Holiday 2011
prayer holidays a helena mother’s
for the
INSIDE PAGE 5
Chamber Honors Public Safety Officers 2011 Award Recipients Firefighter Daniel Mills and Officer Philip Richards
Victory GMC Opens Satellite in Helena
In the market for a used car? Test drive one and register for a Cruise!
Local Family on CBS adoption Special
Tune in to “A Home for the Holidays” December 21 for an uplifting story
www.MyHelenaCityNews.com • helenacitynews.Blogspot.com
From the Mayor’s Desk Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! Call 663-9301 or Email: sonny@sonny-penhale.com By now all have heard about the tragedy that occurred when a young person lost their life in Helena last month. Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends. I was honored that the Parade committee chose me to be its grand marshal this year for our Christmas Parade. Thanks to Joy Childers and her “Itty Bitty City Official Parade Committee” for the hard work they put in each and every year to make our annual Christmas Parade so special for our residents and guests who attend. Employees from many of the city’s departments volunteer their time to make events like our Christmas parade happen, and there are lots and lots of volunteers. who don’t work for the city, too. This volunteer spirit is what makes Helena so special. Thanks also to all who chose to participate in the parade this year. Lots of people spent a great amount of time building various floats. My congratulations to all selected by the judges as winners. Our youth football league enjoyed tremendous success this year, thanks in part to Brian Hayes and his crew, but especially to the adult volunteers who served as coaches and helped out in so many other ways. Now that football season is finished, basketball is in full swing at the new recreation center. Come out and take in some terrific youth basketball. That spirit of volunteerism is what makes our town such a special place. We do not have the financial resources of some of our neighboring municipalities. We are a bit off the beaten path, and being a bedroom community, we do not have the commercial sales tax base to support nearly as much as I would like to. But our volunteers help us bridge that gap quite nicely. We recently signed the bond issue that will primarily be used for the sports and athletic complex that will be shared by both our new high school and middle school athletic programs. My thanks to all involved in the successful outcome of the bond sale, and as soon as the final architect’s drawings are complete, we will be letting bids for construction. I know some enjoy taking their children out and feeding the geese at Joe Tucker Park, but the geese are
getting to be a real health hazard. With their shedding feathers and the waste they leave behind, it is straining our manpower to try and keep up with keeping the park looking nice. I have been assured by conservation officials that if people would stop feeding them, they would move away and not make our park their home. Understand that our concern is for our residents who use the park on a regular basis so please, please, please stop feeding the geese. Thanks again to Amy Bolt and her newly instituted Helena Belles program for high school-aged girls. The Belles are an asset for Helena, and I am proud that Amy has chosen Helena for the program. Welcome to Victory Autos as they open a satellite branch in Helena. Warren Bailey, President of Victory GMC Trucks in Calera, was on hand to cut the ribbon last month and speak to the crowd gathered about how happy he is to be here. If you are in the market for a good used vehicle, be sure to stop by their dealership on Hwy 17 next to the Storage Place and see what they have to offer. For the next month, you can register for a Caribbean cruise when you take a test drive. I think I need to go there myself! It is my understanding that a gentleman named Paul Rohrbach has made a deal on the old Incahoots building, and plans are underway to open Creekview Café. We have been unable to get many details to date other than his plans and the zoning calls for a restaurant and bar. More on this as things develop. We have a new State Farm Agency in town—Jarrod Gibson is open on Hwy 52W in the same building as Golden Rule. Jarrod is a former Auburn University football player. Welcome to Helena Jarrod Gibson. My thanks go out to our dedicated fire department personnel who have once again agreed to serve as Santa’s official guide around Helena Christmas Eve. When you hear the sirens, be sure to look out your window for a glimpse of Old St. Nick himself! (And I’m not talking about the football coach.) Thanks also to our dedicated police department personnel who are always on standby in times of need for the citizens of Helena. While we’re on the subject
of fire and police department personnel, congratulations are in order for two (actually three) of our own. The Greater Shelby Chamber recognizes public safety officers in Shelby County each year, and this year, fire fighter Daniel Mills and police officer Phillip Richards were recognized for their exemplary work. Bak, our K9 officer was also recognized and is pictured with officer Richards. Remember our men and women serving this holiday season away from home in your prayers. There is a list of many of them elsewhere in this magazine. My thanks to them for their sacrifice and my prayers are that they all come home safe and sound soon. Remember the many for whom the holiday season holds nothing but sadness, whether it is due to the loss of a loved one or other bad circumstance. Please do whatever is possible to help bring a smile to their face. A little kindness goes a long way. You might just be the angel that person needs.
Charles W. “Sonny” Penhale
Finally, I just want to say thank you to all our residents. It is Helena’s people, more than anything, that makes it the little “Mayberry-like” town people know and love. We have always had special people, and I am reminded of that every time I am around a big group of you. From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Yours Truly,
Sonny Penhale
Helena Christmas & New Year Garbage Pick-Up Schedule The City of Helena’s garbage pick-up days will be adjusted for the upcoming holidays: Christmas, New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday
Municipal Offices closed December 23-26, 2011 in observance of Christmas Garbage Schedule for Christmas December 22-27, 2011 - Thurs. & Fri. Dec. 22-23: both routes will be collected Thurs. Dec. 22 route— Fri., Dec. 23 will be collected one day early - Fri. Dec. 23–No Collection: Collected day before Thurs. Dec. 22 - Mon. Dec. 26–No Collection: Collected with Tues. Dec. 27 route - Tues. Dec. 27 will be collected as usual along with Mon. route
Municipal Offices closed January 2, 2012 in observance of New Year’s Garbage Schedule for New Year’s January 2-3, 2012 - Mon. Jan. 2–No Collection: Collected with Tue. Jan. 3 route - Tues. Jan. 3 will be collected as usual along with Mon. Jan. 2 route
Municipal Offices closed January 16, 2012 in observance of MLK Birthday Garbage Schedule for Martin L. King Jr’s Birthday January 16, 2012 - Mon. Jan. 16–No Collection: will be collected Tue., Jan 17 - Tues. Jan. 17 will be collected as usual with Mon. route
All household garbage must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on designated collection day!
2 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
From Our Family to Yours, Happy Holidays! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Chamber Safety Awards honor Helena public servants
L
ast month, the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce presented their 2011 Safety Awards to recipients from participating cities. Each year a police officer and firefighter/paramedic is selected by their peers for their outstanding public safety service in their individual field. Helena’s Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year 2011 — Daniel Mills. Helena Fire Department Captain Brian Ryder presented the public safety award to Daniel Mills, and said the firefighter/ paramedic always had a positive mental outlook. Mills had previously worked in fire service with Cahaba Valley and Midfield departments before joining the Helena Fire Department in 2009. As a Naval Reserve officer, Mills was deployed to Iraq for Marine Corps training where he received numerous Naval achievement awards. He also finds time to work with Helena’s Fire Explorer and Volunteer Firefighter programs. Helena’s Officer of the Year 2011 — Officer Phillip Richards and K-9 Bak. On behalf of the Helena Police Department, Captain Ivy Penhale presented the
award to Officer Phillip Richards and his K-9 companion Bak. Penhale stated that Officer Philip Richards is diligent, focused and dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Helena. Officer Richards began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher for the city of Alabaster and joined the Helena police force in 1993. After patrolling our city’s streets for three years, he left the police department to work in the family business, Shelby Cleaners. Officer Richards rejoined the force in 2002 and became the K-9 officer in 2009. With his wife, Jennifer, and mother, Penny, looking on proudly, Officer Richards, accompanied by K-9 Bak to the podium, thanked everyone for the duo’s award. He closed his short speech with, “It’s hard to be a police officer’s wife, it’s especially hard to be Phillip Richards’ wife!” Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, but, most importantly, thank you to each and every individual public safety officer for providing our community with outstanding protection and service. It is a wonderful feeling to know you are safe in your own home.
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COVER STORY
Jamie and Brandon Cagle
all but crippled her. She now walks with a halting gait from the neuropathy that the drug has caused in her legs and feet, and she has special braces she must wear that wrap around each of her lower legs and attach to hard insoles that go into her shoes to help keep her toes up, stabilizing her when she walks with the aid of a cane or walker. “It seems like one drug causes a problem, then you have to take another one to offset those complications, and it just multiplies” said Jamie, who went on to share that she now takes a total of 13 pills every night. It is amazing the way she talks about her cancer and the hardships it has caused with the ease of someone who might be suffering from a routine illness. One cannot help but draw strength from her incredible determination and resolve. “I do not
A mother’s prayer for this holiday season Heather Gooden, room mother for Mrs. Blackmon’s 3rd Grade class at Helena Intermediate School, called recently to tell us about the mother of a student in the class who was struggling this holiday season with a rare form of cancer. I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie Cagle and her husband, Brandon, the following day at their home in Harbor Town, a small subdivision just off County Road 58 across from Helena United Methodist Church.
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quiet, unassuming woman with a smile that lights up a room, Jamie says she and Brandon, both from Hueytown, didn’t start dating until her third year in college. They married in 2001, just after moving to Helena, and shortly thereafter started a family. Jamie said their idyllic life all changed on April 1, 2010, which was an April Fool’s Day like no other. “I got a cruel joke that day that I’ll never forget,” said Jamie. This was the day she was diagnosed with a rare form of stage four small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, so rare that doctors tell her that in the entire nation, she is only the sixth case. Dr. Cara Bondly, Jamie’s oncologist at St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center, referred Jamie to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where Dr. James Yao specializes in small
cell cancers. Jamie and Brandon must travel there every eight weeks so Dr. Yao can perform specialized scans of Jamie’s tumors and then interpret the results. Brandon works at V&W Plumbing Supply in Birmingham “My bosses have been great,” said Brandon. Jamie worked at Blue Cross, before she became ill. “Our medical insurance has been great in terms of paying for Jamie’s treatments, but the cost of flying to Houston and getting a hotel room, a car and meals while we’re there runs anywhere from $1,500-$1,800 per trip, and that’s a little tough on the budget,” he said. An account has been set up at Regions Bank so that anyone wishing to help out can go to any branch of Regions and make a donation to “Jamie Layton Cagle from Helena.” “We have been to Houston four times so far and have to go again tomorrow,” said Brandon on the day in mid-November that we talked. “Our hope is that a new trial will come up at M.D. Anderson that will work for Jamie.” Jamie said she was having success with one drug her doctors had her taking, but the side effects from it have
plan to give up. I believe in miracles,” said Jamie. “A Facebook page is set up where people have been handling our meals, praying for us and offering words of encouragement,” said Brandon. Go to Facebook and join the “Praying for Jamie Layton Cagle” page to access a calendar for those who would like to help provide meals for the family. It is a tragedy anytime something like this happens to someone, but when something so terrible happens to such a happy, vibrant, hardworking young family with two young children, it seems even worse. At Helena City News, our wish is for all to look beyond the superficialities and commercialization that too often consume us at this time of year, and put our good wishes into action for some of our own—Jamie and Brandon Cagle and their daughters, Erin, 8-years-old and a 3rd grader at Helena Intermediate, and 4-year-old Emily, a student at HUMC’s Center for Creative Enrichment. As previously stated, the family must pay for their own airfare to Houston, where they must rent a car, stay in a hotel and feed themselves, so besides cash, if you have any frequent flyer miles you would like to donate to help the Cagles get back and forth to Texas, please contact them through their Facebook page listed above. We wish you all faith, hope and love during this holiday season and beyond—and we are all wishing and praying for a holiday miracle for Jamie.
