Helena City News New Year’s Edition 2022

#HEL ENAS TRON G Serving Helena and surrounding communities

New Years 2022

Happy New Year!

WE SELECT OUR HUSKY FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Story inside…

MLB Joseph Roberto

RB Jordan Washington

ALSO INSIDE: HELENA BASS FISHERMEN EARN BEST IN NATION for their fishing team at the University of Montevallo

FOOTBALL WRAP: HUSKIES CLAIM REGION AND CONFERENCE CROWNS High School wins Region 3 Crown! 7th and 8th grade teams both finish championship runs!

MEET HELENA MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS’ NEW PRINCIPALS With new leadership comes fresh ideas to keep both schools on the right path.

www.MyHelenaCityNews.com / www.CityofHelena.org

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK A lot has gone on here in the last quarter, and I will attempt to bring you up to speed in this New Years letter.

On September 29 at the Public Safety Awards luncheon hosted by the The Shelby County Chamber, I was excited and honored to help recognize Officer Jeff Murphy as the 2021 Helena Police Officer of the Year and FireMedic Brad Morales as the 2021 Helena Firefighter of the Year. Michelle Murphy was also recognized for all of her hard work with our Community Outreach Program.

Jeff and Brad are tireless public saftey officers, and we owe them both our thanks for the important work they do to keep us safe.

The City proclaimed October Down Syndrome Month. Thank you to Helena resident Scott Shunnarah for making a presentation to the city council and for the families present to recieve this special proclamation.

We offered our first limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness patches for sale in October. Proceeds benefit the Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center, and we thank them for the important work that they do.

Ashley and I followed the Husky football teams with relish this year as they tallied one win after another.

Both our middle school teams won Southern Conference Championships again this year, and the high school had its best season in school history, winning the 6A Region 3 Title and going to the state playoffs. I followed the Huskies both at home and on the road this season. The Huskies

under Coach Busby finished with the school’s best record yet—9-2. They lose a few great players to graduation, but return lots of young talent and have a few good ones who move up from the JV team. Go Huskies!

The cheerleaders and marching band combined this year to make Helena’s version of Friday Night Lights a thoroughly entertaining experience. I hope you enjoyed all the game photos posted to the Helena City News (HCN) Facebook page. If you missed any of them, I urge you to go and look now to relive a bit of the action from the past season.

There are photos there not only of game action, but also cheerleaders, the band and the student section.

Congratulations to this year’s new Homecoming Queen, Samantha Ranson. I was pleased to be on the field for her ‘coronation’ and I was pleased to present her with a bouquet of red roses.

On October 20, we had over 70 people in attendance for ‘One Connected Community,’ our Comprehensive Plan kick off meeting.

We continue to seek opinions from residents, and there is still time to let your voice be heard! An updated plan will help set the trajectory of our town for the next 10 years.

I can’t say enough good things about the administrator hires made for our schools over the past year. We welcomed two new principals this fall who you can read about in this issue and on the HCN Facebook page.

Ashley Bahr assumes the reins at the high school, and Dr. Matthew Epps is the new head man at the middle school. Both are smart, full of energy and excited to take on their new

MAYOR Brian Puckett

CITY COUNCIL Alice Lobell Council President Leigh Hulsey, Pro Tempore Laura Joseph Chris VanCleave Hewy Woodman 2

Holidays 2021 / www.CityOfHelena.org

challenges. We pledge our unwavering support for them both. We also welcome Dr. Epps’ new assistant principal, Kristen Glover, to town inside this issue.

Congratulations to City Councilman Chris Van Cleave who saw his vision of a historical town clock and proximity park come to life in Old Town in October. The arbor was dressed with pumpkins again just in time for families to enjoy taking family Halloween photos. The park and clock have been eight years in the making, and the council approved $40,000 this fall to make it happen.

We decorated it for the holidays just in time for our annual tree lighting ceremony, holiday festival and parade which took place the first Friday and Saturday in December.

On October 25, the city council approved funding for a turn lane at the intersection of 17 and 58. I know many will be thrilled with this news as it is sorely needed.

In November, the Shelby County Schools Board approved the bid for construction on an addition at Helena Middle School. The board has been forward thinking in this and was able to take it from a 16- to a 20-classroom addition. I am very thankful for Dr. Brooks and the board: Aubrey Miller, David Glenn Bobo, Jane Hamilton, and Jimmy Bice. Construction begins in December and plans call for completion by October, 2022.

November 2nd marked the one-year anniversary of my tenure as your mayor. A lot has changed since then, and many challenges presented themselves over the year. I am beyond thankful and humbled to

have the opportunity each day to lead our amazing city, and here’s to our continued success. I pledge to always do what is best for Helena.

The Buck Creek Festival, twice delayed due to Covid worries, finally took place in October thanks to the dedicated work of its Director, Scot Newman, and his group of devoted volunteers. Be sure to take a look at all the photos in multiple volumes on the Helena City News Facebook page, and there are many more photos available there for you to browse through.

My thanks to the Helena Belles who serve as hospitality ambassadors for our city. The group is always look for ways to help local charitable organizations. In October, they sold tickets to and played a game of powder puff football. The Belles earned over $1,600 for a group they mentor, The Helena Miracle League. The funds were accepted by Miracle League representative and former Helena Intermediate School Principal, Kathy Paiml. At their annual Garden Party in November, over 60 young ladies were recognized for their community service achievements and the incoming class of Helena Belles were introduced. Congratulations to all!

Finally, thanks to Councilman Hal Woodman for the Volunteer of the Year luncheon he and his wife Kyra host each year. This year, Jackon Knox was the honoree. Read about Jackson elsewhere in this issue.

From my family to yours, all the best this holiday season!

Together as one,

Brian

CITY CLERK

Amanda Traywick

IMPORTANT CITY NUMBERS City Hall: 205-663-2161 Fire Dept: 205-663-5809 Police Dept: 205-663-6499 Utilities: 205-663-1670 Sports Complex: 205-620-2877 Library: 205-664-8308

Go Huskies!!!

Meet new Helena High School Principal

ASHLEY BAHR We are pleased to introduce new Helena High School Principal, Ashley Bahr. If she seems like a familiar face, she should—she is not far removed from working here as an assistant principal back in 2018.

We met with her as she was beginning her third day on the job to both welcome and learn a little more about her.

Ashley said her family moved around a lot as a child, but she spent much of her childhood in Alabaster and considers it her hometown. She graduated from Thompson High School in 2000.

From there, she went on to the

University of Alabama, where she graduated with both a bachelors and a masters degree in secondary education and social sciences in the Capstone’s Class of 2006.

“I worked at a variety of jobs all through school to help pay my way,” she said.

Ashley met her husband, Jeff Bahr, while both were in college there. “Jeff was also in the National Guard then. He got his pilot’s license while he was serving,” said Ashley. Today, Jeff works as a helicopter pilot for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Dept.

After Ashley graduated, the two were married. She continued,

“I started teaching history at Oak Mountain High School right out of college. After teaching for nine years, I went back to school in 2015, this time at the University of Montevallo, to work towards an additional masters degree in instructional leadership,” she said.

With that degree in hand, she took a job here at Helena High School as an assistant principal in 2018. After a brief time, the County named her ‘Program Area Specialist’ at the county level where she worked before being named the principal here last month. (The position opened after former principal April Brand

was appointed to fill a vacancy at the county level.)

Ashley and Jeff Bahr have three children: twins, daughter August and son Winston, 4, and Grayson, a 17-month-old son.

We asked what the Bahr family likes to do in their spare time.

“We love the outdoors and try to travel as a family as much as possible,” Ashley finished as we wrapped up our brief interview.

Ashley Bahr brings a fresh new attitude to Helena High School.

We’d like to welcome her to the Helena family and wish her much success in her new role leading the Huskies into the future!

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Councilman Van Cleave gets THE TOWN CLOCK HE HAS WORKED ON THE PAST EIGHT YEARS Congratulations to Helena City Councilman Chris Van Cleave and his successor as Helena Beautification Board Chairman, Kim Edwards, on the installation of the ‘town clock’ centerpiece and new ‘proximity park’ built beside the railroad tracks and arbor in Old Town Helena. We had a chat with the two as work continued on this iconic project back in September that was eight years in the making.

Located next to the caboose

welcome center, the design is another example of city spending upon which we can all be proud and adds another ‘photo site’ for both amateur and professional photographers to use as a backdrop for family photos.

Hats off to Councilman Van Cleave and all those who helped bring this ‘much needed’ project to fruition.

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New 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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We’d like you to meet new Helena Middle School Principal

DR. MATHEW EPPS Born in the Ensley section of Birmingham, Mathew Epps graduated in 1999 from Ensley High School, where he played basketball for a year, “just long enough to find out I was probably better off pursuing academics,” he said.

He attended college at Lawson State for two years after which he transferred to UAB, which is where he earned his Bachelors in Education.

He began his career teaching middle school history, science and math in the Midfield School System at Rutledge Middle School.

Mathew earned his Masters in instructional leadership from UAB IN 2014, and was soon hired to be the assistant principal at Midfield High School. He served there for a year.

After earning his specialist degree, He was hired at Oak Mountainn High School in 2016. It

was then that Mathew began his doctoral studies. He earned his Ed.D from UAB last spring.

When Andrew Gunn was promoted to become the Principal at Oak Mountain High School, Dr. Epps was hired to assume the reins of our own Helena Middle School.

“I have had some great leaders in my life from whom I have learned so much over the years,” said Dr. Epps: “Mrs. Nikita Williams hired me as a teacher at Rutledge straight out of college— I owe her the world. Dr. Terrell Brown, a former principal at Rutledge, gave me the idea to get into leadership. Today, he is the principal at Woodlawn High School. Dr. Shun Williams was the first to hire me as an assistant principal while he was principal at Midfield High School. He is now the Superintendant of the Midfield School System. Dr

8 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Kristy Sayers gave me my shot at Oak Mountain. She recently retired. And of course, Dr. Lewis Brooks. When I was hired at Oak Mountain, he reached out to me. I am very thankful to have the counsel of them all and to observe the leadership skills of Dr. Lewis Brooks first hand as he presides over Shelby County Schools today.”

Dr. Epps says he first met his wife, Javacia, while attending church as children, but the two didn’t connect as a couple until they were both grown. He explained, “One of her cousins was a friend of mine, and she kept me up-to-date on Javacia.

When I found out that she was unattached, we connected. It’s not that interesting a story, we just went to Waffle House and sort of got reacquainted.” But soon he says, they had a real date where they went out to a nice

dinner. “After that, we went by another one of her cousin’s house, and that cousin just happened to be my best friend,” he laughed.

“He didn’t even know we were together.” The couple were soon married and now have three children: Braden 7, Amari, 12, and Donovan 13. All are students here Helena schools.

“My wife loves to vacation when we have a few days open,” said Dr. Epps. “Our favorite times most always involve quality time spent with family, both immediate and extended—just being together at a ball game or wherever.”

