Hele H elena Ciitttyy New elen Newwss Serving the City of Helena and surrounding area
Spring 2018
Reigns Supreme HELENA MIDDLE
SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM
OVER
SOUTHERN CONFERENCE! WITH UNDEFEATED SEASON—35-0!!!
BO BICE JOINS FORCES WITH HELENA MIRACLE LEAGUE Concert planned for Frist Friday in June with Bo, 7 Stone Riot & others
K9 SERVICE OFFICER MONUMENT UNVEILED IN MARCH CEREMONY Brainchild of Valerie Richards, daughter of Officer Phillip Richards
WOMANLESS WEDDING FUND RAISER SET FOR APRIL 14
Miracle League Fund Raiser promises fun for the entire family. Helena Community Bldg.
www.MyHelenaCityNews.com / www.CityofHelena.org
FROM THE MAYOR
Greetings! I hope this edition of the Helena City News finds you all well as we enter Spring 2018! I am happy to report that we have accepted the low bids for the final phase of the soccer field construction, which includes grass, irrigation, lighting and fencing for the project so that it will be completed in the next few months. In other news, the City Council has accepted my proposal for the funding agreements with ALDOT regarding the engineering and construction of the turn lane and intersection improvements on Hwy 261 at Helena Elementary School. The funding for the four-phase $2.7 million project is an 80/20 match between the City and ALDOT. This funding award allows this much needed improvement to enter the first (engineering) phase immediately. I will also continue meeting with
ALDOT about the widening and lane expansion project on State Hwy 261 which will go all the way to I-65. In other road news, I am very pleased that work to add turn lanes at County 52 and County 13 is almost complete. This will help ease congestion at this intersection on County 52. I am very proud to announce that The Helena Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Improvements Project earned the top award in the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama’s Engineering Excellence Awards contest. The project consisted of multiple improvements which helped the Helena WWTP meet strict effluent discharge limits for total phosphorus. This project helped save us around $12 million over initial estimates after Garver was hired to redesign and implement these improvements. Because the facility discharges into Buck Creek, reliable performance and operation of the Helena WWTP is essential to maintain the quality of this body of water frequently used by the citizens of Helena and surrounding communities for swimming, wading, canoeing,
MAYOR
Mark R. Hall
CITY COUNCIL Mike Jones, Council President Hal Woodman, Pro Tempore Leigh Hulsey Laura Joseph Alice Lobell
CITY CLERK Amanda Traywick
2 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
and fishing. “The frequent-use of Buck Creek as a recreational destination requires the effluent coming out of this plant to meet stringent, near-reuse requirements,” said Garver Water Team Leader Brian Shannon. “The improvements being made to this plant will uphold the health and diversity of the natural species that inhabit Alabama’s most ecologically diverse river system.” Visit GarverUSA.com for the complete article on the award. In closing I would like to remind you to visit and attend all the wonderful activities, festivals and sporting events in the city. There is something going on all
around the City that everyone can enjoy. For example, music star Bo Bice will headline a free concert June 1st at First Friday in Old Town, to help support the Miracle League. The well known band with local ties, 7 Stone Riot, will also appear, and others, too, so be sure to mark that one down on your calendar! Be sure to check the website and the City’s Facebook page for other fun, family-friendly events coming up. I hope everyone has a great spring and remember; “Helena, It’s Where You Want to Be!” Best Wishes,
Mark Mark
Members and leaders of Boy Scout Troop 532 led the Pledge of Allegiance at the March 12 Helena City Council meeting. Council President Mike Jones met with the group outside city hall to answer their questions and talk about various city council endeavors.
IMPORTANT CITY PHONE NUMBERS City Hall: 205-663-2161 Fire Dept.: 205-663-5809 Police Dept.: 205-663-6499 Utilities: 205-663-1670
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Owner Paul Curcio Managementt team Jessica & Hugh Gould Paul and Jessica back at Golden Rule Helena! This time, it’s back to the past with a previous owner and an exciting new management team for Helena’s Golden Rule franchise on County Road 52 West. Paul Curcio, who opened the Golden Rule on Pelham’s Huntley Parkway store a little over a year ago, got his start with Golden Rule in Helena, when he bought the restaurant from its original owner, Todd McClinton back in 2002. Todd was a member of the Original Golden Rule family corporate family and it was a “company store.” Paul bought it and kept it about a year before selling it to Patrick Farren. “Patrick and I had worked together previously at TGIF,” said Paul. “I had some personal demons to battle back then, got through them with the grace of God, turned my life over to Him and started working with Rodney Zimmerman who owns Ragtime Cafe on Valleydale for a few years, learning more about the restaurant business. Then Rodney helped me buy the old Golden Rule in Pelham when it was on Hwy 31, and operated it until the economy collapsed as Moore Handley closed 4 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
its operations and took lots of our regular customers away. In 2017, Paul partnered with Charles Matsos, another member of the Golden Rule ownership family and opened the Huntley Parkway location in Pelham, and has been going strong ever since. When the gentleman who had purchased the Helena Golden Rule franchise here last year from the McNortons, decided that he did not want to be in the BBQ business after all and wanted to go in a different direction, he sold the restaurant to Paul, who brought back one of his former managers, Helena native Jessica (Bailey) Gould and her husband, Hugh, who once worked for the McNortons here at the Helena store to run things. The new team started by doing a deep clean on the restaurant, ordered new equipment (with more coming) and fired the pit back up. “The previous bunch had been using a smoker to cook their BBQ. You can’t get the flavor of good pit BBQ without actually roasting it over a pit,” said Paul. “First thing we did was fire the pit up,” said
Paul. “Mike Matsos, from the Golden Rule Matsos family, once told me that if you offer good food and good service and you keep the place clean, they will come. I have found that this is a winning formula!” You’ll note that the sports memorabilia, long missing on the walls, is back in style as are the Monday through Friday Blue Plate Specials for hungry lunch customers. It’s amazing to me that after giving my life to God, He has allowed me a second chance to have the things I could have had 16 years ago. Today, Paul is a member of Recovery Church in Bessemer. He supplies food to the church and its halfway house to help others overcome their own “demons.” Paul said today that he sees it as his calling. “We have been enthusiastically received in both Pelham and now in Helena by the cities’ fire, police and municipal employees,” said Paul. “We just purchased a concession trailer and will operate it together with Ragtime Cafe owner Rodney Zimmerman to work local festivals, truck rallies and events in the area.”
“We ask three things of our employees at Golden Rule: Do your best; Do what’s right; and treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself,” Paul went on, “and I think everything else will fall into place.” Paul went on to say that while Jessie and Hugh will be running the show in Helena as the managers, they are also being given the opportunity to own the restaurant down the line, the same type opportunity that was given to him. This writer has eaten at the new Helena Golden Rule three times this week, and can attest to the food quality—it’s like eating in Grandma’s kitchen! Particular favorites are the squash casserole, black eyed peas, mashed potatoes and gravy and a slice of the delicious caramel cake that is baked with love by Jessica’s aunt. And it’s good to see Rosa back in the kitchen, adding her own special touch to the food. That “cooked in the pit BBQ,” well, it’s in a class all by itself—Stop in soon to see what we mean. Dine-in, take-out and catering, visit them soon!
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Helena High Bass Club 2018 The Helena Bass Club originated in the fall of 2014. Since that time, the club has grown from just high school students to including eighth graders from Helena Midle School as well. Currently, the club has 24 members. The club continues to fish the Alabama BASS Nation High School Trail. To date, eight of our twelve two-man teams have qualified to fish in the State Tournament held on Neely Henry Lake in May. Congratulations to Chace Gregory and Tucker Weidler, HHS Seniors, for placing 9th in the Lay Lake tournament out of a field of 288 boats recently. We have high hopes that all teams will qualify as they have one more qualifier to fish on Lake Eufaula. Being a part of this sport has afforded our anglers with many opportunities. They have been able to participate in a sport they love, network with other anglers from various parts of our state, enhance their overall knowledge of
catch and release while improving their communication skills as they collaborate with their partners and speak publicly during tournament weigh-ins. Two seniors, Cade Holcomb and Kopeland Rosser, have been accepted to participate in The University of Montevallo President’s Outdoor Scholars Program in the fall. The program offers college to students with a passion for wildlife and conservation. It also provides a chance to earn a college degree while also taking an active role in preserving our state’s natural resources. If you’re hoping to catch some keepers this spring on Lay, here’s some advice from some of our anglers: You should throw a swim jig, spinnerbait and trick worm in grass in spawning sloughs or in the backs of creeks to catch largemouth bass; or throw a shaky head worm on the main river points and bluff walls to catch spotted bass.
