In this month’s edition, we have stories about people who are bringing joy to their community. There’s Taylor Knuppel, who left her job at Paine Elementary to start a children’s theater in Trussville. It’s an amazing story of having faith in yourself and pursuing a calling. We also have the story of Bob Davis, who so fondly remembered the street lamps under which he spent his youth that he worked with the city to bring a handful of the lamps back,
so others in the community could enjoy them like he did. And we have a story about the local Girl Scouts troop trying for a world record in s’mores making. If there’s something we want to do, it’s spotlight the good things your neighbors are doing to contribute to the community in Trussville.
ON THE COVER: From left: Camille Swann, Emma-Reese Morrison, Andrew Leggett and Brantley Adams and the Aladdin cast pose during the finale of the show. Photo courtesy of Trussville Children’s Theater.
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Historic lamps light up again in Trussville
By GARY LLOYD
On a late September day, longtime Trussville resident Bob Davis spoke as if he was back in some September of the 1950s, pedaling away the final days of summer.
Davis learned to ride his tricycle under the kelly-green street lamps in the historic Cahaba Project, a one-of-a-kind housing project constructed from 1936 to 1938 by federal Works Progress Administration labor. That dark green, whether it be from the streetlamps or the military, has always been his favorite color.
Four of those lamps, after more than 50 years of streetcorner darkness, have lit up again.
“To get those things back up there in the air, that’s going to feel good,” said Davis, who conceived the plan to return the lamps to their former glory. “They used to be all over town.”
The Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation held a lamp lighting event on Oct. 6 on the quad in front of Cahaba Elementary School, where the four corners again lit up with refurbished original streetlamps.
“Several times in the last few decades, various residents of the village have inquired about the city returning the lamps to their original places atop the concrete posts,” said Amy Peterson O’Brien, president of the foundation. “Most of these street posts are now topped with a black round cap and bear the street names on black signs. Mr. Davis envisioned four lamps being returned to the quad in front of Cahaba
“
To get those things back up there in the air, that’s going to feel good. They used to be all over town.
BOB DAVIS
”
Elementary School, where they originally were installed in the 1930s in front of the now-historic Hewitt High School building on East Parkway.”
O’Brien said the lamplights, which measure just over 3 feet tall, were restored based on an original lamp located in Heritage Hall, which has the green paint and textured glass panes from Davis’ childhood memories.
Davis, more than six decades after riding his tricycle under those streetlamps, attended the Oct. 6 event in a front-row chair. He wore a military shirt that featured B-17 bomber aircrafts that were similar in color to the streetlamps. As the sun sank behind his West Mall home and dozens of Trussville residents counted down, it was hard to tell what shined brighter — the new LED lights in the streetlamps, or the twinkle in Davis’ eyes.
“Great,” Davis said. “It feels great.”
Children cheer as four lamps on the corners of the street in front of Cahaba Elementary School light up for the first time in 50 years on Oct. 6. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
SCHOOLHOUSE
Hewitt-Trussville swim team makes waves
By BLAIR MOORE
Hewitt-Trussville’s swimming team has a new coach who’s going to great lengths to grow the sport’s popularity.
With a mix of experienced high school athletes and promising middle school swimmers, the team is setting high goals and aiming to make a name for the Huskies.
New head coach Molly Cook, who also teaches Spanish at Hewitt-Trussville High School, has brought energy and focus to the program and recruited a team of 25 swimmers, more than twice as many as last year.
"I grew up swimming in Trussville, and I loved the individual goal setting, competition and friendships,” Cook said. “When the opportunity to coach presented itself, I dove right in. Pun intended."
To accommodate the team’s growth, they added an assistant coaching position, filled by computer science teacher Amy Brown.
Although HTHS doesn’t have its own aquatic facility, the swim team trains at local pools, with many choosing the Trussville YMCA. There, swimmers are coached by Alex Mueller, a Hewitt-Trussville graduate and one of Cook’s former students. While Cook leads the varsity team and oversees the competitive season, which runs from August to November, Mueller handles the swimmers' training at the YMCA throughout the school year.
“Swimming for the high school helps to build endurance for other sports,” Cook said.
Freshman Amelia Creel, who is in Cook’s Spanish class, is new to HTHS and to swimming. She believes joining the team contributed to her positive transition into high school.
