H E LEN A THE MAGAZINE
BRICKS OF HOPE
PIPER BOSS PROVIDES JOY WITH LEGOS
KEEPING HELENA RUNNING
HELENA’S UTILITY BOARD PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN COMMUNITY OPERATIONS
OLD TOWN LIVE
CHECK OUT THE 2026 LINEUP FOR HELENA’S OTL
City Leadership
A letter from the mayor
Mayor Rosener welcomes February in Helena
As we look ahead, there is so much to be thankful for in Helena. With spring just around the corner, our youth baseball, softball and soccer programs will soon be filling our fields again. Some of my favorite memories, and I know many of yours as well, were made while cheering on our
children, building friendships and watching them grow through these programs. I hope to see many of you out supporting our young athletes and the families who make these seasons possible.
After three months of serving in this role, a few things have become very clear to me. First
“One of the greatest privileges during my campaign was meeting so many of you and listening to your hopes, questions and concerns”.
and foremost, Helena is blessed with exceptional employees and strong leadership. I am continually humbled by their dedication to this city and to you, the people they serve. Time and again, I’ve seen them go above and beyond their responsibilities to help a resident or support a coworker, often quietly and without recognition, simply because they care deeply about our community. It is truly an honor to serve alongside them.
Helena is navigating a season of tight finances. Through the budget process, we were able to reduce spending in certain areas, though the city has already been operating very lean. I remain committed to working closely with each department head and your city council to be thoughtful stewards of your tax dollars, trimming unnecessary expenses where possible while continuing to gain a clearer understanding of our financial cycles and obligations.
this month or by early March, with stonework scheduled for early May. While we do not yet have a firm timeline for taking possession of the building, I will continue to keep you informed as progress is made.
Mayor Billy Rosener
One of the greatest privileges during my campaign was meeting so many of you and listening to your hopes, questions and concerns. Creating space for those conversations remains very important to me. Beginning this month, I will host Coffee with the Community on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers. There will be no formal agenda, just an opportunity to visit, listen and answer any questions you may have.
Work is also underway on the architectural corrections at the new City Hall. Necessary gable repairs are expected to be completed later
Thank you for your continued engagement, encouragement and care for our city. Your involvement makes a difference. With open communication, mutual respect and a shared love for Helena, I am confident we can continue moving forward together and building a strong, hopeful future for our community.
Together, we can build a brighter future for Helena.
In this issue
EDITORIAL
Michaela
Sydney
Morgan Lockhart Lavens Maginnis
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jeremy Raines
MARKETING
Noah Brakefield
Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight
Viridiana Romero Tori Smith
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.
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
Billy Rosener
brosener@cityofhelena.org
chammann@ cityofhelena.org
ahealy@ cityofhelena.org
dwilson@ cityofhelena.org
bdodson@ cityofhelena.org
jmcdaniels@ cityofhelena.org
Departments
City Hall
(205) 663-2161
Fire Department (205) 663-5809
Sports Complex (205) 620-2877
mharris@ cityofhelena.org
Library (205) 664-8308
Police (205) 663-6499
Utilities (205) 663-1670
Varsity boys soccer at Vestavia Hills
FEBRUARY 5
7 P.M.
Vestavia Hills High School
The Huskies will aim to have a memorable 2026 season that begins on Feb. 9
THE GUIDE
FEBRUARY 5
Varsity girls soccer at Homewood
7 P.M.
Homewood High School
The Huskies will aim to get spring sports started on a high note with a road win over the Patriots. They will be one of the first spring sports teams to take the field.
FEBURARY 20
Varsity baseball opening day at River Run Park
4 P.M.
Helena High School
The first season of the Mitch Moreland era will begin with a matchup against Northside. Come support the Huskies as they strive to uphold the standard set for the program.