Educator teaches spirit of giving
Kathy Blackmon, 3rd grade teacher at Helena Intermediate School and breast cancer survivor, began several years ago asking families of students in her class to donate to breast cancer research in lieu of presenting her with a Christmas gift. This year, she is requesting that they give to the fund created at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, for small cell cancer research in honor of Jamie Cagle—the mother of one of Kathy’s students, Erin, 2nd row, far left above—who is currently fighting an extremely rare form of the cancer. Hats off to Kathy Blackmon for helping teach our children that the importance of giving to others comes in many different forms, not just something inside a gift box. Visit www.mdanderson.org/gifts/ to make a donation to this very worthy cause. Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 5
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Jason McMillan
Jason McMillan and his band release new album Jason McMillan grew up on Coalmont Road in Helena with his older brother, Billy. Mom and dad, Pam and David McMillan, still live there. I sat down with Jason at his parent’s home recently after a delicious lunch of Golden Rule Bar-B-Q to chat about his early years, the newly released album and his music career in Nashville. ***
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y dad has been a drummer as long as I can remember,” said Jason, “so I guess it was just natural that I would start playing the drums because of him. I have always loved music.” Jason credits a program he participated in while a student at Helena Elementary School called “Odyssey of the Mind” along with that inherited love for music with his drive to succeed in the music business today. Odyssey of the Mind was a problem-solving competition with teams of students who worked together for months on a problem given to them. After a time, the teams acted out their solutions in skits performed regionally before a panel comprised of
J-Mac & Friendz’ debut album, “It’s been too long,” is available for download in the iTunes store, Amazon.com and 60 other online music stores.
local educators. “The program required out-of-the-box thinking and really opened up my creative side,” Jason said. “I participated in both 4th and 5th grade. (At the time, Helena Elementary served students from K-5th Grade.) Jason went on to Pelham High School where he was a cross-country track athlete. He says he didn’t get serious about music and playing his guitar until he was about 18. I formed the band J-Mac and Friendz when I was 22 and in college at Auburn. “These days, our band members change according to the town we’re playing in,” said Jason, but my friend and drummer Scotty Rollins, is a mainstay. As this goes to press, plans call for a date billed as “Live from Toomer’s Corner” in Auburn for Iron Bowl weekend at a venue known as the Bank Vault. JMac and Friendz plan to play with some guys from Berkeley, California, who are attending AU. “They sat in on our album, J-Mac & Friendz, It’s Been too Long, and added a lot to our sound. Its Been too Long has lots of catchy tunes with hints of reggae, the Beatles, and an eclectic blend of horns, guitar and Jason’s folksy voice. A favorite of
mine is entitled Catfish, and was written as an ode to his grandfather’s cabin on Lake Martin “down Peckerwood Road” where he went as often as he could as a child. Scotty Rollins is also Jason’s producer, and together, they cut the new album using Jason’s lyrics and music for the 11 song album in Scotty’s Nashville studio. It is available on iTunes, Amazon. com and about 60 other major online music stores worldwide, according to Jason. Jason says that signing with a label is not high on his list of priorities. “With the advent of the internet, it’s not so important as it once was. A label has too much control over your artistic integrity for me anyway,” laughed Jason, who says his needs are simple. “I have 16 more songs written and we plan to record them on our next album sometime after the first of next year. Jason says hi to all his old friends from Helena and Pelham and asks that everybody check out his music the next time they’re surfing the internet. Hit him up on Facebook at J-Mac & Friendz.
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 7
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8 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Ready to lose some weight?? Slim Down Challenge is back courtesy of
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CahabaDentalAd8.11A 7/25/11 7:39 PM
ou may remember a few years back the Helena City News’ popular Slim Down Challenge. It was a weight loss competition with overweight contestants from Helena and Pelham squaring off against each other to see who could lose the most weight using a sensible, guided approach that incorporated healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle changes to reduce their body mass index. In the three years the program ran, contestants lost an average of 50lbs each during the fourmonth duration of the program. The problem was keeping it off. Many contestants ended up not joining a gym and not maintaining the skills they learned, Page 1 so they ended up putting back on the
extra pounds they lost. This year, the plan will be much the same as in the past with one exception — contestants chosen will be required to join the gym we use for a year in the hope that the skills they learn will become habits, and they will find it easier to stay on their maintenance plan and make their new-found weight loss a permanent life change. Here’s the kind of people we’re looking for: • People with at least 50 lbs to lose. • People who are basically healthy. (This program incorporates regular, healthy eating with a vigorous exercise regimen. You’ll be required to obtain a physical and a doctor’s release to participate.) • People who are motivated not so much to win a contest but to make a permanent change in their lives. • People who are willing and able to buy a monthly gym membership for
at least one year (at a very reasonable rate, of course). If you fit the above criteria, send us three recent pictures (front, back and side), and tell us a little about yourself. Email the info to: helenacitynews@aol.com by Dec. 28! We will select 6 people from Helena to participate in this program which will start in January of 2012 (so you don’t have to skimp during the holidays). Actually you won’t have to skimp at all; many are surprised by how much they can eat and still lose weight. It’s all about choices and exercise. So what are you waiting for? A special thanks to Snap Fitness Helena for partnering with us this year. The trainers there have a proven record of success in helping people get back on track in the health and fitness department. And many of them know by personal experience how difficult it can be to lose those pounds and inches.
Creating beautiful smiles for the whole family At CDA, we pride ourselves on educating our patients. We believe in presenting all the treatment options and letting you make an informed decision. Our patients appreciate the extra time we spend explaining things pertinent to their situation and are constantly telling us how grateful they are because they’ve never had anyone spend the time to educate them before. Come try us and you’ll understand why patients like Mr Gibbs told us “We love you guys—you’re awesome!” when calling to confirm his appointment.
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Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 9
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HELENA VETERINARY CLINIC COMPANION VETERINARY CLINIC Drs. Possien (Dr. P), Cherry, Kerins, Dunaway, Abbitt and Lynch
Serving the needs of pets in the Helena, Pelham and Alabaster areas since 1988” We understand how badly the economy is affecting everyone, including our pets. We want to help you and your pets beat the economy! We are pleased to offer annual vaccines for your pets at a price that is affordable:
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Includes an examination, Includes an examination, 3-year intestinal parasite check, heartworm Rabies vaccine, 1- or 3-year “Feline and tick disease testing, 3-year Rabies Distemper” (FVRCP) vaccine, Feline vaccine, 1- or 3- year DistemperLeukemia vaccine and a Feline Parvo (DA2PP) vaccine and a Bordatella/Kennel Cough vaccine. Bordatella Kennel Cough Vaccine We highly recommend deworming cats who go outside. We use PROFENDER as a dewormer for the cats and kittens. Profender is applied to the skin on the back of their necks and is an excellent intestinal parasite dewormer for our feline companions. Also, be sure to ask about our specials on cleaning teeth for dogs and cats.
Visit us online at www.helenavet.com
Dr. James Lynch is now part of the team! Helena Veterinary Clinic Companion Veterinary Clinic Serving the North Shelby County area with quality veterinary care for the past 25 years, Dr. Lynch is available now practicing at Helena Veterinary Clinic.
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BSA Troop 2 Christmas tree sale NEW location: Sam Lilly Boy Scouts of America Troop 2, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Helena, is conducting its annual Christmas Tree Sale fund-raiser in a new location this year. Troop 2’s Christmas tree lot is set up in the Sam Lilly parking lot on Highway 52 W just northwest (toward Bessemer) of the intersection of Highways 261, 52 and 17. Trees: Grade A Premium Balsam, Fraser Firs and Blue Spruce Sizes: 6-10 feet tall • Cost: $45-$100, depending on size. Troop 2 has more than 40 active scouts and will use the funds raised to help with infrastructure, equipment needs and the building of a new Scout Lodge in Helena. They will also deliver purchased trees for free in a limited area around Helena, Pelham and Alabaster. The community’s support has been tremendous over the years, and the troop hopes it will continue to support Scouting in the area. Merry Christmas from Troop 2!
From our family to your family, No representation is made that the quality of dental services to be provided is superior to the quality of services provided by other dentists.
10 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
HMS wrestling team is ready to rumble
C
oach Heath Butler signed on as head coach for the Helena Middle School wrestling team this year and has began putting the 30 students who signed up through their practice paces since mid-October. “Wrestling is tougher than football and there’s no team to back you up. It’s all on you,” says Butler, pointing out the team mission statement posted in the practice room: “Your desire to succeed must equal your desire to breathe.” “I tell these boys that they have to work hard. They have to put their heart into it,” Butler says. “They have already become a tight-knit team.” About half the students have no previous wrestling experience but were going head-to-head in a “Wrestle Off ” the Thursday prior to their first match. Coach Butler, a Physical Education and Health student at the University of Alabama in Birmingham with
one year remaining, coached at Erwin (now Centerpoint) High School the past four years. He is assisted by Coach and Sponsor Randy Maxwell and Coach Herbert. Team members include: Matthew Payne, Keaton Smith, Hunter Gruhn, Cole Carpenter, Garrett Hallmark, Roderick Powell, Luke Legate, William Cummings, Richard Cummings, Jason Young, Gage Kain, Peyton Brunson, Preston Burks, Josh Dickson, Cade Pugh, Caleb Coons, Cade Scott, Spencer Collins, Cole Gardner, Braxton Hiatt, Sammy Richardson, Jeran McCarthy, Brandon Pugh, Nick Erwin, Tyler Rose, Marquez Smith, James Morris, Wynton Perry, Cooper McMeans, Nick Leach, Richard Taylor, Keith Wright, Julian Rodriquez, Reginald Turner, Warren Edwards and Anthony Maddox.
Above, Cade Scott and Braxton Hyatt hit the mat. At left, William Cummings and Preston Burks work hard to take each other down.
get in the it christmas spir and decorate!
The Helena Business Association will be sponsoring a Christmas decorating contest and are asking all storefront businesses in Helena to get in the spirit of the season and decorate. Visit www.hbpa.biz for complete competition details. Deadline for entry is December 15.
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We know you have lots of options when it comes to where you have your prescriptions filled. Your hometown pharmacy has made a significant investment in Helena, were here when we're needed, sponsoring community events and little league teams, doing everything we can to prove that Helena comes first!\ It’s a myth that independent pharmacies are more expensive than big chains. The opposite is often true. Come see for yourself, and give us the chance to earn both your confidence and your business!