“Because of the swim team, I can walk past someone in the hall that I probably wouldn't know and tell them hi,” Creel said.
Senior Emily Rushing, the team’s co-captain who has been swimming since 2019, appreciates the supportive nature of the team.
“My favorite moment at a meet is when I’m on the diving block and there’s a silence before the announcer says, ‘Swimmers, take your mark.’ Then, I hear my teammates cheer me on before I dive into the pool,” Rushing said.
Hewitt swimmers support each other in and out of the water, she added.
“The swim team is a group of kids that enjoy having fun and having something to be a part of,” Rushing said. “It can get serious and hard at times, but you won't regret it. When someone is having a bad day, you have a team to support you no matter what.”
Senior and co-captain Joshua Starkey has been swimming for 11 years and is currently being recruited by multiple college swim programs. This month, he will compete in the 2024 AHSAA swimming state championships, where he hopes to win first place in the 200-yard individual medley. “
The Hewitt-Trussville swim team has grown very large these last few years, and I’m excited to see how our legacies will impact it,” Starkey said. “Being on this swim team has definitely changed me for the better.”
The team welcomes new swimmers in grades 7-12. To learn more, contact Cook at molly.cook@trussville cityschools.com.
Molly Robinson, Hewitt-Trussville’s sideline reporter GET TO KNOW
By STAFF
Molly Robinson is the sideline reporter for Hewitt-Trussville High School’s football team.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I like to tell people that I grew up in a few different places. I was born in Huntsville, Ala. And, when I was 7 years old, my family and I moved to Detroit, Mich. And then, when I was 12 — so about halfway through middle school — my family moved to Nashville, Tenn. So, I like to tell people that I mainly grew up between both Detroit and Nashville.
Q: How did you land the role as the sideline reporter for Huskyfast?
A: Last year during the playoffs, the old sideline reporter couldn't make it for a few games, and so [Husky play-by-play man] Pat Smith called me and asked me if I could fill in, and the rest is history. And here I am now, covering the regular season. So far, I have absolutely loved it.
Q: What else does the world need to know about you?
A: One thing that the world needs to know about me is I am an extremely competitive person.
To read the full interview, go to cahabasun.com.
HTHS students receive National Merit honors ACCOLADES
By STAFF
Four Hewitt-Trussville juniors have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This past year, two HTHS students scored high enough on the PSAT exam to be recognized as Semifinalists, while two others earned the designation of Commended Scholars. The students are:
► Lillianne Campbell, Semifinalist
► Conrad Jones, Semifinalist
► Lilyana Johnson, Commended Scholar
► Noah Touchton, Commended Scholar
The Semifinalists will have the chance to earn Finalist status and be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, which will be announced in the spring.
Approximately 95% of the Semifinalists are expected to be Finalists, about half of which will win a scholarship, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Additionally, Mark Knauss, the director of Hewitt-Trussville bands, won the American Prize in Conducting — Band/Wind Ensemble (Schools Division) for 2024.
Hewitt-Trussville National Merit honorees, from left: Lillianne Campbell, Lilyana Johnson, Conrad Jones and Noah Touchton are recognized at a recent Hewitt-Trussville football game. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.
The American Prize is the nation's most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts. It is designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, directors, ensembles and composers in the United States at professional, college/university, community and high school levels.
Molly Robinson interviews HewittTrussville football player James Kelly after the team’s game versus Gadsden City on Aug. 30. Photo by Loyd McIntosh.
BUSINESS
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NEW OWNERSHIP
Moyer's Garage, formerly Darrell Wood Auto Service, is located at 7107 Gadsden Highway and is now under the ownership of Jake and Samantha Moyer. 205-655-0072, moyersgarage.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Books-A-Million has named a new chief accounting officer and senior vice president. Damian Doggett has been with Books-A-Million since 2006 and has held leadership roles in accounting, tax and payroll, along with positions as accounting manager, senior accounting manager, assistant controller and controller. The local Books-A-Million store is located at 1624 Gadsden Highway, and business hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 205-661-9177, booksamillion.com
All locations of Hero Doughnuts & Buns restaurants in Alabama, including at 314 Main St. in Trussville, have expanded their hours and now are serving dinner. The new hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. New menu items include fried pork chop
GET TO KNOW
sandwiches, fried bologna sandwiches and cucumber tomato salad. Hero Doughnuts & Buns also has locations in Hoover, Homewood and Railroad Park in Birmingham.
