Cahaba Times Final August 2005 by Loyd McIntosh

Education

Business

Community Sports Community August 2005

Trussville, Alabama

16 pages

Day 1 for new school system. Page 8.

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Arts & Culture , . . . . page 13

I N S I D E

Commentary

Trussville among nation’s top towns Farah A. Ferguson

The Cahaba Times If you've ever wondered if Trussville was a good place to live and raise a family, you can now rest assured. The August issue of Money Magazine, as compiled in partnership with CNN/Money, released its 2005 findings of the 100 best places to live. The quaint yet booming city of Trussville was listed as number 56, beating the glamorous

Santa Barbara, CA and the tourist-packed Hollywood, FL. Daphne, AL was number 96. "I did not have any inclination. It was a surprise to me that we were named in the top 100, but I'm not surprised that we were in the running," said Harley Willis, Trussville Chamber of Commerce president. He added, "On behalf of the businesses of Trussville and the area Chamber of Commerce, we just want to thank everybody for their support and for their engage-

ment in the community." The Money Magazine and CNN/Money research team maintained databases of approximately 40,000 places in the country, narrowing the entries based on specific qualifications including: location within 30 miles of a major teaching hospital, having a major airport within 60 miles and a population above 14,000. These and other guidelines trimmed the list down to a little more than 1,000 prospects. From those, towns

Rollin’ down the highway

which fell below the 25th percentile in unemployment, income growth, crime or arts resources were eliminated. After interviews and more data research, the list was finalized. Moorestown, NJ, with its top schools, good jobs, reasonably-priced homes, and quintessential appearance made for a Normal Rockwell painting, was named the top place to live in America.

See, CNN/Money, page 14

Zoning board nixes Trussville Regency re-zoning plan

Trussville, U.S. 11 and their history together

Council to take up zoning plan at September 13 meeting Loyd McIntosh

The Cahaba Times

In this issue of The Cahaba Times, we take a look at some of the places, faces and stories that have shaped our city along Highway 11. From Velma’s to the site of a burned Civil War wharehouse, there is a lot of history to be discovered up and down this section of black top. Below is a list of the stories included in Part 1 of our three-part series on U.S. Highway 11 and Trussville. Page Page Page Page

“Oh public road . . . You express me better than I express myself.” - Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road"

5 • Cemetery a treasure chest of local lore. 6 • Trussville Trussville seniors discuss city’s early days. 7 • From From humble honky-tonk honky-tonk to trend karoke. 16 • Trussville’s Trussville’s mark on the Civil War War..

Photo by Leigh Ann Shaw

The Trussville Planning and Zoning Board voted 4-1 against a proposed development on the current site of Trussville Regency Mobile Home Community during the board's August 9 meeting at city hall. Dozens of residents of the long-time mobile home community on Gadsden Highway arrived at the weekly zoning board meeting to protest plans to redevelop the property into a luxury townhome community and commercial development. Originally known as London Village, Trussville Regency is one of Trussville's only trailer parks and has been a regular part of Trussville life for over 30 years. Angry at plans to wipe out their community, many residents of Trussville Regency were given time to voice their opinion on the issue of low-income residents being forced out of their homes to make way for higher income housing. Siding with the residents, the zoning board voted not to authorize the rezoning. The issue is now expected to come before the city council at their meeting on September 13. For many, the issue came as a surprise, including city councilman Jim Robinson, who says he was unaware of the motion to rezone the property until shortly before the zoning board meeting. He says, at this time, there is not enough information

See, Regency, page 16

2 â&#x20AC;˘ The Cahaba Times â&#x20AC;˘ August 2005

Highway 11 a true gem among great highways The late television reporter for CBS Charles Kuralt was, perhaps, the most famous open road-infatuated person most Americans have heard of. Many of you will remember the 'On the Road' segments he hosted on the CBS Evening News programs for several years, armed with a television camera, a bus and a story-teller's sense of wonder. Kuralt's mission in those segments was to document the hidden of our nation that can only be discovered by outsiders by hitting the open highways and byways, back roads and side roads in search the real America. It is with this same spirit that we bring you then next three issues of The Cahaba Times as we attempt to capture a little of the history and significance of Highway 11. U.S. 11 has always held a certain fascination with me. I grew up on Mohawk Drive just off Highway 11 as it trims from

Loyd McIntosh

four lanes to two on it's way into St. Clair County and beyond. The highway played a prominent role in my formative years. It was a big deal to me when I was finally old enough to walk to the old Western Supermarket (currently to home to Cafe on Main) and spend a few bucks in quarters playing Ms. Pac Man and Centipede. As I got older and was competing for playing time as a soccer player in high school and college, summers were spent jogging and bike riding up and down US 11 and even on the railroad tracks running parallel to Main Street - much to my mother's disapproval. During winter breaks from classes, I would, on occasion, gas up my 1980 Ford Fairmont and head out on 11 North into Argo, Springville and points beyond and stopping in some choke-n-puke for a bit to eat and a cup of coffee before taking off on some side road for an afternoon of sight seeing. One of my favorite memories is heading out one Saturday in June over 10 years ago with a camera and several rolls of film. During my trip, I was struck by a multi-colored mobile home on the side of the high-

See, McIntosh, page 14

Send your comments to The Cahaba Times by e-mail to editor@thecahabatimes.com

EDITORIAL

EDUCATION

Special message from School Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Freeman Dear Fellow Trussvillians, It is time - the beginning of the first school year for Trussville City Schools! What an exciting time for Trussville. I look forward to our students return and the beginning of a great year. In addition, I am proud to announce the completion of the new Board of Education building, a visible and significant reminder that Trussville City Schools is a reality. Thanks to Mayor Melton, City Council Members, School Board Members, and the citizens of this community for planning and preparing for the new Trussville City Schools. The school system is rapidly expanding. The enrollment projection includes an annual increase of approximately 170 students. A new high school will assist in meeting this demand. During construction of the new high school, quality modular classrooms will ease crowded conditions at all schools. Though not ideal, these quality modular classrooms will reduce class sizes and will accommodate a growing student population. We have an opportunity to design our high school to reflect the needs of our citizens. Conversations with community and neighborhood meetings will continue regarding how to prepare high school students for college and the workforce. These conversations will influence the design of our new high school. I invite you to be a part of this process; your suggestions and input will positively influence students for many generations. If you would like to give input and/or serve on a committee, please call Sandra Vernon at 228-3018 or email her at sandra.vernon@trussvillecityschools.com. The staff and I have conducted several community and neighborhood meetings to ascertain the hopes and dreams of Trussville citizenry for the school system. I am delighted with the feedback from our fine citizens. The school system belongs to the citizens of Trussville and we want to be responsive to your aspirations. As always, I ask that you hold us accountable for providing high quality and authentic learning opportunities for all of our students. The entire central office staff and I thank you for your strong support of Trussville City Schools. Sincerely yours, Suzanne Freeman, Ph.D. Superintendent For announcements, information, and employment opportunities, please view our newly created web page at www.trussvillecityschools.com.

Hewitt-Trussville Middle School News Breakfast with Principal Dr. Williams will be held at 7:00 am in the media center on Friday, August 26th . A PTO Board Meeting will be held at 7 pm at the middle school on August 30th.

