Cahaba Sun August 2021

PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW What’s ahead for Huskies, Indians and Cougars? 16

Vol 6 | Issue 9 | August 2021 As Trussville As It Gets

NO PAINE, NO GAIN

2021 marks 50 years for Amerex, 20 years since school groundbreaking. 14

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Call or visit BhamSmile.com to schedule a free consultation.

HONORING SGT. JASON STEGALL First bronze bust of a Trussville vet added to Veterans Memorial at Civitan Park. 7

OLLI@UA is a member-led community of lifelong learners. Since 2008, we’ve grown to more than 300 courses annually in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Gadsden.

We love to learn new things, meet people with similar interests and travel locally and abroad. Many of us teach courses and lead field trips. Whatever your interests, there’s something for you in OLLI. Join us for our open house and hear guest speaker John Archibald. Monday, August 9, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverchase United Methodist Church. To learn more, visit olli.ua.edu/bhm or call (205) 348-6482.

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EDITOR’S NOTE | KYLE PARMLEY High school football begins this month!

What that means is the fall is right around the corner. What that does not mean is that cooler weather is near.

Included in this issue of the Cahaba Sun is a preseason look at the three high school football teams in our coverage area: Hewitt-Trussville, Clay-Chalkville and Pinson Valley. All three programs have experienced great success over the past few years, and each of them have high expectations again this fall.

Also out this month is the Under the Lights magazine, which includes previews of all 12 teams Starnes Media covers. The season begins Aug. 20.

In the Cahaba Sun this month, Gary Lloyd offers his monthly column and the cover story, which highlights the 20-year anniversary of Amerex Corporation founder Ned Paine donating the land for what became the Paine Primary and Paine Intermediate schools.

I’m eagerly awaiting full football stadiums and a fall season of football, volleyball and cross-country.

Thanks for reading!

Please Support Our Community Partners Bedzzz Express (20) Birmingham Orthodontics (1) Clearview Strategy Partners (5) Closets by Design (13) Cremation Center of Birmingham (12) Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home (15) Engle Dentist - The Dental Office of Moody (10) ENT Associates of Alabama (7)

Lee Marlow, RealtySouth (15) Legacy Ridge Assisted Living (10) OLLI - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (2) Raymond James Private Client Group (3) Stephanie Moore, RE/MAX (7) Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology (2) Trussville Gas and Water (12) Window World of Central Alabama (3)

Find Us Pick up the latest issue of Cahaba Sun at the following locations: ► Edgar’s Bakery ► Golden Rule Bar-B-Q – Trussville ► Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce ► Trussville Civic Center ► Trussville Gas and Water ► Trussville Police Department ► Trussville Public Library Want to join this list or get Cahaba Sun mailed to your home?

Contact Anna Jackson at ajackson@starnesmedia.com.

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH Fireworks light up the sky during the annual Freedom Festival for the Fourth of July.

Photo by Ron Burkett.

Publisher: Dan Starnes Managing Editor: Nick Patterson Community Editors: Kyle Parmley Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Leah Ingram Eagle Neal Embry Ingrid Schnader Sports Editor: Kyle Parmley Design Editor: Melanie Viering Photo Editor: Erin Nelson Page Designers: Kristin Williams Ted Perry Interns: Eric Taunton Hannah Urban Account Manager: Ted Perry Content Marketing Manager: Erica Brock Graphic Designer: Emily VanderMey Senior Business Development Exec.: Michelle Salem Haynes Business Development Execs.: Don Harris Jarrett Tyus Client Success Specialist: Anna Bain Marketing Consultants: Warren Caldwell Kentevious Forehand Stacey Hatcher Hazen Hoagland Joshua Thompson Business Administrator: Anna Jackson

For advertising contact: dan@starnesmedia.com Contact Information: Cahaba Sun P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnesmedia.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: kparmley@starnesmedia.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Published by: Cahaba Sun LLC

Legals: Cahaba Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or

graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Cahaba Sun is designed to inform the Trussville community of area school, family and community events.

Information in Cahaba Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Cahaba Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

Please recycle this paper.

ON THE COVER: Former Paine Elementary School Principal Betsy Schmitt and former Paine Intermediate School Principal Beth Bruno stand in front of the school that’s now called Paine Elementary School. Photo by Erin Nelson.

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COMMUNITY Have a community announcement? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Nuclear Medicine Technology students and Krystle Glasgow, center, participate in venipuncture practice with an anatomical arm setup in the Nuclear Medicine Technology laboratory in the School of Health Professions in 2018. Photos courtesy of UAB.

Hewitt grad named nuclear medicine society president-elect

By GARY LLOYD A 2006 Hewitt-Trussville High School graduate has been named the president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section for 2021-22.

Krystle W. Glasgow is a clinical coordinator in the University of Alabama at Birmingham M.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology program and will serve in the role on a three-year commitment as president-elect, president and past-president of the national society.

Glasgow was introduced during the SNMMI 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting in June. This is the culmination of a long career of serving her industry. She has held top leadership positions at the local level for the Alabama Society of Nuclear Medicine, as well as numerous board and committee positions at the regional and national level for the SNMMI. “As president of the SNMMI-TS, I will be an advocacy champion for all NMTs — optimizing grassroots activity, educating regulators and legislators and making sure nothing

Glasgow, a HTHS Class of 2006 graduate, has been named the president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section.

inhibits the practice of nuclear medicine,” Glasgow said. “I will also work hard on the personal level, making sure the voices of our

NMTs are heard and that they have the tools and training they need to be successful.”

In 2020, Glasgow became only the third person in Alabama to be named a fellow by the SNMMI-TS. The year prior to that, she was named to the SNMMI inaugural “Ones to Watch” list, which featured 30 rising stars in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging under the age of 35. In 2017, she earned the Southeastern Chapter of the SNMMI Distinguished Service Award. That award is not an annual honor and is only delivered when the chapter president wishes to recognize someone for stellar service.

“The SNMMI-TS has long been a wonderful resource for both technologists and students in mentoring, networking, continuing education, research and advocacy, and we take great pride in Krystle’s election,” interim NMT Program Director Amy Brady said. “I have known Krystle for years, and I know her exceptional skills as a leader, educator, advocate and communicator will serve the organization and our fellow technologists and students well.”

In 2019, she was a member of the UAB research team that earned the American

Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Education and Research Fund Joseph J. Kleiner Award for Best Paper. In addition, she is a contributing author of three books and co-author of “The Review of Nuclear Medicine Technology, fifth edition.”

Additionally, Glasgow is a Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate, one of only 16 in the world. She has delivered lectures at conferences throughout the country on nuclear medicine topics and has four published articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Glasgow becomes the second UAB NMT member to earn this Technologist Section elected honor. Norman E. Bolus, who served as director of the program from 2008 until his retirement in 2021, was elected in 2017 and served as the 2018-19 SNMMI-TS president.

