Helena City News

there's a new restaurant in town

TEJANO a new Mexican eatery with a bakery

Good Food Good Drinks!

Inside This Edition Inspiring veteran Noah Galloway Overcomes incredible odds to live life to the fullest

Helena Belles, a New Service

organization for girls entering their sophomore and junior years

Helena History Museum To Open Open House September 11, from 2-5 p.m. in Masonic Lodge

Rodney Prince Retires 15-year veteran of the Helena Police Department honored

Running Group meets Saturdays in Old Town

Resident Donnette Hulsey forms Endurance Running Group, invites all to come out and run

Longtime Resident Dies James “Zeek� Parker, SR. Family and friends say their goodbyes to beloved air force veteran and CSX retiree

What Did You DO This Summer?

Read what some of your neighbors did on this page that proves fun is where the heart is

From the Mayor’s Desk Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! Call 663-9301 or Email: sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Charles W. “Sonny” Penhale

Dear Friends,

W

e lost another longtime resident recently when Wayne Hill passed away. Wayne worked for several years with our street department. My sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be missed.

We welcome a new restaurant to town this issue with the opening of Tejano Bar and Grill, a delicious Mexican restaurant owned by the Peña family. They have a bakery in addition to their Mexican restaurant. The bakery opens at 6 a.m. and will serve, in addition to all their pastries, breakfast croissants (think ham, egg and cheese), so if you’re up early and in the mood for a delicious, quick breakfast, give them a try. Look for an article elsewhere in this issue that has more info and pictures.

Let’s all do our part to support our local stores and restaurants! In these tough times, they can all use your support and they are working hard to earn your loyalty. Plus, your sales taxes stay at home where they will do you the most good.

Thank you in advance for all you do to support our local merchants.

Football is in the air, and our local youth teams are working hard preparing for another season. Also our high school and middle school teams. If you’re a football fan, please be sure to support our young athletes as they represent us on the gridiron. And thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard on the field and behind the scenes, for without them, many of our programs would simply not be possible.

We are still getting LOTS of complaints about thoughtless people who allow their dogs to leave their waste in yards other than the one which they call home. And also about dogs running loose in the city.

A court case was won several years back by a resident who was simply fed up

with a neighbor who refused to control her dog. It was extremely costly for this person. I hope it doesn’t come to this again, but if you have a dog, please let me tell you in no uncertain terms that the animal is YOUR responsibility. We have a leash law in Helena and ALL dogs must be on a leash when they are not on your property. Violators will be fined. Be a good neighbor and respect the fact that not all people are animal lovers and that is their right very bit as much as it is your right to own a dog. Enough said.

We have a preliminary agreement in place to secure the property for our new high school and are already underway with the engineering and development of a topographical map which is necessary before grading of the new site can begin.

More as this develops.

Gratitude and appreciation are not enough for our many dedicated city employees, but at the moment, that is all we can offer them. They have not had a raise in over three years, while everything from gas to groceries goes up and up.

(Word is that gas may soon come down a bit, and that will be helpful.) If you know any of them or see them on the street, please let them know you appreciate their hard work on your behalf. They truly go all out to ensure you have the city services you deserve and expect.

It seems we have been waiting forever for the environmental impact study done on the Hwy 261 bypass project and it has been tossed back and forth like a football since it has been filed with the federal offices in Atlanta. It looks like, finally, we may be about to see some progress in this regard, and I am hopeful to have good news to report to you soon. Please be patient, as you know, the wheels of government grind ever so slowly, but rest assured I am working tirelessly on this and will not let up until we have a way into and out of Helena that is unhindered by train tracks.

As the Farmer’s Market Days in Old Town comes to a close at the end of this month, we’d be remiss if we did not thank all the people involved for another great year. The volunteer spirit is alive and well in Helena, and this is the top ingredient in my mind for what makes Helena such

a special place to live and call home.

Our children are back in school now, so please be mindful of the school buses as they load and unload students. After being in school all day, they are out playing in the afternoons, so careful as she goes when driving through our subdivisions.

You never know when a little one is going to dart out from behind a car chasing a ball or something. Drive with caution always and remember to obey the speed limits. They are set for a reason. And that reason first and foremost is the safety of our children.

If any of you have any friends elsewhere in the restaurant business or have any ideas on ways to get a destination type restaurant in the old Incahoots building in Old Town, I’d love to hear from you!

I don’t think there is a more scenic spot available anywhere in the Birmingham area, and the success of restaurants like Fox Valley proves that we are not too far out for a really great restaurant to be successful. We keep getting nibbles but have still do not have anything concrete.

Same goes for the old Winn Dixie building. Some have inquired, but have so many strings attached to their proposal that it makes it impractical for us to entertain.

Amy Bolt, a Helena resident, recently approached me about instituting a new service program similar to one used by other Alabama municipalities. The program is geared towards high school sophomores, juniors and seniors and will

be called the Helena Belles. The group will act as hostesses for various civic events around Helena. If you are a young lady that is in this age group and are interested in giving back, call Amy Bolt at (205) 520-6640 or e-mail her at amylbolt@ gmail.com for more information. Applications are also available at Helena City Hall and at the Pelham High School office through October 28.

Finally, thanks to all our local pastors who formed our Suicide Prevention Task Force. The numbers indicate their efforts have paid off. Look elsewhere in this issue for a walk they have planned and also for signs around town for a city-wide revival to be held in the near future. I truly believe that through prayer, all things are possible, and our brightest days are yet to come.

I am proud to be your mayor,

Charles “Sonny” Penhale

Helena

History Museum Open House Sunday, September 11th 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Museum located in the old Masonic Lodge in Old Town Helena

2 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

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Helena City News

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Austin, Garrett and Preston Frye enjoyed playing down at “Helena Beach” this summer.

Their parents, Eric and Jodie, have brought the boys down to the creek many times to beat the summer heat. Austin added that he and his twin brother Garrett also played travel ball for the Shelby Sidewinders. “We got 3rd place in the AA State Ivey Davis, Helena resident, & 13-year-old Visual Arts student at the Alabama School of Fine Art: “I made computer models for a video game that my brother is designing.”

Lisa, mom, with daughter Cammi and Penny the pup just moved to Helena from Madison, Alabama this summer. They

Karole and Ashley Traylor: “Ashley and I just got back from Paris Island for my son’s graduation from Marine boot camp. My husband is in the military and stationed in Kentucky, so we went to visit him, too. In a few weeks, we will be going to Panama City for my other son’s graduation from Air Force school,” said Karole. (LeftAshley, Right- Karole)

team that won the tournament, and hit 27 home runs as a team. They also got to tour the National Baseball Hall of Fame, too. (Pictured: HMS boys left to right: Riley Davis, Trevor Smith, Hunter Adams, Brooks Brophy, Troy Cordrey)

Bobby Beard: “I got to see Phish, my favorite band, play twice in Atlanta this summer, which totaled my 68th and 69th Phish concerts in all. It hailed one night, but they kept playing.”

Judy Ellington: “I closed my store and took a new job at Ace Hardware this summer. I love working here because I get to see men all day,” she said laughing.

Kim Coman, owner of Zone 1 Video: Took a power vacation to Gulf Shores with the Warren family. They arrived at 3:00 p.m. and left at 5:00 p.m. the next day, but still managed to spend an afternoon at the beach, swam in the pool twice, had seafood at a beach side restaurant, rode go-karts, played mini golf and finished it off with a stop at the outlet mall and dinner at Lambert’s. “We even got some sleep,” she said.

have already enjoyed playing in Buck Creek and going to the Sundown Cinemas since they have been here.

Helena Hall of Fame Athletes Riley, Troy and Brooks (HMS 7th graders, straight-A students, football and baseball players): Went to Cooperstown, NY for a tournament with the 12 and under Helena Wildcats baseball team. They finished 14th out of 103 teams, only losing to the

Tournament,” he said. (Photo: Twins, in navy-Austin, in royal blue-Garrett, little one-Preston)

Julienne Smith: 13-year-old who got to take a Forensic Science class at Southern Miss University this summer. The course grants academically talented 8th-11th graders the chance to earn some early college credit. She got to stay in the dorms for the three-week “semester” where she made some good friends. “I got a 93 in the class,” she said.

Lark Livingston, holding Lucy, and Christen Causey: Hoover residents who have spent a lot of time hanging out in Old Town this summer, going to the beach and Sundown Cinemas.

Michael and Brandy Dahlen: Adopted two children this summer-Gracie and Malachi. (In the picture: Back, left to rightMichael, Anna Faith, Brandy, Samuel. Front, left to right-Eli, Gracie, Malachi.

Chidren not pictured: Nathan and Abigail)

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Tejano features a courtyard atmosphere, a full bar and a delicious bakery that opens for breakfast at 6 a.m.

Tejano Owners Mario and Esmerelda Peña and Mgr. Lupe Torres invite you to come in and enjoy some delicious Tex-Mex!

Tejano Bar & Grill Opens on Highway 95

store in Helena, but there was not enough demand for a Mexican grocery here to make it. “Our food at that time (Tejano is Spanish for Texan) catered more to the Mexican palate,” she oung newlyweds Mario and admitted. “What people kept asking for Esmerelda “Ezzie” Peña, natives though, was more Tex-Mex dishes, and of Baytown, Texas, moved from that is what we are emphasizing in our their home state over 30 years ago. Mario, new restaurant—Tejano Bar and Grill.” an employee of U.S. Steel (33 years now), The couple hired Lupe Torres. He was transferred to Pennsylvania. After a helped the Lopez family open Las Pinata’s few years, an opportunity arose in the Mexican restaurant in Pelham several Fairfield plant, and the young family years ago, and for seven years managed moved to Birmingham. the popular Iguana Grill off Lorna Road.

“That was 18 years ago,” said Ezzie, Torres is the manager of the new restau“and we initially planned to move to rant and together with the Peñas, brings a Hueytown to be close to Mario’s job.

Texas-style Mexican dining experience to But with three children, we had to have Helena on the corner of Hwys 95 and 58. a three-bedroom and couldn’t find one.

You will not recognize the inside when We looked all over, and finally found one you walk in however. The interior has in Homewood. Many would not rent to been beautifully redone and resembles a us because of our Mexican heritage,” she courtyard complete with a full bar, shed laughed, “for fear that we would move roof, and mood lighting. five more families in with us. I remember I spent four years in the Air Force that our rental agent fibbed to the propoutside San Antonio, Texas, and the food erty owner that we were Italian, and we I ate at Tejano reminds me of some of the moved in shortly thereafter.” restaurants I frequented in the lone-star After a few years, Ezzie says she got the state, where Tex-Mex originated.

