Cahaba Sun October 2024 by Starnes Media

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The Jefferson County Department of Health offers comprehensive sexual health testing and treatment

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic organism called Treponema pallidum. This bacterium has a characteristic corkscrew shape when viewed under a particular kind of microscope, and an infection with this bacterium can result in many different findings. The findings can range from a small painless ulcer, a chancre at the exposure site, or involvement in the eyes, ears, brain, or other organ systems if left untreated. Physical findings of syphilis may not persist long-term, and sometimes, the only way to identify a person who has a syphilis infection is through a series of blood tests. This matter can make syphilis challenging to diagnose at times. However, highly effective treatment options can completely cure these infections once diagnosed.

In the early 2000s, syphilis hit an all-time low in the United States. During that period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had hoped to see the complete eradication of syphilis. Unfortunately, as we moved into the 2010s, slow and steady increases in the total number of syphilis cases in the US persisted. In 2022, the total number of Primary and Secondary Syphilis cases was 17.7 cases per 100,000 people. In Alabama, this rate was 23.5 cases per 100,000 people (the 13th highest rate in the United States). Unfortunately, these increases in syphilis have translated to increases in congenital syphilis.

Congenital syphilis is an infection passed from mother to child, and this can lead to developmental delay, bone abnormalities, abnormal tooth development, blindness, deafness, and stillbirth. Congenital syphilis can have a devastating effect on a developing baby. Still, with early identification of the infection in a pregnant mother and early treatment, many of the terrible consequences of congenital syphilis can be avoided.

From 2012 to 2021, congenital syphilis cases have increased by 755%, and according to the CDC, 88% of these cases could have been prevented with timely screening and treatment.1 In the United States, there were 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis in 2022, and in Alabama, there were 43 cases, which represents the 20th highest count of congenital syphilis cases in the United States. Given the long-term impacts of congenital syphilis, the ease of blood tests during pregnancy, and effective treatments, every effort must be made to reduce the number of these infections.

Given these concerning increases, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommended that all pregnant persons be screened for syphilis when they first start to receive prenatal care, during the third trimester, and at the time of birth. This universal recommendation for screening allows for early identification of a syphilis infection, and early treatment leads to improved long-term health outcomes for the infant.

To begin to see improvements in the rates of syphilis in Alabama, we encourage the following:

● If you are sexually active, seek regular screening for sexually transmitted infections.

● If you are pregnant, it is essential that you talk to your pregnancy care provider about following recommended testing guidance for syphilis.

1 Screening for Syphilis in Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/ clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2024/04/ screening-for-syphilis-in-pregnancy.

The Jefferson County Department of Health offers comprehensive sexual health testing and treatment. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 205-588-5234 or by accessing self-scheduling online: jcdh.org/SitePages/ Programs-Services/Clinics/SelfSchedulingSHProvider.aspx.

Wesley G. Willeford, M.D., M.P.H.

Medical Director of Disease Control | Infectious Diseases Physician

Editor’s

In this month’s edition, we have some great stories about the people who make up the community of Trussville — from a rocker turned standup comic to the principal of Cahaba Elementary School to a new bookshop and a new coffee shop.

Note By Taylor Bright

Whether it’s a daughter opening up a store with her mother or a man who has spent decades serving his church and community, all of these stories have something in common: they are about people in the Trussville community who set fear aside and followed their heart to do something they love.

That also includes the kids at the Culinary

Academy at Hewitt-Trussville High School, who are having a ball while learning the skills they’ll need to go into a culinary career.

If you would like to be the next person featured in the Cahaba Sun, please email me tbright@starnesmedia.com.

Publisher:

General Manager/Editor in Chief: Community Editors:

Sports Editor: Digital Editor: Design Editor:

Graphic Designer: Multimedia Journalist: Copy Editor:

Production Assistant: Operations Specialist: Contributing Writers:

Dan Starnes

Tim Stephens

Jon Anderson

Taylor Bright

Sarah Owens

Kyle Parmley

Cady Inabinett

Melanie Viering

Ted Perry

Savannah Schmidt

Sydney Cromwell

Simeon Delante

Sarah Villar

Loyd McIntosh

Blair Moore

Gary Lloyd

Ella Portwood

Warren Caldwell

Don Harris

Cot Tindall

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ON THE COVER: David Lynam perform stand up comedy at Velma’s in Trussville. The longtime musician is chasing his dreams in comedy. Photo by Harry Long.

