Helena

PLAY BALL

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM HELENA SPRING SPORTS

DANCE THE NIGHT

PHOTOS FROM HELENA FATHER/ DAUGHTER DANCE

City Leadership

A letter from the mayor

Mayor Puckett expresses his excitement for the city’s spring events and new projects

Dear Helena Residents,

As we step into the first official month of spring, I am filled with excitement and optimism about the bright future ahead for our beloved city. This season symbolizes renewal and growth, and it is with great pride that I share the latest developments and opportunities unfolding right here in Helena. March is a month full of promise, offering a host of sports events for individuals of all ages. Whether you are a dedicated athlete or

simply enjoy watching community games, these events are designed to foster healthy competition and bring neighbors together in the spirit of teamwork.

In addition to our vibrant sports calendar, Helena continues to evolve as new projects and developments emerge throughout our community. From innovative housing options to upgraded public spaces, every improvement is a step toward creating a more dynamic and inclusive city. I am immensely proud of the tireless efforts

“Your participation and enthusiasm are the lifeblood of our community, fueling the progress that we celebrate every day.”

of all our city departments. Their commitment and collaboration have been pivotal in ensuring that our community receives the highest quality services. Every department, from public safety to community planning, has worked with unwavering dedication, and it is this spirit of teamwork that makes Helena such a wonderful place to live.

I am also thrilled to announce that our popular Old Town Live Concert series is back and better than ever. Kicking off on April 5th, we will be treated to an unforgettable performance by JJ Grey and Mofro. This free concert series not only provides high-quality entertainment but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our city. It offers a perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together, enjoy great music, and experience the vibrant energy that flows through our streets. I encourage everyone to attend, meet new people, and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of Helena.

Spring is a time of transformation, and it reminds us that every challenge we overcome and every new initiative we embrace adds

Together As One,

a meaningful thread to the tapestry of our community. The developments around town are a testament to our collective vision for progress and a brighter future. They are the result of hard work, innovation, and a shared commitment to making Helena a city we can all be proud of.

I invite you to take full advantage of everything this season has to offer. Step outside, engage in local events, and experience the excitement that is building throughout our city. Your participation and enthusiasm are the lifeblood of our community, fueling the progress that we celebrate every day. Together, we can continue to achieve great things and set new standards for excellence.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an essential part of Helena’s journey toward a promising tomorrow.

As we look ahead, let us embrace every new challenge and celebrate every success. Our shared vision and collective energy propel Helena toward a future filled with promise, opportunity, and unity. Together, we forge a legacy of pure resilience.

- Brian Puckett, mayor of Helena

Mayor Brian Puckett

In this issue

Michaela Bankston

Dave Domescik

Anna Grace Moore

Tyler Raley

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham EDITORIAL

Connor Martin-Lively DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Jeremy Raines PHOTOGRAPHY

Kelsey Alexander

Noah Brakefield

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Viridiana Romero MARKETING

ADMINISTRATION

Publisher

Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. 115 North Main Street Columbiana AL 35051 205-669-3131

Alec Etheredge President and Publisher

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.

Photo by Alec Etheredge Cover Design by Sydney Allen

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

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.

City Government

Brian Puckett

bpuckett@cityofhelena.org

alobell@cityofhelena.org

ljoseph@cityofhelena.org

cwillis@ cityofhelena.org

ahealy@ cityofhelena.org

hwoodman@ cityofhelena.org mharris@ cityofhelena.org

Departments

City Hall (205) 663-2161

Fire Department (205) 663-5809

Sports Complex (205) 620-2877

Library (205) 664-8308

Police (205) 663-6499

Utilities (205) 663-1670

Hewy Woodman

THE GUIDE

HELENA VARSITY SOCCER AT BESSEMER CITY

MARCH 11

5:30 P.M.

Bessemer City High School

Both of Helena’s varsity soccer teams will begin area play on March 11 at Bessemer City, with the girls playing at 5:30 p.m. while the boys play at 7 p.m. Both teams are competing to help earn themselves a spot in the Class 6A state playoffs at the end of the season.

MARCH 6

HELENA VARSITY SOFTBALL AT PELHAM

5 P.M.

Pelham High School

The Helena varsity softball team will take on one of its rivals in Pelham on March 6 to begin area play, as the Huskies try to put themselves in good position to get back on the road to the Class 6A state tournament.

MARCH 29

Concert by Candlelight

6 P.M..

Cahaba Bend Auditorium

A string quarter will make an appearance in Cahaba Bend to present a show as part of the Concert by Candlelight series. With a variety of music on the docket, there will be something for all to enjoy listening to as they end the day.

AROUND TOWN

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY | 11 A.M.

Storytime at the library

MARCH 3 | 7 P.M. Varsity boys soccer vs. Shelby County

MARCH 4 | 4:30 P.M . Varsity baseball vs. Oak Mountain

MARCH 4 | 4:30 P.M

Varsity softball vs. Hoover

MARCH 4 | 5:30 P.M.

Varsity soccer at Leeds, girls at 5:30, boys at 7

MARCH 5 | 4:30 P.M. Varsity softball vs. Tuscaloosa County

MARCH 6 | 5 P.M.

Varsity softball at Pelham

MARCH 6 | 6:30 P.M

Varsity baseball vs. Hoover

MARCH 6 | 7 P.M.

