PATRICK FRIDAY
LOCAL CHURCH HELP WITH PROGRAM
BETTERING THE CITY
BOB VAN LOAN AWARDED VOLUNTEER HONOR
ANGLIN’S PASSION
GET TO KNOW SHELBY COUNTY’S ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
City Leadership
Plenty to Celebrate
As we wrap up January, it’s hard to ignore the rare and beautiful snowfall we experienced earlier this month.
As we wrap up January, it’s hard to ignore the rare and beautiful snowfall we experienced earlier this month. The sight of snow gently blanketing our city was a reminder of the stunning natural beauty that surrounds us here in Helena. Whether you were able to enjoy a winter walk, a snowball fight, or simply the peaceful stillness it brought to our community, I hope you found a moment to appreciate the magic of winter. Let’s hope that this is the start of a memorable season!
On a more personal note, I want to take a moment to recognize someone who has given so much to our community over the years— Bob Van Loan. For those of you who may not know, Bob has been an outstanding volunteer in Helena for many years, dedicating countless hours to making our city a better place. Whether through his work with local organizations or his involvement in various community events, Bob’s efforts have made a tangible difference. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his selfless service,
“Helena such a wonderful place to live. Let’s spread the love this Valentine’s season by shopping local and supporting those who make our community thrive.”
and I ask you all to join me in congratulating Bob on his many years of dedication to Helena.
As we look ahead to the upcoming months, I am excited to share that our spring sports season is right around the corner. This is always an exciting time of year for families and fans, as our local athletes get ready to hit the fields, courts, and tracks. I have no doubt that we’ll see incredible performances and teamwork, and I encourage everyone to come out and support our teams. The energy and enthusiasm of our young athletes is truly inspiring, and I am proud to watch them represent Helena with pride.
I would also like to congratulate Andy Healy on his recent appointment to the Helena City Council, where he will be filling the remaining term for Place 2. Andy brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community, and I am confident that he will serve us well in this important role. We are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals stepping up to serve the people of Helena.
Additionally, I want to take a moment to recognize our outstanding basketball and
Together As One,
wrestling teams. Both teams continue to push themselves to new heights this season, demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. Their hard work is paying off, and I know they will continue to make our community proud as they move through the rest of their seasons. I encourage all of you to continue showing them your support as they represent Helena with pride.
Lastly, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I want to remind you all to consider shopping locally for that special someone in your life. Our local businesses offer a wide variety of unique and thoughtful gifts, and when you shop local, you’re not just supporting our economy—you’re also showing love to the hardworking entrepreneurs who make Helena such a wonderful place to live. Let’s spread the love this Valentine’s season by shopping local and supporting those who make our community thrive.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the year and a safe, enjoyable winter season. As always, thank you for being part of what makes Helena such a special place.
- Brian Puckett, mayor of Helena
Mayor Brian Puckett
HE LEN A
Michaela Bankston
Dave Domescik
Anna Grace Moore Tyler Raley
Andrew Simonson
Noah Wortham
Sydney Allen
Jamie Dawkins
Rowan Futrell
Kelsey Alexander
Noah Brakefield
Rachel Henderson
Rhett McCreight
Viridiana Romero
ADMINISTRATION
Alec Etheredge
Photo by Jeremy Raines
Utilities and Services
Cable, Internet and Phone
uAT&T Uverse – 1-888-708-0934 att.com
uSpectrum – 1-855-707-7328 spectrum.com
uC-Spire, Fiber Internet – 1-855-277-4735 cspire.com
Gas
uSpire – 1-800-292-4008 spireenergy.com
Power
uAlabama Power Company – 1-800-245-2244 alabamapower.com
Trash Services
uRepublic Services – (205) 631-1313 republicservices.com
Water and Sewer
uHelena Utilities City Water Service (205) 663-1670
LOCAL SCHOOLS
uShelby County Board of Education – (205) 682-7000
shelbyed.k12.al.us/
uHelena Elementary School – (205) 682-5540 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hes/index.htm
uHelena Intermediate School – (205) 682-5520 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/his/index.htm
uHelena Middle School – (205) 682-5300 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hlms/index.htm
uHelena High School – (205) 682-3650 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/index.html
uHillsboro School - (205) 864-7330 thehillsboroschool.org
We want to hear from you!
Do you have an issue that City Hall needs to know about? Please use the City Action Center at cityofhelena.org to get a resolution to your neighborhood issue.