The Cahaba Times â&#x20AC;˘ August 2005 â&#x20AC;˘ 3

4 • The Cahaba Times • August 2005

SportsFirst sold to Birmingham YMCA Loyd McIntosh

The Cahaba Times Baptist Health System and the Birmingham YMCA recemtly announced they have signed an agreement for the YMCA to purchase SportsFirst from Baptist Health System. It is anticipated that the transaction will be finalized in the coming months. The transaction will include four SportsFirst facilities: Greystone, Mountain Brook, Trussville and Vestavia, as well as the Mercedes management contract. SportsFirst facilities at Montclair Baptist, Citizens Baptist and DeKalb Baptist Medical Centers, as well as the facility at Cullman Regional Medical Center, are not included in the sale and will remain hospital-operated sports clubs. “We’re excited to welcome SportFirst to the Metropolitan Birmingham YMCA family,” said James N. Lombard, President and CEO. “Our commitment to providing high quality programs and services is similar to the SportsFirst mission, and as one association we will leverage these synergies to enhance our offerings to the Birmingham community. Lombard continued, “The YMCA commitment has always been to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. This expansion will allow us to better meet that strategic goal, particularly by bringing service to new areas, increasing volunteer involvement, and reaching additional people in need of YMCA services.” “The Birmingham YMCA is an excellent choice for SportsFirst, with a similar philosophy and a family-friendly environment,” said Mark Bryan, Senior Vice President/COO of Baptist Health System. “As we focus our resources on enhancing the care we offer in our core hospitals, our goal has been to find an owner that would

maintain the high standard of quality that has been established by SportsFirst – we are confident that we have found that organization with the YMCA.” Officials at Baptist Health System announced its intentions to sell SportsFirst, Inc., a for profit subsidiary of Baptist, early last summer as part of an effort to raise capital for improvements of its area hospitals – Montclair, Princeton, Shelby County and Walker County. After months of speculation as to the eventualy buyer, the Birmingham YMCA emerged as the front runner in acquring the company’s SportsFirst locations in Trussville, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Greystone. While both Baptist Health System and the YMCA have not released details of the sale, sourced close to the process estimate the deal to be worth close to $19 million. Of the four clubs, SportsFirst Trussville more closely resembles a typical YMCA operation with a larger emphasis on children’s programming than at other SportsFirst facilities. In addition, SportsFirst Trussville recently completed an extensive $2.5 mllion renovation project adding several thousand more square feet to the facility, including expanded fitness space, new playroom and infant care area, renovated and expanded locker rooms and new front entrance. Initial contracts were signed on the sale Wednesday, August 10, with closing expected to be complete by August 31. Other issues, including reciprocity of memberships, future membership rates and the status of current contracts will be discussed in the coming months sources said.

BUSINESS

FEATURE

The Cahaba Times â&#x20AC;˘ August 2005 â&#x20AC;˘ 5

Cemetery a treasure chest of local lore Darrell Stovall

The Cahaba Times Grief-stricken by the loss of her husband, Mary Blake Carlisle paused a moment on her way to visit his grave. She removed a shoot from a holly tree, then continued toward the cemetery. So begins one of Trussville's oldest and best-loved legends. Mrs. Carlisle had lost her husband, W i l l i a m T h o m a s Carlisle, in October of 1887, in an unusual accident. An archive attributed to Earl Massey explains that he "was accidentally killed when a crowbar fell on him while working at the bottom of a well." He was buried in one of Alabama's oldest cemeteries, which, at that time was called the Cahaba Baptist Church Cemetery. Today the cemetery, known as the Trussville Memorial Cemetery, has become a powerful reminder of the city's past. A landmark in the heart of Trussville, it is located next to Holy Cross Episcopal Church and across Highway 11 from the municipal buildings. The Carlisle story, which was recorded in

an early family history and has been widely published since then, explains that Mrs. Carlisle had chosen the holly branch when she rode side-saddle because she needed a good switch to prod her horse. Her visit to the cemetery must have been a somber one, so upon leaving, it is likely that she gave little thought to the holly shoot, which she left stuck in the soil near her husband's grave. During Mrs. Carlisle's next visit to the cemetery, she found that the shoot had taken root. Even now, almost 118 years later, the holly tree continues to grow there as a symbol of their love. It is "the second largest tree in the cemetery, being exceeded in height only by a venerable magnolia," according to Katherine Hale Hanlin's book, The Steeple Beckons. Cahaba Baptist Church eventually became the First Baptist Church of Trussville, and as the years passed, the church had some interesting decisions to make about the cemetery. Hanlin recorded one of the first issues they had to resolve. By 1945 it seemed that "people from all over the community were continuing to pick out a 'spot' and bury without permission or payment." The solution to this problem was simply to allow any community member (not just church members) to use the cemetery, pro-

See, Cemetery, page 15

Photo by Nancy Galloway

For nearly 120 years, the holly tree stands as a symbol of enduring companionship and is an important landmark for all Trussvillians.

6 • The Cahaba Times • August 2005

Trussville seniors talk about city’s early days Christy Dooley

The Cahaba Times It used to be a barren two lane dirt road. Over the years, buildings sprouted along its edges. Highway 11 became home to businesses such as "the old ice house", Mabe's, Bailey's Barber Shop, Bama Drive-in, several service stations, Trussville Post Office, and a small movie theater affectionately referred to as "the picture show". However, much of Highway 11 was residential. It was a thoroughfare for many, as everyone had to come through Trussville to get to Gadsden, Fort Payne, or Chattanooga. "There was no other way," explained Betty Hocutt. Police Enforcement Trussville was protected by a walking policeman. "Sheriff Quick would walk down Main Street at night and rattle the doorknobs to see if they would open," recalled Betty Hocutt. A bicycle was later bought to aid in the city's protection. A.E. Quick was the first policeman, and Joe B. Vann was the second. "I remember when Joe B. Vann wrecked the police car. Seemed like he was

FEATURE

chasing somebody doing something- He was our one man police force," recalled Gus Kennedy. Entertainment Mary Kennedy has lived here since 1939. Her husband Gus actually courted her in Trussville. Gus recalled that he "started coming out here in the latter part of '38 because my aunt was the fifth person to move in the Cahaba Project. We came out at least once a week to visit her. I met Mary at a backward party. At a backward party, the girl would ask the boy out. The party was held in a room on the end of the old high school by the co-op building (now Heritage Hall). I remember going in the room through the window because there wasn't a back door. After all, it was a backward affair," Gus laughingly added. "On dates, we would go to the Bama Drive-in down below the ice house," the Kennedys recalled. Gus recalled carhops that would come to your car window and take your food order. They also went to dances in the old high school auditorium and had dates at the movie theater. Gus said that the picture show cost "maybe a dime- it wasn't much because I didn't have much. I just got out of the Navy, and I wasn't long on

See, Seniors, page 14

Keep on top of the 2005 Hewitt Huskies this season with

Photo courtesy Trussville Senior Activity Center

A shot of Dixie Superstore on Main Street in Trussville, circa 1950.