CITY

After tax vote rejection, school and city leaders look for answers

By LOYD MCINTOSH

After the school tax referendum vote failed in August, city leaders say they will need to figure out another way to make the improvements they want to the city’s schools.

“I think we are going to regroup ... and come together and bring some other team members in and look at some possibilities," Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat said after the defeat.

On Aug. 27, voters soundly rejected a proposed property tax hike, which would have helped pay for school system projects, by a 58% to 42% margin.

Choat said he and other key stakeholders will reconvene soon to explore options for several projects, including additions to Hewitt-Trussville High School, a new lunchroom for Hewitt-Trussville Middle School and the construction of a new elementary school to alleviate overcrowding at Paine Elementary School, currently the most populous elementary school in Alabama.

Trussville City Schools Superintendent Patrick Martin said, despite the setback, he and

the board will find new avenues to fund the needed projects for the system's schools.

“I am appreciative to our citizens that attended one of the educational meetings over the last few months and carefully considered

the proposed plan,” Martin said. “With that being said, we will now begin the process of determining our next steps to best meet the needs of our students.”

Trussville City Councilwoman Lisa Bright

agreed with Choat but emphasized that steps must be taken to address each issue soon.

"We know we've got to address it in some way,” she said.

However, Bright acknowledged that it is important to allow the community some time to catch its breath after the lead-up to the vote, which was, at times, contentious.

Choat and Bright said the measure may have failed due to the economy and uncertainty going into the November presidential election, and, admittedly, some of the “optics” were a problem, considering other projects Trussville City Schools has completed in recent years, specifically the new Board of Education building and Trussville softball complex.

“I do not think this is a vote against our school system in any way because I think people are quite happy with the school system. It was just a hard pill to swallow,” Choat said, adding that many Trussville residents, even those who voted for the measure, considered the financial impact of the increase in property taxes.

For more on this story, please visit cahabasun.com

注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務.請致電

Hewitt-Trussville High School. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

SCHOOLHOUSE

Recipe for success at HTHS Hospitality, Culinary Arts Academy

By BLAIR MOORE

Students at Hewitt-Trussville High School are getting a taste of what it would be like to work in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Long gone are the days of traditional home economics class at the school. Instead, students are mastering modern culinary techniques and hospitality management through the Hewitt-Trussville Hospitality and Culinary Arts Academy, which are an elective set of classes.

The program provides cutting-edge training in a commercial kitchen that accommodates 24 students. “It’s one of the nicest commercial kitchens in the state,” said Assistant Principal Joy Young.

For the last decade, chef Anna Hallman has taught the program, bringing extensive experience in the industry and a passion for equipping the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Hallman, with a degree from Jefferson State Community College, previously worked for the catering company Kathy G and Co., where she traveled the country preparing dishes for high-profile political figures and celebrities including former president George W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Prince, Fergie and Chris Rock. Training new chefs solidified her interest in teaching, so she transitioned to the classroom, where she now empowers students with

skills and confidence.

Hallman, who specializes in savory dishes, said it’s nice to teach classes that students thoroughly enjoy and find

cathartic. She recounted times students have said things like, “I’ve had a rough day — can I go chop an onion?”

The program’s influence is evident in the lives of alumni like Brian Duffett, now executive sous chef at Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans. He thinks back fondly on classes where Hallman gave students the freedom to create any dishes they wanted.”

Those were the classes I enjoyed the most,” Duffett said.

Hallman noticed his talent and encouraged him to attend Jefferson State, where he won a competition that sent him to The Culinary Institute of America in New York.

For current students like Amirah Holifield, the program offers life-enriching experiences. She highlighted the annual Christmas breakfast for senior citizens as a meaningful part of the program. “It’s a chance to give back to the community and see the joy our cooking brings,” Holifield said.

Fellow student Evan Bates noted the program’s broad applicability: “The program definitely prepares you for the culinary industry, but more importantly, it provides skills to take into any job.”

Young believes that the success of the academy is a testament to Hallman’s expertise and dedication.

“Anna knows what she’s doing,” Young said. “She brings the competency and the passion for her industry and for students, and that’s why the program is successful. It’s because of her.”

From left: Kaleigh Wideman, Meredith Willingham, Anna Abney, Anna Grace Wolfe and Ava Morris participate in meal preparation at the Hewitt-Trussville Culinary Academy. Photo courtesy of Anna Hallman, Trussville City Schools.

GET TO KNOW

Cahaba Elementary School Principal Joy Tyner

By STAFF

Q: What inspired you to work in education?