City Government
Brian Puckett
bpuckett@cityofhelena.org
alobell@cityofhelena.org
cwillis@ cityofhelena.org ahealy@ cityofhelena.org
ljoseph@cityofhelena.orghwoodman@ cityofhelena.org mharris@ cityofhelena.org
Departments
City Hall (205) 663-2161
Fire Department (205) 663-5809
Sports Complex (205) 620-2877
Library (205) 664-8308
Police (205) 663-6499
Utilities (205) 663-1670
Healy
Lobell Laura Joseph Hewy Woodman
THE GUIDE
HELENA VARSITY BOYS SOCCER VS. WETUMPKA
TUESDAY, FEB. 11
7:30 P.M.
Helena High School
The Helena High School boys soccer team will kick off its season against the Wetumpka Indians on Feb. 11 at home, looking to start 2025 off on the right note in its chase for a state championship.
SATURDAY, FEB. 15
MISS HELENA PAGEANT
6 P.M.
Helena High School
The annual Miss Helena Pageant will take place at Helena High School on Feb. 15 at 6 p.m., as girls from across the high school participate in interviews and events leading up to the crowning of Miss HHS.
THURSDAY, FEB. 20
Helena band winter concert
7 P.M.
Helena High School
The talented Helena High School band program will host its winter concert on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m., gracing the audience with a variety of music that the students have prepared over the course of a couple of months.
AROUND TOWN
JAN. 31-FEB. 1 | ALL DAY
Youth D-Now at Christ Community Church
FEB. 1 | ALL DAY
HHS Indoor Track State Meet
FEB. 4 | 11 A.M . Storytime at the Library
FEB. 6 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEB. 6 | TBD It’s a Hit! Baseball Musical at HES
FEB. 7 | TBD
Varsity girls soccer at Capital of Dreams Tournament
FEB. 7-8 | ALL DAY
HHS Wrestling Sectionals in Montgomery
FEB. 10 | 6 P.M. Helena City Council Meeting
FEB. 11 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEB. 11 | 7 P.M. Varsity girls soccer at Lincoln
FEB. 11 | 7:30 P.M. Varsity boys soccer vs. Wetumpka
FEB. 13-15 | ALL DAY
HHS Wrestling State Tournament in Huntsville
FEB. 13 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the Library
FEB. 13 | 4:30 P.M. Varsity softball vs. Tuscaloosa County
FEB. 13 | 7 P.M. Varsity girls soccer vs. Chelsea
FEB. 14 | 4 P.M
Varsity baseball at Vestavia Hills
FEB. 15 | 6 P.M.
Miss Helena Pageant at HHS
FEB. 18 | 11 A.M.
Storytime at the Library
FEB. 18 | 7 P.M
Varsity girls soccer vs. Gardendale
FEB. 18 | 7 P.M
Varsity boys soccer at Northridge
FEB. 20 | 11 A.M.
Storytime at the Library
FEB. 20 | 6 P.M.
Helena Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting
FEB. 20 | 7 P.M
Varsity girls soccer vs. Shades Valley
FEB. 20 | 7 P.M.
HHS Band Winter Concert
FEB. 20 | 7:15 P.M.
Varsity boys soccer at Pelham
FEB. 24 | 6 P.M.
Helena City Council Meeting
FEB. 25 | 11 A.M.
Storytime at the Library
FEB. 25 | 5:30 P.M.
Varsity soccer at Chilton County, girls at 5:30, boys at 7
FEB. 27 | 11 A.M.
Storytime at the Library
FEB. 28-MARCH 1 | TBD
Varsity girls soccer at Warriors Invitational
FEB. 28-MARCH 1
Helena varsity girls soccer at Warriors Invitational
TBD Thompson High School
The Helena High School girls soccer team will compete at the Warriors Invitational at Thompson High School, looking to take home some wins in the midst of the season.
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
JOIN US IN CANDYLAND
6-8 P.M.
Helena Sports Complex
Helena Elementary School’s kindergarten through fifth graders are invited to a special Candyland-themed event at the Helena Sports Complex on Saturday, Feb. 8. The event will include a DJ, food trucks and plenty of fun and is sponsored by the Helena Athletic Association.
HELENA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Monday, Feb. 10 & 24
PRE-COUNCIL AT 5 P.M.,
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 P.M.
HELENA CITY HALL
Helena’s City Council meetings take place the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Helena City Council meetings are open to the public and offer the chance for you to get involved in the planning of your community.
In the News
CASSIE
SCREWS EARNS NATIONAL BOARD TEACHER CERTIFICATION
An accomplishment that most teachers dream of completing has been achieved by one Helena educator. English teacher Cassie Screws was honored by members from Shelby County Schools, who presented her with a door plate recognizing that she is a certified National Board teacher.
CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS ANDY HEALY TO PLACE 2
The Helena City Council appointed Andy Healy to City Council Place 2 at a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Jan. 13. The appointment comes following the announcement of former Council member Chris VanCleave stepping down from his position as a result of personal health issues.
FLURRY FESTIVITIES: SHELBY
COUNTY RECEIVES 3 INCHES ON ITS BEST SNOW DAY IN YEARS
The entirety of Shelby County braved the winter weather conditions in January and saw its best snow day in years. Over the course of Jan. 9-10, three inches of snow fell, allowing numerous families to get out of their houses and enjoy the fun while the kids got out of school.
FOURTH-QUARTER BATTLE GIVES HELENA GIRLS BASKETBALL FIRST AREA WIN
In a competitive area where all the teams reside in Shelby County, the Helena girls basketball team picked up its first area win of the season over the Spain Park Jaguars on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The two teams fought in a close battle the entire way, with the difference being in two free throws that the Huskies hit.
HELENA
HELENA BOYS PICK UP FIRST AREA VICTORY OF THE YEAR
The Helena boys basketball team recorded its first area win in Class 6A, Area 8, defeating the Pelham Panthers in a rivalry game on Thursday, Jan. 9. The Huskies defeated the Panthers in a defensive battle, but outscored them by 10 in the third quarter to help surge them to a 39-32 victory.
HELENA OLD TOWN BOARD CHAIRMAN JASON PRUITT RESIGNS
After a lengthy stint as the chairman of the Helena Old Town Board, Jason Pruitt is resigning from his position, making way for a new leader. Pruitt steps down to allow himself more time to spend with his family and his business, Oversoul Brewing.
HELENA MAYOR BRIAN PUCKETT NOT SEEKING REELECTION
Following four and a half years as the mayor for the city of Helena, Brian Puckett announced that he will not seek reelection in 2025. The news comes following health issues that Puckett experienced in August, allowing him time to reflect on what his future should hold. He hopes there is healthy competition for the position, wanting a candidate that will work tirelessly for the city’s future.
HELENA HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM WINS SECOND IN LOUISIANA
The Helena Dance Team returned home with a good performance under its belt after traveling out of state. The crew made its way out to Lafayette, Louisiana to compete in the UDA Louisiana Dance Challenge, placing second in Large Varsity Game Day and fourth in Varsity High Kick.
Update from THE COUNCIL
Alice Lobell
PLACE 3, COUNCIL PRESIDENT
It is early enough in the year that I can still say, “Happy New Year!” And I truly believe it is going to be a happy and productive year for the city of Helena. The city is moving forward and growing, and I believe controlled growth is a vital element for helping a city to thrive.
As I have stated several times, when I took office as a city council member, I wanted to concentrate some of my energy and effort on the senior citizens of the area and the youth, specifically the high-school-age youth. Even though these two groups account for a huge chunk of Helena’s population, I did not feel there were enough activities and services available for either group.
I am happy to report that the Helena Senior Citizens program is steadily growing and more and more of our mature citizens are enjoying activities planned just for them. Bingo games,
activities around the county and for taking field trips.
Finally, a large portion of the first floor in the new Helena City Municipal Building will be dedicated as the new Helena Senior Center. The area will have its own separate entrance and will include a large multi-purpose room, several smaller meeting rooms, a kitchen and restrooms.
I encourage all of Helena’s more mature population to register with the Helena Senior Center so you can receive information about planned activities and events. It’s easy and it’s free to register; just contact Clayton at LClayton@cityofhelena.org.
The other group in the city that receives a lot of my attention is the youth of Helena. I will just mention the fabulous Helena Teen Council, because more interesting and informative information about this great group of young people will be
Library Update
GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY
FFebruary is THE month for book lovers to visit and find new things to read. The library continues to acquire a variety of items for all ages and tastes, so stop by soon to check it out. Cold weather offers up a great opportunity to get into a fun, free hobby: Reading. There are some great activities planned for February. A card making event for teens on Monday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. In addition, a program for grownups called Knit, Stitch, and Chat is on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own knitting or other craft project and chat with others while you work.
Thursday at 11 a.m., and it is a great way for your preschooler to learn and meet others in your community.
Library Director
Dan Dearing
The library will have a book sale beginning Thursday, Feb. 20, and running through Saturday, Feb. 2. Saturday offers a Fill-a-bag special! All proceeds benefit library services in Helena.