FEATURE

The Cahaba Times • August 2005 • 7

From humble honkey tonk to trendy karaoke Kathy Dunlap

The Cahaba Times Growing up in Trussville in the early 1960's was just like living in Mayberry, R.F.D. As kids, we would stay barefoot all summer, walk to the Cahaba with fishing poles and nets, cruise the streets on bikes and hit the Dairy Cone on Saturdays. One of the favorite places of exploration was the woods behind the old cemetery on Highway 11 ( n o w Calumet) where we'd pick muscadines and blackberries and acquire our yearly case of redbug bites. Times were different then. Our parents allowed us to roam up and down Highway 11, knowing there wasn't much we could get in to. There was only one place that was off limits; a place that wore an air of mystery and hinted of a world that was foreign and taboo. A place where none of us would ever consider going unless we wanted a "tan hiding." That place was Velma's one of the last bastions of honky-tonkdom that edged the right side of Highway 11 where folks could stop in for a last chance drink in a "wet" county. My mother was Velma's biggest critic. When the roads would ice and cars would

Photo by Nancy Galloway

Once Trussville’s most infamous establishment, Velma’s has transformed into a hip Highway 11 landmark while shedding some of its rough and tumble past. slam into the ditch by the Presbyterian Church, Mother always blamed it on more than just the weather. "Bet they came from Velma's," she'd say, slightly lifting her nose in the air to accentuate her disdain. For a

long time I thought Velma was an actual person. With mother's comments igniting my imagination, I envisioned her as a rather portly woman with lots of red lipstick, pink hair and a big beauty mark glued to her

cheek. When my parents and I moved across town, Velma's quickly faded from my memory. The image of the pink haired lady and the childlike wonder about unmentionable grownup activities faded into the normal pursuits of an average teenager. I didn't think of her again until I moved my own family back to Trussville in the late 1980's. Driving back into Trussville on 11 for the first time in years, this time with my own kids in tow, I was awestruck when I spied Velma's. She'd had a facelift; her cinder block exterior had been covered in a more up-to-date siding, and her sign was a trendy neon blue. "I can't believe she's still there!" I shrieked in fascination and delight, and went into a bit of Velma's history. Of course my own children who grew up with cable TV were more than a little bored with my musings. They didn't understand the mystery that place had once held for me. A short time after moving back, several friends invited me to join them at Velma's for lunch. I thought surely they were talking about another "Velma's," until once day I agreed to join them and was rendered speechless when we pulled into the actual Velma's parking lot. With an almost a childlike resistance, I crossed her threshold. I glanced from side to side and to my back to

See, Velma’s, page 15

COMMUNITY

8 • The Cahaba Times • August 2005

School system takes off on inaugural flight Loyd McIntosh

The Cahaba Times

istory was made on Thursday, August 11, 2005 as buses began rolling, bells began ringing and teachers began instructing students on Trussville City Schools first official day of operation. Years of planning have gone into this dayby administrators, teachers, and parents, with everyone hoping and crossing their figers that the decision to break away from Jefferson County was the best thing to do. But, what do the students think? Many of them, perhaps, were completely unaware of the work and planning that went into to beginning a new school system. Others were more aware of what exactly has gone into making this dream for many a reality. Did they notice anything different? Here is what Caitlin Wells, a 15-year-old sophomore said at Hewitt-Trussville High School about the first day at school in the new Trussville City School system. “I did notice some changes. For instance, they let us wear flip flops to school, whcih is great because I wear flip flops a lot,” Wells said. “And this year we get three tardies a month instead of only three a semester. “Also they changed our lunches this year. They’ve made the food a lot healthier and they don’t let you go back for seconds. I don’t really like it, though,” Wells added. “ While more of the minor rules changes were immediately noticed, Wells said she has noticed some other things that could be a result of the systems vow to create smaller class sizes. “In some of the classes I have this semester there are plenty of desks to sit in. It seems like they’ve trimmed our class sizes down this year,” Wells said. “In my French class last year we had about 30 students, but this year we have about 15.”

Overall, Wells says it’s neat to know she is a part of something new even if things aren’t dramatically different from last year. “It’s cool to know we’ve broken away and are starting something new,” Wells said. “As far as eveything goes, it's not really that different. I’ve noticed the minor changes that they've made but it’s still pretty much the same.

Photo by Nancy Galloway

Teachers greet students outside Hewitt-Trussville Middle School on the first day of school, August 11, 2005. It was the first day of classes for the new Trussville City School system.

Local church provides cool community program Loyd McIntosh

The Cahaba Times

Photo by Abby Wingard

Northpark Baptist Church’s Chill Mobile offers free ice cream to children outside Hewitt Trussville Middle School followig the end of the first day of school.

What certainly may seemed to be a mirage recently outside Hewitt Middle School turned out to be true as students were treated to free ice cream at the end of their first day of classes. Volunteers from North Park Baptist Church handed out free samples of Mayfield Ice Cream to all sixth through eighth graders at the end of the first day of school from a vintage 1970s ice cream truck Painted 1969 Dodge Charger green and christened the Chill Mobile, the ice cream truck is only the latest unusual method of local outreach cooked up by the fertile minds at North Park, a church that, according Dr. Stan Albright, associate pastor of evangelism and missions, prides itself on unique ideas to reach the community at large. For instance, North Park has sponsored the gift wrapping booth in the parking lot of the Target

Shopping Center each year around Christmas, but, with its shocking green ice cream freezer on wheels, Albright says the church now has a one-of-a-kind vehicle for local missions. "The purpose of the chill mobile was twofold. Number one is to be a good neighbor and to show Trussville that we're a church that loves its community," says Albright. "Secondly, our thinking is that it can be an outreach to the community for anyone looking for a church home or interested in being part of a church with an exciting ministry." Albright says the congregation at North Park Baptist Church have always favored interesting and non-traditional ways of spreading the church's message throughout the community and was totally behind the original and, admittedly, quirky idea from

See, Chill, page 15

SPORTS

The Cahaba Times • August 2005 • 9

Hewitt football to see red in ‘05 Chad Summers

The Cahaba Times

Photo by Abby Wingard

HT’s helmets have a new look; red with white lettering.

HTAC Corner

The Silver Husky Chairs are going, going . . . The 2005 Silver Husky section at Jack Wood Stadium will have installed 261 chairs by the Fall Jamboree. Due to the size of the chairs, the chairs will be installed on every other row in The Den allowing a footrest for each seat. The chairs will be reserved for every varsity, junior varsity, 9th, 8th and 7th grade game. Only Silver Husky members and their families will be allowed to sit in this section during the games. As of July 1, 2005, all chairs are first come, first served opportunity upon assignment. We have a limited number of chairs remaining, and we do anticipate selling out of the chairs. The terms of participating in Silver Husky are as follows, The Silver Husky Plan Family Membership (required one per family) • $ 30. Silver Husky Chair • $ 135 per chair. Silver Husky Parking Inside Stadium (per auto & optional) • $ 50 (transferable to other cars). Season Tickets- 6 home games • $ 30. The minimum required to participate in the 2005 Silver Husky Membership is $165 ($30 HTAC membership plus $135). Many of the families participating in the Silver Husky promotion are purchasing chairs for the adults in the family, and kids of Silver Husky members will be allowed to sit on the 'footrest'. We respectfully request that Silver Husky members not allow adult friends and family to sit on the 'footrest' to maintain the integrity of the Silver Husky Membership. If you have questions concerning the Silver Husky Chairs, you may call Jay Vines (655-9223), Jay Segars (655-1470) or Ann Miller (655-8623). Otherwise, checks are to be sent to Silver Husky, P.O. Box, Trussville, AL 35173. Made payable to HTAC.