Helena is fortunate to have a caring family man like Dr. Mathew Epps at its helm. Best wishes as he continues to work to ensure our middle school does its part in keeping Helena the special place we all know and love!

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There really is no place like home…

Helena High graduate

MANDY MURCHISON returns to her Alma Mater to teach 9th grade English Once a student walking the halls of Helena High School, Mandy Murchison is now back at her alma mater—this time, teaching 9th grade English.

Mandy attended Helena schools from kindergarten through middle school, and then attended Pelham High School her first three years. But when Helena High was opened in the 2014-2015 school year, she knew that she wanted to come home to join its inaugural graduating class. She was a cheerleader and cheer captain here, wrote monthly columns for the school newspaper, and was chosen as the student with the ‘Most School Spirit’ her senior year. Prophetically, Mandy was also in the “Future Teachers of America Club,” and she pursued that dream at Auburn University.

She majored in Secondary English Language Arts there with a minor in sports coaching. While at Auburn, Mandy was involved in a sorority and a variety of AU organizations. A recurring theme throughout her involvement was mentorship. She made it a priority to help others get involved on campus and become a part of the community.

She says these skills have been

beneficial in her current teaching position with freshmen students.

She wants to make sure her students get involved and get the most out of their high school experience. She is a junior varsity cheer coach and sponsors the baking club.

Mandy says that she loves the idea of teaching in the same city in which she grew up—it gives her the chance to give back to the community that did so much for her as a child. “Becoming a teacher made me realize how much my own teachers helped influence my upbringing and love for school,” she said. Mandy adds that she wants to help instill her love for writing and being active in the community with her high school students.

This is her second year of teaching, but her first year at Helena High School. She was born and raised in the Braelinn Village of Helena after her parents bought a house there 31 and started a family. Mandy has five siblingstwo who are HHS alumni and one now in 10th grade. “My dad would add a bedroom each time a new family member arrived, and I think today that they might have the only six-bedroom house

10 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

in the neighborhood,” she smiled.

Mandy currently lives in Helena, too, with her husband Boomer who teaches at Oak Mountain Elementary School. Be sure and

say hello when you see her out and about.

Helena High School hit a homerun bringing back one of its own—welcome home, Mandy!

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Helena’s cross country team competed in the AHSAA 6A State Championship in November at Oakville, Alabama. The Helena boys came in 10th place. Caden Blackman came in first for the boys with a personal record time of 16:36. Aspen Warren came in second for Helena with a time of 17:04 and a Top 50 finish.

The Helena girls took home 11th place. Mallory Barton made the Top 50, coming in 45th place with a personal best time of 20:32.

Congratulations to the Huskies competed at State!

Make sure to come out and support the outdoor track season coming up this winter! With all its new track upgrades, Helena High will host some great meets in 2022. As always, Go Huskies!

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HELENA KIWANIS CLUB installs new officers this fall Please check out our menu & pictures of our goodies on social media!

(205) 358-8179 TheCopperTrain@gmail.com

224 1st Street South, Suite 200, Alabaster, AL 35007 16 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

The Helena Kiwanis Club installed its new slate of officers late in a meeting held in late September, 2021. They are, l-r in the photo above: Gene Maier and Claudia Deason, members at large; Mary Cooper, Secretary; David LeCompte, District Lt. Governor; Ron Eddings, President; Camille Maier, Treasurer and Dan Dearing, member at large.

The Helena Kiwanis Club is actively seeking new members. If interested in learning more about the local Helena club, email club the secretary, Mary Cooper, at mrcpr535@gmail.com.

The Kiwanis club holds regular monthly meetings and stages events such as the annual Helena Pancake Breakfast each February. This year, the pancake breakfast returns to its old home at Helena Elementary School Saturday, February 12, from 7am til Noon. See you there!

This photo of the team was taken just prior to a tournament held at Pelham High School. Pictured l-r front row: Kimsey Morris, Rylee Tuech, Katie Gutierrez, Presley Lively, Kylie Scoles, Addie Martin and Miah Rosener. Back row, l-r: Head Coach Amanda Lewis, Addison Hines, Haylie Deifenderfer, Lauren Sivley, Kayla terrell, Allie Graydon, Addison Dockery, Cammi Pugh and Coach DeLeisa Lowery

Helena Husky Volleyball The Huskies focused on player development and cohesiveness this year with only three returning varsity players. The girls ended their season 22 and 23, but prospects are bright for the group of talented underclassmen who return as starters next season. Stat leaders on the team were Addison Dockery with the most kills and aces, Addison Hines with the most blocks, Presely Lively with the most digs, and Kylie Scoles with the most assists.

“We played some of the best teams in the state this year and were able to compete, so I’m really looking forward to the next few years!

We grew so much this season—the future really excites me,” exclaimed Head Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, Amanda Lewis.

“Our level of practice far exceeds the results of our record. I am so proud of this team and their perseverance throughout the season. We came into the 2021 season with only three returning varsity players, so we brought in nearly a whole new team. At season’s end, our team consisted of five freshman, three sophomores, and four juniors, and I am very encouraged in the direction this team is headed in the years to come,” finished Coach Amanda Lewis.

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Helena Intermediate School

Don’t miss an article we write or photo that we take!

Like and follow our Facebook page today—@HelenaCityNews On Instagram, we’re @helena.city.news Our website is www.myhelenacitynews.com, and we will be revamping this website in the coming month.

THANK YOU and Happy New Year!

FOCO 2021 HELENA FOCO 2021 DANCE

I

n order for Helena High students to have a homecoming dance this year, a group of parent volunteers got together and started planning so their kids wouldn’t miss out on this fun tradition. With Covid worries in the air, the school board was not encouraging indoor activities such as this. The volunteer moms sold tickets to pay for everything needed. Tickets to the dance, held at the Helena Civic Complex, were so popular that the volunteers, headed by city councillor Leigh Hulsey, donated $10,643.63 back to the school to use as it sees fit after all bills were paid. Accepting the donation from the volunteers was new Helena High Principal, Ashley Bahr.

The first 500 tickets were snapped up so quickly that the group rented a large dining tent and set it up outdoors opening up an additional 200 tickets.

(And they could have sold lots more.)

The kids had been referring to homecoming on their social media ac-

counts as “HOCO.” So when coming up with a name for this dance, they decided to keep with the students’ name for homecoming as closely as possible, settling on “FOCO” for “FAKE HOMECOMING.” We were invited to record the evening in pictures, and we were happy to accommodate!

Here are a few of the four photo galleries we posted to our Facebook page after the event for students, friends and family to enjoy. (Check the out on our Facebook page if you didn’t see them.) The night went off without a hitch, and from the smiles on their faces, the kids and adult volunteers seemed like they all had a great time!

See all the photos we took at the dance, about 300 of them in four volumes, on our Facebook page.

Search @HelenaCityNews on Facebook!

Helena High Principal Ashley Bahr and assistant principal Jennifer Lowe accept a check for $10,643.63 from the FOCO Dance organizing committee members, some of whom are shown here.

18 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Helena’s most distinctive neighborhood With generous rolling landscapes, beautiful public areas, old hardwood shade trees and spacious, executive style homes, Riverwoods is the place you want to be.

For more information on making Riverwoods your home, contact Greg Arcara on his cell at (205) 566-1426 or his office at

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“Mental Health should not be a stigma!”

Helena Middle School Builders Club helps fulfill holiday wishes around the world with ‘Operation Christmas Child’ HMS Builder’s Club members, bottom photo—left group l-r: Amy Goodlin, faculty advisor, Sara Allen, Addison Shiver, Margot Cory,Anna Cruce Johnson, Addyson Lyle,Katherine Horn Center group, l-r: Kailyn Simmons, Talyah Alexander, Riley Lindsey, Said Spears, Abby Statum, Savannah Thomas, Lilly Oleen, Gabrial Moon, Brent Hand, Cash Bullock, Lauren Mumford, Paris Bragg Right group, l-r: Chase Glawson, Tanner Allinder,Oloa Wade, Brodie Starnes, Baylie Holcomb, Lauren Hipp, Charlee Griffin Builders club is a part of Kiwanis Club International of Helena. The purpose of Builders club is to help students in grades 6-8 learn to serve their community in various ways and become productive members of society. As a club, we sponsored Operation Christmas Child this school year to provide gifts for underprivileged children around the world.

We challenged each advisory class to donate a shoebox with toiletries, toys and other goodies for boys and girls within the following age ranges: 2-4, 4-9 and 10-14. We were able to donate 93 filled boxes and $617 in cash to help with the postage for Operation Christmas child!

The Helena Kiwanis Club sponsors the Builder’s Club, and helped the club achieve its goal of 100 boxes by filling an additional 22 boxes themselves. The HMS Builder’s Club sponsor, Amy Goodlin, is also a member of the Helena Kiwanis Club.

Builders Clubs empower youth as they navigate this in-betweenstage of life. Members develop self-awareness as they discover their passion to serve, their desire to lead and their ability to engage and collaborate with others. There are more than 1,500 Builders Clubs in middle schools around the world. Adult Kiwanis volunteers and staff at the regional and international levels are there to support each club’s success.

COME HOME TO A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE

COME HOME F O R T H E H O L I D AY S

We invite you to come home for the holidays at Henley in Hillsboro where residents can slow down and enjoy what’s truly important in life. The neighborhood of Henley features thoughtfully designed new homes built by award-winning Newcastle Homes. This enclave of 56 homes priced from the $400s on large wooded lots is located within a mile of Helena’s four schools for the ultimate in convenience. The community of Hillsboro offers residents many outlets to connect with family and friends whether it be at the Appleford Pool or Lee Springs Park where you’ll discover a playground set among the trees. A highlight of the community is the extensive system of walking and biking trails. At Hillsboro we celebrate the

simple pleasures of family, nature, friends and neighbors in a truly inspired setting.

S TO P B Y O U R M O D E L H O M E @ 1 0 4 H E N L E Y T R A I L TO S E E W H AT L I F E I S A L L A B O U T I N H I L L S B O R O !

Learn more at HillsboroAL.com or call (205) 663-7889

To see more photos, lookup the HMS football photo volumes on our Facebook page: @HelenaCityNews

Helena Middle School 8th Grade football team WINS ITS 3RD STRAIGHT SOUTHERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS FALL “We play the same teams every year, and they’re all local, so lots of the kids know each other. The speed of the game is a lot different in middle school than it will be in high school, so that makes a big difference, but we have been blessed,” said second year Head Coach David Lee when congratulated on both his 7th and 8th grade teams bringing home Southern Conference Championships this year.

“Coach Busby and I have known each other for years, and we work hard to coordinate the same basic systems and terminology. Hopefully, this gives our athletes a headstart when they get to high school,” said Coach Lee. “In an effort to get players in line to contribute at the next levels, Coach Busby and our high school coaches meet each year with youth league coaches and answer any questions they have and we try and encourage them to use similar concepts, terminology and schemes at the grade school level. This is done in an effort to help the kids as much as possible for when they move on to the middle and high school levels.”