Varsity boys soccer vs. Thompson

MARCH 7 | 4:30 P.M. Varsity baseball at Bob Jones

MARCH 10 | 6 P.M Helena City Council Meeting

MARCH 11 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity softball at Thompson

MARCH 11 | 5:30 P.M

Varsity soccer at Bessemer City, girls at 5:30, boys at 7

MARCH 12 | 6:30 P.M

Varsity baseball vs. HewittTrussville

MARCH 13 | 6:30 P.M. Varsity baseball at Hueytown

MARCH 13 | 7 P.M.

Varsity girls soccer vs. Springville

MARCH 15 | 11 A.M

Varsity baseball vs. Cullman

MARCH 15 | 4 P.M

Varsity baseball vs. Thompson

MARCH 15 | 7 P.M.

Varsity boys soccer at Fort Payne

MARCH 17 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity softball vs. Oak Mountain

MARCH 18 | 4:30 P.M

Varsity softball at Spain Park

MARCH 18 | 5 P.M.

Varsity soccer at McAdory, girls at 5, boys at 7

MARCH 19 | 6:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball at Pelham

MARCH 20 | 4:30 P.M

Varsity softball at Chelsea

MARCH 20 | 5:30 P.M .

Varsity soccer vs. Bessemer City, girls at 5:30, boys at 7

MARCH 20 | 6 P.M.

Helena Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting

MARCH 20 | 6:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball vs. Pelham

MARCH 21 | ALL DAY

HHS Track: Hilltop Classic

MARCH 21 | 5 P.M.

Varsity baseball vs. Opelika

MARCH 24 | 6 P.M.

Helena City Council Meeting

MARCH 29 | 6 P.M .

Concert by Candlelight at Cahaba Bend

MARCH 19

Helena varsity baseball at Pelham

6:30 P.M.

Pelham High School

The Helena varsity baseball team will travel to Pelham High School to take on the Pelham Panthers at the start of area play in 2025. Head coach PJ Guy and his team will look to get on a good start in the latter half of the regular season.

MARCH 20

HELENA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

6 P.M.

Helena City Hall

The Helena Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Thursday, March 20 to go over zoning requests and rezoning requests from various citizens and organizations around the city.

HELENA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Monday,

March 10 & 24

PRE-COUNCIL AT 5 P.M.,

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 P.M.

HELENA CITY HALL

Helena’s City Council meetings take place the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Helena City Council meetings are open to the public and offer the chance for you to get involved in the planning of your community.

In the News

HELENA DANCE TEAM CAPS OFF SUCCESSFUL SEASON AT UDA NATIONALS

The Helena High School Dance Team brought home some hardware following a trip to Orlando, Florida to compete in the 2025 UDA Nationals.

HELENA’S CLEMENTS CONTINUES STRONG YEAR WITH 6A SOUTH SECTIONAL TITLE

Helena’s Kenyon Clements won his respective weight classe in Class 6A at the AHSAA South Sectional Wrestling Championships at Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum from Feb. 6-8.

MAKES RETURN TO SUB-REGIONALS AS GRANT DROPS 26 POINTS AGAINST PELHAM

The Helena Huskies entered the Class 6A, Area 8 tournament needing one of their best performances of the Lake Graham era to fulfill their dream of a postseason berth. They got just that, making a statement against a perennial contender to reach regionals in the Pelham Panthers that they had earned their place in the playoffs.

BILLY ROSENER HOSTS FIRST MAYORAL MEET AND GREET EVENT AT THE DEPOT, STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Helena mayoral candidate Billy Rosener hosted his first meet and greet event at The Depot, bringing together residents for an evening of conversation and connection.

HELENA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION RAISES MONEY WITH FATHERDAUGHTER DANCE

As music was played through the night and dance moves were put on, fathers and daughters from around the city of Helena came together for a night of fun and entertainment at the 2025 Helena Athletic Association Candyland Father/ Daughter Dance.

HELENA POLICE CHIEF BRAD FLYNN ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION

The Helena City Council accepted the resignation of former Helena Police Chief Brad Flynn at a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Jan. 27.

HELENA CITY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES NEED FOR NEW LIBRARY LOCATION

The Helena City Council went into discussions on finding a new location for the Helena Public Library during a regularly scheduled work session before a council meeting on Monday, Jan. 27.

FIRST-EVER SOZO SHINDIG TO BE HELD AT HELENA HOLLOW

Sozo Children International, a Birmingham, Alabama, based nonprofit ministry dedicated to serving at-risk children in Uganda, will hold the Sozo Shindig at Helena Hollow on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HELENA DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BOARD READY FOR 4TH ANNUAL UNITED FESTIVAL

BY TYLER RALEY PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

The Helena United Festival will return to Helena for its fourth year on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater. Hosted by the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board, the Helena United Festival will feature cooking demonstrations, performances and informational booths designed to showcase different cultures and provide guests with to opportunity to celebrate their differences.

According to Chairperson of the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board Dominga Gardner, the Helena United Festival will feature cooking demonstrations, a stick dancing performance and a martial arts

demonstration, with a pending agreement with a bagpipe group.

“We are using this event to bring all the cultures together, all different walks of life together, just to be able to learn something new from another culture,” Gardner said. “And also to embrace those that are different from us.”