The SNMMI is an international scientific and medical organization with more than 16,000 members. It is dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, vital elements of precision medicine that allow diagnosis and treatment to be tailored to individual patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.

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1st bronze bust added at Trussville Veterans Memorial

By GARY LLOYD The first bronze bust of a Trussville veteran was recently added to the Trussville Veterans Memorial at Civitan Park.

The bust of Army Sgt. Jason Stegall, who died in 2009, was unveiled in the park May 30. The bronze bust is the result of approximately $11,000 in donations and the passion of Navy veteran Mark Davis, the founder of the Alabama Fallen Warriors Project.

The bust was molded by retired Army Col. Lee Busby and cast at the University of Alabama.

“He’s got a God-gifted talent,” Davis said of Busby.

Stegall died in December 2009 after returning to the United States from Iraq and developing a case of swine flu while stationed in Texas. Doctors put him in a medically induced coma to fly him to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, but he had a bad reaction to his medicine and never woke up from the coma, his wife, Ashley Stegall, told the Cahaba Sun in 2019.

He died at Georgetown University Hospital about a week later, she said.

While Jason Stegall was on an 18-month tour in Iraq, he earned a Bronze Star for helping stop two suicide bombers in trucks from

The bronze bust of Army Sgt. Jason Stegall, molded by retired Army Col. Lee Busby, seen at Civitan Park in Trussville.

Stegall, who died in 2009, earned a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his lifesaving actions while on active duty.

Photo by Gary Lloyd.

completing an attack on a U.S. base. He and another paratrooper were serving as guards that day and saved countless lives, despite being temporarily knocked unconscious during the fight, Ashley Stegall said.

Jason Stegall also earned two Purple Heart medals while in Iraq. One time, he was wounded in the side during a firefight while on patrol but still led his squad out of harm’s way back to their base. On another occasion, a bullet came through the back of his helmet and exited the front, grazing his head in the process.

Davis said the goal of the Alabama Fallen Warriors Project is to raise enough money to create bronze busts of every military member from Alabama killed on active duty since 9/11.

Next on the list for the park in Trussville is Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Michael Hosey, a Trussville man killed in action in Afghanistan in September 2011 at the age of 27.

The May 30 unveiling event was attended

by Trussville city officials and the newly created Trussville Veterans Committee, which Davis helped to set up. The committee is tasked with finding ways to recognize veterans and plan Veterans Day events.

“It’s just a heart that I have for veterans,” Davis said.

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SHARING SUCCESS Through social gatherings, mentoring, workshops and now virtual space, GirlSpring continues work to empower young women

By NICK PATTERSON As a University of Alabama at Birmingham student, Holley Wren House found something she wishes she had known about as a teenager in Trussville: GirlSpring.

House is an editorial assistant intern at GirlSpring, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering, informing and inspiring young girls.

“I wish that I had had something or a resource like GirlSpring when I was a teenage girl,” she said. “They do a lot of great things and have a lot of great resources for young girls or teenage girls.”

House, who as a college student is older than GirlSpring members, has regular firsthand contact with the materials on its website because of her internship.

“The girls … will write articles, poems, they’ll do quizzes, kind of anything, and after they write it, I’m the person who goes in there and edits it, makes sure that it’s good to post, put up a picture that will go along with it, and I schedule all the posts and make sure they get up on time,” she said.

The information is particularly valuable because it is accurate and deals with a lot of what teen girls typically need to understand.

“Some stuff debunks stuff that I had previously thought when I was younger, about girls’ health and just being a teenager in general … I think that any girl could benefit from being in GirlSpring. It’s a great place for girls to go and share their writing, share their artwork, but also to talk about topics that are important to them.”

House said teen girls who don’t know about GirlSpring could benefit from it. “You should definitely use it as a resource to go to if you need advice or information on tough topics like … body image, bullying, puberty, anything like that,” she said.

For now, GirlSpring’s Trussville connection is limited to Holley House, but Executive Director Kristen Greenwood said that’s something they’d like to change.

“We currently don't have any Springboarders from the Trussville area, but we’d love to see some participation from that part of Birmingham. And since we are offering so many of our programs over Zoom, transportation would not be an issue,” she said.

Thousands of girls across the metro area have made connections — in person and virtually — through GirlSpring since it was founded in 2010, Greenwood said. The nonprofit organization is focused on empowering young women in ways they might not otherwise experience.

Greenwood talked to Cahaba Sun about how GirlSpring got started, and why it’s so important.

Q: What does GirlSpring do and why?

A: Our mission is to empower girls 9-18 with the tools they need to succeed in life: accurate information, inspiring events, and positive female role models.

Q: What does that look like in practice?

A: In terms of programming, there is an online magazine and mobile app created and managed by a group of teen girls called the Springboarders. There are also monthly talks led by female community leaders called Wonder Women that focus on topics ranging from how to succeed in careers — particularly male-dominated fields. Other things range from cybersecurity and financial literacy to nutrition and wellness, career and STEM fairs, film screenings, mother-daughter events and an annual summer camp.

Above: University of Alabama at Birmingham student and Trussville native Holley Wren House, who is an editorial assistant intern with GirlSpring. Below: Learning from and interacting with peers from different schools is a major benefit of the programs GirlSpring offers. Photos courtesy of GirlSpring.

“We know that girls don’t necessarily get all the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, not because they don’t have great teachers, but because they are focused on academics, which is very important,”

Greenwood said. “But girls and women face challenges in life that they need to know how to navigate. Whether it is career or family, or both, there are things that girls need to know that aren't taught in school.”

Q: Give us an example.

A: Our largest ongoing program is the Springboarders teen program, which consists of 60 girls, [ages] 13-18, who are tasked with managing GirlSpring’s website, girlspring.com, which reaches 15,000 visitors per month in Birmingham and beyond.

The girls have varying roles of responsibility.

At a minimum, each girl contributes some type of content to the site, such as an article on a topic relevant to their peers, a poem or artwork, or works with other team members to create a podcast or video interview with a female role model from the community.

There are also leadership roles such as chairs for the various committees (podcast, YouTube, etc.), and executive level (president, vice president and secretary). The girls work together to develop a monthly topic for their website submissions, create online events for their peers, such as trivia nights and peer-to-peer college prep advice panels, and periodically get together to have volunteer days. Girls are drawn from all different schools and backgrounds, so through this program they get exposure to girls from different walks of life, they learn how to work together as a team, develop leadership skills and get to meet lots of inspiring women from our community that they might not otherwise meet.

Q: This seems to provide them with a lot of real-world skills.