At Tejano, the guacamole is as good itch to open a business, and she thought as it gets. “We will not serve it unless we of a store she loved near her high school can get ripe avocados,” said Ezzie. This is in Houston. It was a small grocery that served delicious tacos in a little deli tucked the mark of a great Mexican restaurant. inside, and the idea for Gordos was born. “Stone pestles have been ordered and as soon as they come in, we will make the The Peñas opened their first Gordos guacamole at diner’s tables, guaranteeing in Homewood in 2001 where it is still they get it just the way they like it.” thriving today. They opened a second

Y

The night my family visited, ours was ordered with avocados, tomatoes, cilantro and just a dash of salt and lime, and it was delicious. The salsa and chips were the best I’ve had since Las Pinata’s closed, without a hint of grease on the warm, crispy chips and the salsa fresh with just the right amount of heat and fresh cilantro (extra hot sauce available on request).

An appetizer I would highly recommend, especially for cheese lovers, is the Queso Fundido. Many restaurants offer this dish, but none compare to that at Tejano. Made with the finest imported Chihuahua cheese, it is thick, melted in a casserole dish and served with homemade flour tortillas and your choice of steak, chicken or chorizo (Mexican sausage). It is a meal unto itself. You simply put some cheese on a flour tortilla, wrap and enjoy.

(My favorite addition to this dish is a little guacamole on top of the cheese).

The fajitas were spectacular, the tamales perfect, and the tacos come crispy or soft, depending upon your taste. We had some of both, and they were all outstanding. Our dish featured a skirt steak that was sauteed with peppers and onions and served with rice, refried beans and a generous serving of pico de gallo.

Tejano’s dessert selections are special (and only $2.50 each). If you have never tried Tres Leches (lechays), or three milk cake, I suggest that you try a piece. The deliciously moist (actually soaked) cake is topped with a whipped cream icing.

My selection had a scrumptious filling of fresh strawberries and nuts between the layers. If you like cake, you must sample the Tres Leches.

Tejano also features a bakery which you can access through the restaurant or the side entrance of the building. It opens at 6 a.m. and will serve fresh croissants (think the ham, egg and cheese variety), muffins, doughnuts and other assorted pastries to the breakfast crowd. It will also be open for restaurant patrons to stroll over and select a sweet treat that looks appealing to them for dessert.

Tejano is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. til 9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday lunch is available 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Great Margaritas and your favorite beers are always on hand. Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and all day Saturday until 6 p.m.

Come and enjoy Helena’s newest place to eat some great Mexican food or just to escape the heat and sit around the friendly bar to enjoy a refreshing drink. Please be sure to tell them you read about their food in the Helena City News!

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 7

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New Bethel A.M.E. Church Highway 261 • 201-5531 Pastor Rev. Wilma Merriweather Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

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If you are a new patient and would like to make an appointment with our office, check with your insurance provider to ensure that we are in your network. Chances are very good that we are, and we would love to meet you!”

No representation is made that the quality of dental services to be provided is superior to the quality of services provided by other dentists.

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METHODIST

Helena United Methodist Church 2035 County Road 58 • 663-0111 Pastor Rev. Michael Edmondson • helenaumc.org Worship 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Modern Worship Sunday 7:19 p.m.

The Church at Cahaba Bend BAPTIST 3721 Highway 52 West • 621-8060 CrossBridge Community Church Pastor Rev. Lyle Holland • cahababend.org Starkey Street (off Hwy 261) • 621-2695 Sunday School 9:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Pastors Morrell Aldridge, Harris Cook & Bruce Squires Contemporary Worship 9:30 & 10:45 a.m. crossbridgehelena.com Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

NAZARENE Wednesday Prayer Service 6:30 p.m.

Trinity Church of the Nazarene Laurel Woods Dr. & Hwy 58 • 664-4659 First Baptist Church Helena Pastor Rev. David Shirer • nazarene.ch/trinity/ 3616 Helena Road • 663-7879 Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Senior Pastor Dr. Mark DeVine, Pastor Greg Walker Morning Worship 10:00 a.m. fbhelena.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Celebration Church Gospel Light Baptist Church Meets at Helena Intermediate • 602-0805 5781 Roy Drive • 685-0772 Pastor David Bradford • hiscelebrationchurch.com Pastor Steve Kilpatrick • glbcbham.com Small Groups/Bible Study 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Bible Study 10:00 a.m.

Contemporary Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Cornerstone Church Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church 2694 Highway 58 • 663-9332 Highway 261 • 663-5257 Pastor Rev. Tim Trimble Pastor Rev. Edwin D. Dinkins • mpbchelena.com Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

New Vision Christian Church New Elam Baptist Church 2383 Highway 95 • 664-4333 Cunningham Drive Pastor Van C. Houser, Sr. • nvcc4god.org Pastor Rev. Lester Sun. Corporate Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

SNS@HIS Riverside Baptist Church Meets at Helena Intermediate 1919 Highway 52 West • 426-1910 Teacher/Leader Dr. Wayne Williams Pastor J.J. Stanbridge • e-mail: jj@rbchelena.org Sunday Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.

Voice of Faith International Ministries Sunday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.

1560 Cunningham Drive • 663-7396 Pastor Rev. Franklin L. Kirksey Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 6700 Highway 13 • 424-4539 Sunday Worship 7:00 a.m.

Pastor Rev. Randy Keef Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

PRESBYTERIAN Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Christ Community Church Meets at Helena Elementary • 621-6248 CHRISTIAN-DISCIPLES OF CHRIST Pastor Phil Chambers • cccbham.org Grace Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

869 Highway 52 • 426-1233 Pastor Tommy Morgan • gracechristianchurch.org Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

3396 Helena Road • 663-2174 Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Pastor Rev. Tommy Johnson • helenacpchurch.com Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

CHURCH OF CHRIST Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 • 620-4575 Evangelists Curtis Flatt & Bryan Moody church-of-christ.org Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Attend the Church of Your Choice This Sunday!

8 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 9

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10 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Wolfe Orthodontics Celebrates First Anniversary in Style

R

ecently, Wolfe Orthodontics who also noted that the décor in friendly, personable community,” activities, sponsored school events, was pleased to celebrate its the office has been added gradually said Dr. Wolfe. The staff at Wolfe the Buck Creek Festival, Sundown first anniversary in Helena to create the modernly cool, yet Orthodontics features these same Cinemas, and Helena Youth Sports. by throwing a party in the office. calming atmosphere. With the traits, so it is obviously a perfect fit.

Currently, the office is collecting Throughout the day, current and aesthetic elements now complete, One patient’s parent was overheard school supplies for tornado victims. prospective patients, parents, friends, Wolfe Orthodontics is ready for a in the lobby saying that they chose The staff also goes out of their and family joined the staff for an great second year of service to the Wolfe Orthodontics because it’s way to make visits fun for patients afternoon of food, beverages for all city and surrounding communities. local, first of all, but also because while encouraging healthy habits. ages, and face-painting fun.

“Life is busy,” Dr. Wolfe says. she was very impressed with the The “Brace Bucks” program allows “The purpose of doing this was to “Our goal is to be convenient for the amount of interaction she had with patients with good hygiene to earn show our patients that we appreciate residents of this community.” The the doctor concerning her child’s extra bucks for doing community them,” said Dawn Draiss, Wolfe staff works hard to meet their goals care. Dawn added that she hears service, making good grades, and Orthodontics’ financial coordinator. by going above and beyond for their that a lot. “Parents really appreciate being on time for appointments.

Adults and kids alike seemed to be patients and parents with things like the significant amount of doctor/ They can trade them in for smaller enjoying themselves, especially when answering the phones whether they patient/parent interaction that they prizes, donate their earnings to it came to the face painting booth. are in the office or not and trying get here.” charity, or even save up for an iPod. “Dr. Wolfe got her face painted like a to provide flexible office hours that Engaging in service to the Additionally, the referral and wolf,” said Dawn, whose own cheek work with patients’ hectic schedules. community is also an important rewards programs and monthly was adorned with the logo for a “We’re even considering adding part of doing business, and it is contests keep patients and parents tornado relief group she works with. some Saturday office hours so that not something Dr. Wolfe takes involved in the orthodontic process.

“Our first anniversary is exciting kids won’t have to miss as much lightly. In its first year alone, When people enjoy themselves, because it’s been an ongoing project school,” she said.

Wolfe Orthodontics has been they smile more. Isn’t that what all year,” said owner Dr. Sara Wolfe, “We chose Helena because it’s a a valued supporter of Helena braces are all about?

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 11

Helena 6U All-stars Finish Third in State

Helena 6U 2011 All-stars, L-R: (front) Molly Rollan, Abbie-Lane Traywick, Tatum West, Grayson Barnett, Reese Mclellan; (middle) Lindsey May, Lizzie Lowe, Mallori Janoulis, Ann Marie Stanbridge, Coach Benji Barnett, Maddie Poplin, Camryn Bailey, Riley-Kate Hulsey, Mary Beth Allen; (back row) Ryan Mclellan, Daniel Traywick, Jonathan May, JJ Stanbridge, Shawn Allen & Josh West

A

fter winning the Area Championship for their division, the 2011 Helena 6U All-Star softball team earned the honor to compete against the rest of Alabama’s best. The Helena girls finished third in the state tournament.

Congratulations, girls and coaches—way to go!

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Zone 1 has equipment to repair this problem. They can also repair some other types of discs besides XBox, so call for details.

To help guard against another big problem gamers face, Kim at Zone1 recommends that you use a paper DVD sleeve before putting your disc away in one of the new green boxes, as the center prong

has been known to crack the center ring, making your disc worthless.

(Zone1 gives one free with every disc purchase.) This problem is especially bad with games that have come out in the past year, such as Call of DutyBlack Ops and others.

If you have any other questions concerning games or players, call Helena’s resident experts—Zone 1, located next to Publix, at 685-1661, or just drop in.

Did you know? (Extremely Random Bits of Trivia) • Mosquito repellents don’t repel; they hide you. The spray blocks the mosquito’s sensors so they don’t know you’re there.

• The cost of prescription drugs in the US has increased on average by 8.3% annually since 1994. The average rate of inflation during this time period was only about 2.5%.

• The town of Kennesaw, Georgia has required its citizens to own a firearm and ammunition since 1982.

• The longest living cells in the body are brain cells which can live an entire lifetime.

• No word in the English language rhymes with “MONTH.”

12 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

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Helena Police Officer Rodney Prince Retires

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he City of Helena, Mayor Penhale, and the Helena Police Department plus friends and family feted Rodney Prince who has served on the Helena Police for 15 years.

Rodney, who officially retired August 1, began his career in police work in 1975.