This is the fourth year that the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board has hosted the Helena United Festival and Gardner hopes to see it grow even more from last year with an even greater response from the community.

Gardner has said one of her favorite parts of the

event the last couple of years has been the engagement from the kids in attendance.

“The kids seem to love it,” Gardner said. “Just learning something different and being able to embrace that cultural difference that you’re not used to.”

On a personal level, Gardner shared that her favorite part of the festival each year consists of two things: meeting new people and the food.

“I always love the food,” Gardner said. “Two years ago, we had the Indonesian bowl demonstration. I had never visited (an Indonesian) restaurant, but that food was great. I enjoy the food, just trying different things.

But overall, just walking around and meeting new people—I would definitely say (my favorite part) is food and meeting new people and learning their stories.”

The Diversity and Inclusion Board is a 10-member group that highlights and fosters the diverse community found in the city of Helena and recently had new members appointed.

“(The Diversity and Inclusion Board) is a group of diverse citizens that live in Helena of varying races, gender, profession and culture,” Gardner said. “We are here to help promote the city of Helena and bring everyone together on various issues through activities that we have.”

According to Gardner, there is a common misconception that the Diversity and Inclusion Board

is only focused on race. In reality, the board promotes people of all backgrounds and understands that our differences stem from many different factors.

“We’re not only talking about race or gender,” Gardner said. “I mean we’re all different. I might be black and my neighbor might be black, however, we have different professions. We came from different households. So that’s where the differences lie. My main goal is not to focus on race, but also on the other differences that we have with one another and be able to embrace those differences.”

To embrace the differences of others, people have to understand one another, and it’s Gardner’s hope that the Helena United Festival can serve as the first step for some towards fostering a community of growth and acceptance.

“I hope (attendees) remember that everyone is different and (remember) to embrace the differences that we have with one another and to be able to accept those differences,” Gardner said. “And just to be willing to have an open mind when meeting new people because not everybody is your same race, same profession and that’s one of the things that we kind of (promote) in the Diversity Board.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about Helena United Festival and the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board can visit Helenadiboard.org.

Library Update

GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY

AAs you read this, warmer weather will hopefully be visiting Helena. Spring is a time for renewal and reinvention. It is also a perfect time to renew your library card or get a new one so you can find books about gardening, travel, and new hobbies.

Many items can also be found on the digital apps Libby and Hoopla. These services are free and are a convenient option. Call or stop by the library for more information about these easy to use services.

Library Director

Dan Dearing

If you are a Shelby County resident, getting a library card is beneficial and easy. All you need to do is visit the library with your photo ID and proof of residence. If your current street address is on your driver’s license, simply bring that with you. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign for you to obtain a card. Your library card allows you to connect to the digital catalog. Similar to online shopping, using the catalog is easy and gives you access to items at all Shelby County libraries. Simply log on to Shelbycounty-al.org and click “Catalog Search” at the top of the page to place an item request. Another way to find items is through the MyLibro app, which you can download on your phone or device.

The Library would like to thank the Friends of the Library for their hard work as 2025 gets started. Friends of the Library volunteers are important to the overall mission of the library and they generously give their time and energy. This group meets to have fun, socialize, plan and work on projects to improve the library for the Helena community. The Friends meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:45 p.m. at the library. Please call 205-664-8308 and ask for Dan if you are interested in joining. The library staff looks forward to seeing you soon. Stop by to get a free calendar, or check out the digital one on the library Facebook page.

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

Please visit the library soon, - Daniel Dearing, library director

THE NOTE

By Alafair Burke | Adult Fiction

A vacation in the Hamptons goes terribly wrong for three friends with a complicated history.

YOU CAN COOK EVERYTHING: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HOME-COOKING EVERY TIME

By DK | Adult Nonfiction

With clear, easy-to-follow instructions and every dish photographed, this vibrant collection of recipes is the perfect reference for any home cook, and is destined to become a new classic.

JOB MOVES: 9 STEPS FOR MAKING PROGRESS IN YOUR CAREER

By Ethan Bernstein | Adult Nonfiction

Three innovators offer a road-tested framework for career development that helps anyone make real progress on their path when they switch jobs.

THE WILD ROBOT

By Peter Brown | Juvenile

This is an extraordinary story full of action and thought-provoking questions as a robot learns to survive—and live—in the wilderness.

THE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: HOW FOUR KIDS BECAME PRESIDENT

By Doris Kearns Goodwin | Juvenile Nonfiction

An essential middle grade guide to Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson and how they became leaders.

ALL THE BOOKS

By Hayley Rocco | Easy/Picture

Join this adorable chipmunk as she gets her first library card and unlocks a world of books!

HAYDEN TRAYWICK

HHS Softball Player

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I have two sisters. I am 17 years old. I am a twin and we both play softball. I love spending time with family and friends!

What inspired you to start playing softball?

I grew up in the ball fields watching my older sister play and me and my twin always wanted to be on the field from day one.

How old were you when you started playing?

I was 5 years old when I started playing softball.

Has there ever been a coach or mentor that made a huge impact on you? What did they teach you?

My middle school coach and now high school coach, (Mark) Sanders, has made a huge impact on me as not only an athlete, but more importantly, a person. He has taught me how to love my teammates unconditionally and has taught me great leadership on and off the field.

What is your favorite thing about playing softball for HHS?

