Helena City News

Hele H elena Ciitttyy New elen Newwss Serving the City of Helena and surrounding area

Back-To-School 2014

NOW IN SESSION! HELENA HIGH SCHOOL TRAFFIC ROUTES INSIDE

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME HUSKIES’ FOOTBALL?

Maps and description for student Schedules and interviews with the drivers and car riders HHS and HMS coaches inside

HELENA UTILITY BOARD PUBLIC MEETING

All are invited–August 20, 6:00PM, in the city council chambers

FROM THE MAYOR

Greetings to all!

Summer is all but gone and what a great summer it was!

Activities in Old Town were the highlight, including Movies in the Park, Market Days, Fireworks on First Friday and Jazz in the Park. Thanks to you, all were successful and well attended events.

By this writing, school will be back in session, so as we celebrate the opening of Helena High School, I would like to take this opportunity to extend congratulations to Principle Jay Peoples and all who played a part in the successful opening. I am excited that the inaugural and historic season for Helena High School Football has begun. This will be a great source of pride for all the schools in Helena and this community as a whole.

The City of Helena is proud to be a contributing partner

with Helena High School and the Shelby County Board of Education. The City has contributed over 8 million dollars to this project as well as other yearly monetary contributions to each of the public schools in the city. The return on this investment is priceless for this community. This partnership has brought with it a new sense of community pride to this city, which is already rated as one of the top cities in this state if not the entire country. Please continue to support all our local schools as we all work to make our schools the absolute best for our kids.

As stated in my last update, the Utility Board is in the beginning stages of approving upgrades and required improvements at our Wastewater Treatment Facility. ADEM and the EPA have mandated strict new regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment, and we must make renovations and changes to the existing facility to comply. Due to the cost of this

unfunded government mandated regulation, improvements along with the rising costs of existing sewer operations, a rate study was ordered by the Utility Board.

The study looked at our current operational costs and how funding the project, possibly through the State Revolving Fund program, will affect our current customer sewer service rates. We do expect a rate increase for sewer customers will be needed, but will be held to an absolute minimum to help cover the outlined needs. Our rates are among the lowest in the metro area, and we will continue to work to see that we hold rates to a reasonable standard.

The Utility Board will meet on August 20th at 6:00pm at City Hall to address this issue. The meeting is open to the public for review and comment.

Now on to road improvements–ALDOT has accepted bids on the Highway 261/52/17 & 91 intersection improvement in late July. The actual construction start date will depend on ALDOT, but we are told early September. ALDOT Director, Mr. Cooper, assures

me they are moving as quickly as possible and that all construction will take place at night so as to not interfere with daily traffic at this busy intersection.

The traffic control devices (red lights) for the intersection of county road 52W and Hillsboro are still moving toward a start date. I am told that the delay is due to earlier difficulties in obtaining final approvals from the county engineers. In the meantime, until the light is functioning, police will be on hand to move traffic safely at that intersection during peak school hours this fall. On the business front, I expect new activity to begin shortly on several new businesses that will be looking to locate here in Helena to help provide more convenience and needed services to our residents and visitors.

In closing, I hope that you all have a safe and great fall! I’ll see you at Helena High School football games on Friday nights!

Go Huskies!

Best Wishes,

Mark

Mark R. Hall, Mayor

Helena Utility Board Public Meeting The City of Helena Utility Board will hold a Public Meeting on August 20, 2014 at 6:00PM in the Council Chambers of the Helena Municipal Building, 816 Hwy 52 East. The Board will discuss and consider approval of new rate proposals for sewer customer charges. A representative of Jackson Thornton Utilities Consultants will present recommendations from a recent study for adjusting sewer charges to provide additional revenue for increased operational needs, expenses and bond holder requirements for the City of Helena sewer system. Public attendance and comment are welcome at this meeting.

2 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

H. EMMANUEL SCOZZARO, JR. ATTORNEY • Adoption • Divorce • Child Custody & Support • Criminal & DUI • Personal Injury • Wills & Estates

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No representation is made that the quality of legal services offered is greater than that of the quality of legal services provided by other lawyers.

Helena Huskies’ post-game Headquarters Open ’til 11PM on Friday Home Game Nights!

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Lauren George GETTING LIFE BACK ON TRACK Lauren George’s theme song these last six months could be Peter Allen’s “Everything Old is New Again”.

Suffering a gunshot wound to the head in January, the 20-yearold has spent all day, every day since, working to relearn many of her “basic” abilities, including speaking, walking, writing and even the alphabet.

But the pretty Helena resident tries to always remind herself of the improvements she’s achieved.

“I feel good about my progress though I wish it was further along,” Lauren said. “But everyone would wish that, and I’ve come far since the beginning.”

But at the beginning— January 20, when Lauren was shot in a Montevallo apartment parking lot—things looked the bleakest possible, with doctors unsure if she’d survive or what her condition would be if she did, said Lauren’s mother, Kami George.

“It happened on Monday, she had surgery to remove skull and bullet fragments on Tuesday and Wednesday went into a coma from which we didn’t know if she’d come out,” Kami said.

“Then on Thursday, she came to, pulled out her tubes and asked for mom and dad.”

A week in UAB’s ICU led to a week in a step-down unit where complications caused doctors to have to drain fluid from Lauren’s spine. That crisis conquered, Lauren moved on to UAB’s Spain Rehabilitation Center where Randi Carter was one of her occupational therapists for several weeks.

“Because Lauren was completely paralyzed on one side, very weak and unable to stand at all, therapy was very intensive,” Randi said.

“We worked on everything including sitting, standing, dressing, showering and a lot more,” Randi said. “Lauren tried so hard to get arm and leg movement back and we were doing four hours of therapy a day, six days a week, non-stop.

It was very difficult, but she did whatever we asked.”

Randi, who, along with other therapists, often challenged Lauren’s memory, said her patient began to consistently rise to the occasion.

“She would remember everyone, including our staff and family members of other patients who check on her,” Randi said.

“And one of my best memories was the first time we washed her hair and she helped us put on her makeup. It was a joy

to help give back pieces of her independence.”

“We watched Lauren go from being totally dependent to make amazing progress,” Randi said.

“She is such a sweet person, we would have liked to keep her longer but it was time to move on to the next step.”

Walking with a walker and wearing a helmet to protect her head until a plate is put in place in late fall, Lauren is now finishing up her “next step” as an outpatient at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital. There, she’s continued to work on her speech, cognitive skills and regaining use of her right side, including arm, leg and foot.

She is also transitioning into the Lakeshore Foundation, where Kami, father, Ben, and brother, Colton, 17 and a Helena High School senior, will be trained to carry on the majority of her therapy.

“No one knows how long all this takes because it’s all about the brain relearning,” Kami said. “And while the first six months is the greatest period for improvement, you have up to two years as the best chance for the brain to relearn.”

“They’ll make sure we know how to use the equipment there, and Lauren will also

start working with Alabama Vocational Rehab, which will come once a week,” Kami said.

The family has also contacted the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Alabama Head Injury Foundation as resources to further Lauren’s rehab.

Meanwhile, Lauren admits that while she’s grateful for her progress, she does get a bit impatient.

“Walking is my number one priority, and though it’s not official, I’ve started practicing with a cane and sometimes using walking poles,” she said. “The cane will give me more freedom and if I can have my surgery in the fall, I’ll be able to go hang out with my friends and have a more normal life. That’ll be a big step for me, and for my parents, because I won’t have to be at home and with them all the time.”

Lauren said she thinks daily about her surgery and “my steps ahead, whatever they may be.”

“I know there’s some plan for me in the future and that I’m here for a reason, though I don’t know what that is,” she said.

“But I have a second chance and I try to look at that and know I’m very fortunate.”

Best wishes to Lauren in the future!

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Carley Crowe is 13 years old and the daughter of Barry and Carla Stone. She is an only child but has cousins that are as close as siblings. Carley has a very kind heart and giving nature. Carley attends Helena Middle School. She will be in the 8th grade this school year where she is always on the AB Honor Roll. Carley is a Christian and has a strong love for God. She strives to always do her best, be caring and helpful, and to treat others with love and kindness. Carley is a very loving and caring young lady and her family is very proud of her.

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Residential Beautification Award 1007 English Oak Drive The lovely corner lot in Twelve Oaks at Bridlewood is a fitting setting for the recently completed home of Darrell and Karen Griffith—honored by the Beautification Committee.

The house has been a work in progress for awhile, as the Griffiths did most of the house interior themselves. The exterior and yard was finished last year with the rustic brick exterior complemented by plantings in a color palette of warm hues.

“I chose to begin with mainly pink/red knock out roses, but eventually realized some yellow accents provided a needed pop of color,” Karen Griffith shared.

At the time this photo was taken, the knock out roses had just peaked, but after trimming, will make their third appearance soon blooming boldly again.

Karen chose and emphasized low-maintenance perennials for

the very sunny front beds.

Interspersed are First Lady speedwell plants (a small white spiral bloomer) and dianthus, daisies, peonies, and impatiens.

Lollypop verbena attracts butterflies, as do their purple and white coneflowers and zinnias. Hanging baskets grace the front porch and the windowsill planter adds texture on the west facade.

A lush mixed basket of greenery by the front door welcomes you to the special interior, which was designed to be a place of gathering for their four daughters and ten grandchildren.

“Family is important to us and our goal was to have enough space to have everyone together to eat and entertain a couple of times a year.”

Karen first became the church

organist at Helena First Baptist Church in 1986 and continues to fill that role as well as the role of Director of the church’s School of Fine Arts.

Darrell has been “in and out of construction most of his life,” and in this, his retirement project, he designed and built the unique front door—different on each side—as well as the pine living room mantle and the kitchen cabinets.

The interior décor features family collectibles and heirlooms. Favorite hymns, aged pages from an old hymnal, are framed and hung above Karen’s grandparents’ organ, now placed in its own special alcove. These are the touches that give the house its special individuality.

Congratulations to this hard-working couple who have lovingly built their dream home– inside and out–in Helena!

Helena now has its own Lions Club International—join today!

Lions Club International, founded in 1917, is the world’s largest service club, with more than 1.35 million members worldwide. The state of Alabama has three districts, each with approximately 50 clubs. The Lions of Alabama are helping set up a Lions Club of Helena.

Each club is autonomous, which means they may choose projects and activities that fit the lifestyle of its members and impact the surrounding community the greatest.

Perhaps best known for helping the blind and visually impaired, Lions Clubs also assist the disabled and offer disaster relief in a timely manner to tornado and fire victims.

Outgoing Lions Club International District Governor Jim Crews was in Helena recently meeting with locals interested in joining the club. To receive

enrollment for charter members membership chairman. For an official charter, twenty members who have a heart for serving this application, please call Kristi at are required. community,” said Kristi Scozzaro, 205-965-3977.

The newly formed Helena Lions Club L-R: Bill May, Kristi Scozzaro, Emmanuel Scozzaro and Jim Crews. Not pictured is Dr. Jamie Reid. will meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at the Helena Community Building.

Local lawyer Emmanuel Scozzaro is president, and Dr. Jamie Reid is vicepresident. Bill May will serve as secretary/ treasurer.

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With a home ownership rate of 84.6%, and a two-year growth rate of 4.8%, Pelham is a top 5 city for Alabama home owners. - NerdWallet.com

Minutes from I-65 and the 280 Corridor!

From I-65 So: Exit 242, Turn Left on Hwy 52, Turn Left on Hwy 11, Go Approx. 4.3 Miles, Grey Oaks is on the right. From 280: East on Hwy 280 to right on Hwy 43 to left on Old 280 and right on Hwy 11. Grey Oaks is approximately 5 miles on left.

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Huge lots are the trademark of Donovan’s newest development—Grey Oaks in Pelham. Surrounded by hills and trees, Grey Oaks residents have the best of both worlds—they are only 5 minutes from I-65 at the County Road 52 interchange and about the same to all the shopping and dining opportunities found on the Highway 280 corridor. Add in a future swimming pool and community clubhouse, Pelham schools, proximity to all of Pelham’s other amenities such as the state’s largest state park (Oak Mountain), the racquet club and golf course, and you have the perfect place in Shelby County to call home.