This fall, if you come to Jack Wood Stadium expecting to see the Huskies do battle, don't be surprised if you get a little confused. At least, that is, if you're looking for the traditional gray helmets Hewitt-Trussville has donned since the early 1980's. At first glance, it may look like another team has invaded the Husky sidelines. Old has given way to new, as the team will unveil a new helmet this season. The new headgear is solid red with a white facemask. The traditional "HT" is still featured, but in white on either side. "When I played here our helmets were red," said Head Coach Hal Riddle, entering his fourth season at the helm and a former Hewitt football player. "Coach (Jack) Wood made the change to gray when he came, which I think was a good move. We just decided to do something a little different this season."

Changes to the Husky uniform haven't been uncommon through the years. In the late 80's the team began wearing red cleats, then shifted back to more traditional colors in the next decade. Later, the gray pants with red and white stripes were replaced in favor of white and red options, the red used primarily for away games. It also hasn't been uncommon for other area high school teams to revamp their look from time-to-time. In recent years, Gardendale changed their traditional silver helmets to the current maroon. Huffman removed the orange and green stripes, migrating to a "no frills" solid white look. Shades Valley has experimented with black and white versions of their headgear, with Pinson making similar adjustments. "I like the change," says coach Marty Rozelle, another alumnus of Hewitt-Trussville on the coaching staff. "It'll take getting used to, but it's something different. It's what takes place under the pads and equipment that matters anyway."

Defense key to success this fall Chad Summers

The Cahaba Times There's an old saying that offense wins games, but defense wins championships. If that's the case, the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies have high hopes for 2005. Fielding a deeper and more experienced defensive unit this year, Defensive Coordinator David Partridge seems to believe that experience, depth and maybe a little more girth will lead to big plays, big wins and hopefully a little hardware at the end of the season. "Defensively, we were younger last year than we are this year," says Coach Partridge, now in his second year. "Not to take anything away from our guys last year, but the experience some key players gained last year will come into play in our favor this season, no doubt. Going into practice this fall, our defense is a little ahead of our offense. This is probably the reverse of last year. We just have a lot of guys who've been on the field who return this year." One area where the Huskies look to be stable is in the secondary, where starters Braxton Cescutti, Seth Carlisle and Bubba Massey return for their senior seasons. And if that isn't enough, junior David Carter will step in early and often, providing depth. Though Carter wasn't a starter last season, he logged enough playing time to pass as one. With these players having so much experience under their belts, moving the ball through the air will be more than challenging for Husky opponents. That experience looks to come in handy this season as the schedule calls for several teams who aren't afraid to air it out. "High school offenses today have gotten pretty smart," says Partridge, who has now been walking the sidelines for twenty-one years. "They are just better capable of doing what you're accustomed to college teams

Photo by Abby Wingard

Hewitt-Trussville defensive coordinator David Partridge works with a group of Husky defensive players during a recent practice session at Hewitt-Trussville High School. doing on Saturdays. Huffman and Shades Valley usually have a pretty run-oriented attack, offensively. But they can throw it if they need to. Though stopping the pass is a defensive back's first responsibility, we'll have to step up and support the run well against those teams. But Clay-Chalkville and

Pell City like to mix the pass into what they do a bit more, making our experience in the secondary crucial." The key to any defense is being physical, but Coach Partridge believes enthusiasm is

See, Defense, page 15

SPORTS

10 • The Cahaba Times • August 2005

Senior 2.5 team takes second place in sectional tournament The Trussville Racquet Club 2.5 Senior Women's team recently placed second in sectional play in Charleston, South Carolina. Representing the state of Alabama, the Trussville Racquet Club was edged out by Arkansas in the team's first trip to the sectional tournament and the club's first season to field a 2.5 senior women's team. The team won their first two matches against South Carolina and Tennessee in hard fought matches before seeing their win streak come to an end against Arkansas. Members of the team are: Laurie Pitts, Suzie Hammons, Linda Sullivan, Joy Brewer, Connie Boone and Dale Thompson.

Hewitt’s Nix signs baseball scholarship Joel Nix signed a baseball scholarship with Gadsden State on July 19. Nix is a 2005 graduate of Hewitt Trussville High School. The signing party took place in Hewitt's hitting house with family, friends and coaches. Pictured with Nix are his parents, Mark & Cindy Nix, Coach Tim Meacham of HT varsity baseball team, and coach Chuck Medders of Gadsden State Cardinals baseball team.

USTA team wins city title The SportsFirst Trussville USTA 3.5 Senior League team recently won the 2005 Birmingham Spring 2005 league. After winning all 10 of their matches this spring and then taking the weekend division, the team advanced to the state championships at Pelham Racquet Club May 13-15. The SportsFirst ladies made it to the semi-finals where they played a very close match with the Muscle Shoals team, who eventually won the state title. Congratulations ladies! Front Row: Diane Booker, Gladys Myers, Martha Taylor, Jo Ann Harris, and Ruth Willoughby. Back Row: Dot Hagood, Trish Donaldson, Sherl Woods, Pat Summers, and Dot Mullins.

COMMUNITY

The Cahaba Times • August 2005 • 11

Dog Daze festival celebrates 25 years Paige Turner

The Cahaba Times Twenty-five years ago, Dog Daze was created to boost the community through the last lazy hazy days of summer. Today, with school starting within a week of the weekend celebration, it is the farewell to summer break and the preamble to the new school year. Dog Daze 2005, held at the mall on Saturday, August 6th, brought a day of fun and entertainment to the Trussville community. The event was well attended despite temperatures in the high eighties and humidity in the sticky tee-shirt range. Wet bandanas and hand held fans were the order of the day as Trussvegans, undaunted by the summer heat, enjoyed funnel cakes, homemade lemonade, and a wide variety of meals on a stick. Children in the orange plastic fence enclosure enjoyed twirling, sliding, swinging and climbing on the rides and inflatable games. A large adjacent expanse was left open for Frisbee, pick-up games and general running and romping. In other words, kids being kids. To relieve the heat, kids could dash through a misting water spray or stop by Holy Episcopal of the Cross Church's fishing pool, stocked with large mouth bass, to try their angling abilities. Entertainment on the open-air stage included square dancers and line dancers from the Senior Activities Center and cloggers, tappers and singers from Miss Kelly's School of Dance. The crowd flocked to see the mid-morning demonstration by High Fly Cheerleading Squads. A large group of girls and a few brave boys flipped, jumped and twirled throughout the gravity-defying gymnastics display. The afternoon entertainment was Nashville Jones and Kountry Mile and a worship band from ClearBranch Methodist Church. There seemed to be less craft vendors than in year's past,

Photo by Abby Wingard

Blaine Whitt pushes his wagon during Dog Daze 2005.