I love the positive atmosphere and all the best friends HHS softball has brought me. I love all my coaches and everything they do for me.

What strengths do you believe make you a great athlete?

I think having a great work ethic helps me by building my confidence on the field, while also having a passion and love for the game.

What is your favorite softball memory?

My favorite softball memory is making it to the state tournament. I had the best time with my teammates!

When you’re not in school or playing sports, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy being involved in my church at the Station. I enjoy going on vacation, especially to the beach. I also enjoy hanging with family and friends as much as possible.

Education CASSIE SCREWS

HHS English Teacher

First, tell me more about yourself.

I’m a long-time Shelby County resident– I moved to Alabaster in 2002, where I attended Thompson High School and met my husband. My family moved a lot when I was growing up, and Shelby County is the first place I ever called home. My family lives in Alabaster. My high school sweetheart husband and I have three boys—Judah, age 8, Parker, age 6 and Knox, age 2. We love to travel, but my biggest personal hobby is reading. I love a good book club and will read any genre.

Can you tell me about your career in education?

I graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in communications and spent the first few years of my career working at an advertising agency. While it was fun and filled with excitement and plenty of travel opportunities, it did not quite give me the satisfaction and reward that I was looking for in a career, so I went back to school and earned my master’s in education at the University of Montevallo and began teaching middle school shortly after. I spent two years in middle school before deciding to make the leap to high school and have never looked back. I’ve been at Helena for seven years now. I have taught every grade level from seventh to 12th. I’m currently teaching ninth grade English and AP literature and composition. Both are vastly different, but I love them both so much.

How did it feel when you completed your National Board certification?

I love education and consider myself a lifelong learner, so I’m always looking for ways to improve my craft. The National Board seemed like the clear next step for me. I completed the process in one calendar year and passed on my first time. I felt very proud of myself. It was a grueling process, but I gained so much insight into who I am as a teacher and how to best serve my students.

What sparked your interest in teaching English?

Honestly, it came from a deep love of reading. I’ve always been captivated by the power of stories. How the right words, carefully chosen, can make you feel something deeply or help you see the world in a completely new light. Books often mirror our own experiences or challenge us to think about our beliefs. They allow us to broaden our worldview and helps us understand experiences that may be completely outside of our own reality.

What is your favorite thing about working at HHS?

The community, hands down. HHS is a truly special place. I feel incredibly lucky to teach at a school where everyone feels like part of a community. We support one another, celebrate each other’s wins and work together to make the school a place where everyone feels valued. Not to mention, we have phenomenal leadership at HHS. Our administrative staff is very supportive. Every school faces challenges, and while it’s not perfect, there is nowhere else I would rather be.

Meet Your Neighbor

The Acosta Family

The Acostas might tell you that moving to Helena was fate, or even a blessing in disguise. After Edgar and Marilyn Acosta got married at Magnolia Manor in Old Town, the couple spent some time in Huntsville, but relocated back to the city in 2005. Since then, they have enjoyed raising their three sons—Ethan, Austin and Mariano.

After Edgar found out his job in Huntsville was moving them to Birmingham, he and his wife began to search for a place in Hoover, where his in-laws are from and where Marilyn graduated high school. When their realtor suggested Helena, it was an immediate

fit in their minds.

Edgar says that after the marriage, he and Marilyn took a horse and carriage ride in Joe Tucker Park. Little did he know that those would be the same fields that his boys would play sports on.

The thing that the Acostas love most about the city is the strong sense of community and the relationships that they have built over the years. As Edgar would say though, growth is inevitable and change is a constant. The Acostas love being able to call Helena their home, and that even though everyone has different backgrounds, their values bring them all together.

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

Gospel Light Baptist Church

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

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkins 5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323 Mpbchelena.com

Riverside Baptist Church

Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson

Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910 Rbchelena.org

Crossbridge Community Church

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST:

Grace Christian Church

Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson 869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233

Gracechristianchurch.org

METHODIST

Helena Methodist Church

Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenamethodist.org

Church at Cahaba Bend

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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

The Cornerstone Church

Lead Pastor: Timothy Trimble 2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332 Cornerstonechurchhelena.org

New Vision Christian Church

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

The Rock Church

Head Pastor: Bryan Van Gieson 501 2nd Avenue West (205) 358-7625

Rockofbirmingham.org

The Voice of Faith International Ministries

Head Pastor: Franklin Kirksey 1560 Cunningham Drive (205) 663-7396

PRESBYTERIAN

Harmony Church of Helena

Head Pastor: Scott Edwards 3396 Helena Road (205) 663-2174

Harmonychurchofhelena.net

Christ Community Church

Pastors: Phil Chambers and David Cunningham 2222 Highway 52 (205) 881-4222

ChristCommunity.net

Helena Methodist Church

Grace Christian Church

City Hall Faces

Trey Lewis

Laborer 2 for the Helena Streets and Sanitation Department

If you see someone working in Helena to help maintain the city’s visual charm, there’s a good chance that that person is Trey Lewis.

Lewis spends much of his time outdoors, helping to cut grass while knowing that he is making a difference in making Helena a beautiful city to live in and an appealing one for potential residents to move to.

Lewis moved to Helena with his family in 2017 when his daughter was 6 months old. Since then, he has become a laborer for the Helena Streets and Sanitation Department, helping to maintain an exceptional level of cleanliness in the city.

