Helena - The Magazine September issue

FINE TUNING THEIR SKILLS

HELENA BAND READY FOR SPECIAL YEAR

A PERFECT SCORE

HELENA STUDENT TUCKER BREMER ACES ACT

EDUCATION COMES FIRST

TAG GRANTS LEAVING THEIR MARK ON HELENA SCHOOLS

A letter from the mayor

A look at the upcoming Indian Ford vote and celebrating our teachers, students and athletes

As your Mayor, I am thrilled to share the latest developments in our vibrant city. Today, I would like to focus on four significant topics that have been shaping our community in recent months: the Indian Ford Fire District election and potential annexation, the 2023-24 Helena Teen Council, the achievements of our innovative Teacher Assistance Grants (TAG) program, and the growing enrollment in fall sports. These milestones reflect our commitment to progress, engagement, and the overall well-being of our residents.

Firstly, earlier this summer, we were approached by the Jefferson County Indian Ford Fire District by a petition of qualified electors asking the city of Helena to take over the struggling Fire District

to protect the citizens of the district from losing essential fire and first responder protection. We recognize the significance of fire safety and emergency services and endeavored to move forward to ensure no citizens were left without protection. An election will be held on September 12 for the citizens of that district to decide. If the people of the Indian Ford Fire District vote yes, our goal will be to enhance emergency response times, improve service quality, and provide greater peace of mind to the residents of the district.

Secondly, I am pleased to welcome the 2023-24 Helena Teen Council to our council meetings. This platform is designed to empower our young leaders and foster civic engagement among our teenagers.

This initiative recognizes the importance of youth voices and encourages them to actively participate in local decision-making processes. By providing a platform for open dialogue, the Helena Teen Council enables our future leaders to contribute ideas, initiate positive change, and cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility for our community’s development. We firmly believe that investing in our youth today will help us build a stronger and more inclusive Helena tomorrow.

Furthermore, the success of our innovative Teacher Assistance Grants (TAG) program fills us with great pride. Recognizing that educators play a vital role in shaping the future of our city, I launched TAG to support their professional growth and enhance the learning experience for our students. This program offers financial assistance to teachers for various educational initiatives, such as attending conferences, purchasing classroom supplies, or implementing innovative teaching methods. The TAG program has already had a profound impact, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and providing our dedicated educators in all four of our schools with the resources they need to excel in their roles.

Lastly, we celebrate the growing enrollment in fall sports in Helena. Athletics serve as a unifying

Together As One,

force within our community, instilling discipline, teamwork, and a sense of healthy competition among our youth. Whether it’s football and scoring TDs, soccer, baseball, or softball, our sports programs provide opportunities for personal growth, physical fitness, and the development of lifelong friendships. The increasing participation in fall sports reflects the collective dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and parents, who continually strive for excellence both on and off the field.

In conclusion, the Indian Ford Fire District election and potential annexation, the establishment of the Helena Teen Council, the success of our Teacher Assistance Grants (TAG) program, and the growing enrollment in fall sports demonstrate the ongoing transformation taking place in Helena, Alabama.

With each milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the safety, education, and overall well-being of our residents. Together, we will continue to build a thriving community that embraces progress, empowers its youth, supports its educators, and fosters a culture of excellence while maintaining our small-town culture. Helena’s future is bright, and I am grateful to be a part of this incredible journey.

Helena’s future is bright, and I am grateful to be a part of this incredible journey.

- Brian Puckett, mayor of Helena

Mayor Brian Puckett

Donald Mottern

Barton Perkins

Andrew Simonson

Noah

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

Jeremy Raines PHOTOGRAPHY

Rhett McCreight

Tori Montjoy-Smith

Michaela Hancock

Viridiana Romero

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

uSpire – 1-800-292-4008 spireenergy.com

Gas

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

HELENA VS. PELHAM IN A RIVALRY SHOWDOWN

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

7 P.M.

Pelham High School

Support the Helena High School football team as the Huskies hit the road for their biggest rivalry game of the season this month on Friday, Sept. 22. The game not only marks a rivalry battle between two schools who used to be one, but it is also an important region battle between the two teams. The Huskies also have games at Homewood (Sept. 8), vs. Chilton County (Sept. 15) and vs. Jackson-Olin (Sept. 29) this month.