If you’re having trouble with your pharmacy accepting your INSURANCE, come see us! Helena Hometown Pharmacy accepts all MEDICAL INSURANCES!
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 11
Attorney Elizabeth Roland celebrates nine years in city Elizabeth Roland wants to thank the Helena community for allowing her the privilege of providing many of their legal needs over the past nine years. “People in this town are very loyal, and they tell their friends about you when you treat them right,” she said. “It is truly a pleasure to get up and come to work every morning in this town.” “The goal of our staff is always based on the Golden Rule — Treat others as you’d like to be treated,” said Elizabeth. “We realize how stressful certain legal matters can be, and when you are involved in something of a legal nature, there is nothing more important to you. We never forget that. Elizabeth also feels fortunate to have some terrific people working with her. Bob Van Loan is her office manager and his wife, Diane, serves as Elizabeth’s receptionist. Elizabeth is married to David Lewis, who works with BBVA Compass Bank in Birmingham. She is a member of the Alabaster/Pelham Rotary club and she and David are members of Hunter Street Baptist Church. Elizabeth says she looks forward to serving the legal needs of the Helena community for many years to come. As one of our regular advertisers, Elizabeth helps bring you the Helena City News each issue. The next time you are in need of legal assistance, please give her a call. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
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Come check out Old Towne Music’s annual Christmas Recital Thursday Dec. 22nd, Helena Intermediate School Doors Open at 6:30 | Show Starts at 7:00
Music & Movement Class Demo, Presentation & Free Gifts! Saturday, January 14, 10:30 a.m. (0-7 years) 811 Hwy 52 East, Helena (across from city hall)
4 Areas Clean & Protect
$
Violin
Guitar
FREE Owner Godfrey McNeely
A good beginning never ends.
DEMO
Call Now: Erin Trapolino, 563-9484 erin.trapolino@gmail.com | www.OldTowneMusicHelena.com
12 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Champions for Alabama Cheer Competition Congratulations to all the girls! 4th grade — 1st Place Competition cheer participants: Jaycee Adams, Bailey Brophy, Caroline Cook, Ashanti Cowart, Jillian Daugherty, Audrey Deifenderfer, Lauren Eads, Haleigh Faulk, Trinity Glover, Alyssa Gossett, Brooke Hopton-Jones, Mary Katelyn Latham, Faith Martin, Cassidy Mazzola, Marisa Morris, Ally O’Dell, Alaina Pitts, Lauren Pritchett, Sara Bess Rikard, Chloe Risch, Saigely Sawtelle, Katelyn Schlotzhauer, Anna Katherine Sharp, Parker Vanderkamp, Claire Vonderau, Hayley Weidler and Jenna Winter Head Coach: Anna Marie Chapman; Coaches: Cindy Brophy, Donna Eads, Michelle Schlotzhauer and Leslie Weidler
5th grade — 2nd Place Competition cheer participants: Riley Bright, Laura Calero, Taylor Causey, Savanna Cutchin, Rachel Eddins, Skyler Floyd, Leeanna Henderson, Savannah Hinch, Elisabeth Hulbert, Anna Clair Hulbert, Holli Lovoy, Haidyn Montalbano, Grayson Murphy, Lily Grace Owen, Emily Reitz, Cristina Ryder, Holland Seitz, Sheridan Sharp, Emily Stevenson, JoJo Ward, Carlie Watts and Kayla White Coach: Teresa Mauterer
6th grade — 3rd Place Competition cheer participants: Caroline Anderson, Alyson Chandler, Mackenzie Cleckler, Meghan Dunaway, Emily Englezos, Katie Graham, Haley Ingber, Hayley Johnson, Cameron Jones, Rachel May, Abby Moore, Rachel Osborn, Haley Rogers, Mary Kathryn Smith,Hanna Spencer, Katie Watkins, Meghan Wilson Coach: Crystal Jones; Assistant Coaches: Elizabeth Cleckler and Dana Ingber
1st grade — 4th Place Competition cheer participants: Allie Rae Anderson, Mallory Barton, Macie Flynn, Nina Fuller, Gracie Gaylor, Allie Graydon, Lauren Greene, Sadie Henderson, Abby Hooie, Kate Hooie, Madie Johnson, Sydney Mason, Victoria Mauterer, Reese McLellan, Hallie Montalbano, Mackenzie Myrick, Stella Reynolds, Sydney Risch, Emma Sisson, Gracey Whipple and Ashley Wren Coach: Teresa Mauterer
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 13
State Farm Agency opens on Highway 52W Specializing in Toyota, Lexus, and MR2 Performance
Jimbo Barrett, Owner
621-8828 www.BarrettAutomotiveLLC.com Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Master Technician toyota Master Technician lexus qualified
904 Belcher Drive • Pelham (Take highway 31 to Lighting & Lamp, turn onto Belcher Drive, 1 block on right)
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Helena welcomes State Farm Insurance Agency’s Jarrod and Katie Gibson, newly located at 4290 Highway 52, Suite F. The Gibsons, both originally from Mobile, say they chose Helena because they love its small-town feel. “Everyone we have met has treated us like family since we got here. Helena fits us and fits our personalities,” they said. “We are looking forward to making a difference by providing quality insurance and financial services. We love helping individuals — insuring your home and car are the first steps to securing your life.”
A message from Helena UMC
29.99
$
*
Expires Jan. 25, 2012
It has come to our attention that a local political action committee has posted on its website that our church, Helena UMC, is among other churches in our community that opposes our current political leadership. Without speaking for other congregations, we, Helena United Methodist Church, state emphatically that we are with this coupon non-political and voice no support or opposition for any political party or individual for Oil and whether it be local, county, state or national. No individual member, class or group Filter Change* within this congregation is authorized to speak politically for Helena UMC. Our (plus tax) Up to 5 Quarts. No Synthetic Oil. Cannot combine w/other offers. support and mission is The Kingdom of God. 14 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Are You Feeling As Good As You Should?
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ments, Municipal Clerk Amanda Traywick applied the city seal to them and said she is proud of not only the hard work put in by so many to bring the new school to our city, but also praised the vision and leadership Mayor Penhale has shown throughout the long process. “It is nice to have a mayor that is willing to take a stand for what he believes is in the best interest of not only our children, but the city as a whole,” she said. “As the mother of a young student, I like the fact that she will now go from kindergarten through high school without ever leaving our city limits.”
Hwy 31 N
village parkway
county rd 52
Jr. Honor Society induction at Helena Middle School 2011-2012 National Junior Honor Society inductees are: Erin Atkinson, Emily Gustafson, Jessica Barr , Jonathan Haley, Patience Bazzano, Taylor Homrich, Chloe Brown, Jordan Ingram, Preston Burks, Michael Ingram, Madelyn Cantu, Lindsey Masterson, Jessa Cherones, Cooper McMeans, Katie Coats, Jack Miller, Alex Crowe , Rainey Mozena, Reagan
Curtis, Emily O’Dell, Alec Daughtry, Gabe Pritchett, Justin Daughtry, Jacob Rozycki, Sarah Beth Dolinger, Julienne Smith, Brooks Freeman, Peyton Strickland, Jorden Frost, Meghan Sullivan, Landon Genry, Melanie Taylor, Grayson Gladden, Lilly Vonderau, Jenna Goodson, Trevor Wasden, Maria Granados, Jarred Wheeler, Brett Granger, Katie Wolf
county rd 95
cahaba wellness
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dearing downs commerce center 263 village parkway helena, al 35080 on hwy 95, between hwys 52 & 58
Mon-Fri 6:00 - 6:30 /Sat 8:00 - 4:00 257 Village Parkway
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N
With the sale of all the Helena General Obligation School Warrants, Series 2011, now officially closed, Mayor Charles “Sonny” Penhale, with city attorney Frank C. “Butch” Ellis and Municipal Clerk Amanda Traywick flanking him, signed bonds yesterday totalling $9,015,000. Also pictured at the table is attorney Brian Cash, who oversaw the sale of the warrants. The mayor stated if all goes as planned, we should see a ground breaking ceremony sometime after the first of the year. He thanked all who worked so hard to bring this project to fruition. As the mayor signed all 81 docu-
village parkway convenient drive-through
Hwy 95
Bond sales finalized to start on facilities for High School
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Attorney Brian Cash, Attorney Butch Ellis, Mayor Sonny Penhale and Municipal Clerk Amanda Traywick, from left, brgin work signing the 81 documents necessary to close on land for the new high school.
• wellness care • muscle aches & strains • joint aches & sprains • neck aches • back aches • chronic headaches • sports injuries (athletes of all levels & weekend warriors!) • sciatica pain • orthotics • automobile accidents • spidertech certified • blue cross & blue shield
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 15
GeoMet, Inc. P.O. Box 835 Helena, AL 35080
please remember :
GeoMet produces natural gas from coal seams in Shelby and Bibb Counties. This gas is delivered for sale via our Coalmont Pipeline, which is identified along our right-of-way with above ground markers GeoMet partners with “Alabama One Call” to help protect our Coalmont Pipeline from third party damage thereby safeguarding neighboring people and property.
Resident’s Company makes Inc. Top 500 Eighteenyear resident Glen Blickenstaff, CEO of The Iron Door Company (TIDC), was featured in Inc. Magazine for his successful turn around of the flailing business. With an extensive background in human resources, Glen took TIDC, which manufactures wrought iron entry doors, from the brink of bankruptcy by negotiating a deal with Home Depot to sell their product under the label “Monterrey Doors,” headed the acquisition of competitor Castle Entries brand, and partnered with British aristocrat and designer Henrietta Spencer-Churchill.
In two short years, the company posted a phenomenal growth of 1,839 percent, so it is not suprising that TIDC was ranked 157 of Inc. Magazine’s top 500 fastest growing companies in the nation. Glen will be sharing advice and inspiration for running and growing businesses as a weekly columnist for Inc. com beginning this month. Congratulations Glen on your company’s tremendous success in such tough economic times! Visit www.inc.com to read more about Glen and TIDC.
16 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Saturdays through December 17th and the Friday before Christmas, December 23rd, 9:00am-5:00pm
La Reunion CofFee Café
hosts the
2nd Annual Right in the heart of Old Town Helena! Local vendors will show and sell their crafts and goods in the shop adjacent to La Reunion. Enter from Helena Road or through the coffee shop. Merry Christmas from all of the vendors at the Old Town Christmas Market! The Helena Belles will have a booth selling luminaria for the 2012 American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and they will also be available for pictures with guests. For more information about the market, call 205-358-3000 or Facebook us at Old Town Christmas Market - 2nd Annual
Prom Extravaganza!
Sunday, December 11th Fashion Shows at 2 & 4 PM. Our Prom Extravaganza fashion show will feature the newest style gowns and the hottest colors for the upcoming prom season. The Prom Extravaganza will also feature the latest hairstyles by Pure Faith Salon, creative corsage and boutonniere designs by Le Fleur Florist, and Mr. Burch will furnish tuxes in the latest fashions.