AROUND TOWN
FEBRUARY 2 | 6 P.M. Varsity basketball at Gardendale
FEBRUARY 3 | 10 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 5 | 10 A.M. Senior bingo and birthday celebration
FEBRUARY 5 | 10 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 5 | 7 P.M. Varsity girls soccer at Homewood
FEBRUARY 6/7 | ALL DAY Varsity wrestling sectionals
FEBRUARY 9 | 7 P.M. Varsity boys soccer at Vestavia Hills
FEBRUARY 9 | 6 P.M. City Council meeting
FEBRUARY 10 | 10 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 10 | 7 P.M. Varsity girls soccer vs Thompson
FEBRUARY 12 | 10 A.M. Senior Valentine’s Day tea party and lunch
FEBRUARY 12 | 10 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 16 | ALL DAY President’s Day
FEBRUARY 17 | 10 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 17 | 5:30 P.M. Varsity girls soccer vs Northridge
FEBRUARY 19 | 10 A.M. Senior bingo
FEBRUARY 19 | 10 A.M.
Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 19 | 6 P.M.
Planning & Zoning Committee meeting
FEBRUARY 19 | 7 P.M.
Varsity girls soccer vs Shades Valley
FEBRUARY 20 | 4 P.M.
Varsity baseball at Northside
FEBRUARY 20 | 7 P.M.
Varsity boys soccer at Spain Park
FEBRUARY 21 | 12:30 P.M.
Varsity baseball at Hartselle
FEBRUARY 23 | 4:30 P.M.
Varsity softball vs Chilton County
FEBRUARY 23 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity girls soccer at John Carroll
FEBRUARY 23 | 6 P.M. City Council meeting
FEBRUARY 24 | 10 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 24 | 4 P.M. Municipal court
FEBRUARY 24 | 4 P.M.
Varsity Tennis at HewittTrussville
FEBRUARY 24 | 7 P.M.
Varsity baseball at Thompson
FEBRUARY 25 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity soccer vs Northridge
FEBRUARY 26 | 10 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEBRUARY 26 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity girls soccer at Pelham
FEBRUARY 28 | 9:00 A.M.
Coffee with the Community
FEBRUARY 23
VARSITY SOFTBALL VS CHILTON COUNTY
4:30 P.M. Helena High School
The Huskies will attempt to follow their state title run up with another magical season in 2026. Be sure to come out and support them all season long.
HELENA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Monday, February 9 & 23
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.
HELENA PROCLAIMS JANUARY HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH
The Helena City Council officially adopted a proclamation that declared January Human Trafficking Prevention Month at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Jan. 12.
AUTOZONE OPENS IN HELENA
The AutoZone location in Helena has officially opened, occupying the space that formerly housed CVS.
2026 OLD TOWN LIVE LINEUP ANNOUNCED
The lineup for the 2026 season of Helena’s Old Town Live, some of the most beloved events in the community each year, has been announced. Check out page 24 for the complete list of dates and artists.
HPD MAKES POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Helena Police Department was responsible for the creation of some belated Christmas magic, as an officer gave Helena Elementary School student Baker Rochefort a teddy bear and taught him the rules of the
In the News
THE HILLSBORO SCHOOL BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CAMPUS IN HELENA
The Hillsboro School, a private Montessori school that has served students in Helena since 2017, has broken ground on a new campus.
OAK
MOUNTAIN DENTURE AND IMPLANT CENTER OPENING IN HELENA
Residents of Helena and the surrounding communities will soon have another option for denture services, as The Oak Mountain Denture and Implant Center is looking forward to calling the city home.
HELENA VOLLEYBALL COACH DESTINEE BRISKEY STEPS DOWN AFTER ONE SEASON
Helena head volleyball coach Destinee Briskey announced on social media that she would step down from her position after leading the Huskies in 2025.
DAYLIGHT DONUTS OPENING IN HELENA
Helena will soon have another option for donuts and other treats as Daylight Donuts will be opening in the Walmart shopping center.
HELENA YOUTH SPRING SPORTS BEGIN SOON
Helena’s youth athletes will be taking the field soon as spring baseball, softball and soccer seasons will get underway in the coming weeks.
The Helena City Council honored HPD’s Norman Bernard, the HHS choir students who earned All-State honors and Chase Hall, a French horn player in the HHS band who was selected to the All-State Festival orchestra.