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TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Spring 2018
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Congratulations to all the National Honor Society inductees this year, as well as inductees into the many other honor societies, such as Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Science National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society.
2018 National Honor Society Inductees 2017-2018 National Honor Society Officers President: Caitlin Rutland Vice President: Alfredo Guzman Secretary: Anna Tanner Treasurer: Chris Moon Faculty Sponsors: Mallory Swinsick and Michelle Wilson Jaycee Adams Alyssa Adley Miranda Batchelor Carleton Bodkin Madeline Brooks Bailey Brophy Logan Burnett Jayanna Cameron Caroline Carter Olivia Chapman Caroline Cook Madison Corley Carley Crowe Britton Damsgard Jillian Daugherty Lauren Decroes Jacob Dees Jack Dickerson Molly Dillahunty Olivia Dufour Jordan Economou Abigail Ford Cody Foster Zachary Fuller Mary Getts Jillian Gholson Zachary Goodwin Amy Gray William Griffith Matthew Gudino Benjamin Gulledge Joseph Haley Chaney Handley Sarah Haynes Olivia Hiatt Jabe Hildreth Andy Hoang
Alexandra Hughes Davis Humphrey Brodie Jones Megan Kallaher Jackson Kelley David Key Mary Latham Allison Lim Shenjiang Liu Elise Lovoy Logan May Cassidy McGrew Payton Medeiros Adamari Miranda-Martinez Matthew Mizerany Kelsey Mooney Brandon Nguyen Megan Oakes Ally O’Dell Caitlin Pannell Cameron Pannell Alyssa Parker William Parker Jordan Payne Caden Pierce Alaina Pitts Sarah Praytor Talon Pritchard Lauren Pritchett John Ratley Samuel Regina Elijah Richardson Chloe Risch Samantha Robinson Kimiko Robison William Rogers Caylee Rutland
8 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Robert Saville Abigail Schifanella Katelyn Schlotzhauer Alyssa Scott Lauren Scott Anna Sharp Amber Sides Colin Simpson Olivia Simpson Michaela Singer Morgan Snead Robert Stamba Alaynna Surcouf Allison Tanner Hannah Tidwell Madison Townley Abigail Traweek William Traweek Nea Tripplett Madelynn Tuech Christian Vanzant Nicolas Virgin Claire Vonderau Mallory Ware Adaia Washington Anastasia Watters Alexis Webb Hayley Weidler Jordan Wheeler Peyton Wilkins Madison Williams Laura Wilson Ryan Winston Jenna Winter Christian Wolf Connor Wolf Mackenzie Wolf
The Helena K9 Service Monument was the brainchild of Valerie Richards, seen here with her dad, Officer Phillip Richards.
Helena K9 Service Officer Monument Unveiled at Cahaba Lily Park in Helena Valerie Richards We are proud to announce that the new K9 Service Memorial is standing tall and ready to be viewed by all. We are so blessed to have a K9 service department right here in Helena to serve and protect the community. Hasco, Victor, and Bak all made us proud over the years, and we are more than excited to give back to them with this beautiful memorial landmark. A dedication was held at Cahaba Lily Park on Sunday, March 25th, at 2:00 p.m., to view the monument’s unveiling with friends, family and neighbors in attendance. This will be a place everyone can come as a community to reflect and celebrate the lives of our K9s and our family and friends in both law enforcement and the military. We would like to thank every individual who supported this cause, the many businesses that sponsored it, and the City of Helena for coming together to support something so special to all of us.
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10 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
The HMS softball team outdid themselves this year—35-0 on the season. Wins back-to-back Southern Conference Championships! The Helena Middle School softball team went 28-0 to start the season, breaking a record for the best start in school history. Ending it 35-0 set the recordsetting season in stone. Going back to last season, Coach Mark Sanders’ girls have an amazing record of 69 wins in their last 70 outings. “We have some very talented girls,” said Mark, “and they play a lot of ball throughout the year on their travel ball teams in addition to the time we get to spend with them during the school’s season. Most of these girls have had a lot of good coaching before they even get here. I can’t take credit for their
success—I don’t have them for that long—so all I do is to try to let them know that I love them all like they’re my own, and I ask them to love each other unconditionally. I have been extremely blessed to be able to be their coach while they are here.” One might take all that self deprecation at face value except that Coach Sanders has been coaching highly successful teams going back to his days at Riverchase Middle School. He has a way of getting his teams to gel and putting his athletes in the perfect spots to play at an extremely high level week in and week out, year after year. He has coached in the
Birmingham metro area the past 17 years, and says he has never before experienced a run like these girls from Helena have been on. “This year’s 8th graders are all solid both at hitting and in the field, and we have very strong pitching.” said the coach. Southern Conference Champion team members include the following 8th graders: Anne Marie Stanbridge-P Camryn Bailey-P Sara Ezekiel-SS Alex Erwin-2B Alana Scott-1B Bella Holiday-C Elise Dufour-LF Haley Morris-CF
Grayson Barnett and Ella Powell-RF Coach Sanders adds that both the 6th and 7th graders behind them are a very talented group of players, too, so the future looks bright for HMS softball. The Southern Conference league championship tournament was held March 21 and 22 at Chelsea. The Championship Tournament came down to a final game between Helena and Chelsea in which the Huskies dominated their opponents by a score of 9-3. Congratulations to Coach Mark Sanders, his assistants and a terrific group of softball players!
TO ADVERTISE, CALL the Publisher at 746.1188 / MyHelenaCityNews.com / Spring 2018
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CELEBRATING
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Helena First Fridays are BACK! Its that time of year again—the time we all love! It’s First Fridays in Old Town Helena! The first one for the 2018 season kicks Friday, April 6. April will be a special evening to those who love Helena, as the Historical Committee will bury their Time Capsule from the past at 7:00pm. What a unique opportunity for all to witness and take part in. The First Friday line up is one sure to please with the fun beginning in April and running through July and then the big holiday First Friday in December. Two very special dates to
go ahead and reserve in your schedule will be the First Fridays in June and July! This year, in JUNE (June 1) we are so excited to be partnering with the Helena Miracle League for their Season Opener Jam featuring Bo Bice, 7 Stone Riot and special guest, Sanchez Tanniehill. This event is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Please stay tuned to the Helena’s First Friday page for the most up-to-date information on this event. Then, JULY will be amazing as always! It will NOT be on the first Friday of the month, rather it will be on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.
We will partner with our city and the Helena Business Association for the Annual 4th of July Fireworks display! Last year, with the efforts of both the city and the Helena Business Association, the show was indeed a spectacle for the eyes! Make sure to be on the lookout for all the particulars. Vendor registration is going on now for April and we are looking for all types of entertainment. Please join our Facebook page, Old Town Helena First FridayVendors, for more information. Each month everyone is invited to stroll, and shop not only with our vendors but with
all the merchants in Old Town. Businesses stay open late and offer specials. There is food, fun and shopping for all who join us for the event. The event typically runs from 5:30pm until 9:00 p.m., and if you have never joined us in Old Town for First Friday, then you are indeed missing out on a SPECIAL TREAT! You can find photographs and upcoming news about the happenings of Helena’s First Friday on our Facebook page, Helena’s First Friday. We look forward to seeing YOU in Old Town Helena!
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14 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
MARCH
GETTING INVOLVED
3
Helena’s Annual Spring
clean
UP Day
On March 3, 2018, the Helena Beautification Board held its annual Clean Up Day in Old Town Helena. “We had 35 Helena residents participate working on a new beautification project sponsored by the board. This year’s event was a targeted effort to prepare for our annual planting day and was a big success, said Beautification Board Chairman, Chris VanCleave. “We had over grown juniper shrubs and non-blooming wisteria removed from the pergola at the entrance to the Welcome Center. This removal revealed some beautiful stone work and gave us an opportunity to repair the pergola and have it re-painted. Plans are now under way to replant that area with beautiful flowering shrubs and climbing roses.” Said VanCleave. “Volunteers worked to prepare the new planting beds, pulled weeds and thinned and divided daylilies. Daylilies are easily divided and transplanted. This year’s educational element during the event was showing volunteers how to dig and divide daylilies. Once divided, the daylilies were then replanted in a bed at the entrance to the Helena Sports Complex, said Brian Puckett, Vice Chairman of the Board. “The board’s goal is to be good stewards of city resources and the environment by planting hardy perennials that can be divided and multiplied throughout the city’s landscape.” Said Puckett. The Board would like to thank all the residents and groups that participated in the event. The Helena Beautification Board’s next event will be the Annual Basket Planting Day scheduled for April 14th, 2017 from 8:00 AM – Noon. Additional information will be available closer to the event on the board’s Facebook Page. To view more information and pictures from the event visit the Helena Beautification Board website at www.helenabeautiful.com. The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the Helena City Council. The Board believes that people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. They host a variety of opportunities for the community to come together and serve each year. Events are posted on the Helena Beautiful Facebook page and announced via Twitter at @TweetHomeHelena.