but those that set up tents enjoyed a steady flow of customers. Newcomer Mike Hulsey said he was pleased with the turnout and the success of his sales. Mike, who turns wood and other interesting materials such as corncobs and acrylics into oneof-a-kind pen casings, enjoyed the small town atmosphere and said he plans to return next year. There were numerous booths staffed by local medical professionals just "letting people know who we are and what we do", according to local orthodontist Dr. Christy Savage. Many churches also staked a tent to promote community service and outreach. Chamber of Commerce President, Harley Willis, was pleased with the turnout. "It is the biggest crowd I have seen in several years," he said. And, as you might expect, Dog Daze was well attended by

the four-legged citizens of the community. "I've never seen so many dogs in attendance," Willis commented. A wide variety of canines, from Lindsay Hinkle's massive "Samson", winner of "Biggest Dog Award", to the tiniest furball, dog owners enjoyed a stroll in the park with man's best friend. And the animals didn't mind "putting on the dog" as they modeled every conceivable outfit chosen for them by their owners. Doggy fashions ran the gamut from spiky black leather collars and colorful neck bandanas to pink plastic shoes (four of them, no less). Murphy, owned by Sheryl Morrow, won the award for "Best Trick", while Riley, owned by Katelyn Bradberry, brought home the award for "cutest". Serious and his owner Celia Rudd were deemed "look a likes" and Peaches, owned by Wade Scott, won for "smallest dog". Trussville leaders turned out to meet and greet, as well as representatives from the Trussville police, fire and rescue teams. Official ceremonies honored Trussville Beautification winners and winners of the Miss and Master Dog Daze Photogenic contest. Miss Dog Daze is Lauren Chiarella. Others crowned in their age groups were Veronica Anderson, Emma Grace McElwain, Katie Bonham, Rachel Baits and Morgan Hendrix. Master Dog Daze winners were Grant Corson, Kaleb Bentley, Elliott McElwain and Bailey McElwain. Newly crowned Miss Trussville, Ryan Omenski and Miss Junior Trussville, Jordan Dailey greeted well-wishers in their first public appearances of the season. But as it has been for twenty-five years, Dog Daze is about visiting with your neighbors. It is also a time to catch up on news about those brave soldiers from Trussville and surrounding areas and those who have been battling with cancer or other ailments. Dog Daze gives a stage to what being a neighbor is all about: keeping up with friends. It is a slice of what makes Trussville a great place to live.

Highsteppers honor departing seniors; ACTA announces fall classes The Hewitt-Trussville High School Highsteppers honored their 2005 departing seniors with a tea on May 21, 2005. The departing seniors are Andrea Kennemur, Brittany Finley, Kala Orr and Meagan Steele. The tea was held at the home of incoming senior, Haley Johnson. The menu consisted of fresh chicken salad served in pastry shells, grape salad with crackers and finger sandwiches made of cream cheese & pineapple. The girls also enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries, scones, brownies, petit fours and homemade mints in the shape of teacups. The beverage selection included punch and peach tea with fresh mint. During the tea, the girls reminisced about the events of the past year and presented gifts to the departing seniors. Each senior received a monogrammed cosmetic case to take to college. The girls also enjoyed the company of their school sponsor, Mrs. Wanda Wright. In addition, the HTHS Highsteppers welcomed newcomers to the dance line: Megan Bowers, Dori Dobbs, Heather Hickman, Michelle Knowles, Michelle Meadows, Savannah Clark, Ally Forehand, Kala Gibson, Katie Mann, Kelsey Pennington, Mallorie Popwell, and Stephanie Pannell (absent from the event). Pictures were taken to capture

the event. The tea was organized and the menu planned by the incoming senior dancers whom include: Katie Burton (Head), Hannah Kelley (Co-Head), Molly Choat (Co-Head), Caitlin Brothers, Maegan Carroll, Amber Covington, Stephanie Eason, Kelley Hydrick, Haley Johnson, and Jessica Weathers.

ACTA to offer children’s acting classes ACTA Theater in Trussville will be offering Children's Acting Classes at the theater beginning in September. Session I begins September 6 and runs through October 11. Session 2 begins October 25 and runs through November 29. Both sessions will be offering Acting for Youth on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 for ages 8 13 years old. Beginning Playwriting for Performance will be on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 for ages 12 - 16 years old. The fee is $60.00 per six weeks session. Teacher will be Jeanmarie Collins. Classes will be limited to 15 students. For more information or to register, call the theater at 655-3902, leave a message and your call will be returned.

12 • The Cahaba Times • August 2005

COMMUNITY

Huntsville native takes Miss Trussville crown Monique Summers

The Cahaba Times Fifteen contestants competed for the crown of Miss Trussville 2006 on July 30, but, in the end, it was Ryan Omenski, a Huntsville native, winning the title in front of a large crowd at the Hewitt-Trussville High School auditorium. "I'm really excited about being Miss Trussville. "I'm thrilled that Trussville has just started its own school system," said Omenski. "It will hopefully give me the opportunity to get in there and speak to students and faculty within the schools to promote my platform, organ donor awareness. Hopefully we will be able to raise awareness in the community, helping people better understand the importance of becoming an organ donor." Though the most visual aspect of any pageant is seemingly the evening gown competition, there are actually six components that the judges used to determine the winner. Contestants competed in casual wear, swimsuit, talent and of course, evening wear competitions. But they were also subjected to an intense interview with the judges beforehand, as well as what can often be a grueling obstacle: the on-stage question. Miss Alabama preliminary requirements call for these six categories to be met in order for the winner to compete for the crown of Miss Alabama. Next Spring's Miss Alabama Pageant won't be a new venture for our new Miss Trussville. Omenski has actually been involved in the program for four years. "I was pleased with my performance in Miss Alabama last year. My plans are to stay the course, keep it going, and hope for the best," she says. The evening began with an opening number by B.J. Price, of the First Baptist Church of Trussville, and Melinda Toole, Miss Trussville 2005, singing New York, New York and Lullaby

of Broadway. The theme for the evening was Live From New York: Celebrating New York City and the Songs of Broadway. Following this theme, the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Dance Team performed to I Want To Be A Rockette and One. Melinda Toole later shared a vocal performance of Vienna, which she performed earlier this year in the Miss Alabama pageant. Toole placed in the Top 10 in that pageant. Individual award winners were also announced. Mary Kathryn Gaines was the winner of the Jaime Clements Jackson Community Service Award and the Sandra S. Gardner Congeniality Award. "I'm truly honored for being selected for these awards," said Gaines, a native of Heflin. "It especially means the world to me that my peers selected me as someone they could look up to and follow." Both awards offer cash scholarships to their recipients. The talent competition was won by the overall winner, Ryan Omenski. Miss Omenski did a vocal of All Improvviso Amore. She received a plaque from All Star Trophy for the distinction. Jordan Dailey, an upcoming junior at Hewitt-Trussville High School, was introduced as the Miss Teen Trussville 2006 winner. The teen pageant was held during the afternoon of that same day. "This was my first preliminary ever," said Dailey. "I'm very excited, and plan now to get ready for the state (teen) pageant." In addition to gaining entry into the Miss Alabama Pageant through this preliminary, Miss Trussville will receive a $1,000.00 cash scholarship and a wide host of gifts from area merchants and sponsors.

Photo by Nancy Galloway

Huntsville native Ryan Omenski is crowned during the Miss Trussville pageant at H ewitt-Trussville High School, July 30.

Don’t miss part 2 of our three-part series on Highway 11

September issue.