Let us help make your prom a night to remember! Call to reserve a seat today. Enjoy refreshments and enter drawings for gift certificates and prizes.
685-5825
Come see our beautiful and unique dresses for all special occasions from homecoming, pageants, prom, and sorority events. We are located at 8919 Hwy 119, Suite 102 in Alabaster. Open Tues - Fri 12 – 6 Saturday 9–4
The Christmas Express Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 17
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On June 1, 2013, Shelby Danielle Wesson and Stefan Formentano, both of Helena, will be married. Shelby, daughter of Dan and Brenda Wesson, attends the University of Montevallo and is majoring in Elementary Education. Stefan, son of Alfredo and Shauna Formentano, currently attends Jefferson State Community College and plans to transfer to Auburn University to study Architecture. Shelby and Stefan loved growing up in Helena so much, they hope to call it home after they are married. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!
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18 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
HES teacher and family to be featured on CBS adoption special ‘A Home for the Holidays’
A
Helena Elementary School teacher and her family will be featured this month on the 13th annual CBS special “A Home for the Holidays” with host country music sensation Martina McBride. The show, which features success stories of families who have adopted children through the foster care system, will showcase the story of Melanie and Richard Henderson and their family’s adoption of daughter, Brittney. Melanie Henderson is a kindergarten teacher at Helena Elementary and first met Brittney when she was a kindergarten student in another classroom. “We became her foster parents at the end of her kindergarten year,” said Melanie. “Her adoption was just finalized on Aug. 25, a few weeks after she began third grade.”
The Henderson family was nominated for the television special by Denise Davis, who works in the Special Education Department. The show works in conjunction with the Dave Thomas Foundation to promote foster care adoption and features children currently waiting for forever homes. In the last 12 years, the show is responsible for over 20,000 adoption connections. “This summer, a producer from the show contacted us and interviewed us over the phone. She was very interested in our story and how I was a teacher when I met Brittney,” Melanie said. “ A few weeks ago, we were excited to find out that out of thousands of nominations, we were one of four families in the country chosen to be a part of the show. We will be one of the four families that share our story of adoption through foster care.” Melanie said the show’s producers recently came to Helena to tape segments for the show. “They came to our house and taped us at home and around the area doing different activities and interviewed us each individually,” she said. “They even taped a few minutes of me working in my classroom. We are so excited about this opportunity and the chance to help more children find a home.” Last month, the entire Henderson family including son Reed, a ninth grade student at Pelham High, flew to Los Angeles, California to be included in the studio taping of the show, which will feature performances by Martina McBride, Mary J. Blige, Justin Bieber, Gavin DeGraw, OneRepublic and Christina Perri with appearances by Katherine Heigl and Denise Richards. “A Home for the Holidays” will air on CBS-42 Wednesday, December 21 at 7 p.m. We applaud the Henderson family for giving a special little girl the most important gift of all—a loving, happy home!
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 19
A Name You CAN Trust for
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OfferING the Automotive Industry’s BEST Financing!* I pledge to always offer outstanding prices on top-quality, late model pre-owned vehicles. We check them out first and stand behind them.
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*W.A.C.
on HWY 17 • www.victoryhelena.com
205•620•1216
20 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Victory GMC is Proud to Announce the Opening of Victory Autos in Helena!
Over 20 Lending Institutions Offering You the Best Financing in the Industry!!! * Victory Autos is an automotive retailer of late model pre-owned cars, trucks and SUV’s that is owned and operated by Victory GMC Trucks in Calera. The two locations will work together to give customers more opportunities to buy competitively priced vehicles and will continue to offer customers finance options from some twenty lending institutions. Every vehicle offered for sale at Victory Autos will go through the same one hundred and twelve point service and safety inspection as the vehicles located in Calera, so customers can rest assured that they’re not only buying from a reputable dealer but buying a quality vehicle as well. The new addition in Helena will be managed by local resident Mike Mayhan. Mike graduated from W.A. Berry High School, then received a Finance Degree from Auburn University and has worked in the
automotive business for more than fifteen years. The Victory organization is built on a foundation of faith, derived from principles found in the Bible. From the very top of its leadership, the organization finds direction and motivation from one of the most simple and challenging disciplines: Treat others the way you want to be treated. This philosophy is at the forefront of every interaction with every customer. Not everyone is ready to buy a vehicle right now, but when the time comes, we hope you will give Victory Autos or Victory GMC a chance to earn your business. We think You’ll find that we are Refreshingly Different from the typical car dealership...We’ll make a believer outta you! Visit us at Victory GMC in Calera or at the new Victory Autos located on Highway 17 in Helena. Or online at www.victoryhelena.com. Our Helena phone number is 620-1216.
And for a limited time, all Helena Residents are
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•
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(Preferred maintenance plan. See dealer for details.)
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Take A Test Drive NOW & Register to
Win A 4 Night Cruise For 2 To The Bahamas!!!! From Victory Autos In Helena!*
Contest Runs – December 1, 2011 to January 14, 2012. Drawing To Be Held January 16, 2012 * See Dealer for complete details.
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 21
Helena’s Katie Allen makes handmade ornament in memory of Carson Sumpter to send to the White House
Each year Katie Allen nestles into her home workspace, bringing her mind to the quiet place where the creation of her hand-painted glass ornaments begins. Allen also sends an ornament to the White House, and as she contemplated the theme for this year’s White House ornament weeks ago, she had in mind commemorating Auburn’s 2010
National Championship. Then, Allen, who works as an aide at PHS, found herself at the PHS homecoming game, and as she watched the band’s halftime performance, her thoughts turned to the previous year when her daughter, Courtney, then a senior, was marching in step behind Carson Sumpter in the drum line. “With this memory, I felt a gutwrenching pain,” she said. “I thought, ‘How do I get beyond this, how do I go forward, God?’” As a band mom handing out water and popsicles at many a summer band camp, she knew Carson well, recalling “it was a phenomenal experience to watch this child grow.” “He’s mine, too. Every one of those 1700 PHS children are mine. I like to say, God graced me with two, but blessed me with many.” Allen decided to dedicate and paint the White House ornament for Carson James Sumpter this year. She blocked off an entire week to work on it, thinking she would need that to get through the process. She went
onto Carson’s facebook memorial page and left him a message. “I asked him to be my guide, to be that angel that would hold my hand while I painted the ornament. And I finished it in an hour—never have I finished one in just an hour! When I took my hand off the completed ornament, I felt a peace come over me.” The ornament was painted from a photo of Carson walking on the beach, away from the camera, with his guitar slung over his shoulder. “That was just one of his favorite places to be,” said his father Jim Sumpter. The ornament was sent off to Washington, D.C., along with a page of thoughts written by his mother, Kim McBrayer, and a copy of his CD called “Patience EP.” “Carson had cancer, but cancer never had Carson,” Kim wrote. “Carson had a unique spirit about him,” his mother said. “Just to be in his presence was healing. He had this effect on many people. The last week of his life Carson told Kevin Derryberry, “I’ve gotten to play music every day this week
and that’s all I wanted to do.” “I think the ornament is amazing,” Jim Sumpter said. “And I think Carson would smile to know that he trumped Auburn. He’d be laughing and saying ‘We got ‘em again!” Roll Tide Carson.
Touching lives with more than financial services Life insurance and annuities and for your financial future. Fraternal benefits for your family and community. Jeremy Saylor 6062 Woodvale Dr. Helena, AL 35080 205-310-7568 Jeremy.Saylor@mwarep.org
modern-woodmen.org 2008 Modern Woodmen of America
22 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
We’ll Make a Believer Outta You! 5292 Highway 17
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open mon-sat 9am-7pm All Vehicles have 112 point safety inspection.
Text ‘victory’ to 53555 to see our entire inventory!**
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Now Open on Highway 17 in Helena! Over 20 Lending Institutions Offering You the Best Financing in the Industry!!! *** Contest Runs – December 1, 2011 to January 14, 2012. Drawing to be held January 16, 2012. See Dealer for complete details.
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620-121 6 Visit www.victorygm.com for more vehicles! Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 23
* Price does not include tax, title, or dealer fees. Price includes President’s Club Discount. ** Normal text messaging rates apply. ***W.A.C.
Cut Your Taxes: 5 Year-End Tips Most of us don’t want to think about taxes around the holidays, but there are some things you can do to offset your tax bill in 2012. 1. Deduct Business Expenses. If you started your own business or began freelancing or working from home, gather up those businessrelated receipts. The cost of work-related travel, food, office supplies can be deducted from your taxable income. 2. Review Medical Expenses. Know that you can deduct your outof-pocket medical expenses. If you’re thinking of getting any elective surgery - even LASIK - that expense, plus other out-of-pocket medical care you paid this year for, could help reduce your taxable income. 3. Donate. Charitable donations may be tax deductible up to 50% of your adjustable gross income. Time to start cleaning out the closet! 4. Offset Capital Gains. If you’ve cashed in on some gains, look for losing stocks in your portfolio. If you sell them before the end of the year to end up, the net loss can offset your short-term capital gains. 5. Boost Retirement Savings. If you’ve neglected to save this year, it’s not too late to get aggressive and further reduce your taxable income. If you have any questions on this information, please give us a call. STARTING A NEW BUSINESS?
Give us a call today! As always, we’re here to help sort out your tax responsibilities.
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Cris Nelson, E.A.
Enrolled Agent
Cahaba Wellness adds massage therapist Nancy Hudspeth to staff Dr. Roderick White and Cahaba Wellness are pleased to introduce their new massage therapist, Nancy Hudspeth. Nancy moved to Alabama in middle school. Now married and living in North Shelby County with her husband, Josh, and their two children Logan, 11, and Kenlee, 4, Nancy says she is excited to join the staff at Cahaba Wellness. “I was at Dr. Remillard’s office across the street with Logan when I noticed the Cahaba Wellness sign and decided to walk over and introduce myself,” said Nancy. “We talked, and Dr. White said he was looking for a massage therapist. In fact,
Ask the Doc
Have a question? Please submit it to Dr.RoderickWhite@gmail.com I sometimes have low back pain. A friend of mine is one of your patients and she said you told her to stop sleeping on her stomach. I sleep on my stomach, could that be the cause of my low back pain?