THE GUIDE

TUESDAY, SEPT. 12

Showcase of Bands

6 P.M. Helena High School

The annual Shelby County Schools Showcase of Bands will make its way to Helena High School this year. The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. and will feature all bands in the Shelby County School system displaying their halftime and competition show early in the season. Take advantage of the opportunity to not only see the HHS band highlight the event, but watch as all bands from the school system perform and showcase just what makes local bands across Shelby County so special. At the end of the night, all of the bands will come together and perform “America the Beautiful” together.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY | 11 A.M.

Storytime at the library

SEPT. 1 | 7 P.M.

Helena football vs. Buckhorn

SEPT. 4 | ALL DAY

Labor Day holiday (Schools closed)

SEPT. 5 | 5:45 P.M.

Friends of the Library Meeting

SEPT. 7 | 6 P.M.

Helena volleyball at Calera

SEPT. 8 | 7 P.M.

Helena football at Homewood

SEPT. 9 | ALL DAY

Helena Cross Country at Chickasaw Trails Meet

SEPT. 11 | 6 P.M.

Helena City Council Meeting

SEPT. 25-29

Helena High School Homecoming Week

ALL WEEK

Helena High School

Helena High School will host homecoming week festivities Sept. 25-29 at the high school with dress up days, a parade and much more all leading up to a Friday night football game against Jackson-Olin High School where the 2023 Homecoming Queen will be crowned.

Monday, Sept. 11 and

Monday, Sept. 25

Helena’s city council meetings take place the second and fourth Mondays of the month and will take place in July on Monday, Sept. 11 and Monday, Sept. 25. The city council meetings are open to the public and offer the chance for you to get involved in the planning of your community.

SEPT. 12 | 6 P.M.

Showcase of Bands at Helena High School

SEPT. 14-16 | ALL DAY

Library Book Sale

SEPT. 14 | 6 P.M.

Helena volleyball vs. Briarwood

SEPT. 15 | 7 P.M

Helena football vs. Chilton County

SEPT. 19 | 6 P.M.

Helena volleyball vs. Pelham

SEPT. 21 | 6 P.M.

Helena volleyball at John Carroll

SEPT. 22 | 7 P.M.

Helena at Pelham rivalry showdown

SEPT. 23 | ALL DAY

Helena Cross Country at Shelby County Championship in Montevallo

SEPT. 25 | 6 P.M.

Helena City Council Meeting

SEPT. 25 | 5:30 P.M. LEGO Fun at the library

SEPT. 26 | 4 AND 6 P.M.

Helena volleyball at Homewood vs. Spain park and Homewood

SEPT. 28 | 5 AND 6 P.M.

Helena volleyball at HewittTrussville vs. Gadsden City and Hewitt

SEPT. 29 | 7 P.M.

Helena Homecoming game vs. Jackson-Olin

SEPT. 30 | 11 A.M. Plant Swap at the library

SEPT. 30 | ALL DAY

Helena Cross Country at Oak Mountain Invitational

Kennedi is cured of sickle cell disease thanks to a life-changing bone marrow transplant she received from her sister here at Children’s of Alabama. The amazing treatments, discoveries and innovations for pediatric blood disorders and cancer happening here are helping change lives for the children of Alabama, across the country and around the world.

HPD OFFICERS HELP RETURN MONEY STOLEN THROUGH SCAM

Two officers from the Helena Police Department recently helped return $25,000 to a local woman who was involved in a scam. Cpl. William Givan and Officer Jesse Moore responded to a call where a resident had fallen for an online scam. The resident was told by the scammer she was in legal trouble and that police were going to freeze her bank accounts.