What he does for the citizens of Helena pleases him, but when

he combines it with the small-town feel that the city has, it makes his work that much better.

“I love the small town feel of Helena,” Lewis said. “Whether I’m out cutting grass or picking up trash, there comes a sense of pride that I get with the opportunity to better my hometown. I love that I get the ability to work outside and to see a familiar face drive by and wave or honk their horn. It kind of reminds me a little bit like Mayberry.”

Before he goes to work in the mornings, Lewis loves to stop by the Caboose in Old Town and grab a cup of coffee with his friends. With them, he also spends his spare time on Saturday mornings to serve at Manna Farms, planting and harvesting fresh produce for Manna Ministries’ food bank.

Get to know new Helena City Council member Andy Healy PLACE 2

If you attend the Helena City Council meetings, you will notice a new face sitting in one of the big seats at Helena City Hall.

Who is that person you might ask? It is Andy Healy.

Healy was appointed to Council Place 2 on the Helena City Council on Jan. 13 during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Originally a native of Mobile, Alabama, Healy has been a resident of Helena for 15 years, moving to the city after finishing up his work with the military and government in 2010.

During his time in Helena, Healy has served as both the president and vice president of the Helena Business Association, a member of the TAG Grant committee and worked on many of the Fourth of July celebrations.

When deciding on whether to apply for Place 2

on the council, Healy cited the potential of growth and the community’s tight connection as reasons for wanting to serve, hoping to bring fresh ideas to Helena.

“We are a family-oriented, very friendly, caring community,” Healy said. “It’s hard to put it into terms but I just feel comfortable. I want to do what I can to make others feel that way and know that they can live in a safe, secure, familyoriented community and watch everybody grow.”

Healy also expressed his desire for everyone’s voices to be heard and notes he will use communication to his advantage.

Healy lives with his wife Kari and has two daughters—Marisa McGraw is a sophomore at Auburn University and Addison Healy is in seventh grade at Helena Middle School.

FORGING A FAMILY

Conner and Jaci Burleson receive more than $11,000 in support for adoption fees from Forging Familes 5K/10K

BY TYLER RALEY

PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM AND CONTRIBUTED

AAs runners crossed Columbiana Main Street on a perfect Saturday morning and ran through the finish line at the Forging Families 5K/10K, they had done much more than simply just complete a race.

That early wakeup was not only giving life to their legs, but to a family as well. Who is that family? It is none other than the Burlesons.

Helena locals Conner and Jaci Burleson were going through the adoption process to turn themselves into a family of three by adding a little girl, but they faced a challenge that comes about with many parents who look to adopt in the expensiveness of adoption fees.

Searching for answers, they joined Sacred Selections, a non-profit organization that’s mission is to help promote adoption while removing the financial burdens that Christian families face when pursuing it. Little did they know that joining would lead them to an old friend that was going to change their world.

The Forging Families 5K/10K is an annual race that takes place in Columbiana, Alabama and raises funds for Sacred Selections to support a local family with adoption fees.

“I love everything about this race,” said Joel Dixon who organizes the race. “It’s such a fun, rewarding day each year. I love raising this

“Without the support of the Forging Families 5K/10K and Sacred Selections, getting our daughter would not have been possible. We will forever be grateful for the support.”

-CONNER BURLESON

money for such an important cause.”

Dixon takes the initiative of reaching out to Sacred Selections to help select a local family to raise money for. When he found out that the Burlesons were in the process of adopting, it was an immediate connection he could not pass up on.

“They actually just matched with their baby when I spoke to them a week or so ago,” Dixon said. “I’ve actually known Jaci her entire life. Her parents and I grew up together in Hueytown. I had no idea they were adopting prior to reaching out to Sacred Selections to see if they had a family locally in process. It was really cool to find out it was Conner and Jaci.”

The Burlesons have been married for 5 1/2 years, and this process was their first adoption. Soon after Dixon found out the news, the

Burlesons got the unexpected call from him, sparking a whirlwind of emotions that do not come around every day.

“It felt extra special getting contacted by Joel asking us to be this year’s sponsored family, as well as letting us know the funds would be supporting our adoption,” Conner Burleson said. “There’s something special about being a part of these big moments alongside those who you know and trust.”

That big moment for the Burlesons was now, which helped lift them up in a big way, as they continued to trek through a long adoption process.

According to the U.S. Adoption Statistics from the Adoption Network, it is estimated around two to four percent of Americans have adopted, and when it can take anywhere from several

months to several years to adopt a child, support like this is monumental.

“The adoption process is not only an emotional roller coaster, but it’s a very expensive endeavor,”

Burleson said. “Without the support of the Forging Families 5K/10K and Sacred Selections, getting our daughter would not have been possible. We will forever be grateful for the support.”

Over the last six years, the Forging Families 5K/10K has raised around $65,000 for families in need of assistance with adoption fees. In this year’s installment, the success rate was no

different than in years past.

Even with rescheduling involved, the 176-runner race raised $11,308.30, which all went towards Sacred Selections in order to assist Conner and Jaci in adopting their little girl.

“With adoption, you are crafting a family in a really, really important way,” Dixon said. “So, that’s a big deal and that makes it easier for families that are willing to take on the challenge of adopting.”