Mary Michael G., Alabaster, AL
Sleeping on your stomach can indeed promote back pain, as well as neck and shoulder pain. If you are having persistent low back pain, I encourage you to get it checked out. By sleeping on your stomach, your head remains turned in one position for several hours. As a result, one side of your body remains in a contracted or stressed position. As a general rule, I encourage patients to sleep on their side with a firm or memory foam type pillow, on a good mattress, with a pillow between their knees or to sleep on their backs. If you have low back pain, one thing you can try is lying on the ground and putting your feet up on a chair or on the couch. Elevating your legs can take stress off of your lumbar spine (low back) and the surrounding muscles. According to an article, “Back to Basics” in the journal, Alternative Medicine, there are two stretches you could also try. The first one is a Simple Leg Raise. Lying flat on your back, slowly lift one leg in the air and then the other, holding each in the air for 10 – 15 seconds while breathing. You can aid this stretch by using an exercise band. Hold on to each end of the band and loop it over the ball of your foot and gently pull the band to help you stretch your leg. The key is not to try to lift the leg so high that your back begins to arch. The second stretch is called Knee-to-Chest Stretch. Also performed lying on your back, bend one leg at a time and wrap your hands around your knee with both hands and slowly pull your knee to your chest. When you begin to feel moderate pulling in your low back, hold the position for 10 -15 seconds, let go, and slowly straighten your leg. Do this 5-6 more times, trying to bring your knee a little closer each time. Low back pain can have numerous causes. However, changing your sleeping position and adding these simple stretches to your routine can help. Again, if your pain persists, I encourage you to have it checked out.
Dr. Roderick White is a Chiropractic Physician and Clinic Director at
CAHABA WELLNESS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC • SPORT • SPINE • REHAB
Dearing Downs Commerce Center 263 Village Parkway • Helena, AL 35080 The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis or treatment. Please visit your healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
he was already in the process of adding onto his existing space to provide a private therapy room. I think it was Divine intervention that brought us together.” A 2005 graduate of the Red Mountain Institute of Healing Arts in Birmingham, Nancy is certified in pre natal, labor and delivery and post partum massage (including a Nurturing the Mother course at the Atlanta School of Massage) as well as all traditional massage methods. Nancy says massage is an important part of an overall wellness plan. “Massage has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve circulation and improve one’s general outlook on life. It also helps decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia pain and discomfort” Nancy offers a healing touch and offers new clients a $10 discount off their first session. She offers 1/2 hour sessions for $45, 1 hour sessions for $70 and hour and a half for $95. Call and make an appointment for relaxation with Nancy today, (205) 531-2151!
24 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Helena’s Dance Et Cetera sets the bar high I
t’s a given that Jennifer Hoff Friedman’s new Dance Et Cetera 9,000-square-foot studio has something for everyone. There’s Hip Hop for ages 4 and up; tap, ballet, jazz and contemporary for all levels; tumbling and cheernastics; and Zumba and Sculpting Pilates for adults. And Friedman says she is happy to have a place large enough to accommodate all their dance families — some 400 students. Friedman has danced since she was four years old and “loves every form of dance.” Reopening this past March, the totality of Friedman’s dance wish list, kept in a journal that she compiled over the years, has been brought to reality in this new location. “I know it sounds cheesy,” Friedman says, smiling. “But this truly is my lifelong dream.” The two-level facility has colorful studios, seating for parents, one-way mirrors for observing classes, a playroom for younger siblings and the professional grade floors throughout mean less impact on students’ knees. There’s also a dance supply store. “I want my students to learn to make good choices and to learn responsibility. As teens, they should understand being on the dance team is not about being popular but about learning to schedule
Jennifer Hoff Friedman and Megan Aenchbache
their time, to work hard and to become a well rounded dancer,” Friedman says. “Jennifer is a good strong role model. Several of her students have gone on to make dance a career,” says dance mom Deborah Aenchbacher whose daughter, Megan, is a junior at Pelham High School. Dance Et Cetera has three former students on the Auburn University dance team and one on the University of Alabama dance team. “The young girls look up to our alumni and see the possibilities for themselves,” Friedman says. PHS junior Kaitlyn McGairty who helps out at the studio, has been taking classes with Friedman since she began teaching at her first studio in Old Town Helena. McGairty is a member of the Senior Troupe that, along with the Junior Troupe, attends tap and jazz
competitions and gives performances around town. “Jen is really great at choosing teachers and selecting classes that combine learning and music in a fun atmosphere. We love her,” McGairty says. Both Troupes will be participating in the Helena and Alabaster Christmas parades, both on Dec. 3. Costumes this year will be “Rockette style.” They’ll also perform at the Christmas Showcase to benefit Toys for Tots, which is hosted by Thompson Dance Team on Dec. 16. In February, the annual fund raiser “With Every Beat” is presented by dance studios from around the area. Begun by Liz Cochran, this year will benefit the
American Cancer Society and be dedicated to the memory of PHS student Carson Sumpter. For more information, contact Dance Et Cetera at 205-685-8778 or friend them on Facebook. *** The Dance Troupe and Jr. Dance Troupe will be competing for Regional Titles at the following competitions in late winter and early spring: u Broadway Dance Competition u Platinum Dance Competition u VIP Regional Dance Competition u Applause Dance Competition
Halloween fun at Dance Et Cetera
Need help putting your home back together? Call us. We’re Helena’s Home Repair Specialists!
Thurber’s Construction & Home Repair John Thurber III cell 965-1919
ThurbersConstruction@charter.net
• room additions • decks • home repairs • doors • windows • roofs 2330 Chandawood Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 25
Please Pray for the Safety of Our Military Personnel and Remember throughout the Year— We are the Home of the Free Because of the Brave! SGT Jon M. Aaron
LT James Brooks Dickey
4/14 K CO (DET B), UNIT 43671, FPO AP 96426-3671; Al Anbar, Iraq; Son of Karen Dickinson
PFC Jonathan R. Barnett
US Army; Calvary Scout-3rd Brigade-1st Armor Div.; Fort Riley, KN; Son of Susan Barnett
1999 Stephanie Ct, Auburn, AL 36830; Son of Charlie & Janie Brooks and Janet & Dennis Dickey
PFC Matt Barnett
SSG Jay Gortney
Alabama Army National Guard 20th Special Forces, Iraq; Husband of April
SPC Michael Hubbard
SGT Steven M Bennett
US Army; Paratrooper/Rigger; Fort Benning, GA; Son of Clara & Ken Lorino
SRA Mitch Braswell
US Army; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Son of Tom Lefebvre
PVT Vincent Brown
US Army ; Ft Stewart , Ga, Son of Beth Eades. husband of Caitylyn McClesky-Lenoir
Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik B. McKenzie
US Navy; USS Curtis Wilber, Yokosuka, Japan; Son of Bond & Lisa McKenzie, Brooke’s brother, Megan’s husband
SGT Dallas C Caviness
USAF, Air Force Special Operations Command; Son of Kathy Meins Martin
2nd Lt. Jacob Allen Meins
US Army; 172 Infantry Brigade; Germany; Husband of Rebecca, Father of Norah, Son of Rhonda & brother of Devin
HM2 Daniel Mills
2nd Lt. William B. Cofer
Cpl Rodney Stephens
Army National Guard; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Father of Andrea & AnnaBelle
COL John “Mark” Traylor
Deputy Commander; 11th Aviation Command, Fort Knox, KY; Husband of Karole, father of John, Zach & Ashley
2LT John M Traylor, Jr
US Air Force; 325th Air Control Squadron; Tyndall AFB, FL.; Son of Mark & Karole Traylor
RCT Zachary S Traylor
US Navy; Marine Corp Training & Advisory Group; Helena Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic
US Army ; Fort Benning, GA; Son of Dorothy & Jim Cofer, brother of Deborah, boyfriend of Kristen Beam
Petty Officer 1st Class Austin C. Daniel
SPC Ashley Bruce Squires
US Army (3rd Inf. Div., 1-30 Inf.); Ft. Stewart, GA; Father of Jesi Mason Squires, son of Bruce & Tammy, brother of Aubrey & Austin
PVT 1st Class Jacob S. Lenoir
SGT Paul Bushnell
USMC; Expeditionary Unit deployed from Camp Lejeune, NC; Son of Robert & Aurette Conde
SPC Patrick D. Sharp
US Army, 82nd Airborne; Al Asad, Iraq; Son of Shawn Sharp
CW3 Corey Lefebvre
USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Son of Mike & Judi Braswell
LCPL Roberto M Conde
SPC Adam T. Saulters
US Army; 82nd Airborne Division, Iraq; Son of Patty Saulters, brother of Casee Saulters
Lt. Commander David Kang
US Navy; Japan; Son of Stanley & Sue Kang, sister Sunny Kang
USMC; Expeditionary Unit deployed from 29 Palms, CA; Son of Bill & Julie English, Sarah’s husband
PVC Dwight A Rosse Jr.
US Army; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, Ky; Son of Dwight & Michelle Rosse, brother of Britney & Carlton
US Army; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Grandson of Ruth Meadows, husband of Kimberly, brother of Bonnie Hubbard
US Army;, 82nd Airborne, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Cousin of Paul Zimmerman
USMC; Stationed in Chesapeake, VA; Son of Leonetta Prevo
US Navy; Guam; Husband of Loretta, father of Termaine Jr, Trevorn, Chelicia & Tristin, son of Janice & Austin Pruitt
AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks
US Navy; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Son of Joe & Tammy Williams, grandson of Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor
US Army; Delta Co.-232nd Medical Battalion; Fort Sam Houston, TX; Son of Susan Barnett
SFC Eric Bond
Petty Officer 1st Class Termaine J. Pruitt
USMC; Marine Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC; Son of Mark & Karole Traylor
MSG Jacqueline M. Moore
SGT John Christian Vansant
US Army, 387th; Wichita, KS; Wife of Leroy E. Lucas, mother of Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris
SSgt Christopher S Murphy
US Navy; Norfolk, VA; Son of Mike & Claudia Daniel, brother of Justin, Tatum & Autumn
USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Son of Jack & Karen Murphy. husband of Alyssa
US Army; Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI; Son of Carol Darrenkamp, brother of Jon & Stephen
US Navy ROTC Unit-University of Pennsylvania; Daughter of Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager
2nd Lt Eric C Darrenkamp
VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS New River, NC; Son of Keith & Sherill Vansant
LT Kimberly A. Oelschlager
Major Maxwell B. Ward
Army Reserve; Afghanistan; Husband of Kathie, dad of Maggie, son of Bette Ward, brother of Michelle (Lin) Saville
Adam Walton
US Navy; USS Nimitz; Son of Randy & Peggy Walton, brother of Annalee
E-mail Helena active duty military personnel’s name, address and where they’re stationed to helenacitynews@aol.com. If your loved one has returned, please let us know.
Changing Jobs? Retiring?