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Sundown Cinemas 2014 Special thanks to our volunteers!

Thanks to all who came out to the amphitheater each Friday this summer!

Top right: From left to right, Jim McKinley and Jack Gray Above right: left to right, Jennifer Richards, Paul Zimmerman, Ron Holly, Cris Nelson, David Schlueter and Henry Neff. Not pictured: Bob Van Loan, Jennifer Colvin, Hayley Gillen, Anna Webber, Tom Lefebvre, Doug Jackson, Alan and David Farmer, Trinity and Jessie Scozzaro, Hal and Kylie Woodman, Alex Avery

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City Councilman Mike Jones’ company wins Small Business of the Year Award

Many may not know that Event Operations Group (EOG), now the 2nd largest staffing company in the southeast, is headquartered right here in Shelby County. This highly successful business was the brainchild of CEO, Helena City Councilman Mike Jones. In the past, he was known as Sergeant Jones with the Helena Police Department, but he now manages his thriving business full-time.

Mike is pleased to announce that EOG won a 2014 Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award, which Mike accepted on June 25 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

They received the award for “a small business with 21 or more employees and open for one year or more.” Chamber President Kirk Mancer said awards were given based on financial and employee growth as well as community involvement.

Cindee Standridge said they feel truly blessed that EOG was nominated by their peers for this award. “To receive it in Shelby County means a lot; to be recognized here, for the work we do at our headquarters, is a great honor,” Mike agreed.

What started in Helena in 2007 as a small business, with a loan from Central State Bank and accounting help from Graham and Associates, has grown exponentially in the years

since. Now, with more than 18,000 part-time workers at 65 regional EOG offices across the southeast, it’s apparent Mike knows his business well. And its easy to see why the Chamber of Commerce picked EOG for this prestigious award.

EOG has branded itself as the company with “the finest in full-service event management, staffing and security.” The company will work with clients through the entire planning, development and implementing stages of events. They plan shows by working with performers and directors, staff venues with security and sales people, help with ticket sales, parking, concessions and even clean-up. “It takes a lot of trust, stress, responsibility and planning to provide the ultimate experience,” said Mike.

That planning is handled by splitting EOG into two divisions: security and event management. The Security Division staffs and coordinates Event Security, Uniformed Security, and Executive Protection for events, venues, performers or others. The Event Management Division coordinates Event Staff, which includes but is not limited to ushers, ticket takers, Guest Services, transportation, and parking attendants for each event or venue.

They handle work with clients of every size, from local events at the BJCC, Barber Motorsports

12 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Park and WorkPlay to day-to-day operations at places like the McWane Center and even larger national clients like ESPN. All administrative duties, accounting operations, marketing and PR department heads for EOG are in the corporate office— they run the entire company from here. “We have forged great relationships with clients here in Shelby County, and that has allowed us to expand. It all started here, and we’re not going anywhere,” Mike asserts.

But their work does not end with the events themselves.

Artists at EOG design t-shirts, coffee mugs, magnets and other sales merchandise for their clients as well; they even screenprint the shirts themselves.

Workers are currently wrapping school buses and smart cars to take employees to their destinations, and a new employee tracking system will help with even more timely and efficient event planning and security. “One day is never like the next,” Mike said.

The company also works hand-in-hand with emergency services and law enforcement when necessary. “We know funding is hard to come by, so we try to help every way we can,” said Mike, explaining that they have been involved with the planning and implementation of their emergency plans.

Although the corporate office has been located in Pelham for over four years, a change is planned for the near future.

“We’re looking to move EOG to Helena, and expand our business development there,” Mike explained. “We want to be in Helena because it is home. I’m

vested here, I have built business and personal relationships here.”

Cindee noted that Mike comes from a large family, and that dynamic translates into his business and how he treats his employees. “He’s had that drive for family and success,” she said.

“I’ve never had a company treat you like family from the vicepresident all the way down to part-time workers.”

Mike explained that is a part of his business plan. “We wanted to make working for EOG inviting to employees. We want them happy and excited to come to work every day,” he said.

They offer services and support to schools and education as well as youth programs in art, music and sports. “Kids are the foundation of our future in business,” Mike said, explaining that they staff athletic events at Spain Park and Hoover. He looks forward to working with the Helena High School PTO to do the same in his hometown.

“We make donations to the Shelby County Board of Education to support HHS and help them grow as quickly as they can,” Mike said. They are also helping the school develop fundraising strategies through the EOG marketing department, and he says their other resources are at the school’s disposal.

Mike reinforced that he firmly believes in giving back to the community. “I remember, as a boy growing up in Helena, seeing business owners call customers by name. They knew you; they treated you well. Smart businessmen know to appreciate their customers, treat them with respect and take care of them,” he said. “I apply those principals today: invest in the community, and the community will invest in you.”

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Helena Police Department has 8 new Chevy Tahoe vehicles on the road

The Helena PD now has eight 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Vehicles in service for the city.

According to Lieutenant Brad Flynn, the city council approved purchasing these vehicles to replace a few high-mileage cars that will now be sold at auction.

“After Ford stopped producing the Crown Victoria, we began to search for a new vehicle that would fit our needs, and the Tahoe met every requirement we had,” Lt. Flynn explained. “All are equipped with state-ofthe-art equipment and will provide our officers a very safe and effective vehicle from which to work.”

In addition to the vehicles, officers have recently begun using new tablets and body cameras.

“Thanks to a $23,000 grant from the Alabama Dept of Homeland Security, we

were able to purchase several state-of-the-art computer tablets and body-worn cameras that will be a huge help to the police department,” continued Lt. Flynn. “Chief Jones is committed to providing his officers with the best equipment so that they, in turn, will be able to deliver an

even higher level of service to the community.”

Lt. Flynn extends gratitude to Mayor Hall and the City Council for allowing the department to obtain these new vehicles.

“With the opening of the new high school upon us, Chief Jones and Mayor Hall wanted

to show the police department's support for the new school and the community. An easy way to do that was to incorporate the new school colors into the vehicle graphics. The officers are very proud of the new vehicles and we hope the community takes as much pride in them as we do.”

Sergeant Michael Johnson

HELENA, AL

2600 HWY 58

(CORNER OF 58 AND 95)

664-2600

Karol Ohe finds what she needs at Snap Fitness!

Meet an enthusiastic new SNAP Fitness member, Karol Ohe, a native of Minnesota who moved from Detroit Lakes to the Alabaster/Helena area to be near her daughter and grandchildren.

“I have always been active

in sports—softball, baseball and tennis—and walked regularly. So I came to SNAP with the intention of finding a convenient facility where I could also incorporate the machine workouts into my regime.”

“Trainer Jackie Droxler gave me my orientation session and I now come three days a week for my personalized workout.

On the alternate three days, I do cardio, walk on the treadmill and incorporate corestrengthening exercises.”

Karol, a schoolteacher for 33 years, is now retired and has had hip and knee surgery.“I am careful as I adjust to those changes in my body, but I am appreciative and proud to be older.”

“Both of my brothers died of cancer in their 40s,

and I want to be healthy and active and enjoy my family, which is so important to me, for as long as possible.”

Since losing her husband in 2006, she remains active in an Alabama grief support group.

She pitches ball to her grandsons, one of whom plays on the Helena Wildcats travel team. Karol also volunteers at Creekview Elementary and at New Beacon Hospice.

“I like the trainers here at SNAP and how clean the gym is kept. I have made new acquaintances—Earl, Marie, Brenda and Esther—who usually workout at the same time as me.”

“I have never been to a gym that feels so friendly!”

Pictured here, members of the Helena Husky football team (L to R, Barrett Barnett, Seth Kelosky, and Todd Millsap) work hard to get in fighting shape for the upcoming Husky football season. See them in action Friday nights this fall!

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL One free HHS student membership with adult per contract Offer ends 12/31/14

Check Out Merri’s New CardioFunk Dance Class!

Helena Market Days Certified by State of Alabama Helena Market Days have been certified as an official Alabama Farmers’ Market.

Above left, The Farmers’ Market Committee presents Mayor Hall with a certificate awarded to the market by Don Wambles, Administrator of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority.

“We were told, ‘You guys set the model for the state, for all the farmer’s markets – and no one has what the city of Helena

has,’” commented Cris Nelson.

“He commended us on our vendors, on our chef demonstrations, the music, the events like the BBQ Cook off, and the welcoming setting near Buck Creek.”

Wambles continues to note that, “buying local helps support your local economy. When you buy food directly from a farmer, your dollars circulate in your community. When you buy

locally, you ensure that family farms and businesses in your community will thrive.”

Unlike most, the Helena Farmer’s Market is entirely volunteer-run.

The Farmer’s Market Committee includes (pictured above left) Hal Woodman, Ron Holly, Bob Van Loan and Cris Nelson, as well as (not pictured) Zulfi Merchant, Laura Brookhart and Henry Neff.

Mayor Hall, also included, is second from the left. Weekly volunteers also include Jack Gray, Ken Penhale, Alex Amos, and Peggy Holly.

The Helena Market Days was also voted Best of the Best Farmer’s Market in 2013 by Shelby Living magazine.

See weekly schedules and updates at: https://www. facebook.com/The.Helena.

Market.Days

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

15

HILL’S CARPET & FLOOR COVERINGS

Tile · Hardwood · Stone · Ceramic Cork · Vinyl · Laminate · Carpet Family owned for over 30 years.

Two locations to serve you — Helena and Hueytown.

Over 100 rolls of carpet and vinyl in stock.

Visit our new Helena store at 5135 Hwy 17, Suites B & C (205) 358-7879 • Hueytown (205) 491-3691 www.HillsCarpetStore.com Interest Free Financing with Approved Credit

Free Estimates

Welcome Hill’s Carpet and Floor Coverings—

Scott and Wendy Suell

bring carpet and floor solutions to Helena

Hill’s Carpet and Floor Coverings, Helena’s newest local business, is so much more than what their name suggests. As a fullservice flooring company, Hill’s offers customers the complete package, from help in the idea stage, through planning, ordering materials and installation. Step into their beautiful showroom at 5135 Highway 17, between the Coosa Mart and the former Helena Family Pharmacy building, and it is clear how much pride the associates at Hill’s take in their work.

Scott and Wendy Suell, who own the Helena store as well as another location in Hueytown, bought the business from Scott’s uncle, Bill Hill, in 2011. Bill, who still works with the company, established it in 1982.

“Scott’s worked in flooring all his life, and it was always his dream to own his own store,” Wendy said. She explained that Jack Suell, Scott’s late father, installed carpet for a living. With a father and two uncles in the business, it’s no wonder where he cultivated his interest. With so

many combined years of experience under their belts, there’s no better place to go for flooring solutions than Hill’s.

After two successful years in Hueytown, Scott was traveling to an installation in Helena when he saw the empty storefront and thought it would be a perfect fit.

“We wanted to expand, and we really like the area down here in Helena, so we thought we’d give it a try,” Wendy said. The opportunity to reach a fast-growing community like Helena with little to no local direct competition was very enticing to Scott, and it seems to be paying off already.

As a local company, they try to support other local businesses, often buying their materials from Daltile, Emser, or Southern Wholesale Flooring Company, all of

which are based in Birmingham.

Hill’s offers a wide variety of carpet options, from the DreamWeaver PureColor Fiber System to Philadelphia Commercial patterned options, Mohawk everstrand Eco-Sensations, and Bliss’s SoftSense or Indulgence Magic Fresh options.

They also offer many tile options from Questech as well as Emser and Daltile for floors, walls, back-splashes and counter tops. They have everything from ceramic, glass and metal tiles to natural stone colors and molded or mosaic accents, as well as a selection of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) options.

They carry Harris Wood, Carolina Home, Mullican Flooring, Naturelle’s luxury resilient flooring, Fusion Hybrid Floors from Southern Wholesale Flooring Company and the entire family of Shaw Floors pieces.

Come on down to Hill’s Carpet and Floor Coverings to talk to their experienced technicians about your floor needs today!

MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

17

Register now for this school year!

Preschool and Kindergarten

A Nurturing Christian Environment

Main Office 330 Canyon Park Drive Chase Youth Center 3050 Lee St. Pelham, Alabama 35124 Phone: 205.620.1616

Hours 6 am – 6 pm Mon – Fri

Chase Learning Center & Daycare is a child daycare and learning facility that offers a nurturing Christian environment for your precious children. We strongly believe that encouragement and compassion foster a productive and healthy learning atmosphere, and we are proud to offer that for your children.

Call us at 620-1616 to speak with one of our staff members, or stop by anytime to tour our facility and meet some of our teachers.

We provide after school pickup in Alabaster, Helena and Pelham and offer reasonable rates for after school care, summer care and holiday programs for children kindergarten through 12 years of age. We also provide infant care, preschool and private kindergarten. Call us today!

Thanks to Highpointe Properties for sponsoring Helena’s first Jazz in the Park event in July. The afternoon was enjoyed by all. They were treated to jazz from recording artists Oli Silk and Roland Gresham. Thanks also to Magic City Smooth Jazz, a non profit charitable organization that promotes the arts, managed by Bernard Lockhart.

Helena Fire Department purchases new trailer

An update on “Baby Bea” Beatrix Katherine Snowden (pictured above), parents Thomas and Laura Snowden, and her grandmother, Helena native Dixie Snowden, would like to thank the many residents of Helena who have prayed for Bea’s health this past year. They are humbled and blessed by everyone who came out to the fundraising catfish dinner last month.

The family said, “It was a smashing success with almost 200 people attending! Many thanks to the ladies of Helena United Methodist Church for working so hard to make this happen, and thanks to all who came out to support Baby Bea.” Without the thoughts and prayers of friends and family back home, the Snowdens know they would not have been able to make it through an entire year of moving from hospital to hospital. Thanks to everyone’s support, Baby Bea is now one year old and flourishing, finally, at home.

The City Council has approved the purchase of a new cargo trailer for use by the Fire Department. The trailer will give the Fire Department a way to transport its Polaris Ranger (used for fighting woods fires and transporting patients from inaccessible areas), its water rescue equipment and its hazardous materials mitigation supplies.

The front of the trailer will be outfitted with a generator, interior and exterior lighting, an office area and future awning that will allow it to be used as a command post during city

events such as the Buck Creek Festival or serve as a command post/rehabilitation area during emergency events.

Once the trailer has been delivered, the HFD firefighters will complete the installation of the auxiliary lighting and other additions needed to maximize the use of the trailer.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

19

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20 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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

BAPTIST CrossBridge Community Church Starkey Street (off 261) • 621-2695 Pastors Harris Cook & Bruce Squires crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 PM

First Baptist Church Helena

815 Highway 52 E • 663-7879 Sr Pastor Greg Walker • fbhelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM & 6:00 PM

Gospel Light Baptist Church

5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor Steve Kilpatrick • glbcbham.com Sunday Bible Study 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Highway 261 • 663-5257 Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM

New Elam Baptist Church Cunningham Drive • 663-2230 Rev. Lester Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM

Riverside Baptist Church

1919 Highway 52 W • 426-1910 Pastor JJ Stanbridge • rbchelena.org Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Sunday Bible Study 10:30 AM

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 Pastor Tommy Morgan 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 Evgs Curtis Flatt & Bryan Moody church-of-christ.org Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship 10:30 AM

EPISCOPAL Lamb of God Charismatic Episcopal

New Vision Christian Church

2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org 5140 County Road 17 • 378-8022 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

METHODIST Helena United Methodist Church 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Rev. Mary Bendall • helenaumc.org Sunday Worship 8:30, 11:00, 11:02 AM

The Church at Cahaba Bend

1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Sunday Worship 7:00 & 10:00 AM Thursday Bible Teaching 10:00 AM

PRESBYTERIAN Christ Community Church

3721 Highway 52 W • 621-8060 Rev. Lori Carden • cahababend.org Sunday School 9:15 AM Contemporary Worship 10:30 AM

Meets at Helena Intermediate • 621-6248 Pastor Phil Chambers • cccbham.org Sunday Worship 10:00 AM

NAZARENE Trinity Church of the Nazarene

3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Pastor Mike Ensminger helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM

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

Helena Cumberland Presbyterian

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.

Attend the Church of Your Choice This Sunday!

Helena Soccer Club makes the city of Helena proud!

Helena Soccer Club was invited to the Alabama Athlete Games XXXII. Celebration was Friday, June 20 at the BJCC at 7pm. Helena's Soccer Club had several teams in attendance.

Teams from U10 (HES) to U16 (HHS). Helena teams played

Saturday and Sunday for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Our U10 boys placed 4/5 for the first time playing as a new team for this event. The teams are looking forward to going back next year.

It was a fantastic experience for all.

This is the U10 group, which played for the state of Alabama XXXII games. They were on PBS to spotlight all the great groups of athletes, both young and old, in the state. Many age groups played for the Helena at this tournament, and one brought home the silver medal.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

21

pediatric dentistry

2490 Pelham Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124

205-419-7444

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Extra heads available for multiple kids. Regular value: $50. Call our office for details!

Dr. Richard Baxter & His Family

Dr. Richard Baxter opens Shelby Pediatric Dentistry on Hwy 31

Welcome Pelham and Helena’s new pediatric dentist, Dr. Richard Baxter, DMD, MS. For the past 18 months, Dr. Baxter and his wife, Tara, have been involved in every aspect of creating their business home in the newly constructed building at 2490 Pelham Parkway next to Valley Elementary School.

Together, they choose and designed all aspects of the project including the building layout, logo, interior and exterior colors, and furnishings to make it as kid-friendly as possible.

school at UAB. The couple spent time in Columbus, OH while Dr. Baxter completed a two-year program/ residency in pediatric dentistry at Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Tara worked in the heart transplant ICU at UAB and in cardiology while at Ohio State.

Their interest in mission work inspired their logo, which represents all children of the world. The interior theme of the office vibrates with colorful walls. Each area is themed to a

They are ready to start taking appointments at Shelby Pediatric Dentistry on August 11.

“We want children to feel a sense of fun when they come in,” Dr. Baxter said. “We invite families in the community to come take a tour of the office.

They will see this is a happy place!”

Dr. Baxter, originally from Dallas, TX, attended Vanderbilt University, where he met his wife, Tara, who is a nurse practitioner. They then moved to Birmingham, where Tara’s family lives, so he could attend dental

different continent and is thus inclusive and educational about the children who live there.

The Baxters attend the Church at Brook Hills and are committed to and involved with mission work. In 2013, they traveled to Myanmar (Burma) with mPower, which is a non-profit ministry based in Louisville.

“There, in an area where there are several million people but no access to dental care, we trained eleven pastors with some previous medical training to extract teeth,” Dr. Baxter said.

“We treated many infections and taught these pastors known as ‘Barefoot Doctors’ to do extractions, administer antibiotics, and provide ongoing basic dental care in their home communities. It is our plan to continue trips to do this type of training.”

“We got a report from one of the men we trained and learned

Tara will have a presence in the office. In addition to helping oversee the original project, she also helped develop their employee manual, website and consulted with the hiring.

“Dental care for special needs children is a big part of pediatric dentistry. Our practice focuses on dental care for all children from birth to about age

he took out over 1000 teeth last year with no complications.

This is a part of the world where people have no anesthetics and in desperation have to remove diseased teeth themselves with hardware tools.”

Other previous mission trips include Peru and Costa Rica where they saw heartbreaking incidences in young children who have no dental care.

Seeing these situations is part of what steered Dr. Baxter to dentistry. His extensive pediatric training includes sedation and general anesthesia in a hospital setting, sometimes needed with special cases.

Dr. Richard and Tara Baxter are proud new parents of twin girls, Hannah and Noelle. As a new mother,

20. Shelby Pediatric Dentistry provides a wide-range of services including preventative care and restorative care (fillings and crowns).”

“We want every child to have a positive experience and receive the highest quality care.”

Shelby Pediatric Dentistry has partnered with their next-door neighbor, Valley Elementary School, to install a safe walking path for student use.

www.ShelbyPediatric.com

Happy in Helena­—the Coleman family Leah and Andrew Coleman and their sons, Colin, 5, and Charlie, 8 months, are perfect for our Happy in Helena feature.

Both Tennessee natives, this is the first time they have lived outside of Tennessee.

The couple, both MTSU graduates, met through a mutual friend in college. Andrew came to Alabama about a year ago as a Commercial Underwriter for Southern Company, broadening his professional horizons.

“We are so happy to have found our home here in the Oak Park neighborhood. We have met many of our neighbors and really feel a part of the town at this point,” Andrew said.

“We lived first in Hoover, but chose Helena for the schools.

We specifically wanted to be in Helena, and on the weekends, we find ourselves very happy to stay in Helena.”

The Colemans say they loved the July 3 Independence Day celebration in Old Town. “That evening, Colin and I went through the Penhale Museum for the first time. As a history buff, I was very interested to learn more of Helena’s history and very interested to see the photographs portraying the town’s origins.”

Leah, Colin and Charlie frequent the Jane Holmes library. For them, the library is the perfect size. Colin, who will begin pre-K this fall, loves the children’s section and now has his own library card!

“I think libraries are still very important to a community,” Andrew noted, “and I look forward to my children growing up to have that same appreciation.”

Andrew has discovered the running trail in Old Hillsboro and is now a regular user. “It’s

fantastic and we can also take the kids and our bikes. We like to take the entire trail through to The Depot. We are big fans of The Depot.”

The Coleman’s were quite pleased to also receive the official ‘Mr. Zodie’ welcome.

“He introduced himself to Colin and gave him a dollar,” Leah said. “He told him to pick out something he wanted. We thought that was awesome; you’re not going to get that in Hoover!”

Leah has taken note of No Sleep in Helena’s blog of 100 Things To Do in Helena. “That’s how we knew about signing up for baseball and about First Fridays and Ice & Coal Gallery

in Old Town.”

Leah and the boys also love visiting Cahaba Lily Park and they attended the HMS Carnival and HES Spring Fling. A holiday highlight was when Santa Claus toured their neighborhood at Christmas.

“Little things like that make us absolutely love Helena,” the Colemans agree.

Helena is going teal for cancer awareness

Raising awareness to the symptoms of gynecologic cancers is a very important mission and could ultimately save wom-

en’s lives. Three Birmingham organizations — the CanSurvive GYN Cancer Support Group, the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation, and the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation — are partnering to do just that with their “A State of Teal” campaign.

The campaign will take place in September, which is National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

“A State of Teal” is designed to raise awareness of GYN cancers, the impact of these cancers on Alabamians, and the need for research and improved screening tests. On September 2, there will be an awareness event in the banquet room of Regions Field.

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with food and music provided by the MAKing a Difference Band. Those who have been instrumental in the areas of research, support and awareness

24 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

will address attendees at 6:45.

Everyone will witness the teal lighting of the BIRMINGHAM sign at Regions Field as well as the Birmingham skyline which will be lit in teal by participating buildings. Ticket price for the event is $20 and the first 150 people to purchase tickets will be provided with a free t-shirt commemorating the A State of Teal event for 2014.

Among those attending will be members of these organizations, along with mayors and representatives of municipalities in and around the Birmingham area, supporting businesses and sponsors, physicians, GYN cancer survivors, families whose loved ones were affected by GYN cancer, and citizens from across Alabama. The public is invited to attend.

Governor Robert Bentley will proclaim September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

in Alabama. The City of Helena will also issue a proclamation declaring September GYN Cancer Awareness month. Additional proclamations are being issued by cities across Alabama.

The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery will also be lit in teal on September 2nd to commemorate Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Day. Companies, venues, and organizations statewide are lighting up their buildings in teal to raise awareness. Helena will light municipal buildings and other landmarks in teal for the entire month of September.

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TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

25

River & Cape Montessori Nursery School

The first Montessori school in Shelby County to accept infants under 18 months.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW! Monday through Friday • Exclusively for children 6 weeks through the 3rd year Call us today at (205) 542-1424 to schedule an appointment and tour “The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that precedes or follows in the whole life of the child.”