A: In terms of volunteer opportunities,

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people often don’t realize how great this looks on a college application, but consistently the graduating seniors tell me that when they go for their college interviews or put this on scholarship applications, that it really stands out because it is a unique and different type of service. Even the girls who are participating at the minimum level and writing an article on a peer relevant topic are helping another girl, just by having published something that might speak to her and knowing she’s not the only person dealing with that particular issue.

During COVID-19 especially, we heard so many girls tell us what a great resource the website had been for them. People often want to hear about our events, which are wonderful, but the website, which is driven by this group of teen girls, is really at the heart of everything. There are resources written by professionals on certain topics, but 90% of the content is created by teen girls.

Q: How did GirlSpring get started?

A: GirlSpring was started by Jane Comer.

She saw a lack of women in leadership positions and a need for more.

She believed that by empowering girls, we build better communities, better businesses, better relationships and ultimately a better world. So, she started gathComer ering input from women in Birmingham who felt similarly and founded GirlSpring as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2010.

Above: GirlSpring gives young women the opportunity to learn from accomplished professions in events such as their STEM Fair.

Below: Using YouTube to reach girls with empowering messages and recaps of events, GirlSpring connects girls from across the metro area.

a small town, we are pretty big. Depending on where you live, it can take an hour to get from one part of town to another, plus, with virtual programs, you eliminate barriers like lack of transportation that many households have to deal with.

Q: What’s been the best thing about working with GirlSpring?

A: Seeing all these young women from different backgrounds and schools come together to work toward a common goal.

They all believe in empowering each other, in using their voices to help other girls. They are also all really nice girls — no cliques — it’s very inclusive. They want to see each other succeed.

Q: Tell us more about Jane Comer.

A: Jane has two passions: empowering girls and the arts. She is a native of Birmingham, and besides GirlSpring, she also started Artplay, which holds art, dance and music classes for children and adults and is housed in a restored 19th century house in Southside. She’s a lot of fun and also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Q: How did you come to GirlSpring?

A: I worked at the Birmingham Museum of Art for many years and knew who Jane was but didn’t really know her. One of my colleagues knew her well and knew about GirlSpring and introduced us. I fell in love with the mission immediately.

Q: How many girls does GirlSpring serve?

A: It’s a hard question to answer, especially on grant applications. Through our in-person programs, where we actually see girls directly, about 1,000 per year from Birmingham and surrounding areas. Our biggest platform, however, is our website, which has, on average 15,000 visitors per month. Our website visitors could be from Birmingham, or from anywhere across the globe.

Q: How do girls sign up?

A: Springboarders must apply via an online application, be interviewed by a small peer group, commit to monthly meetings and commit to submitting something to our website each month (an article, artwork, poetry, podcast, video).

Q: Did the pandemic change what you do in any way? If so, how?

A: Yes, when schools shut down and girls had more time at home, we saw a dramatic increase in traffic to our website — 30% within weeks. We went from 8,000 average visitors to 13,000 in several weeks. That’s continued to grow since then.

We had the largest Springboarder class since we started, and the pandemic actually

was a huge booster for our growth. Girls were looking for resources online, and luckily they found us. The feedback we got from the girls we work with directly was that we also were a great source of structure when the rest of their world fell apart. Plus, reading articles written by peers going through the same thing made them feel they weren’t alone. Also, all of our in-person programs are now completely offered online.

Q: As the pandemic eases, what do you want to see change?

A: Getting people to recognize what a great resource our website and the virtual world can be when circumstances make it impossible for people to be together physically. For so many girls, having virtual programs has been wonderful because for

Q: If there was one thing you’d want people to know about GirlSpring, what would it be?

A: I think there is a perception that it is a website where girls publish their writing, artwork and poetry. That is only one component of what it is. Although that is important and valued, I think what the girls get out of it is so much more. It’s the behind the scenes camaraderie of working together to decide on the theme for the month, it’s the women they get to meet as guest speakers at their meetings and the women they interview for podcasts and video interviews, the in-person events like the Wonder Women talks and the STEM fair and Career fair and the summer camp. I hope that people will visit our website, Instagram and Facebook and check us out.

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Gray Car Murals hoping to go plural in Trussville

By GARY LLOYD Gray Car Murals has one mural in Trussville complete, and the nonprofit organization is hoping to add more in the near future.

The mural at the Trussville Public Library was completed in May, and Marc Ward, one of the founders of the 501(c)(3) organization, hopes to add more throughout the city.

“We wanted to bring art to Trussville,” Ward said, “and we thought murals would be a great way to do that.”

The mural at the library is Trussville’s first outdoor mural, Ward said. The Friends of the Library and the Library Board were “great to work with,” he said.

“It’s been rewarding to see a drawing come to life on the side of the library,” he said.

His wife, Callie, an art specialist at Magnolia Elementary School, drew the mural.

The nonprofit group also includes Marcia Ward, an artist who is a member of the Friends of the Library, as well as the Wards’ children, Grace and Carter. The name of the organization, Gray Car Murals, is a play on the children’s names.

Marc Ward said that during the COVID19 pandemic shutdowns, the family drove to Oneonta and toured the city’s Art Walk.

That inspired the family, which then traveled to Laurel, Mississippi, and saw its library.

“That’s when we figured our library would be a great start,” he said.

Leeds-based Mammoth Mural Company did the installation of the mural at the library. They painted it by sight of a design Callie Ward made on an 8-inch-by-11-inch sheet of paper. Marc Ward encouraged people to take photos with their books in front of the mural.

Marc Ward said that Gray Car Murals hopes to continue adding murals throughout Trussville, especially downtown. According to Americans for the Arts, for every dollar invested in a citywide mural project, $6 is generated in revenue for the city.

“We need building owners to participate,” he said. “If you own one in Trussville and want a mural, please let us know.”

For more information, visit graycar murals.org.

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Gray Car Murals’ artwork at the Trussville Public Library. Photo by Gary Lloyd.

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BUSINESS HAPPENINGS NOW OPEN Chalkville Nutrition recently opened at 2453 Old Springville Road. The smoothie and juice bar’s mission is to help others live a healthier lifestyle.

256-303-7333, Facebook @chalkvillenutrition

COMING SOON Jiffy Lube will replace the former Taco Bell building at 1106 N. Chalkville Road by early 2022. The old building will be demolished, with construction for a new building set to begin shortly thereafter. Premium Velocity Auto LLC will own and operate the Trussville location. jiffylube.com

Great Harvest Bread Company, 218 Main St., Suite 110, was recently honored with the 2020 Ned and Goldie Paine Memorial Gatekeeper Award - Outstanding Civic Organization Award by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce for its practice of donating remaining food at the end of the day to area charities.