205-825-8875, eatathero.com
On Sept. 23, Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill announced the appointment of Mike Turner as chief operating officer and president. This Cajun and Creole franchise operates under the Cherry Bounce Hospitality and Hargett Hunter umbrella. The Trussville location is at 5071 Pinnacle Square and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 205-655-6008, cajunsteamer.com
SPOTLIGHT
María Greguol, owner, La Calle Tacos & Snacks
By STAFF
La Calle Tacos & Snacks is located in the Trussville Promenade and serves classic Mexican dishes as well as drinks, burgers, loaded fries and other meals.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.
A: I am an immigrant woman with Italian and Mexican roots (Italian father and Mexican mother) and a mother of four (ages 26, 17, 12, 8) with a very busy schedule, but I love the busy life. I run my business with the help of my kids (not so much of my husband, because he runs his own).
Q: When did you open, and what inspired you to start your business in Trussville?
A: We opened La Calle in June of 2018. I felt that we were missing an authentic Mexican food place. We have several Mexican restaurants, but they all sell the same Mexican American food. And I wanted something more authentic and fresh.
Q: What makes your business unique?
A: My little place is the only sit-in restaurant that offers true Mexican street food, drinks and snacks. It’s also the only one in this area that makes tortillas by hand.
Q: What is your favorite part of running a business in Trussville?
A: Meeting people! And being part of this community.
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
ANNIVERSARIES
Maple Avenue Coffee House is celebrating one year in downtown Trussville. This neighborhood coffee house is a quaint spot for a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, sweet treats and seasonal items. Stop by the coffee house Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Maple Avenue Coffee House” on Facebook
The Taco Mama franchise is celebrating 13 years in business. The restaurant's original location opened in November 2011 in Mountain Brooks's Crestline Village. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to 10 locations, including 2050 Gadsden Highway in Trussville. Taco Mama is known for “Build Your Own” tacos, quesadillas, burritos, bowls and an extensive margarita menu. They are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
205-905-8226, tacomamaonline.com
Odelia’s Home creates community around antiques
By STAFF
Odelia’s Home is an online antique and vintage store based in Trussville and owned by Rose Mason, a local nurse.
The store’s name is based on Mason’s great-grandmother, Odelia, whom they called “Grandma Deley.”
“She was an amazing collector,” Mason said. “When you walked into her home, it felt cozy and comfortable, and it had such a history with all of her items. I want to create that same feeling in my home and everybody else's home. Adding antiques and vintage decor to your home not only adds character and something unique, it creates such a cozy feeling and it's sustainable. So, I really hope to continue her collection, her legacy and honor her in this business.”
Mason said she has been able to bond with people in the community through her antique store.
“The antiquing community is strong, and I have made so many friends. I love to see where these items end up and where their stories will continue,” she said.
To learn more about Odelia’s Home, follow them on Instagram at @odeliashome.
Rose Mason, owner of Odelia’s Home, pictured at the store. Photo courtesy of Christian Mason.
María Greguol at the bar of her restaurant, La Calle Tacos and Snacks. Photo courtesy of María Greguol.
Trussville area events guide
Nov. 22-23: North Pole Expo. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road. Bring the family for a festive holiday event. Enjoy shopping, live entertainment, food and Santa. Email srobinson@ trussville.org for vendor questions. Find more event information online at facebook.com/TrussvilleCC.
Trussville Public Library
Nov 4: Garden Workday. 9-10:30 a.m. For adults ages 18 and up. Help keep our butterfly garden healthy and happy.
Nov. 4: 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. You are welcome to bring your own activities to share with others, too. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Nov. 4 and 18: Crafty Collective. 5:30-7:30 p.m. For adults ages 18 and up. Join this two-part program, spanning both dates. On Nov. 4, you will shape small bowls from air-dry clay. Come back on Nov. 18 to paint and finish them up. Supplies will be provided by the library. Registration is required.