A: I kind of fell into education. I went to Mississippi State wanting to ring a cowbell, not really wanting to learn anything — rather embarrassing. I ended up in education at my mother’s suggestion that I get a degree in something, and that would be a good thing for somebody who wanted to stay at home and be a mom. It wasn’t until I met my first class. They were the inspiration, and every year after that, it’s the kids.

Q: What is something great about your school?

A: The absolute greatest thing about Cahaba Elementary is the culture. When you walk in the doors of the school, it feels different. It’s a happy place. It’s an inclusive place, and we celebrate kids every single day. I love being here. I actually am

Tyner

the weirdo who misses it when we’re on vacation.

To read more of Tyner’s answers, visit cahabasun.com

ACCOLADES

Local schools earn counseling honor, classroom grants

By STAFF

The counseling team at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School has been named a 2024 Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction, an honor awarded by the Alabama School Counselor Association because their work aligns with both state and national school counseling standards.

The Trussville City Schools Foundation recognized Jennifer Bruno, the HTMS theater teacher, as the Teacher of the Year at the 15th annual Paws for a Cause in August.

The Hewitt-Trussville High School Electrical Construction Academy received a grant from the Alabama Construction Industry Craft Training Program to provide electrical technology resources for the academy.

Tracy Johns, a special education teacher at HTMS, has been awarded a $2,500 grant from Amerex Corporation for a classroom makeover. Johns, who teaches self-contained Life Skills to students in grades 6-8, will use the grant to revamp her classroom, with funds for paint, carpet, tile, furniture and other

Trussville Middle School, receives this year’s Teacher of the Year award at the 15th Annual Paws for a Cause Gala.

decorative or functional supplies not typically provided by the school. As part of the application process, Johns submitted “before” photos of her classroom and will later provide “after” images showcasing the transformation. – Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

Jennifer Bruno, theater teacher at Hewitt-

Photo submitted by Jennifer Bruno.

BUSINESS

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NOW OPEN

7 Brew Coffee is now open at 5982 Chalkville Mountain Road in Trussville, making it one of 12 locations in Alabama. The drive-thru coffee shop offers classic coffee, hot, iced or frozen, as well as smoothies, shakes, energy drinks and more. 479-358-9274, 7brew.com

Paul’s Hot Dogs recently reopened as Luke’s Hot Dogs & Burgers. The restaurant, located at 8885 Gadsden Highway, is still family owned and operated by the grandchildren of the original owner, Martin Paul LaRussa. Luke’s will offer customers the same great hot dogs and hand-made burgers that Paul’s provided. Luke’s is next to Carbon Fitness Gym and is open for business 205-508-3456, facebook.com/paulshotdogsgrill

Farrell Calhoun Paint is now open at 4477 Valley Road in Trussville, marking the franchise’s 50th

location. The paint company features GreenWise paints to supply clients with high-quality paints while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. In addition to paint, the store carries primers and other coatings.

205-508-0966, farrellcalhoun.com

COMING SOON

New Day Car Wash is coming soon to Chalkville Mountain Lane in Trussville. The car wash is currently under construction beside Longhorn Steakhouse, at the site that was formerly Burger King. newdaycarwash.com/trussville

ANNIVERSARIES

Tamburro’s Italian Home is celebrating one year in the Trussville Shopping Center on Chalkville Mountain Road. The traditional Italian restaurant was formerly known as Tamburro and Sons and Tamburro’s Bella Notte in downtown Trussville, as far back as 1994. The menu features manicotti, chicken parmesan, lasagna and more. Tamburro’s is open for

Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

Cahaba Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

business Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 205-508-3990, “Tamburro's Italian Home” on Facebook

Authentic Leadership Serving Alabama

Gary Palmer CONGRESS

BUSINESS

GET TO KNOW

Seeley imbues independent spirit into local bookstore

By STAFF

Q: Tell us about your business.

A: We are an indie bookstore, also specializing in paper goods, notebooks, journals, notepads, everything for your home office, in addition to some unique gifts and puzzles. And these items we carry for all ages.

Q: How did you get involved with the business?

A: We got into this business as really finding a need in the market. We were tired of having to travel all the way to, like, Mountain Brook or Homewood to get a new book. And just coming from a family that also used to own a small business when I was younger, we try not to shop at big box stores unless necessary for our paper goods.