During the Monday, Dec. 8 meeting of the Helena City Council, a lease and service agreement for a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Helena Fire Department was approved.
COMMUNITY ASSISTING REFINED TO GO OWNER AFTER HOUSE FIRE
James Washington, the owner of Refined To Go in Helena, is being assisted by the community after losing everything in a house fire on Dec. 31
HELENA APPROVES ADDITION OF SAFE HAVEN BABY BOX AT HFD
HELENA RECOGNIZES PROMOTION OF HPD’S NORMAN BERNARD, HHS FINE ARTS STUDENTS
Update from THE COUNCIL
Cathy Hammann
HELENA CITY COUNCIL PLACE 1
Making a difference in others’ lives is truly one of life’s greatest blessings. These past few months have been filled with learning, reflection and a deep sense of gratitude as I’ve had the privilege to serve our community.
Serving as your city council member in place 1 has been an honor I do not take lightly. To be trusted to represent your voice in city government, I approach with humility and a sincere desire to do right by our neighbors.
From the beginning, I promised to lead with transparency, accountability and respect for the process. I remain committed to that promise every day. As I’ve learned more about how our city operates, especially financially, I admit there were moments of concern and uncertainty. However, I am thankful for Mayor Billy Rosener’s steady leadership. His experience and calm guidance have been a blessing as we work together to better understand and strengthen our city’s operations.
My commitment to you is simple: I will always strive to listen, to learn and to serve with integrity. Whether by phone, email or
a conversation around town, I am grateful for every opportunity to hear your thoughts and represent your hopes for our great city.
One of the most meaningful moments of this past season has been seeing the Safe Haven Baby Box come to our community. This life-saving resource reflects the very best of who we are, a city that chooses compassion, protection and care for the most vulnerable. I am deeply thankful to our fire captain Ed Lindsey, fellow council members, Mayor Rosener, Judge Welborn, and every person who is making this possible.
Our city is strong because of people like you. I encourage you to stay involved, attend events, serve on boards, support local organizations and continue sharing your voice with your local leaders.
It is truly one of the greatest blessings of my life to serve you in this season. Please never hesitate to reach out. 205-663-2161 ext. 1614, chammann@cityofhelena.org
I am grateful for you and to the community we continue to build together.
GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY
FFebruary is upon us and often brings cold weather. That means it is a perfect time to visit the library and go on an adventure! Look for new books you have not read, and free services you may not be utilizing. Stretching your dollar is certainly in the news these days. If you are looking for new ways to save, you might as well support a great local resource: your public library.
A fun way to save money is finding non-fiction books to help you start a new hobby like exercise, knitting, stargazing or cooking. (Insider Tip: The Helena Library has great cookbooks.) Other resources are an updated DVD collection, e-books and more.
Library Director Dan Dearing
This month is packed with great events: On Monday, Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m., children ages 3 and older can make a neat craft for Groundhog Day. On Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 5:45 p.m., Friends of the Library will have a meeting. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, the library hosts a fun program for adults, Knit, Stitch, and Chat.
Bring your knitting, stitching or other simple craft project to work on while you chat and connect with others in your community. On Saturday, Feb. 7 is Take Your Child to the Library Day. This is a fun day to bring your child—no age too young or too old—in to learn about the Helena Library. On Monday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m., Cookies
and Coloring will be held for children ages 3 and older. Visit the library, color and make a Valentine card. On Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m., a Valentine’s trivia game will be held for seniors. On Monday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lego Fun will take place for children of all ages. Calling all builders.
Visit and create with Legos. 1,000 Books before Kindergarten is a neat program for younger children. This simple and free program encourages parents to read to their kids frequently to instill a love of reading and a familiarity with books and learning.
A library staff member will give you everything you need to get started and stay on track. For those of you with preschool-age children, check out our Storytime. This is a fun event with stories, sing-alongs and music that will keep young people moving.
Storytime is every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. throughout the year, and it is a great way for your preschooler to learn and meet others in your community. Enjoy your February and visit the library soon!