Nov. 5: Friends of the Trussville Library Meeting. 11 a.m. to noon. For adults ages 18 and up. Join this monthly meeting with other members who support library staff by providing extra hands for special events and money for programs and prizes.
Nov. 5: Kitchen Labs. 5-6 p.m. For grades K-5. Learn how a common kitchen ingredient can be used to create secret messages. Registration is required.
Nov. 7: Pokémon Club. 4-5 p.m. For grades K-6. Registration is required.
Nov. 7: The Removal of the Creek Indians from Alabama and Georgia. 6:30-7:35 p.m. For adults ages 18
and up. Dr. Christopher Haveman of the University of West Alabama will share the less-told story of the Creek Indians.
Nov. 12: Holiday Entertaining 101. 5:30-6:30 p.m. For adults ages 18 and up. Learn holiday entertaining basics with KMarie! Registration is required.
Nov. 14: An Evening with Mary Kay Andrews. 6:308 p.m. For adults ages 18 and up. Tickets are $20 for an individual seat or $49 for an individual seat and a signed copy of “Summers at the Saint.”
Nov. 19: Video Games for Kids. 5-6 p.m. For grades K-5. Enjoy a Mario Kart video game tournament just for kids. Activities and light snacks will be available as you wait for your turn to play.
Nov. 21 and Dec. 5: Teen Holiday Ornaments with Norma. 4-5 p.m. For grades 6-12. Join Ms. Norma to create a ceramic ornament. This is a two-part program, so you must be able to attend both events. Registration is required.
Nov. 23: Parachute Playtime. 11-11:30 a.m. For infants through pre-K. Join Ms. Alicia for parachute playtime and enjoy some fun with rhymes, songs, and movement. Registration is required.
By the numbers: 2023 vs. 2024
Recently sold homes in Trussville
► ADDRESS: 3509 Pear St.
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,575 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville
► LIST PRICE: $275,000
► SALE PRICE: $266,000
► ADDRESS: 6602 Memory Lane
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,681 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville
► LIST PRICE: $250,000
► SALE PRICE: $250,000
► ADDRESS: 103 Kingstown Circle
► BED/BATH: 3/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,474 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville Manor
► LIST PRICE: $325,000
► SALE PRICE: $325,000
► ADDRESS: 4822 Houser Drive
► BED/BATH: 3/1
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,056 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Happy Hollow
► LIST PRICE: $210,000
► SALE PRICE: $196,000
► ADDRESS: 4433 Parkwood Circle
► BED/BATH: 2/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,623 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Maplewood
► LIST PRICE: $279,900
► SALE PRICE: $301,000
► ADDRESS: 418 Debbie Drive
► BED/BATH: 5/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,544 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Trussville
► LIST PRICE: $389,900
► SALE PRICE: $389,900
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
SPORTS
Serena steps up in big moments for Huskies
By KYLE PARMLEY
Jacob Serena can break down the play with the best of them.
The formation was trips right, he explained, with three wide receivers on one side of the line of scrimmage. The play call was a sprint out to the right, with the idea that one of those three receivers would be open for the quarterback to hit.
Except, the play didn’t work according to plan. Thankfully, Serena, a senior receiver for the Hewitt-Trussville High School football team who was lined up on the left side of the formation, found his way to an open spot.
He put his arm in the air to catch the attention of quarterback Noah Dobbins, who threw across his body and delivered a perfect ball in the end zone. A sliding Serena hauled in the pass for the go-ahead touchdown, lifting the Huskies to an 18-14 win over Vestavia Hills back on Sept. 6.
“Sometimes, it doesn’t come down to play calls,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd said following that game. “Some dudes have got to make plays, and we had
some guys step up and make plays.”
That play is a prime example of what Serena has provided to the Huskies offense in the 2024 season. As Hewitt-Trussville prepares for a hopeful deep playoff run this fall, Serena has been a big part of it. He’s made
HewittTrussville’s Jacob Serena (14) carries the ball during a game between Hoover High School and HewittTrussville High School on Sept. 13 at HewittTrussville High School. Photo by Barry Stephenson.
big catches in key moments and has been a productive member of an offense that did not boast much experience entering the season.
Serena was one of only a few players who entered 2024 with a robust amount of varsity experience, along with fellow receiver Dylan
Cope and lineman Mason Holloway.