ARTS & CULTURE

The Cahaba Times â&#x20AC;˘ August 2005 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

New ACTA season launched with Dames at Sea Paige Turner

The Cahaba Times ACTA Theatre opened its new season with the long running off-Broadway musical Dames at Sea. The play, directed by Roy Hudson, is a musical parody reminiscent of Hollywood song and dance shows of the 1930's. Choreographed by Haley Borders, the talented cast tap danced, crooned and swooned to a wide array of Broadway tunes including Broadway Baby, That Mister Man of Mine, The Beguine, and There's Something About You. The play, written by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, is the love story of a small town girl, Ruby, who travels to New York to become a Broadway dancer and a small town boy, Dick, who joins the Navy and is about to ship out of New York Harbor. Brooke Lowry led the cast as the innocent Ruby and Josh Bruner played Dick, who is also an aspiring songwriter. Set in the days of the Great Depression, the two hopefuls arrive in New York to find a producer on the brink of financial ruin, losing his theater to creditors. But in the neversay-die optimism of the 1930's, the characters plot to put on the show on a nearby navy battleship, filling in holes in the cast with sailors that just happen to sing and dance. The demanding and manipulative diva of the 'show within the show' was played

The cast of Dames at Sea convincingly by Brittney Rentschler. Daniel Scheinert carried dual roles as the ship's captain and as the desperate producer, Hennessey, showing his acting versatility. Rounding out the talented cast was Haley Borders, who played the show's big-hearted dance line leader and Will Bruner, her love interest and best friend of shipmate Dick. Members of the chorus were Amy Borders, Dionne Hammond, Jeff Hawkins, Erin Johnson,Linnea Pepper, Tyree Walker, and Grant Wilson.

Karen Krekelberg was the musical director and Haley Borders was assistant director for the production. Also lending a hand were Janice Sanders, David McNeeley, Jennifer Bruno and Laurie Borders. ACTA's next show will be the December Fund Raiser, Holiday Magic, which is billed as a Christmas variety show for all ages. The performances will be December 9th and 10th at 7:30 p.m. and December 11th at 2p.m. Alice in Wonderland, directed by Capers

Doss, will be the first production of the new year. Performances will be February 10,11 and February 17, 18, 2006, at 7:30 p.m.and February 12 and 19, 2006, at 2p.m. This classic fairy tale promises to be a huge hit for children and will be presented in the style of Children's Theatre, with adults playing the roles. Auditions will be held December 12th and 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the theater. ACTA has received special funding for this production from the Jefferson County Community Arts Fund, which is administered by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham. Finishing the exciting season will be the comedy Cheaper by the Dozen, directed by Mike Bridges. Auditions for the play will be held February 20 and 21, 2006, at 7p.m. in the theatre. Performances will be April 28,29 and May 4 and May 6, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. There will be no May 5th performance due to the Relay for Life Event. Sunday matinees will be held on April 30 and May 7, 2006, at 2p.m. Mike Lambert, president of the ACTA board, is excited about the new season. "This year ACTA will begin to aggressively update the theater's lighting and sound systems, in order to continue bringing quality community theater to the Trussville area," said Lambert. "The board is pursuing funding now and is ready to commit the money and time to provide the kind of facility that will showcase Trussville's talented community. We feel that it is time for the arts to catch up with the growth in Trussville."

14 â&#x20AC;˘ The Cahaba Times

August 2005

CNN/Money From page 1 Ten towns in Alabama were contenders, but only two made the 100 list. Trussville, with its 19,000 and growing population, was one of the finalists due to its growth, reasonable prices for homes and its access to universities and colleges. Data also showed the city to have a student-teacher ratio, personal crime rate, and property crime rate lower than the "Best Places" average. "As a total package for a community that's a suburb of greater Birmingham, we have tremendous opportunities for growth. We have a lot of qualities that people and businesses look for. Obviously what people are looking for is a safe place to live, low crime rate along with a safe environment," said Willis.

McIntosh From page 2 way on the outskirts of Steele. It turned out to be a small restaurant run by a recent immigrant from Mexico. We talked for a bit about his life and the tribulations on coming to America from central Mexico and he allowed me to take a few shots before feeding me the best homemade tamale I've ever eaten - on the house. To me, Highway 11 is every bit a comingof-age open road as Route 66 was to to previous generations. U.S. 11 holds as mush history, mythology, hope, possibility, and

Seniors From page 6 money! That movie theater was a pretty popular place," he recalled. Lully Wheeler remembered "seeing Gone with the Wind at the picture show. I believe it was ten cents," she said. Vennie Lee Payne, a lifetime resident of Trussville, also reminisced about the movie theater. "We were thrilled when they decided to put a movie theater out here. Young people didn't have anything to do at all, so we lined up on Friday and Saturday nights to see the picture show. The theater seated about 100 people, and it was full every time," she remembered.

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"The theater was next door to Ralph Steven's service station. At that service station, you could go and get gas, groceries, and have the car repaired. Back then stores weren't so specialized. That one corner store took care of a lot of things. It was even a greyhound bus stop," said Ms. Payne, the mother of Congressman Arthur Payne. "The first post office was located where Total Printing is now. My grandfather J. B. Martin was the postmaster," she said. The post office was in two other locations on Highway 11 before being moved to its current location on Watterson Curve. Its second location was where The Old Post Office store is now, and it was later located next to AmSouth's present location. "A grist mill used to be in what is now a parking lot next to Total Printing. People brought corn and other commodities to have them ground. Ted Martin's service station was next to the Grist Mill," she said. "Glendale Mills was in the location where Sticks and Stuff is now," said Ms. "Lib" Steele, a Cahaba Project resident since 1950. "They sold farm equipment and seed-a lot of farming took place in the area. It was sort of a

The school system is also a "big, big win," with estimated 160-170 new children entering the newly formed school system each year. Willis also noted that influx of new businesses create new job opportunities, thus retaining much of the youth that go to college and giving them incentive to return home, knowing there are jobs for them. "Anything we can do to attract new businesses to our community that's fit for the entire community, whether it is shopping centers or a restaurant, that's a plus for us. It's a place were businesses want to go where families are," he said. But with "managed growth comes opportunity for traffic," and plans are in works to deal with minimizing potential traffic issues. Willis commented that city and community leaders strive to make Trussville an ideal

place to live and work. The amenities provided for residents aren't limited to quality services provided by law enforcement or fire department but also applies to well-maintained parks and facilities. Here is a list of some of the best places to live in America as rated by CNN and Money Magazine: 1. Moorestown, NJ 2. Bainbridge Island, WA 3. Naperville, IL 4. Vienna, VA 5. Louisville, CO 6. Barrington, RI 7. Middleton, WI 8. Peachtree City, GA 9. Chatham, NJ 10. Mill Valley, CA

beauty as any more celebrated highways, much of which can be found along the potion of the road that flows through Trussville. From the romantic folklore of one of the state's oldest cemeteries, to the small town nostalgia of the criminally closed Dairy Cone; from the economic impact of the developments on one end of town, to the state of the art Paine Primary School on the other, Trussville simply wouldn't be what it is today without Highway 11. Once the main artery that connected Birmingham with the outside world, the importance of 'The Great White Way' - as it was once known - has diminished over the

years, as have other state and federal roads, primarily due to the rise of the interstate. Kuralt himself said it best when he noted, "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything." Regardless of how many new stores and restaurants plant down roots on the interstate exits that surrounds us, Highway 11 will always play a vital role in Trussville's future while remaining respectful and grateful to the past. In this issue, we've focused on some of the best of Highway 11's past. We hope you enjoy these stories.