There is lots of growth potential for these 8th graders as they transition to high school next year. “This group missed spring training their 7th grade year due to Covid, but a lot of growth should be evident with another year in the weight room and then going through spring training in 2022,” said Coach Lee. A lot of talent was evident on 7th grade team who will become the 8th grade squad next fall. “We had some smaller guys on the 7th grade team,

but we have already seen growth in them just since this past summer.

There will be lots of pressure on this team to make it four-in-a-row next year,” smiled Coach Lee. “Our 7th grade team was 6-0 and won a conference championship this year.

The 8th graders were 7-1 this year, losing an early game in a tight contest with out of conference Oxford. But they slobber-knocked rival Pelham and beat a determined Calera team to claim another conference title.”

Two guys will battle it out for QB on next year’s 8th grade team—C.J. Horn and K.J. Underwood. That is unless a new signal caller were to move to Helena between now and then and enter the competition.

Nate Ferguson, this year’s 8th grade QB, ran a passing attack far above his age level. He teamed up with outside receivers #9 Cody Sicola and #23 Drew Davis often. Slot receivers, #3 Aiden Armstrong and #10 Bradley Wainwright, were both important to us this year as possession receivers. #78 Isaac Austin is a big man who also did a lot for our team.

At 6’2” and 220 lbs, he was a force on the line of scrimmage. He has just started to grow, and he could project on either side of the ball at the high school level. I’d guess he’ll be on defense though,” said Coach Lee. “We had an excellent rushing attack this year with the two-headed monster of #26 Connor Guida and #4 Morgan Turner. They ran the ball for us on offense and both made important contributions on defense as linebackers this year. Both individuals

22 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

played both ways for us. They will both probably start out at LB at the next level if the high school’s rushing needs are filled.”

Blocking for that strong rushing attack this year were #75 Jacob Davis and #66 Josh Johnson. “Both stood out for us this year on the offensive line. #70 Ryan Spann and #50 Aden Zepp were both standouts for us on the defensive line this year.”

“Rounding out our strongest contributors this year were #5 Tyler Ardovino, #8 Davis Kelley and #15 Tyler Reeves, all of whom had a great year for us in the secondary.”

Congratulations to all the 7th and 8th Grade Huskies on their latest championship seasons, and best of luck to the 8th graders as they walk up the hill next year looking to contribute on the next level. As always, Go Huskies!

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(205) 624-4554 | Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm (Closed Sunday) 4726 County Road 52 • Helena, Alabama 35080 CedarCreekNursery.com | Find us on Facebook: Cedar Creek Nursery Helena

CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULAR WEEKLY/BIWEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Police Explorers, Explorer Training Facility, 4:00-7:00PM Fire Explorers, Station 2, 5:00PM TUESDAYS Storytime–Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM THURSDAYS Seniors Line Dancing Class*, Community Center, 10:00AM *No class on the third Thursday of the month Storytime–Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM FRIDAYS Seniors Potluck & Card Games, Community Center, Dinner starts 5:00/5:30PM Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic dates/events may be subject to change and/or cancellation

January 2022

Helena Parks & Rec USSSA Baseball/USA Softball is open online now www.cityofhelena.org thru Jan. 28 at 11:00pm.

For more info, contact Scott Verner at 205-620-2877 or sverner@cityofhelena.org Coaches needed for both programs.

15th - Respite Care special needs 0-21, free-must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 17th - Martin Luther King Jr Day–Shelby Co. Schools Closed, 20th - Seniors Bingo, Community Center, 10:00am - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 22nd - Queen of Diamond Pageant, Helena Middle School, 6:00pm 24th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 5:00pm 29th - Youth Baseball & Softball In-Person Registration & Fitting, Helena Parks & Rec. Office @ Helena Sports Complex, 1:00-4:00pm

February 8th 14th 17th -

Helena Business Association, 8:00am helenabusinessassociation.com Utility Board, Helena Municipal Building, 4:00pm Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm Seniors Bingo, Community Center, 10:00am Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm

Helena’s Hometown Florist Call Lee Lee or Kayla today!

19th -Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 21st - Presidents’ Day - Shelby Co. Schools Instructional Planning–No Students 22nd - HHS Band Winter Concert, HHS Auditorium, 7:00pm 23rd - HHS Cap & Gown Pictures 28th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 5:00pm

March 8th 11th 13th 14th 17th 19th -

Helena Business Association, 8:00am helenabusinessassociation.com Shelby Co. Schools Teacher Workday–No Students Daylight Savings Time begins, Spring forward one hour Utility Board, Helena Municipal Building, 4:00pm Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm Seniors Bingo, Community Center, 10:00am Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 4:00-8:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 28th - Shelby Co. Schools Spring Break March 28-April 1

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Owned locally by Brian Edmonds, a skilled mechanic who grew up in the business. “I will work on your car where it is most convenient for you—at your home, business or wherever you are.

Keep this ad handy, and the next time your car needs some work, please call me!”

Brian works on all makes and models of cars and trucks, from transmissions to A/C and heaters.

All work performed by Brian carries a 12-month warranty on parts and installation (when parts are supplied

by Brian and except for normal wear issues).

Open M-Fri, 7am-6pm Sat 7am-Noon. Closed Sun.

Call us today!

24 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Call Brian the next time you find yourself with an ailing vehicle, and then sit back as he works his BC South magic!

University of Montevallo Bass Club Earns Best Team in College Fishing honors!

Cade Holcomb, Kopeland Rosser and Tyler Harless are three members of the original Helena High Bass Club who went on to earn top honors at the collegiate level in fishing at the University of Montevallo

In 2014, when Helena High School first opened its doors and the Helena Bass Club was formed there, its members had no idea where this path would lead. This is where Cade Holcomb and Kopeland Rosser, both freshmen at the time, and Tyler Harless, a sophomore, began their journey of competitive bass fishing.

Their time spent as high school competitive anglers led to them to an opportunity to continue fishing at the collegiate level for the University of Montevallo.

In 2015, the University of Montevallo Outdoor Scholars program was started to educate students on careers in the outdoors industry. At that time, the bass fishing team there transitioned from a student-run club to an officially sanctioned team with scholarships available.

Just a few short years later, this UM team accomplished their top goal of being named the 2021 Tackle Warehouse School of the Year, presented by QuikTrip title as the best team in Abu Garcia College Fishing, with YETI also an official sponsor.

On Thursday, November 18th, at center court during the Falcons basketball game, the bass team was presented with their bling by the University of Montevallo’s President, John Stewart, and the Outdoor Scholars Sponsor and Fishing Team Coach, William Crawford. Congratulations to these boys and the entire University of Montevallo team!

YOUR Independent, hometown

PHARMACY

Helena Drugs Support the Huskies!

Ryan seen at a game he and co-owner Jeff Honea sponsored this fall with tech Sara Thrasher and HHS Principal, Ashley Bahr

Pharmacist Ryan Taylor • Pharmacy Techs: Laney Hoiland left and Sara Thrasher, right

Lots of great inexpensive local artisanal gift items, locally

sourced honey, Helena’s own Daysol Coffee in both ground We accept ALL insurances, we compound, and whole bean, Crave Candles and so much more! and we offer free delivery! ar! e Y Pharmacist Hours: ew Call Today! py N p Ryan Taylor M-F 9am-6pm a 205-729-5060 H Pharmacy techs Sat 9am-1pm

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Greetings from the Library!

The Holidays are upon us, and the Library wishes everyone the best.

Things are moving along with a lot going on at the Library, from neat crafts to plenty of new items.

It’s a great time to stop in to browse, or ‘shop’ from home using the library catalogue with access to items across Shelby County. For younger people and students, this is a great time to get some homework accomplished, find books for school, and of course, items to read for pleasure.

The Friends of the Library has resumed its monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:45 PM. This group meets to have fun and work on projects to improve your library. Recent and upcoming projects include publicizing and helping with Library Book Sales, staffing the library information table at Helena Market Days and The Buck Creek Festival, and assisting with the Library ‘float’ in The 50th Annual Helena Christmas Parade. If you are interested in becoming involved with The Friends of the Jane B. Holmes Public Library, please call the library at 205-6648308 (ask for Dan) or e-mail ddearing@shelbycounty-al.org.

The Helena Christmas Parade committee has been a great friend to the library, and we appreciate

the dedicated committee members.

The Helena Christmas Parade is always one of a kind!

If you have younger children, check out our Storytime! Mrs. Erin Black sings, dances, and reads stories each Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 AM, and it is a great way for children to connect with the library and reading. Check it out! It’s fun and it’s FREE. The Library also offers a unique program called 1,000 Books before Kindergarten. It is a simple way to track the books that you are reading to a child. Small incentives and milestones mark your progress, and it is a neat way to become familiar with reading and books. Ask any library staff member for details.

The Library would like to thank Vulcan Materials in Helena for a recent grant contribution of $1,000 to purchase books, movies, and other materials. Vulcan Materials has been a great partner for the library, and incredibly generous each year in providing support. The readers of Helena (young and old!) certainly appreciate their efforts.

The Library has a great selection of holiday movies, music, and books for all ages. Now is a great time to visit the library to check out these items and see what else is new. Remember to bring your library card, and if it has expired,

10-7 Thursday -5 Friday 10 10-2 y a d Satur losed Sunday C

we will update it for you.

Please visit the Library website: www.cityofhelena.org and the library Facebook page. The library is always adding new displays, take home crafts, and other things that interest residents and patrons. In November, the library featured a fall leafy hedgehog magnet kit, a day where if you checked out 10 books, you got a prize, and on November 19, a take home Thanksgiving turkey craft.

December had some great things as well, such as: Monday, December 13 at 6:00pm Evening Storytime – Patrons wore their pajamas or other comfy clothes and met at the library for an evening of stories.

January sneak peek: Tuesday – Friday January 4th – 7th – The Library features Children’s Author Jan Bret. Her books feature many cultures and winter themes.

The library will be handing out a Jan Bret related activity each day on Jan 4 through Jan 7.

Martin Luther King Jr. Book Display – Learn about the American Civil Rights activist who became a visible spokesman and leader.

Visit us soon, and from your library staff—Happy New Year!

E

Every y Tuesda r & Thu 11am ..

_ �•� •

NEW ITEMS: DVDS The Green Knight - Dev Patel Protege - Michael Keaton, Maggie Q Space Jam: A New Legacy - Lebron James Suicide Squad (2021) - Margot Robbie Snake Eyes - Henry Golding F9 - Vin Diesel Black Widow - Scarlet Johansson Ride The Eagle - Jake Johnson, D’Arcy Carden

NEW RELEASE FICTION: The Wish Sparks, Nicholas Out of the Rain Andrews, V. C. The Self-aware Leader Maxwell, John C. 2 Sisters Detective Agency Patterson, James Waiting on Love Peterson, Tracie The Butler Steel, Danielle Foul Play Woods, Stuart The Party Crasher Kinsella, Sophie The Judge’s List Grisham, John Dear Santa Macomber, Debbie Forgiving Paris Kingsbury, Karen The Stranger in the Lifeboat Albom, Mitch Game on Evanovich, Janet The Christmas Promise Evans, Richard Paul The Dark Hours Connelly, Michael Mercy Baldacci, David Fear No Evil Patterson, James The Becoming Roberts, Nora Flying Angels Steel, Danielle Someone Perfect Balogh, Mary Autopsy Cornwell, Patricia The Midnight Lock Deaver, Jeffery Wish You Were Here Picoult, Jodi Curse of Salem Hooper, Kay The Family Business Weber, Carl

NEW RELEASE NON-FICTION: The Boys - Ron Howard & Clint Howard Going There - Katie Couric Storyteller - Dave Grohl Peril - Bob Woodward & Robert Costa Vanderbilt - Anderson Cooper and K. Howe

205-664-8308 • Visit us @ www.cityofhelena.org

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL… We’re the Home of the Free Because of the Brave!