Rodney received many best wishes and a presentation from Police Chief Doug Jones, as well as, some new additions to his collection of Star Wars memorabilia.

Rodney’s parents, H.H. and Judy Prince, were in attendance as well as twin grandchildren Brendan and Braedan Prince.

Rodney and wife, Dee, welcomed the addition of two of their sons who are in the Air Force and their families from afar.

Staff Sgt. Brad Walker, wife Dami and daughter Emma flew in from Nebraska.

Tech Sgt. Kirk Walker, stationed in Aviano, Italy, arrived for a month-long visit along with wife Sabrina, daughter Serena and son Aiden.

Also, son Shannon Prince, wife Kendra and children Lexi, Emmie, and Coleton were visiting from Arkansas.

Missing was son ‘Hoss’ and Haley Booth.

In his presentation to Officer Prince, Police Chief Doug Jones said, “Rodney has always stood beside me. It broke my heart when he came in and told me he was going to retire.”

“I have been blessed beyond belief,” Rodney told those gathered, “with good friends and co-workers.”

“Money is not what’s important; it’s your friends that get you through life.”

Best wishes go out to Rodney and Dee on a long and happy retirement.

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Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 13

Ron Holly gives his time to Helena

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ost of us find it easy to enjoy town events without ever taking a moment to consider how everything comes together. We might never ask ourselves questions like, “Who cleans up after the Buck Creek Festival?”

Since it does not affect us directly.

Truth is, it takes a whole lot of time and dedication behind the scenes to make these fun events happen.

You may have noticed Ron Holly as he greets visitors to Helena from the little red caboose in Old Town. Most days, Ron mans the Helena Welcome Center just in case someone stops by. He jokes about it—“I can’t find a paying job I like, so…”

He paused a moment, laughing. “I guess I’m a serial volunteer.” Ron is a member of a core group comprised of city employees, business owners, and residents, who give

of their time to help out with all the family-friendly events in Helena.

Ron greets visitors at the caboose (welcome center), and also serves as the vendor coordinator for the Buck Creek Festival, making sure there is plenty of food, fun, and shopping to go around.

The event is staged by the Helena Professional Business Association (HPBA) and while Ron is not officially a member, they all recognize his contributions.

Several members lovingly call him an “indentured servant”, which always gets a chuckle. For the annual BCF, Ron plans the layout of booths and helps ensure everyone gets set up properly.

Then, after all that, he moves to his other summertime job.

In its third year, Ron says Helena Market Days has grown bigger, with better events and

great music. “This year has been super,” he said. “And Free Tomato Sandwich Day should be a big hit.” (That will be Labor Day weekend, FYI.) Ron also helps out with Sundown Cinemas by being an extra pair of hands for the ones in charge. The Friday night movies are put on by the HPBA, and Ron feels strongly about its goal of improving the park’s playground equipment with the extra money from concessions each season.

For 12 years, Ron has been working tirelessly to help Old Town Helena reach its potential. For much of that time, from 1998 until 2003 he ran his own store, Major Dundee’s. Since closing it, he has continued to try and help Helena become even greater. “I love the small-town life,” he said. He envisions an idyllic atmosphere, ma and pa shops lined up and down the street with people walking around, shopping and enjoying a day in Helena. “But it has to become a destination for it to flourish.”

Next time you find yourself in Old Town and you see Ron at the Welcome Center, drop in and thank him for his dedication to the community. He deserves it.

City loses long-time resident and friend James Thomas “Zeek” Parker Sr.

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Running Around Helena

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ttention local runners: if you are tired of driving miles for a group run, now there’s the Helena Endurance Running Group right here at home.

Resident Donnette Hulsey started the group, and now they are 45 members strong. They generally have their group run on Saturdays, and meet at La Reunion Coffee Cafe` in Old Town at 6 a.m. Runners take to the Hillsboro Trail, then return to the coffee café for much-needed sustenance.

If you would like more information about the group, visit Helena Endurance Running Group’s page on Facebook or call Donnette at 251-680-5803. You can also check out her blog at www.southerngirl131.com.

ames Thomas Parker Sr., known as “Zeek” around Helena, passed away recently.

Born August 14, 1930 in Bessemer, Zeek moved to Helena in the mid-1940s. After marrying Ophelia Virginia Smith on March 23, 1953, he served in the U.S. Air Force from December 21, 1953 to May 30, 1955.

The couple’s union produced three children: Benard Parker, James Parker Jr. and Virginia Billings, but they James Thomas “Zeek” Parker Sr. were also blessed with the care and August 14, 1930 – July 22, 2011 upbringing of five more children: Jacqueline Kenny, Roland Smith II, Gregory Williams, Cedric Smith and Montray Smith.

Zeek’s family gave him 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Following his retirement from CSX Railroads in 1989, Zeek worked at many Helena businesses, where he was well known and loved by his customers, including: Winn Dixie, BP gas station, and Publix.

Zeek was the type of man that brought a smile to those in his midst with his jokes, great sense of humor, and his unusual love of cutting grass (considered a chore for most of us).

Zeek will be greatly missed by his loved ones, as well as, all who knew him.

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 15

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or more than a decade now, Godfrey McNeely has been running MaxCare Carpet Cleaning like a small town business should be run. “We don’t send a crew out to do the job,” he said. Plus, the office is operated right from his home in Helena.

With MaxCare, you always get the owner so you know the job is done right.

Godfrey and his associate Russell Biciste have been working together in the floor care business for over 21 years. “I started my first carpet cleaning business in Troy,” said Godfrey, “but I lived in Montgomery at the time.” So Godfrey looked for a place to move his business and home. Helena won! “I love being able to live and work in Helena.”

The MaxCare team prides itself on its comfortable, relaxed, and personable business style. “We have built relationships with the families that we service,” said Russell. “We have watched their kids grow up.

Getting to know so many people is the best part of the job.”

Godfrey agreed, but added that he loves the instant gratification his job provides. “It is great to see immediate results,” he said. “It

makes people happy to see such a change.”

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MaxCare provides full-service cleaning, meaning they pre-treat, deep clean and Scotchgard™ afterward, all for what other companies charge just for regular cleaning.

“There are probably a 100 carpet cleaners out there, but they are only as good as the crew,” Godfrey said. The professional cleaners of MaxCare, Godfrey and Russell, make a great duo, and that’s why they are called The Clean Team.

For information on making MaxCare your tile and carpet cleaning specialists, visit www.maxcarecarpetcleaning.com.

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16 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

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The Alabama Buckeyes bring home the 2011 YBOA National Title on their first try

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he Alabama Buckeyes participated in the YBOA (Youth Basketball Of America) National Championship Tournament held last month in Kissimmee, Florida.

The team of 7th grade boys have played together for two years and their roster includes, pictured right, Helena Middle School players: Landon Genry, Noah Hassler, Diondre Sackreiter, and Zane Tucker. Resident Darrin Sackreiter helps William Cook (head coach/team founder) and Joel Thomas coach the Buckeyes.

The team is based in Bessemer.

The Buckeyes competed against 34 other 7th grade teams in Division One of the tournament. They actually lost two of their three pool play games, but all were top-ranked teams with only two points separating winner and loser.

On the boys’ day off, they especially enjoyed visiting the new Harry Potter area of the amusement park and the Islands of Adventure thrill rides.

When tournament play began, the Buckeyes beat East Cobb, Florida by 30 points.

Their second opponent was a very tough Greenville, South Carolina Tarheels team, but the Buckeyes fought hard and managed to win by two points (30-28).

The next day the team started off with a 30 point win over the United Ballers for Christ, and followed up by playing against the very talented Carolina Celtics winning 56-52, which sent the Buckeyes to the championship game.

In the finals they defeated the Celtics South of South Carolina in overtime 58-53.

This was the first time an Alabama team won the YBOA National Championship, and Landon received one of five student athlete academic awards at the tournament.

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Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 17

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ark your calendars music lovers! Old Towne Music will be rocking out during their open house on Sunday, October 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Owner Erin Trapolino expects an enjoyable afternoon filled with games, light refreshments, and of course, plenty of tunes. Helena residents are encouraged to drop in, whether interested in classes or just curious about what they do at Old Towne Music.

The open house will serve as a meet and greet, as well as a time for students to demonstrate their vocal talents for parents and the public in a fun, casual atmosphere. Old Towne Music will feature a live band in the backyard venue while the student soloists provide softer, mellow music inside. As the afternoon party winds down, there will be a drawing held for one lucky person to receive a free private lesson from Erin.

And what Old Towne Music open house would be complete without the famed Kindermusik® drum circle? Not this one. So bring the kids and let them bang out some energy in a constructive way. You never know, they might just

have a musical talent waiting to be unleashed. If you don’t want to wait to get your child involved in the arts, the fall semester is now open for enrollment.

Kindermusik classes begin August 29.

Good News—Old Towne Music is now offering violin lessons as well as a beginner group class that will be offered on Thursday evenings. In addition to violin lessons, other string instruments that have been added are viola, cello and bass. With our exceptionally talented and highly qualified string instructor, Old Towne Music will begin shaping the young string musicians of the future.”

The fall should be an exciting time at Old Towne Music. “We will be adding more competitions and recitals for private lesson students,” Erin said.

“One will be a recital where the students will vote on the theme and dress up in costumes for the performance.”

Erin also plans to give all students enrolled in private lessons the opportunity to join a Musical Theatre Ensemble that will meet periodically throughout the semester.

It’s never too late to join in the fun, so get singing!

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18 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

PHS 2011 season preview focuses on Helena QB Gray Cato

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Pelham High School Panthers 2011 Varsity Football Schedule DATE

Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

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n just a few weeks, it’ll be all pigskin for the rest of the year! As fans gear up for the excitement of football season, the Pelham Panthers are preparing to put on a good show.

Pelham High School Athletic Director and Head Coach Brett Burnett is “looking forward” to the upcoming season. With a core offensive group returning and experience coming back on defense, the Panthers are expecting to make a stronger team showing this season.

So what’s different from last year? For starters, Pelham will be running a new offense, a modified version of the spread with some option thrown in. This new style is run-oriented, so there will be more on-the-ground action than last year. “I think we will be able to run the ball very well this year,” said quarterback Gray Cato. “The new offensive style matches our personnel and talent,” Coach Burnett added. “We’re doing what we have to do to compete.”

While this year’s team may be a little different, much of last year’s talent is returning stronger. One of the core offensive starters, Helena resident and starting QB Gray Cato, is currently one of Alabama6afootball.com’s “2011 Players to Watch.” To get ready for his senior season, Gray attended football camps at Mississippi State, UAB, Troy and South Alabama this summer. As the season approaches, he is “looking forward to throwing downfield.” Cato added, “We have some great receivers to throw to that can make plays, as well as a great backfield that will take the pressure off of our passing game.”