–Dr. Maria Montessori

OUR PROGRAM AND ITS INSTRUCTOR: • Adhere to the methods designed by Dr. Maria Montessori • Take advantage of both indoor and outdoor learning experiences • Plan menus using the “Dirty Dozen” guidelines and support our local farmers • Love and nurture every child that enters our classroom Every child wants to learn; it’s choosing the right environment that makes the difference.

For more information, contact Kelly Thomson at (205) 542-1424 or Email RiverAndCapeMontessori@gmail.com.

We are conveniently located in Helena’s Dearing Downs subdivision off Highway 95.

HELENA HARDWARE 101 Ace Place • 205-605-0600

Tool Time

Hidey-ho good neighbor.

Have you had any problems with your weed trimmer not wanting to run? Ever since they have been putting ethanol in the gas it has been reaping havoc on anything with a carburetor.

From what I understand majority of the problems small engine shops are running into lately are gas related. Solution; either put a fuel stabilizer in the fuel or buy TruFuel. The reason you want to use a stabilizer is over a course of time the ethanol in fuel attracts moisture and then breaks down and gums up parts in the carburetor. A Stabilizer is designed to remove water and keep fuel fresh.

Trufuel on the other hand is a complete fuel. It is a higher

with

DANIEL 26 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

octane fuel with a stabilizer in it and is made without ethanol. So if you do not use your equipment a lot, or you are getting ready to store them for the fall I would definitely look into using one of these products. We have a new product on our shelf TruFuel 4-cycle. It is designed to put in push mowers and other 4-cycle engines with a detergent to keep down deposits, stabilizer for shelf life, and friction modifier which is supposed to increase fuel economy. I had a customer tell me today that where it use to take a half to three quarters of a tank to mow his yard it only takes a quarter when using this product. This year is flying by.

Fall is right around the corner and we already have hunters buying corn. If you are into feeding deer for any reason let me tell you about a Nutrena product that would be good to use this fall. Record Rack

Golden Deer Nugget is a feed that was developed with an attractant of wild berries and a blend of vitamins and minerals to help with the deer’s health and also better develop antlers. It is an extruded product and is made to take the weather, so you can put it in a feeder or put it on the ground. It is guaranteed to have 13% protein that is about twice as much as corn and the crude fat is 12%. They had the deer’s health in mind when they made this feed. Well until next time, come in and see us.

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMES STUDENTS

Dear Helena High Students, Parents, and Community, On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to welcome all of you to Helena High School for the 2014-15 school year. This is our inaugural year, and everyone is extremely excited about the unique opportunity we have been given to create something special. No matter who you are or where you have been, we are all proud to be Huskies now! Our faculty and staff look forward to getting acquainted with the students who will comprise our very first student body, and we firmly believe that our school has all of the ingredients to reach its maximum potential: a qualified staff, concerned and involved parents, a supportive community, and capable students.

You matter here, and this is your place. We are excited about the opportunity to work together on behalf of the students that this great place exists to serve.

Warm regards, Jay Peoples, Principal Helena High School

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HHS Coach Watt Parker wants you pumped for the Huskies’ first football season!

Talking with Helena High School head football coach, Watt Parker, in late July about his inaugural Husky team, he offered this, “I haven’t even seen them in pads yet!”

Even so, he said that after a spring training session with helmets only, a couple of seven-on-seven camps and a lineman’s camp, he is impressed with all of his players’ dedication and drive.

“We had 10 days of spring training, then a passing camp at Samford University in July and another one at Birmingham

Southern College. Those three sessions plus our Lineman’s camp mean we’ve had the guys a total of 17 days so far,” laughed the coach.

“But the kids have been really disciplined in their workouts, using mainly local gyms since the Helena High School facilities were not yet finished. The community support here has been phenomenal,” said Coach Parker.

Those facilities include a new stadium and fieldhouse, which, by the time this goes to press, should be complete and ready to provide a

David Green takes over HMS football HMS Head Football Coach David Green is living the dream.

He has known he wanted to teach history and coach football since 6th grade. This summer, when the head coaching position came available, he was given the golden opportunity he needed to fill those shoes. He delights in telling his students, while teaching them 8th grade World History, “You can do whatever you want to. I’m proof of that!”

David has played football his

entire life. After going to state three times at Homewood High School, he was a four-year starter at Mount Ida College outside Boston. Immediately following graduation, he earned his masters’ and teaching certificate while working as the recruiting intern for the Blazers at UAB. “Then I was fortunate enough to be hired here, and it’s been a blessing.”

As the head wrestling coach and defensive coordinator for football at the school for the past two

springboard for a winning group of athletes.

Coach Parker said that several football players stood out to him during the passing camps, which highlight the skill players such as quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends on offense and defensive backs on defense.

Coach Parker singled out his three QBs: Junior Diondre Sackreiter, Sophomore Riley Davis and Freshman Lawson Peoples. Also Junior WR Brett Grainger who, at 6’4” and 200 lbs, sounds more like a college receiver.

Others mentioned as skill camp standouts included: Phildon Dublin, Richard Cummings, Josh Sanders, Brian Simmons, Kendal Featherstone, Austin Davis, Reid Henderson, Jake Busby,Terrel Blevins, Barrett Barnett, Nash Adams, Devon Waller, Seth Kelosky and Keon Arnold.

Not to take a back seat to anyone, the Lineman’s camp featured the “big uglies” up front on both sides of the ball, which is where it all starts in the game of football. Without good line play, it’s impossible for the skill players to exhibit their talents. Impressing at the lineman camp were: Jamal Jemison, Wynton Perry, Justin Watson, James Morris, Tyler Rose, Seth Kelosky (plays both ways), Brett Grainger (another two way player) and Taylor Knight.

“Lots of others performed well, these are just some names that stood out to me,” said Coach Parker.

Coach Watt Parker acts as his own Offensive Coordinator and has brought in Mike Morgan, from Tuscaloosa’s Northridge High School, to be his Defensive Coordinator.

See you this month at Husky Stadium! Go Huskies!

years, David has gotten to know the faculty, students and community at HMS, and especially the football program. “The HMS Huskies have been successful in the past, so we’re continuing the same things we’ve always done,” he explained.

Their new shirts are emblazoned with the phrases, “No guts, no glory,” and “Something To Prove,” because these studentathletes will prove every day what they are capable of.

“These kids are hungry for victory. I’m really impressed by what they have done this summer.”

While David has been running drills with the middle school athletes, Watt Parker does the same across the street at HHS. “It’s been so exciting watching the school being built, there is a lot of excitement between the two schools,” David said. “I’m more than happy to help in any way I can to build support and help the community succeed.”

He looks forward to working

with Watt, as well as HHS Head Wrestling Coach Keith Maple, to build a continuous sports program between the two schools. “We set the foundation at HMS so kids can be as prepared as possible when moving up to the high school level,” he said. “We want everything to come second nature to them.”

This year, new football teams have entered HMS’s region, and the Huskies are itching to see how they will play compared to old rivals. They are ready for the season to start. “Briarwood, Chelsea and Riverchase are great teams; they’re well-coached, so they should be good games,” David said.

Running two middle school sports teams is a little hectic, as the football season ends about a week before the wrestling team starts meeting to practice. “It’s a lot of work, but I’m eating it up.

I love every second of it,” David enthused with a giant grin on his face. “I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s truly a blessing.”

2014 Helena High School Football Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

Aug. 29 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 30

Ramsey/ John Carroll Jamboree Shelby County Wilcox Central Dallas County Demopolis Chelsea Jemison Calera Sumter Central Central-Tuscaloosa Pleasant Grove

Home Shelby County High School Wilcox Central High School Dallas County High School Home Home Home Calera High School Sumter Central High School Home Home

7:00 PM 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

Home Games are Played at Helena’s Husky Stadium

Helena Football Season Tickets now on sale!

It’s great to be a Helena Husky! Coach Parker urges everyone to come see the Huskies first game action, a jamboree, at Husky Stadium Friday, August 22 at 7:00 pm.

The Huskies take on Ramsay and John Carroll in a sixquarter scrimmage.

The Helena Athletic Association is selling Helena Huskies season tickets for $125 each, and the season

pass allows entrance to both varsity and juniorvarsity home games. There are a limited number of special reserved seats still available at press time. For more information and to purchase season tickets, sign up online at: www. helenaathleticassociation.org.

Those that purchase season tickets will be given the opportunity

to repurchase the same number of seats the

following year. This does not include parking passes.

2014 Helena Middle School Football Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

Aug. 21

Berry

Berry Middle School

5:30 pm

Aug. 28

Hueytown

Home

5:30 PM

Sept. 4

McAdory

McAdory Middle School

5:30 pm

Sept. 11

OFF

OFF

OFF

Sept. 18

Chelsea

Chelsea Middle School

5:30 pm

Sept. 25

Briarwood

Briarwood Christian School

5:30 pm

Oct. 2

John Carroll

John Carroll Middle School

5:30 pm

Oct. 9

Calera

Home

5:30 PM

Oct. 16

Riverchase

Home

5:30 PM

Home Games are Played at Helena’s Husky Stadium

IMPORTANT– official traffic directions for HMS and HHS school hours Recently, Helena police officers met with Helena High School Principal Jay Peoples, two assistant principals and the Director of Transportation for the School Board to discuss developing an efficient and safe traffic plan for Helena’s schools. Outlined below is the plan, which Lieutenant Brad Flynn calls “a very good foundation to build on.”

For safety reasons, student drivers and car rider vehicles will enter from different entrances. This allows for the utilization of both main entrances to the school, and keeps drivers from trying to cross traffic while on school property.

Car Riders in the morning are to enter on the south side of the school, adjacent to Hwy 91, and turn left onto the road that runs in front of the school. After dropping their student off, drivers will turn right on the road that separates the school and the stadium, and then turn left on the rear stadium drive, which will route them back to Hillsboro Pkwy. Once at the parkway, all vehicles will turn right back towards Hwy. 52.

This will keep from overloading the roundabout and the road between the schools, and not just from student driver and residential traffic. Helena PD even sees post-student drop-off cars, who want to go back through to access Hwy 91 or 32 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Hillsboro Pkwy, as a potential traffic hazard these routes will fix.

Student Drivers will enter the school grounds via the roundabout (South) entrance, and if they are parked in Lots 1 or 2, they will turn right to access those lots via Lot 1. If they are parked in Lot 4 at the rear of the school, they will continue around the ring road and

enter the lot from there.

In the afternoon, car rider traffic will run in exactly the same way as it does in the morning. All students in Lot 1 and Lot 4 will exit the school grounds via the South entrance where an officer will be directing traffic. All students in Lot 2 will exit to the north of the school and then turn left, go down the hill and exit the school via the roundabout.

Lt. Flynn says to please note that all these plans may change. “Both police and school staff will be closely monitoring the traffic and we know there will be some areas where we will change a few things,” he said. “We will let everyone know of any changes to the plan after school begins.”

Another step city leaders are asking is for all students and school staff who live in the city to follow a certain route to the school so that roads are not overcrowded. “We want to evenly distribute the traffic based on where people live in the city. For example, someone who lives in Dearing Downs will exit Dearing Downs onto Hwy 95, turn right onto Hwy 58, then left onto Hwy 17 to Hillsboro Pkwy straight to HHS,” he explained. They are also strongly discouraging anyone from using Old Cahaba Pkwy to access Hillsboro Pkwy unless they live in Old Cahaba.

“If everyone is patient and works together, we know we will get this thing dialed in very quickly,” Lt. Flynn concluded.

Parks and Recreation News from Director Jason Powers

As the summer winds down, with high school and college football season right around the corner, Helena Parks and Recreation has an exciting array of activities underway and forthcoming for the Helena community to enjoy.

Join the “One A Day Community Clean” Initiative Jason Powers challenges you to help Keep Helena Clean!