Q: What sets you apart from your

SPOTLIGHT

Beth Seeley is the co-owner of Bookmarked Paperie and Accessories, located on Kay Avenue. She runs the shop with her mother, Dana Weimer.

by April Browne.

competitors?

A: Something that sets us apart, I believe, is our dedication to really curating and sourcing products that come from all over the world; something that's just unique to us and that you're not gonna be able to walk into another shop in the Trussville area, and maybe not even in Alabama, and find another one like it.

For more of Beth’s interview, visit cahabasun.com.

Tracy Delaney brings ‘inviting vibe’ to community coffeehouse

By STAFF

Tracy Delaney is the owner of Maple Avenue Coffee House, which she describes as a “quaint neighborhood coffee shop.”

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: Maple Avenue Coffee House opened in November 2023. Almost a year ago!

Q: Tell us about your business.

A: Maple Avenue Coffee House is a place for people to connect. There’s such a cozy and inviting vibe inside and so much space outside with picnic tables, a Bocce court, cornhole and horseshoes. Maple Avenue Coffee House is really about the experience. We want to serve you excellent coffee, and we want you to run into old friends and make new ones every time you walk in. We offer amazing coffee drinks, teas, kombucha and smoothies, beer, wine and mimosas, and baked goods from a local bakery, Cahaba Breads & Bagels.

Q: What are your signature or most popular products?

A: We started creating "signature drinks" soon after we opened, and it has been really fun to see what everyone's favorites are. Our

top two selling drinks (from opening day to present) are, by far, Sweater Weather and Father Knows Best, both lattes and both served hot or iced.

To read more of Delaney’s answers, go to cahabasun.com

Amazing

happens

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

Childrens AL org

We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org

Owner Tracy Delaney outside of Maple Avenue Coffee House in Trussville. Photo courtesy of Tracy Delaney

Photo

By the numbers: 2023 vs. 2024

Recently sold homes in Trussville

► ADDRESS: 5889 Longview Lane

► BED/BATH: 4/3

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,398 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Longmeadow

► LIST PRICE: $445,000

► SALE PRICE: $445,000

► ADDRESS: 455 Lakeridge Drive

► BED/BATH: 5/4

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,261 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Carrington Lakes

► LIST PRICE: $519,000

► SALE PRICE: $515,000

► ADDRESS: 4305 Windsong Trail

► BED/BATH: 3/2

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,790 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Windsong

► LIST PRICE: $379,900

► SALE PRICE: $375,000

► ADDRESS: 4717 Bradley Circle

► BED/BATH: 3/2

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,988 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Stockton

► LIST PRICE: $445,000

► SALE PRICE: $451,000

► ADDRESS: 6107 Broadwing Road

► BED/BATH: 4/2.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,529 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Hawk Ridge

► LIST PRICE: $389,900

► SALE PRICE: $394,900

► ADDRESS: 6470 Misty Ridge Drive

► BED/BATH: 3/2

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,894 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Misty Ridge

► LIST PRICE: $389,900

► SALE PRICE: $382,500

Trussville area events guide

Mondays: Trivia Night at Ferus Artisan Ales. 7-8 p.m. 101 Beech St., Suite 111. For more information, visit ferusales.com/events for more information.

Saturdays: Trussville Fresh Farmer’s Market. 8 a.m. to noon. Trussville Entertainment District, 119 Beech St. For more information, visit facebook.com/p/Trussville-Fresh-Farmersmarket-100057265637825.

Oct. 13: 2024 Gateway Art Festival. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trussville Gateway Entertainment District. Enjoy fun for the whole family with over 30 artists, potters and glassmakers, as well as music and dancing in the pavilion. For more information, visit artstrussville.org/pages/2024-gateway-art-festival.

Oct. 13: Children’s of Alabama Bluegrass Music Benefit Concert. 3-6:30 p.m. Trussville Entertainment District. Visit ferusales.com/events-1/childrens-of-alabama-bluegrassmusic-benefit-concert for more information.

Join us for the monthly meeting. This group’s members support library staff by providing extra hands for special events and money for programs and prizes! Ages 18+. 11 a.m. to noon.

Oct. 7: Garden Workday. 9-10:30 a.m. Adults ages 18 and up. Join the Jefferson County Master Gardeners Association volunteers to do the work behind the beautiful garden in our own backyard. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Cathy O'Sheal at cathyos@bellsouth.net.