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26 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
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Former resident fights to raise funds for Leukemia cure In August 1999, Molly and J.J. Batley were very involved in our community and Helena United Methodist, when their middle child, Shelby, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia, just before her fourth birthday. Shelby underwent three years of treatment at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham and during that time, she went into remission but unfortunately she had a rare side effect of one of the cancer-fighting drugs causing an irritation to the lining of her brain which still plagues her to this day. Shelby, now 16, still struggles due to the long-term effects of the drug causing chronic fatigue which keeps her from attending school and doing everyday things teenagers should be enjoying in life. She has short-term memory loss, and doctors say other side effects could occur in the future. Shelby and her family choose to live each day to the fullest, though, and live one day at a time. They have been taught that nothing is certain in life and to be thankful for each day. The family became involved with the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) shortly after Shelby’s diagnosis. The society offers patient aid, information and money for research. Shelby’s family has raised well over $100,000 for research since becoming involved participants of marathons and half marathons. They have raised money in various ways, one of which invloved selling cookbooks, like the one Shelby is pictured with at right, Cooking up a Cure. The research money over the years has gone to the development of a drug, Gleevac, that now saves lives from a disease that until very recently was a death sentence. Shelby’s family now lives in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She is a sophomore and is home-schooled. Her brother, Shelton, is a freshman at The University of Central Florida, and her sister, Ann Marie, is in seventh grade at New Smyrna Beach Middle School. Shelby has committed herself to raising money and participating in her first half marathon. Shelby struggles to train to finish a 13.1 mile event. She is determined to not only finish, though,
but to be one of the top fundraisers. If you would like to help Shelby achieve this goal, you may mail donations to Shelby at: 7050 S Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32169. You may also make a tax deductible donation to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Shelby Batley, 16, trains for a half marathon at top left to raise money for leukemia research. She has done other fund raisers such as selling cookbooks. Above, Shelby in a 1998 edition of Helena City News with the owner of Spotlight Pizza, Robert Zeller.
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 27
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Helena United Methodist Church 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Pastor Rev. Michael Edmondson • helenaumc.org Worship 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Modern Worship Sunday 7:19 p.m. The Church at Cahaba Bend BAPTIST 3721 Highway 52 West • 621-8060 CrossBridge Community Church Pastor Rev. Lyle Holland • cahababend.org Starkey Street (off Hwy 261) • 621-2695 Sunday School 9:30 & 10:45 a.m. Pastors Morrell Aldridge, Harris Cook & Bruce Squires Contemporary Worship 9:30 & 10:45 a.m. crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. NAZARENE Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Trinity Church of the Nazarene Laurel Woods Dr. & Hwy 58 • 664-4659 First Baptist Church Helena Pastor Rev. David Shirer • nazarene.ch/trinity/ 3616 Helena Road • 663-7879 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Senior Pastor Dr. Mark DeVine, Pastor Greg Walker Morning Worship 10:00 a.m. fbhelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30 a.m. NON-DENOMINATIONAL Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Celebration Church Gospel Light Baptist Church Meets at Helena Intermediate • 602-0805 5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor David Bradford • hiscelebrationchurch.com Pastor Steve Kilpatrick • glbcbham.com Small Groups/Bible Study 9:15 a.m. Sunday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Cornerstone Church Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church 2694 Highway 58 • 663-9332 Highway 261 • 663-5257 Pastor Rev. Tim Trimble Pastor Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. New Vision Christian Church New Elam Baptist Church 2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Cunningham Drive Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org Pastor Rev. Lester Sun. Corporate Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. SNS@HIS Riverside Baptist Church Meets at Helena Intermediate 1919 Highway 52 West • 426-1910 Teacher/Leader Dr. Wayne Williams Pastor J.J. Stanbridge • e-mail: jj@rbchelena.org Sunday Night Service 6:00 p.m. Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. Voice of Faith International Ministries Sunday Bible Study 10:30 a.m. 1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 Pastor Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 6700 Highway 13 • 424-4539 Sunday Worship 7:00 a.m. Pastor Rev. Randy Keef Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. PRESBYTERIAN Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Christ Community Church Meets at Helena Elementary • 621-6248 CHRISTIAN-DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Pastor Phil Chambers • cccbham.org Grace Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. 869 Highway 52 • 426-1233 Pastor Tommy Morgan • gracechristianchurch.org Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Sunday School 9:00 a.m. 3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Pastor Rev. Tommy Johnson • helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 a.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST Morning Worship 10:00 a.m. Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 • 620-4575 Evangelists Curtis Flatt & Bryan Moody church-of-christ.org Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.
Attend the Church of Your Choice This Sunday!
28 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
BB’s Bread bakes up sweet taste of success
“T
his is how it all began,” said Brenda (Bates) Scott. “My youngest son, Hagen, was eating my sourdough bread for his breakfast back in 2008, and he said, ‘Mom, this bread is so good you could sell it!’” Three days later at Career Day at Deer Valley Elementary where she works as an aid, Scott demonstrated her bread-making “new business.” And on the spot — and after her childhood nickname — she named it BB’s Bread. “That very weekend those precious children were out looking for my bread in grocery stores,” Scott said. She began making the bread available for purchase at the school, selling about 22 loaves each day. When the school year ended, Scott decided to try her hand at Ross Bridge and Mt. Laurel Farmer’s Market and began her search for a commercial kitchen where she could bake. After a phone call to Marta Hill, who has operated a bakery business in Cahaba Heights for 21 years, Scott was told that Hill had just had a customer request Scott’s bread. Later that same afternoon, she met Hill for the first time and was given her own door key. The rest is history. Now BB’s Bread is baked and wrapped at Marta’s Bakery. Scott, along with Gwynn Bates, her mother and “official bread flipper,” work in the bakery’s off hours and have tallied up some 9,800 loaves to date. “Marta Hill is my angel, always supporting and encouraging me; she has made BB’s Bread possible.” BB’s Bread’s signature bright pink and green market booth was designed by friend Mary Beth Fresh at the start and has become her signature look in 34 different markets. “It is God’s bread, each time I have needed money to pay bills another market has opened up to me,” she said. “However, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be a bread baker.” Now BB’s Bread offers cinnamon sourdough, cheddar cheese sourdough and oc-
casionally chocolate chip sourdough at $5 per loaf. It has five ingredients, counts as five Weightwatcher’s points and freezes beautifully. “Some day I am going to have a bakery and no matter what mood you come in with, you’re going to leave laughing. Life is too short not to eat bread and real butter,” Scott said. Scott had a shout out from Dollar Bill after he purchased her bread at the Montevallo Farmer’s Market. Her four children: Conner, 19, Kelsey, 17 (both hoping to be Auburn bound), and twins Hagen and Laura, 16, support their mom, as do her parents. Her father, Charles “Buddy” Bates, is the kindly white-haired gentleman in the booth as “Fresh bread, come get your fresh bread!” is called out. BB’s Bread will be at La Reunion’s Christmas Market this month. It can be purchased directly at Marta’s Bakery in Vestavia Hills or special ordered three days in advance by calling 205-601-4618.
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 29
Backyard of the Month 1455 Secretariat Drive
T
he yard of Candy and Robert Brashier is a great example of how a challenging terrain and layout can grow into something special and how. By selectively accessorizing certain areas, a yard can acquire a uniquely personalized look, just like the Brashiers. Candy and Robert, who works for Source Medical, won’t say it has been easy—they began over 23 years ago, carving beds out of rock and boulderinfested slope, the so-called backyard. Along the way, to the left of the driveway, Bradford pears were removed to make way for a rose garden with some old-fashioned varieties. Blueberries, coneflowers, day lilies, and zinnias— most of which, even toward the season’s end, still contribute color, intermingle. A Meyer lemon tree recently produced nearly a bushel of fruit, which they shared with neighbors. An on-site greenhouse gives them the advantage to winter their more tender plants. The unique creamy white picket fence surrounding the entire back area was designed by Candy and created from 750 pickets installed by Robert over a very
long week seven years ago. After their marriage survived that project, they continued up the banks inside the fence. Edged with the unearthed rocks, a naturalized area is planted with ferns, monkey grass, oak-leaf hydrangeas, dogwood, buttercups, and snowbells leading up to a wisteria-covered arbor. They have added a pond in the rock slab patio area under the weeping lace-leaf Japanese maple. Altheas grown from cuttings from their native state, Mississippi, and sweet peas segue around the corner to a mature Lady Banks rose bush, which produces prolific yellow blooms in early spring. On the back fence is a pink Katrina Rose, which was propagated from cuttings from a nameless but sturdy
variety that sprouted new growth after drowning beneath 20 feet of water during the hurricane. Changes and upgrades to their landscape continue to be planned. The large slope once filled with day lily beds is on its way to becoming a hydrangea habitat. Candy also has plans to completely redo the screen of hedges that front the house, bringing it more in-line with the rambling cottage-like look of the rest of the yard. (That is why we aren’t showing our standard front facade view this month.)
Adding charm is the series of birdhouses the Brashiers have designed, and built with materials they found or purchased at yard sales, then embellished with mosaics. Candy is quite the mosaic queen and has a fine accumulation of broken crockery that she applies to any structure or pot she finds appealing. She also loves to re-use finds such as old chairs or birdbaths as planters or convert vintage lampshades to bird feeders. Congratulations to the Brashiers for their highly individual and exuberant expression of color and whimsy in our (back) yard of the month!
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30 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Eagle eye, 13, makes a hole in one at golf tourney Clint Wallace, 13, made a hole in one on October 29 while playing in an Alabama Junior Golf Association Tournament at Limestone Springs Golf Club. The shot was made using a pitching wedge. He was playing with Ben Belden from Mountain Brook.
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The Briarwood club soccer team, Ambassadors 95 Gold, came in 2nd place at the State Governors cup held the weekend of November 12. Their coach is Brantley Visser. Helena’s Cameron Murray, who plays right forward and center, contributed to the team’s success this year. Cam is in the 11 grade at Pelham High School and plays on the Panthers’ varsity squad. He has been playing soccer since he was five years old, and has played all three years he has been a student at Pelham High. Congratulations to Cameron and good luck when school play begins!
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Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 31
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y now every business owner knows that they should have a website. The real question is this though: how effective is your website in bringing new customers to your business? Businesses typically grows from referrals, traditional advertising and internet marketing. Today, more and more, prospective customers are turning to online searches to find businesses to help them find those with who they will do business. With free tools such as Google Analytics, you can visually see: • traffic driven to your site (on a daily basis) • the amount of time people are spending viewing your site • where they are located Once you see your website’s traffic and how prospects are finding your site, then you can begin to customize your site even
more to match what they are shopping for. Remember, the more time a customer spends on your website, the higher your odds of them becoming a customer.
So what are these potential customers looking for when they are trying to find services and products online? They are looking for a feel of the company. They will ask themselves questions such as: • What does the business look like? • What will one of the employees that comes to my home look like? • What hours are they open? • Is the company close to me? • Is the website visually appealing, credible, professional, and up-to-date? Most likely, the website that answers these questions the best will win the business. Remember, online customers do not know your company and may only see your website to make a judgment on using your product or services. Once a business understands that they need an internet presence, his or her thought process might go something like this: I know I need a website but budgets are tight.
How much will this cost? We asked Helena resident Allan Wilson, owner of Wilson Computer Support, this question. According to Allan, his company has created a great solution, a two-page custom designed website for $395. If somebody already has a website that needs updating, Allan urges them to contact them today for a free consultation and estimate to help you get the results that your business requires for an effective online presence. It is important today and grows by leaps and bounds as each month passes. If you
own a business and would like to learn more about how inexpensive and effective a website can be for building your business, give Allan a call today at 985-9942.