SGT Jon M. Aaron USA; 4/14 K Co (DET B), Unit 43671, FPO AP 96426-3671; Al Anbar, Iraq; Karen Dickinson’s son E-3 HTFN Alex Avery USN; USS Frank Cable, Guam; Phil & Deana Avery’s son, Maria Avery’s brother, Ken & Mary Penhale’s grandson PFC Zachary Barr USA: 7th Special Forces Group; Eglin AFB, FL Cynthia & Mark Barr’s son SGT Steven M. Bennett USA; Paratrooper/ Rigger; Fort Benning, GA Clara & Ken Lorino’s son SFC Eric Bond USA; 82nd ABD, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Paul Zimmerman’s cousin Captain Joshua Bowen USA; 1st Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO Tom and Susan Bowen’s son, Fallon’s husband Captain Fallon Bowen USA; Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO, Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter-in-law, Joshua’s wife LT Sarah Bowen USN; USS John Stennis Aircraft Carrier; Bremerton, WA; Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter LT Jordan Bowen USA; 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Div., Ft. Hood, TX; Tom and Susan Bowen’s son SRA Mitch Braswell USAF;16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Mike & Judi Braswell’s son

Cpl Tyler A. Franklin USMC, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines Camp Lejeune, NC, Julie Franklin’s son, Christina’s brother, Alynna’s husband, Carson’s dad Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin D. Gilbert USCGC Stone, Machinery Technician; Charleston, SC, Leslie’s husband, Cohen, Kerrigan & Baylor’s dad, Annette & Dan Duffy’s son-in-law SSG Jay Gortney ARNG; 20th Special Forces; Iraq; April’s husband SGT Brooks Gray USA; Ranger; Scofield BKS, HI; John Gray’s son, Lauren & Ryan Gray’s brother SPC Michael Hubbard USA; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Ruth Meadows grandson, Kimberly’s husband, Bonnie Hubbard’s brother SPC Eric Hunley ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Mike & Barbara Hunley’s son; late Chris Hunley’s brother CPL Michael Jeffries ARNG; 1/167 Infantry Battalion Company B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Amy’s husband, Colin & Gavin’s father MC1 Andrew “AJ” Johnson USN; Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU); Dam Neck Annex, NAS Oceana; Virginia Beach, VA.

PVT Vincent Brown USMC; Chesapeake, VA; Leonetta Prevo’s son

LT Commander David Kang USN; White House, Washinton, DC; Stanley & Sue Kang’s son, Sunny Kang’s brother

SGT Dallas C Caviness USAF; 172 Inf. Brigade; Germany; Rebecca’s husband, Norah’s father, Rhonda’s son & Devin’s brother

SGT Jacob S. Lenoir USA; Sniper Unit of 1-64 Inf; Fort Stewart, GA; Beth Eades’ son, Caitlyn’s husband

SPC Cameron Crumpler ARNG; Alpha Co; 115th ESB; Saudi Arabia, Mitch & Rachel’s son, Beth’s brother.

SRA Tanner McGinnis UASAF; 41st Combat Training Squadron Expeditionary Center; Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, Trenton, NJ; Ken & Jo McGinnis’ son

CPO Austin C. Daniel USN; Norfolk, VA; Mike & Claudia Daniel’s son, Justin, Tatum & Autumn’s brother Captain Jon P. Darrenkamp USA; Schofield Barracks, HI; Carol Darrenkamp’s son, Stephen & Eric’s brother AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks USN; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Joe & Tammy Williams’s son, Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor’s grandson SSgt Phillip Hembree USAF Police, Japan Deborah Hembrees’s son, Joann Pilato’s grandson, Jessica’s husband and Emily Faith’s daddy.

LCPL Jared M. Fitzgerald USMC; 9th Communication Battalion; Camp Pendleton; CA; Rosemarie Butler’s son and Jeff’s stepson, Justin and Tyler’s brother

SGT Peter J. “Pete” Reese ARNG; 152nd MP Co.; Lauren’s husband; Kai, Sam, Dalton, Brook & Kaiti’s father CPL Casey B. Reitz USMC, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC, Tom and Suzi Reitz’s son, Tommy, Joey, and Emily’s brother SPC Dwight A Rosse Jr. USA; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, KY; Dwight & Michelle Rosse’s son, Britney & Carlton’s brother Kenneth R. Russell USMC, 123 Beaufort, South Carolina, Carolyn Russell’s son SPC Patrick D. Sharp USA; 82nd ABD; Al Asad, Iraq; Shawn Sharp’s son Cpl Rodney Stephens ARNG; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Andrea & AnnaBelle’s father Capt John M Traylor, Jr USAF; 64th Aggressor Squadron; Nellis AFB, NV; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son SGT John Christian Vansant USMC; VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS; New River, NC; Keith & Sherill Vansant’s son SPC John Clinton Wallace USA; 20th SFG; Middle East; Hope Yeager’s Fiancé; Terry and Jonna’s son; Rachel and Tevin Fowler’s brother; Eleanor’s uncle Major Maxwell B. Ward USAR; Afghanistan; Kathie’s husband, Maggie’s dad, Bette Ward’s son, Michelle (Lin) Saville’s brother PFC Zachary Walton USA; 3-1 Cav. Regt.

Delta Troop; Ft Benning, GA; Becky Click’s son, Alex Walton & Sydney Mollica’s brother, Amber’s husband FC3 William J. Welch USN; USS Lake Erie, Pearl Harbor, HI; Devinne Brooks’ husband Lance Corporal Nathaniel Wilkins USMC; Stationed in North Carolina; Son of Vicki and Derek Wilkins

2nd LT Jacob Allen Meins USAF, Special Operations Command; Kathy Meins Martin’s son MSG Jacqueline M. Moore USA, 387th; Wichita, KS; Leroy E. Lucas’ wife, Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris’ mom SSGT Christopher S. Murphy USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Jack & Karen Murphy’s son, Alyssa’s husband Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager USN; US Navy Hospital-Physician’s Asst., Beaufort, South Carolina Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager’s daughter SCPO Termaine J. Pruitt USN; NAS Pensacola, FL; Termaine Jr, Trevorn, Chelicia & Tristin’s father, Janice & Austin Pruitt’s son

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 so that we can keep our prayer list current. Thank you!

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28 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Left to right above: Angel Johnson, Stacy Ricafort, Jaime Adams, Denise Graham (sitting)

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WWW.GRAHAMANDASSOCIATES.NET 5 Brown Circle • Alabaster, Alabama 35007

H E L E N A’ S C O M M U N I T Y O F FA I T H

A.M.E. New Bethel A.M.E.

New Elam Baptist Church

BAPTIST CrossBridge Community Church

1919 Highway 52 W • 426-1910 Pastor Chris Wilson • rbchelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:15 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Highway 261 • 201-5531 Rev. Wilma Merriweather Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM

Starkey Street (off 261) • 621-2695 Pastor Harris Cook crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 am Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 pm

The Church at Old Town 815 Highway 52 E • 663-7879 tcaot.org Life Groups 9:00 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Gospel Light Baptist Church

5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor Gary Bohman • glbcbham.com Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am & 6 pm Wednesday Prayer Service 7 pm

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Cunningham Drive • 663-2230 Rev. Lester Sunday School 10:00 am Morning Worship 11:00 am

Riverside Baptist Church

Shiloh Baptist Church

6700 County Road 13 • 424-4539 Pastor Randy Keef Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am

CHRISTIAN—DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Grace Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 869 Highway 52 • 426-1233 Rev. Brad Henderson gracechristianchurch.org Sunday School 9:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Helena

2499 Highway 58 • 620-4575 Highway 261 • 663-5257 Preachers Bryan Moody & Joe Hickman Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com church-of-christ.org Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday School 9:30 am Morning Worship 11:00 am Morning Worship 10:30 am

EPISCOPAL Lamb of God Charismatic Episcopal

New Vision Christian Church

Worship 9am Traditional, 11am Contemporary Sunday School 10am

PRESBYTERIAN Christ Community Church

2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org 5140 County Road 17 • 919-7932 Sunday Corporate Prayer 9:00 am Rev. Glenn E. Davis • lambofgodcec.org Sunday Worship 10:15 am Children’s Church 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Voice of Faith Int’l Ministries 1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 METHODIST Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Helena United Methodist Church Sunday Worship 7:00 & 10:00 am 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Thursday Bible Teaching 10:00 am Dr. Mary Henley • helenaumc.org

The Church at Cahaba Bend

3721 Highway 52 W • 621-8060 Rev. Patrick Friday • cahababend.org Sunday School 9:15 am Contemporary Worship 10:30 am

Member Presbyterian Church in America 2222 Hwy 52 • 881-4222 Pastors: Phil Chambers & David Cunningham www.cccbham.org Sunday Worship 10:30 am

NAZARENE Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Trinity Church of the Nazarene 3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Laurel Woods Dr. & Hwy 58 • 664-4659 Rev. David Shirer • nazarene.ch/trinity/ Sunday School 9:00 am Morning Worship 10:00 am

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Cornerstone Church 2694 Highway 58 • 663-9332 Rev. Tim Trimble cornerstonechurchhelena.org Sunday School 9:30 am Morning Worship 10:30 am

Pastor Mike Ensminger helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 am Morning Worship 10:00 am Our community of faith offers many services and programs year-round.

Please visit the church’s website for additional information about upcoming events and programs.

Please contact us at 205-746-1188 if there are any updates to this Community of Faith directory.

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River & Cape M o n t e s s o r i

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534 Industrial Road, Alabaster, Alabama 35007 (just off Hwy 95 very near Helena) For more information, call us @ (205) 542-1424, Email us @ riverandcapemontessori@gmail.com, or visit us online at www.riverandcape.com.

Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 5:30 pm • Serving children ages six weeks to six years

“Joy is the evidence of inner growth.”

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Our School:

• Adheres to the methods designed by Dr. Maria Montessori • Takes advantage of both indoor AND outdoor learning experiences • Serves healthy and mostly organic meals and snacks • Loves and nurtures every child that enters our classrooms

Meet new Husky Coach & HIS PE teacher, Eli Beall

We’d like you to meet new Helena Intermediate PE teacher and Helena High School defensive ends coach, Eli Beall.