Oct. 7: Homeschool Hangout. 1-2 p.m. For grades K-5. Join this drop-in event in the library's auditorium to socialize and play board games. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

Oct. 7: Crafty Collective — Halloween Canvas Cross Stitch. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Registration is required. Supplies will be provided by the library

Oct. 8: Ukulele Club. 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Join a professional ukulele player as you learn and perfect your skills.

5:30-8 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Join us for a horror movie in the auditorium.

2-4 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Come and watch “Dracaula” (1931). Popcorn and snacks will be provid-

ed. Registration is required.

Oct. 21: Fandom Fun Day. 5-6 p.m. For grades 6-12. Teens will transform regular Pokémon cards into hand-painted works of art. Supplies will be provided. Registration required.

Oct. 26: Family Crafternoon — Monster Sewing Craft. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Intended for grades pre-K to 5 with caregivers. Create your own plush felt monster using basic sewing skills. Each child will receive a kit with instructions to sew and assemble their monster.

Oct. 28: STEAM for Kids! 4-4:45 p.m. For grades K-6. Join Ms. Jan, the science lady, of Dynamic Education Adventures for a hands-on application of STEAM.

Oct. 28: “Supernatural” Trivia. 5-8 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Get a team together and test your knowledge against other fans of the show. Prizes will be given away for best team name, best costume and an overall grand prize for the trivia masters. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Oct. 31: Trick or Treat at the Library. 5-7 p.m. Stations will be set up around the library for children to collect candy and prizes. Children will be able to choose a book to keep from the last station. Dress up and bring a bag to join the fun.

SPORTS

Huskies prep for home stretch

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Hewitt-Trussville High School football team heads down the home stretch in the month of October.

The regular season finishes in a flurry for the Huskies, as they play their final four games over the four Friday nights of the month.

Hewitt-Trussville played its first three Class 7A, Region 3 games of the year in September, visiting Vestavia Hills and hosting Hoover and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa.

Following a midseason trip to Pinson Valley for a non-region game, the Huskies will set forth for a final month of two home games and two road games.

Hewitt will begin the month on Oct. 4 with a trip to Thompson, a team that has won four state championships and been to two more over the last six years.

The Huskies last defeated Thompson in 2019 in the regular season finale. The two programs have met nine times in the last six seasons, with Thompson winning eight of those, including three playoff games.

Last season, Thompson knocked off Hewitt 40-14 in the regular season and 21-10 once again in the state semifinals. It was Hewitt’s first semifinal appearance since 1996.

Hewitt-Trussville returns home for a couple games at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium, Oct. 11 against Prattville and the following week against Oak Mountain.

Hewitt-Trussville and Prattville have never met on the field. This is the first time the two teams have been region foes, with a shuffle in the Class 7A regions putting the Lions into Region 3 as opposed to a region with Montgomery-area teams.

In recent years, the Huskies have had great success against

Oak Mountain. They have won each of the last eight meetings between the two teams, snapping a three-game Oak Mountain winning streak in the series.

Last fall, the Huskies cruised to a 42-7 win over Oak Mountain early in the season. In 12 meetings in the series history, the teams have met once in the playoffs, back in 2016.

Hewitt-Trussville makes a trip to Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 25 to wrap up the regular season. The two teams have met nine times previously, with most of them coming in the last decade. Tuscaloosa County has only emerged victorious once, in 2014.

The Huskies won a 1996 playoff meeting and have won seven straight since 2015.

Hewitt-Trussville plays 10 consecutive weeks before taking its open date Nov. 1, ahead of a hopeful playoff date.

Clay-Chalkville also plays the second half of its schedule in October.

The Cougars begin the month at home against Mountain Brook and Huffman, before wrapping up the Class 6A, Region 6 slate on the road at Oxford and Pinson Valley.

Clay wraps up the regular season Nov. 1 at Vestavia Hills.

Varsity Sports Calendar

FOOTBALL

Oct. 4: @ Thompson. 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: vs. Prattville. 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: vs. Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: @ Tuscaloosa County. 7 p.m.

FLAG FOOTBALL

Oct. 1: vs. Clay-Chalkville. 6 p.m.

Oct. 8: @ Gadsden City. 6 p.m.

Oct. 17: vs. Vestavia Hills. 6 p.m.

Oct. 22: @ Huffman. 6 p.m.

Oct. 29: vs. Albertville. 6 p.m.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Oct. 12: Dew it on the Trails. Decatur.

Oct. 19: Husky Challenge.

Hewitt-Trussville Stadium.

Oct. 24: Oakville XC Invitational. Oakville.

Oct. 31: Class 7A, Section 3 Meet. Hewitt-Trussville Stadium.