32 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Jane B. Holmes Public Library — News and Notes
Children have fun at a recent story time with Helena Library’s new storyteller, Mrs. Jennie. Children pictured are Carlynn, Xander, Landon, Zoey, Toper and Marley.
Helena Library has a new storyteller: Mrs. Jennie
‘O
ne, little two, little three little turkeys. Gobbley, wobbley, bobbley turkeys,” Jennie Bunton sings with the children enjoying Storytime at Jane Holmes Public Library. Bunton is the new storyteller each Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m., replacing Jane Pennington, who has retired. Dressed as a Pilgrim, and using a variety of Thanksgiving-themed stories, interactive music, songs and energy-expressive activities such as tug-o-war and pillow fights, Bunton leads the children through a captivating frolic that includes something for each pre-school mind. “Although storytelling is somewhat new for me, performing is in my blood,” Bunton says. “I used to do singing telegrams and I am balloon artist and silly-face painter, as well as a professional clown.” Bunton is a volunteer clown at Children’s Hospital, where she visits monthly. She also dresses as Mother Goose and will take the children for a dinosaur-stalking excursion next month as a Safari Hunter. “The children love interacting with musical songs such as the Hokey Pokey, Get Funky, Tony Chestnut and The Silly Dance Contest,” she says. We also have fun with hats, and later this season, Mrs. Claus will visit, as will a North Pole Elf. In no time, we will be springAt top, Xander and Topher Kent ing into line for our Easter Parade.” Library Director Dan Dearing invites and, above, Landon Estes enjoy mothers, tots and preschoolers to join some play time at the library. the fun each week. Laughter for everyone is promised! Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Good day to you, We hope this letter finds you well for the upcoming holiday season from the Jane B. Holmes Public Library. The library has had a great fall, with some fun programs and neat new opportunities. We especially want to thank the Friends of the Library for helping us out with a fun, free drawing in November featuring some great prizes. This organization is working hard to assist our library in many areas. If you would like to be a part of the Friends, please contact Library Director Daniel Dearing at 664-8308 for details. Or attend our next Friends meeting Thursday, December 15, at 6 p.m. Speaking of December 15, the library will have a small Book Sale. Please stop by to purchase some materials for a great cause — your library! All proceeds benefit library programs and collections. As many of you may remember, the library features some great Holiday material, including an impressive variety of movies, music and books. The library will host a special visitor who is excited to see everyone this year — Santa Claus! Bring your camera for pictures with Santa Monday, December 19 at 6 p.m. Finally, for something to look forward to after the holidays, a meeting will be held at the library to discuss the formation of a Book Club on Monday, January 23, at 6 p.m.. Stop by to see us soon, and remember to bring your library card. Best Wishes, Daniel Dearing, Library Director Jane B. Holmes Public Library Remember: Storytime with Ms. Jenny at 11:00 am every Tuesday and Thursday Important Upcoming Dates Dec. 15 Book Sale-All Day; Friends of the Library Meeting 6 p.m. Dec. 19 Visit and take photos with Santa 6:00-6:45 p.m. Dec. 23-26 Library Closed for Christmas Holidays Dec. 31-Jan. 2 Library Closed for New Year’s Jan. 16 Library Closed for Martin L. King Jr’s Birthday Jan. 23 Book Club 6 p.m. New Hours: Mon. 10-7, Tue. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thur. 10-7, Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-2, Closed Sun.
www.shelbycounty-al.org • 664-8308
XYZ (eXtra Years of Zest) Club weekly activities held at the Helena Senior Citizens Center Located at 222 Tucker Road, behind city hall and next to the library Monday 10:00 am Chair Aerobics: Fun & gentle workout Tuesday 11:00 am-3:00 pm Cards & Games: Bring a sack lunch & join the fun Thursday 10:00 am Chair Aerobics Fun and gentle workout Friday 5:00 pm Social Time: Come see what fun is in store For more information, contact Liz Morris at 664-1946.
● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 33
Helena Fire Department 2011—Santa Routes Routes will start at 2:00 PM. Due to Santa’s busy schedule, he will not be able to go down every street. He WILL be on a major roadway in every part of the city though. Listen for the siren that lets you know he is near!
HELENA’S
Landscape Supply And Nursery
Hello everyone!! Just like we expected, the holidays are already on top of us. We hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving and will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Read the rest slowly because there is a lot of exciting news to follow… It is not too late to winterize your lawn with Fertilome Winterizer. This application is key in developing strong healthy roots over the winter. Strong healthy roots lead to beautiful turf in the Spring and help choke out those pesky weeds your are fighting with. We also have a Winterizer with Pre-emergent. You can never put out enough pre-emergent. You can still spot spray with Weed Free Zone from Fertilome as well. In January, you get to take a break from your lawn treatments and just kick back and watch some bowl games. Our winter services include onetime lawn Clean up (for holiday guest arrivals), hanging of outdoor Christmas decorations, firewood delivery, sprinkler system winterization, gutter cleaning, and pressure washing along with our regular services of Lawn care, Landscaping, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Lighting, Retaining Walls, Bobcat work, etc., etc., etc. Our newest service performed right in our retail location, Helena Landscape Supply and Nursery, is SMALL ENGINE SERVICE. We can now service all of your mowers, weed eaters, edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, tillers, etc. including blade sharpening, oil change, tune ups and more. Stop by the store for all of the details and prices. We look forward to keeping your equipment in tip top shape. It is time to put in your pansies, cabbage and kale if you have not done so yet. Don’t forget that winter fertilizer is important for plants to reach their growth potential and produce the biggest and best blooms. Go by Helena Landscape Supply and Nursery and see how the professionals grow them. Then get with Brandon and he will put you on a fertilizing program so your plants look as good as ours. Christmas Trees are here! We have many customers that buy their tree from us every year because the quality and freshness of our Christmas Trees is unmatched. We cut them fresh and load them for you, or we will deliver them, or even set them up in your home. We will have fresh garland and wreaths available this year also. We invite you to come out in the cold, stand by the fire, roast a marshmallow, pick out a tree and take it home. It is all about the experience of getting your tree, not just buying one. We look forward to seeing you soon at Helena Landscape Supply and Nursery, or give us a call 205.621.5255. We are your local experts and we are all about service!!
Gold Route: Timber Lakes Saddlewood Sterling Lakes Long Leaf Lakes Glen Gate Asbury Parc Laurel Lakes Silver Lakes Glasgow Green Country Side Lane Oak Park Chestnut Forest Quail Ridge Creekwater Oak Brook Hwy 13 Honeysuckle Prescott Place Mossbend Red Route: Stonecreek Cahaba Falls Riverwoods Old Cahaba Hillsboro Tocoa Park & Falliston Jackson Square & St. Charles Coalmont Road Shelena Estates Wyndham Ashley Brook Brandywine & Fieldstone Breckenridge Park Rocky Ridge Scurlock Road Dunham Farm Shamrock Sunnybrook & Royal Pines Fox Valley Apartments
Green Route: Chadwick Bearden Lane Cunningham Drive Lake Davidson Old Town Second & Third Street First Avenue West First Avenue East Rolling Mill Helena Road to Hwy 17 Roy Drive Parkside Jenkins Circle Shannon Glenn Cedar Bend Roy Court Hickory Point Harbor Town Fox Haven & Kingridge Braelin Village Timber Park Laurel Woods Amberly Woods Cherokee Crest/Navajo Hills Village Parish Tradewinds Circle Dearing Downs Woodvale & Augusta Pointe Surrey Trail Sugar Creek Cottages of Dearing Downs Bridlewood/Bridlewood Parc Plantation South
This is only a guide and is subject to change or cancellation should an emergency arise or inclement weather occur. Happy Holidays from the Helena Fire Department.
* buy 2 pre-played Get 1
games free!
*Game of Equal or lesser value. Up to $30. Exp. Jan 15th, 2012
Helena 685-1661 • Chelsea 678-2900 34 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Calendar of Events Regular Weekly Events Mondays Fire Explorers at Station 2, 5 p.m. Tuesdays Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11 a.m. Tuesdays Kiwanis Club at Helena Senior Citizens Center, 7 a.m. Thursdays Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11 a.m. Thursdays Police Explorers at Helena Explorers Post, 4 p.m.
December
12th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m. 15th - HBA Deadline for Business Decoration Submissions, 5 p.m. - Book Sale, Jane B. Holmes Library, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. - Friends of the Library Meeting, Jane B. Holmes Library, 6 p.m. - Planning & Zoning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m. - Helena Intermediate PTO Christmas Program, 7 p.m. 17th - Old Town Christmas Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Aaron’s Staff Respite Care (special needs ages 0-21), Linda Nolen Learning Center, 4-9 p.m. Must reserve 620-5004 19th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m. - Santa visit (bring your camera), Jane B. Holmes Library, 6-6:45 p.m. 20th - Shelby County Schools dismiss at 1 p.m. for Christmas Holidays 21st - Shelby County Schools Christmas Holidays Dec. 21-Jan. 2 22nd - Thurs. & Fri. garbage routes will be picked up Thurs., Dec. 22nd 23rd - Municipal Offices Closed for Christmas Dec. 23-Dec. 26 - Old Town Christmas Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 24th - Christmas Eve—Watch for Santa on the Fire Truck 25th - Merry Christmas 26th - No Garbage Pick-Up: Mon. & Tues. garbage routes will be collected Tues., Dec. 27 31st - New Year’s Eve—Stay Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive!
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January 2012
1st - Happy New Year 2nd - Municipal Offices Closed in Observance of New Year’s No Garbage Pick-Up: Mon. & Tues. garbage routes will be collected Tues., Jan. 3. - Spring Baseball/Softball Registration begins online at helenaparkandrec.org 3rd - Shelby County Schools Teacher Workday—No Students - Helena Business Association Meeting, La Reunion, 8 a.m. 4th - Shelby County Schools 2nd Semester Begins - Emergency Siren Test, 10 a.m. 9th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m. 16th - Municipal Offices & Shelby County Schools Closed for M.L. King Jr. Birthday No Garbage Pick-Up: Mon. & Tues. garbage routes will be collected Tues., Jan. 17th 21st - Aaron’s Staff Respite Care (special needs ages 0-21), Linda Nolen Learning Center, 4-9 p.m. Must reserve 620-5004 23rd - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m. - Book Club Meeting, Jane B. Holmes Library, 6 p.m. 26th - Planning & Zoning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.
HIS Service Club sponsors Wrapped in Warmth© blanket/throw drive The HIS Hands-in-Service Club is sponsoring the Wrapped in Warmth© Blanket/ Throw Drive that fifth grader Bryce Ivey started a couple of years ago. The club is collecting blankets and throws for New Beacon Hospice in Alabaster and Amedisys Hospice Services in Homewood. Both facilities provide in-home services to people who are terminally ill. Patients live in local communities, including Helena, and many live in older homes and are hurting financially. There are many needs that the patients have, and among those are the need for warm blankets and throws. With the cold winter here, the club is collecting donations now through Christmas. Blankets/throws may be dropped off at Helena Intermediate or at a local church. Last year the club collected more than 215 blankets and their goal is to collect even more this last year. Please help wrap those in need with warmth this holiday season!