...people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. Follow Us at Helena Beautiful
TweetHome Helena
Riverwoods Developers Give Back to the Community
Riverwoods Developer Phil Zettler, leading Helena industrialist over the past 50 years and a Helena land developer since 2000, recently made good on a pledge made several years ago to donate an additionsl 43 acres (to go along with 15 acres already donated) along Buck Creek and the Cahaba River to the City of Helena for the Buck Creek Greenway project. This will eventually tie in to the second phase of the Hillsboro Trail System and form the site for a future historic park. The acreage is home to significant historic landmarks such as the old Billy Gould Mines and its Civil War era coke ovens and the abandoned North South Railway which will be part of the federal Rails for Trails project. Jack Gray, head of the planning and zoning board, said the trail system has been a part of Helena’s and Riverwoods Master Plans for some time, and it is customary for a large community developer such as Riverwoods to donate a percentage of land to be left undeveloped for the use of its residents. “The acreage Riverwoods donated has a lot of historic significance to it, and I can imagine all sorts of uses for it in the future,” he said. Councilman Hal Woodman had this to say, “That piece of property is a historic treasure for Helena. Not only is it significant to Helena, but to the State of Alabama and maybe the nation. It is one of the earliest known examples of coal exploration in the state. It was surveyed and is part of the Historic American Engineering Record. Billy Gould himself was a mining pioneer at the early stages of the coal and iron industry in Alabama. This area includes 16 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Gould’s mine in Helena and some incredible examples of coke ovens from over 150 years ago. A U.S. Government site says it’s ‘one of the earliest such structures in Alabama and may be among the oldest in existence.’ The site is also home to a Civil War skirmish in which Wilson’s Raiders attacked the site (which was providing up to 75 tons of coal a day to Selma for the Confederate war effort). The raiders burned the bridge, mines and part of Helena to the ground. The Helena Historic Preservation Society (HHPC), which meets at the Helena Museum, leads tours out to the site. Recently, the HHPC, along with Boy Scout troop 532, cleaned up the area. I would love to see the property become the anchor for a future historic Helena park which would include canoe docking and primitive camp sites along with hiking and biking trails,“ finished Woodman. Riverwoods today is recognized as one of the premiere communities in North Shelby County and has attracted a professional population to the city. Part of the property developers purchased back in 2000 extends beyond Helena, across the Cahaba River into Hoover, where a large development known as Blackridge is already well underway. Many thanks to the Zettler family for donating such a significant piece of historical acreage to Helena and its citizens to preserve and have for future generations to learn about the rich heritage we all enjoy as Helena residents.
LINDA CATO. HELENA HISTORIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Donate an additional 43 Acres of Historical Significance to City of Helena
Members of Boy Scout Troop 532 recently joined together to clean up the old coke ovens. Pictured above are, l-r, back row: Deborah Buckingham, Todd Vegter, Jacob Cleghorn, Wendi Vegter, and Jay Cleghorn. Middle row: Nick Vegter and Cody Buckingham. Front row: Jason Vandiver (Scoutmaster), Patrick Vandiver, Zack Vegter and Tate Carter. Thanks to the scouts for all they do in Helena!
The Helena Historic Preservation Committee is hosting a Coke Oven & History Tour April 7 at 9:30 a.m. Meet at Helena Sports Complex/Community Center at 110 Sports Complex Dr. Strollers not advised. May walk through muddy terrain, so bring appropriate shoes. In case of rain, the hike will be Sunday, April 8 at 2 p.m. Watch the Helena Historic Preservations Committee’s Facebook page for more details.
Helena’s most distinctive neighborhood With generous rolling landscapes, beautiful public areas, old hardwood shade trees and spacious, executive style homes, Riverwoods is the place you want to be. For more information on making Riverwoods your home, contact Greg Arcara on his cell at (205) 566-1426 or his office at
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ANNOUNCING
The 10th Annual
DOUGLAS W. JONES Memorial Golf Tournament Benefitting the
HELENA POLICE EXPLORERS
Tournament Information Thursday, May 10, 2018
Bent Brook Golf Club All Proceeds directly benefit the
HELENA POLICE EXPLORERS! For more information, please contact: Captain J. Penhale Helena Police Department 816 Highway 52 East Helena, AL 35080 Office: 205-663-6499 Email: jpenhale@helenapd.com
Tournament Sponsorships are also available. Your support of the Helena Police Explorers would be greatly appreciated! If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament (many levels available) or donating a door prize, please contact us!
7900 Dickey Springs Rd Birmingham, AL 35022 7am – Sign In / Practice 8am – Shotgun Start
Lunch will be provided following your round of golf . There will also be awards and door prizes!
FORMAT – 4 person scramble (You pick team or committee will assign) COST - $100 per player This includes: Range Balls, Gift Bag, Lunch, and automatic entry for Door Prizes MULLIGANS - $5 each (Limit 3) Can be prepaid with registration or purchased at the golf course
P HOTO B Y AD AM SHORT
Helena Elementary School
SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR Hats off to Helena Elementary Support person of the year, Tori Rawlins. Tori serves as the lunchroom manager at the school. In his letter of recommendation to the school board, Principal Jeff Norris says, “Young children are great judges of character, and they are often found surrounding Tori, smothering her with hugs and smiles throughout the day… Parents of our students also give positive feedback about working alongside her; she is always willing to go above and beyond to work with our PTO officers in planning events for our staff and school. The local Kiwanis club utilized her expertise for a recent community event (Kiwanis pancake breakfast) and several have sent follow up correspondence detailing their great experience working with Tori.” Support personnel are asked to submit a letter stating why they love their job. In hers, Tori writes that there are so many amazing layers to what she does as lunch room manager in an ever changing environment, that giving one direct answer is not so simple. She goes on to address the many facets that go into “Why she loves
TORI RAWLINS
her job.” People-Tori says she gets to work with passionate, like minded people everyday, all of whom build an amazing foundation that allows her to do one, simple thing: provide a nutritious, healthy meal in a warm and welcoming environment. My team-She says working with a “spectacular group of women who strive to be better each day. Whether it’s a slight change in a recipe to make a dish taste better or acknowledging a child that needs a little extra attention that day, her co-workers exhibit the true heart of selfless servants who work tirelessly and at times without much recognition to make sure students get a delicious meal so that they can focus on learning. The students-She says she is not aware of their circumstances outside of our four walls, but she is fully aware of the safe haven she can create for them within their cafeteria. “I love each and every smile, high five and hug that I get in return,” said Tori. Innovation-Tori serves on the county’s menu advisory committee and says the group challenges
each other to find better ways to serve their guests, to find better menu items and combinations that will increase participation and profitability. She ends her letter by saying what an honor it is to be chosen but then deflecting credit from herself and directing it towards her staff and co-workers, just as a great leader would. After reading all the kind things said about Tori, we decided to sit down with her and see if we could get her to share a bit more. Tori was born and raised outside Salt Lake City Utah. She met her husband Mike while she worked for him in the chain of Mexican and Italian restaurants he owned there at the time. She laughed and said it was love at first sight for her, but she had to cook for Mike to get him to look her way. After Mike sold his restaurants, they visited his original home state of Florida and dropped in to see his brother and sister-in-law who live in Maylene on the return trip. “We originally thought that after he sold the business, we might move back to Florida or North Carolina so he could
play more golf, but after visiting Shelby County, we found we really liked it here.” Tori says a few days after returning from their trip, Mike surprised her by saying he’d bought her a house in the golf course community of Ballantrae in Pelham. “So we moved here,” she said. And the rest, as they say, is history, An employee of the Shelby County Board of Education for seven years, Tori has served as the lunchroom manager at HES the past three years. “People out west do not realize that southern hospitality is a thing,” she says “and it’s something they are missing out on.” These days, she is enjoying her job at HES and Mike is managing Panera Bread Co. in Hoover. They have three children: Issac, 23, who studies mechanical engineering at the University of Utah; Paislee, 21, who studies kinesiology at Dixie State University in Utah; and Aspen, 12, a 7th grader at Pelham Park Middle School. Congratulations on the well deserved honor, Tori, and all the best in the coming years!