VOLLEYBALL

Oct. 1: @ Vestavia Hills. 6 p.m.

Oct. 3: vs. Mountain Brook. 6 p.m.

Oct. 4-5: Margaret Blalock Tournament. Homewood High School.

Oct. 8: @ Huntsville. 5 p.m.

Oct. 10: @ Oak Mountain. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 16-17: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 23-24: Regional tournament. Von Braun Center.

Oct. 29-30: State tournament. Birmingham CrossPlex.

The HewittTrussville High School football team runs out before the game against Vestavia Hills on Sept. 6.

Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

GET TO KNOW

Hewitt-Trussville linebacker Owen Robinson

By STAFF

Owen Robinson is a senior football player at

Hewitt-Trussville High School.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about football?

A: Being able to show up every day with the same group of guys and truly build a bond so that you become a true family. It's also extremely difficult, and there are many aspects of football that you're not going to want to do. It really teaches you to do things when it's hard and do things when you don't want to, which truly builds your character. And like my coaches always say, if it was easy, nobody would do it.

Q: What’s your favorite pregame meal?

A: Definitely some good Rodney Scott's [BBQ]. Some grilled chicken with their white barbecue sauce and their mac and cheese is really good. Baked beans. And I know it's not right to eat before a game, but definitely the banana pudding.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: I wouldn't necessarily call this advice, but this was a Bible verse my position coach gave me. It's Galatians 6:9. It says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

ACCOLADES

Husky highlights: the season so far

By STAFF

Here are some standout performances from Hewitt-Trussville High School football players over the first few weeks of the season:

► QB Noah Dobbins: 11-of-15 passing for 94 yards and 3 TDs against JAG on Aug. 23.

► WR Jacob Serena: 5 catches for 42 yards and 2 TDs against JAG on Aug. 23. Serena also caught the game-winning 14-yard pass against Vestavia Hills on Sept. 6.

► RB James Kelly: Scored 3 TDs against Gadsden City on Aug. 30.

► DB Will Phillips: 88-yard punt return TD against Gadsden City on Aug. 30.

► Punter Drew Ollis: Averaged 38.5 yards per punt against Vestavia Hills on Sept. 6, including a long of 53 yards.

► RB/WR CJ Davis: Rushed for an 11-yard touchdown against Gadsden City on Aug. 30. Also made a pivotal catch in the game-winning drive against Vestavia Hills on Sept. 6.

Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Noah Dobbins (3) passes the ball during a game between the Vestavia Hills Rebels and the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies on Sept. 6 at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. Photo by David Leong.

► Hewitt-Trussville defense: Held Gadsden City to negative rushing yards and held Vestavia Hills to only 29 passing yards.

UNDER

Hewitt-Trussville linebacker Owen Robinson (30). Photo by Shawn Bowles.

COVER STORY: Local rock n’ roller now plays for laughs

DROPPING BASS LINES FOR PUNCH LINES

By GARY LLOYD

David Lynam secretly wanted to try standup comedy for a long time. Despite playing drums in front of thousands of concertgoers over the years for the band that bears his last name, the 1994 Hewitt-Trussville High School graduate remained fearful of the stage.

“Here was my mentality, and it still is,” Lynam said. “When you are having a bad night in a band — and Lord knows I’ve been through hundreds and hundreds of bad nights in a band, where we’re just not clicking — it didn’t matter who you’re on stage with, you can always divvy up that guilt. But when you go on stage to do standup comedy, there’s nobody to blame. It is you and you alone.”

Lynam founded the hard rock band Lynam in 2001, in Birmingham. He had booked a show, and the day before he had no lead singer. Jacob Bunton was someone Lynam met that day, working the door for another show. They played the next night without a setlist, playing whatever folks shouted at them. They were so well received that they got booked again and again. And the band name?

“I was like, ‘Oh, there is no band name,’” Lynam said. “We’re not a band.”

They both thought it was temporary, with Bunton showing up to sing and play guitar and Lynam booking the shows and playing drums. So, without a band name, venues just put down the drummer’s last name. Lynam was born.

“When we decided to record a record, Jacob was like, ‘We’re going to call the band Lynam.’ And I was like, ‘I don’t want to call it that,’” Lynam said. “And he’s like, ‘You’re a terrible drummer, David. So, we’re going to call it Lynam, and you’re either going to get better or you’re going to be forced to drag your family’s name through the mud.’”