HELENA STUDENTS START BACK TO SCHOOL FOR 20232024 SCHOOL YEAR

The 2023-2024 school year officially got underway on Thursday, Aug. 10, as students across Helena flooded back into the hallways for a new year at one of the city’s four schools. It marked the start of what will surely be another special year in some of the state’s best schools with plenty of fun ahead, including a full academic and sports calendar year.

THE CHURCH AT OLD TOWN SENDS KIDS TO SCHOOL WITH LOVE

The Church at Old Town in Helena sent children back to school with loving notes by continuing its Backpack Blessings program on Sunday, Aug. 6. Backpack Blessings is a program where students of all ages have notes pinned to their backpacks by church members as a way for them to remember that they are being thought of and prayed for throughout their day at school. Students of all ages, from elementary to high school, come to Backpack Blessingsas a way for them to kick off the school year. The program has run since the Church at Old Town opened doors two years ago and was the brainchild of Bowen.

FOOTBALL PROGRAM HOLDS YOUTH CAMP AHEAD OF 2023 SEASON

The Helena High School football team held its annual youth football camp at the end of July. Coaches and players with the high school team joined forces for an enjoyable time that also helped teach the fundamentals and fun of the game to the youth athletes hoping to one day be in those same shoes. The players experienced leadership roles and saw what they meant to the younger athletes as they prepared for the 2023 season.

In the News

FUTURE HUSKIES LEARN AT ANNUAL SOFTBALL CAMP

The Helena Huskies softball team welcomed 57 campers into Helena High School to help prepare the future of the program at their annual softball camp from July 26-28. The future has been an ongoing theme for Helena softball lately, as this was coach Mark Sanders’ first camp since he took the helm of the varsity program. Sanders and the Helena coaches and players taught basic softball skills to the campers, including hitting, bunting, infield play and outfield play through drills and fun games.

HELENA’S JOSH WILLIAMS PERFORMS WELL AT NORTH-SOUTH ALL-STAR GAME

Josh Williams represented the Helena Huskies well with a solid showing at the North-South All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 18 in Montgomery. Williams scored five points after going 2-8 shooting, and he also grabbed seven rebounds, including four offensive rebounds, and recorded two assists in 15 minutes of game time. His seven rebounds tied for a game high. Williams earned All-County First Team honors last season after finishing as one of the top three scorers in the couny for the second straight season. He averaged 17.9 points per game along with 5.2 rebounds per game and two assists per game.

HELENA’S LIVELY COMPETES IN ALL-STAR GAME

Excitement was in the air at Montgomery’s Lagoon Park Softball complex on Wednesday, June 19, as some of the state’s top softball talent took to the field and thrilled fans in back-to-back battles during the 2023 North-South All-Star game. Helena star and Shelby County Hitter of the Year Presley Lively went 1-for-2 in the second game with a run scored, while she played heavily in both games of the doubleheader.

POLICE CHIEF BRAD FLYNN TAKES PART IN BILL SIGNING FOR SENSORY AWARENESS

Helena Police Chief Brad Flynn got the honor of attending the bill signing for a bill that will require all law enforcement officers in the state to be trained in sensory awareness and inclusion. It has been an important topic for Flynn during his time as chief in Helena to help save lives and protect citizens and first responders when responding to a scene that requires engaging with someone who has a sensory condition. Flynn joined his family and others alongside Gov. Kay Ivey to sign the bill into law on July 20.

OLD TOWN LIVE CLOSES 2023 SEASON WITH A BANG

The final Old Town Live of 2023 took place on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Helena’s Amphitheater Park in Old Town Helena. It marked the final concert event of the summer, as Bloodkin kicked off the show at 6:30 p.m. followed by Cracker to headline the night. It capped off another spectacular Old Town Live summer, as crowds flooded to each event, making it one of the most popular running events in the Birminghmmetro area this year. Plans are for Old Town Live to return next year.

HELENA MARKET DAYS CLOSES SEASON WITH FINAL EVENT IN AUGUST

A new year brought a new location, but it didn’t change the fun that was had as Helena Market Days came to an end on Saturday, Aug. 26. This season’s festivities featured fun throughout the spring and summer with local vendors having success and special demonstrations and events on display each weekend.