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Helena Husky Boys and Girls Win Area Championships! Boys finish season 32-2, and 4-0 in league play to win their area! Girls finish 14-16, but go 4-1 in league play to win their area, too! Congratulations to both the boys and girls Helena High School basketball teams this year as both earned Area Championships! Head Coach Alan Skinner had his girls primed to compete this season and the plaque dispalyed by the players above show what hard work can do. The future looks bright. Congratulations girls. and go Huskies! Similarly, Coach Chris Laatsch had his boys ready willing and able to compete this past season. The high point may have come as they beat rival Pelham in a close one to claim their own Area title. Coach Laatsch has the boys program heading in the right direction to compete for future titles—congratulations guys, and go Huskies!
Board of Education Approves Assistant Principal for Helena Intermediate School The Shelby County Board of Education has approved Courtney Madison as a new Assistant Principal of Helena Intermediate School. Madison has nine years of experience in education and currently serves as an Elementary Instructional Coach for Shelby County Schools. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Montevallo. Welcome to Helena, Courtney!
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Helena High Band performs in St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Big Apple Bright and early on March 14, approximately 200 Helena High School Band students, chaperones, and staff loaded on buses and headed to the Big Apple to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. The expected parade audience was 1.5 million people. While in New York City, the band visited many sights and places of interest. They enjoyed a dinner cruise on the river and saw the lovely city skyline at night along with the Statue of Liberty. They visited the 911 Memorial and Museum along with a walk down Wall Street to visit Trinity Church, the famous bull and little girl statues and then went to see the Stock Exchange. The students and adults enjoyed a boat ride to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to see the history of many families of immigrants. The travelers were extremely lucky and were able to get Broadway tickets to see the show Wicked and Lion King while they were there. Wicked had special meaning to the band members because their theme for the fall football show was Behind the Em22 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
erald Curtain and featured songs from the play. As the visitors to the city prepared for cold weather, they were greeted by beautiful sunny days, so visiting the Empire State Building was a treat for them because of the view showing the entire city from each side of the building. The students enjoyed some time in Times Square and many enjoyed a NYC hot dog or pretzel from street vendors to truly experience New York City life. They also sampled New York cuisine with visits to John’s Pizzeria and Bond 45 for a wonderful meal after an evening at the theater. Students and parents enjoyed some time to shop in Times Square and purchase souvenirs from the city. During the trip to Rockefeller Center, many also visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the NBC Studio. This was a once in a lifetime experience for many of the students and parents, and they definitely enjoyed their time in the Big Apple.
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Helena Rd
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Greetings from the Library! The Spring is here along with great NEW books and movies, as well as BIG plans!
all summer long, such as Lego Fun, Cookies and Coloring, Story time, and more!
If you have not visited the library lately or you are new to our community, now is the time to visit the library.
For you teens out there, visit the library this summer for a FREE bag and the opportunity to win fun prizes.
It helps the library staff (and you!) to visit in the spring to get a library card or update your existing one. The summer is a busy time, so beat the crowd to and get prepared.
Most importantly, visit to read books to keep your skills sharp for the fall. You will also be setting a great example for younger kids. Read to Succeed!
If you have questions about your account or what you need to do to get a library card, simply call 664-8308 and we will happily assist you.
April and May offer some great events, as well.
While you are here, it is a great time to check out some new books! The library gets new material all the time. Getting and keeping up with your library card can open up great new opportunities. Our summer Reading program begins June 1 with Registration and our Kick-off is June! Look for other FUN programs at the library
In April, the library will have a musical program provided by the Alabama Humanities Foundation. It is entitled:” Fiddlers, Banjos and Strawbeaters - Alabama’s First Pop Musicians.” Come in and check out this FREE program featuring Alabama History. It is on Monday, April 30 at 6:00 PM Also, The Library Book Sale is April 26! Come in and find some fun treasures! For other dates and times, check out the Library website. www.cityofhelena.org click on library. We have a calendar, as well as a list of new items.
JANE B. HOLMES PUBLIC LIBRARY • 230 Tucker Road, Helena AL 35080
The theme this year is Libraries ROCK!
Schedule of events:
Friday, June 1 - Summer Reading Registration Begins! Wednesday, June 6 – Summer Reading Kick-Off! Miss Kit’s Bubble Show – 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM Wednesday, June 13 – McWane Center program! 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM Wednesday, June 20 – Neat Puppet Show “Wizzle’s New Beat” at 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 17 – Visit with The Helena Fire Department at 2:30 PM Wednesday, July 4 – Library Closed! For Independence Day Wednesday, July 11 – Visit with the Police Department at 2:30 PM Wednesday, July 18 – Musician Jim Aycock at 2:30 PM
Y
MUSIC: For you fiction readers who like the latest and greatest, ask a staff member about being placed on hold for great new Titles. Stop by soon, and check these out!
Check out these great new items… FICTION:
Look For Me by Lisa Gardner Origin by Dan Brown Still me by JoJo Moyes All That Glitters by Diana Palmer Family Business 4 by Carl Weber Pope of Palm Beach by Tim Dorsey Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella Night Moves by Jonathan Kellerman Dark In Death by J.D. Robb Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Flicker by Niall Horan What Makes You Country by Luke Bryan Buried Treasure by Jimmy Buffett Pitch Perfect 3 Soundtrack 2018 Grammy Nominees
OUR NEWEST MOVIES!
Suburbicon – Starring Matt Damon Valerian – Starring Cara Delevingne Stronger – Starring Jake Gyllenhaal Kingsman – Starring Channing Tatum Dunkirk Flatliners Detroit Birth of the Dragon Wonder It Murder on The Orient Express Stranger Things
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Helena UMC holds exciting mission day Helena United Methodist Church held an exciting and productive Mission Day Saturday, February 24th, where they packed over 20,000 meals for the needy in less than two hours! HUMC partnered with the Rise Against Hunger organization, which brought in all the meal supplies (paid for by the church) and more than 90 church volunteers spent their morning packing the meals—from measuring the fortified rice-soy meal into bags to sealing the bags to boxing up all the meals. HUMC’s shipment will go to Swaziland, in Southern Africa, but Rise Against Hunger ships meals to over 70 countries around the world. The Rise Against Hunger organization runs well-organized events, and even makes it fun for volunteers to participate, with lively music playing and a gong which sounds every time a group hits another milestone in the number of meals packed. Rise Against Hunger is a handson hunger relief program that seeks to enable families and communities to become self-sufficient and learn sustainable skills. It also provides crisis assistance in response to natural disasters and political crisis. The church also had volunteers working with Fleecing the Flock, which makes blankets for foster children, and put together health kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief during the day. Helena United Methodist also held several other major events in the month of February—including the Grand Opening of their newly renovated sanctuary on February 4, fundraising concerts by the Sozo Children’s Choir from Uganda at both morning worship services on February 11, and a Centering Prayer Workshop on the 17th. The Mission Day and Sozo Concerts are a part of HUMC’s ongoing Global Outreach mission efforts, which assist organizations here in this area and around the world with much-needed funds, volunteers and more. For more details about HUMC, check out their church app (search Helena UMC for the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) or the church website at: www.helenaumc.org.
Keep your New Year’s Resolution this year at Snap Fitness Helena.
Scozzaro Law Relocating to roomier space in Old Town Helena On February 1, 2018, Scozzaro Law relocated their office in Helena’s Old Town. The law firm relocated to 4097 Helena Road, Suite A near the railroad tracks and across the street from Buck Creek Stained Glass. The new facility offers greater privacy for clients as well as easier access for those with mobility issues. “The new place gives us the opportunity to incorporate more technology in our work in a more comfortable setting for our clients,” says Emmanuel Scozzaro, attorney. “We are excited about how much better we will be able to serve those in Helena with legal needs.” Since 2014, Scozzaro Law has been located in a small, renovated home in Helena’s Old Town business district. “Without the house, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” says Kristi Scozzaro. “Our location at the house has been a great way to connect with the community. We are looking forward to even more opportunities to connect with Helena at our new location!” Scozzaro Law works with families and businesses across the state of Alabama. “It’s the same great service you’ve come to trust in a new great location just down the street,” adds Kristi Scozzaro.