For those with younger children, check out Storytime. This is a fun event with stories, singalongs, and music that will keep young people moving. Storytime is every Tuesday and
1,000 Books before Kindergarten is another neat program for younger children. This simple free program encourages parents to read to their kids frequently, to instill a love of reading and a familiarity with books and learning. A library staff member will give you everything you need to get started and stay on track. Try it out today. Remember the library is a great way to save money in the new year. The library has a great collection of movies for all ages. New titles arrive weekly, and all DVDs check out for one week. This is a great value for price conscious movie lovers!
Enjoy your February and visit the library soon!
Jane B. Holmes Public Library
230 Tucker Road Helena, AL 35080
Phone: (205) 664-8308
Facebook: Helena.Public.Library.Friends
Website: cityofhelena.org/public-library
Instagram: @helenalibrary
February’s Top Picks
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
By Gillian McAllister | Adult Fiction
An addictive thriller about a new mother’s world upended when her husband commits a terrifying crime. How well does she truly know the man she loves? And what danger does she face if her entire life has been built on a lie?
FEEDING TINY BELLIES: OVER 100
BABY-LED WEANING, TODDLER, AND FAMILY RECIPES: A COOKBOOK
By Lily Payen | Adult Nonfiction
A unique baby-led weaning cookbook with over 100 easy recipes for feeding little ones and beyond.
JOB MOVES: 9 STEPS FOR MAKING PROGRESS IN YOUR CAREER
By Ethan Bernstein | Adult Nonfiction
Full of useful activities and tools, Job Moves offers the timeless framework of our generation to help anyone create a career that will be happier and more fulfilling.
ONE COOL DUCK
By Mike Petrik | Juvenile
This buoyant young graphic chapter book introduces Duck and pals, kicking off a series that makes real-life friendship issues fun.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY FOR KIDS: 1001 REMARKABLE MOMENTS & FASCINATING FACTS
By Dan Bova | Juvenile Nonfiction
Discover extraordinary events, notable people, and incredible inventions from early civilization up to the 21st century!
OVERDUE: THE MISADVENTURE OF BOB THE BOOK
By Gloria Koster | Easy/Picture
This tale is told from a book’s point of view and showcases the joy of reading and the importance of taking care of books
Sports AUSTIN ACOSTA
HHS Baseball Player
Tell me a bit about yourself and some information you might share when you first meet someone.
My name is Austin Acosta. I’m in the 2025 class, and I play for the Helena High School baseball team.
What inspired you to start playing baseball?
I’d say the thing that started my curiosity with baseball was my older brother’s baseball practices when I was just a little kid. I was two years old when my parents would take me to my older brother’s practices, and I would always end up running on the field and running around all the bases. I would always try to do drills with the other 4-5-year-old players. I would always cry after the practices because I wanted to stay and not go home.
How old were you when you started playing?
The parents from my brother’s team would always notice me out on the field practicing with them. They would always tell my parents that they needed to sign me up, so they did. I was three years old when my parents signed me up to play t-ball. I had to play with the year ahead because they didn’t have a t-ball team for three-year-olds.
Has there ever been a coach or mentor that made a huge impact on you? What did they teach you?
I think the coach/mentor that had the biggest impact was my dad. Most of the things I learned early on that developed me into the player that I am today was because of him. He is always pushing me to be better and never settle. He taught me never to be okay with just being good and to always strive to be better at anything you do, not just in baseball but in life.
What is your favorite thing about playing baseball for the Huskies?
I’d say my favorite thing about playing for the Huskies is simply just how fun it is. There is never a dull moment around my teammates and coaches. No matter what happens, my teammates and coaches are there to pick me up on my bad days. They are the type of people you want in your corner.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
My favorite baseball memory is closing out the last inning in the game last year against Vestavia where we came back in the bottom of the sixth and got three straight outs to secure the win. The energy in that game was crazy.
When you’re not in school or playing sports, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m not playing sports or training, I’m either hanging out with my friends and girlfriend or I’m playing video games on my PC.
Education MEGAN ANGLIN
Shelby County Elementary Teacher of the Year
First, tell me more about yourself.
I live in Helena with my husband, Forrest, and 2-year-old son, Ford. I have my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in P-12 Instrumental Music Education from Troy University. I also spent three summers/six weeks/240 hours completing all three levels of Orff-Schulwerk certification in order to become a fully-certified Orff-Schulwerk educator. I have the world’s most magical job, and it’s a rare day for you to find me in anything that isn’t sparkly, glittery, or bejeweled!
What was your reaction to being named the county’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year?
As the video played that announced me as Shelby County’s Elementary TOY, I sat there in shock. I looked over at my amazing administrators, and they just smiled and nodded their heads at me proudly -- it was real! I watched the video with administrators, colleagues and students talking about me, and couldn’t help but cry. I am just so incredibly grateful to work in a county where music teachers are seen as more than “just a break.” We are valued members of our schools and seen as “real” educators.