The Burlesons now join a legacy of the families that were selected before them, all having been able to bring a new face to their families thanks

to Dixon’s efforts with the event.

As a result of what this race has provided to them, the Burlesons are excited to see what it does for families that are in their same situation in the future.

“It’s an honor to both be a part of the Sacred Selections family and a sponsored family in the Forging Families 5K/10K,” Burleson said. “It’s a privilege to be associated with something with such positivity around it. We look forward to meeting the future sponsored families.”

Now, as some locals continue to run through the streets of Columbiana and think about major life decisions, they can reflect back on how they helped the Burlesons for one morning, but made an impact that has changed the rest of their lives for good.

“We just want to say, ‘Thank you,’” Burleson said. “Without the support of these great organizations we would not get to experience the joy of being parents. Every time we look at our daughter we are reminded of the kindness and love of all of those who supported Sacred Selections and Forging Families, both in the past and the future.”

STRIVING FOR SUCCESS

HHS baseball trying to run deep with veteran lineup

BY TYLER RALEY

PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

TThe Helena Huskies return to the diamond in 2025 with their sights set on a playoff run that yields bigger and better results than what it did in 2024.

The Huskies held strong in Class 6A, Area 5 last season, going undefeated during the regular season and claiming the area championship. However, things ended with a sour taste, as Helena went down in the first round of the playoffs, getting swept in two games by Baldwin County.

Now, as PJ Guy’s squad takes the field for a new year, he is relying on some of his returning veteran experience to become good sources of leadership and get them back to the postseason.

That starts with junior Brayden Dockery stepping onto the mound for a season he is hoping is as successful as 2024. The All-County pitcher recorded a 6-2 record with 44 strikeouts, 1.60 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, all against some difficult clubs that the Huskies faced.

Trey Lampman and Austin Acosta will also see plenty of outings this season on the hill as a starter/reliever duo. The two upperclassmen show a lot of promise as they look to help make Helena’s pitchers a tough task to get around.

At the plate, the Huskies will rely on a pair of upperclassmen to help fill the void left by Ty Stricklin and Reece Mims. Those two faces will be junior Davis Kelley and senior outfielder Jarrett Scott, who both flirted with a .300 batting average in 2024 on their way to earning honorable mentions on the All-County team.

With that much veteran leadership on Helena’s back, things look optimistic for the year ahead and its chances of making it back to the postseason for a chance at a blue map.

Where the Huskies will face a challenge however is their road down the stretch in area play. While Helena remained in Class 6A during the latest cycle of

reclassification, it went from being in a three-team area to a four-team area with some local, but different faces.

In exchange for Calera and Chilton County, the Huskies will now do battle with Chelsea, Pelham and Spain Park in the area schedule. As a result, the competition not only became more fierce in a way, but the end of the schedule also became more daunting.

As Helena plays numerous games building up to the last few games of the regular season, it will now await one extra area series, and on top of that, see one of them come against a team who won their area in Class 7A just a short year ago.

The question is simple: How will the Huskies handle the new area?

The answer remains to be seen, but the schedule does not hold any easy games for Helena. It opens up with a trio of games in the Prep Baseball Alabama Kickoff Classic, one of the most highly anticipated events to start the year.

After a few games in February, the Huskies will take the field for the 2025 Perfect Game High School Showdown in Hoover. Soon following that tournament, Helena will face a stretch of three games in March that will truly test its strength as it takes on Hoover, defending Class 7A state champion Bob Jones and Hewitt-Trussville.

The Huskies start area play nearing the end of March, taking on Pelham on March 19-20, Chelsea on April 1 and 3 and Spian Park on April 8 and 10.

Even in a schedule that contains many challenges, Helena has the experience to get through it with minimal damage. With a lot of hard work, the Huskies will be in a tight race for area title contention. However, Guy certainly hopes that by the end of it, his team is breaking farther into the playoffs following years of missing out on the quarterfinals.

SEARCHING FOR BOUNCEBACK

Helena looks for growth in year two under Koch

BY TYLER RALEY

PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

TThe Helena Huskies enter the 2025 season attempting to make bigger strides in their rebuilding process, trying to once again establish themselves in the ranks of Class 6A.

In 2024, Helena welcomed Kelly Koch to the helm of the program to help turn the program around and make it a title contender once again. While the year did not run entirely as planned, this one holds hope for more success as Koch has a year under her belt.

Last season was faced with a number of challenges, most of them tracing to the fact that the Huskies played in one of the most challenging areas in the state with Briarwood, Indian Springs and Pelham all playing them twice towards the end of the year.

Since reclassification took place ahead of the 2024-2025 school year, Helena has been put in an area with very different programs in Bessemer City, Hueytown and McAdory. While those teams may be different faces, it is actually a big opportunity for the Huskies to improve against programs that are similar in their development stages.

Koch has made it a big priority to emphasize team unity since she stepped to be the coach of Helena. She strives to make sure that from the very beginning of each year, she establishes the foundation of practicing, playing and communicating as a team.

Using that mindset, Koch has also spent much of the preseason developing her squad’s mental toughness so that it can fit right in with the level that their physical fitness and skills are at.

With nine seniors on the roster, the Huskies are optimistic that the work in those areas will lead to

better performances on the field, capitalizing on big plays and cutting down on the simple mental mistakes.