Gray started playing football in the first grade and has progressively gotten

better and much more competitive. At Riverchase Middle School, he was elected as an “all-time captain” by his coaches, an award that is still displayed in the Riverchase locker room.

As a sophomore at Pelham, Gray threw his first varsity touchdown against Hoover and started the final two games that year, including the state playoffs against Jess Lanier. He threw for 1,937 yards as the junior starting QB last season and was selected by the Birmingham News in its “Best of the Rest.” He was selected one of the “Best in High School Football”

by Pat Patrick Promotions and received the All-Shelby Co. team honorable mention.

Clearly, Gray has worked hard on the football field, but his memberships in the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society show his dedication off the field. “I have had the same girlfriend for over four years now, and she, along with my parents, have been my biggest supporters,” he said.

Gray plans to continue balancing the demands of sports and school further down the road. “I’m hoping to play somewhere in college and major in Orthodontics,” he said.

But for now, Gray is ready to take the field for his final season as a Panther, and he plans to give the fans something to cheer about. “We should be exciting to watch,” he said. “I think with our running game philosophy and our energy on defense, we have a chance to be really good this year.”

Sounds like we can expect some exciting football at Ned Bearden Stadium this fall, so come out and enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes—the local high school gridiron.

Good luck to Gray and the entire Pelham High team. Have a successful and safe season. We’ll be in the stands cheering you on—GO PANTHERS!

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

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Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 19

Gregg Stuart loses 80 lbs— Credits Trainers at Snap Fitness

“Here they help you battle not just the bulge, but the psychology of why you got the bulge in the first place,” Gregg says.

Besides giving you access to a caring and experienced staff, a Snap Fitness membership also includes convenient online access to helpful weight loss tools such as nutrition assistance and the ability to track your workouts, plan your meals, and create grocery shopping lists.

Gregg says that the staff at Snap Fitness genuinely cares about its clients.And that makes all the difference in the world.”

Gregg Stuart— Another Snap Fitness Helena Success Story

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ast October Gregg Stuart wore 52 waist pants and weighed in at a hefty 320 pounds. He, like many people, settled into a sedentary life style after experiencing a medical condition which required him to take prescription medicines that caused him to gain more than 120 pounds in one year. His excessive weight gain made it difficult to treat his illness. He finally decided he had to do something to confront his situation.

Snap Fitness in Helena was Gregg’s solution. He began meeting with a trainer two-three times per week. His primary trainer, Lou Nixon, suggested the initial weight loss goals he had set for himself were unrealistic. She helped him establish more realistic and attainable goals.

“Lou was a great motivator, which is important because you have to have someone to encourage you,” says Gregg.

He praises all the staff at Snap Fitness because they are so helpful and supportive.

“It’s almost like a little community in here,” says Gregg, “like Cheers, only no alcohol!”

Gregg also enjoys working out at Snap Fitness because of the people he meets.

“There are lots of clients who are real characters,” he says,“which is nice because it makes it more fun and interesting to work out.”

His current weight is 240 pounds, and he has lost a whopping 80 pounds in ten months! He says he is sleeping better, feeling better, and experiencing allaround improved health. Gregg attests that his weight loss success is largely attributed to the dedicated and caring staff at Snap Fitness.

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Veteran Noah Galloway is Winning Against All Odds

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here are always costs of war.

Many of the soldiers who fight for our freedoms never return home. Numerous military personnel who do come back return to a life that looks nothing like it did before. Readjusting to civilian life can be extremely difficult for a combat veteran. When you add the physical and emotional trauma of dealing with a duty-related injury, the stress is downright unimaginable. One local resident understands exactly how tough it can be to return to a normal life. He has overcome his own disability, set his goals high, and now he looks to help other veterans adapt as well.

On December 19, 2005, Sergeant Noah Galloway was driving the lead Humvee in his unit’s convoy when tragedy struck and a roadside bomb changed his life forever. On Christmas Eve, Noah awoke to find himself lying in an unfamiliar bed at Walter Reed Hospital surrounded by his family. He had no idea where he was or what had happened, but he knew he was safe because his parents, Andy and Bebe Galloway of Helena, were there.

Noah’s mother came to his bedside to break the bad news. “She told me that I had lost my left arm above the elbow and my left leg above the knee,” Noah said.

“Then, she told me that my wife was leaving me.”

It seemed Noah’s entire life had been blown to pieces in the explosion (in addition to losing his limbs). While you would not know it now, in the beginning

he struggled to deal with the sadness and anger he felt.

But somehow, amidst all the emotional turmoil, Noah never lost his charismatic charm, good-natured humor, or competitive spirit. During his time at Walter Reed Hospital, Noah met others who had suffered similar combat injuries.

He noticed a common attitude of despair among many of the injured veterans, which helped remind him that happiness is a state of mind.

“I don’t ever want to be just another injured veteran living off the fact that I’m an injured veteran,” he said. “You have to move past it.” With a lot of help, support, and physical therapy, that is exactly what Noah did.

As he was first getting acclimated to life without two of his limbs, simple tasks were suddenly daily challenges.

“I was lucky to have my dad through everything,” he said frankly. His father had long ago learned to live life normally with just one hand—the result of an industrial accident many years ago. His father served as a role model giving Noah first-hand knowledge of just how capable he could still be, even with limitations.

“I owe so much to the guys at BioTech, too,” Noah said. BioTech Limb and Brace makes prosthetics. The company’s main goal is to help others like Noah “achieve the highest possible level of independence and quality of life.” BioTech has worked hard to provide Noah with limbs that allow him to bike, run, play softball, and rock climb. “They even specially made

me an arm with a spot that holds my iPod,” Noah added, grinning widely.

As part of his rehabilitation, Noah spent time at Lakeshore Foundation, which helps people cope with and learn new ways to stay active in spite of physical limitations. Seeing others whose physical handicaps were much more severe than his own made Noah realize that he could do anything he set his mind to.

“If someone says I can’t do something, it just makes me want to prove them wrong,” he said. Now that he has grown accustomed to life as an amputee, Noah is challenging himself and other veterans to keep pushing. His infectious spirit makes him a fantastic motivational speaker for Lakeshore, and now he often travels across the country for speaking engagements.

In the five plus years since that fateful day in December 2005, Noah has learned to cope and live life to the fullest as a double amputee. He is now married to his middle-school sweetheart, Tracy, and they have two young children: daughter, Ryan Elizabeth, and son, Jack.

Noah has gotten serious about competing in physical activities against able-bodied people. He has already completed two obstacle-race events, the Warrior Dash in Georgia and the Barbarian Challenge last month in Gadsden.

“Events like that aren’t designed for the disabled,” he said. “So I thought, well I don’t have a disability, so I’ll do it.” He laughed, but in a way that told me that he was dead serious about what he’d just said.

Noah is currently looking forward to competing in the Tough Mudder competition this October in Austin, Texas.

Afterwards, he is planning a trip to New Guinea to climb a mountain with other injured veterans.

Noah Galloway’s ability to overcome the odds has become an inspiration to so many. Our community is especially proud to have such a true American hero and role model!

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 21

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modern-woodmen.org 2008 Modern Woodmen of America

SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS 2011 – 2012 School Calendar

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Sept 5 ..................................Labor Day (Schools & Offices Closed) Oct 10 .........................Teacher Workday/Professional Development .....................................................................................(No Students) Oct 11 .................................................. System-Wide Parenting Day Nov 11............. Veterans Day Observed (Schools & Offices Closed) Nov 23-25.............. Thanksgiving Break (Schools & Offices Closed) Dec 20 . ................ 1st Semester Ends, Students Dismissed at 1 P.M. Dec 21-Jan 3.......................................................Christmas Holidays Jan 3.........................Teacher Workday (No Students/Offices Open) Jan 4.............................. 2nd Semester Begins, Full Day for Students Jan 16................M.L. King, Jr. Birthday (Schools & Offices Closed) Feb 20.............................Presidents Day/1st Inclement Weather Day ..........................................(Closed Unless Needed as Make-up Day) Mar 19-23......................... Spring Break (Schools & Offices Closed) Mar 26............................................Teacher Workday (No Students) Apr 20...................................................2nd Inclement Weather Day ...................(Closed Unless Needed as Make-up Day/Offices Open) May 23..........................2nd Semester Ends, Schools Close at 3 P.M. May 24........................................................High School Graduation May 24............................................Teacher Workday (No Students) May 28........................... Memorial Day (Schools & Offices Closed) www.shelbyed.k12.al.us

22 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

HMS Football Preview

B

elieve it or not, football season is almost upon us again.

As kickoff quickly approaches, the Helena Middle School Panthers are gearing up for a winning season.

Coach Ryan Brewer expects good things from his teams this year. “We expect to win them all, as always,” he said. “The key is to stay injury-free.”

The Helena Panthers teams have been built for speed this season. “We’ve got a lot of speed on both sides of the ball,” Coach Brewer said. “The defense will be quick to attack.” HMS also runs a fast-moving, no-huddle offense. “We plan to keep the ball moving,” he said. Their tempo should keep opponents’ defenses on their heels, giving them more opportunities to get over the goal line and put some Panther points on the scoreboard.

This year’s 8th grade team had an excellent season as 7th graders, so we should see some explosive plays from the varsity guys. “Their numbers are a bit low so we pulled up a few 7th graders to play, but the team has some quality talent,” said Coach Brewer. Although the talent is there, Coach Brewer confesses

that he is still waiting to see which players step up into leadership positions. He noted that some have shown some promise in that department, but it may be early in the season before we see the leaders emerge.

Coach Brewer added that this year’s goal is to COMPETE: C- Commitment to everything they do O- Opportunities, making the most of every one M- Master skills and always improve P- Perseverance through all trials in life E-Effort will always beat out ability T- Toughness, staying strong E- Enthusiasm “Nothing great has been accomplished without it,” he said.

At the very least, HMS should give football fans a great show this fall. Their season opener will be played at PHS August 25 against Oxford. Coach Brewer said, “Oxford always has a good team but last year, our 8th graders beat them.”

Good luck Panthers!