What sparked your interest in teaching music?
I knew in second grade that I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to teach kids to read. I remember thinking how incredible it was that my teachers had taught me this incredible skill that opened up new worlds through books. My mother was our church choir director, so also I grew up singing and being immersed in the world of music. When I joined band and began playing the oboe in middle school, I realized that I wanted to teach music; I could still teach kids to read, but to read music! I’d get the best of both worlds— that of education, and that of the music I loved so much. I had many people tell me I was “wasting my talent,” and should perform instead, or teach at the high school or collegiate level. I’m so glad I followed my heart and where I knew God was leading me!
Do you have a message you would like to say to the Helena community?
Thank you so much for all of your support over the years and for sharing your precious children with me! Being able to sing, dance and play with them each day is a privilege. If you haven’t heard it lately, your kids are amazing! Did you know that in kindergarten - second grade, they can: read music, play instruments, write their own music, improvise on various instruments, sing beautifully, memorize dances, and make their music teacher laugh on a daily basis? There is so much more to music class than “just singing,” and I love discussing the amazing benefits of music education if you’re ever curious. My favorite quote about music education is, “The fact that children can make beautiful music is less significant than the fact that music can make beautiful children” (Cheryl Lavender). I am blessed to be able to witness this every day, and am so thankful for the wonderful community we live in!
Meet Your Neighbor
The Pickering Family
The Pickerings moved here almost six years ago with their 1 1/2-year-old daughter Mackenzie to be near Jennifer’s parents. This is actually Jennifer’s third time living in Helena. She, along with her parents Marsha and Charles Yates and brother, Mike, moved to Helena back in the ‘80s when she was just four years old. After college, she lived in Wyndham for a small time before moving back for good in 2019. Brad and Jennifer wanted Mackenzie to be close to her grandparents, so when they found the perfect house in Hillsboro, they knew it was time to come home to Helena.
Although Helena has changed a lot over the past 40 years, Jennifer says it still has that small-town feel. Brad likes that it isn’t too far away from anything that you can’t find here. The schools were definitely a selling point. They wanted Mackenzie, now in second grade, to be in a good school system. What do the Pickerings like most? Their neighborhood! Hillsboro has everything. There are tons of kids for Mackenzie to play with, golf cart trails to the schools, parks and tons of activities for everyone. Jennifer is also on the social committee for Hillsboro and helps with the monthly events.
Helena Church Directory
ANGLICAN
Lamb of God Church
Head pastor: Caron Glenn Davis 5140 Hwy 17 (205) 919-7932 Lambofgodcec.org
BAPTIST
The Church at Old Town
Head Pastor: Josh Knierim 815 Highway 52 E (205) 663-7879 Thechurchatoldtown.org
Gospel Light Baptist Church
Lead Pastor: Gary Bohman 5781 Roy Drive (205) 685-0772 Glbcbham.com
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkins 5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323 Mpbchelena.com
Riverside Baptist Church
Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson
Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910 Rbchelena.org
Crossbridge Community Church
Lead Pastor: Cody Brister 1455 Starkey Street (205) 358-3500 Crossbridgehelena.com
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 (205) 620-4575 Helenachurch.com
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST:
Grace Christian Church
Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson 869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233
Gracechristianchurch.org
METHODIST
Helena Methodist Church
Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenamethodist.org
Church at Cahaba Bend
Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday 3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060 Cahababend.org
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Open Door Independent Church 120 Laurel Woods Drive (205) 482-5963 Opendooral.com
The Cornerstone Church
Lead Pastor: Timothy Trimble 2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332 Cornerstonechurchhelena.org
New Vision Christian Church
Senior Pastor: Van C. Houser 2383 Highway 95 (205) 919-6678 Nvcc4god.org
The Rock Church
Head Pastor: Bryan Van Gieson 501 2nd Avenue West (205) 358-7625
Rockofbirmingham.org
The Voice of Faith International Ministries
Head Pastor: Franklin Kirksey 1560 Cunningham Drive (205) 663-7396
PRESBYTERIAN
Harmony Church of Helena
Head Pastor: Mike Ensminger 3396 Helena Road (205) 663-2174
Harmonychurchofhelena.net
Christ Community Church
Pastors: Phil Chambers and David Cunningham 2222 Highway 52 (205) 881-4222
ChristCommunity.net
Helena Methodist Church
Grace Christian Church
City Hall Faces
Marcus Desmond
Police Officer for the Helena Police Department
As you see Helena’s first responders making their way around town, you might notice Marcus Desmond in his police car helping to protect the community.
