower, F3 is more than just a social outlet.

Landon says the group inspires him on a regular basis and encourages everyone involved to strive to be a 40 CityOfHelena.org

better version of themselves. He’s lost 60 pounds since joining and feels more mentally and spiritually fulfilled with each meeting.

“I’ve never felt not good enough, but have been encouraged to get better 1 percent at a time,” he says.

“We’re not looking for only the best, we’re looking for men to come as they are willing to get better.”

“F3 is important to me because of the strong sense of camaraderie that I haven’t experienced since my time in the military,” member Sean Roberts says. “There is a ‘small group’ mentality among us, and there is always a handful of men who will check in on you if you’re going through a rough time. There are men in different stages of fitness and faith, but we leave no man behind, both on and off the field.”

Several members used the same word when describing their experience with F3: Community. And when they say the group is open to all men, they CityOfHelena.org 41

mean men of all denominations, viewpoints and life experiences. There is no discrimination, only acceptance and encouragement to push yourself past your comfort zone to challenge yourself.

“It’s more than just a workout group,” F3 member Jason Waller says. “It’s a group of men who are willing to do hard things and push one another to get better, to not let you be complacent, but to help you grow. To have one another’s back, lift each other up and help one another with the challenges of life. It’s a community.”

When asked why he thinks the group has garnered such a following around the globe, Steven credited two specific aspects.

“I think the first aspect is it pulls on the natural desire for us to have an obstacle in front of us that’s hard to overcome,” he says. “When you have that

42 CityOfHelena.org

It’s a group of men who are willing to do hard things and push one another to get better, to not let you be complacent, but to help you grow. To have one another’s back, lift each other up and help one another with the challenges of life. It’s a community.

- JASON WALLER

obstacle in front of you, there are people who want to get past that and it just drives them to go forward and continue growing.”

The second aspect is the lack of social interaction groups that simultaneously allow men to open up to each other and also challenge them to be better.

“For years, men have been taught not to share or don’t let people know when you’re hurting or when you need help. F3 is the exact opposite,” Steven says. “Here, it’s understood that we’re in this together, and whatever is out there, we’re going to overcome it together. It drives people out of that negative space and shows them they aren’t alone.”

For those interested in joining the Helena chapter of F3, visit F3birmingham.com/workout-locations/ , or text or call Steven Lewis at (205) 907-1664 for more information.

CityOfHelena.org 43

OUT & ABOUT

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U6-U8 HELENA SOCCER TEAMS

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PHOTOS BY BILL MILLER

This year’s Helena Parks and Recreation soccer league featured age divisions from 6U-13U. Pictured are each team from this past spring season.

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U6 Gladwell

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U6 Hammonds

3.

U6 Hawkins

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U6 Mann

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U6 May

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U6 Reed

7.

U6 Taylor

8.

U6 Tudisco

9.

U8 Affie

10. U8 Bearden 11. U8 Carrio 12. U8 Cherry 13. U8 Lake 14. U8 Moody 15. U8 Ruble 16. U8 Strange

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OUT & ABOUT

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CityOfHelena.org 45

OUT & ABOUT

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U8-U10 HELENA SOCCER TEAMS

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PHOTOS BY BILL MILLER

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U8 Tyson

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U8 Wright

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U9 Anderson

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U9 Earley

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U9 Puckett

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U10 Bearden

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U10 Tuck

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U12 Bayley

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U12 Pino

10. U10 Bryant 11. U10 Froneyberger 12. U10 Hunter 13. U10 Ragland

46 CityOfHelena.org

OUT & ABOUT

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FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FALL BASEBALL, SOFTBALL AND SOCCER IS NOW AVAILABLE!

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REGISTRATION: JULY 18-AUGUST 13

CITYOFHELENA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL SVERNER@CITYOFHELENA.ORG OR CALL 205-620-2877

CityOfHelena.org 47

OUT & ABOUT

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2

2022 HELENA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

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PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LOVE

The class of 2022 seniors were all smiles as they threw their caps in the air in celebration of the end of their high school careers at graduation on Monday, May 23.

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Kristen Blanton, Spring McKinney and Jacob Ritondo

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Katie Glawson, Alysa Webb, Lacey Roller, Tatum West and Mitchell Rhodes

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Sharon Zou, Maureen Ngugi and Megan Briley

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Reginald Battle, Reginald Battle II, Joshua Engrem and Derek Battle

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Zach, Krista and Jace Underwood

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Khalil Sabbah and Max Havercroft

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Amanda and Olivia Johnigan with Brooklyn Kirksey and Kya Gardner

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Sara Ezekiel and Madison McLoughlin

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48 CityOfHelena.org

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Marketplace Helena the Magazine • 205.669.3131

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H&H Enterprises, Inc Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Portable Building Delivery Driver. Delivery Driver will be primarily be responsible for loading, delivering, blocking and leveling portable storage buildings. The delivery driver will also be responsible for completing other tasks associated with our business.

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Portable Building Delivery Drivers job duties: • drives a company vehicle in a safe, courteous and responsible manner • load portable buildings at the store and verifies the condition of the truck, the manifest and other paperwork associated with the deliveries to be made • drives to the delivery destination, confirms order with customer, unloads, blocks, levels and obtains confirmation signature Delivery Driver job requirements: • Applicants will need a valid Class D driver license. No CDL is required • Pass DOT driving physical Delivery Driver Salary starting at $600.00 + per week based on experience.

To Apply: Send Resumes to tracy.thomas@hhenterprises. com or Call 205.664.9191 ext 125.

H&H Enterprises, Inc. Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Delivery Driver. Delivery Drivers will be primarily responsible for the delivery and set up of portable buildings. All applicants must be customer service driven and represent our company in the upmost way. We are an established 35 year old company with 18 retail locations. We look forward to adding to our team to continue working toward future success.

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Direct Deposit is available Health/Dental and Vision Insurance To Apply: Send Resumes to tracy.thomas@hhenterprises. com or Call 205.664.9191 ext 125.

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CityOfHelena.org 49

MY HELENA RON HOLLY Helena Caboose Greeter

Community interaction

The old Main Street shootouts I miss the Main Street shootouts we did for the public and passing out deputy badges to the kids. That was a fun way to interact with the community.

Fun and games

Friday night cowboy poker There were Friday night poker games with cowboys dressed in period costumes that have a special place in my heart. The only way you could play was to be dressed in period garb. The store stayed open during the games.

Fun in the park

Early mornings at the park One of my pre-fluffiness pleasures was walking around Joe Tucker Lake at 5:30 AM. It was amazing listening to the city wake up; birds chirping, doors opening (car and house), engines starting, serenity, etc.

Place of peace

Time at the caboose The current focal point for all important discussions in Helena; with the crusty old folks and coffee each and every morning. The caboose is also the home of Helena’s jigsaw puzzle exchange.

Reminiscing

Memories of Major Dundee I miss my old store “Major Dundee’s 1890’s Mercantile” that opened in Old Town in 1998 (not 1898). It was always a scene of action with the cowboys wandering around and created some special memories.

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CityOfHelena.org

HELENA

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