When I first met Eli, he was ‘kneehigh to a grasshopper’ and the red-headed younger brother of three sisters born to Larry and Becky Beall in Pelham. Eli’s sisters played softball and cheered while Eli played baseball and football on teams his dad helped coach in the Pelham Youth League. In those days, Helena, Pelham and Alabaster youth Leagues interlocked, and there was lots of cameraderie among the Helena and Pelham kids especially, since they would all meet later in school at Riverchase Middle School which back then fed into Pelham High.These were the days when Helena didn’t yet have its

own youth football or cheerleading programs either, so lots of Helena kids played ball or cheered in Pelham.

In high school, Eli was a bruising tailback for the Panthers and set a season rushing record that stands to this day, 1,432 yards, during his senior campaign.

He would play a year of college ball at Faulkner University before getting homesick and transferring back home where he planned to enroll and continue playing football at UAB. Fate had a different plan though, as this was the year the trustees decided to shut down the Blazer football program. Eli says he took that as a sign that maybe the good Lord had other things in store for him.

He got a job while still in college

30 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

coaching running backs at Pelham for Coach Brett Burnett and graduated from UAB in 2019 with a degree in exercise science and a concentration/teaching certificate in physical education.

He was hired right out of college by the newly formed Pelham School System and served as head basketball coach and assistant baseball and football coach at Pelham Park Middle School.

When a job opened up this past summer for a PE coach at Helena Intermediate, and he learned that there was also an opening for a varsity football coach at Helena High, Eli said he jumped at the chance to get back into coaching high school football once again.

Eli coached defensive ends for the Huskies this past season as the Huskies recorded their best year ever, finishing as Region 3 Champs and boasting a record of 9-2. He says he inherited some great players. “If there was ever a player with a bigger heart for the game than #18 Connor Pugh, I don’t know who he’d be,” Eli smiled. “And though he may not get gaudy stats from his side of the line in our scheme, #28 Joel Logan’s play opposite Connor helps create lots of the stats others record. Joel’s job is to affect the opposing QB with his pass rush skills

and set the edge, which often leads to others making the tackle. But make no mistake, Joel’s role is vital to the success of our defense.”

“Helena is a football gold mine in terms of youth participation,” said Eli. “Kids here play together from a young age. They run the basics of our system in middle school and for the most part, come into high school already knowing our system. We do our best to further develop them once they get here and to put them in a position to realize their potential, whether that is to play college ball or just to have as much success as possible while in high school.”

Eli says his goal is to be a varsity head coach one day, but for now, he says he is happy to be learning from some of the best. “We have over 200 years of coaching experience on our staff. Coach Elgin, our defensive coordinator, is a defensive wizard. It’s eye opening watching the way he and Coach Lowery draw stuff up. The way Coach Busby is involved in everything, but he trusts his coaches to coach.

He is extremely organized. I am happy to be in a position to learn from some of the best in the profession,” finished Eli. Welcome to Helena and best wishes to Coach Eli Beall!

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Looking to reclaim your health and get fit in the coming months?

Helena Health Club’s Dave Purcell gives advice on how he went from ‘flab to fab’ in just a few months.

Read how Helena’s Dave Purcell reclaimed his health and became a National Champion body builder in the ‘over 70’ division last summer!

Congratulations to Helena Health Club’s Dave Purcell, who won the 2021 NPC Masters Nationals in the ‘over 70’ category. The event was held in Pittsburgh, Pa. last summer. “This was the first National contest I’d won, and it qualified me to receive my IFBB pro card, which means I am eligible to compete in professional competitions in the future,” said Dave.

“The actual judging at body building competitions like this is done in the mornings, but then the show goes on that evening with a full crowd of spectators. That’s when the body builders do their thing with poses on stage. I’ve won state and regional shows over the years, but this was my first National qualifier to win, so it was exciting,” said Dave, who added, “I competed at 194 lbs.”

Q. How, where and at what age did you first get into fitness and weight lifting?

A. “I started lifting at about the age of 14. We lived near Cincinnati, Ohio, and there was no internet or any of the resources one has access to today, so I’d ask my dad to pick up weight lifting magazines for me when he went into town. Later, I went to Purdue University, and that is where I began to get into the competitive aspects of both power lifting and body building. I would continue that after college and started working in the fitness arena.”

Q. It must be easy for someone like you who has been in shape your whole life.

A. “Well, when I was in my late 50s into my early 60s, I got off my lifelong regimen of fitness, and I

began eating pizza, drinking beer and enjoying all the foods I had not eaten in many years, and suddenly my life changed. I usually competed in the 194-200 lbs range, but eating a standard American diet and not working out regularly, I quickly ballooned up to 250 lbs. My doctor put me on cholesterol medicine and I was taking three blood pressure pills a day. I knew I could not continue like that. So I began to watch what I was eating. I knew that ‘eating clean’ was my answer. What I mean by eating ‘clean’ was I eliminated simple sugars and starchy foods, upped my intake of lean proteins, and added in some healthy fats, like avocados.

I added in some cardio for exercise by walking uphill on a treadmill and used HIIT training (commonly referred to as interval training) and got back to lifting weights. No matter how hard you train, if you don’t fuel your body properly with the right foods, you will not see the progress you want from your workouts. it is necessary to work just as hard with monitoring what you put into your body as it is to exercise regularly. A person once said, ‘Great abs are built in the kitchen,’ and they are correct!

It took me about a year to get back to where I wanted to be. So yes, it can be done, even by someone grossly out of shape.

Q. Today you work at Helena Health Club (HHC), what is your position there? And what are some of the things HHC can do to help someone who has let their health and fitness slide, but want to get fit?

A. I am the General Manager and Personal Training Director at Helena

32 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Health Club. We offer child care, exercise training classes, and we have six personal trainers on staff. One of the biggest things that we offer is that we sit down with new members and work with them for a session or two to develop a custom program that is just right for them. We take into account any health issues they may have and work with them to achieve goals they set for themselves.

We truly care about the health of our club members. Teddy Roosevelt once said, ‘I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care.’ That is the philosophy we try to use at HHC. We truly care about people getting fit.”

Q. How expensive is it for a person to get started on the road to fitness with you or one of the other trainers as their guide?

A. “Initial charges are a $40 initiation fee and that takes care of a couple of orientation sessions where we help members come up with reasonable and achievable goals. We have a $29 monthly membership fee and offer discounts for teachers and the military. Family memberships are available and the costs vary according to how many are in the family. And then, if someone wants additional help, our staff of knowledgable trainers are available to help you monitor and achieve your goals for a modest additional cost. We also offer 24/7 access to the gym for a monthly key card fee.”

Q. The holidays are upon us.

What are some tips you can give people looking to make a change in their lives and get fit with all the holiday goodies staring them in the face?

A. “This is the time we all want to enjoy ourselves. Celebrate the holidays, by all means, but remember to use sensible portion control. It’s not the main event that gets you—have a piece of pie—but don’t end up eating the whole thing over the next few days. That is what gets you!”

Q. So what are the first steps for us couch potatoes looking to get fit?

A. “Evaluate where you are healthwise. Talk with your doctor, and know what your health concerns are.

Your health should be at the top of your priority list. Something many may not realize, but ‘eating clean’ is actually cheaper than eating out a lot and keeping lots of junk foods at home. Set goals. Make small attainable goals, and hold yourself accountable in order to achieve them.”

Dave makes his home in the Dearing Downs community. He has been married to his wife Betty for 20 years.

“She is my training support partner,” said Dave, who added that he and Betty are raising their six-year-old granddaughter, Bailey. “That will keep you young,” smiled Dave. To finish, Dave says “The commitment you make is to yourself, because you are the only one who can hold yourself accountable in the end. It might seem difficult to some, but the rewards are priceless.”

Hats off to soon to be 71-year-old Dave Purcell! Dave invites anyone interested in regaining their health now or in the New Year to make an appointment with Helena Health Club and and come in to talk with him. It might be the best investment you can make in your future.

Meet Helena Middle School

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL and RECORDING ARTIST

KRISTEN GLOVER

Kristen Glover was born in Huntsville, Alabama, and spent most of her early years in nearby Madison. Her mom, Angelia Walker, is a rocket scientist, a space and aeronautical engineer to be exact, for NASA. “I’ve seen rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, and hearing my mom talking about the processes, both highs and lows, is always an inspiration,” said Kristen.

She graduated from Madison’s Bob Jones High School in 2007, and from there went to UAB planning to become a pharmacist.

“My third year, I had a life-changing experience that led me to switch gears and start course work to become an educator. I worked at a summer camp in Birmingham inside a housing project.

While there, I worked with children who could not even read the instructions on their board games,” she said. “So my goal became that of teaching young people. Hey, my Dad said ‘I had been teaching my stuffed animals at home ever since he could remember,’” Kristen mused.

Kristen graduated from UAB with a BA in English and a BS in secondary education. She also earned her Masters in Education there. Kristen is currently work-

ing on her EdS in instructional leadership from West Alabama. “I just love school!” she said.

Kristen’s first job out of college was at Oak Mountain Middle School beginning in the spring of 2012 after doing her student teaching there the year before.

She taught 6th and 7th grade at Oak Mountain Middle School until 2018.

After that, Kristen became an instructional coach for Shelby County middle schools where she worked until July of 2020. In the fall of 2020, she was assigned to Oak Mountain Intermediate as an assistant principal before being transferred to fill a vacancy at Helena Middle School this past fall.

Kristen’s father, Dr. Sam Walker, is a minister who still lives in Madison but is senior pastor for Ebenezer Victory Empowerment Church in the East Lake community of Birmingham, which he and his wife founded 15 years ago. Angelia serves as co-pastor at the church, Kristen is the worship leader and her husband Marcus is a musician there.

Marcus works at the O’Neal Cancer Center as a program manager for its office of Community Outreach and Engagement.

He and Kristen met at church after Marcus’s dad encouraged him to visit the church she attended.

Kristen shared that, “Prior to meeting Marcus, I met his mom and dad who I learned had been friends with my father for over 20 years.”

After their graduation from UAB, it wasn’t long before the couple married. Today they Kristen and Marcus have two daughters: Zoe, 5 and Noa, 2.

The family lives in Pelham after moving to Shelby County last year.

Kristen is also an accomplished gospel singer, recording her first single, Kingdom Come, in September 2019. She is currently working on her first album. Her

music is Gospel/Christian, and her recording of Kingdom Come is available at all the online outlets.

Could we be on the brink of a new superstar breakout? “Not likely,” she says. She considers her singing a gift from God and her work a ministry to be shared. Plus the thought of being on tour and away from her family is a price she says she is not willing to pay.

You can tell by listening to her singing though, that music could be an option for her should she ever decide to pursue it.

Helena Middle School is in good hands with the leadership team that has been assembled there this year. Kristen Glover is a welcome addition to its staff of excellent administrators.