As a police officer for the Helena Police Department, Desmond serves on patrol, responding to calls and preventing crime, all while constantly building relationships and engaging in community outreach.
His line of work is one that he is blessed to be involved with, striving to protect the community each day in order to better Helena as a whole.
I love my job because it goes beyond just wearing a badge; it’s about making a difference,” Desmond said. “It’s the small moments, like helping someone in need or seeing a child smile when they feel safe, that remind me why I chose this path.”
Desmond chose to work in Helena because he sees it as a close-knit community that values connection, integrity and progress.
He stated that he strives to make a difference not just by enforcing the law, but also by fostering trust amongst the citizens while also protecting all that is important to Helena.
Helena Old Town Live releases 2025 lineup
BY TYLER RALEY
PHOTO BY JEREMY RAINES
Following days of waiting and optimism, the lineup for the 2025 series of Helena Old Town Live has been released by the Helena Old Town Board and the Birmingham Mountain Radio on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The concert series is going into its fifth year of existence, having quickly become one of the most highly anticipated and attended events throughout the city on an annual basis.
The festivals will be sponsored this year by WBRC Fox 6 News, Aux Home Services, Gulf Distributing Company, Vulcan, Discover Shelby and the Birmingham Mountain Radio.
The series will commence April 5 with music and performances from rock band JJ Grey &
Mofro, along with southern rock artist Paul Thorn.
The next show on May 17 will feature the talents of Birmingham singer and songwriter Drayton Farley, John R. Miller and LeAlan Carter.
The city’s third concert of the series will occur on June 14 and will showcase Adam Doleac with other performances by Cotter Hill and the band Fuller.
The performance set for July 3 will serve as the city’s Fourth of July night featuring tunes from The Record Company and Cracker.
The final festival to close out the series on Sept. 20 will be Oktoberfest featuring the debut album by Stevie Ray Vaughan, “Texas Flood.”
VALUABLE VOLUNTEER
Bob Van Loan’s volunteering wins Helena’s Lifetime Volunteer Award
BY TYLER RALEY
PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES
BBehind many of the events that the residents of Helena attend year after year, they come to find many constants, among those being the smiling face of Bob Van Loan.
The city’s festivities always include the work of volunteers who go behind the scenes and help to create a lively and friendly atmosphere for those who attend. It requires a lot of operation, something Van Loan is no stranger to.
When he moved into the city with his wife following his retirement, he wanted to find something to do. Luckily, it was an easy thing to step into, but little did he know, it was going to set the stage for the foreseeable future.
“Almost immediately, I realized that I needed to get some structure, like I had a job,” Bob Van Loan said. “I needed to fill my time with something. I just looked around the community and saw some opportunities to volunteer on either a one-off or a continuing basis, and just sort of jumped in with both feet.”
That jump became very beneficial for him, ultimately allowing him to be awarded as the 2024 Helena Lifetime Volunteer, serving as a gift of gratitude for all of his work as a Helena resident.
Van Loan moved to Helena in 2007 after retiring from a lengthy career with the United
States Department of Defense. With a lengthy military background, Van Loan was stationed in numerous places that were similar to the type of small-town environment that Helena provides.
As soon as he arrived, Van Loan and his wife were confident that Helena would be their last stop. Wanting to become immersed in the city and all that it had to offer, they immediately took the chance to help out, knowing it would be good for both of them.
“We knew this was going to kind of be our last end as far as where we’re going to live, so we
really wanted to quickly integrate into the community and get involved with it as much as we could,” Van Loan said. “When the volunteer opportunities came up, my wife and I both jumped on it.”
Over the course of his time in volunteer work, Van Loan has been involved in many of Helena’s most popular annual staples such as Movies in the Park, the farmers market, Buck Creek Festival, the Helena Business Association and so much more.
Volunteering for the city’s events requires a
“Without volunteers to get a lot of this work accomplished, the city would not have a lot of the amenities that it does have or has had in the past.”
- BOB VAN LOAN
hefty amount of work. Whether that be setting up, cleaning out, serving at stations or other duties, each opportunity comes with its own set of needs and perks.
While the work is sometimes long and hard, what helps is the individuals who Van Loan has gotten to do it with. As he sees it, it is what drives him to continue with his service.
“There’s kind of a core group of people here in Helena,” Van Loan said. “When we go out and get together to do these things, in many cases it’s as much a social event as it is a job. Obviously there’s the mission, we want to do something constructive for the community, but it’s more enjoyable because we get to do it with people we really like and admire, and we’ve been doing the same thing for a long time.”