While you are at any of our parks, pavilions or athletic facilities, please discard all of your trash appropriately and pick up one piece of trash that isn’t yours. Just imagine how clean our community would be if everyone picked up at least one additional piece of trash a day!

From a gum wrapper to a bottle of soda, we can all make a difference one piece at a time!

Park Facility updates A new bench was constructed and refinished at Joe Tucker Park, courtesy of a volunteer Eagle Scout project, and can be seen above left. New mulch was installed at the Joe Tucker Park playground, seen above right.

All Stars Following our Spring baseball

and softball park seasons, four All Star baseball teams (6/7/8/10) and three Girls Softball teams (U6/U8/ U12) competed throughout Birmingham this summer. All teams were very competitive and represented the community very well. The 6 yr. old baseball team coached by Ross Ozley won the American League All Star Tournament hosted in Hoover.

Thanks to all the coaches, volunteers, sponsors and parents for their support of the various teams that played in All Star tournaments this summer.

Without your support and time, the kids would not be able to enjoy softball and baseball.

efforts in working through the many details needed to finish this field construction project.

Capital Improvements The new Helena Athletic Field project, located at the Helena Sports Complex, is nearing completion. Two pictures of the field can be seen at the top of this page. The City hosted a dedication ceremony Saturday, August 9th. Special thanks to Mayor Mark Hall and the City Council for their financial support of this project that has been many years in the making. Many thanks to George Pickle and Bill Miller for their

Cheerleading Helena will be fielding five cheer squads to support our youth football teams. Our cheer squads will also participate in Cheer Competition later in the Fall.

Football Helena will be fielding five teams in the Jefferson Shelby Youth Football League; games will begin September 2. Helena will be playing with many other communities throughout Birmingham.

Teams will be fielded in the 80lb/90lb/105lb/120lb/135lb weight classes. Teams began practicing in late July. Come out and watch some future Helena High School Huskies!

The league website is: www.jsyfl.net

Tennis Helena Parks and Rec partnered with the United States Tennis Association to host a youth tennis clinic on July 26th at Joe Tucker Park’s tennis courts. This was a free clinic for kids aged 7-10 years old. Helena

will also be offering a tennis league for kids 7-10 starting September 15th. The cost is $30/child, which includes a junior USTA membership.

The league will run for six consecutive Mondays beginning on Sept. 15. The league is limited to 24. All balls and racquets will be provided. Go to www.helenaparksandrec.org for registration details.

An adult tennis league will also be offered during the Fall.

Upcoming sports registration Registration for all sports can be found online at www.helenaparksandrec.org Fall Baseball/Softball Registration will run through August 24th.

Baseball will offer leagues in Tee ball/Rookie 5/Rookie 6 and Farm league (7/8 year old).

Girls Softball will offer leagues in U6/U8/U10/U12.

The Fall soccer season will begin in mid September and run through mid November. Leagues will go from U7s - U14s.

Have any questions? Contact Parks and Recreation Director Jason Powers at helenarec@ cityofhelena.org or 620-2877.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

33

Lewis & Clark head up HHS volleyball

Who better to lead the HHS volleyball team through the perilous first year of a new high school than the dynamic duo of Lewis and Clark? Amanda Lewis is the head varsity coach, Fabiana Clark is head JV coach and Delisa Lowery is assistant coach.

“Ever since I got word several years ago that Helena was getting a high school, I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” Amanda said.

“What’s so exciting is everyone has rallied around the new school. It’s a great community,

and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Amanda started playing at Westview High School in 7th grade. She came south on a volleyball scholarship to West Alabama. There, as a volleyball graduate assistant, she met her husband, Blake, a baseball graduate assistant, and they decided to make Alabama their home and pursue high school coaching.

“I feel like I can touch more girls’ lives in high school, and that’s what this is all about. I

know we will have responsible, respectful girls coming out of Helena High School ready for the next step in their lives,” she said.

“It’s not all about athletics, it’s about development, and getting the students to do something.”

After a volleyball interest meeting in April and tryouts in May, it’s been a whirlwind summer for the coach. “We finally got into the gym in July and hit the ground running!”

So far, she has two nearly-full rosters for the varsity and JV teams, and has plans to start a freshman team in the future.

But because of the unusual situation in the Helena/Pelham split, some of the girls have never played volleyball. “We’ve gotta get to know each other first, they have to see how I coach, but they’ll get it,’ Amanda said. “They work really hard in practice. They work hard and play hard.”

The biggest influences in

Amanda’s life were her coaches, so she wants to pay that forward to her players. “I was always learning something new from them, so I try to teach my girls something new every day. Add a little crazy and you’ve got the Lewis coaching style,” she laughed.

Amanda has already been approached by parents and several local businesses to ask how they can help, even with Fischer, Amanda and Blake’s one year old ‘gym rat,’ as they affectionately call him. “At three days old, we had him with us at a volleyball game. With coaches for parents, he’s got no chance,” she laughed.

“His first word was ‘ball’!”

She’s pleased with the welcome they have received. “Everybody is really excited for what Helena High School can be,” she said.

“We have the best facilities in Shelby County, and that’s because of the Helena community.”

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34 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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Helena High School Band prepares for its first year As the 2014-2015 school year starts, the Helena High School Band is well underway and working hard for this upcoming school year. Parents, students, and band staff have a huge undertaking in front of them starting a program from ground zero.

Students are working to perfect a halftime show featuring famous songs from Pixar movies that will make the community proud. As they march around the parking lot outside the band room practicing in the summer heat, they are setting a high standard for themselves and each other.

The want to be the best they can be and represent the community in the best way possible.

Parents have worked to measure and fit all 180 students

in the new blue, black, and silver band uniforms.

Parents are also working on raising money to pay for the new uniforms and new instruments.

The uniforms and equipment combine together to cost approximately $400,000 to provide the best possible for the students at the new school.

Parents are working to raise these funds in several ways.

One way is by working to get the concession stand at the football stadium ready for the fall activities. The city built a beautiful facility, and now the band parents are working to get donations to equip the stand with things such as fryers, grills, refrigerators, cooking utensils, etc. The concession stand will help raise some of the money to pay for all the new uniforms and equipment.

Needless to say, this is a huge undertaking to provide for the students the best program

possible. If anyone would like to make a donation of any kind, the band program is in need of many things to help out these students. Contact Jeff Burnside, the Helena High School band director, at 205-682-3657 or jburnside@shelbyed.k12.al.us; or Jan Hull, band booster president, at mbhull@consultant.com Tax deductible donations can be made through the HHS Band Boosters. In addition to financial donations, some of the basic items still needed to provide for

the students are: • extension cords • power strips • copier paper/printer cartridges/ office supplies • Refrigerator for concession stand • music • an assortment of tools • large 45 gallon or larger coolers • large ice maker Please help support your new local band program by donating or in any way that you can!

O’Brien, Anchors tie the knot

Local boy helps raise money for Two by Two Animal Rescue Joey Sciarrotta and friends collected money for Two by Two Animal Rescue. They went going door to door asking neighbors and friends to donate. Joey made lemonade and sold cookies most days in Old Cahaba to give back to our community and help out man’s best friend. Way to go, Joey!

Jennifer Leigh O’Brien and Robert “Chad” Anchors were married May 3 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church with Mickey Morgan officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Dennis and Jeannene O’Brien of Helena. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

She is employed by Abbey Residential. The groom is the son of Robert Anchors of Hoover and Betty Hamilton of Hoover.

He is a graduate of Lawson State in Birmingham with an associate’s degree in building construction. He is employed by CS Beatty Construction.

The maids of honor were Jacquelyn O’Brien and Jenny O’Brien, sisters of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Sophie Madach, Maddie Smith, Ashley

Smith and Ashley Miller. Junior bridesmaid was Meredith Taylor, and the flower girl was Caroline Moore. The best man was Robert Anchors, father of the groom.

Groomsmen were Cory Anchors, brother of the groom, as well as Whit Winford, Joe Wammack, Kyle Barefield and Jeffry Hebert.

Junior groomsman was John Robert Moore.

The reception was held at the Vestavia Country Club in Vestavia Hills. The newlyweds honeymooned in the Dominican Republic.

Carley McCune named Co-Captain of Auburn Marching Band Flag Line Carley McCune was selected as Co-Captain of the Auburn University Marching Band Flag Line for the 2014-15 season. She is the daughter of Deborah and Brad McCune. She graduated from Pelham High School in 2011, where she was a member

of the color guard and winter guard for four years. Carley is majoring in Communication Disorders and is looking forward to a great senior year. She performs on both flag and rifle and this is her fourth year on the Auburn Flag Line. War Eagle!

Former Helena resident graduates with PhD in Biomedical Engineering Mary Kathryn Sewell-Loftin, former resident of Helena and graduate of Pelham High School, graduated May 9, 2014 from Vanderbilt University with her PhD from the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Her dissertation project was on the mechanics of heart valve development, and she worked in the Lab of Dr. W. David Merryman. While working toward her PhD, she received an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral

36 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

Fellowship of $50,000.00; was named Provost Graduate Fellow; and won the Allan D. Callow Young Investigators Award.

In August, Mary Kathryn begins her new position as a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Sewell-Loftin is the daughter of Helena resident Priscilla Collums and Kerry Sewell of Pelham.

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When Matthew met his wife Tiffany in 2009 they both were well into their careers. Tiffany was working for Alabama based, Hibbett Sports, and Matthew, the craft beer distributor, Alabev.

They both had their fast paced lives right where they wanted balanced and scheduled. Not long ago Tiffany and Matthew celebrated the birth of their first child. Everything got bigger;

their entire universe expanded exponentially. Everything expanded except for their schedule; it was now tighter than ever.

With time in high demand the Kilpatrick’s spending was going up on basic household items. The time that it took to get to Costco or Sam’s and back just was not in their schedule.

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Honey Due is set up on “efficiencies within logistics” and is subscription based. Through the Honey Due home and business delivery service our customers save per item because

wholesale pricing is honored all the way to their front door.

When compared to the pricing of the local grocers you can save up to 30%! A Honey Due subscription not only pays for itself through the savings of wholesale pricing, but also allows an opportunity for all residents of Helena to have access to these savings.

If Honey Due can truly provide a service to the residents of Helena then it will move from a local business to another advantage to living in this community. Order as little or as much as you want without fear of upcharges. You choose your frequency; order online and Honey Due will bring it to you!

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38 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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Simple and Elegant Recipes (How To Get a Man and How to Keep Him) Chef Gerald Buford and his wife, Deborah, began working on their cookbook, called Simple and Elegant Recipes, in 2010, after hearing that there was a need and market for a cookbook for newlyweds and the novice cook.

The subtitle of the book, How To Get A Man and How To Keep Him, came about as he talked with his newlywed stepdaughter, who was challenged by keeping her new husband happy with minimal culinary skills.

After a 25-year career as band director at Bessemer City Schools, Buford retired and enrolled at Virginia Culinary School in 2000, graduating in 2003. He then worked as Pastry Chef for seven years at McCormick and Schmick’s.

“I was interested in becoming a chef when I was just 14. I was trained and inspired to

cook by my grandfather, but he discouraged me from becoming a chef, saying that cooking is woman’s work.” Buford went to Alabama State, Auburn and Troy Universities on a music scholarship, earning his degree in Music Education.

Chef Buford went on to say that his grandfather made his own sauces, and at Thanksgiving, “he would go the whole nine yards for family dinners, including his wonderful pies.”

“One of the reasons the book took so much time to complete is that every recipe is accompanied by a photograph of how it should look when served,” he explained.

In the book’s introduction, Chef Buford writes, “The food should say, ‘I was prepared just for you.’ I believe that enjoying a meal should be a journey in the discovery of

flavors, color and taste.”

One of his recommended favorites is Chef Buf’s Shrimp and Chicken Fettuccine, which he recently demonstrated on ABC 33/40’s Good Morning Alabama show.

The Bufords continue to cater special events and get rave reviews for their cakes, particularly Chef Buf’s Carrot Cake. He

also participated this summer at events catered by Five Star Catering in Leeds.