205-508-5854, greatharvest.com Avadian Credit Union, 2150 Gadsden Highway, has launched a Spanish language version of online and mobile banking. The Spanish language service allows members to manage their accounts, transfer funds and perform many other activities from their computers or mobile devices.

205-661-9712, avadiancu.com

Mexicali Blues is coming soon in the Trussville Entertainment District at 101 Beech St. Construction is underway, and the restaurant plans to open within the coming months. Mexicali Blues will offer upscale Mexican cuisine, a Ferus taproom, an event space and a VIP lounge. mexicalibluestrussville.com Pinchgut Pies is planning to open in the Trussville Entertainment District at 101 Beech St. Self-described as an "eclectic pizza shack," the restaurant will offer a chef-curated menu of pizzas made with fresh ingredients. pinchgutpies.com Pet Supplies Plus plans to open a new location at 1672 Gadsden Highway in The Promenade at Tutwiler Farm. The national chain offers food, supplies and accessories for a variety of pets, in addition to grooming services. petsuppliesplus.com The Cahaba Building, 204 Main St., is being developed as a new coworking space by Hancock Construction of Vestavia Hills. More than 8,000 square feet of the 9,600-square-foot building will be leasable coworking space, while a private office will use the remaining area. hancockbuilt.com Heritage Independent School, a private Christian school located across from Springville High School, plans to open in August. For more information, email heritageindschool@gmail.com.

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS Rebecca Brown's has moved from its location behind Edgar’s Bakery to 103 N. Chalkville Road.

205-994-1299, rebecca-browns.square.site

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Rosewood Antiques, 1935 U.S. 11, will host a backto-school sale in August and is pleased to announce that Zebra Stitches will offer monogramming services once a week at its shop. Additionally, Rosewood Antiques welcomes Suzie Burkett, formerly with The Chocolate Biscuit, to its team.

205-452-2646, rosewoodantiques.net

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, 7274 Gadsden Highway, Suite 100, this fall is rebranding itself as AllerVie Health and aligning with a national network of board-certified allergists and immunologists.

205-871-9661, alabamaallergy.com Grandview Medical Center recently announced plans to build a freestanding emergency room in a new development across from Winn-Dixie along U.S. 11, formerly referred to as the Hamilton property. The health care provider has given the State Health Planning and Development Agency notice of its plans to submit a proposal later this year. The Trussville City Council also approved a resolution in support of the planned medical center. grandviewhealth.com Following the success of its first location in Trussville, Birmingham Martial Arts plans to open a second location at 3215 Endeavor Lane, Suite 133, in Liberty Park. The school offers Korean martial arts training, along with character and leadership development, with the latter expected to be offered within the next year or so. The school is led by Heather and Will Potter. bhammartialarts.com Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery, 250 Cahaba Valley Road in Pelham, has an office job opening. For more information, contact Operations Manager Nancy Gowens at pelham@issishome.com.

205-620-6926, issisandsons.com

PERSONNEL MOVES Joia Johnson has been appointed to the boards of Regions Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Regions Bank, effective July 20. Johnson recently retired

as chief administrative officer, general counsel and corporate secretary for Hanesbrands, an apparel manufacturer and marketer.

Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Johnson served as the executive leader for the Hanesbrands board of directors’ Compensation Committee as well as the board’s Governance and Nominating Committee. She also oversaw legal, corporate social responsibility, human resources, real estate and government/trade relations functions for the company. For Regions Financial and Regions Bank, she will serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Risk Committee of the boards. Johnson also serves on the board of Global Payments, a Fortune 500 payments technology company, and previously served on the boards of Crawford & Company, which specializes in insurance claims administration, and H.J. Russell & Company, a private real estate construction and property management business. Regions has two Trussville branches at 193 Main St. and 429 Main St. regions.com

ANNIVERSARIES TherapySouth is celebrating its 15th anniversary of serving people with physical therapy needs. Its Trussville location can be visited at 1423 Gadsden Highway, Suite 135. therapysouth.com La Calle Tacos and Snacks, 5915 Trussville Crossing Parkway, will celebrate its third anniversary — officially in June — in August. Voted the best Mexican restaurant in Community Votes Birmingham 2020, La Calle provides authentic cuisine and experiences for customers.

205-914-6913, facebook.com/lacalletacosandsnack Ironbody Training and Fitness, 165 Gadsden Highway, is celebrating its sixth anniversary. It’s also pleased to announce that one of its members, 13-year-old Bryce Byrd, placed first in the teenage division of a local powerlifting competition.

205-405-2975, facebook.com/ironbodytraining fitness Wilbur's Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, 2551 Balco Road, is celebrating its 42 anniversary.

It also recently expanded and plans to celebrate the grand opening of its new location in August.

205-509-2139, wilbur1.com It's A Party Balloon and Party Supplier, 107 N. Chalkville Road, is celebrating its 32nd year in business this month. Its new hours of operations are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Owners George and Sandy Moore are the grandparents of former Hewitt-Trussville standout and University of Alabama football player Malachi Moore.

205-925-9541, Facebook @ItsAPartyBalloons

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SCHOOLHOUSE Have a schoolhouse announcement? Email kparmley@starnesmedia.com to be considered for an upcoming issue.

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 201920 Trussville City Schools retirees could not be honored last spring. The TCS Board of Education invited that group to be recognized at the June Board of Education meeting. The following retirees were recognized: Simona Herring, Scott Waid, David Dobbs, Connie Hambey, Tina Allen, LuAnn Hodges, Julie Grogan, Dawna Butts, Audrey Shannon, Tamra Higginbotham, Payge Chambliss, Carla Russell, Sherri Bishop, Michael Petkovich and Hal Riddle.

The following 2020-21 TCS retirees were also recognized by the Board of Education in June along with the aforementioned 2019-20 retirees: Cynthia Thomas, Mark Snider, Herb Hicks, Tim Stull, Amanda Roberts, Kathy Troncale, Kathy Bell, Lee Dykes, Jana Feild, Jenni Scott, Gina Lackey, Edra Perry, Brenda Reid, Kelli Tweed, Teri Hogg, Cathy Parrish, Karen Chamblee, Charles Goad, Prissy Anderson, Harry Leach, Billy Crowell, Barry Davis and Mandi Logan.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

The TCS Board of Education recognized school system retirees during its June meeting. Photos courtesy of Trussville City Schools.

AUGUST 2021

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HTHS Engineering Academy places 2nd Hewitt-Trussville High School’s Engineering Academy placed second overall in the state Technology Student Association competition. HTHS students competed in a variety of engineering and leadership activities.

“We are very proud of all of our students and their accomplishments,” Academy Co-Director Jason Dooley said.