CarCare
Have a meal on us! , Inc. Current customers refer a friend to us and receive a gift card! Complete Auto Service CarCare will maintain your Honda, Acura, Toyota & Lexus factory warranty with all scheduled maintenance. CarCare uses factory parts to ensure your repair is done right. We never guess. Instead, we take the time to properly diagnose your vehicle so when you leave our shop, you can be sure it was done right. We schedule appointments so that you are back on the road with same day service. Call for an appointment.
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Above left, Sonny with his brother, Kenneth, and parents, Mary Lou and William John Penhale; above right, Sonny with his late brother, John. Below left, the mayor in his office about 1980, and below right, at the 41st annual Christmas Parade giving out candy to children along the parade route. The mayor loves children and they are crazy about him, too.
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Except for his tour of duty in the army, Mayor Penhale has always called Helena home. “I called it home when I was in the army, too,” said the mayor, “I just didn’t sleep here then.” A lot has changed in the years since Mayor Penhale first took office, but he says he feels the same drive, and commitment today that he felt when he was first elected. “To try and make life the best it can be for the resients of our city.” Hats off to you, Mayor! I hope I get around half as well as you when I am your age.
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“Don’t Reach for a Ladder. Reach for the Phone and Call Us for a FREE Estimate!” 36 Holiday 2011 ● Helena City News ● www.CityOfHelena.org ● Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Mayor Penhale loves spending time with children. Here he is visiting Duane and Amanda Traywick’s daughter, Peyton, when she attended Dayspring Child Care.
Grand Marshal of Helena’s 41st Annual Christmas Parade Mayor Charles “Sonny” Penhale
I
t would be easy to look down Helena’s tree-lined streets, attend one of our many community festivals or events or go to a ballgame at the Helena Athletic Complex, Joe Tucker or Penhale Park and take it for granted that all this happened by chance. But to do so would be to deny the man who has been behind much of the transformation of what was once a small country town without a red light or grocery store into the bustling small city we know and love today. Called “Little Mayberry” by many, Helena still retains a lot of small town charm while it grows each year with young families and retirees alike seeking to escape a bit of the rat race they’ve experienced elsewhere. In any organization, cities included, the “feel” of the place often emanates from its leader. Our city’s mayor is a man who, if you cut him, would literally bleed Helena. This man envisioned much of what we have here today over 40 years ago. He has steadfastly guided us in good times and bad, times of plenty and times of want. It is our great pleasure to introduce Charles “Sonny” Penhale, the 41st annual Helena Christmas Parade Grand Marshal! Mayor “Sonny,” as he is known to many, refuses to take much credit, so we thought a look back at an article that first appeared in the Helena City News 16-years ago might be a good one to take excerpts from and print again here now, as so many who call Helena home today have moved here since then. We have taken the liberty to interject a bit here and there, where appropriate, to update some of the information and better introduce the Mayor. Born in 1931 to Mary Lou and William John Penhale, “Sonny” was raised with two brothers, Kenneth and John, and a sister, Martha. They lived in a house on Tuscaloosa Road (just off Highway 261 near the elementary school). Sonny grew up hunting, fishing and playing in the woods where our city
stands today. He attended Helena School through the ninth grade (Helena Elementary today) and went on to Thompson High, the only high school in our area at the time. He grew up playing basketball as his main sport, but now says he is more of a football fan than anything else. (While his favorite colors lean towards crimson, he pulls for the orange and blue when the two aren’t playing each other.) “I think it is outstanding that our small state has two such high quality athletic programs, often rated in the top 10 in the nation.” After high school, Sonny was drafted into the army during the Korean conflict. He served his time stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, and Camp Picket, Virginia. Sonny has three sons and seven grandchildren of whom he is proud. Eldest son, Garry, is the father of two and is retired. Ivy is the father of two and works as a police officer on the city’s police force. Donny, father of three, is retired from Southern Company Services. The mayor married the former Sarah Wilson in 1990. Sarah retired from her job as an elementary school teacher who taught second grade at Helena Elementary at the time of her retirement. “Mayor Sonny,” is the term by which many school children know the mayor. Our schools have always held a special place in the mayor’s heart. Time and time again, the mayor has secured state funds to help expand or build new schools here. (The mayor says it is especially heart warming to him that his dream of the city having its own high school will soon be realized, and he plans to run for one more term to see it built.) Mayor Penhale got into politics early, first running for and winning a seat on the city council in 1960 at the age of 29. He was elected mayor in 1968, and has held the office ever since. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Charles Iverson Hinds, who was the
city’s first mayor after reincorporating as a municipality in 1917. Mayor Penhale’s goals at the time of his initial election to office were simple: to install a sewerage system to allow for growth, build a city park, improve the fire and police departments’ ratings and to build a new city hall. All of these goals and many others have now been achieved, but the mayor is not one to rest on his laurels. Instead, he adopts new goals and sets out plans to achieve them. (When this was first written 16 years ago, his goals included building new and better parks, adding more personnel to provide better city services; revitalize the Mainstreet area—now Old Town Helena; build a new school—two have now been added with a third on the way; build a new fire station—two have since been added; and continued controlled growth out Highways 52W and 13.) Under Mayor Penhale’s leadership, Helena was one of the first cities in Shelby County to install a city sewerage system. The mayor has continually offset the cost of expanding and improving that system by securing federal and state grants and low interest loans. At times, the mayor has seemed almost magician-like, obtaining grants and funds for projects ordinarily not even considered by a city our size. Grants have been obtained to pay for parks, our library and for street improvements along our thoroughfares. Approximately $16 million has been secured to build the Hwy 261 bypass when all the studies and plans are complete. That project has been somewhat slowed by the recent economic slowdown, but is very much alive and well, and one thing is for certain—the mayor plans to see it to fruition. At the time the original article was written, Mayor Penhale worked a full time job at ACIPCO, rising at 4 a.m. to be on the job by 5 a.m., getting off at 2 p.m. and getting home in time to grab
a shower and head to city hall, where he carried out the city’s business. He has since retired from ACIPCO, and now devotes all his time to the city he loves. As stated previously, Mayor Penhale is a modest man who often shies away from taking credit for all that the city has accomplished, preferring instead to heap praise on the city’s dedicated employees and volunteers. “With a budget no bigger than ours, it would be impossible to maintain the level of services to which our residents have become accustomed without our many devoted volunteers, so if I sound like I am repeating myself some in the mayor’s letter, it is because ‘thanks’ is all we can afford to pay them,” laughed the mayor. Mayor Penhale takes great pride in the fact that there is very little turnover at city hall. “We do our best to keep the highest quality employees, and have been very fortunate in this regard. Most of them wear a lot more than one hat. We have a lot of multi-talented people,” he said. These days, just as likely as not, you are liable to see the mayor with one his two companions, Socks or Molly, or both. “Both of them think they are people,” the mayor says with a smile. Mayor Penhale is a lifelong member of Helena United Methodist Church, and maintains a close personal and working relationship with many of the pastors in town. “I believe in the power of prayer,” he says, “and I think if everybody would pray more, we’d have a lot fewer problems in this world.” Asked if he plans to retire anytime soon, the mayor said that retirement is not in his vocabulary. “As long as my mind is sharp, I plan to keep working hard for the people of Helena.” When coming up with words that best describe our mayor, four come to mind: honesty, dedication, drive and vision. Sonny Penhale has all of them in abundance. And nobody has ever been a more deserving grand marshal.
Email Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale: sonny@sonny-penhale.com ● www.myhelenacitynews.com ● Helena City News ● Holiday 2011 37
Helena’s
41st
Scenes from Annual Parade
T
he city’s 41st annual Christmas Parade featured beautiful fall weather; the sun shone brightly on those gathered to watch and participate in the festivities. Joy Childers and her Itty Bitty City Official Parade Committee, pictured below right, gathered on city hall’s steps with this year’s Grand Marshal, Mayor Sonny Penhale, and a very special guest, Santa Claus. On this spread are pictures taken by various Helena City News photographers. Many more pictures will be posted on our blog later this week at www.helenacitynews.blogspot.com. We hope you enjoy looking at them as much as we enjoyed snapping them. We would like to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
2011 Christmas Parade Committee
1st Place Float Division
1st Place Performers
Parade Winners: 1st Place Float Division—4th Grade Cheerleaders 2nd Place—1st Grade Cheerleaders (Whoville) 3rd Place—Boy Scouts— Weather Station: Outlook is Sonny
1st Place Performers—HMS Cheerleaders 2nd Place—Cahaba Cuties 3rd Place—HMS Dance Team
Congratulations and thank you to all who participated in the parade. You could tell by the smiles on so many faces that a great time was had by all!
City of Helena Please Do Business With Your Hometown Merchants! P.O. Box 613 Helena, AL 35080
Whenever possible, buy here—we need your business! You’ll save gas and time and your city NEEDS your sales taxes! PLEASE RECYCLE, and visit our hometown grocery and drug stores! Buy your gas here, too. You CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR city services! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Watch for Santa on the firetruck Christmas Eve beginning at 2 p.m. (See full schedule on page 34.)
Mayor
Charles W. “Sonny” Penhale
City Clerk Amanda Traywick
City Council Leigh Hulsey Barbara Hyche Cris Nelson Jerry Deon Pate Katherine Ennis
Have A Question For The Mayor? Contact Him By E-mail: sonny@sonny-penhale.com
Presort Std. U.S.Postage Paid Permit 26000 HELENA, AL
POSTAL PATRON
Important Dates
The City of Helena’s garbage pick-up days will be adjusted for Christmas, New Year’s & Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Garbage Schedule for Christmas Dec. 22-27, 2011 Garbage Schedule for New Year’s Jan. 2-3, 2012 - Thurs. & Fri. Dec. 22-23: both will be collected Thurs. - Mon. Jan. 2–No Collection: collected Tue. Jan. 3 Dec. 22—Fri. Dec. 23 will be collected one day early - Tues. Jan. 3 will be collected as usual along with Mon. route - Fri. Dec. 23–No Collection: collected day before Dec. 22 Garbage Schedule for ML King Jr’s Birthday Jan. 16, 2012 - Mon. Dec. 26–No Collection: collected with Tues. Dec. 27 - Mon. Jan. 16–No Collection: will be collected Tue., Jan 17 - Tues. Dec. 27 will be collected as usual along with Mon. route - Tues. Jan. 17 will be collected as usual along with Mon. route All household garbage must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on designated collection day!
Helena City News is provided by the City of Helena and the advertisers as a public service. If there is anything you would like to see included, or if you have any comments, contact the publisher, Dave Smith, through the “Contact Us” info button at www.MyHelenaCityNews.com. Phone 746-1188.
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