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Sept. 1 Thur. Columbiana* Sept. 8 Thur. Bragg Sept. 15 Thur. Briarwood* Sept. 22 Thur. Calera* Sept. 29 Thur. John Carroll* Oct. 6 Thur. Chelsea* Oct. 13 Thur. Riverchase* HOME-Pelham High School

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Coaches (right to left): Bobby Cummings, Offensive Asst and O line; Tyler Burger, DB coach; Ryan Brewer, Head coach; Teco Stephens, Defensive coach, Linebackers, special teams; Michael Adams, Defensive Coordinator/ D line coach Pictured above: Head Coach Ryan Brewer with his sons

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Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 23

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Ace Hardware welcomes new manager

D

aniel Barron might be young, but he’s been in the hardware business since he was 16-yearsold. This June, Daniel took over as the general manager at Ace Hardware of Helena.

He grew up in Alexander City where he worked for Ace’s owner, Bill Farrington, for eight years at Lake Martin Building Supply.

“I am really looking forward to servicing the community,” he said. “If there is anything we can do, we’re glad to do it.”

Daniel seems to genuinely enjoy his job and talking to people. “If we don’t have something on the shelf, I can find it.” All the years spent in the business has left him with plenty of options to help people find what they need. He confesses that he still gets questions he does not know the answer to, but will do what it takes to figure it out.

“We are making a lot of changes in the store right now,” he added. Ace is revamping its style and stock, and Daniel says customers can expect good things from the changes.

In 2009, Daniel moved to Calera after marrying Meg, a lab tech at Bio Life. “I commuted to Montgomery every day,” he said. While attending Auburn University-Montgomery, Daniel worked at Bear Lumber near the campus. Now that he has his Mathematics degee, he enjoys the much shorter commute to Helena each morning. “I like it here a lot,” Daniel said. “Helena has a ‘hometown feel’ but is still convenient to the big city.”

Welcome to Helena, Daniel! We are sure residents are looking forward to discovering your ideas about how our Ace store can live up to its slogan: “The Helpful Place.”

24 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Over 30 Brands of Appliances from which to choose!

Helena Resident guarantees the best price on appliances and pledges your sales tax dollars to Helena

H

elena resident Tyler Hillman, owner of AllSouth Appliance, says his original idea was to create a smaller satellite branch to serve the needs of Pelham, Helena, Alabaster and surrounding communities to supplement his larger, ultra modern, stateof-the-art showroom off Oxmoor Road in Homewood. The result was the AllSouth Appliance store in Pelham Promenade on Highway 31.

“We displayed a good representation of our medium price point appliances and had a few of our higher end lines to shop, but what seemed to happen is our customers would ask to see more products and some of our higher end lines so customers ended up shuttling to our Homewood store to see these products.

With the economy being what it is, we are making a decision to consolidate our Pelham store into our much larger, longer established Homewood location.” (Hey, it’s only a 15-20 minute drive away, next to the old Barber’s Dairy building on Oxmoor Road.) This will keep shoppers from having to make two stops.

“We invite anyone looking for appliances to come visit us. You will still be supporting your hometown. Because

Tyler Hillman stands in front of the Sub Zero® Living Kitchen.

we deliver, sales taxes are paid to your city of residence, and the selections we offer from our Homewood appliance and kitchen showroom should impress even the most seasoned chefs. We display over 30 name brands. Plus, with our price match policy, we’ll meet anybody’s price!

come down the mountain and cross Lake Shore and I’m there.” If traveling I-65, the showroom is only two turns off exit #256. “We’re also as close as your computer. You can visit our website at www.MyAllSouth.com. Our goal is to make appliance shopping as easy as

delivered and setup without ever leaving your home.”

“Watch our ads each month in the Helena City News! I look forward to meeting all of you the next time you are in the market for appliances.”

We often have specials that the larger chain stores do not even offer,” said Tyler.

With over 12 complete kitchens set up, a Sub Zero Living Kitchen® and a Live Kitchen where cooking demonstrations are given by visiting chefs the second Saturday of each month, be prepared to be wowed! “Most all of our outdoor grills are on display there, too,” said Tyler.

“And remember, we actually show the appliances in the showroom. You don’t have to look through books or literature.

See it before you purchase.”

Talking about the drive, Tyler said, “Some think of Homewood and assume it’s a long drive, but I live in Helena and am at work most days in about 20 minutes. I travel South Shades Crest,

possible. You can visit our showroom and take in all our beautiful appliance displays or if you know exactly what you want, you can buy it online and have it

go West on Oxmoor (back under I-65), passing Jim and Nick’s. Turn right on Barber’s Ct., go through the next light, and AllSouth Appliance is the first building on your left.

Take I-65 to exit 256 (Oxmoor Rd) and

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 25

Please Pray for the Safety of Our Military Personnel and Remember throughout the Year— We are the Home of the Free Because of the Brave!

SGT Jon M. Aaron

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

MSG Jacqueline M. Moore

US Army, 387th; Wichita, KS; Wife of Leroy E. Lucas, mother of Cameshia, Shaun, Chibukia & Chris

PFC Jonathan R. Barnett

SSgt Christopher S Murphy

US Army; Calvary Scout-3rd Brigade-1st Armor Div.; Fort Riley, KN; Son of Susan Barnett

USMC; MWHS 3, San Diego, CA; Son of Jack & Karen Murphy. husband of Alyssa

PFC Matt Barnett

LT Kimberly A. Oelschlager

US Army; Delta Co.-232nd Medical Battalion; Fort Sam Houston, TX; Son of Susan Barnett

SGT Steven M Bennett

US Army; Paratrooper/Rigger; Fort Benning, GA; Son of Clara & Ken Lorino

SFC Eric Bond

US Army;, 82nd Airborne, 1-504 PIR; Baghdad, Iraq; Cousin of Paul Zimmerman

SRA Mitch Braswell

USAF; 16th EMS, 16th Special Op. Wing; Afghanistan; Son of Mike & Judi Braswell

Corporal Paul Bushnell

USMC; Expeditionary Unit deployed from 29 Palms, CA; Son of Bill & Julie English, Sarah’s husband

SGT Dallas C Caviness

US Navy ROTC Unit-University of Pennsylvania; Daughter of Ted & the late Sara Oelschlager

Petty Officer 1st Class Termaine J. Pruitt

US Navy; Guam; Husband of Loretta, father of Termaine Jr, Trevorn, Chelicia & Tristin, son of Janice & Austin Pruitt

PVC Dwight A Rosse Jr.

US Army; 1-32 Cav 1st Bct, Fort Campbell, Ky; Son of Dwight & Michelle Rosse, brother of Britney & Carlton

SSG Maria D. Sanchez

Drill Sgt, Ft. Benning, GA; Wife of 1SG Michael Sanchez, mom of Sebastian, daughter of James & Estrella Hudgins

1SG Michael D. Sanchez

Camp Lindsey, Afghanistan; Husband to SSG Maria Sanchez, dad of Sebastian, son of James & Estrella Hudgins

SPC Adam T. Saulters

US Army; 172 Infantry Brigade; Germany; Husband of Rebecca, Father of Norah, Son of Rhonda & brother of Devin

US Army; 82nd Airborne Division, Iraq; Son of Patty Saulters, brother of Casee Saulters

2nd Lt. William B. Cofer

SPC Patrick D. Sharp

US Army ; Fort Benning, GA; Son of Dorothy & Jim Cofer, brother of Deborah, boyfriend of Kristen Beam

US Army, 82nd Airborne; Al Asad, Iraq; Son of Shawn Sharp

LCPL Roberto M Conde

SPC Ashley Bruce Squires

USMC; Expeditionary Unit deployed from Camp Lejeune, NC; Son of Robert & Aurette Conde

US Army (3rd Inf. Div., 1-30 Inf.); Ft. Stewart, GA; Father of Jesi Mason Squires, son of Bruce & Tammy, brother of Aubrey & Austin

Petty Officer 1st Class Austin C. Daniel

US Navy; Norfolk, VA; Son of Mike & Claudia Daniel, brother of Justin, Tatum & Autumn

2nd Lt Eric C Darrenkamp

US Army; Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI; Son of Carol Darrenkamp, brother of Jon & Stephen

LT James Brooks Dickey

Cpl Rodney Stephens

Army National Guard; 152nd Military Police Task Force 382nd, Iraq; Father of Andrea & AnnaBelle

COL John “Mark” Traylor

1999 Stephanie Ct, Auburn, AL 36830; Son of Charlie & Janie Brooks / Janet & Dennis Dickey

Deputy Commander; 11th Aviation Command, Fort Knox, KY; Husband of Karole, father of John, Zach & Ashley

US Navy; NAS Jacksonville, FL; Son of Joe & Tammy Williams, grandson of Rev. Clifton & Mattie Taylor

US Air Force; 325th Air Control Squadron; Tyndall AFB, FL.; Son of Mark & Karole Traylor

US Army; Camp Liberty, Iraq; Grandson of Ruth Meadows, husband of Kimberly, brother of Bonnie Hubbard

USMC; Marine Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC; Son of Mark & Karole Traylor

AEAN Benjamin Lee Doaks SPC Michael Hubbard

2LT John M Traylor, Jr

RCT Zachary S Traylor

Lt. Commander David Kang

SGT John Christian Vansant

US Navy; Japan; Son of Stanley & Sue Kang, sister Sunny Kang

VMMT 204 Flightline, MCAS New River, NC; Son of Keith & Sherill Vansant

CW3 Corey Lefebvre

US Army; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Son of Tom Lefebvre

Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik B. McKenzie

Major Maxwell B. Ward

Army Reserve; Afghanistan; Husband of Kathie, dad of Maggie, son of Bette Ward, brother of Michelle (Lin) Saville

Adam Walton

US Navy; USS Curtis Wilber, Yokosuka, Japan; Son of Bond & Lisa McKenzie, Brooke’s brother, Megan’s husband

2nd Lt. Jacob Allen Meins

USAF, Air Force Special Operations Command; Son of Kathy Meins Martin

HM2 Daniel Mills

US Navy; Marine Corp Training & Advisory Group; Yemen; Helena Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic

Changing Jobs? Retiring?

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3. What about planning for your child’s education?

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US Navy; USS Nimitz; Son of Randy & Peggy Walton, brother of Annalee

E-mail Helena active duty military personnel’s name, address and where they’re stationed to helenacitynews@aol.com.

If your loved one has returned, please let us know so we can remove them.

Special Equestrians

Helping People One Stride at a Time

I

f you like horses, the outdoors, and helping people, we have the perfect opportunity for you. Please join the force of over 200 volunteers that assist with Special Equestrians.

Special Equestrians is a therapeutic horseback riding program for people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. All levels of experience are available (no horse experience necessary); just attend one of our Volunteer Training sessions on Saturday August 27 10 a.m.-12 p.m. OR Thursday September 2 4-6 p.m. Training sessions will take place at their facility on the campus of Indian Springs School.