The Bufords recently celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary, having married on 7/7/07. For the occasion, Deborah cooked the Cornish Hen recipe from the book. “It turned out very well and Buford was proud of me,” she laughed.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

39

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Independence Day First Friday event! Be sure to come down to Old Town each month for First Friday fun!

For six years, Dr. Priscila Denny, at Oak Mountain Orthodontics, has donated t-shirts for Camp Husky, an orientation for 6th graders as they transition from HIS to HMS. Thanks to Dr. Denny for everything she does for Helena schools!

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41

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

SGT Jon M. Aaron

SSG Jay Gortney

4/14 K CO (DET B), UNIT 43671, FPO AP 96426-3671; Al Anbar, Iraq; Karen Dickinson’s son

ARNG; 20th Special Forces; Iraq; April’s husband

SGT Steven M Bennett

USA; Ranger; Scofield BKS, HI; John Gray’s son, Lauren & Ryan Gray’s brother

USA; Paratrooper/Rigger; Fort Benning, GA; Clara & Ken Lorino’s son

APO3 David R. Black

USN; USS Stennis; Bremerton Wa.; Ruth and Perry Black’s son

SGT Brooks Gray

AMN Brad Hubbard

SPC Brad Bokenkamp

USAF Fort Gordon - Augusta, GA Rod & Susan Hubbard’s son

SFC Eric Bond

USA; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Ruth Meadows grandson, Kimberly’s husband, Bonnie Hubbard’s brother

USA; 1-76 Field Artillery,4th IBCT, 3rd ID Fort Stewart, GA; Ed & Amy Bokenkamp’s son

SPC Michael Hubbard

USA; 82nd ABD, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Paul Zimmerman’s cousin

SPC Eric Hunley

SRA Mitch Braswell

ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Mike & Barbara Hunley’s son; late Chris Hunley’s brother

PVT Vincent Brown

ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Amy’s husband, Colin & Gavin’s father

USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Mike & Judi Braswell’s son USMC; Chesapeake, VA; Leonetta Prevo’s son USA; 172 Inf. Brigade; Germany; Rebecca’s husband, Norah’s father, Rhonda’s son & Devin’s brother

USN; Japan; Stanley & Sue Kang’s son, Sunny Kang’s brother

1st Lt. William B. Cofer

USA; Fort Rucker, AL.; Tom Lefebvre’s son

USA; Fort Campbell, KY; Dorothy & Jim Cofer’s son, Deborah’s brother

CPO Austin C. Daniel

USN; Norfolk, VA; Mike & Claudia Daniel’s son, Justin, Tatum & Autumn’s brother

2nd Lt Eric C Darrenkamp

USA; Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI; Carol Darrenkamp’s son, Jon & Stephen’s brother

LT James Brooks Dickey

USN; Carmel Pacific Ridge, 5925 Linda Vista Rd Apt #1323, San Diego, CA 92110; Charlie & Janie Brooks & Janet & Dennis Dickey’s son

AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks

USN; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Joe & Tammy Williams’ son, Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor’s grandson

LCPL Jared M. Fitzgerald

USMC; 9th Communication Battalion; Camp Pendleton; CA 92055 Rosemarie Butler’s son and Jeff’s stepson, Justin and Tyler’s brother

Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin D. Gilbert USCG, Machinery Technician; Key West, FL; Leslie’s husband, Annette & Dan Duffy’s son-in-law

Major David Russell Rigg

ALARNG; National Guard Bureau Headquarters; The Pentagon Shirley & Rusty Rigg’s son & Kim Rigg’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

SPC Patrick D. Sharp

USA; 82nd ABD; Al Asad, Iraq; Shawn Sharp’s son

SPC Ashley Bruce Squires

USA; 3rd Inf. Div., 1-30 Inf.; Ft. Stewart, GA; Jesi Mason Squires’s father, Bruce & Tammy son, Aubrey & Austin’s brother

CPL Rodney Stephens

CPL Michael Jeffries

Lt. Commander David Kang

SGT Dallas C Caviness

SGT Peter J. “Pete” Reese

ARNG; 152nd MP Co.; Lauren’s husband; Kai, Sam, Dalton, Brook & Kaiti’s father

CW3 Corey Lefebvre SGT Jacob S. Lenoir

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

ARNG; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Andrea & AnnaBelle’s father

2LT John M Traylor, Jr

USAF; 552nd TRS; Tinker AFB, OK; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son

PFC Zachary S Traylor

USMC; 3-23 Inf; Baton Rouge, LA; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son

SGT John Christian Vansant

USMC; VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS; New River, NC; Keith & Sherill Vansant’s son

SPC James Vildibill

Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik B. McKenzie

USA; Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan; son of Louis and Donna Vildibill

2nd Lt. Jacob Allen Meins

USAR; Afghanistan; Kathie’s husband, Maggie’s dad, Bette Ward’s son, Michelle (Lin) Saville’s brother

MSG Jacqueline M. Moore

USN; USS Nimitz; Randy & Peggy Walton’s son, Annalee’s brother

SSGT Christopher S. Murphy

USA; 3-1 Cav. Regt. Delta Troop; Ft Benning, GA; Becky Click’s son, Alex Walton & Sydney Mollica’s brother, Amber’s husband

USN; USS Curtis Wilber, Yokosuka, Japan; Bond & Lisa McKenzie’s son, Brooke’s brother, Megan’s husband USAF, Special Operations Command; Kathy Meins Martin’s son USA, 387th; Wichita, KS; Leroy E. Lucas’ wife, Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris’ mom USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Jack & Karen Murphy’s son, Alyssa’s husband

LT Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager

Major Maxwell B. Ward Adam Walton

PFC Zachary Walton

FC3 William J. Welch

USN; USS Lake Erie, Pearl Harbor, HI; Devinne Brooks’ husband

USN; US Navy Hospital (Balboa)-Physician’s Asst., San Diego, CA; Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager’s daughter

Chief Petty Officer 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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Whitney Billings ships out to play professional volleyball in Israel Whitney Billings didn’t even like volleyball at first. But in just a few weeks, the 23-year-old Helena native and Pelham High School graduate will leave for Israel for her third season as an international professional player.

While growing up in Helena, the daughter of Demetria and David Billings dreamed of playing her way to a college basketball scholarship and a future as a professional in the WNBA. But, although her allegiance was elsewhere, the then ten-year-old would faithfully attend her cousin Chandesha Billings’ volleyball practices at Pelham High School.

“I really wasn’t that interested, but when my cousin’s coach saw how tall I was, she suggested I give it a try,” Whitney said. “She kind of recruited me, so I started playing around with my cousin, then started in organized play for the Birmingham Volleyball Club in sixth grade.”

During seventh grade at Riverchase Middle School, Whitney, who is now 6 feet two inches tall, tried out and made the Pelham High School volleyball team, was recruited for the varsity in seventh grade, and played for Pelham until graduation.

Tammy Richardson, former PHS State Champion volleyball coach, is responsible for recruiting Whitney so young. But actually, the first time the coach met her was years prior. “She was taller than I was, when she was in the second grade. I knew this girl was gonna play volleyball,” Tammy laughed.

“I’m lucky and very blessed to have coached both her and her mom, when she played for PHS. ” Brought in at PHS as a middle attacker, Whitney said she eventually played all positions.

“I was kind of nervous being a middle schooler and playing with 17 and 18 year olds,” Whitney said.

“But the players treated me really well because I was a lot younger, then when I got to high school, I felt a lot more comfortable.”

Tien Le, currently head volleyball coach at Oak Mountain High School, served in the same position–and assistant coach– at Pelham High during Whitney’s five years of varsity there.

The coach describes Whitney as “very talented and very athletic” but pointed to her maturity as an important key to her success.

“What I find with coaching is that it’s one thing to have athletic gifts but often kids aren’t mature enough to handle it, especially playing varsity at such a young age,” Tien said. “Whitney handled it all wonderfully well.”

By tenth grade, Whitney said she decided volleyball “might be my sport” to pursue in college, which was a good thing because she was eventually awarded a full scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where she would compete in the Southeastern Conference.

“Playing in the SEC was really competitive, but a lot of fun, and I feel like I improved every year while luckily having no major injuries,” she said. “We were pretty successful over the years, and while we didn’t win

Whitney is shown here with one of her overseas coaches.

a championship, we came close and were always in the top of the conference.”

While at Kentucky, Whiteney was named an All-SEC player.

Graduating in 2013 from UK with a degree in exercise science/ kinesiology, Whitney had already turned her sights on professional volleyball, which is not played in the United States. She signed with Bring It USA, an agency that places professional players around the world.

Whitney’s first stop was Puerto Rico, followed by Budapest, Hungary in March, and she leaves for Tel Aviv, Israel, this month.

“It’s very common for players to move around. You often stay with one team for a few months, or sometimes six to nine, while some sign contracts for a year or multiple seasons,” she said.

Having assisted with a July volleyball camp at her alma mater, Whitney spent several weeks at her Helena home.

“I just chilled and hung out with my family, worked out and practiced with my cousins and some of the students I’ve given private lessons to from the area,” she said.

In addition, she has been working on details of an all-skills volleyball camp she plans to hold in

Birmingham in the summer of 2015.

When asked about dating, Whitney is quick to respond that there’s “just no time.”

“I enjoy what I’m doing so much, traveling the world and doing what I enjoy,” she said.

“Boyfriends are stressful and I want to live free and happy and do what I love.”

While Demetria Billings misses her daughter, she, too, is happy for the opportunities Whitney has.

“We’re very proud and glad she can do what she’s doing and is an example that you can follow your dream,” Demetria said. “You have to remember that education is number one and you must absorb all you can, then focus on your dreams.”

After her playing days are over, Whitney hopes to use her education to pursue college coaching. But before that, she has one other dream in mind.

“As soon as I started playing volleyball, I told the coaches I wanted to be on the USA Olympic Volleyball Team, and that’s something I’m still chasing,” she said. “Playing internationally raises my stock to have that chance, and while it will be tough, it’s having that chance that counts.”

Good luck, Whitney!

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

43

CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS

Dr. Stacey DeFranco has proudly been serving the Helena community for 16 years.

MONDAYS Exercise Classes, Helena Senior Center, 10:00 AM Police Explorers, Explorer Training Facility, 4:00-7:00 PM Fire Explorers, Station 2, 5:00 PM TUESDAYS Kiwanis, Helena Senior Center, 7:00 AM; 3rd Tues. 5:30 PM Story Time, Jane B. Holmes Public Library, 11:00 AM WEDNESDAYS Summer Reading Events through July 23, 2:00 PM THURSDAYS Exercise Classes, Helena Senior Center, 10:00 AM Story Time, Jane B. Holmes Public Library, 11:00 AM

August

16th - Helena Market Days 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Vizzini Winery 9:00 am - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org 18th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 20th - Helena Utility Board Public Meeting, Council Chambers, 6:00 pm 21st - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm - Friends of the Library meeting, JBH Library, 6:00 pm 23rd - Helena Market Days 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Demo TBA 9:00 am 28th - Helena Middle vs Hueytown, Husky Stadium, 5:30 pm

September 1st - LABOR DAY - Municipal Offices/Shelby Co. Schools Closed No Garbage Collection: Service will run one day behind thru Sat. No City Council Meeting 2nd - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 am, for meeting site visit helenabusinessassociation.com or their Facebook page - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm - Helena Elem. PTO Board Meeting open to the public, 6:30 pm 3rd - Emergency Siren Test, 10:00 am 5th - Helena First Fridays in Old Town–Shop, Dine, Art & Music, 6:00-9:00 pm 9th - Helena Elem. 5K Parents Only Academy, 6:30-8:00 pm 15th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 18th - JBH Library Birthday Celebration/Book Sale, 10:00 am-7:00 pm 19th - Helena High vs Demopolis, Husky Stadium, 7:00 pm 20th - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org 21st - Helena Historic Preservation Committee, Helena Museum, 2:30 pm 25th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 26th - Helena High vs Chelsea, Husky Stadium, 7:00 pm

October 1st - Emergency Siren Test, 10:00 am 3rd - Helena First Fridays in Old Town–Shop, Dine, Art & Music, 6:00-9:00 pm - Helena High vs Jemison, Husky Stadium, 7:00 pm 4th - Shelby Co. Landfill—FREE Day, 7:30 am-3:30 pm, more info 669-4169 6th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 7th - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 am, for meeting site visit helenabusinessassociation.com or their Facebook page 9th - Helena Middle vs Calera, Husky Stadium, 5:30 pm 10th - Helena Intermediate Fall Festival Oct. 10-11, Times TBA 11th - HAMM Festival 2014, Old Town Amphitheater 13th - Shelby Co. Schools No Students, Teachers 1/2 workday, 1/2 Prof. Dev. 16th - Helena Middle vs Riverchase Middle, Husky Stadium, 5:30 pm 18th - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, must reserve aaronsstaffrespite.org 19th - Helena Historic Preservation Committee, Helena Museum, 2:30 pm 20th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00 pm 44 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

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Shea Goldstein, author of Dixie Chik Cooks blog Shea Goldstein’s “regular job” is as a registered nurse at Noland Health. But the Helena resident has had an additional online career since 2010 as the creator of Dixie Chik Cooks, a blog featuring her favorite tried and true recipes. As of this month, she’s featured over 400 recipes and has over 15,000 followers between Facebook and Pinterest.