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
Month’s Top Picks
THE STORM
By Rachel Hawkins | Adult Nonfiction
An engrossing novel full of secrets, lies, murder and revenge.
10 RULES FOR RAISING KIDS IN A HIGH-TECH WORLD
By Jean M. Twenge, PhD | Adult Nonfiction
A concrete and accessible guide to raising resilient, successful, happy children in a time of overwhelming technological intrusion.
DISRUPT EVERYTHING AND WIN: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE
By James Patterson | Adult Nonfiction
This book focuses on regaining control in a chaotic world through actionable, habit-forming strategies for navigating career changes, AI, and life’s disruptions.
OUR FROZEN PLANET
By Leisa Stewart-Sharpe | Juvenile Nonfiction
Introduce young readers to the mystery, wonder and beauty of the quarter of our world that’s frozen. In the sparkling kingdom of the frozen parts of Earth, there are amazing animals who survive bitter snowstorms, towering icebergs and frozen seas.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON SCHOOL: DOOM OF THE DARKWING
By Cressida Cowell | Juvenile
Join Hiccup and his dragons, Toothless and Windwalker, in their hilarious adventures at the Isle of Berk’s Training School for Vikings and Dragons, where they are at the bottom in pretty much everything.
THE WORRY-WORRY WHALE MADE 32 MISTAKES
By Deborah Diesen | Easy/Picture
Swim along with Willa Whale as she tackles going back to school and explores the experience of trying, practicing, and making mistakes in the classroom. She might just discover that everyone makes mistakes when they try new things.
BRAYDEN DOCKERY
Pitcher for Helena High School baseball
Tell me a bit about yourself and some information you might share when you first meet someone.
I moved to Helena in eighth grade from Chelsea. I’m committed to play baseball at Northeast Mississippi. I love to travel with family, specifically up north. My favorite city is Pittsburgh, and I’m a huge fan of all the major sports teams in Pittsburgh.
How old were you when you started playing?
I was three years old when I first started playing, before I can even remember. I have loved it from the start.
Has there ever been a coach or mentor who made a huge impact on you? What did they teach you?
A couple of guys come to mind. My pitching coach Tristian Widra is the first guy. I’ve been working with him for five years, and he has taught me everything I know when it comes to pitching. He’s also taught me many lessons about working hard and never stopping. Coach Guy and Elgin from my first three years here at Helena are the other coaches. They were great to play for, and some of my favorite memories of the sport on and off the field came from them. They’ve taught me many life lessons and have helped me become who I am today as a player and a man.
What is your favorite thing about playing baseball for the Huskies?
My favorite thing about playing for the Huskies is the community and playing with the guys on the team. Everyone on our team from coaches to us players is brought in with the goal of winning a championship, and we go to work every day with that goal. The community is great as well; everyone comes out and supports us, and it’s cool to see.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
My favorite baseball memory is last year’s area games against Spain Park. We had to win both games to get in, and did. I pitched the first game and went eight and two-thirds innings with 12 strikeouts, and we ended game one with a walk-off single. Then we went on and clinched the playoffs with a win in game two.
When you’re not in school or playing sports, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A couple of things I enjoy when I’m not at school or baseball are playing golf, basketball and listening to music while working out.
BRENDAN JAMERSON
Janitor at Helena Middle School
First, tell me more about yourself.
My name is Brendan Jamerson. I’m a lifelong resident of Helena. I went through the Helena schools. I graduated from Helena High School in 2018. Auburn is my favorite college to pull for.
Can you tell me about your time with Helena Middle School?
My time here has been spent cleaning up a lot of messes, but that’s part of my job.
What kind of impact do the students and teachers you interact with have on your life?
I see familiar faces that have had a positive impact on my life.
What makes working at the middle school special?
The faculty and staff that we have here.
What has been your favorite thing about working at Helena Middle over the course of your time?
Getting to listen to music while I work and working with some of my former teachers. Also, it is 10 minutes from my house.
Do you have a message you would like to say to the Helena community?
Continue to support our new mayor and what he has planned.