After 22 years of playing drums — and getting significantly better — on July 1, 2023, Lynam, who’s also the owner of a landscape company, made the decision to step on stage alone, behind the microphone as a joke teller.

“And buddy, when I start on something, kind of like it was with music back in the day, if I’m passionate about it, it’s every day of the week,” Lynam said. “And it is every day of the week I’ve been going up. If I’m not going up, I’m at somebody else’s show, hanging out and networking. I’ve been for a solid year going up at least five times a week, sometimes eight times a week.”

He has spent nights at Velma’s in Trussville or driving everywhere from Montgomery to Huntsville to Atlanta. He recently flew to Austin, Texas, and put his name in the bucket for a potential minute of comedy on “Kill Tony,” a popular comedy podcast.

“There are no shortcuts,” Lynam said. “Everything you do takes 10,000 hours to get good at it, right? I’m just doing it in as short amount of time as possible. I’m trying to grind and learn as much as possible.”

When he made the announcement of his intention to do standup comedy, members of the bands Lynam had toured with over the years reached out with support. They were thankful he was finally stepping into something they thought he should have already been doing. He had the right personality, as evidenced by Bunton introducing him to fans as the band’s mascot, not its drummer.

“So, yeah, I’ve always been putting in conversation,” Lynam said. “I came to the table to do standup, armed with the knowledge that I’ve always been funny in conversation. But I knew that was people that already knew my personality. They share a dark sense of humor that I do. That’s always been natural.”

After a couple months of telling jokes at open mics, experienced comics — often called “old heads” — advised Lynam that if he wanted more stage time, the natural progression was to start his own open mic. Lynam created Comedy Break-In, a series of traveling open mics and showcases across Alabama. He’s been at it ever since, traveling the state to showcase not only himself but other aspiring comics. He wants the production to be on point and the comics to be the focus of any venue.

“When you come to a Comedy Break-In show, I want people to associate Comedy Break-In with quality and funny comics with slick production,” Lynam said. “They just know they’re going to get that when they come to a Comedy Break-In. As far as me, I don’t care about being famous as much as I care about wanting to get booked and killing in the rooms that I kill in. So if I don’t ever get to theaters, I don’t care about that. It would be nice to do one in my life at some point. And I will if I keep doing it, I’m positive, but I just want to kill in the rooms I do. I want to have people just barely clutching their heart, about to die laughing.”

Find out about upcoming shows at facebook.com/davidlynam.

David Lynam performs at Atomic Johnny’s in Gadsden. The Trussville troubadour is looking for laughs these days. Photo by Harry Long.

COMMUNITY

A driving spirit in the community

John Patterson reflects on his love of Trussville

By BLAIR MOORE

John Patterson moved to Trussville when U.S. 11 was still a two-lane road. The city and the highway have grown since then, as has Patterson’s role in the community.

Patterson and his wife, Sandy, moved to town from Birmingham in 1986, after visiting Trussville as a possible place to raise their family.

“We drove through Trussville, knew it was a pretty place and stopped at what was then Herb’s Hardware, where we were given the warmest welcome,” Patterson recalled. After scoping out the schools and neighborhoods, the Pattersons knew they wanted to make the city their home.

For years, John Patterson worked for a dry cleaner in Birmingham, and in 1994 he decided to open his own in Trussville: Complete Cleaners.

“We were fortunate,” he said. “The community supported us, and we grew over the years.”

Patterson sold his business in 2015, but he continued the

passion he had taken up at age 50: car racing. Patterson had bought an Audi TT, joined a car club and started racing.

“I hung up my helmet a few years ago,” he said. “I had a lot of fun times and made some really good friends.”

Patterson may have stopped racing, but he continues his work in the community. He’s a past president of the Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club, which he has been involved in since 1994.

“I take a lot of satisfaction in the things that group has done,” he said, noting scholarships given to Trussville students, water projects in Africa and community enhancements like placing benches around town and getting a Rotary International grant for the large clock on Main Street.

He also volunteers on Trussville’s Public Safety Committee and Historic Cemetery Committee.

At First Baptist Trussville, he serves as a deacon, ministering to widows, visiting those in the hospital and even maintaining church buses. His commitment extends to disaster relief efforts through Men on Missions, taking a portable kitchen that provides meals during tornado and hurricane recovery.

The Pattersons have long been dedicated supporters of Trussville City Schools, both academic and extracurricular activities. Sandy, a former fifth and sixth grade teacher, has since retired, but the couple still enjoys cheering on their grandsons in various activities like the mountain bike racing team.