Shea and husband, Mark, owner of the computer company PC Rescue, have resided in Helena’s Old Cahaba since 2008.

They have a son, Brantley, 17, and daughter, Katelyn, 15. Shea, 38, a self-described introvert, said it was very difficult for her to start her blog and in fact, had kept it a secret from her husband for a long time once she did.

“It was hard for me to put myself out on the internet and I was embarrassed,” Shea said. “But I had wanted to do it for a long time, and have two handwritten notebooks of recipes I wanted to chronicle to make sure my kids had them in the future.”

Shea has also expanded her talents by undertaking photography to record each of her dishes. “My husband made

me a kind of “studio on wheels” that I can move to the kitchen window to shoot all my recipes,” she said. “I’m constantly working on improving my photography and cooking skills—I think good visuals are important to portray each dish.”

How did you decide on Dixie Chick Cooks?

I didn’t want something silly, but I wanted it to have some kind of southern reference. It indicates that I’m a southern home cook.”

How long have you been cooking?

Since I was a teenager, though I didn’t realize I had a passion for it until about 15 years ago. My mom and dad both cooked, but I never noticed that they really enjoyed it. I pretty much taught myself and as an adult, the more I got into it, the more I realized I loved it.

How would you describe your recipes?

I’d sum them up as “spicy, salty and cheesy.” I do lots of things like burger sliders, all different appetizers and I love bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. Also, jalapeno-stuffed chicken breasts, pulled pork

barbeque on Texas Toast with slaw and different dipping sauces like cilantro ranch and enchilada. I do some sweets but just to please my family. I really blog anything I feel passionate about.

What’s your favorite creation?

I love anything complex, like lasagna.

It takes time with all the layers and multiple ingredients. Anything I have to really think about. A lot of people come home from work and kick back and watch TV, but I relax by chopping jalapenos.

What’s a typical Sunday meal?

Well, my family doesn’t really do spicy, though my son will try anything. I might make stuffed shells with Italian sausage, ground beef, ricotta and mozzarella cheese. I bake it but also have to have a separate baking dish of just shells, cheese and tomato sauce for my daughter because she doesn’t touch meat.

What’s your favorite junk

food?

Fritos dipped in cottage cheese. I’ve been eating it since I was a kid.

What does the future hold?

My goal for the next year is to finish writing a cookbook I have in progress right now. Basically it’s the best recipes I know. The ones I’ve made so many times, I know they’re cookbook worthy.

And how did your husband feel when he found out about the blog?

He was impressed that I had done it. He knew I liked to cook but didn’t realize I liked to write, so he was excited and is very proud and supportive.

You can contact Shea at www.dixiechikcooks.com.

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• Offer successful experience in prospecting, presentation and followthrough with large national advertisers, as well as agencies.

• Be an innovative problem solver and creative thinker.

• Must be able to thrive under deadline pressure.

• This is an inside sales position, so candidates must be comfortable selling and making presentations by phone and email.

We are a growing publisher in the B2B print medium and offer great earning potential for the candidate that is willing to work hard. We are looking for quality people to join our company to continue our steady growth. The right candidate will have an opportunity to move into a managing role if they have the right skill-set and aptitude.

Flaherty Media offers a bene�its package, including health and dental insurance.

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Helena Business Association doing a lot of good in the city The Helena Business Association is on the move. Not only has the organization increased its membership---growing by 20 percent in just the last two months---but it has increased its reach in enhancing the business environment of the city.

According to Bob Van Loan, who has served as the HBA president for the past year, the group operates with a three-part mission designed to improve Helena’s overall business climate.

First, the HBA helps educate its members to become better business managers, he said.

“Most don’t have business degrees, so, while they’re good at what they do, they may not be that strong in terms of finances or business planning, and we work to educate them in those type areas,’ Van Loan said.

The group also provides a networking environment which can often lead to collaborative efforts between business owners, he said.

“Instead of everyone fending for himself, members can pool their talents and finances which can often result in individual businesses saving money,” he said.

Another effort of the HBA is to forge a strong relationship between the business community and city government, Van Loan said.

“We don’t pretend to be an economic development authority, but we are about bringing the issues of the businesses to the city council and mayor and likewise, if there’s information the business community needs to know, we help distribute that—examples might be zoning or taxation,” he said. “And

the city can draw information from us in its efforts to bring new business here, such as where to place them or what type of businesses might help or hurt the existing businesses.”

Mayor Mark Hall said he supports the efforts of the HBA “100 percent” and is very pleased to see its development.

“The HBA has made really great improvements in what it offers to businesses, and because our goal is to support established businesses, our efforts go hand-in-hand.”

Hall pointed to First Friday—a monthly street fair event the HBA now manages at the city’s request—as an example of the organization’s ongoing success.

“They’ve done a tremendous job with First Friday; case in point moving it to Thursday to coincide with the city’s fireworks display,” Hall said. “There was a great turnout in Old Town, and it gave people a lot of options to enjoy while waiting for the fireworks event.”

According to Van Loan, First Friday consists of local businesses that extend their hours, along with vendors, some non-profit groups and childrens’ activities.

“We have plans to move the First Fridays to different Helena locations from time to time to highlight other areas, and are contemplating moving it indoors for some of the winter

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months,” Van Loan said.

The HBA also oversees Sundown Cinemas, free Friday movies in the amphitheater, which is supported by sponsors to help cover costs.

“Our residents, particularly the young families, really look forward to this every summer,” Van Loan said. “And it gets business’s names in front of those who live here while offering the opportunity for business owners to meet and greet those who attend and provide them with information about their operations.”

The annual membership for the Helena Business Association is $50 and includes monthly meetings that offer educational opportunities on what Van Loan describes as “Business 101.”

“We cover things like creating mission statements and increasing visibility in the community,” Van Loan said. “Our most recent was ‘Business Valuation’, to help merchants figure out what their business is worth, or the value if they’re trying to buy or sell a business,” he said. “Of course, owners will eventually use professional business brokers, but this helps them get a grasp on where they stand.”

Van Loan added that the HBA welcomes inquiries for assistance from Helena merchants even if they’re not members of the organization.

“It’s a kind of free consultation where we can give our perspective to an owner’s situation and help them make contact with the right people to help solve problems, whether it’s with their books or a need for a new marketing design for the Internet,” he said. “Our goal is to keep businesses here in Helena.”

The 35-member group is now open to anyone who does business in Helena, Van Loan said.

“Even if you don’t have a storefront or physical presence here, you may be selling in Helena or otherwise doing business, and someone like that is welcome to join the association,” he said.

For more information about the Helena Business Association, contact Bob Van Loan at bob@hbahelena.com or go to www.hbahelena.com.

TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Back-to-School Edition 2014

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Summer Reading Finale

Wild West Show

The Jane B. Holmes Public Library wrapped up its summer reading program with a wild west show in City Hall in July. A big thanks to all who came!

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LIBRARY DIRECTOR DANIEL DEARING JANE B. HOLMES PUBLIC LIBRARY 230 Tucker Road, Helena • 664-8308

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

HOURS: Monday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; Tuesday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Wednesday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Thursday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; Closed on Sunday.

Come by for this fun, free program every Tuesday and Thursday!

Mrs. Jennie will be here to tell you some great stories and have a good time!

Good day to everyone from the Jane B. Holmes Public Library!

As you read this, the library’s Summer Reading Program is over, and school will be getting back into full swing.

The Summer Reading Program went really well, and we had great attendance and participation. Our events were moved to city hall to accommodate the crowds, and library patrons enjoyed seeing the performers each week.

The library would like to welcome our new Helena High School! We encourage all students, parents, faculty, staff, and supporters to visit the library. We are always updating our Teen and Young Adult sections with new and intriguing titles.

Remember the library for your homework, pleasure reading, magazines, computer needs, and a fun place to visit.

Speaking of visiting the library: Thursday, September 18 is the Jane B. Holmes Public Library Birthday. Each year we recognize the birthday of our current location with a book sale, and other festivities (including Story Time at 11:00 am). This is a great time to visit the library, check out some items and see what is new. People often ask what kind of gift they can bring, ideas include: books, movies, or music in good condition as well as cleaning and office supplies.

The best gift you can give to the library is to simply visit and check out materials. Strong patronage keeps the library vibrant, and city leaders work hard to provide good resources for our citizens.

Sincerely, Daniel Dearing Library Director

Thurs., Aug. 21 Friends of the Library Meeting at 6:00 PM Mon., Aug. 25 Celebrate National Inventors Month! Check out three non-fiction items, get a prize—while they last!

Mon., Sept. 1 Labor Day—Library Closed!

Thurs., Sept. 18 Library Birthday Celebration/Book Sale, ALL DAY!

Story Time EVERY Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 AM

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out our calendar at www.cityofhelena.org for more events and additional information!

Stop by soon to check out a book or two, a movie and/or some tunes—we have the classics to the latest releases and everything in between!

TITLES JUST IN…

I’ve Got you Under My Skin–Mary Higgins Clark; The Last Bride– Beverly Lewis; A Sensible Arrangement–Tracie Peterson; Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover–Ann B. Ross; Keep Quiet – Lisa Scottoline; Carnal Curiosity–Stuart Woods; Invisible – James Patterson & David Ellis; The Silkworm–Robert Galbraith; Top Secret 21–Janet Evanovich.

GREAT FLICKS…

Rango 2; Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey; Little Red Wagon; Endless Love; Steel Magnolias; Romeo + Juliet.

CLASSIC TUNES TO THE LATEST HITS…

Shakira (Shakira); Out Among The Stars (Johnny Cash); Happiness Is (Taking Back Sunday); Divergent (Original Motion Picture Sound Track); Astral Weeks (Van Morrison); Wow Gospel 2014 (Various Artist); Grammy 2014 Nominees (Various Artists); Lucinda Williams(Lucinda Williams); Unconditional Love (Ruben Studdard).

We also reserve books, music and audio materials at the Jane B. Holmes Public Library. Ask at the circulation desk or call the library at 205-664-8308 for details.

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Tina Pritchard shares her cancer struggle Though she had no family history of breast cancer, when Tina Pritchard felt a lump in her breast in April 2013, she decided right away to call her gynecologist and scheduled an ultrasound and mammogram.

“I eat healthy and exercise and never thought much about it, but during the ultrasound, I could see a big black area,” she said, noting that her husband, Tray, accompanied her to this appointment.

“A lot of thoughts go through your mind in this situation, and Dr. Richard Kirkland told me ‘85% of the cases like this I see are not malignant, so the odds are in your favor.’ ”

“When the call came the following Monday afternoon, and Dr. Kirkland told me I did have breast cancer and more testing was needed, I just fell apart,” Tina admits.

A saliva test was also done to determine if Tina was a genetic carrier; it was negative.

Tina’s husband, Tray, who had testicular cancer some twenty years ago, was naturally with her every step of the way. “As a survivor, he was very supportive.