To reserve a spot at the training session or to find out more information, please email: volunteer@specialequest.org, call: 205-987-9462 or visit the website at www. specialequest.org

26 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

T

he Thompson High School Class of ’61 celebrated their 50th class reunion recently at Bridlewood Acres, the home After the old school burned in 1951, the building above was constructed for Thompson High School until the latest project was completed in 1987. of classmate Allen Fulton and his wife, Betty. The The Thompson Sixth Grade Center is currently located in the building. event was the culmination of months of planning and locating the class’ graduates and many other classmates who started their education in the “old rock school” in 1949.

During the early years, Thompson was one of only five high schools in Shelby County. It drew students from all of north Shelby County which included Alabaster, Helena, Pelham, Chelsea and the Oak Mountain area all the way to Highway 280.

The THS 1961 reunion planning committee did a tremendous job, locating and contacting classmates or their family members to inform them about the special milestone 50th reunion celebration.

Of the 103 Class of 1961 graduates, 39 were known deceased, but 67 attended the reunion.

Classmates came from other cities in the state of Alabama as well as many from out of state to the special event. The classmates of the ’61 class enjoyed seeing longtime friends and renewing acquaintances from years gone by. In spite of the lapse of time, these friends and classmates still know how to celebrate and have a great time together. As they celebrated seeing those classmates who were in attendance, they also respectfully remembered those who had passed.

Perhaps one of the most honored guests was Mrs. Eleanor Lewis–Brown, who was one of two first grade teachers at Thompson School in 1949. She also taught many of the reunion attendees in both first and third grades.

Other beloved teachers in attendance included Coach Jimmy Jones, Mr. Charles Knowles, Mrs. Carolyn Davidson-Knowles, and current County Commssioner Dan Acker.

Class of ’61 graduates attending the 50th reunion were LaMoine Booth Bramblett, Mary Butler Lee, Donna Carden Smitherman, JoAnn Cardwell Thompson, Sheror Caton Moore, Elois “Lois” Coggins Tipton, Jim Collins, Tommy Draper, Lanis England Taylor, Sandra Fowler Bentley, Jeanie Fulgham Jones, Allen Fulton, Nellie Glasgow Kinstler, Sarah Hodgens Atchison, Mildred Hoggle Knowles, Sharon Holbrooks Stagner, Terry Hosmer, Cecil Hubbard, Billy Jack Lawley, Joe Lee, Lonnie Former THS teachers, left-right: Jimmy Jones, Eleanor Lewis Brown, Charles Knowles, Carolyn Maske, Roger Dale Massey, Charlotte Mathis Draper, Dudley McGuire, William Davidson Knowles & Dan Acker Moore, Robert Moore, Richard Posey, JoAnn Reach Brasher, Brenda Rowe Dover, Nina Shelton Wilson, Frankie Smitherman Fulgham, Shelby Tully, Mary Ann Wilson Billy Ruth Gentry, Jimmy Grimes, John Hale, Jimmy Hentz, Jerry W. Hinds, Patsy Jones, Loyd Kenderick, Judy Lee, Charles Lightsey, Ronnie Maske, Sherrell Massey, Horton, Barbara Garrett Satterwhite, Janice Glass Sparks, Joyce Hatfield Langston, William Earl Motes, Phares Nielson, Robert Noe, Jackie R. Nolen, Wanda Payne Don Hooks, Mickey McDonough, Paul Ozburn, Ralph Payton, Ida Martha Reed Dimick, Donald “Buck” Rutherford, Randy Sides, Barbara Vernon Dunaway and Allen Brasher, Robert Posey, Sue Reeser, Tommy Rich, Tommy Stamps, Frances Stone “Buddy” Whitington, residing in the Birmingham area; Judy Adams Crumley, Wayne McManus, Faye Strickland, John R. Sweeney, C. Earl Templin, Patricia White, Lynn Whitfield, and Wayne Wood.

Bailey, Bobby Baldwin, Mitchell Handley, Robert “Butch” Johnson, Arnold “Butch” Thornton, Patricia “Tricia” Harper. Darlene Lovelady Hornsby, Mary Branham Putman, Ann Reach Prestridge, Jerry Busby, Linda Dawkins Phillips, Dorothy Frost Jackson, Judy Usher Huckabee, Gail Martin McDonald, Larry Barton–Class President, Carlton Dinwidde, Arnold Fulmer, Mable Bentley Wynn, George Wilburn Moore, Nancy Brett Stevens, and Carol Moore Isley.

Classmates who are known deceased: Trudy Brown, Marvin Burnett, Anthony H. “Tony” Collier, Hilda Creamer, Faye Davenport, Lanell Davis, Terra Dickerson, William Doss, Shawood Dunn, Earl “Corky” Fallin, Cecil Franklin, Tommy Fulmer,

The event was a special time for the Class of 1961. The evening was filled with laughter, retelling stories about high school days, renewing friendships, enjoying good food, and great music of the ‘60s. This was an event to add to the memory book. After all, it is the “Class of 1961—BEST EVER.”

In 1961, All high school students living in Helena went to school at Thompson High. The breakup grew into an intense rivalry over the years. One wonders what Helena’s future break with Pelham High School will create?

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 27

SPECIAL

bobby joe seales

Thompson High School Class of 1961 Celebrates 50th Reunion

Yard of the Month

118 Squire Drive

M

ary Perko was a little surprised when her family home was chosen as this month’s residential beautification recipient. “I haven’t had very much time to work out there this year,” she said with a chuckle. It just goes to show that when you plant the right things at the right times and get good advice, it does not take constant back-breaking labor to keep your yard beautiful and full of color.

So what is Mary’s secret to lowmaintenance landscaping? “Perennials,” she said. “You have to be willing to wait for them to be in-season, though.”

Once they do come back, you will have lovely plants and flowers with no effort involved. “I try to have enough variety to keep color in the yard every season.” After the initial planting, there is very little upkeep with perennials, which makes them the perfect choice for busy folks.

Mary added that since you only have to buy them once, “They are also more economical.”

Reliance on good expert advice has

also helped Mary keep her yard looking great. She frequently visits small plant shops, like her favorites Petals from the Past and Myers Plants and Pottery. She said that bringing pictures in with you helps the experts tell you exactly what you need. “That has helped me the most,” she said. As long as she takes their advice, that is. She recalled a lesson she learned years ago—“They told me to plant the Chocolate Mint in a pot, not in the ground because it would take over,” she said. Brushing that suggestion off left her with mint growing everywhere. “It’s still all over the place!” she exclaimed.

For the Perkos, working in the yard is “kind of a family thing,” Mary said. Her 16-year-old son, John, does his part by keeping the lawn mowed and edged. Even though they don’t have a lot of time for it, she, Dana, and John enjoy doing it together when they can.

This summer, much of Mary’s yard time has been spent not in her own vegetable garden, but working to make Helena Market Days a success. “I’m in charge of getting all the chefs for the cooking demonstrations,” she said. “But Ron Holly is the real key to it.” Regardless, every volunteer has toiled to make the weekly farmer’s market in the park a hit. You can thank them by dropping by this weekend. And maybe Mary will pass along more of her botanical wisdom.

Congratulations to the Perko family on this issue’s award, and thanks Mary for helping residents access fresh, local produce at Helena Market Days each summer.

The Perko Family: Mary, Dana and son John (this year’s Pelham High School kicker)

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28 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

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Helena City News Late Summer 2011 29

The 2011 La Reunion Jr. Idol is…

L

a Reunion’s Junior Idol competition provides local youth, ages 11-14, with a venue for sharing their musical gifts. “There’s a lot of talent in it this year,” said the coffee café’s owner, Robin Howell.

That was no stretch.

This year, the top four contestants put on a very entertaining show and fun was had by the large crowd that turned out to see them perform. John Elrod, judge and winner of the previous La Reunion Idol contest, noted that he had seen “the best performances from everyone” that night.

In the end, 14-year-old Pelham High School student, Jessica Lingle, (top left) won the title with her folk-style voice and acoustic guitar

playing. She clearly impressed the judges and crowd with her rendition of Stevie Nicks’ “Gold Dust Woman.” Jessica’s friends and family came out to support her, and she made sure to thank her parents, Bing Lingle and Melissa Lyda, as well as her friends, who she says always listen to her.

Jessica’s winnings include the time to record a demo at Helena’s Lost in Sound Studio, an hour voice lesson with Erin Trapolino of Old Towne Music, a La Reunion gift card, and a weekend gig at La Reunion Coffee Cafe.` Helena Middle School student, Preston Burks (left) placed second in the competition. His stage presence and charisma had the crowd on its feet as he wailed Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” during his final performance. Both Preston and Jessica received a professional photo shoot with

Gretchen B. Photography.

The singers all had very different styles, making the final call a difficult one for judges.

Erin Hall and Abby Holt (right), rounded out the finals with fantastic performances: an acapella version of Celine Dion’s “Titanic” classic and a soulful rendition of Norah Jones’ “Sunrise,” respectively.

If the impressive talent displayed by these local rising stars offers a glimpse of things to come, you’ll be seeing some of these names on a stage again sometime soon!

Junior

Jessica Lingle, Congratulations!

30 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

I

t’s happening right now—the biggest sale in the 15-year history of Showhouse Furniture is underway and will last until the current stock is sold.

Since 1996, Jeff Price and Jeffrey Smith have been having a blast in Helena.

“We have watched the city grow up around us,” said Jeff, “and our business has grown with the city,” added Jeffrey.

When you walk into their furniture showroom, two things are immediately apparent: they care about customer service, and they want people to feel comfortable in their store.

Comfort is important because choosing furniture can be a daunting task, not to mention the pain that is re-decorating. Fortunately, the guys at Showhouse make the process easy and enjoyable.

“We are not Rooms to Go,” Jeff said. At Showhouse, when you buy the furniture, the decorating and consulting are included free of charge. Plus, you will never have to put together your new

furniture or pay extra for assembly. They work to customize everything to their clients’ specifications and provide exactly what they want.

Area resident Stacy Cushings went to them for help when she moved here last year. “They’re wonderful,” she exclaimed.

“I would recommend them to anyone.”

She said she had never had a decorator work the way Jeff did.“He came in and took it over,” she said. “I would go to work and come home to a beautiful room. He figured out the perfect way to incorporate the stuff I already had with all the new stuff. He just made it work.”

Helena resident Shelby Hayes has been a customer for three years now because she was so satisfied with their work the first time. “Jeffrey took the time and

Local youth members of band, Empowered

T

he youth Christian band, Empowered recently won the worship band contest at the Ignite 2011 Youth and College Praise Band Workshop presented by Next Level Worship at the New Hope Baptist Church in Pell City. The band was one of nine youth and college praise bands that competed during the day long workshop and coaching session. The judges for the competition included: Casting Crowns guitarist- Juan DeVevo, worship leader and recording artist- Kevin Derryberry, and WDJC radio personality- Terry Patilla.