The TSA competition has various categories. Hewitt-Trussville students participated and placed in the following competitions: ► Architectural Computer Aided Design: Students had four hours to design a “She Shed.” The students had to design an original shed that met several design constraints and also complete set of drawings.

First place, Kenny Nguyen; second place, Reagan Felts. ► 3D Computer Aided Engineering Design: Students had to create a 3D model using engineering software. First place, Sam Lovin; sixth place, Drew McDowell. ► Children’s Story: Students had to write an original children’s story that would teach preschoolers about fossil fuels and green energy. Second place, Nguyen, David Davis and Luke Chamberlain; fifth place, Daniel Cosby, Grayson Davis and Charles Hollingsworth. ► Essays on Technology: Students had to research a provided topic and write a paper defending the side of the issue that they chose. Fifth place, Nguyen; eighth place, Chamberlain. ► Extemporaneous Presentation: Students were given a choice of three different technology topics. They had 15 minutes to prepare a three-to-five-minute presentation.

Students then had to present their topic to a team of judges. First place, Zac Butterworth. ► Forensic Science: Students had to use forensic science tools to investigate a mock crime scene and properly document and prepare all evidence. First place, Madison Morris and Fran Mann. ► Digital Video Production: Students had to create an original video in which they had to interview themselves 20 years in the future. First place, Will Diggs, Haley Page and Ryne McGuyer. ► Architectural Modeling: Students had to choose a building that struggled with coronavirus restrictions and use 3D architectural software to redesign the building to work well with COVID-19 restrictions. Teams then had to construct a scale model of their design to present to the judges. First place, Morris and Mann; second place, Nguyen, Tyler Bacon, Carter Parker; third place, Garrett Glass and Skyler Robinson. ► Prepared Presentation: Students had one day to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the theme “Together Toward Tomorrow” and present in front of a team of judges via Zoom. Fourth place, Zach Butterworth; sixth place, R. J. Harris. ► Engineering Design: The Engineering

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Fran Mann, Madison Morris and Laura Phillips won second place in the Technology Bowl. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.

Design competition theme this year was to find a way to help developing countries.

Dandrell and Caleb created a conversion kit that would allow for easy conversion of a two-wheeled bicycle to a three-wheeled bicycle. This would allow for easier operation. Their design also included a storage rack that would allow for easy hauling. Fifth place, Dandrell Johnson and Caleb Hickman. ► Photographic Technology: Individuals prepared a nature-themed photographic portfolio. Second place, Lovin; fifth place, Eli Muncher. ► Biotechnology Design: The Biotechnology Design theme this year was the use of biotechnology in medicine. Luke and David created two different face masks. One features a fan/filtration system to prevent eyeglasses from fogging and to maintain a cool temperature. The other mask has a speech-totext feature that projects speech onto an LCD screen on the front of the mask. First place, David Davis and Chamberlain. ► Webmaster: Students had to develop a website for medical care on demand. Kellen, Jacob and Noah developed a website for an online doctor that would schedule appointments and provide a Zoom session for your appointment time. Third place, Kellen Rutherford, Jacob Jones and Noah Renda. ► Video Game Design: Reeve and Ethan had to develop an original adventure game.

They game had to have three different levels of play. They developed a 3D maze that players would have to navigate through to proceed to the next level. Sixth place, Reeve Field and Ethan Foran. ► State Pin Design Contest: Students had the chance to design the state TSA pin.

First place, Lovin. ► Technology Bowl: Student teams participated in a head-to-head gameshow-like competition. Student teams had to be knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics, most with a focus on technology. Second place, Fran Mann, Madison Morris and Laura Phillips.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

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COVER STORY: 2021 marks 50 years for Amerex, 20 years since school groundbreaking.

NO PAINE, NO GAIN I

By GARY LLOYD

t’s been 20 years since the dirt that forever changed the trajectory of what became Trussville City Schools was first turned.

Amerex Corporation founder Ned Paine broke the first bit of ground in August 2001 for what became Paine Primary and Paine Intermediate schools. Paine and his wife, Goldie, founded Amerex Corporation in 1971, a Trussville-based manufacturer of hand-portable and wheeled fire extinguishers. In 1999, the founding couple donated 38 acres of land across from Amerex Corporation on U.S. 11 to the Jefferson County Board of Education on the condition it be used for a new elementary school.

At the time, the Jefferson County Board of Education was already searching for available land for a new elementary school in Trussville to ease overcrowding at Hewitt Elementary School. In the fall of 2000, only four of the school’s 48 kindergarten to third grade classes met the state standard of one teacher for every 18 pupils in elementary classes. There were six portable trailers and one modular building at the lower part of the school’s campus. The school’s lunch period in 2000 began at 10 a.m. and lasted just over three hours to accommodate all of the classes. All this led in part to the need for a new school, and Ned and Goldie Paine’s donation.

The construction of the two new Paine schools meant the closing of Hewitt Elementary and Hewitt-Trussville Junior High schools. The old elementary school became the administration office for Trussville Fire & Rescue.

The subtraction of the junior high school meant an addition for Hewitt-Trussville Middle School on Parkway Drive. A $1.1 million addition that included eight classrooms was constructed so that eighth grade students could attend the middle school. The addition allowed the school to cease the use of 10 portable classrooms. That school is now Cahaba Elementary School. The Paine schools officially opened their doors for teachers and students at the beginning of the 2003-04 school year.

Beth Bruno was the Paine Intermediate School principal from 2003-14.

“Paine was and is the Cadillac of schools,” Bruno said.

“Spacious, beautifully decorated, no expenses spared. Mrs. Goldie Paine had been collecting child-appropriate art for years. She had someone frame, place and hang all the art throughout the Paine schools. That art really made the school beautiful and was a true legacy for Mrs. Paine.”

Bruno remembers Ned Paine often coming by the school to chat and get updates.

Photographs by Hal Yeager and an article by Donna Cornelius from the Dec. 31, 2003, issue of The Birmingham News shows students waiting to be picked up from school during the fall semester of the opening of the Paine Schools. Photos courtesy of Trussville Public Library.

“We both loved books, so we often discussed what we were reading at the time,” she said. “He was so wise and caring. He rarely offered advice, but made [Paine Primary School Principal] Betsy Schmitt and me feel that he was confident in our leadership. He was a genuine friend and advocate.”

Amerex Product Manager for Vehicle Systems Alan Fulton, who worked with Ned Paine, recounted the Paines’ land donation and the artwork contributions.

“Mr. Paine was very into education and would reimburse employees for their expenses to further their education,” Fulton said.

Trussville City Schools Superintendent Pattie Neill said the Paines’ generosity has touched the lives of thousands of families over the past two decades.