2026 Helena Old Town Live releases lineup
BY DANIEL LOCKE
The day that Old Town Live fans have been waiting for since the conclusion of the 2025 season has arrived, as Helena Old Town and Birmingham Mountain Radio released the complete 2026 lineup on the morning on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
The concert series is returning for its sixth year, and it has become a beloved and highly anticipated Helena tradition since it began. All events are free to attend and open to all ages.
There will be food and drinks, including alcohol to purchase at each show. Two of the main sponsors for Old Town Live in 2026 are Central State Bank—which is serving as the title sponsor for the series once again—and WBRC Fox 6 News.The sixth season of Old Town Live will begin on April 25 with performances by Cole Spain and The Band of Heathens.The next show will take place on May 16 with moe. This was the only Old Town Live date for the 2026 season that was released prior to the other dates. The announcement was originally made on Birmingham Mountain Radio on Nov. 3.The third Old Town Live event
of the 2026 season will take place on June 13. The opening act will be Cowboy Mouth, and Tonic will headline the show.
The special Independence Day celebration version of Old Town Live will once again take place on July 3. Wet Willy will open the show and North Mississippi Allstars will serve as the headliner. The main event of the evening will be the fireworks display.
After taking a break during the month of August, the final Old Town Live event of the 2026 season will take place on Sept. 26, and it will once again be an Oktoberfest celebration. The Bavarian Express will get the day started with tunes fitting for an Oktoberfest celebration, and Vox Britannia will have the privilege of serving as the final headlining act of the sixth season of the concert series. The Oktoberfest celebration will feature activities such as dachshund races, stein hoisting and keg throwing. For more information about Old Town Live and other things happening in Helena’s historic Old Town district, visit Facebook.com/Helenaoldtown.
Helena United Methodist 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
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: Heather Atkins 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
LUTHERAN
LCMS Helena Plant 4097-B, Helena Road (205)283-6742 helenalutheranplant@gmail.com
METHODIST
Helena Methodist Church
Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenamethodist.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
Church at Cahaba Bend
Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday 3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060 Cahababend.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: Mike Ensminger 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
Grace Christian Church
BUILDING HOPE
Piper Boss makes an impact with LEGOS
BY DANIEL LOCKE
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY PIPER BOSS
FFor most teenagers, LEGO bricks are a childhood memory tucked away in a closet. For Piper Boss, they’ve become the foundation of The BrightBrick Project, a charity she created to help spread joy and encouragement to children in foster care.
Boss, a 16-year-old junior who attends Helena High School, is no stranger to being involved in the community. From twirling competitively with the Shelby Starlets to participating in the 2026 Youth Leadership of Shelby County Class and Helena Teen Council, she keeps herself busy. Her grades are also a priority, fully put on display by her course load that includes seven AP classes.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve tried to be involved in as many things as I possibly can,” Boss said. “I really just love being involved in the
community and I love community service in general.”
Boss first discovered her love for volunteer work as a middle school student when she had the chance to help out at one of Helena’s most beloved traditions, the Buck Creek Festival.
Having the opportunity to play a role in such a community staple was an eye-opening experience for Boss, and it has left a lasting impact on her.
“I really found my spark for that in seventh or eighth grade,” Boss said. “I started with the Buck Creek Festival. I was invited to help show people around and assist with the cleanup and everything. I got to have some really good conversations with people I didn’t know, which was definitely out of my comfort zone at the time, but now it’s one of my favorite things to do.”
On top of really loving community service, I wanted to give back to the people around me. I’ve had a couple of friends who’ve been in the foster care system and have family ties. It’s really close to my family and our hearts.
LEGOS came to Boss because of her experience with the popular toy brand. The ability to build anything she wanted was something Boss always remembered about playing with LEGOS, and something she believes symbolizes creative freedom.
“This is something that’s kind of been in the works for two years,” Boss said. “I love STEM, I’ve always loved science and getting to explore the world around us. As a kid, I loved LEGOS, it’s something you tend to gravitate toward as a kid just for that creativity aspect. The only limitation I had was the number of bricks I had and my imagination.”
After the idea of starting a charity came into her
mind, the next thing for Boss to figure out was the area she wanted to make an impact on. After careful consideration, she decided she wanted to work with children in the foster care system.