In winning the contest, Empowered was the opening band for Ignite ’11, East Alabama’s largest Christian music festival, held earlier this month. Ignite ’11 featured Dove-award nominated artist, 33 Miles and Christian hip-hop artist, Shonlock.

Empowered is the youth worship band at The Station Church in Hoover and its members include: Joseph Daley (lead vocals and keyboards), Marlin Morin (guitar), Stephen Daley (drums), and Maddie Harper (vocals) all of Pelham, Carter Ward (bass) and Shanden Thompson (vocals) of Helena, and Stephen Moore (guitar) of Arab.

Tim and Rebekkah Hess of Helena serve as The Stations Ministers to Students.

The Station Church meets Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at Brock’s Gap Middle School (formerly Bumpus Middle School) in the Lake Cyrus neighborhood of Hoover.

helped me pick out furniture that met our growing family’s needs,” she said. “It’s also great that they offer home service.”

Jeff and Jeffrey have numerous years of interior design experience from working as decorators for model homes. That was how they actually got into the furniture business in the first place. After a realtor is finished with the practically brand-new furnishings from a model home, they often want to unload them. That’s where Jeff and Jeffrey come in. At Showhouse, they are able to sell name-brand furniture at much more reasonable prices than their competitors.

Shelby agreed, “The furniture is highquality but affordable.” She added, “and it is always good to work with Helena businesses.”

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Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 31

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David “Marcus” Montgomery, Jr. receives three performance-based scholarships to UA

D

avid “Marcus” Montgomery, Jr. began his early education at Helena Elementary and concluded it at Pelham High School in May with an advanced diploma. Marcus is not only academically gifted, he is also a very talented and accomplished musician.

Marcus received three separate scholarships, all earned through competitive performance auditions, to attend the University of Alabama School of Music and Honor College where he will also be a member of the Million Dollar Band.

In his senior year, Marcus made first chair at every local university honor band and at the Alabama All State competition making him the best euphonist in Alabama.

Just a few of his musical accomplishments and awards through competitive performance auditions include: First chair of the University of Alabama Honors Band Wind Ensemble, Alabama District Honors Band Festival, University of Alabama At Birmingham Honors Band Wind Ensemble, University of Montevallo Honors Band Wind Ensemble, and Shelby All County Honors Band. He was also a Superior Medal recipient at the 2011 Alabama All State Solo and every year from 2006-2011 at the District Solo & Ensemble Competition.

Marcus performed in solo and quartet movements at Emory University and at the International Euphonium Institute and gained admission to the University of Alabama School of Music Studio under the direction of Dr. Demondrae Thurman (ranked among the top three performers in the world) by beating out performers from across the nation, Marcus won a rare position—this is like Julliard for a euphonist.

At the University of Alabama, Marcus will be working toward a degree in Music Education and plans on becoming a high school music director.

Marcus is the son of Della and Marcus Montgomery, Sr. of Helena.

Congratulations, Marcus, on your amazing accomplishments, and best wishes on a successful future.

Fun Facts—Alabama

I

n 1902 Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill performed the first open heart surgery in the Western Hemisphere by suturing a stab wound in a young boy’s heart. The surgery occurred in Montgomery. A few more bits of Alabama trivia…

• The word Alabama means tribal town in the Creek Indian language.

• The pecan is the Alabama’s official nut. (I can think of a few unofficial ones, too!)

• Alabama introduced the Mardi Gras to the western world.

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32 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Helena Athletes Qualify for Junior Olympics

U

SA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body of the world's oldest organized sport for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the nation USATF’s largest youth program is the Junior Olympics, where nearly 70,000 youth athletes compete each year in the Track & Field and Cross Country championships.

Eight of Helena’s star athletes qualified to participate in the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Brian Simmons, Kourtney Moore, Thomar Simmons, Tomya Simmons, Austin Davis, Adina Williams, Erin Hines, and Damian Hines are members of the Alabama Heat Track and Field team based in Pelham.

Each of them achieved top performances on the state and regional levels in their perspective age groups in either individual or relay races. At the National Junior Olympics in Wichita, Damian Hines placed 5th overall in the Long Jump/ 8th overall in the 200m dash; Thomar Simmons placed 6th overall in both the 100m and 200m dash at the USATF Junior Olympics. Their performances rank them as two of this year’s All-American athletes. Thomar Simmons, Kourtney Moore, and Brian Simmons were three of four racers that placed 14th in 4 x400 and 18th in the 4 x 100 relays in the nation. Coach Jeff Jackson, the Alabama Heat team, family and community are extremely happy for their success at the Junior Olympics in Kansas. You can find more information at www.usatf.org.

Buck Creek Festival Benefits Local Schools City Council and Duck Race organizer Cris Nelson and volunteer Jack Gray present checks to Wayne Williams, HIS Principal, Jenni Goolsby, HMS principal and Mary Cooper, HES Principal at a recent city council meeting. The extra funds will be put to good use by all. The duck race and Buck Creek Festival raises funds for various local charities and causes each year. Salute!

Information on Helena Belles

H

elena Belles is a new service organization, derived from the traditional Southern Belles in the South, that helps young women get involver in the Helena community. Exemplary young ladies who are sophomores or juniors in high school and residents of Helena are invited to apply to become a Helena Belle for their junior and/or senior years. Helena

Belles must be of good character, have a pleasant personality, be enrolled in school, maintain a minimum “B” average for their entire term and enjoy the civic responsibility of serving their city and local charities.

Helena Belle application forms are available from September 1, 2011 through October 28, 2011 at the city hall, Pelham High School office or you may email Mrs. Amy Bolt at AmyLBolt@gmail.com. You may call her for more information at (205) 520-6640.

Each Belle is required to complete a minimum of 15 hours of community service through the organization each year and is required to attend the annual Garden Party in which they will be presented to the City of Helena.

Maplewood Lane’s Charlotte Tublin creates beautiful art for residents to enjoy

M

aplewood Lane assisted Living in Helena has some beautiful art work on their front porte-cochère that residents thought worthy of recognition.

When a paint spill occurred, Charlotte proved that lemons can indeed be turned into lemonade. She grabbed a few brushes and set to work, etching this area’s famous dogwood blooms on the concrete for all to enjoy. Hats off to Charlotte Tublin.

Her work has earned her our designation as this issue’s Artist of the Month!

It’s All In How It’s Marketed…

F

or years, a fish that was native to the cold water of the Southern Atlantic ocean languished in American sea food markets until, as word has it, a savvy seafood marketer decided to change its admittedly unappetizing name. So the fish that was the Patagonian Toothfish became the Chilean Sea Bass and American consumers bought it hook, line and sinker.

Hey, they say it tastes delicious. You might try some the next time you’re in a fancy seafood restaurant.

Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 33

PLUMBING REPAIR SERVICES Commercial and Residential

Call 664-3300 for 24 Hour Service • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Faucet & Toilet Repairs • Water Heater Repairs & Replacements • Major & Minor Sewer Line Repairs • Sewer Line Camera Inspection • Backflow Preventer Inspection & Certification

Have you ever wished you or your children were bilingual?

Well now you can be!

D

o you remember much about your high school foreign language class? If you’re like most Americans, probably not. Maybe you’ve never had to use your two years of Spanish or French, but the Birmingham Metro area is quickly becoming a multicultural society. If you’re feeling a bit under-prepared, we know someone who can help. iSpeak International Language Consultants, owned and operated by Kelley da Paz, serves the greater Birmingham area. iSpeak helps people learn a foreign language for a variety of reasons: to communicate with employees/co-workers or non-English speaking customers, prepare for mission trips, or just for travelling abroad.

Also, beginning in September, iSpeak will be offering Spanish for children after class at many Shelby County schools. “Our children need to learn a foreign language to help prepare them for the future. It’s no longer an option; it’s a necessity,” states Kelley.

Spanish for Kids in Helena

Serving the Southeast Since 1963 135 Belcher Drive • Pelham, AL 35124 • 664-3300

Helena Elementary Tuesdays 2:45-3:45 and Helena Intermediate Wednesdays 2:45-3:45. The cost is $50 per month with a one-time $10 materials fee or the entire semester for $165. Classes will run 14 weeks.

Adult classes at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center are also available.

For more details and information, please visit www.ispeakwell.com.

34 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Calendar of Events Regular Weekly Events Mondays Fire Explorers at Station 2, 5 p.m.

Tuesdays Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11 a.m.

Tuesdays Kiwanis Club at Helena Senior Citizens Center, 7 a.m.

Thursdays Storytime at Jane B. Holmes Library, 11 a.m.

Thursdays Police Explorers at Helena Explorers Post, 4 p.m.

August

2 5th - Planning & Zoning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

- Helena Intermediate 5th Grade Washington DC Info Meeting, 7 p.m.

27th - Helena Market Days, Old Town, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Demo 9 a.m.

- Grace Christian Church Fashion Show and Tea, 1 p.m.

- Special Equestrians Volunteer Training, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

29th - Helena Intermediate Fall Book Fair Aug. 29-Sept. 2 30th - Helena Intermediate Parent Academy: 3rd Grade, 6 p.m.

September

1st - Helena Intermediate Parent Academy: 4th Grade, 6 p.m.; 5th grade 7:15 p.m.

- Special Equestrians Volunteer Training, 4-6 p.m.

3rd - Last Helena Market Days of 2011, Old Town, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Demo at 9 a.m.

5th - Labor Day - Municipal Offices & Co. Schools Closed No Garbage Collection: Both Mon./Tue. routes will be picked up Tue., Sept. 6 6th - HBPA meeting, La Reunion, 8 a.m.

- Buck Creek Civitans Meeting, Nino’s Restaurant Hwy 31 Pelham, 7 p.m.

7th - Emergency Siren Test, 10 a.m.

8th - Helena Intermediate Picture Day 9th - Helena Elementary Picture Day, 8-10:30 a.m.

10th - Helena Art on the Side—sidewalk art expo, Old Town, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

11th - Helena History Museum Open House, Old Town (old Masonic Lodge), 2-5 p.m.

12th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Center, 6 p.m.

20th - Buck Creek Civitans Meeting, Nino’s Restaurant Hwy 31 Pelham, 7 p.m.

22nd - Planning & Zoning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

26th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Center, 6 p.m.