One of Helena’s biggest sources of leadership that will be looked upon is senior defender Ryan Borden, who is taking on the sole leader role on the back line following Jack Hendrix’s graduation. Borden will lead a group of defenders that is very inexperienced, but will be relied on should the ball get into a danger zone near their goal.

Austin Lewis will also be a player to keep an eye on as the season rolls on. The senior forward provides a spark to the Huskies’ offense when they are on the attack. His 14 goals and seven assists landed him on the All-County team in 2024, and he looks to cap off his high school career with a memorable performance.

Devon Sasser and Conrad Yost are two other seniors that look to take a leap in the coming season, trying to use their experience to make an impact when called upon.

These veterans and others will be looked upon to make advances in increasing the team’s scoring production from last year. That is a task they truly believe they can do.

While 2024 was all about adjusting to change and creating new team chemistry, 2025 features a highly experienced midfield and striker corps that can provide a strong foundation for an offense that looks to turn things around. Koch remains firm on her aggressive approach on both sides of the ball as well, and hopes that pressing any attack will help the young defenders adapt to their roles.

ON THE RISE

Helena looks for young stars to make some noise in 2025

BY TYLER RALEY

PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

SSometime major success comes along with young and new faces, and Clif Naron’s Helena Huskies hope that that will be the case with a lot of turnover from 2024 to 2025.

Helena has continued to grow over the last few seasons, and it has all the reason to believe that it will again. The difference is that this year’s team has many new faces and the potential to create unexpected noise.

This situation faces Naron his squad largely because they graduated 11 seniors from the 2024 squad that reached the second round of the playoffs and exited with a solid performance, but a lot to be desired.

All-County selections Ashlynn Beery and Miah Rosener were both a part of that group, combining for 24 of the team’s goals and 12 assists, which leaves a big hole to fill from a production standpoint.

Now, the Huskies are returning a lot of younger talent to the roster, and due to the performance some of those pieces helped put together last season, they are the No. 8 team in Class 6A to start things off.

Baileigh Rumage is one of those talented players that Naron will rely on throughout the season. Rumage is easily one of the team’s most dynamic and aggressive attackers, causing some havoc when she can get the ball into space.

The All-County forward was able to excel in every facet of Helena’s offense in 2024, accounting for 20 goals and 16 assists. Her performance earned her spots on the Class 6A All-State Team and All-Metro B-Divison First Team, accolades that she is hoping to rack up again in the coming season.

Outside of Rumage, Kate Hendrix and Ashlyn Northrup are a couple of other younger attackers that Naron plans to see a lot more out of. That trio was featured heavily last season, which sparks confidence that they will be able to play even better together this time around.

The Huskies plan to use a strictly possession-based attack on the offensive side of the ball with their

returners, but they will not have to rely on them completely. Outside of those who have heavy experience on the field, Helena will rotate in some up and coming faces that could set the tone for the program’s future.

Freshmen Carson Copeland and Kyndall Payton are hoped to be two players in this young group that can make themselves known very quickly, and alongside sophomores Adyson Shelton and Saylor Peterson, they hope to be a true force in these next three to four years.

Copeland took the pitch for Helena last season as a middle school player, and now Hannah Brunson will follow in her footsteps. Naron believes that Brunson’s potential from a talent perspective is very high, and that fans could see her start to climb up towards that early in her career on the varsity level.

The situation facing the team is wondering how those young players will perform against some talented rosters that stand on their schedule.

Due to reclassification, the Huskies face an arguably easier area for the next two seasons in Bessemer City, McAdory and Hueytown, but they still have the likes of Indian Springs, Calera, Pelham and others that they will have to go through in their schedule’s latter half.

The playoff bracket also pits their potential first round game against their former home in Area 8, meaning high success and a sound mind will be required in order to navigate the northern region in Class 6A this season.

With no seniors on this year’s roster, there is a lot to be said about what Helena will do, as youth brings the unexpected. Naron believes that this team has the game IQ to be able to make games very competitive and favorable, which may be able to help them out in crunch time.

As high preseason and playoff expectations loom, there is a lot of excitement that surrounds this Huskies squad. With all of the young talents awaiting their time to shine, what happens will set a bar for years to come, but the time to start raising it needs to be right now.

THE ROAD BACK TO HISTORY

Helena looks to return to the Class 6A state tournament with a lot of returning talent from last year’s squad

BY TYLER RALEY

PHOTOS BY ALEC ETHEREDGE AND DAWN HARRISON

HHelena coach Mark Sanders ended the 2024 season by saying, “I hope to remember being a part of their lives,” after ending a historic first season at Helena High School in the state tournament. Now in 2025, the Helena Huskies are looking to finally make this year the charm and bring home a state championship.

Sanders has built a legacy in Helena softball. Following a stint at the middle school, he moved up to the high school level with the hope of continuing the program’s climb to being one of the most powerful teams in the state.

Luckily for him, he’s done exactly that.

While the 2024 year saw the Huskies achieve a 40-win season and another trip to the state tournament, there is a lot of reason to believe that they can do that and more this time around on the diamond.

Much of that belief stems from the talent that Helena has returning to the diamond, with a multitude of players scattered all around the field that show signs of high potential.

It all starts in the circle with junior pitcher

Hayden Traywick, who steps into year number three as a reigning All-County selection. Traywick raised many eyebrows as a sophomore, quickly asserting herself as the ace of the pitching staff. She tallied a 15-3 record on the year with one save, while striking out 78 opposing hitters and giving up just 22 earned runs.