Floyd called Serena a “good leader for us,” while noting that he is not afraid to be one of the team’s primary vocal leaders.
He backs it up on the field, too.
“Our quarterbacks know he can make big plays in big games,” Floyd said. “He’s proven himself over the years. He’s a threeyear starter, and we don’t have a lot of those at this level.”
Serena carries that personality beyond the football field as well. Floyd joked that Serena has a bevy of nicknames, from “Mr. Varsity” to “Soccer Ball” and many others.
He also eschews the traditional college football loyalties of the area, pledging his allegiance not to Alabama or Auburn, but to Penn State.
Over the summer, Serena rekindled his love for building Lego sets. He recently completed a set featuring over 1,000 pieces, one he proudly displays in his house.
He will look to finish his career strong this month, perhaps even with some hardware to place alongside the Lego set. The Huskies will begin their playoff run Nov. 8.
SPORTS
Under the Lights
ACCOLADES
Husky highlights
By KYLE PARMLEY
► Hewitt-Trussville defense: Forced three turnovers against Hoover on Sept. 13. Parker Floyd and Harrison Malone intercepted passes, while Mason Holloway recovered a fumble. Against Pinson Valley, D’ante Seals recovered a fumble, while Ethan Ridley and Daniel Harvey intercepted passes.
► RB James Kelly: Had six catches for 136 yards in a win over Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on Sept. 20.
► QB Noah Dobbins: Earned Under the Lights Player of the Week honors in the win over Prattville on Oct. 11, as he totaled four touchdowns.
► LB Owen Robinson: Racked up 13 tackles in the win over Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on Sept. 20.
► DL Denarrius Crawford: Had a big game against Hillcrest, compiling nine tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup.
► Quarterbacks: Four Huskies QBs
SPORTS CALENDAR
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Parker Floyd (8). Photo by Shawn Bowles.
scored touchdowns in the win over Pinson Valley on Sept. 27, as Noah Dobbins, Parker Floyd, Zach Benedict and Jake Lowery found the end zone.
► TE Jackson Martin: Scored 13-yard touchdown against Thompson on Oct. 4 and scored a 24-yard touchdown against Prattville on Oct. 11.
► Kick returner DJ Hall: Returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Prattville on Oct. 11.
BASKETBALL
Nov. 7: @ Gadsden City. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 8-9: Girls at STJ Tip-Off Classic. Saint James School.
Nov. 12: Boys vs. Northridge. 7 p.m.
Nov. 13: Girls @ Benjamin Russell. 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 14: @ Helena. Boys at 7 p.m.
Nov. 15: @ James Clemens. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 19: @ Pelham. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.
Scan the QR code (or go to qrco.de/ under-the-lights) to follow Under the Lights on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and listen to the podcast.
GET TO KNOW
Lineman Mason Holloway
By STAFF
Mason Holloway is a senior offensive and defensive lineman on the Hewitt-Trussville High School football team.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about football?
A: Definitely the competition aspect of the game. In my opinion, competition ultimately drives everyone to get better, and it allows everyone to ultimately get better and reach your goal of being the very best.
Q: What’s your favorite pregame meal?
A: When we go to Jim ‘N Nick’s, and we get brisket, baked beans, mac and cheese, banana pudding and watermelon.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing about you outside of football?
A: I'm actually a huge “Batman: Arkham” series video game fan. So, I'll spend a lot of time playing those games because they're really fun.
Q: Who is your favorite sports team and why?
A: The Auburn Tigers because of the Cam Newton era, and that whole era was top-tier football.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best things are worth waiting for.
Nov. 25-27: Boys at Mike Dean Turkey Shootout. Cullman High School.
Nov. 29-30: Hoops4Hunger. Atlanta, Georgia.
BOWLING
Nov. 4: vs. Huffman. 4 p.m.
Nov. 7: vs. Mortimer Jordan. 4 p.m.
Nov. 13: @ Gadsden City. 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 14: vs. Clay-Chalkville. 4 p.m.
Nov. 19: @ Oxford. 4 p.m.
Nov. 20: vs. Gadsden City. 4 p.m.
Nov. 21: Rocket City Classic. Huntsville.
WRESTLING
Nov. 16: SE Pond Duals. Thompson High School. 10 a.m.