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33

Husky Players of the Year #16 MLB Joseph ROBERTO 138 tackles., 19 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs, 3 two-pt conversions

#34 RB Jordan WASHINGTON

1605 yards rushing 129 yards receiving, 41 yards kick returns 1775 APY yards, 24 TDs Congratulations to all our ‘Players of the Week’ from the Huskies’ 2021 ‘best season on record,’ too! vs Chelsea

34 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Sophomore running back #34 Jordan Washington does a perfect Superman 5-yard dive for a TD in a homecoming win over Chilton County.

MLB, Sophomore Joseph Roberto, put on 47 lbs of muscle between the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2021 Husky Football Players of the Year Helena High School just opened in 2014, but since taking over the football team in January 2018, Head Coach and AD Richie Busby and staff are developing outstanding gridiron talent.

Until this past season however, the hometown Huskies have not had any top tier Division 1 prospects on its roster. 2021 was a little different though as two sophomores emerged. By all accounts, these two figure to take on even bigger roles as anchors of the Husky football team on both sides of the ball over their next two years at the school.

Joseph Roberto, #16, starts at middle linebacker. At 6'2" and 225 lbs. of chiseled muscle, he is a weight room junky whose dad was a former college athlete and body builder and whose mom is a competitive body builder, too. Joseph has already visited the University of Alabama (UA) a time or two. This promising young athlete also plays offense from the wildcat on two-point conversion tries and in short yardage situations. Quite successfully, I might add. On defense, he topped the leaderboard all year for the 9-2 Region 3 Champion Huskies in tackles with 138, second in tackles for loss with 19 and second in quarterback sacks with 12.

The Huskies’ other sophomore phenom is #34, Jordan Washington.

College-sized already at 6'2" and 220 lbs, #34 plays running back for the Huskies and eclipsed 200 yards in nearly every game this season. He is a patient runner with great speed who breaks multiple tackles each game. His ‘Superman’ stretch for a touchdown in

the homecoming game (pic above) reminded me of former UA tailback and current ball carrier for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, TJ Yeldon, a few years back. Jordan says he’s a University of Tennessee fan—as he has relatives who live there.

One thing is certain, whichever college lands Jordan is going to get a winner, because he is a big, fast unique talent at his position. He had 1605 yards rushing this past season with a 6.4 yard average per carry. Add to that 129 yards receiving and 41 yards on kick returns and this young athlete ended the season with 144 points scored and 1775 all purpose yards.

Both these young men are great students and teammates, as well. “Solid team players” according to their coaches, and both are have the added benefit of coming from wonderful, supportive families.

The future looks bright for the Huskies on the gridiron, in no small part thanks to our 2021 Helena Husky Football Players of the Year—Joseph Roberto and Jordan Washington. Congratulations to both these young men for earning the titlle of Helena City News Husky Football Players of the year!

Honorable Mentions: #28 Joel Logan- 14 sacks made him sack leader; helped others rack up great tackle #s from his defensive end poition. #18 Connor Pugh- 99 tackles, 9 sacks #2 Mac Turner- 55% completion rate with 1269 yards and 10 TDs #5 J.C. Sivley- 51 receptions for 734 yards and 8 TDs, 14.4 yards average per catch, 2nd in points total with 48 on the season.

Senior Ddefensive end #28 Joel Logan jpined #16 Joseph Roberto and Senior defensive end #18 Connor Pugh in harassing QBs and downing RBs all season.

Another pass breakup by Senior DE, #18 Connor Pugh

Senior #5 J.C. Sivley not only served as Senior QB #2 Mac Turner’s top receiver this year, but also provided key blocks for others with his big 6’6” frame.

J.C. also selected to represent Helena in the 2021 North/ South AHSAA AllStar game.

Coach Richie Busby selected as head coach of this year’s victorious North AHSAA AllStar team.

LOLA WADE

This fall, Lola was the onside kick specialist for the recently crowned 2021 eighth grade Southern Conference Champion Huskies.

Here is the story of how the eighth grade daughter of a former Helena star softball player and a former Marine from Pelham came to be a kicker on the football team wearing #37 for the Helena Middle School Huskies.

Lola Wade’s mom, the former Meredith Barclay, grew up right here in Helena while Lola’s dad, Wesley, grew up in Pelham.

Meredith and Wesley first met while both attended Pelham High School.“ He was two years older, and we didn’t really like each other romantically in those days,” laughed Meredith.

After high school, Wesley went on to join the Marine Corps but ran into Meredith at a friend’s funeral they both attended while Wesley was home on leave. “We started dating after that. I was still a senior in high school,” laughed Meredith. The two were married soon after and today have two

children, daughter Lola, 14 and son Colt, 9.

Lola is an eighth grader at Helena Middle School and Colt is a fourth grader at Helena Intermediate.

This fall, Lola was the onside kick specialist for the recently crowned 2021 eighth grade Southern Conference Champion HMS Huskies.

Lola grew up playing softball and basketball, taking karate lessons and got involved in cheerleading and ‘cheernastics.’ “But I just wanted to try something different this year,” she said. “I’ve always liked football. I always got distracted while I was cheering, because I was so into watching the games,” she said. “I decided to give it a try while we were all home bound during the Covid shutdown. I began to train for kicking by watching YouTube videos online.”

Lola went out for the 2021

36 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

eighth grade team and then began competing for the kicker’s spot.

Over the course of the season, she developed into an onside kick specialist. She kicks it hard and the football comes off her foot and just sort of takes some weird hops. Then her teammates fight for the ball after it has travelled the required 10 yards. Lola’s teammate, #78 Isaac Austin, handles all the deep kicks in addition to his play as a defensive lineman, and Lola handles onside and squib kicks when the coach tells her to.

And a few extra point tries. Quite successfully, I might add. In the game against Pelham Park Middle School that I photographed, I saw the Huskies recover two of her onside/squib kicks, saw her convert an extra point attempt, and the team recovered another onside kick in the Huskies final win, a makeup game vs Calera the team played the next Monday to end this season.

We decided to find out more about this former cheerleader turned kicker and asked Lola a few questions…

Q. What’s your favorite subject in school?

A. Lunch. No, really Spanish.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher?

A. Coach B. (Blankenship). She is the HMS basketball coach. She is a great coach, and she treats us like we are her own.

Q. Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

A. My granddad, (the late) Ken Barclay. He was always there for me—nobody believed in me more than him. I was in the Brookwood NICU for several weeks after I was born. Then I got out and had to be readmitted to Childrens with meningitis. My “Guy,” which is what I called him, in turn volunteered thousands of hours at Childrens just because he thought they had taken such great care of me.

Buying or selling a home or piece of property? Give your real estate Chica a call!

I am a Brazilian-American who is passionate about family, friends, traveling, workouts, food, wine, life, and finding positive aspects in every situation. I love meeting people and getting to know them. I came to the USA in 1999 to attend college on a volleyball scholarship. As a student athlete I learned the importance of hard work, dedication, persistence, resilience, and perseverance which I bring into my life on a daily basis.

205-299-1448

facebook.com/faby.clark.1 Instagram: @thefabyclark Web: Fabyannaclark.exprealty.com Email: Fabyclarkrealtor@gmail.com (Continued from previous page) Q. What’s your absolute favorite breakfast food?

A. I don’t eat breakfast. I do have a protein shake everything morning, though.

Q. What’s your favorite food when eating out?

A. Mexican, a regular cheese quesadilla, from El Patron’s, right here in Helena.

Q. What’s your favorite dessert?

A. Twix bars, no doubt about it.

Q. You’re dying of thirst. What’s your drink of choice?

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Montevallo and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy University. I have been an educator for the past 11 years, currently head of the foreign languages department at Helena High School, and I absolutely love to build relationships with my students and share with them my love for the Spanish language and culture.

get my energy from them. During the COVID shut down last year, I decided to take on a new challenge and get my real estate license so that I could continue to build relationships and help people through life’s transitions like getting married, having children, empty nesting, relocations, or any other situation that might bring about a change in latitude.

For someone to welcome me into that journey is an honor, and I am mindful that it involves trust in me and my skill set. It is a duty that I take very seriously and find quite exciting. There is a very rewarding sense of fulfillment in helping my clients find their next home. Therefore, do not hesitate and give me (your chica) a call!

Some might ask; why real estate? As I said before, I absolutely love people—I

A. Lemonade Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. My dedication and perseverance.

Once I make my mind up, I’m locked in.

Q. What’s the area you most need to work on?

A. Maybe my organizational skills?

Q. What do you think you’ll go with in high school, football?

Cheerleading? Other?

A. Basketball. And football if my Mom lets me, maybe flag football if she won’t. I’m done with cheerlead-

ing. I don’t won’t to deal with any of that girl drama!

Q. What’s your favorite place to go with friends on a Friday night?

A. Beef O’Brady’s. I like the cheese quesadillas there, too!

Lola Wade is an A&B student— always on the honor roll—and when I asked her what she sees herself doing when she grows up, she quickly let me know she is not into looking to the future too much and getting ahead of herself (smart girl). “If I was forced to choose now

though, I’d say a cognitive psychologist. (Not just a psychologist, mind you, but a cognitive psychologist.) I can picture her now, in a white coat figuring out what makes people tick. One thing is certain, once this cheerleader turned football kicker makes up her mind, I wouldn’t bet against her. Look out high school.

Best wishes to Lola in all that she does!

See lots more photos on the Helena City News Facebook page/

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37

Local Scout Leader Jay Elliott

CUB SCOUT FISHING RODEO

th held last moenr at Joe Tuck Lake

38 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

On Saturday, October 2nd, close to 100 Cub Scouts and their families converged on Joe Tucker Lake to enjoy a morning of fishing.

And not all were boys now that girls are allowed into the Boy Scouts, too.

It was the area’s 2nd annual Cub Scout Fishing rodeo held in Helena. And even though no additional fish were released into the lake this year prior to the event, scout anglers actually ended up catching more fish this year. Call it Scout’s luck!

“This is the second year we have held the rodeo at Joe Tucker Park. It’s a great location.

With its gently sloped banks, scout leaders can see everything so it offers an increased safety factor,” said one of the Scout leaders, Helena’s Jay Elliott, who added, “We didn’t really have any sponsors this year, but wanted to offer many thanks to Helena Mayor Brian Puckett, the Helena City Council and all the folks with Helena Parks and Rec. They do a wonderful job keeping the park such a well kept place for people and organizations like ours to enjoy.

They were excellent hosts.”

Annual Helena Belles Powder Puff game raises money for Helena Miracle League!

See lots more exciting game photos on Facebook @Helena City News

Once a year, the Helena Belles take off their hoop skirts and put on their shorts and t-shirts to play a ‘smash-mouth’ game of powder puff football. The girls sell tickets to their annual intersquad game and donate the proceeds to a local charity.

This year, the Belles selected their friends from the Helena Miracle League, and former HIS Principal and Miracle League representative Kathy Paiml was all smiles as she accepted the donation from this year’s game—a little over $1,600!

It all took place Sunday, November 7th, at the Sports Complex. The Belles divided themselves into two teams, with seniors and sophomores on one side and juniors and freshmen on the other. The senior/ sophomore team squeaked out a close win—36-34—in a hotly contested shootout. It went back and forth and was exciting from beginning to end.