“Their land donation allowed the creation of Paine Elementary School, which has benefited our entire community as families move to Trussville because of our high-performing schools,” Neill said. “Ned Paine was also one of the charter members of the Trussville City Schools Board of Education, and his picture will hang in the new central office.”

Ned Paine served on the Trussville City Schools Board of Education, Trussville City Schools Foundation, Jefferson County School Foundation and Trussville Industrial Development Board. He died in July 2015. Goldie Paine served as Amerex Corporation’s international president, selling fire extinguishers in 71 countries. She served as the president of the World Trade Association. She died in October 2015.

“Trussville City Schools and Paine Elementary are part of the legacy left by Ned and Goldie Paine, and we will always appreciate them for their contribution to the education of our students,” Neill said.

AUGUST 2021

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OPINION Southern Musings By Gary Lloyd

Ready for some football I’ve covered high school football games across Alabama and Mississippi for well over a decade now, and just before each season begins, I look back at the previous season. Who was impressive? Which players are returning? Who is going to break out? Which programs have new coaches?

But this year, I’ve hardly looked at a roster in preparation for the season ahead.

I’m just grateful to have the games. We had games last year, and I’ll tip my hat to the Alabama High School Athletic Association and member schools for safely and effectively producing a 2020 season, but I hope it’s better this go-around.

Last season, I covered 10 games, and the average score was 36-14. Nine of the 10 games were decided by 13 points or

more. Oof. normal operations. I hope Only my second game, it’s the same for high a 9-7 Homewood win school football. over McAdory in SepI hope black and tember, was decided by maroon attire covers single digits. every seat at Willie The atmosphere across Adams Stadium in stadiums in 2020 underPinson. I hope the Claystandably lacked buzz.

Chalkville student section Seats were empty. Fight is as loud as I remember it songs weren’t played. in 2014 and 2015. I hope Deafening cheers failed to Hewitt-Trussville packs echo down Deerfoot Parkout its stadium and the Lloyd way in Clay and Husky music from the Marching Parkway in Trussville.

Husky Band rumbles on This season, surely that will change. Interstate 59.

I hope Oak Mountain’s students jump COVID-19 vaccinations have been ongoing all year, and many businesses, venues until Heardmont Park shakes. I hope and other establishments have returned to Hoover and Spain Park play another

Let us help spread the news! Email kparmley@starnesmedia.com to submit your announcement.

shootout and that students show up painted orange and black, silver and blue. I hope Briarwood Christian raises the gold often and that Mountain Brook makes another deep run. Something about that green and gold is beautiful under November lights.

I want Vestavia Hills to break through with its first new head coach since the Jimmy Carter administration. I want to witness the jubilation when Chelsea wins in the playoffs again and see Homewood’s awesome band make its pregame entrance.

I’m ready for some football, yes, but I’m more ready for the atmosphere.

Are you?

Gary Lloyd is the author of six books and is a contributing writer for the Cahaba Sun.

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SPORTS HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Huskies hungry for more in 2021 Left: HewittTrussville quarterback Cade Carruth (16) carries the ball as the Hoover defense moves in during an Oct. 2 game.

Photo by Erin Nelson. Below: Huskies’ Justice Finkley (1) makes a tackle during an August 2020 game against Pinson Valley. Photo

by James Nicholas.

By KYLE PARMLEY In the past three years as part of Class 7A, Region 3, the Hewitt-Trussville High School football program has had plenty to boast about.

The Huskies made the playoffs in 2018 and 2020 and advanced to the second round both times. In 2019, the Huskies were decimated by injuries but ended the season by upsetting eventual state champion Thompson.

This year’s senior class has seen all of that success and still wants more.

“They want to go out on a high note and do something Hewitt-Trussville’s never done before,” eighth-year head coach Josh Floyd said.

Hewitt-Trussville has plenty of experienced pieces back on both sides of the ball, albeit with one gaping hole.

OFFENSE

Gone is the dynamic running back tandem of Armoni Goodwin and Sean Jackson, which combined for nearly 2,500 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns a season ago.

It appears James Hammonds will get the first crack at providing some of that production. He played in every game last year and has been on the field in key moments in the past.

“He’s been waiting his turn, and he’s ready to go out there and show people what he can do,” Floyd said. “He’s got good speed and good hands.”

Kennedy Mitchell is a sophomore who could factor into things as well. Matt Miller and Donovon Price will play more as tight ends, but they could both garner carries out of the backfield.

Cade Carruth is back to lead the Hewitt offense from the quarterback position. He has played and started plenty over the last two years, and he seems poised for a big season. Floyd said he is a more confident quarterback and has taken advantage of offseason conditioning.

Carruth still has the comfort of throwing the ball to Omari Kelly, one of the top playmaking wide receivers in the state.

“He’s had a heck of a career here already, and I don’t even think he’s scratched the surface yet. He’s going to have a big time senior year,” Floyd said. “He can do many things with the ball in his hands.”

Kelly isn’t the only receiver Carruth will have at his disposal. Cayson Zackery started last season and Ryan Shoop is back as well.

The Huskies also welcome Clay-Chalkville transfer Jordan McCants, who already has several Division I scholarship offers.

Along the offensive line, the Huskies have four familiar faces back in the starting lineup. Riley Quick, who recently pledged to play baseball at Alabama, is back. Maverick McIntyre returns as the team’s center, along with Kade Martin and Ryan Gunter.

“Once those guys started jelling together and got healthy [last season], they started playing well,” Floyd said.

DEFENSE

Hewitt-Trussville lost a few multiyear starters from its defense, and Floyd admitted they will be difficult to replace.

“There’s definitely some good players who graduated and, like every year, you have to find guys to step up and replace them,” he said.

But there are still key holdovers from a defense that surrendered 21 points per game last year. Up front, top prospect Justice Finkley is back. Floyd called him “one of the best players in the state, no doubt.”

“He’s just a heck of a player, works so hard, and he’s had a great offseason,” Floyd said. “He continues to try and find ways to improve and get stronger in all those things.”

Hunter Osborne had a strong season last year, while guys like Tyrell Averhart and Skyler Carrillo are expected to step into bigger roles along the line.

Jamarion “Bam” White is the heart of the team, according to Floyd. His energy and enthusiasm for football is contagious, not only on the defensive side, but for the whole team. White will be a third-year starter at linebacker, with players such as Hunter Jones, Braylon Chatman and Nick Hill there

to provide stability.

In the secondary, Connor Thomas returns in his third year to start. Despite being one of the smaller players on the team, Thomas is a “freak in the weight room” and had an “exceptional” year last year, Floyd said.

Rickey Gibson and KJ Jackson started games last fall. Riggs Dunn and Blake Barlow don’t have as much experience but could contribute on the back end of the defense as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Between Riley Rigg, CJ Curtis and Andy Serena, Floyd feels as if the kicking and punting game is in good hands.