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Helena’s Combined High School and Middle School Robotics team acquits themselves well at annual competition 7th Grader Trace Barnett raised the money for this year’s project himself by celling on local businesses and asking for their support.
The Helena Middle School Robotics team combined with the high school team to compete in the Wiregrass VEX VRC this year in February at Enterprise High School. Vex comes from VEX Robotics, the competition’s sponsor, and the company from which schools buy kits for competitions such as this. “This was our first year to compete in the VEX program,” said robotics program co-sponsor and HMS co-teacher of the year, Christine Hoffman. “The Vex program is better suited for this age group as engineering skills are emphasized more than ‘shop experience.’ The kits save lots of time and keeps students from having to scrounge around for the proper materials to build the robots to perform their given task for the competition. After the students build the robot, team members are timed at the remote controls to see which 28 Winter 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
ones are the most adept at the task given certain time restraints. There were 24 total members of the team this year, and the group elected to name themselves after Helena’s zip code, 35080. Five “drivers” were selected and used in the formal competition. “We only had one robot this year due to financial constraints, but hope to have four for next year with the help of grants and additional fund raisers,” said Christine. “Conservatively, it costs about $1,000 per robot, so it’s not an inexpensive undertaking. Our chief fund raiser this year was 7th grader ‘Trace’ Barnett. Trace raised all the money for this year’s competition by taking a sponsorship letter by area businesses and selling them on the idea of sponsoring the team. He did a wonderful job!” Trace said he plans to pursue a career in civil engineering someday, although he has shown a talent for sales, too. Christine’s co-sponsor for the
robotics team is Helena High School science teacher and assistant soccer coach Selia Dozier. Our students did not start working on this year’s competition until December because of funding shortfalls (while most other teams began the previous April), but our students still managed to make it into the semi-finals, a tribute to the talented engineering minds we have here in Helena. The three high school seniors on this year’s team were on Christine’s first robotics team as middle schoolers. Many colleges offer scholarships for talented students wanting to pursue robotics. Next year’s competition will be at Auburn University. The team had five girls on it this year, so there is room for growth there. The three 12th graders have been members of the Robotics team since its inception when they were in middle school.
Members of this year’s team are: Middle School: Troy Morris - 6th grade Tristan Mitchell- 6th grade Eoin Lindsey - 6th grade Hailey Schwartz - 7th grade Trace Barnett - 7th grade Max Parker - 7th grade Audrey Childers - 7th grade Hunter Fernambucq - 7th grade Noah Walker - 7th grade William Dunkin - 7th grade Aaron Surcouf - 8th grade Aidan Naron - 8th grade Khalil Sabbah - 8th grade Killian Brown - 8th grade High School: Avi Bishop - 9th grade Erik Barajas - 9th grade Alex Bailey - 9th grade Asa Ward - 9th grade Lauryn Cotton - 9th grade Roc Bivins - 10th grade Cade Jamieson - 12th grade Adam Jusino - 12th grade Jace Aldrich - 12th grade Congratulations on a great year!
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Winford Homecrafters has some of the best lots in Helena available for the home you’ve been dreaming of… • Three large acreage lots in Dearing Farms off CR 95 • Eight of the better basement lots left in Riverwoods • Two gorgeous wooded lots available in Creekwater Call us about these today. Helena’s hometown homebuilder is ready to start your dream home now—with your plan or ours!
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Local Marine recognized as Air Traffic Controller of the Quarter
Corporal Cameron L. Fortson was born and raised in Alabama and graduated from Helena High School in 2015, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completion of basic training in the fall of 2015, Cpl Fortson reported to air traffic control school in Pensacola, FL. He achieved the distinguished title of Honor Graduate for having the highest GPA in his class. He joined Team MCAF in Quantico, Virginia, in October, 2016. Cpl Fortson has excelled throughout his tenure, and was recognized recently as Air Traffic Controller of the Quarter (termed “long ball hitter” in his division). Additionally, he is a member of the security augmentation force. Cpl Fortson is the son of Cindi and Ken Fortson of Helena. He has three siblings, Megan and Andrew Fortson and Aiden Woods. He is the grandson of Brenda and Clyde Gladden, Gale and Andy Fortson and Sammie and Abe Hobson and the late J.C. Walker. Cpl. Fortson is engaged to Helena resident, Meri Cashion.
Dr. Denny visits Career Day at HIS
Dr. Denny spoke to about 120 students at Helena Intermediate School’s Career Day recently (shown above left with HIS teacher, Teri Portwood). The 3rd-5th graders learned about a career in Orthodontics. Dr. Denny discussed the importance of going to college and all that one studies in order to become a dentist and an orthodontist. She went on to describe the everyday work of an orthodontist. The students were shown dental models, X-rays of the head and teeth and different types of appliances used to correct bite problems including porcelain braces, colorful braces and Invisalign, the popular brand of invisible braces. Thanks to Dr. Denny and Oak Mountain Orthodontics for always being so supportive of our local schools’ efforts to enhance their educational experiences!
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Police Explorers, Explorer Training Facility, 4:00-7:00PM Fire Explorers, Station 2, 5:00PM TUESDAYS Kiwanis Club of Helena, Helena Senior Citizens Building, each 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday, 7:00AM For more info, visit kiwanisclubofhelena.com Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM Helena Lions Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Helena Senior Center 7:00PM, Visit Helena Lions Club Facebook page for more info THURSDAYS Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11:00AM
april
2nd 4th 7th 8th 10th 11th 12th -
13th 14th 15th 18th -
Helena High Awards Day, Gym, 8:30am Helena First Friday, arts, crafts and food in Old Town, 5:00-9:30pm Helena Elementary Art Show May 7-11 Helena Elementary Family Night at the Art Show, 4:30-8:00pm Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm Helena Elementary New 5K Parents Only Meeting, 6:30pm Buck Creek Festivall, Old Town Amphitheater, 5:00-10:00pm For the latest information, visit BuckCreekFestival.com Buck Creek Festival, Old Town Amphitheater, 10:00am-10:30pm Rubber Duck Race will begin PROMPTLY at 3:00pm, For the latest information, visit BuckCreekFestival.com MOTHER’S DAY Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm Helena Middle Band Spring Concert, HHS Auditorium, 6:15pm Helena Middle Spring Football Game, 3:00pm Helena Utility Board meeting, Community Services Bldg, 5:00pm Helena Middle Spring Choir Concert, Kingwood Church, 7:00pm Helena Elementary H-Day: 5K 8:15-9:30am; 1st 9:45-11:15am; 2nd 12:00-1:30pm Helena Intermdiate H-Day (May 21 makeup day if needed) Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 5:00-9:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org Helena High Class of 2018 Graduation, BJCC Concert Hall, 6:30pm Students must arrive by 5:00pm Helena Intermediate Talent Show: 3rd Grade am; 4th Grade pm Helena Middle Husky Day, 8:00am-3:00pm Helena Intermediate 5th Grade Awards Program, 8:30am Shelby Co. Schools 2nd Sem. Ends, Students dismissed at 1:00pm, HIS 12:45pm MEMORIAL DAY: Municipal Offices & Library Closed; No Garbage Service–Santek will run one day behind through Saturday