The coaches, most of whom are Husky football players, and the officials, one of whom had two daughters playing, made sure the game stayed light hearted and fun. The announcers added to the atmosphere with their clever banter.

Mayor Brian Puckett was on hand to perform the coin toss to decide who got the ball first. Then he helped Belles Director Christie Glawson hand out door prizes and was on the field for the check presentation to the Miracle League.

The Helena Belles would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help make this a very successful event! The $1600 donation to the Miracle League goes towards their goal of building a ball field at Joe Tucker Park to serve athletes in our area with special needs.

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and/ or made a donation to this terrific cause!

Submitted photos

Councilman Hal Woodman commissions a coin each year with the likeness of the recipient.

Councilman Hal Woodman hosts luncheon to honor one Helena resident annually as ‘Volunteer of the Year.’

Here are his words before introducing this year’s recipient, Jackson Knox.

“In this season of Thanksgiving, I wanted to welcome you all and thank you for your service to Helena. This Thank You Luncheon grew out of a desire to give something back to those who were giving their time to the community,” said city councilman Hal Woodman.

“Originally I wanted to have a city-sponsored event, but it ran afoul of laws that prevent giving public funds to nonpublic activities. It is a law intended to prevent politicians from spending taxpayer money on private parties. So at this time, I would like to declare that no taxpayer funds have been spent on this event. My wife and I wanted to have a holiday party and most of our friends were volunteers anyway,” he continued.

“So there are three goals today.

First, to thank you for giving your time to make the community better. People from all over the earth have a varying amount of worldly wealth, but essentially, we all are given the same portion of time to

exist here. You have chosen to give some of your limited time, freely, without compensation, to make the world better, which I feel is the greatest gift you could have given,” he went on.

“Second, to meet your fellow volunteers and build new friendships. You are among some of the kindest and most generous people in Helena. You would be wise and lucky to count this group among your circle of friends. The people sitting here have dreams and aspirations for improving the world around us.”

“Lastly, we want to recognize the longest-serving volunteers in the city. They were some of the first to stand up and serve and then continued to do so year after year. Each year, we have a special coin commissioned in their honor with their portrait engraved on the back,” he went on.

This year’s Volunteer of the Year moved to Helena in 1987.

Originally from Montgomery, He

40 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

fell in love with the city at first sight and proceeded to build a house and then made friends quickly.

He was the youngest of a large family who believed in good works.

They worked tirelessly in the Church and community.

His Mother and Father were active workers in the Civil Rights movement. His Father was jailed for driving people to work or home during the bus boycott.

He volunteered as one of the original members of the Civitan Club and served as its Vice President and President. His efforts raised scholarship funds for Helena students, funds for summer band camps, donations to both Children’s Hospital and The Jimmy Hale Mission. He sold bricks for the Jane Holmes Library, built the large pavilion at Joe Tucker Park, and provided food and veterinary services for Helena’s first police ‘drug dog,’” he continued.

“This year’s Volunteer of the Year also served in the Kiwanis Club of

Helena during his tenure as both Vice President and President, and one of his most important achievments was completing the Boundless Playground, with the help of other dedicated Kiwanians. He served as chair for the pancake breakfast fundraiser which supported Helena Elementary and the new high school band at the time and volunteered for playground duty at the annual Buck Creek Festival. On top of all this, he also had time to serve on the Helena Planning and Zoning Board and also volunteers as a poll worker. In total, this amazing man has given 34 years of dedicated volunteer service to the City of Helena. Without further adieu, this year’s Volunteer of the Year is Mr. Jackson Knox, finished Councilman Woodman, before presenting Jackson with the volunteer minted this year in his honor.

Congratulations Jackson, and THANK YOU for your many years of dedicated volunteer service to our city.

FUND RAISER

The last time I saw Helena Elementary Principal Genet Holcomb having this much fun, she was an assistant principal at Helena Intermediate School and having slime poured on her by a bunch of students who had excelled in fund raising efforts. As a reward, they were allowed to “slime” the principal. Can’t remember the reason, but the principal at that time was Wayne Williams, and he was “unavailable” when it came time to “do the deed,” lol. So Genet took his place. (And she acted like she loved every minute of it!)

Fast forward a few years and Genet, now our Helena Elementary School Principal, decided to reward her students who overachieved in their most recent fund raising efforts (by $18,000) by letting them throw cups of colored powder at herself and her Assistant Principal, Brooke Dunham.

The two donned low budget hazmat suits they’d bought on Amazon, complete with face shields which did little good in providing facial protection. The two took it all in stride, however, with Genet saying she would gladly accept a little powder to

her person for a group of students who raised so much money in such a short amount of time.

The students raised a total of $78,000 in this year’s Boosterthon fund raiser to earn the privilege of colorizing their principals!

The money will be used by the PTO to make improvements at the school and to fund much needed support areas.

The day was also Down’s Syndrome Day at HES. First grade teacher Meghan Handley, picture at right, the mother of a Downs child herself, had this to say. “I sold t-shirts with blue and gold Downs awareness ribbons printed on them the past few weeks to raise money for Downs Syndrome Alabama. Many of our teachers wore their t-shirts for the day as Helena Elementary declared it was Down Syndrome Day.” We asked Meghan to pose with her t-shirt and a couple of the HES students with Downs Syndrome. John David Marlin and Wren Glasgow are second graders who absolutely rock that 21st chromosome—they are DOWN-right perfect!

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41

Meet Helena High School’s 2021-2022 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Melissa Copeland

“I am who I am because of the people I work with and the support I have here at Helena High School.”

Melissa Copeland was named Helena High School’s Teacher of the Year recently. It was no surprise to her students and coworkers, but she sat in disbelief while discussing it.

Mrs. Copeland is known for her exciting classroom environment where she brings biology, science and forensics to life.

Students feel welcomed and show a desire to learn in her class. They know that Mrs. Copeland has a no-nonsense but caring and nurturing personality.

She says that her favorite parts of teaching are building relationships with her students and being able to see them grow inside and outside of the classroom.

She believes that we can all learn from ‘failing forward.’ “You learn through the struggles and celebrate the successes,” said Mrs. Copeland. She says that ‘success’ is different for everyone. “One student’s success may be earning a 4.0 GPA, while another student’s success may be getting a C average,” she said. “I am here to celebrate both.”

Many may not realize that teaching was not Mrs. Copeland’s first career choice. She worked in health care administration for about eight years before making the switch. After having two children, she went back to school

to earn her teaching degree. She wanted a career from which she could retire while also making a difference in the life of others.

While not originally from Helena, she and her husband, Chris, settled here as a young couple after visiting friends that lived in the area. They loved the ‘community feel’ and just knew that this is where they would settle down to raise a family. The Copelands are involved with the community both inside and outside of the classroom.

Husband Chris is a real estate appraiser. Their daughter, Carson, attends Helena Middle School, and her son, Parker, attends Helena High School. She says they also count their two dogs, three snakes, a cat, and several chickens as family members, too!

When asked how she felt when she received this distinguished award from her peers, she said that she was shocked. “I never think of myself that way. I was speechless, which is very rare. It was humbling. I am who I am because of the people I work with and the support I have here at Helena High School,” she finished.

Congratulations and best wishes to Helena High School’s teacher of the year, Melissa Copeland!

42 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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The Church at Cahaba Bend Celebrates 20th Anniversary October 3, 2021

Grief Support Group The Church at Cahaba Bend Beginning January 9, 2022 at 4pm Open to the Community Childcare Provided

The Church at Cahaba Bend Celebrates 20th Anniversary October 3, 2021 The Church at Cahaba Bend came together to celebrate its 20th anniversary October 3rd.

The congregation had a humble start before becoming the thriving church it is today. It was planted in June 2000 when the Rev. Lyle Holland was appointed by the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Helena area.”

A small group began meeting weekly in Rev. Holland’s home.

This led to the first Sunday worship service being held on the second floor of what is now Beef O’Brady’s. The church first met in the building’s upper room on April 1, 2001. Several months later, a larger meeting space on Highway 95 was obtained as the church continued to multiply in number.

In 2002, thanks to the hospitality of Helena Intermediate School, the young congregation was able to continue growing on the school campus for five more years. “Then the Lord provided both the vision and provision to purchase the land located just across from the school on Highway 52, which is where the Church at Cahaba Bend has been located since 2007,” said its current pastor, Rev. Patrick Friday.

For the 20th Anniversary, over 250 current and former members gathered in person and online to participate in the celebration. It was a joyous 2 and ½ hour service with both laughter and tears as heartfelt stories were shared by all.

Rev. Friday opened the service with

warm words of welcome. Special guest Dick Freeman, former North Alabama Conference Coordinator of Congregational Development, spoke about the church planting process and led the opening prayer.

Rev. Keith Elder, a former pastor, sang an original song and Rev. Ron Schultz, also a former pastor at the church and conference leader, provided a video greeting. Rev. Lyle Holland, founding pastor, shared memories of the thirteen years he led the congregation. And Rev. Lori Carden was lifted up during the litany of God’s blessings upon this congregation over the years.

The children were the highlight of the service recreating a Helena parade which many fondly remembered as pivotal in the development of the church. Afterwards the celebration continued outdoors where food trucks and a specially prepared anniversary dessert awaited the participants. Praise and thanksgiving was offered throughout the day for God’s graciousness which made this glorious day possible.

The Church at Cahaba Bend currently has Sunday worship services at 9am and 11am, both in-person and on Facebook Livestream. Sunday small groups for children, youth, and adults meet at 10am and 4pm with additional groups throughout the week including Wednesday night fellowship at 6:30pm. To learn more about The Church at Cahaba Bend, please visit their website at cahababend.org.

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43

Presenting the 2021 Helena High School Homecoming Court

The Huskies football team did its part to make this a memorable night, defeating Chilton County 48-40 in a shootout. Pregame, the school put on a splendid display of pageantry with its 2021 Homecoming Court presentation. Below are the introductions for each of the evening’s Homecoming Court Attendants as well as for the 2020 Homecoming Queen, UAB Freshman Daisy Capps, who crowned her replacement with then Helena High School Principal April Brand and Mayor Brian Puckett looking on. Best wishes and congratulations to all the attendants and our 2021 Homecoming Queen, Miss Samantha Ranson!

FRESHMAN ATTENDANTS: Demi Moss Demi is escorted by her father, Mr. Craig Moss. Demi is a Helena High School Junior Varsity Cheerleader and a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

She is involved at Church of the Highlands. Demi enjoys sports and watching her brothers play baseball.

In her free time, she likes to shop and hang out with her friends.

Emma Wilmon Emma is escorted by her father, Mr. Nate Willmon. Emma is a member of the National Junior Honors Society. She plays club volleyball at BBC. In the community she volunteers for the Helena Miracle League. She attends Church of the Highlands. Emma enjoys shopping and hanging out with her friends.