Nov. 19: vs. Pelham. 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 21: vs. Baker, Davidson. Baker High School. 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 22-23: Gulf Coast Clash. Mobile.
Nov. 27: Patrick Aaron Memorial Thanksgiving Duals. Hewitt-Trussville High School. 9:30 a.m.
Hewitt-Trussville OL/DL Mason Holloway (70) hits Thompson line during the Hewitt-Trussville vs. Thompson game at Warrior Stadium on Oct. 4. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Lakeshore Foundation opens new cutting-edge, data-driven Sports Science and Performance Center
The Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham has emerged over the last four decades as a world leader in fitness, recreation, research and health promotion for people with disabilities, including veterans and seniors.
A nonprofit founded in 1984, the foundation serves about 4,000 people annually and is a leader in paralympic sports training and advocacy.
Last year, the foundation reached an even higher level in serving athletes in adaptive sports when it opened its new, cutting-edge, data-driven Lakeshore Sports Science and Performance Center (SSPC).
By combining the foundation’s decades of experience in adaptive sports with the help of experts, Lakeshore SSPC aims to greatly expand the opportunity for all athletes to take advantage of advanced sports science research and to achieve peak performance.
The Lakeshore SSPC provides disabled athletes an unrivaled training experience,
combining science-driven sports performance services with great facilities, expert knowledge and extensive online resources.
To maximize their potential, athletes must know where to start, so Lakeshore SSPC uses performance testing and data analysis to provide a clear picture of a competitor’s current fitness. Using such data, the experts at Lakeshore SSPC create personalized training programs for athletes.
Food is the fuel that drives performance, and the nutritionists at Lakeshore SSPC teach athletes how to improve their daily
Lakeshore Foundation
• Where: 4000 Ridgeway Drive
• Call: 205-313-7400
• Web: lakeshore.org
eating habits. They also create personalized meal plans for athletes that are tailored to their individual needs and help boost their strength, speed, skills and mental health.
In the facility’s strength and conditioning program, athletes work one-on-one with certified specialists to achieve their potential.
In order to compete at peak performance, athletes need to be fit mentally as well as physically, so the mental performance experts at Lakeshore SSPC help athletes develop customized training plans that enhance their focus, confidence, resilience and stress management.
Lakeshore SSPC has partnered with
technology companies to bring mental wellness into the training routine. For example, the facility recently added software that does brainwave measurements for concussions and other aspects of mental wellness.
The Lakeshore SSPC Learning Lab is an online library of resources designed for coaches, sports professionals and athletes, with a self-guided curriculum that addresses key performance areas.
It’s important to put athletes in adapted sports in the front end of technology, and that is what makes Lakeshore Foundation so special. The nonprofit serves a lot of communities and audiences, but it shines brighter than anyone in America when it comes to adapted sports and training.
In 2023, the facility served hundreds of athletes in adapted sports including teams and Paralympians.
The foundation is a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site and serves as the National Governing Body for USA Wheelchair Rugby and Boccia United States.
COVER STORY: Students shine at Trussville’s new Children’s Theater
TAKING CENTER STAGE
By BLAIR MOORE
Just six months ago, Taylor Knuppel was teaching music full-time at Paine Elementary School. Now she has brought a brand-new community theater for kids to life in Trussville.
The Trussville Children’s Theater’s first summer camp sold out in less than 12 hours, and things have only grown from there. This month, the theater will stage its biggest production yet: “Matilda the Musical.”
Knuppel’s journey began when she chose to leave her teaching job to pursue her dream of starting a children’s theater.
“Stepping out then, I didn’t know how much it was going to grow in just a matter of a couple months,” she said, noting that she is not usually one to take big risks.
“That was a total leap of faith.” Backed by a core group of supportive parents from Paine and her husband, Mitchell, Knuppel has created a place where kids can learn, grow and shine.
Parents credit Trussville Children’s Theater’s success to Knuppel’s personality, expertise and unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
“Taylor Knuppel has a unique way of believing, championing and calling things out in children before they see it in themselves,” said Kelsee Philpot, whose three children have participated in the theater. “Everyone needs someone like Taylor instilling courage and confidence in their kids’ lives.”