6th - Helena First Friday, arts, crafts and food in Old Town, 5:00-9:30pm - Spring Fling inc. carnival rides, Helena Elementary, 5:00-10:00pm 7th - Spring Fling inc. carnival rides, Helena Elementary, 10:00am-4:00pm and 5:00-10:00pm 19th 8th - Spring Fling inc. carnival rides, Helena Elementary, 5:00-10:00pm 9th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 22nd 10th - Helena Utility Board meeting, Community Services Bldg, 5:00pm 11th - Helena High Late Start Day, 9:10am 12th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 23rd 14th - Helena Miracle League’s Womanless Beauty Pageant, Helena Sports Complex, $5 per person, 6:00pm; Dudes 16 & up 24th interested in strutting their stuff, please contact Gail Mitchell at 603-4377, $25 application fee 28th 17th - Helena Elementary PTO 1st Grade Performances, 6:15pm & 7:15pm 19th - Helena Intermediate Helena Harmonies/Art Show 20th - Helena Middle 8th Grade Banquet, 6:30pm 21st - 2018 HHS Mustache Run for Soccer, 1 mile fun run/pet walk/ 5k/8k & Best Mustache, HHS, 8:00am - Respite Care-special needs 0-21, free but must reserve, Alabaster Methodist’s Restore Bldg, 5:00-9:00pm, aaronsstaffrespite.org 1st - Helena First Friday, arts, crafts and food in Old Town, 5:00-8:00pm 23rd - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm - Helena Miracle League’s Season Opener Jam featuring Bo Bice, - Helena Elementary Teacher/Volunteer Appreciation Week Apr. 23-27 7 Stone Riot & Sanchez Tanniehill, Amphitheater, 8:00-10:00pm - Helena Intermediate Book Fair & Dog/Cat Food Drive for SCHS 2nd - Helena Market Days 2018, Amphitheater, 8:00am-12:00pm 30th - Helena Intermediate Staff Appreciation Week Apr. 30-May 4 For more info, visit HelenaMarketDays.com 5th - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00am, for meeting site visit hbahelena.com or their Facebook page - Friends of the Library meeting, Jane B. Holmes Library, 5:45pm 9th - Helena Market Days Opening Day, Amphitheater, 11th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm 1st - Helena Business Association Meeting, 8:00 am, for meeting site 12th - Helena Utility Board meeting, Community Services Bldg, 5:00pm visit hbahelena.com or their Facebook page 14th - Helena Planning & Zoning, Helena Municipal Building, 6:00pm - Friends of the Library meeting, Jane B. Holmes Library, 5:45pm
june
may
32 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Helena Lions Club hosts first annual Spaghetti Supper fund raiser On Saturday, February 3, the Helena Lions Club hosted their first Annual Spaghetti Supper at the Helena Senior Center. The Lions Club was honored to have had the Helena Teen Council help them with this event. Spaghetti was served from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. with both dine-in and carry-out options available. There were almost 100 in attendance, and there was fellowship and great Spaghetti enjoyed by all who came out. Lion Bill May was the chief chef who prepared the delicious, homemade spaghetti sauce. Lions were
eager to serve and meet those in the community who came out to support the event. The Helena Lions Club is almost four-years-old and is continually trying to find ways to serve the community. The Lions’ major focus is on sight, and Dr. Jamie Reed of Helena Vision Care is always eager to collect old and used glasses for use by the les fortunate and leads the Lions in this area. The Lions club also sponsors two high school juniors each year who live in Helena to attend a leadership conference
at Troy University during the summer. Their hope is to build future leaders and hopefully give them a better understanding of civic work. Over the past three years the Lions have also awarded a high school senior with a scholarship. Students who are interested in this scholarship must be a resident of Helena and eligible to attend Helena Schools. Scholarship information can be picked up at Scozzaro Law, LLC or check with your school counselor. The Lions club is always eager to have those in the community
who are civic minded join them and help grow not only the Helena Lions Club but also the wonderful community we call home. If you are interested in becoming a Lion, please visit our Facebook page at Helena Lions Club. Everyone in the Lions club is excited to see next year’s Spaghetti Supper grow even larger and wanted to send a thank you out to everyone who came out and enjoyed the Spaghetti Supper with them this year!
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Miss HHS 2018 Hallie Smith
Accompanied by, from left: 4th Alternate Hannah Jones, 1st Alternate Madison Chapman, Miss HHS Hallie Smith, 2nd Alternate Riley Busby, 3rd Alternate Hayley Johnson
Freshman Elite Meagan Ingram Sophomore Elite Abbey Hess Junior Elite Reilly Montgomery Senior Elite Caitlin Rutland
Special Olympians get a big send off! Hats off to Shelby County Schools, who held their Special Olympics Thursday, March 22, at Calera High School. All Helena schools sent their special athletes to compete in various track and field events and sent them off as heroes! Students made signs and banners cheering their friends on and inspiring confidence on the big day. Here are a few pictures of Helena Intermediate’s send off. Also included are a couple of Helena Middle School athletes competing and then proudly displaying the ribbons they won. The middle school welcomed their athletes back with a parade of champions in the hallways at school. (See the middle school’s FB page.) All Helena schools made this a special day and inspired confidence in the young people participating.
Best Escort Taylor Knight Most Photogenic Shireen Rashid Miss Congeniality Meredith Byrd
SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL… We’re the Home of the Free Because of the Brave!
SGT Jon M. Aaron USA; 4/14 K Co (DET B), Unit 43671, FPO AP 96426-3671; Al Anbar, Iraq; Karen Dickinson’s son E-3 HTFN Alex Avery USN; USS Frank Cable, Guam; Phil & Deana Avery’s son, Maria Avery’s brother, Ken & Mary Penhale’s grandson PFC Zachary Barr USA: 7th Special Forces Group; Eglin AFB, FL Cynthia & Mark Barr’s son SGT Steven M. Bennett USA; Paratrooper/Rigger; Fort Benning, GA Clara & Ken Lorino’s son SFC Eric Bond USA; 82nd ABD, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Paul Zimmerman’s cousin Captain Joshua Bowen USA; 1st Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO Tom and Susan Bowen’s son, Fallon’s husband Captain Fallon Bowen USA; Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; Fort Carson, CO Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter-in-law, Joshua’s wife LT Sarah Bowen USN; USS John Stennis Aircraft Carrier; Bremerton, WA; Tom and Susan Bowen’s daughter LT Jordan Bowen USA; 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Div., Ft. Hood, TX; Tom and Susan Bowen’s son SRA Mitch Braswell USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Mike & Judi Braswell’s son PVT Vincent Brown USMC; Chesapeake, VA; Leonetta Prevo’s son SGT Dallas C Caviness USAF; 172 Inf. Brigade; Germany; Rebecca’s husband, Norah’s father, Rhonda’s son & Devin’s brother 1st LT William B. Cofer 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 Captain Jon P. Darrenkamp USA; Schofield Barracks, HI; Carol Darrenkamp’s son, Stephen & Eric’s brother AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks USN; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Joe & Tammy Williams’s son, Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor’s grandson SSgt Phillip Hembree USAF Police, Japan Deborah Hembrees’s son, Joann Pilato’s grandson Jessica’s husband and Emily Faith’s daddy.
LCPL Jared M. Fitzgerald USMC; 9th Communication Battalion; Camp Pendleton; CA; Rosemarie Butler’s son and Jeff’s stepson, Justin and Tyler’s brother
LT Commander Kimberly A. Oelschlager USN; US Navy Hospital (Balboa)-Physician’s Asst., San Diego, CA; Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager’s daughter
Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin D. Gilbert USCG, Machinery Technician; Mobile, AL, Leslie’s husband, Cohen & Kerrigan’s dad, Annette & Dan Duffy’s son-in-law
SPC, Alexander Palmer Combat Medic Schofield, O’ahu, Hawaii
SSG Jay Gortney ARNG; 20th Special Forces; Iraq; April’s husband SGT Brooks Gray USA; Ranger; Scofield BKS, HI; John Gray’s son, Lauren & Ryan Gray’s brother SRA Brad Hubbard USAF Fort Gordon - Augusta, GA Rod & Susan Hubbard’s son SPC Michael Hubbard USA; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Ruth Meadows grandson, Kimberly’s husband, Bonnie Hubbard’s brother SPC Eric Hunley ARNG; 1/167 Inf. Bn Co. B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Mike & Barbara Hunley’s son; late Chris Hunley’s brother CPL Michael Jeffries ARNG; 1/167 Infantry Battalion Company B, Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan; Amy’s husband, Colin & Gavin’s father MC1 Andrew “AJ” Johnson USN; Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU); Dam Neck Annex, NAS Oceana; Virginia Beach, VA. LT Commander David Kang USN; White House, Washinton, DC; Stanley & Sue Kang’s son, Sunny Kang’s brother CW3 Corey Lefebvre USA; Fort Rucker, AL.; Tom Lefebvre’s son SGT Jacob S. Lenoir USA; Sniper Unit of 1-64 Inf; Fort Stewart, GA; Beth Eades’ son, Caitlyn’s husband SRA Tanner McGinnis USAF; 90th SFS Tactical Response Force; FE Warren AFB; Cheyenne, Wyoming Ken & Jo McGinnis’ son 2nd LT Jacob Allen Meins USAF, Special Operations Command; Kathy Meins Martin’s son MSG Jacqueline M. Moore USA, 387th; Wichita, KS; Leroy E. Lucas’ wife, Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris’ mom SSGT Christopher S. Murphy USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Jack & Karen Murphy’s son, Alyssa’s husband
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!