We met during the period of his last five-year check up.”

The type of cancer Tina had, HER2, is an aggressive type that usually affects women from ages 48-82. With this awareness,

“I never thought I would be in the 15%,” Tina recalls.

Dr. Kirkland, aided by his support staff nurse, Deborah, performed a needle biopsy and also implanted a small metal marker to mark the spot.

she chose to undergo a double mastectomy. Chemotherapy afterward was recommended by her doctors as well.

Tina began seven months of chemo in July, 2013 in the Ambulatory Care Unit at

Brookwood under the care of Dr. Adler.

Her particular “cocktail” consisted of taxitere and carboplax inserted through a port in her chest.

Afterwards, she received antibiotics, steroids and Zyrtec plus Neulasta, a biologic response modifier that is injected into the stomach area. It stimulates the body to produce new healthy white blood cells.

Tina, a dental hygienist who has worked for Dr. Keith Dillard, DMD for the past 17 ½ years says that throughout this ordeal, she had his support and that of her co-workers. “Dr. Dillard was very understanding, and he encouraged me to come back to work when I felt able. I thank him for his generosity; he’s been an amazing person in my life,” she affirmed.

“My co-workers Shelly Ryan, Lisa Tucker, and Ally Prothro were there for me in so many ways. Together, we’ve been through birthdays, holidays, parties, life and death.”

“When I lost my hair, they went out and bought bandanas for us all to wear in the office.”

“My patients at Dr. Dillard’s are like family. They, too, sent me cards and flowers.”

“Working helped me not to feel sorry for myself,” Tina added. “As a dental hygienist, I like to take care of others.”

For last October’s Susan G. Komen run in Birmingham, Tina’s friends Sherry Tsimpides and Nicole Madeiros became her team captain and co-captain.

They, Lyne Nagy and Angie Weeks, who drove her to many chemo appointments, ordered and sold about 85 Tina’s Fight Club t-shirts to her friends.

“About 75 people showed up to support me that day. The tears just flowed.”

Friends and members on the sports teams of Tina and Tray’s children—Kylie, 15, Talon, 13, and Gage, 10, also came to show their support.

“The Helena Belles brought signs and were my CureLeaders at the SGKomen Race.”

Kylie Pritchard says she became closer to her dad and her brothers during this time.

“And my mom, now she’s more like my best friend. I can tell her anything.”

Kylie also says this experience has resulted, too, in her desiring to direct her studies towards becoming a pediatric oncologist.

At this point in time, Tina has a long list of people she wishes to thank—her small group at Church of the Highlands who prayed for her; the friends who sent meals to their home throughout the year; the Pelham YMCA that gave her a discounted membership.

Today Tina and Tray Pritchard find their lives returning to a more predictable pattern.

Tina says she has encountered opportunities already to support others who are going through the experience of breast cancer, and that feels right and good.

“We appreciate so much the overwhelming support of the Helena community. I have felt so loved,” Tina expressed. “I know now that the people who God puts in your life are not accidents.”

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Rocking S Farms riding high “We have a big happy horse family out here,” said camper Alexandra Hughes. “This is like my second home—I come ride twice a week year round.”

“I have gained an appreciation of horses, they have a mind of their own and they know what goes on around them. They pick up on your emotions and that makes it important how you act around them.”

Owner Suzanne Schnetzler has established her American Saddleback riding facility with plenty of work, sweat and even a few tears over the years, having purchased the farm in 2007.

“This is a hard business; that’s

why I didn’t do it when I was younger. I’ve wanted to do it since I was seven years old, but

in my dreams I was young and beautiful and I had a handsome groomsman to help out,” Schnetzler said.

Summer riding camps were coming to an end when we visited in July, however Saturday morning classes continue on through the fall as students prepare for weekend shows plus home-school classes are still held weekly.

Each rider receives a level of preparation to match her abilities. The older girls help younger girls. Several students that began as campers now have three years experience and assist in the ring and with the grooming.

The Academy Program prepares beginners to ride for performance; they learn proper posture, posting and diagonals and start out on the school quarter horse named Cloud.

“Cloud is 14 but he acts like he is 90,” joked Suzanne. “We’ve had him since he was five and he acts like Eeyore. Also, he is employee of

52 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

the month every month!”

“Phillip is our ‘Rudolph’ horse each year in the Helena Christmas parade with the red pom-pom on his nose.

Twenty horses currently board on the farm. Two young riders have blind horses. They are Worthy ‘Chicago’ Hope, who belongs to Abby Moore, and Extra Haute. They are stall kept and perceive the world through their ears, naturally.

“What we teach our students is that you don’t have to win a blue ribbon to be successful in a show. If you go in and make your horse do what it’s supposed to do, that’s your blue ribbon.

If you didn’t have a good ride, what did you learn? The more you do it, the better you get.”

Rocking S Farms does have some special needs students who attend classes. It is well known that equine interaction is a beneficial and therapeutic tool.

“This farm is not about me— it’s about the kids,” Suzanne emphasizes. “Perhaps I can help them make better decisions in life. Really, all of life’s lessons can be learned by spending time around horses.”

Learn about current happenings on their facebook page at: https://www.facebook. com/rockingsfarm

Local pilot pens new adventure series James A. Jack, a resident of Helena, has taken his love of aviation and created the Victor Stone Adventure Series of fictional novels. Mr. Jack is a long time pilot and aircraft owner who flies out of the Bessemer airport.

James began taking flight lessons at the Kessler AFB aero club early in his US Air Force career. After completing his commercial pilot’s license, James bought a single engine Piper Cherokee airplane, which he still owns today. James left the state after graduating from Auburn, and returned in 2004, choosing to settle back in Helena with his wife and son. A few years later, he obtained his certified flight instructor rating and began teaching others to fly.

Like most parents with teenagers involved in sports, James spent many hours waiting on his son as he participated in various sports. During the latter part of his career in the USAF, as well as during the time he spent as a defense contractor, James found himself authoring and editing numerous technical

documents. One day, he said he was sitting at Veteran’s Park, near Spain Park HS, pulled out his laptop, opened a blank document, and began writing what would become his first novel, Flight of the Northern Star.

During his Air Force career, James took many trips to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, where he discovered the Pima Air Museum and their collection of military and civilian aircraft. After making several visits there, he was especially intrigued by the museum’s collection of Lockheed Constellation aircraft, including a TWA Constellation from the 1950s, named the Star of Switzerland, which is still on display at the museum.

Flight of the Northern Star was written with the Star of Switzerland in mind. One of the unusual aspects of James’ novels is that the airplane is the central character of the novel. The pilot, Victor Stone, is an everyday pilot who loves his job which, coincidentally, is flying a highly sophisticated spy plane across the Arctic Sea ice to Europe.

Unbeknownst to his wealthy passengers, they are flying on a spy plane that is looking for Soviet submarines as they’re whisked from Victoria, BC to London aboard a flying version of the Orient Express. Stoney, as the pilot is known to his friends and crew, must protect his airplane and its secrets as well as his passengers and crew from a band of Soviet special forces determined to steal the Northern Star.

James’ second novel, Flight Between Worlds, involves another unusual airplane, the Beriev BE-200 jet powered amphibian, which is built in the Rostov region of Russia and is still in use today. This airplane can land in water and taxi onto the land using a wide version of a typical boat ramp, or it can land on a standard runway.

This novel is also fashioned

around an airplane which is the central character. Stoney is hired by a billionaire electronics tycoon to travel to the Soviet Union and fly a specially modified version of the BE200 back to the US. For this adventure, Stoney gets a new crew including a ravishing copilot named Alexandra, and an electronics technician named Vladimir, a brash Texas-born Russian. Adverse weather and an unwavering timetable will require Stoney and his unsuspecting crew to transit the Bermuda Triangle on their way home.

On his website, James announces there are two additional Victor Stone novels under construction. Tate Publishing, located in Mustang, Oklahoma, published his second novel, as well as a second edition of his first novel, which is due out this fall. His novels are available in softcover or e-book formats from Amazon and BN.com. There are links to both books on his website, which is www.jamesajackonline.com.

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Pig, the

Helena contractor Kim Dillenbeck was visiting her sister in Jefferson, Georgia this past Christmas when a neighbor came over with an intriguing story.

While outside her home, she heard a curious half-bark coming from the woods nearby. What she found at the other end of that bark was an abandoned litter of puppies, complete with Pig– a tiny, deformed puppy, whose enthusiasm and verve for life saved herself and her siblings.

“We were so taken by the beautiful story, of Pig barking until she and her brothers were found, how the neighbor bottle-fed them, and after her description of Pig, we just had to meet her!” Kim said. It was love at first sight, and she decided to at least foster Pig until she found a new home for the pup. Nearly 8 months later, Kim and Pig are inseparable, and Pig has become an internet sensation.

“I wake up to Facebook messages from people in places as far away as New Zealand saying Pig brightened their day!” Kim enthused, astonished. “I certainly didn’t expect all this when I first decided to bring Pig home, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Understandably, much of the hubbub around Pig is focused on her unusual appearance. “I can’t take her anywhere without someone stopping us to ask, ‘What kind of dog is she?’ They want to understand,” Kim said.

The adorable mutt was born with multiple birth defects in her spine, ribs and hips, seen in her shortened torso and lack of a

neck. Part of her spine is missing, her spinal column splits in two places near her head, and several of her vertebrae are fused together and twisted. Several of her ribs are also missing, and her hips are twisted as well. She has just the hint of a bobtail.

Known by some as baboondog syndrome or short-spine syndrome, series of spinal defects like this have been recorded in other animals, including foxes and horses.

Not a lot is known about these conditions and the full effect they can have on an animal’s body.

Even Kim thought Pig’s organs might have been crushed by her own weight at this point in her growth. Thankfully, she is active, healthy, and happy and doesn’t seem to be in pain.

Even so, Pig’s veterinarians, Drs. David Fuller and Rachael Hudson at Hope Animal Clinic in Bessemer, are keeping a close eye on her health.

Kim has needed to perform the Heimlich maneuver a few times when Pig was choking. “I can only feed her a little at a time, because her lungs are crowded and she wouldn’t have room to breathe with a large meal,” Kim explains. She also holds the dog under her rib carriage so she can support Pig’s body better.

Because of the unusual shape of her torso and hips, the most comfortable way for Pig to sit is by crossing her long back legs behind, or under, herself. They seem to disappear into the floor, creating the adorable pose seen to the right.

54 Back-to-School Edition 2014 / www.CityOfHelena.org

unusual dog

If passers-by don’t ask about video I ever took of her, you Pig’s breed, they just want to play can hear me in the background, with the cute pooch. "Everyone saying, 'she needs to be a therapy who meets Pig leaves with this dog,' and we are realizing that goofy smile on their face. If you idea now," she said. Pig began could pay bills with that, I would puppy training school in July at be set," Kim laughed. But as it the Creative Dog Training office is, she knows the possibility of in Cahaba Heights, where she is health problems for Pig is very being clicker-trained. real. That is part of the reason she Kim is excited for Pig to set up Pig's Foundation, which is work with Hand-in-Paw, and intended to raise funds for animal the organization mirrors her rescues as well as individuals who excitement. “She’s such a good rescue or foster animals. example for persevering and As an animal foster mom who just not caring about her often works with rescue groups, disabilities,” said Hand in Kim knows it can be hard to Paw’s Executive Director Laura keep up with expenses for an Cardwell, who explained Pig may animal you will only get to love visit children with disabilities at for a short time. "Every dollar not the Bell Center. going to Pig’s medical expenses Kim is proud to help others will help other animals and through Pig. “Not everyone their foster parents, rescues and knows dogs, but everyone volunteers who help save animals recognizes love. For me, the from harmful situations," bond with a dog is the purest she promised. form of love.”

According to the official facebook.com/PigTheUnusualDog Pig The Unusual Dog Facebook page, which is run by Kim and a couple of her friends, Pig has already traveled with her to take abused rescue dogs to their new forever homes. And Pig’s happy personality is not only good for the rescue dogs, but for people as well, Kim asserts.

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