“She’s magnetic,” said parent Jessica Morrison. “The relationship that my daughter, Emma-Reese, has built with Taylor has inspired her to try new things.”
Known affectionately as “Mrs. K,” Knuppel brings an inclusive mindset to her work. For example, when casting for “Willy Wonka” at Paine, she saw the best fit for the lead role was a girl, so she rewrote the character specifically for her young actress. She’s also committed to ensuring children of all abilities can participate, whether that means recording lines for a child with dyslexia or adapting the stage for a performer with muscular dystrophy.
Over the summer, Trussville Children’s Theater performed “Seussical the Musical” and “Aladdin,” both of which sold out multiple shows.
“It’s simply incredible to drop off an 11-year-old blank slate for a two-week summer camp and watch a seamless production of ‘Aladdin’ come to life,” said Katy Langley, whose daughter, Abbie, performed in the show. “No detail goes unnoticed — from costumes to harmonizing voices to comical one-liners. Mrs. K is seasoned beyond her years.”
Knuppel said her husband has been a constant support from day one of the theater undertaking. She describes Mitchell, whom she met while in the Million Dollar Band at the University of Alabama, as a “five-star, actually 10-star” partner who handles their 2-year-old daughter during her classes and rehearsals.
Their little one, Emerson Jo, loves being part of the theater world, often singing along to numbers during rehearsals and recognizing the older kids by name. They’ve always been a busy family, and their daughter has rolled with it, happily tagging along to all their activities.
Go see ‘Matilda the Musical’
► Where: Faith Community Fellowship Church
► When: Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 and 7 p.m.
► Tickets: $5 per student; buy online or at the door
► Web: trussvillechildrens theater.com
The Knuppels had been searching for the perfect space for Trussville Children’s Theater since its inception, but finding the right thing within their budget proved challenging. Things changed when they walked into an old Men’s Warehouse location at The Pinnacle.
“I looked at my husband and said, ‘Yep, this is it,’” Taylor Knuppel recalled. The space had a built-in feel, with features like clothing racks along the back wall — perfect for costumes.
“Something about it just made sense for the theater,” she said. Now, they are in the process of transforming it into a dedicated rehearsal space, providing a creative home for the theater’s growing number of students.
The next step in the theater’s evolution is this month’s production of “Matilda the Musical,” a beloved musical based on the classic Roald Dahl title. The cast will perform the show at Faith Community Fellowship Church from Nov. 21-24.
“Even if they don’t know anyone in the cast, I encourage everyone to come and see what kids can do when they are loved and given the chance to shine,” Knuppel said. Tickets are available online at trussvillechildrenstheater.com or at the door.
Lawson Cribb leads the cast of “Seussical KIDS” in a pre-show dance party at the Trussville Children’s Theater. Photo courtesy of Sheryl Lowery.
COMMUNITY
June Mathews embodies Trussville civic service
By BLAIR MOORE
As a fifth grader, June Mathews wasn’t thrilled about moving to Trussville.
“When Mama and Daddy were talking about moving out here, we thought, ‘Good grief, y'all are moving us to the sticks?’ because it was so far out,” she remembered.
“We moved a grand total of 10 miles from Huffman, and I thought we were going to the moon,” she said with a laugh. “But of course, now I see that differently and think they made a great decision to bring us out to Trussville and raise us as relatively decent citizens."
Over the years, Mathews has watched Trussville grow into a larger, vibrant community. She spent the first phase of her career working as a paralegal, which she did through the 1990s, and later became a key figure as the executive director of the Trussville Chamber of Commerce. Today, few people in the city are unfamiliar with her contributions.
Mathews had volunteered with the Trussville Chamber prior to stepping up to fill the role of executive director in 2019, which she held until 2023. She had her work cut out for her from the start, especially once the pandemic hit.
"We had gallons of hand sanitizer sitting on tables at the first festival that we had after COVID began,” she recalled. "We had to learn to adapt a lot of the things we were doing.”
Since retiring from the chamber last year, Mathews has devoted more of her time to writing, which was previously a side endeavor. She writes for several publications and companies, as well as grants. Her favorite assignments are feature
There are all kinds of ways to serve your city. And a little bit of serving from everybody makes a big difference. JUNE MATHEWS
stories about people, “because people are happy when you write about them, for the most part.”