general store. Norrell's grocery store (in the approximate location of present day Dollar General) had a soda fountain inside, and the kids liked to go there. Everyone said that they had good hamburgers," she recalled. "First Baptist Church of Trussville (established in 1821) was a little white church next to the present day cemetery on Highway 11. The benches were so hard," Mary Kennedy recalled. "We'd have assembly in the church, walk across Main Street, and have Sunday school in a white house across the street. There was hardly any traffic at that time. I joined the church in 1941, and I was baptized in the Cahaba River," Mary said. Mary and Gus fondly remembered the old Trussville train depot, located behind the current Hardee's location, close to the railroad tracks. They'd go there and mail big packages. They both expressed disappointment that it was demolished. A historical marker at the corner by Braden's Furniture describes that it was once the site of a confederate storehouse which was burned in 1865 by federal troops. According to the memories of local seniors, Glenn's department store, and later Lee's Mercantile, occupied the site.

wasn't like it is now. It used to be mainly residential," she explained. As a child, Gladys Wolff lived on Highway 11 close to where Don's Carpet is now. Her children Barbara and Hal Waldrop went to kindergarten at Ms. Lully Wheeler's home. "They would sit out on the porch and have their lessons," she recalled. Ms. Wolff also recalled the old ice house. "We used to go to the Ice House, and get cold watermelon. George Glenn owned it, and refrigerated trucks would stop there to fill up their trucks with ice. They'd take big chunks of ice out on the platform and blow it onto the trucks," she explained. Trussville was a little off the beaten path back then. "People thought they were going to the end of the world, it was so far out," Gladys explained. People would ask us "Why'd you move out so far?" There were several historical homes that are no longer on highway 11. "Across the road from where Food World is now, Judge Bass used to sit on his front porch in a rocking chair and hold court, I think, and marry people," Gus laughingly recalled. Property prices have certainly changed. When the Cahaba Project homes were sold in 1947, prices were only $4400 to $9000. One fact that no one could recall was when Highway 11 was paved. Estimates would place it in the 1930s. Although the highway has changed over the years, if you look closely, remnants of its history remain. The gazebo at the end of Parkway Drive still beckons visitors into the historic Cahaba Project. One remaining business, although partially rebuilt, is Mabe's Power and Equipment, and the storefront proclaims proudly "Since 1921". The old ice house building still resembles its original structure, and has recently served as a consignment shop and a CPA's office. Mary Kennedy stressed that one thing remains constant. "Trussville has always been a wonderful place to live," she said.

Highway 11 Residents Mary Elizabeth "Lully" Wheeler, a highway 11 resident for 70 years, lives in a historical 1870 home next to Captain D's present location. She was one of Trussville's first kindergarten teachers. She still recalls the songs she sang with her students around the long table in her kitchen. Her first class consisted of ten children. They would play in the backyard, and they'd sit on the side porch or at the table for lessons. She also taught Sunday school at the Methodist church for 55 years. "My father-in-law was a doctor and had a surrey (carriage) house in the backyard. When he passed away, I closed it in and taught school there," she said. "Highway 11

56. Trussville, AL 100. Clemmons, NC

Community News

August 2005

Wear Red on Fridays to support U.S. Troops You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here's why. The Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, and all their friends, simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every red blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED. Word of mouth, press, TV -- let's see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a University. If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED - and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel bet-

Cemetery

ter all day Friday when you wear Red! Get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fridays.

Friends of Trussville Library Collecting Books for Sale

Friends of the Trussville Library are collecting books and other media for the annual book sale set for Saturday, October 22. "We want to start collecting sale items now," said Sue Kuechenmeister, Friends' co-chair. "There'll be a place set aside at the library entrance so that patrons can drop off donations. We'll store them until time for the sale." She said that paperback fiction and current non-fiction books, children's literature, and video/audio tapes and cassettes are the best sellers. "We prefer not to receive used textbooks, medical books or legal books, because they don't sell," she added. The library, located at 201 Parkway Drive, Trussville, serves a large portion of northeastern Jefferson County, including Trussville, Pinson, Argo, Clay and Center Point. It also draws patrons from Springville, Odenville and other parts of St. Clair County. Its circulation is among the top five in the Jefferson County Library system, according to Brenda Brasher, library director.

vided that they follow certain guidelines set forth by the newly From page 5 created Trussville Community Cemetery Association, which consisted of trustees from several local churches. By 1948, just a few years after the association formed, the Baptist church voted to deed the cemetery to the city of Trussville. A huge controversy arose in Trussville thirteen years later, partly because the deed did not specifically state that the cemetery would be forever used as a cemetery. The story begins innocently enough. The Dairy Cone, a small business which many Trussville residents will fondly remember, needed some extra property for use as a parking lot. The City Council agreed to "leasing a 70-by-90foot piece of land from the cemetery," according to George Cook's 1961 article for the Birmingham News. Apparently the funds raised from the lease would defray the cost of the cemetery's upkeep, and the parking lot could be used free of charge for anyone visiting the cemetery. Walton Lowry, another Birmingham News contributor, wrote, "When a bulldozer was brought in, people got wind of it pronto, and got work stopped. People protesting the lease contend that there are several unmarked graves in the area proposed for a parking lot." The City Council chambers at the November 28th meeting overflowed when "more than 100 persons showed up to protest." Trussville's mayor at that time, James Barr, was quoted as calling it "the largest crowd in City Hall history." Because it was not a public hearing but only a council meeting, the mayor allowed only one spokesperson to address the issue. The Hewitt Elementary School principal, Mrs. Mary Lou Farley, spoke. She asked those in favor of preserving the cemetery to stand, which made the opinion of the community quite clear to the councilmen. Still, it was not until two months later that the controversy finally came to an end. A fact-finding committee's report concluded that unmarked graves actually did exist where they had hoped to put the parking lot, so it was not built. At the same time the city gave both the ownership of the property and the responsibility to maintain it to the Trussville Memorial Cemetery Association. The cemetery continues to be well kept even today. It remains a solemn reminder of Trussville's profound heritage to residents who pass by it on Highway 11.

Chill From page 8 the get-go. "Our people are just pumped and they think this is great. We have never had a conflict with our congregation about being outside the box," Albright said. "They've done nothing be cheer us on and I think one of the reasons why is the chill mobile is so multifaceted." The Chill Mobile has already been busy providing a little cool refreshment from the summer heat for Hewitt-Trussville football players. Albright says they brought the bright, green truck to the Huskie's practice facility and were given permission by the coaches to hand out ice cream to the players

The Cahaba Times â&#x20AC;˘ 15

Local Communicators Win National Awards Trussville resident Marti Webb Slay has received an award in a national competition sponsored by the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW). Slay won third place for one-to-three color brochures. Among numerous professional assignments, she edits ?The Gazebo,? publication of the Trussville Chamber of Commerce. Other Birmingham area winners in the competition, like Slay, had previously won top honors in a state competition sponsored by Alabama Media Professionals. These include Jennifer Hale, Deborah Lockridge and Nancy Mann Jackson, all of Hoover; Cara Morrison, North Shelby; Verna Gates, Birmingham; and David Black, Pelham. Alabama Media Professionals is an affiliate of NFPW, a 68-year-old organization of professional journalists and communicators. Awards will be presented at the annual NFPW convention this fall.

Send your community news to editor@thecahabatimes.com.