Thomas, Jackson and Kelly are players who have experience in the return game as well, so Floyd has no worries about the

overall special teams units.

SCHEDULE

In non-region play, Hewitt-Trussville gets games against reigning 6A champ Pinson Valley, Saraland and Huffman. Region 3 play is always a challenge, with Spain Park, Tuscaloosa County and Vestavia Hills visiting Hewitt-Trussville Stadium. The Huskies will take to the road to play Hoover, Thompson, Gadsden City and Oak Mountain.

In each of their last four playoff appearances, the Huskies have won a game. Floyd attributes to that to how tough the region is.

“You’re battle-tested [once you get to the playoffs]. You’ve just got to get through the battle and not have too many injuries,” Floyd said.

AUGUST 2021

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PINSON VALLEY FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Indians have tough road ahead to repeat 2020 success

By KYLE PARMLEY Many expected the Pinson Valley football program to take a step back last fall, once Patrick Nix left to take over the Central-Phenix City program.

All Sam Shade did was take over the program, persevere through a pandemic and lead the Indians to their third state title in four years.

“Considering everything we went through, it’s pretty remarkable,” Shade said. “It was very special. It was probably my most memorable year in football.”

However, the task ahead of Shade and his program this fall is stout. The Indians are replacing 15 starters and both coordinators.

“When you win, you’re going to have some turnover,” Shade said.

However, Shade feels good about what the Indians have to make 2021 another banner year for the program.

OFFENSE

The biggest piece returning for the Indians this fall is senior quarterback Zach Pyron, who committed to Baylor in the offseason.

Pyron has won three consecutive state championships, starting for Fyffe in 2018 and 2019 before moving to Pinson.

“He’s got a really good arm and does a good job of reading defenses and making decisions,” Shade said.

Pyron will be steering the offense for new coordinator Lee Guess, who was already on staff last year working with the quarterbacks and slot receivers.

Pyron will have another familiar face in the backfield with him, as Mike Sharpe takes over duties as the primary running back.

Sharpe contributed heavily last fall, but split much of the load with Kenji Christian, who is now at Vanderbilt.

There are three players back along the offensive line with playing experience: Cameron Ambrose, Joel Brown and Carson Moorer. Ambrose is the right tackle, and everything starts with him. Shade said his intelligence translates from the classroom to the football field, and he helps get everyone lined up each play. Brown will be at left guard and Moorer at center.

The one position where there is a lack of experience is at wide receiver, where GaQuincy McKinstry and Jaquel Fells have graduated.

Shade is hopeful senior Taborie Reed takes a big step forward and becomes someone Pinson can rely on heavily. Amare Thomas, Mario Byrd and Korbyn Williams are some others who could step into big roles in the passing game.

DEFENSE

Former Alabama linebacker Darius Gilbert

Above: Pinson Valley’s BJ Diakite (8) during a game against Hewitt-Trussville in August 2020.

Photo by James Nicholas. Left: Pinson Valley kicker Zaylen Toomer-McCray (24) kicks an extra point during the Class 6A state championship game against Spanish Fort on Dec. 4. Photo by Erin Nelson.

is the new defensive coordinator in the Valley, coming from Austin High. He’s going to have virtually a fresh slate to work with, as only two starters return from a defense that allowed 17 points per game last fall.

Gilbert has been coaching for nearly 20 years and allows the Indians to remain multiple on defense, the way Shade prefers.

BJ Diakite is presumed to be the leader on the Indians defense, as he returns as a senior defensive end.

“A big thing with me is senior leadership,” Shade said. “He’s going to welcome that challenge to step up and lead.”

Zach McCray is the only other starter back for Pinson Valley, as he started every game at corner last fall. Shade mentioned Diakite and McCray as two players talented and versatile enough to play some offense whenever the situation calls upon it as well.

Jacobi Jackson and Zi Keith Springfield each started some games at linebacker last

fall, but will be prepared to step into critical roles in the middle of the Pinson Valley defense this fall.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Zaylen McCray, a standout soccer player at Pinson Valley, is back after handling much of the kicking for the Indians last year. Shade also noted the progress of Damien Gonzalez and said both players would factor into things between placekicking, punting and kickoffs.

“We feel good about the kicking game with those two guys handling everything,” Shade said.

The return game is another area in which the loss of McKinstry and Fells will be heavily felt. Sharpe, Williams and Byrd are all players Shade mentioned as being possibilities to return punts and kicks, but he admitted none of them are quite on McKinstry’s level yet.

SCHEDULE Shade led the Indians through Class 6A, Region 6 last fall without a blemish. Pinson Valley went 6-0 and won the region title for the third time in four years and only the fifth time in school history.

But Shade certainly is not assuming the same will occur this season.

“Everybody in our region is going to be better than they were last year. That’s just the way I look at it,” he said.

Getting through the region slate with Gardendale, Minor, Jackson-Olin, Mortimer Jordan, Clay-Chalkville and Jasper will be no easy task, but the non-region slate is perhaps more daunting.

Pinson Valley faces Hewitt-Trussville, Shades Valley, Ramsay and Lee-Montgomery in non-region competition this fall. All four of those teams were in the playoffs a season ago.

“There’s no slouches,” Shade said.

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CLAY-CHALKVILLE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Loaded with experience, Cougars ready for big season

By KYLE PARMLEY The stage is set for yet another stellar season for the Clay-Chalkville High School football program.

Nearly every key skill player returns on an offense that averaged over 35 points per game last fall. Several contributors are back for a defense that held opponents to just 14 points a contest in 2020.

“Believe it or not, we’re kind of an experienced team,” said head coach Drew Gilmer, who enters his fifth season at the helm of the Cougars.

Gilmer knows none of that guarantees success in 2021, but there’s certainly reason to believe Clay-Chalkville can put together a fifth consecutive double-digit win season.

“You’ve still got to start from scratch every year,” he said.

OFFENSE

After serving as co-offensive coordinator last fall, Joey Bennett takes the full reins of the Clay-Chalkville offense this season. Not much will change, given how much returning production there is on that side of the ball.

“It will look very similar,” Gilmer said.

“There will be some differences, like there is every year. We’ve got to adapt to our personnel and our personnel this year is going to be different than what it was last year.”

It all starts with Khalib Johnson, the dynamic senior quarterback. He is a true dual threat quarterback who committed to Louisville in June. He has also established himself as a true leader of the team.

“Having a guy like that, the kind of kid he is and a great character kid that you don’t have to worry about, that trickles down into all our other guys,” Gilmer said.