When asked what he loves most about Trussville, Patterson is quick to respond, “The people. No community is better than its people.”

John Patterson, a community leader in Trussville, hiking along the Cahaba River. Photo courtesy of John Patterson.

COMMUNITY

Insanitarium Haunted House owner became what he feared

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

Insanitarium, located on 8433 Gadsden Highway in Trussville, is a canvas for the creative mind of owner Justin McElroy.

Starting in his middle school years, McElroy acted in local haunted attractions, including Sloss Furnaces’ annual Fright Furnace. While his past lends him to a persona of bravery, his inspiration for Insanitarium emerged from his own terror.

“I became what I feared,” McElroy said. “I could become the thing that went bump in the night.”

McElroy started Insanitarium 14 years ago and has consistently prioritized customer opinions and accessibility. He refrains from incorporating strobe lights and provides an ASL interpreter for customers needing accommodations.

“I do this to help people’s build morale and integrity,” McElroy said. “So you start to value yourself as more important. You can utilize the weapon that is used against you.”

McElroy refuses to rely on cheap scares, omitting animatronics, cheesy music, heavy

“

” Some people call it fear. I call it art.

JUSTIN McELROY

gore and clowns. Instead, he constructs an eerie and uneasy atmosphere with self-created soundtracks, theatrical lights and skilled actors.

“Some people call it fear. I call it art,” McElroy joked.

Since Insanitarium’s beginnings, McElroy has added to the storyline within the house. He maintains many of the original characters to propel the plot forward each year. This year, Insanitarium evolved to incorporate Norse mythology and history.

Insanitarium opens for the season on Sept. 29. Buy tickets and find out more information at insanitariumhaunt.com.

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Justin McElroy, owner of Insanitarium Haunted Attraction, poses in front of a prop for his upcoming haunt this 2024 Halloween season.

Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Southern Musings By Gary Lloyd

A rave about an Alabama cave

Have you ever been among the first guests to arrive at Majestic Caverns in Childersburg?

The historic and amusement site, formerly known as DeSoto Caverns, is more than just a literal hole in the ground. My son and I recently drove to spend the day there, and arriving as one of the first vehicles to pull into the Alabama 76 parking lot made me feel like Clark Griswold arriving at Walley World in “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” sans the anger that he took out on an innocent talking moose.

Every attraction was up and running already. Hardly a tourist was there. We had the Destiny Express Train to ourselves and rode a figure-eight around the middle of the property. We dug up crystals in the sand and explored a wooden ship atop a hill. We kicked and threw beach balls in a room with fans under our feet, sending the colorful balls skyward. We loaded air cannons with Nerf balls and fired them at

perfect strangers. We awkwardly stood in the foam falls attraction for roughly nine seconds, and I paddled us around a shallow pool in a paddleboat that worked my upper body muscles harder than any Bowflex ever could.

And, of course, there was the cave, a year-round 60-degree cavern where Native American bones dating to more than 2,000 years old were found, where Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto came in the mid-1500s, a place that was written about to George Washington in the 1790s. My son was a rockstar. He didn’t slip once descending into the darkness and never said he was scared, even when the lights were shut off and we couldn’t see our fingers an inch from our faces.

Lloyd

We sat through the incredible light show, learned about the mining for gunpowder during the Civil War, and took as many photos as my iPhone could handle. He, even as a 4-year-old, was patient throughout the day, despite July heat, visible ice cream, inner-earth darkness and gift shop treasures. Fellow parents innately understand this.

After our cave tour, we ate pizza and left with a rocket balloon pump toy that has been more my souvenir than his. The one that ended up atop our roof made its way through the downspout weeks later during a summer rain, and my son thought that was hilarious. The drive home should have been exhausting, but I was too energized from

a perfect day to feel those 12,000 steps in my weakened legs. Like always, we took back roads the whole way home. Yellow butterflies darted and fluttered across Alabama 76, as if the wind created from my truck moving at 55 mph was evicting them from roadside dandelions. The dirt seemed redder in Childersburg, the pavement hotter. Tunnels of pines opened to American flags everywhere — on porches, power poles, mailboxes and abandoned grocery stores. I created a new game on this drive, and I call it “What do you see more of: Dollar Generals or Alexander Shunnarah billboards?”

White steeples touched the clouds, and I want to go back soon, for a daylong cave trip or simply a picnic at a nearby park. This area is, like the caverns that were renamed in 2022, majestic.

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