“On top of really loving community service, I wanted to give back to the people around me,” Boss said. “I’ve had a couple of friends who’ve been in the foster care system and have family ties. It’s really close to my family and our hearts.”
Providing children with LEGO bricks is special to Boss because she believes playing with them is beneficial for their development and can teach them valuable skills. Since the charity officially started on July 1, Boss has had the opportunity to share the
-PIPER BOSS
experience of playing with LEGOS and provide these benefits for children in foster care.
“If somebody handed you a toy phone as a little kid what are you going to do with it? You’re going to pretend to make a phone call. If somebody handed you a box of LEGOS, there’s not really any instruction to it,” Boss said. “It’s called open-ended play. There are so many benefits to child development through open-ended play, besides just building that creativity and confidence in yourself.”
In addition to providing LEGOS, Boss also sends encouragement along with them in an attempt to put a smile on the face of the recipient.
“The LEGO sets are new and gently used,” Boss said. “The new LEGO sets come in a container. Our gently used ones come in something that is easy for kids to carry around with them and take them
wherever they’re going. With every single one of those sets comes a letter of encouragement from somebody in the community.”
Through her involvement with the leadership team at HHS, Boss had the opportunity to connect with Brad Nichols, the owner of Helena’s Chickfil-A. This connection gave her the opportunity to spread the message of The BrightBrick Project at a Chick-fil-A event, reassuring her that the hard work she’s putting in is worth it.
“They had a Thanksgiving event and we were there,” Boss said. “I got to have a really cool conversation with someone who fosters kids. She was telling me about how excited one of her kids would be to receive one of these. That was a big affirmation for me. This is the right thing and this is helping people.”
what they could do and how they could help,”
Boss said. “Mrs. Leigh Hulsey helped a lot. She helped us with figuring out what documents we needed to fill out.”
Boss has also received a tremendous amount of support from the board of directors who helped her start the charity, including President Shawn Menke, Vice President Kim Melton, Secretary James White and Treasurer Brittany Collins.
“Even though I can’t be on the board, they’ve taken my input really seriously and just made sure that this is my project and my vision,” Boss said. “They’re really just there supporting me, which has been really great.”
Boss has learned a lot about herself during the process of getting The BrightBrick Project up and running. While she has had to deal with being
looked down on, often by adults, she has learned to keep going in spite of that and focus on the support she has been given.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot about persistence,” Boss said. “I had a lot of people say, ‘Oh, you’re 16, you’re not really going to do that.’ Just not taking me or my ideas seriously. Really learning how to lean into the adults around me and let them support me and what I’m doing.”
As The BrightBrick Project continues to grow, Boss hopes to make a positive impact on more children in the community, ensuring they know how much they are cared for. With every LEGO set and note of encouragement that makes its way into the hands of a child in the community, comfort and hope are being spread.
KEEPING HELENA RUNNING
Helena’s Utility Board helps provide the city with safe water
BY DANIEL LOCKE
PHOTOS BY DANIEL LOCKE AND CONTRIBUTED
WWhen the water runs from the faucet and city operations continue like normal, not many people stop and think about the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep these services available.
In Helena, this work is done by the Helena Utility Board, an often-unseen group that ensures residents receive these services that are vital for day-to-day life. Rhonda Lewis serves as the chair of the board, overseeing the important process that keeps Helena’s water safe and clean.
“We make sure that our water is clean and drinking safe,” Lewis said. “We control the chemicals in the water. We provide a resource to our customers that they have to have.”
The Helena Utility Board is separate from the city, allowing it to better serve the community by managing water needs more efficiently, often
leading to lower costs for residents.
“We set rates for the water,” Lewis said. “We used to be under the city, now we’ve broken away from that and we kind of stand alone. We just want to provide reliable, safe drinking water with fair rates to our customers.”
The board doesn’t have a lot to do with the regular tasks, such as maintenance, as it employs people to handle those. The primary responsibility of the board is to set the organization up for both immediate and long-term success by managing it effectively and by making smart decisions that are in the best interest of the organization.