Chief Petty Officer Termaine J. Pruitt USN; NAS Pensacola, FL; Termaine Jr, Trevorn, Chelicia & Tristin’s father, Janice & Austin Pruitt’s son SGT Peter J. “Pete” Reese ARNG; 152nd MP Co.; Lauren’s husband; Kai, Sam, Dalton, Brook & Kaiti’s father CPL Casey B. Reitz USMC, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC, Tom and Suzi Reitz’s son, Tommy, Joey, and Emily’s brother SPC Dwight A Rosse Jr. USA; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, KY; Dwight & Michelle Rosse’s son, Britney & Carlton’s brother 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 ARNG; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Andrea & AnnaBelle’s father Capt John M Traylor, Jr USAF; 64th Aggressor Squadron; Nellis AFB, NV; Mark & Karole Traylor’s son SGT John Christian Vansant USMC; VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS; New River, NC; Keith & Sherill Vansant’s son Major Maxwell B. Ward USAR; Afghanistan; Kathie’s husband, Maggie’s dad, Bette Ward’s son, Michelle (Lin) Saville’s brother PFC Zachary Walton USA; 3-1 Cav. Regt. Delta Troop; Ft Benning, GA; Becky Click’s son, Alex Walton & Sydney Mollica’s brother, Amber’s husband FC3 William J. Welch USN; USS Lake Erie, Pearl Harbor, HI; Devinne Brooks’ husband
Stephen Mixson to graduate Auburn in May; one of 50 nationally chosen to undergo Nato Combat Pilot Training In May, Helena native Stephen Mixson graduates from Auburn University and begins his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Stephen was one of approximately 50 ROTC cadets nationwide selected to attend Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training. This program, established in the spirit of NATO, is conducted at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. ENJJPT is the world’s only multi-nationally manned and managed flight training program chartered to produce combat pilots for NATO. Stephen is a 2013 graduate of Pelham High School and an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 2 in Helena. Congratulations to Stephen as he graduates college and begins his Air Force career.
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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.
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 Gary Bohman • 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 Chris Wilson • 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 Rev. Brad Henderson gracechristianchurch.org Sunday School 9:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 • 620-4575 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 • 919-7932 Sunday Corporate Prayer 9:00 AM Rev. Glenn E. Davis • lambofgodcec.org Sunday Worship 10:15 AM Children’s Church 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM
METHODIST Helena United Methodist Church 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Dr. Mary Henley • helenaumc.org Worship 9AM Traditional, 11AM Contemporary Sunday School 10AM
The Church at Cahaba Bend 3721 Highway 52 W • 621-8060 Rev. Keith Elder • cahababend.org Sunday School 9:15 AM Contemporary Worship 10:30 AM
NAZARENE Trinity Church of the Nazarene 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
Voice of Faith Int’l Ministries 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
Meets at Helena Intermediate • 621-6248 Pastor Phil Chambers • cccbham.org Sunday Worship 10:30 AM
Helena Cumberland Presbyterian 3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Pastor Mike Ensminger helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM
Our community of faith offers many services and programs year-round. Please visit the church’s website for additional information about upcoming events and programs.
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www.AlabasterSmiles.com No representation is made that the quality of dental services provided is greater than those provided by other dentists.
38 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
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Hometown Hero Bo Bice partners with Miracle League to help raise funds to build a very special ball field “It didn’t dawn on me last year when Mary Chambliss called me about helping her build a ball field in Helena that she was talking about a special needs ball field,” said Bo Bice during a return visit to Helena recently. “I usually take on about three projects a year,” he continued. “I have two cousins with Downs syndrome, and there’s also Maci Sexton, the daughter of one of my drummers in a previous band, who passed away awhile back.” “So when Mary called me this year and told me she had her 501c3 set up as the Helena Miracle League, I jumped at the opportunity to lend a hand!” “The thing I love about Helena is how spontaneous it is,” said Bo. “You don’t have to jump through so many hoops like you do in lots of other places.” Bo went on to say that he sees the Miracle League ball field project as something that needs to be done in phases—over maybe 40 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
two-three years—to raise the needed amount of funds. “Our initial goal is to raise $250,000. We can then get a grant for another $250,000, which will give us enough to start building the field.” We asked Bo what he and the family are doing now… “I grew up all over the place as my dad moved around with his job. Dad retired to Covington, Georgia, and today, we all share about 40 acres there on a family compound.” Bo is currently on a five-year around-the-world tour with the musical group, Blood, Sweat and Tears. “I look at the days I’m gone and the days I’m home, and I get the chance to take my son to school and put my daughter to bed, and for some reason, Helena just keeps calling me back. It’s really like home to me. I kind of look at this opportunity to help Mary and her crew build this ball field as a chance
to get back home. When I was on (American) Idol, my dream was to open a guitar store here in Helena someday. After 25 years of making a living doing this music thing, I think we’re all just chasing around and trying to find ourselves. I always seem to find my bearings when I get off the Interstate to head towards Helena,” he said. My wife, Caroline, grew up in Chandalar, in Pelham, and her parents live in Old Weatherly now. Caroline works as a para professional these days with special needs children in an elementary school in Covington where three of the couple’s four children attend school. The children are: Aidan, 12, Caleb, 9, Ean, 8 and Merrin, 5. Bo said he normally takes January and February off the tour, but is on the road about 70 percent of the time the rest of the year. “I’m usually home on Sundays unless I’m overseas,” he said.
Prior to sitting down for this interview, Bo met with interested parties from the Shelby County Board of Education, the University of Alabama, and Montevallo Mayor, Hollie Cost, about ways in which they all could participate and benefit from helping this project come to fruition. He filmed several commercial advertising spots around town with Mary, accepted a check from the Karen Miller Insurance Agency for $500, and paused for pictures with lots of special children, their parents and others who had come out to welcome him at Helena City Hall. “I feel like God touched us with this project. Today we met with two mayors, a dean of a college, and tons of volunteers all over Helena, I know this is God calling us to action. That’s humbling to me,” said Bo. “I got a blessing today. I can’t wait to get back here in June!”
Join Bo Bice in Concert: First Friday, June 1st (with special guests!)
What’s Happening in Paradise? Featuring Cool Things to See and Do while at the Famous Alabama Beaches of GULF SHORES and ORANGE BEACH Check out the Facebook Site by Helena Expatriate
Jim Parks
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Introducing Angels of Central Alabama A Helena-based HomeCare option for Seniors by Ibrahim Mabwa, President and owner Why I do what I do? (My story) Senior care – A calling, not a job Caring is an act of kindness. It is one thing that we all desire from those around us, and every time the opportunity to care presents itself, we who are placed in that position to express it are humbled and privileged to meet that most basic need. Caring is an act of love and we are the expression of that love. Many of my friends and seniors that I’ve met in my practice always ask this question? “Why and How did I get into the senior care industry?” Well, here it is…I was born and raised in Kenya (East Africa), and my culture required that children assume the responsibility of care for their older ones within their communities. Being around our grand parents was always fun! They shared stories about their younger days, and of course, secrets about our own parents–the good and also the mischiefs. Having our grandparents constantly at home proved very valuable as we
42 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
learned by instruction and observation how to care for the elderly and especially our own parents as they age. I migrated to the US and was immediately confronted by the cultural differences; especially in the handling of the elderly and the ill. Well, the adage, “when you go to Rome, do as the Romans do,” did not quite sit well with me at that point. Despite my discomforts with the assisted living facilities, I endeavored to learn the system. I worked for a couple of facilities in Pennsylvania, Delaware and eventually in Alabama. I learned a couple of lessons: All seniors, no matter what their state of affairs, prefer to enjoy the golden years in their homes. The Culture is fashioned alongside the values of individual pursuits of happiness, but the nature of the economy forces adult children to take their aging parents to nursing homes in order to pursue their own individual interests and their happiness. An assisted living facility may be convenient, but it is not always the best solution for our aging parents. In fact, in many cases, the health of the seniors seems to plummet after the move. Home care has proven to offer the most affordable solution for senior care. With my African background, and from my interaction with seniors, I was moved to find a working solution for families
who need HomeCare but are not in favor of sending their parents to an assisted living facility, and through Angels of Central Alabama, we are blessed to meet the needs of many seniors and their families since the inception of our service in 2012. There are many agencies seeking to meet the needs of seniors all over the country. It is worth noting that many of these are motivated mainly by the revenue they can generate, considering that home care is a growing industry. From my experiences, one cannot approach caregiving from a job perspective or from a business perspective. Approaching HomeCare from the aforementioned perspectives has always led to frustrations and a deepening divide within family settings. The caregiver in these cases often suffer from burnout sometimes associated with caring for the elderly. To have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the people one is caring for, one must rise above the business mentality, especially in health care. The care and well being of your patients must take precedent to the revenue
realized from caring for the elderly. This does not mean that revenue generation should be ignored. It means that the quality of care must always be maintained. The reality is, many caregivers are in it for the money, and are less concerned about the welfare of the patients they’re caring for, resulting in all forms of abuse, negligence and violations of human rights. Caring is love in action. It is an expression of love made through acts of kindness inspired by nothing else but love. It is an act that goes beyond emotions and taps into the very core of our being. I always advise family members to pick a reliable home care agency that will best express their heartfelt desires for their loved ones, especially if life events hinder them from fulfilling that need. Connecting with families on a personal level and having that opportunity to meet their needs, assures us that we are fulfilling our calling–turning challenging situations into positive life experiences through caregiving.