Defense From page 9 just as important. "One thing I saw our guys doing in the spring was just being enthusiastic-jumping around, rushing to the ball, having fun," he said. "That has carried over to fall practice. Enthusiasm can be very intimidating for an opposing offense. They look across the line of scrimmage and see a defense excited about getting after you, confident that they are going to beat you. We have that kind of enthusiasm now. In game situations, it can lead you to get in the other team's head, not to mention make you play faster than you really are." If being physical is a key, one should look no further than the player who is arguably the anchor of the Husky defense, senior middle-linebacker Jase Walls. A three year starter, Walls figures to play a huge role in the Huskies taking care of business when they don't have the ball. "In our spring game against Thompson, Jase had five tackles in the first

Velmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s From page 7 see if anyone had glimpsed me going in. Although, I must confess, secretly I had always wondered about the inside. What did a den of iniquity look like? To say I was disappointed when I walked in the door was an understatement. There were no ladies of the evening propped on barstools, or drunken cowboys brawling on the floor. It was full of ballpark parents and other respectable citizens chomping down on Velma's fare.

after practice. The word has already been spreading about North Park's Chill Mobile. Albright says many community groups and organizations have already contacted the church hoping to get the Chill Mobile to set up at their events. The church's frozen mission on wheels has been remarkably successful in the short time it's been active, especially considering its humble beginnings. "We were in the middle of a brainstorming storming session and somebody said. 'wouldn't it be cool if we had an ice cream truck that we could drive around and give out ice cream after school lets out," Albright said. "I Got on the internet found an old Ice Cream Truck on EBAY in Chicago and had it delivered. "It was like any other truck that was 30

six plays of the game-the first three of which were solo tackles," Coach Partridge said. "Because it was a spring game, we wanted to play a lot of guys. But in the twelve plays or so he was in, number 34 was everywhere." In a unit filled with play makers, other notables are senior defensive end Alex Benson and Sean Dailey. The strongest player on the team, Benson has the ability to clog a running lane, overcome a pass blocker and create problems for an opposing quarterback looking for ever precious time in the pocket. Dailey possesses natural athletic ability to find the ball and make good things happen. Whereas the 2004 campaign left them a little undersized to do battle on Friday nights, this season's Husky defense won't have that problem. "We really stressed getting bigger and better in the offseason," says Coach Partridge. "Our guys have worked really hard, and they should see that work pay off." What surprised me more than anything was the food. It's true that Velma's does have the best burgers around. Especially the bacon cheeseburgers along with the fried mushrooms. Even though she has a questionable past, Velma's is now just another great place to eat for lunch, and at night, people can have a good time singing tunes as it's one of the most favored spots for Karaoke. The image of the portly-pink haired woman still lingers in my memory. But now I see her flipping burgers with a spatula and taking the stage to sing along with Britney Spears.

years old. We had to do a lot of body work on it, and we've done some mechanical work on it make sure it's working fine," Albright added. "Southern Comfort did the paint work and modification on the truck and they have been an important partner in this mission project." Albright says North Park intends for the truck to become a regular part of the community over the coming months. The church hopes to begin making appearances throughout the communities in eastern Jefferson and western St. Clair Counties including Trussville, Clay, Pinson Valley, Argo and Springville giving out free ice cream during the last weeks of warm weather. They also hope to bring the truck to high school football games and other community events during the fall and winter months giving our

complimentary hot chocolate and coffee. Designed for mission purposes, Albright says the church doesn't want the Chill Mobile to compete with concessions for fund raising during football games and other events and will make a financial donation to band boosters and other organizations that may lose any business due to the Chill Mobile's presence. Albright says the Chill Mobile is simply an extension of the church's philosophy on missions "We're not here to take away their money. We are their friends and partners," Albright said. "The Chill Mobile is just one way for us to let the community know we're a good neighbor and we are here for them if they need us."

16 â&#x20AC;˘ The Cahaba Times

August 2005

Trussville's unique mark on the Civil War Darrell Stovall

The Cahaba Times Have you ever squinted to read the historic marker while waiting for the traffic light at the intersection of Main Street and Chalkville-Trussville Road? By the time the light changes, you have probably only had time to determine the obvious that something "historic" happened there. Well, it marks the spot of an interesting event from Trussville's past, during the Civil War. One archive notes that "prior to the beginning of the war, Trussville was one of the most prosperous agricultural communities in North Alabama." When almost every able-bodied man of the city left for the war, most of their farms were forced to scale back production considerably. Still, they grew enough that "one tenth of all meat, corn, and wheat...was taken by the confederate government for support of its army and navy, this tenth

being designated as a war tax known as a 'tax in kind.'" According to the historic marker, a man named "Felix M. Wood received the tax," keeping it in the storehouse that was located near where Braden's Furniture is now located. Carol and Earl Massey's book, Photo by Darrell Stovall Trussville through the Years, explains that the storehouse had also been used as a general store and a post office, and that it was owned and operated by Captain Thomas K. Truss. The book also tells the following story: "Major General James H. Wilson of the Union Army sent his 'Raiders' to Trussville in 1865. They took of the 'stores' as needed and burned the storehouse."

The residents of Trussville put out the flames and tried to salvage what they could after the raiders had fled. Katherine Hale Hanlin wrote, "Luckily, the burning did not go through the pile of wheat and the Trussville people scraped off the burned layers and used the remainder. It did not matter that there was a burned 'taint' to the bread. It was still bread!" These were our wise and frugal predecessors. Wilson's Raiders were sent through Alabama and other Confederate states on a mission to "destroy railroads, iron furnaces, machine shops, arsenals, food supplies, livestock and homes," according to Hanlin. She also noted that it was the same Union general, Wilson, who eventually won the $100,000 reward for capturing Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy. The next time you find yourself waiting on a traffic light at that corner, imagine the life-and-death drama that took place there 140 years ago, and remember the founders of Trussville who weathered that war with dignity.

Regency From front page available to give any indication how he intends to vote, if the issue isn't tabled until a later date. "I have no idea how the council is going to go on this. I just don't have enough information to make any decision one way or the other on this," Robinson said. "Before I make any decision I will do as much research as I can to find out what information is available and what is the right thing to do," Robinson added. Currently over 200 families live in the community, many of whom are long-term residents, but there are also many Hispanic families living in Trussville Regency who have very little resources and could not afford to move if forced to vacate the property, according to Martin Miranda, a local realtor, a retired Air Force engineer and a deacon with the First Baptist Church of Trussville, serves Trussville Regency as part of a local mission effort called T.E.A.M. (Trussville Economic Assistance Mission) through many area churches. As part of T.E.A.M., Miranda regular visits families in Trussville Regency helping them with such needs as providing food and clothing as well as educational needs such as tutoring, English as Second Language (ESL) classes and other assistance. A familiar face to many in the community, Miranda said news of the possible sale of the property hit the families hard. "The folks had begun to hear rumors and were worried and had begun asking 'what's going to happen to us,'" Miranda said. "They came out in force to express their opinion Miranda, who is fluent in English and Spanish, says many of the trailers are at least 25 to 30 years old and would not survive being moved to another location. In addition, at a cost of $3,000 to $3,500 to move a single mobile home, Miranda says many residents lack the resources to pay for relocation. "The majority of these trailers would not be able to be moved. They are in horrible condition with floors are rotting out and other problems," Miranda said. "This is the only place they have, and redeveloping would literally mean putting them out with no where to go." Developer Randy Brooks has plans to buy the property and develop a 148 unit gated garden home community and retail development on the property's 40 acres. The development would be located only several hundred blocks from two other shopping malls in the area.

See the September issue of The Cahaba Times for more information about the redevelopment plans for Trussville Regency and for a closer look at the issue facing the community.