29th - Ducks Unlimited Fall Banquet, National Guard Armory Pelham

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October

1st - HUMC & the City of Helena’s “Walk Against Suicide” begins at HMS - Wild West Trade Days, Old Town, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

- Old Towne Music Open House, 1-4 p.m.

4th - HBPA Meeting, La Reunion, 8 a.m.

- Buck Creek Civitans Meeting, Nino’s Restaurant Hwy 31 Pelham, 7 p.m.

5th - Emergency Siren Test, 10 a.m.

8th - Helena Art on the Side—sidewalk art expo, Old Town, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

- Free Day, Shelby Co. Landfill, 669-3737, Hwy 70 Columbiana 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

10th - Shelby Co. Schools Teacher Workday-No Students - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Center, 6 p.m.

11th - Helena Elementary: Book Fair begins; 1st Grade Performance 6:15 p.m.

15th - First Baptist Church Helena Craft Festival, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

- 2nd Annual Alabama Ham Radio Festival, Amphitheater 18th - Buck Creek Civitans Meeting, Nino’s Restaurant Hwy 31 Pelham, 7 p.m.

24 th - Helena City Council, Helena Municipal Center, 6 p.m.

27th - Planning & Zoning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

28th - Helena Elementary Fun Run: 2nd 8-9 a.m.; 1st 9-10 a.m.; 5k 10-11 a.m.

- Helena Intermediate Annual Fall Festival 29th - Helena Intermediate Annual Fall Festival

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Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 35

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CITY OF HELENA 2011 Holiday Garbage Pick-Up Schedule Labor Day — Monday, September 5, 2011 City Hall Closed Monday and Tuesday’s routes will be picked up on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 Veterans Day — Friday, November 11, 2011 City Hall Closed Thursday and Friday’s routes will be picked up on Thursday, November 10, 2011 Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 24, 2011 City Hall Closed

Ask the Doc

Have a question? Please submit it to Dr.RoderickWhite@gmail.com

How do you know when to use ice and when to use heat for pain?

Nathan C., Helena, AL

Good question, and one that comes up frequently. The answer depends on what type of pain. In an American Academy of Pain Management article, the terms acute, subacute, and chronic were classified for pain. Think of acute pain as new pain, less than 30 days. Consider subacute pain as pain lasting 1 to 6 months and chronic pain as pain lasting longer than 6 months.

Acute pain is typically sudden with a rapid onset, and often is the result of a trauma—a strained muscle or sprained ankle. Swelling begins soon after the injury. During this time, the goal is to reduce the amount of swelling and pain, so ice therapy is the best option as it helps to do this.

Cold packs, sandwich bags filled with ice and frozen bags of peas are all effective options. You can also fill small paper cups with water, freeze them, and use the cups as applicators to massage the area of pain. Don’t ice an area more than 15-20 minutes at a time.

Chronic pain typically develops slowly and can be a nagging pain that can become much worse over time if left untreated. Overuse and repetitive use injuries are examples of chronic pain since the area affected doesn’t properly heal. Heat is generally best to use for chronic injuries or injuries that have no inflammation or swelling. Nagging, sore, stiff muscles and joint pain are ideal conditions for the use of heat therapy. Heat can be applied to the area of chronic pain prior to exercise to increase the elasticity of joint connective tissues and to stimulate blood flow. Heat can also help relax tight muscles or muscle spasms. However, after exercise, ice is the better choice for a chronic injury to prevent further inflammation. As with ice, heat should be used for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time, and can be safely used with a layer between the heat source and the pain. Moist heat is best, so try using a hot wet towel.

Dr. Roderick White is a Chiropractic Physician and Clinic Director at

CAHABA WELLNESS

Family Chiropractic • Sport • Spine • Rehab Dearing Downs Commerce Center 263 Village Parkway • Helena, AL 35080 The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis or treatment. Please visit a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Wednesday and Thursday’s routes will be picked up on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 Friday’s route will be picked up on Friday, November 25, 2011 Christmas Eve — Friday, December 23, 2011 City Hall Closed Thursday and Friday’s routes will be picked up on Thursday, December 22, 2011 Christmas Day — Monday, December 26, 2011 City Hall closed Monday and Tuesday’s routes will be picked up on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 New Year’s Day — Monday, January 2, 2012 City Hall Closed Monday and Tuesday’s routes will be picked up on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 YOU MUST HAVE YOUR GARBAGE CURBSIDE BY 6:00 A.M.

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36 Helena City News Late Summer 2011 www.CityOfHelena.org Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Jane B. Holmes Public Library — News and Notes

Good day to you, he summer is coming to an end, and the library would like to thank everyone who came to visit, and especially those of you who participated in our programs and events.

For any of you who did not attend, be sure to think of us next year, as we plan all year for a great program every summer. And it is Free!

As school starts back and fall approaches, be sure to stop in to see what is new.

Please go to www.cityofhelena.org to check out our upcoming events by clicking on the Calendar, or find out what new Books and Movies we are featuring in our Hot Off The Press section.

Better yet, stop by the library to find out about everything and pick up some books, movies or music while you are here.

A special thanks goes out to The Helena Business and Professional Association, as they were kind enough to present the library with a check for $500 from the proceeds of the Buck Creek Festival. We appreciate this organization so much, as they work tirelessly to provide this entertaining event.

Do not forget to bring in your donations, both monetary and in the form of books, movies, and music. The library appreciates any contributions, and they help us in so many ways.

Speaking of help, The Friends of the Library is a great way to support the library.

Call 664-8308 for meeting dates and times.

Parents of young children, do not forget about our Free Storytime Program every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 A.M. Stop by and visit soon, and always remember to bring your library card.

Thank-you,

Daniel Dearing, Library Director Remember: Storytime with Ms. Jane at 11:00 am every Tuesday and Thursday Upcoming Dates Sept. 5 Library Closed in observance of Labor Day

T

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4726 Highway 52 in Helena

205.621.5255 Now that the kids are back in school…

It’s time to get organized—and we’ve got a spare garage!

New Hours: Mon. 10-7, Tue. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thur. 10-7, Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-2, Closed Sun.

www.shelbycounty-al.org • 664-8308

XYZ (eXtra Years of Zest) Club weekly activities held at the Helena Senior Citizens Center Located at 222 Tucker Road, behind city hall and next to the library Monday 10:00 am Chair Aerobics: Fun & gentle workout Tuesday 11:00 am-3:00 pm Cards & Games: Bring a sack lunch & join the fun Thursday 10:00 am Chair Aerobics Fun and gentle workout Friday 5:00 pm Social Time: Come see what fun is in store For more information, contact Liz Morris at 664-1946.

Office: Mon-Fri 8am–6pm • Sat 8am–5pm Sun 1-5pm • Gate: Open 6am–9pm daily Hwy 17 at Hwy 58, Helena

620-5353

Shelby County Drug Free Coalition message “The adolescent brain is not mature enough to avoid risktaking and many youth do not think before they act.

It’s important to talk to your kids about the risks and consequences of using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs often throughout their development.” www.familyconnection-inc.org/coalition/

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Got Real Questions? Get Real Answers! E-mail sonny@sonny-penhale.com www.CityOfHelena.org Helena City News Late Summer 2011 37

L

ots of things come to mind when you say the Fourth of July. Patriotism, freedom and fun all come to mind. And if you live in or around Helena, you know a party on the Saturday preceding a Monday Fourth of July is going to happen in Old Town. Many thanks to City Clerk Amanda Traywick and all the volunteers who arranged for the wonderful entertainment and

everything else that went into making July 2nd a July 4th blast this year! Thanks to U.S Band for playing their hearts out and making sure everybody had a rip-roaring good time, too!

Stay tuned for the next Helena party, coming soon to an Old Town Amphitheater stage near you. Enjoy these pictures taken by a variety of Helena City News photographers/contributors.

C

ARSON JAMES SUMPTER, 17, lost his courageous battle with cancer July 12, 2011. The Pelham High student was a talented musician, member of the Drumline and an active member of Westwood Baptist. Survivors: Mother Kim Mixon Sumpter (Brett McBrayer), father Jim Sumpter (Jennifer), sisters Cassidy Sumpter, Madison Schwarz, Kelsey McBrayer and

brother Brandon McBrayer. Grandparents Jean and Eddie Burchfield, Wayne and Wanda Mixon, Jim and Susan Sumpter; Great-grandparents Lavada Patton and Nancy Sumpter, many family members and soulmate Maddie Gathings. A Celebration of Life Service was held, and the family requests donations be made to Children’s of Alabama in memory of Carson Sumpter.

City of Helena P.O. Box 613 Helena, AL 35080

Please Do Business With Your Hometown Merchants!

Whenever possible, buy here—we need your business! You’ll save gas and time and your city NEEDS your sales taxes! PLEASE RECYCLE, and visit our hometown grocery and drug stores! Buy your gas here, too. You CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR city services!

Presort Std. U.S.Postage Paid Permit 26000 HELENA, AL

POSTAL PATRON

Mayor

Charles W. “Sonny” Penhale

City Clerk Amanda Traywick

City Council Leigh Hulsey Barbara Hyche Cris Nelson Jerry Deon Pate Katherine Ennis

Have A Question For The Mayor?

Contact Him By E-mail: sonny@sonny-penhale.com

Important Dates

Aug. 25 Planning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

Sept. 3 Last 2011 Market Days, Amphitheater, 8-12, Demo 9 a.m.

Wild West Trade Days, 2nd St. Old Town, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sept. 5 Labor Day observed-Municipal Offices & Co. Schools Closed

No garbage collection - Mon./Tue. routes will be picked up Sept. 6 Sept. 6 HBPA meeting, La Reunion, 8 a.m.

Sept. 7 Emergency Siren Test, 10 a.m.

Sept. 10 Helena Art on the Side-sidewalk art expo, OT, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sept. 11 Open House -History Museum (old Masonic Lodge), 2-5 p.m.

Sept. 12 City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 Planning Commission, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

Sept. 26 City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

Oct. 1 Wild West Trade Days, 2nd St. Old Town, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Oct. 4 HBPA meeting, La Reunion, 8 a.m.

Oct. 5 Emergency Siren Test, 10 a.m.

Oct. 10 Shelby Co. Schools Teacher Workday-No Students

City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

Oct. 24 City Council, Helena Municipal Building, 6 p.m.

Oct. 28-29 HIS Fall Festival - Friday evening & Saturday

Helena City News is provided by the City of Helena and advertisers as a public service.

If there is anything you would like to see included, or if you have any comments, you may e-mail the publisher, Dave Smith at helenacitynews@aol.com. For advertising information, e-mail the same address or call 746-1188.

This and every issue of Helena City News is brought to you by our advertisers!

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Inside…Your Late Summer 2011 Helena City News!