Call us for Home Care (205) 862-0205 Email us at:
info@acainhomecare.com Visit us on the web at:
www.acainhomecare.com ANGELS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA
Turning challenging situations into positive life experiences, one family at a time
Angels of Central Alabama
Home Care
Angels of Central Alabama
“Turning challenging situations into positive life experiences, one family at a time.”
Home Care
• Caring is love in action, it is an expression of love. Humans were created, not just for God, but for one another, and especially on these two stages of life; when we were babies totally dependent on our parents and when we are aging, depending on those around us to care for us in our golden years. • My wife and I are ministers of the Gospel of Christ. My wife is a Nurse Practitioner, and together with our pool of dedicated caregivers whom we carefully recruit and train, we work to touch & transform lives, especially the elderly in Jefferson and Shelby counties in Central Alabama. • We are not a franchise, we are not in this for the money. We are in this because we want to be the expression of love, from us to you. we are driven by love to provide your loved ones with companionship services, to help you and your family enjoy life once again.
Please call us today to learn more and schedule a free Needs Assessment Appointment. We hope to hear from you soon! Ibrahim Mabwa & Florence Kariuki, CRNP (pictured at left)
(205) 862-0205
Helena owned and Operated
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Husky Tails, a new dog grooming service, is open for business in Old Town Helena! Helena residents, Jessa and Adam Wyatt, are pleased to announce the opening of their new dog grooming business in the bottom of the house in Old Town at 3871 Helena Road. They cut the ribbon February 6, and welcome everyone to stop in with their dogs in need of freshening up. Jessa has been grooming dogs since 2012 and is a former employee of Pet Smart in Alabaster. Jessa and Adam moved to Helena from Hoover in 2013. Adam was raised in Helena and joined the Marine Corps soon after high school. Adam was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and it was there that he met Jessa, who was visiting an aunt who lived there. Jessa says she was learning to speak 44 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
Japanese. Adam and Jessa were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. “We were supposed to go to a birthday party,” said Jessa, “but Adam had duty that night, so we rescheduled for the next weekend.” The two hit it off, and it wasn’t long before they were married. After Adam’s tour was over with the marines, the couple moved to Jessa’s home in the Philippines. The couple stayed there three years and Adam worked at an AT&T call center while living there. After coming back to the states, Adam still works for AT&T while Jessa mans their new dog grooming business. The couple have two children: Aiby, 11, and a 5th grader at Helena Intermediate School, and
Jacob, nearly 4, and a student at the School for Amazing Kids second Helena location off Hwy 95 near Dearing Downs. In their leisure time, the family enjoys playing with their five dogs: Jack, Jill, Titan, Skye and Micah. Jack is a pit bull/beagle mix, Jill is a Labrador retriever and Titan is a lovable pomeranian ball of fluff Skye and Micah are pit mixes. “We love Helena,” said Jessa. “My husband grew up here and we feel totally safe. It’s a great place to raise children and pets! When I began thinking of opening our business, there is no place I even considered other than Helena. We enjoy the great schools here and have the most wonderful neighbors. We have enjoyed
the Christmas Parade each year and were excited to be able to participate this year with our own truck marked with Husky Tails Dog Grooming. We are looking forward to participating in the First Friday events this spring and summer and the upcoming Buck Creek Festival, too. When you go by and have your dogs groomed, ask Jessa about her super affordable pet photography, too. There is no better time for pictures than after an expert grooming, and Jessa has an excellent camera to take advantage of the occasion. The next time your pet is looking a bit scruffy, give Jessa a call at (205) 624-3207 or (205) 3585030 or stop by her shop.
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Helping Hungry Heroes A small group of folks from Helena get together once a month and put together food packages for homeless vets living on the streets in Birmingham. Stephanie Harris and Michelle Broadhead Burt are the ladies who started the project and manage the group of volunteers who come into Helena Cumberland Presbyterian the third Wednesday of each month to do the packing. The VA feeds these “hungry heroes” Monday-Friday but not on the weekend. Currently about eight to ten volunteers join in to put together 150 to 200 bags of food for the Vets to have some-
205.621.3125
thing to eat on the weekend. One of the group works at the VA and passes them out on Fridays. Tom Cusker, a volunteer, says the group could use more help if anyone would like to join them. “They only need to donate one to two hours per month.” Helena Cumberland Presbyterian is at 396 Helena Rd. The next get together will be Wednesday, April 18, at 6:15p.m. You do not need to be a member of the church to help. Hats off to this group that is making a difference in the lives of a group too often forgotten in our society.
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Introducing Falcon Flight, a new partnership between Shelby County Schools and the University of Montevallo Dr. Marla Aldridge, Director of Special Education for Shelby County Schools (SCS), Montevallo Mayor and University of Montevallo (UM) professor, Hollie Cost, and others formed a team last year to create a new partnership between UM and SCS called Falcon Flight to serve college age students from SCS with significant disabilities. The program just started this past January with five students. It’s director, Shari Deason, a Helena resident, said she has a friend who operates a similar program at Vanderbilt University called Next Steps. Shari was more than excited to serve as Falcon Flight’s program director and instructor. Helping Shari implement the new program at UM are: Tina Smith-Job coach: “Tina has Montevallo roots and is a definite asset to our program,” said Shari. 46 Spring 2018 / www.CityOfHelena.org
“In particular, her ties to the local business community enable her to find working positions for our students to gain job experience.” Helena Jordan-Falcon Flight assistant: Helena assists students with any needs they might have both in and out of the classroom. Amy Conn-speech services: Amy provides speech services for the students and teaches them both conversational and social skills two days each week which helps to build the students’ self confidence. “We take long lunch breaks and help promote connections and friendships among the entire student body here at UM,” said Shari. “The general student population here and faculty have been more than welcoming to our Falcon Flight students. One of our goals here is to create meaningful friendships for our students which
will extend into the years beyond their college experience. We want to be the bridge that takes students from high school into their adult lives. Parents have told us that in our first couple of months, the students have gained a lot of confidence; they are envisioning bigger dreams for themselves in what they’ll be able to accomplish in life.” Helena native, Preston Chambliss, wanted to work for a dog grooming service. Since arriving at UM, Preston has not only begun working with a local dog groomer, but also serves as a bat boy for the UM softball team. He is now saying he wants to write a book to encourage others who suffer from his condition. Shari said Preston is one of the very few in the nation with Praytor-Willie Syndrome to attend college due to the unique difficulties in manag-
ing the condition, and said that Preston is doing fabulous. “We have seen advances with regard to job skills with all our students,” said Shari. “The future is brighter now for all students with significant disabilities in Shelby County. With Falcon Flight, we don’t focus on what our students can’t do; we focus on what they CAN do. We at the Helena City News tip our hat to Shari, the University of Montevallo and Shelby County Schools for helping make this heart warming program a reality for students with significant disabilities in Shelby County. Shari said that Montevallo Mayor Hollie Cost has loaned the program the use of a golf cart for their on campus transport purposes, but they could really use one of their own, if any reader of this article might be led to donate one.
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