Mathews may have retired from working full-time, but she’s as active in the community as ever. She has served on the library board for 18 years, meeting monthly with fellow board members to set policy. She’s also involved in the Trussville Noon Rotary Club and the Trussville Historical Society.
Mathews encourages everyone to get involved and contribute to the good of the community in some way.
“There are all kinds of ways to serve your city,” she said. “And a little bit of serving from everybody makes a big difference.”
June Mathews, the former Trussville Chamber of Commerce executive director, returns to her passion for literature with new personal projects including writing and service at the Trussville Public Library.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Faces of Trussville
World record potential
By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
Tabitha Leslie, an 8-year-old Girl Scout Brownie, may soon be a world record holder.
On Oct. 6, Leslie and Troop 679 of Trussville rallied with other local troops and residents at Camp Coleman in an attempt to break the world record for the most s’mores made simultaneously.
Holding to their “Scout's honor,” Leslie and the participants initiated their world record attempt at 2 p.m. Fourteen other locations in North Central and South Alabama began their roasting at the same time to meet the world record requirement of "simultaneous."
While the current record to beat is a whopping 1,150 s’mores, Leslie is confident in the hard work of the troops across Alabama.
Once the Girl Scouts of North-Central and South Alabama leadership teams tally the signatures in 8 to 12 weeks, Leslie will know if she earned a custom world record patch for her Brownie vest.
The patches on the back represent her participation in an activity like the s’more roast or a cookie sale.
“I love selling cookies,” Leslie said, showing off her patches. “My favorite ones to sell are Thin Mints and Lemon-Ups.”
Trussville Troop 679 earns her s’mores badge at Camp Coleman on Oct. 6. The location is one of 13 affiliated with Girl Scouts of North Central and South Alabama that united in an attempt to set a new world record for most s’mores roasted at one time.
OPINION
Southern Musings By Gary Lloyd
Moving in our midst
Some of my earliest memories come from the uncomfortable seat of a green Huffy bike.
As a child of the ’90s, I grew up riding anything I could. Many of you did too. Flying down hills on bikes. Flailing in the air after a rough wave on the lake. Falling off skateboards and failing to slow down on rollerblades. Flipping the occasional six-gear Ariens riding lawnmower.
That last one might just be me.
Lloyd
Anyway, I think my son is now at the age when the love of wheels and speed exceed any fear of crashing. Bikes rule. Monster trucks are the coolest. Dump trucks and garbage trucks are must-see road attractions. What a time that is. I remember it all well. That green Huffy bike I rode until I outgrew it, probably daily. Before
you can turn 16 and hit the road in some hand-me-down Honda, a bicycle represents childhood freedom.
Freedom to leave home on your own. Freedom to choose to turn left down Reid Drive or right down into the cul-de-sac of Cooper Avenue. Freedom to sing aloud any of your favorite songs of the day. I don’t remember what all I belted out of tune from the seats of that Huffy, but I remember a buddy and I hollering the lyrics to Smash Mouth’s “All Star” moments before a Logan Martin Lake wave expelled us from an inner tube into the Alabama sky.
Now, I’m seeing my son reach this boyhood milestone. It started with an indoor balance bike. Then came Big Wheels. Now, he has an outdoor balance bike, essentially a regular bicycle, sans the pedals. He is a natural, with
tremendous balance. He went fast before he took his time.
He rides this bike before school and again as soon as he comes home in the afternoon. On weekends, he is outside cutting the corner between the driveway and nearby sidewalk before 7:30 a.m. His excitement is impossible to contain. I often must remind him that it is still early in the morning, that the neighbors might still be asleep.
What really got me recently was I could hear him singing while biking up from behind me on the sidewalk beside our house, about 30 minutes before I took him to school. While I sang lyrics about not being the sharpest tool in the shed and every song off the Linkin Park “Hybrid Theory” album, my kid was passing by me while singing worship music.
It may have been early in the morning, but he got to sing that one as loudly as he liked.
Gary Lloyd is the author of six books and a contributing writer to the Cahaba Sun.
Sunday, Dec. 1
4:00-6pm (Lighting at 5:45pm) On the Mall in Trussville
Bring out your entire family for a night of festive music, photos with santa, Booth vendors, free kids' activities and More!
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