Van Loan shared his immense amount of joy for getting to do what he does, saying that for him, he hopes that his involvement helps influence others to volunteer as well.
“There’s great personal satisfaction in seeing people coming back year after year,” Van Loan said. “I think the thing that I enjoy most though is when people see what we were doing want to do the same thing with us, so we’ve got this selfperpetuating group, people who may not have even ever considered volunteering to work at an
event or some other occasion that suddenly become more interested in serving this community.”
After years of service, Van Loan earned the distinction of being Helena’s volunteer of the year for 2024, an award that is given out by the city to an individual that has provided exceptional service to Helena, going above and beyond to give back.
However, Van Loan never thought the award would end up in his hands. Despite the surprise, he still saw it as an honor to be recognized.
“Never in a million years did I expect this award because traditionally, it’s been given to people who are more prominent in terms of their reputation around town,” Van Loan said. “I guess what happened with me is that I really got myself spread out. Some people, they’ll get involved with one or two events and that’s really all they have time for. Me being retired and being able to set my own schedule, I can jump on just about any opportunity that comes up.”
Throughout the time he has lived in Helena, Van Loan has learned many things about how the area operates and what it needs. One of those things has been realizing how much Helena’s festivals need volunteers, knowing how many people are needed in order to perform a smooth
operation.
Van Loan understands and wants people to know that without the work that volunteers provide, Helena would not have the exact same charm that it is known for today.
“Without volunteers to get a lot of this work accomplished, the city would not have a lot of the amenities that it does have or has had in the
past,” Van Loan said. “A lot of people would look to the city to do that, but our city, and most cities our size, would just not be capable of that– it’s out of the question from a budget standpoint or a manpower standpoint. Without people willing to step up and donate their time and their effort to fill those gaps, people who live in cities like Helena wouldn’t have the satisfaction of living
here.”
As time continues on and the events keep rolling into season, Van Loan is happy that he gets to keep doing what he does: serving Helena’s residents.
However, his main goal is to be a truly valuable volunteer, hoping to make the environment for Helena residents that much better with every event they attend throughout the year.
“Everything that we do is to try to make the quality of life better for the people of Helena,” Van Loan said. “I think people who would not otherwise volunteer to do anything, or very little, if they see that you are really enjoying yourself, doing what you’re doing for the city for no pay and no recognition, it hopefully would inspire them to, at some point in their lives, to do the same.”
HELP WITH HEALING
DivorceCare program at Church at Cahaba Bend benefits families
BY STEPHEN DAWKINS
PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES
PPatrick Friday describes The Church at Cahaba Bend in Helena as “all about faith and families of different shapes and sizes, and connecting those families with the healing power of Jesus Christ.”
As part of that mission, church leaders have embraced the DivorceCare program that is a faith-based resource for those healing from the pain of separation or divorce.
“This aligns well with our mission as a church,” said Patrick Friday, the senior pastor. “We’re focused on families, and we know that divorce can impact the future—not just for the divorcees, but their children’s future as well. We know that
in that space of hurt and pain, that’s where we need to be. That’s where we can bridge their suffering and the conflict that comes out of that with the message of hope and reconciliation that comes through Christ.”
The Church at Cahaba Bend began offering the GriefShare program in 2022. After having success with that program, the need for DivorceCare became clear and the church focused on DivorceCare in 2023.
“We responded to the need,” Friday said. “What we found was after doing GriefShare for a year or two, we added DivorceCare, and we saw the need in the community so we were happy to
begin to emphasize that.”
GriefShare offers a unique experience that get members involved in a way that allows them to not only open up about their lives, but also hear from others as well.
Each session of the 13-week program, the group watches a 30-minute video filled with insights from outside grief recovery experts and
others who share their stories about their experiences. Following the video, members get the time to share their experiences with each other, getting to take a guide home with them with exercises that will help in the healing process.
“Word is spreading. People are hearing about DivorceCare from friends and divorce attorneys
“Whether you go to church or not is not the issue. It’s that you have a place that is caring and thoughtful about your needs. We just see this as a wonderful opportunity to be part of the community and be supportive.”
- PATRICK FRIDAY
have also begun recommending the program,” Friday said.
The program has received a strong turnout already in the young year, and all signs point to better things to come in the near and distant future.
“The response for the first DivorceCare session of 2025 was so strong that the church ran out of workbooks and had to order more,” said Lisa Creel, coordinator of Care Ministries.
DivorceCare offers a video-based support group program with helpful counseling to
manage the emotional turmoil and provide practical tools for decision-making. Session topics include anger, grief and depression, loneliness, fears and anxiety, financial and legal issues, conflict, forgiveness, single living and more.