Mallory Yarbrough Mallory is escorted by her brother, Cole Yarbrough. Mallory is a Helena High Junior Varsity Cheerleader. She is a member of the Alpha Extreme Competition Team. She enjoys being an active member of her youth group at the Church of Cahaba Bend. She volunteers for the Helena Miracle League. In her free time, she enjoys cheering and shopping.

SOPHOMORE ATTENDANTS: Hannah Bradford Hannah is escorted tonight by her father, Mr. Clint Bradford. Hannah is on the Helena High School track team where she is a hurdler. She is a member of Cultivate Church. Hannah participates in competitive cheer at ACE of Birmingham. She enjoys

riding horses and competing in pageants in her free time.

Anna Beth Goodman Anna Beth is escorted by her father, Mr. Robert Goodman.

Anna Beth is a member of the Helena High Tennis and Cross Country teams. She participates in Show Choir, Chamber choir and Women’s Acapella Choir. At Church of Hope, she serves as a worship leader. She volunteers with the Helena Miracle League.

Anna Beth loves to go camping.

Riley Souers Riley is escorted by her father, Mr. Chad Souers. Riley is a member of the Helena High School Varsity Soccer team. She plays competi-

G N I M O C E

M O H 1 2 0 2 ants n Attend e m h s e r F

44 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

s ttendant A e r o m o Soph

tive soccer for Alabaster BUSA. She enjoys traveling and shopping in her free time.

JUNIOR ATTENDANTS: Bianca Bingham Bianca is escorted by her father, Mr. Ellis Bingham. Bianca is a Helena High Ambassador, a member of the Spanish and National Honor Societies, Key Club and Spanish Club. She is a member of First Baptist Pelham.

She serves as the secretary of Juniorettes. Bianca enjoys spending time with her family and friends and cheering on the Helena Football team

s ttendant Junior A

Macie Flynn Macie is escorted by her father, Mr. Brad Flynn. Macie is a Helena High Varsity Cheerleader.

She is a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She participates with the Big Brother Big Sister of Birmingham program. She enjoys hanging out with her friends.

Mackenzie Myrick Mackenzie is escorted by her father, Mr. Michael Myrick.

Mackenzie is a Helena High School Varsity Cheerleader and a member of HOSA. In our community she is a member of the Helena Teen Council and volunteers at Helena Hollow. She enjoys her church, The Church of the Highlands, where she volunteers as a Serve member.

Senior Attendants

2020 HC Queen Daisy Capps crowning her successor, Samantha Ranson

SENIOR ATTENDANTS: Kaylee Armstrong Kaylee is escorted by her father, Mr. Chase Armstrong. Kaylee is a member of the Helena Juniorettes and the Key Club. She is a sales associate and ambassador for Kristalize Jewelry. Kaylee attends Church of the Highlands and enjoys being a part of its Serve Days. After graduation, Kaylee plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in Business with a minor in Fashion Merchandising Lexie Gregory Lexie is escorted by her father, Mr. Chris Gregory. Lexie is a varsity cheerleader. She is a member of the Key Club and the Big Brother Big Sister program. She serves as a Helena High Ambassador. In the community, Lexie is involved with the Juniorettes and competitive cheerleading. She attends Church of the Highlands and participates in Serve Days and Motion Conferences.

After graduation, Lexie plans to attend Auburn University and Major in Apparel Merchandising with a Minor in Business.

Mallory Hamilton Mallory is escorted by her father, Mr. Todd Hamilton. Mallory is the SGA Vice President. She is a member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track teams. She is a member of the Key Club and multiple honor societies. In the community, Mallory is a member of the Helena Teen Council and volunteers with the Helena Miracle League. She attends Church of the Highlands and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. After graduation, Mallory plans to attend the University of Alabama.

Madelyn Ware Madelyn is escorted by her father, Mr. Scott Ware. At school, Madelyn is a member of the Key Club and Big Brother Big Sisters. She is a member of the English Honor Society and the Art Honor Society. For the Helena Juniorettes, she has served as the chaplain and is currently their president. Madelyn attends Church of the Highlands and participates in Serve Days and Motions Conference. After graduation, Madelyn plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in Public Relations with a minor in Business Management.

Samantha Ranson Samantha is escorted by her father, Mr. Rex Ranson. Samantha is the SGA President and a member of Peer Helpers. She is a Helena High Ambassador. She is a member of the National Honor Society and multiple other honor societies. She is a member of the Helena High school cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. In the community she is a volunteer at YMCA Youth Camps and is a member of Church of the Highlands. She enjoys spending quality time with friends. After graduation, Samantha plans to attend UAB and major in psychology.

To assist Helena High School Principal Ms. April Brand with the crowning of the 2021 Homecoming Queen were Helena Mayor. Brian Puckett and Helena High School’s

2020 Homecoming Queen, Miss Daisy Capps. Daisy is a freshman at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She teaches tumbling at Dance, Etc. and works at b. prince boutique. She is a part of the Feminist Club at UAB. Daisy is majoring in Psychology.

And then came the big moment…

The 2021 Helena High School Homecoming Queen IS—Miss Samantha Ranson!

Congratulations, Samantha!!!

n ing Quee m o c e m o School H h ig H a n 2021 Hele

nson a R a h t n Sama

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45

(205) 358-7302 • PinkLiliesllc.com 10am til 6pm Mon-Sat, closed Sun Melissa Powers and her husband Russ have lived in Helena the past six years with their two children: Logan 10 and Summer, 8, both of whom are students at HIS and HES, respectively.

“We moved to Helena originally because of the reputation of its schools and the way they are all centrally located, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Melissa, owner of Helena’s new Pink Lilies Home Decor and Gifts. The store is located between Helena Drugs and Mr. Lin Chinese restaurant near the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

By day, Russ owns a commercial demolition company based in Helena. Russ explains his company has been working primarily for UAB the past 12 years in their ever increasing expansion in downtown Birmingham.

Melissa worked for ServisFirst Bank for 15 years in its corporate office in Homewood. “Russ had been trying to convince me to start a business of my own here

in Helena so that I could be close to home while our kids are in school,” said Melissa. “And I knew I wanted to open a retail home decor and gift shop since Helena didn’t have one.”

“We have a friend who lives in Prattville and operates a very successful store there called ‘FeatherWhite,’” said Melissa. “The store features a 3,000 square foot showroom and has earned a wonderful reputation. Jessica Neave is its owner, and she also acts as our business mentor. She has given us some valuable guidance and suggestions for the best vendors and showrooms from which to buy our merchandise.

Lots of other friends have helped, too, including my neighbor, Elaine Burns, who actually works at the store several days each week. And there have been lots of others who have helped by answering our questions as to what

46 New Year’s 2022 / www.CityOfHelena.org

kind of merchandise we should carry and what kind of store was actually needed here in Helena,” said Melissa.

“In the 13 years since this shopping center was developed, our particular space had never been leased, so we had to build it out from the ground up,” said Russ.

“There was no flooring and no paint on the walls.”

“Since we opened here last August, we have been blessed. We had ‘survival numbers’ that we needed to reach in order for us to stay here, and we tripled those numbers in the first couple of months!” said Russ.

Pink Lilies Home Decor and Gifts is a hit with families here, and the business is growing each week, according to Melissa, who showed me a few of the latest pieces she offers. “Some of our best sellers have been items with Helena or our zip code incorporated into the design, like these hand towels, or these shirts,” said Melissa. “We have a company from Alabama that makes the most wonderful scented candles,” she said while holding one up and offering a chance to breathe in the comforting aroma.

“We will always have lots of seasonal and holiday decor in stock,” said Melissa, “and we’d love to invite everyone to start their seasonal decor and gift shopping by visiting us to see what all ‘Pink Lilies’ offers! Our prices are reasonable, too, so that every family can shop here for all their gift

or home decor needs!” finished Melissa.

The store has a definite feminine appeal, and I know that all the ladies in town will enjoy shopping with Melissa and Elaine.

You’d be hard pressed to find a more welcoming and friendly duo than these two ladies. They are both eager to assist you in finding that perfect gift or home decor item!

Pink Lilies is very community oriented, too. On the day I was in, a display of coolers was sitting by the cash register. Melissa said the store was helping the girls golf team at Helena High School sell the ‘Helena’ emblazoned ice chests to raise funds needed for them to compete. “Since the golf team doesn’t generate any ticket or concession revenue, the team has to earn its own money each season,” said Russ, who added, “We always want to give back to the community that has been so welcoming to us, and we have already lined up a Girl Scout cookie table for the front of the store this February. We plan to help more local teams and organizations with their fund raising needs in the future, too. As long as it fits in with the items we sell, it’s our pleasure to lend a hand,” said Russ.

We’d like to offer a big Helena welcome to the folks at Pink Lilies Home Decor and Gifts, Russ and Melissa Powers. Be sure to stop by the next time you are in the area!

New members this year

Meet the HELENA TEEN COUNCIL 2021-2022 EDITION

Helena City Council liasion and sponsor, Alice Lobell, is pictured above with this year’s edition of the Helena Teen Council in the Helena City Council chamber.

The Helena Teen Council has grown a lot this year! Thirteen new members were honored during a welcome reception earlier this school year. The Helena Teen Council consists of 10th, 11th, and 12th graders all of whom are eager to learn more about our city and make a difference along the way. “We look forward to an amazing time this school year as we embark on our journey,” said senior teen council member Mallory Hamilton.

The Helena Teen Council serves our city in various ways.

From volunteering at the annual Buck Creek Festival to helping

out their friends at the Helena Miracle League and touring the city’s various offices like our local police station, this edition of the Helena Teen Council looks for ways to lend a hand.

The group listened to a guest speaker recently who shared a bit about future city planning with them. The teens got to sit in on the city’s comprehensive planning group, too.

Watch for members of our Helena Teen Council as they volunteer at upcoming events like the tree lighting and Helena Holiday Festival next month.

HELENA TEEN COUNCIL Top photo, front row, l-r: Madelyn Hughley Charlotte Carroll McKenzie Myrick Scotlyn Naron Alice Lobell, sponsor Brooklyn Kirksey Alexis Browne Sharon Zou Mallory Hamilton Lauren Scarborough Back row, l-r: Ty Mullinex Foster Johnson Tanner James Matt McDonald Peter Haywood

Bradey Wagar Jordan Washington Jerry Jackson Andrew Parton New members Bottom photo, front row, l-r: Charlotte Carroll Scotlyn Naron McKenzie Myrick Lauren Scarborough Foster Johnson Back row, l-r: Ty Mullinex Matt McDonald Tanner James Bradey Wagar Jordan Washington

Helena City News P.O. Box 50, Helena, AL 35080 Facebook: @HelenaCityNews (205) 746-1188

The Helena Senior Citizens’ activities group, operated by the Helena Parks and Recreation Department, is open to individuals 55 years of age and older who live in Helena or Shelby County.

All members need to complete a membership application prior to participating in any program or activity. There is no charge to be a member, however, fees may be associated with certain trips, programs and activities. Membership applications* may be obtained by contacting Lillie Clayton at lclayton@cityofhelena.org or 205-620-2877. * Membership applications are also available at Helena City Hall.

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