Edward Osley is back as the Cougars’ top running back, after rushing for 1,328 yards and 15 touchdowns a season ago. He is joined in the backfield by Cam’ron Williams, another back with plenty of ability.

Out wide, the Cougars have a big-time threat in Marquarius “Squirrel” White. White was a first-team All-South Metro player last fall, finishing with nearly 900 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on the year.

But White is not the only threat to make plays in the passing game. Johnson will have a bevy of options to distribute the ball to, with Nate Owens, Jaylen Mbakwe, Mario Craver and even both running backs contributing heavily in the passing game.

“We’re going to have more dynamic playmakers than we’ve had in the past,” Gilmer said.

Along the offensive line, Kyrell Wiggins and Corey Calvin were mainstays up front last year and will be again this fall. The Cougars are looking for some other linemen to step into new roles, with guys like Paul Lee,

Left: Clay-Chalkville linebacker DJ Barber (34) tackles Mountain Brook running back Michael Brogan (32) during a Class 6A quarterfinal game in November. Barber is expected to fill a leadership role on defense this season.

Above: Quarterback Khalib Johnson (2) hands the ball to running back Edward Osley (22), both of whom return this season. Photos

by Erin Nelson.

Brandon Phillips, Brady Phillips and Darrien Griggs among those with the opportunity to claim a starting role.

DEFENSE

Clay-Chalkville maintained its entire defensive coaching staff over the offseason, with Matt Glover leading the Cougars defense as the coordinator. There isn’t as much experience back as on the offensive side of the ball, but there are still several players opponents are familiar with.

“Even though we did have some changes, those guys still have experience,” Gilmer said.

The back end of the Clay-Chalkville defense possesses the most experience, with Jayden Sweeney and LaMar Croskey both back in the secondary.

The Cougars bring back several defensive linemen that have experience. Gilmer said the team will rotate plenty of them in and out throughout games. Kaleb Simon, Ja’mon

Smith, Devin Finley, Rondarius Sykes and Kevin Hurley are all players that should see time up front.

There is the most to replace in the middle of the defense, especially with losing a star linebacker like Jonathon Harris. The Cougars will look to players like defensive back Ormond Wallace, linebacker DJ Barber and nickel Matthew Yafondo to help fill some of that production and leadership.

“We’re going to be a little bit different,” Gilmer said of the defense. “We’ve got a lot of speed, a lot of length, that kind of thing.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

It’s a new day at Clay-Chalkville on the special teams unit. The steadying force that was Jaren Van Winkle has finally graduated.

Van Winkle started for the Cougars for four years and last year made all 54 of his extra points and all eight of his field goal attempts.

He also averaged 38 yards a punt and kicked

off, so the Cougars have big shoes to fill in that department.

SCHEDULE

Pinson Valley and Oxford have stolen the thunder in Class 6A, Region 6 in recent years, but the Cougars will take aim at its first region title since 2015 this fall. Their region slate will include home games against Jasper, Minor, Jackson-Olin and Mortimer Jordan, with road dates against Gardendale and Pinson Valley.

Clay-Chalkville bookends the schedule with non-region foes, playing Shades Valley and Hueytown to start the season and finishing the year with Huffman and Oak Mountain.

“It’s a tough schedule that’s going to prepare you, and that’s what you want,” Gilmer said. “You want those Friday nights to be fun and competitive, and we want to play the best teams you can.”

AUGUST 2021

CAHABA SUN

Trussville

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Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

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Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on July 19.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

Grow Your Home Service Business With Starnes Media’s Fall Home and Garden Guide Do you offer windows, roofing, plumbing, remodeling, construction, interior design, or landscaping?

Then the Fall Home and Garden Guide is the perfect platform for you. Join over 150 of your peers in using the guide to promote your home service business ► Custom Content: Inspire readers with a compelling article that highlights your company’s story, unique offerings, and the positive impact you can make on their homes.

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Publishes in October 2021

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cahabasun.com

BIRMINGHAM OWNED AND LOCALLY OPERATED SINCE 1994 Birmingham’s #1 Sleep Store

Easyas 1-2-3

Truckload

& BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALE

Bedzzz Express is your source for your Back-To School student.

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1 YEAR

300

SAVE $

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Easyas 1-2-3

899

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2 YEAR

EXTENDED WARRANTY

QUEEN, FULL OR TWIN ANY SIZE

3 YEAR

DAYDREAM

COMFORT GUARANTEE

QUEEN, FULL OR TWIN

399

$

ANY SIZE

VINE STREET

SAVE $300

499

$

SAVE $300

QUEEN MATTRESS

FREE

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EASY SET UP! NECTAR MATTRESSES COME IN A BOX THAT YOU CAN CARRY DIRECTLY TO A DORM ROOM.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAVINGS MALOUF PILLOWS

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Gardendale

Greystone

Homewood

Target Shopping Center

Fieldstown Road next to AutoZone

Highway 280 next to Driver’s Way

28th Avenue South next to TCBY Yogurt

631-2322

408-0280

802-8888

621-7010

Hoover

Hoover

Hwy 31 across from Crest Cadillac

Hwy. 150 Across from CarMax

979-7274

982-8006

Hueytown Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr.

744-4948

Inverness

Hwy 280 between Subway & Studio 21

739-2339

Leeds In Front of Walmart and Lowes

699-7000

McCalla

Tannehill Promenade Next to Publix

426-1833

Mtn. Brook Shops of Montevallo Montevallo Road

956-8033

Pelham

Trussville

Pelham Pkwy. Across from Valley Elem.

Gadsden Hwy. Across from Starbucks

663-2337

661-6200

Open Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm • Saturday 9am - 6pm • Sunday 1pm - 6pm bedzzzexpress.com

Trussville Chalkville Mtn. Rd. between Sam’s & Kmart

655-6906

Vestavia

Next door to Honey Baked Ham

978-3068

Bedzzz Express Outlet Greystone

Bedzzz Express Outlet Pelham

Hwy. 280 Next to Issis & Sons

3 Doors South of Pee Wee’s Pawn

408-1250

664-0096

Buy Local. Buy Online. Same Low Prices.

*Some promotions may be limited to select sets. Not responsible for errors in ad copy. Quantities and selections may vary by location. Mattress images are for illustration purposes only Gifts with purchase (including gift cards and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except special financing for 6 or 12 months. 0% APR for 60 months financing available with purchases of $1999 or over and does not include sales tax. **Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding tax and delivery charges. Credit purchases subject to credit approval. Other transactions may affect the monthly payment. ***The Nationwide Marketing Group credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 8/1/2021 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 8/14/2021. **** Free base offer applies to Queen set purchase of $699 and above or King set purchase $999 and above. King base applies to either one horizontal King Base or one of two TXL bases.***** Free Delivery on mattress sets $699 and up, Local area.