The program is designed to be as accessible as possible. Childcare is provided by the church. The only cost is a $20 workbook, and scholarships to cover that expense are available for anyone in need.
DivorceCare lasts for 13 consecutive sessions—
each with a different focus—but participants are welcome to join at any time. Anyone who completes the program but wants to go through it again is welcome—they can even reuse their workbook and avoid the $20 cost.
“I had a lady that joined recently and she said she couldn’t do this any other way because she has sole custody of her child,” Creel said.
Creel and Friday emphasized that The Church
at Cahaba Bend is a “safe place” for anyone dealing with divorce. “We come from a gracefilled perspective,” Friday said.
Creel said the DivorceCare program is community-oriented, and that people from all around the town come to join, whether they are a part of the church or not.
“Of the people who are joining us for this coming session of DivorceCare, easily 90 percent
are outside the church,” she said.
Many of those who choose to attend are not Helena residents. Despite that, Friday shared that seeing those that are not from the area come to the program to seek assistance in a time of need can be beneficial and calming for all involved.
“It can be helpful for those who are going through this time in their lives to be able to go somewhere that is not their own church or their own community,” Friday said.
“Whether you go to church or not is not the issue. It’s that you have a place that is caring and thoughtful about your needs. We just see this as a wonderful opportunity to be part of the community and be supportive. This is a real issue for families.”
For more information about DivorceCare at The Church at Cahaba Bend, visit Divorcecare.org/ groups/251204.
COUNTY BATTLES
THE HELENA HUSKIES BEGAN AREA PLAY ON FRIDAY, JAN. 3, TAKING ON THE CHELSEA HORNETS IN A COUNTY RIVALRY THAT FEATURED SOLID ENERGY AND A FUN ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
FOR THE MAGAZINE/CARI DEAN
Hitting the
HARDWOOD
FOR THE MAGAZINE/JEREMY RAINES
As the holiday cheer continued for residents of Helena, the Helena High School basketball team took the floor for the Helena Basketball Showcase on Thursday, Dec. 19. The Huskies took on the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies in a tightly-contested battle, pulling out a win on their home court.
ON THE MAT
FOR THE MAGAZINE/DAWN HARRISON
Wrestlers for Helena High School have competed throughout the season on the floor in numerous tournaments like the Shelby County Duals and the Pelham Invitational, putting on solid performances for the Huskies.
HELENA VS. CHELSEA BASKETBALL
As Helena took the floor to start area play for the season, fans from across the county attended to watch as the Huskies took on the Chelsea Hornets.
1. Ronald and Jacquita Moody
2. Shannon and Chris Moller
3. Tripp and Monica Ellis
4. Greg and Christin Davis
5. Alex Craft with Jon and Veda Spurlock
6. Tim Heath, Judy Heath and Amanda Jennings
7. Rylynn Purifoy, Dana Rhodes, Brian Rhodes and Brody Rhodes
8. Mike McNamee, Hootie Ingram and Mark Snow
9. Kandice and Kirkland Thomas with Ashlee and Sullivan Harper
10. Braylon and Brandon Nathan
PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY
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MY HELENA
CHERIE SASSER
Helena resident and Human Resources Consultant at Regions Bank
City Events
Out on the Town
Part of what makes Helena so vibrant is the wealth of events and activities that bring us together. From the dazzling fireworks on the Fourth of July to the lively Buck Creek Festival, the festive Christmas Parade and the bustling Farmer’s Market, there’s always something to look forward to. High school soccer matches are another highlight for us.
Husky Education Sharing the DNA
Speaking of schools and soccer, our family is experiencing a unique milestone this year. Our two teenage sons, Devon and Mason, are finally attending the same school. Devon is a senior, and Mason just started as a freshman. It’s been heartwarming to watch them grow up, share stories about teachers and school events, and now, for the first time, they’ll be playing soccer together on the same high school team. It’s a season we’re all anticipating.
Old Cahaba Feeling at Home
Lasty, our neighborhood, Old Cahaba, has been home to us since Devon started kindergarten. We couldn’t ask for better neighbors or a more welcoming community— from gathering in driveways to watching football games to celebrating Halloween—a particularly big event in Old Cahaba.
Finding Friends
Social Hour
There’s something truly special about living in Helena, a small-town community where connections run deep. Whether we’re heading to the grocery store or dining at a local restaurant, we often find ourselves running into friends and stopping to chat. It’s one of those simple yet wonderful aspects of life here—those unexpected moments of connection that remind us how close-knit our town really is.
HELENA
P.O.
Phone: 205-669-3131