“Our employees handle the day-to-day operations, so we try not to be too involved in them,” Lewis said. “It’s the financial oversight, we set policies and budgets. We deal with any kind of
legal compliance. We come up with strategic plans for the future needs of the organization, the economic growth and environment. We make the decisions for the utilities at a high level.”
The board has two voting members in addition to Lewis, Charlie Roberts and Kim Ray. Dennis Wilson, a former member of the board who now serves on the Helena City Council, serves as its council liaison. Jeffrey Nelson is the water and sewer superintendent and has also stepped in to fill the general manager role on an interim basis. Teresa Amos is the board’s secretary and treasurer.
The employees handle a lot of tasks, one of the main ones being the maintenance of water mains, the arteries that transport water from the treatment facility to the properties within the city.
These are often viewed as the backbone of a water
distribution system. When they break, the utility department has an urgent problem on its lands. Luckily, Helena has a team that is skilled in repairing them, as well as addressing other utility problems.
“By our last count, we have 17 employees,” Lewis said. “Our employees handle everything from main breaks to reading meters.”
Helena has seen a significant amount of growth in recent years. Handling a city that not only is growing in population but is growing in size as well presents the utility board with various challenges. One of the challenges is needing more out of an aging system.
“We need to do a lot of maintenance in our system,” Lewis said. “We have a lot of infrastructure that we need to start working on.”
“We make sure that our water is clean and drinking safe,” Lewis said. “We control the chemicals in the water. We provide a resource to our customers that they have to have.”
-Rhonda Lewis
The board meets on the second Monday of each month, and decisions that affect the city are made and voted on. The topics of these meetings can include everything from routine bill payments to approving plans for complex projects.
“We’ve approved job descriptions, we’ve done things like employee handbooks,” Lewis said. “We’ve done things like vote on the bill payments that we will be paying out for the month, doing approval on those. We’ve also done a rate study that we’re looking at, that was a big project. We just started hearing about the results from that rate study. We also hear from the employees.”
Like most public meetings, a significant amount of the conversations taking place at these meetings have a lot to do with finances. “It’s mainly just work in the financial part of it that we need to do and how
much we’re going to approve,” Lewis said. “Right now, at the first of the year, we’re just trying to organize that and see exactly how much money we’re going to need. That’s where our rate study comes in. We’re really, really looking at that right now.” Lewis takes a lot of pride in the work of the utility board and its employees do, as it provides the community with something it truly couldn’t live without. “It goes a lot into protecting the public health and the environment, that is so important,” Lewis said. “It’s making sure we provide that lifesustaining resource to our community.”
While the board often has a lot to think about when it comes to serving the community, it aims to never lose sight of its primary objective, providing clean and safe water to the community and protecting the environment.
“Water is essential for life,” Lewis said. “I feel like as part of the board, that responsibility falls directly on us. I feel like every month, when we make decisions, we have to think about our customers first in everything and how it will affect them. We have employees that are willing to work 24/7 when the time calls for that.”
Sometimes the board is responsible for making difficult decisions, but the best interest of the community is kept in mind with every decision.
“From a board perspective, especially when it comes to the rate study, that can be very challenging
because we want to do what’s best for our customers,” Lewis said. “Every board member is also a customer. We really search our hearts and do what’s best for our customers, but we also have to consider the condition and shape that our system is in, what maintenance has to be done and what projects have to be done when we’re thinking through all of this.”
Water is vital to a community, as life could not go on without it. The Helena Utility Board does everything in its power to prevent water-related problems from arising in the city.
FOR
Wrestling season is underway, and the Huskies are doing everything possible to make the community proud this season.
Nothing but Net
The Helena High School girls basketball team is giving its all each and every time it steps on the floor and doing everything possible to make the city proud.
On the break
The Helena High School boys basketball team has handled its challenging schedule with a fearless approach and has represented the Huskies with pride.
Marketplace
Automation Personnel
Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY
For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)2800002. Pelham (205)444-9774.
Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007
Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay
$15.14/hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com
Central Alabma Wellness
Mental Health Services Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-6510077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbamawellness. org
Marble Valley Manor.
Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500
•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer
Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Parttime. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653
Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS!
Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!
ETS Restorations & Tree Service “From street to walls, we do it all” •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)209-7787 (205)683-3257
Hill Brook Manor Apartments 300 Sumner Dr. Calera, AL 35040 205-668-2020 Affordable Living Apartments Available 1 BR for $665/month 2BR for $705/month
Software Engineers IIIeBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@motion.com (Must REF: Job Title in subject line).
Production Engineering Technician –Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA). Increase first pass yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes.
Submit resume to cindy.smith@ hlcompany.com. Reference Job ID: 8445038.
Production Engineering Technician – Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA). Increase first pass yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes. Submit resume to cindy.smith@hlcompany.com. Reference Job ID: 8445038.
Current Products Lead Engineer, ACX – positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Dev, mnge & mentor current prods engins to root-cause & solve des issues & supp all ACX Refuse engin’g needs on produc line. Must be willing to travel domestically 5%. Please submit resume to legalcompliance@ gvwgroup.com. Reference job id: 9326335.
Manufacturing Engineer –positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Responsible for manufacturing eng’ing, industrial & process eng’ing related functions w/ in scope of responsibility at Autocar. Please submit resume to LegalCompliance@ gvwgroup.com. Reference Job ID: 9737474.
P&F COIN COMPANT: We Pay The Highest Prices In Town! 561 First St. N, Alabster, AL 35007 “WE BUY & SELL GOLD & SILVER”
*Scrap/Broken Jewelry *Gold & Silver Bullion * Sterling Silverware Sets * Vintage Watches *And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205-624-3033 admin@pfcoincompany.com
For All Your Masonry Needs•Block •Brick •Concrete Repair •Brick Cleaning •Painting Call 205-643-0729 or email srichardson642@gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES!
Pelham’s Newest Community! Tower Homes Community, Huntley Ridge, is nestled conveniently near I-65, I-459 and Highway 31
and is now selling 3BR/2BA homes starting in the $320s. Call today to schedule a showing!
Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors
Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@ charter.net or call 205-3696250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control
MY HELENA JAY AND JOANNA HARMAN
Volunteer Community
Making an effort to give back
One of our favorite things about living in Helena is the opportunity to volunteer and give back to our wonderful community. We truly enjoy contributing to local events and initiatives that create meaningful experiences for everyone here. It’s especially rewarding to serve alongside other passionate residents who share a genuine heart for Helena.
The Great Outdoors
Spending time in the fresh air
We love getting outside in Helena—there are so many awesome trails right in our backyard! The paved Hillsboro Trail is perfect for easy walks or bike rides. We also hit the hiking trails at Lee Springs Park, or stroll along beautiful Buck Creek. Getting to see the beautiful Cahaba Lilies at Buck Creek is a bonus. Cahaba River Park is also just a quick drive away with even more amazing trails—it’s so great having all these outdoor spots to explore and enjoy whenever we want!
City of Helena employees and leadership
Appreciating those who serve the community
We really appreciate the folks who run our city—the employees are always so friendly and ready to help whenever we need something, whether it’s at City Hall or out in the community. Our leadership, from the mayor to the city council, feels super accessible and genuinely works hard to keep making Helena an even better place to live— it’s nice knowing they’re looking out for us!
Old Town Helena
Enjoying the historic charm
We absolutely love calling Old Town Helena home—it’s truly the heart of our little town! From spring through fall, those beautiful hanging flower baskets make every stroll so cheerful, and come winter, the Christmas tree lighting turns it into a magical spot with all the twinkling lights. Folks gather at the iconic red Caboose most Fridays just to hang out, or you can pop inside to snag a puzzle from the exchange. Eating out here is the best. Grab a meal on the decks overlooking the falls at The Depot or at Beef O’Brady’s. We even got married in Old Town at Brick & Rose. Old Town just feels like the perfect place to be.
P.O. Box 947 • 115 North Main Street
Columbiana, Alabama 35051
Phone: 205-669-3131