Behind her is senior Marlee Parsons. She proved to be a force in last season’s efforts as well, stirking out 57 batters in 57 innings of work, while also allowing just 22 earned runs on the year. She posted a 2.7 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, being a productive arm for the Huskies.

Just like the powerful pitching duo, the rest of Sanders’ squad is filled with talented veteran players. Senior first baseman Destiny Brashears is one of the many experienced leaders that has seen it all on this squad. She provides a powerful bat, looking to close out her career on a high note.

Addison Draiss is another senior that splits time between the middle infield and the outfield. She, along with fellow senior Gracie Storey, will

search for ways to create plays up the middle and contribute a significant amount to Helena’s production as a team.

Heading back to the circle, Jaida Holtzclaw will be a name to watch as a junior that will likely be joining the ranks of the top two pitchers on the staff after this season. Holtzclaw was an Honorable Mention for the Huskies, just like Brashears, Draiss and Story, and looks to make her mark with an improved pitching performance this time out.

These six players, along with the many other veterans that fill this Helena roster, will be responsible for using their experience to their advantage and creating some havoc throughout the year. With a winning history in this group, there is a chance to make history, but it certainly will not come without its challenges.

The Huskies are in the midst of an area that features all local teams with Spain Park, Pelham and Chelsea awaiting them. These teams all pose threats in their own different ways, know each other very well and can make it difficult for someone to pull away when the games matter

most.

Not only does the area pose concerns, but the schedule as a whole is riddled with difficulty. Amongst some of the teams that present challenges are Class 7A forces Thompson and Hoover, as well as some other powers in Pell City, Brookwood and Tuscaloosa County. On top of that, Helena is also slated to play in a number of tournaments throughout the year.

Even with a number of tough opponents on the docket, the Huskies have the veteran roster it needs in order to stay poised, play through the tight situations and create wins.

Helena has a road that favors it getting back to the state tournament. No matter what though, Sanders believes that his team has what it takes to break through the barrier and be the last team standing when the postseason comes around.

Riveting Rivalry

The Helena Huskies boys basketball team capped off regular season area play in 2025 with a thrilling rivalry game against the Pelham Panthers at Pelham High School, coming out on top after trailing by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter.

FOR THE MAGAZINE/TRACY WOOD FRANKLIN

SURVIVE AND ADVANCE

The Helena High School basketball teams took the floor at Chelsea High School to compete in the Class 6A, Area 8 tournament, trying to inch forward in the postseason one game at a time and keep their seasons alive.

FOR THE MAGAZINE/ROBERT DEAN

DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY

PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY

The Helena Athletic Association sponsored their annual Father/ Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Helena Sports Complex, allowing fathers and daughters from all across the community to come together for a night of fun.

1. Blake Wells and Rylan Clark

2. Max and Abby Grenett

3. Sam and Brooklyn Prentice

4. David, Victoria and Emilia Sampson

5. Manny and Alana Omar

6. Tanner and Mila McMurry

7. Chris and Kennedy Bolack

8. Donald and Sophia Pledger

9. Joe, Mae and Libby Lowden

10. Anthony and Callaway Phillips

11. Tim and Ella Vakakes

12. Matt and Arielle Newby

13. Matt and Emery Zeck

14. Lanny and Madison Watkins

15. Jessie and Caroline Brasher

16. RJ and Sophie Affie

17. Jason and Caroline Meadows

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Dinner Time

Filling the Stomachs

Refined-ToGo is an absolute gem, and our favorite restaurant. The flavors are rich and thoughtfully crafted, showcasing the chef’s incredible skill and passion for the art of cooking. Every dish is a masterpiece, perfectly balanced and bursting with taste. Whether it’s a familiar favorite or a new creation, the quality and attention to detail never disappoint.

Out and About

Embracing Nature

Hillsboro Park is one of our favorite places to visit, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Whether it’s playing and enjoying the open space or taking a peaceful walk along the scenic paths, the park always provides a refreshing escape. The natural beauty, fresh air and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot to unwind, recharge and spend quality family time outdoors. It’s a place where every visit feels enjoyable, whether for fun, exercise or simply soaking in the surroundings.

Xxyxyx xyx

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

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Lighting Up the Holidays

The lighting of the Christmas tree brings a magical, Hallmark-like charm to our cute town. The festive atmosphere, twinkling lights and sense of community make it a special tradition. It’s a time to gather with friends and family, sip on hot cocoa and soak in the holiday spirit.

Health in Helena Staying Active

Helena Health Club is an essential part of my daily routine, a place that feels like a second home. The welcoming community, energizing classes and top-notch facilities make every visit enjoyable and motivating. It’s more than just a gym—it’s a space where I push myself, connect with great people and find balance in my day. I’m so grateful to have found a place that supports my fitness journey and feels like home.

is one of our favorite places in Helena to celebrate special events, offering a fun and festive atmosphere year-round. The pumpkin patch is a highlight, bringing the perfect touch of autumn with its charming setting and seasonal activities. Supper with Santa has become a cherished yearly tradition, creating magical memories with family and friends. Whether it’s enjoying the holiday spirit or making the most of fall festivities, Helena Hollow always delivers an unforgettable experience.