Update from THE COUNCIL

Hewy Woodman

HELENA CITY COUNCIL, PLACE 5

As the sun sets on an unforgettable summer in Helena, I want to express my gratitude for our dedicated volunteers who have made it all possible. The HOT Board, Library Board and especially the Helena Farmers Market committee all deserve a standing ovation for organizing a plethora of fun-filled events that brought our community together. We must bid farewell to the remarkable Kim Ford, whose selfless service as the director of the Helena Farmers Market has kept this program going for local farmers and artisans. If you share our passion for this program, we invite you to contribute your time and energy by volunteering on the Helena Market Days Facebook page.

Scores, stories and photos

We’re gearing up to celebrate a milestone—the 12th anniversary of our beloved Helena Museum. Let us extend our heartfelt thanks to Ken Penhale, who has dedicated himself to preserving our rich history for future generations. We’re also thrilled to announce that the HHPC and Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum have collaborated to preserve a historic gem, Milepost 409, now a reminder of the once bustling Louisville and Nashville railway route that transported invaluable minerals across the region. For those intrigued by this fascinating endeavor, feel free to reach out to them via their Facebook page, Helena Historic Preservation.

Get all of the football coverage from the most recent Friday night by visiting Shelbycountyreporter.com or scanning the QR code

Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! Prepare for the ultimate challenge at the first-ever Helena Puzzle competition hosted by none other than the indefatigable Ron Holly in the Helena Caboose. It will be a timed event for 500-piece puzzles. The championship will test the mettle of the best puzzle solvers, and the title of “best of the best” awaits the victor.

But our journey forward doesn’t stop there. The Helena Greenway project continues to take shape, expanding our beautiful trail system and connecting our cherished parks and schools. With the aquatic survey as one of the final pieces of the puzzle this year, we’re well on our way to creating something our entire community can be proud of. This project is a testament to our commitment to a greener, healthier, and more connected Helena.

Volunteerism is the lifeblood of our thriving community, and together, we can make Helena an even more vibrant and welcoming place. So, I encourage you to join us, as a participant or as a supporter, in our collective efforts to build a stronger, more united Helena. I hope to see you around town, where we can continue to make a difference, one smile at a time!

DINING GUIDE

Bertolone’s Bertolone’s charming family-owned Italian restaurant brings the authentic flavors of Italy to Shelby County! Our appetizers, soups, salads, and entrées are crafted from Old World Italian recipes handed down by the Bertolone family for generations. As you savor your meal, indulge in the warm ambiance and friendly atmosphere that only a locally owned eatery can offer. Complement your dining experience with a visit to our full bar and a sampling of our famous desserts! Our rich cakes, velvety tiramisu & decadent cannoli are crafted with love from cherished family recipes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying family-size takeout from the comfort of your home, Bertolone’s provides an unforgettable taste of Italy. Tues-Sun 11am-8pm | Dine-In | Catering | GrubHub | DoorDash

BIGBADBREAKFAST.COM • (205) 490-7568

Big Bad Breakfast BBB was founded in 2008 by James Beard award winning chef John Currence with a mission to elevate the most important meal of the day. His vision was to celebrate the places he loved eating breakfast as a child, whether they be his grandmother’s table, the mom and pop diners of New Orleans or Commander’s Palace. At BBB, we dedicate ourselves everyday to putting out the finest from-scratch breakfast you can get anywhere with service that makes you feel right at home. Come try our signature BBB skillets loaded with your favorite, freshest ingredients! We also serve lunch, brunch, cocktails, and offer full service catering.

Beer Hog Experience craft beer in a whole new way at The Beer Hog. Enjoy Shelby County’s largest selection of craft beer. With 64 craft beers on tap and many more in the package, we have something for every beer lover. Not a beer lover? That’s okay, we also have a variety of cocktails and wine. Enjoy a flight of your favorite craft brews with one of our made to order pizzas, mouth watering salads, or savory appetizers. Check out our social media for nightly events and the live music lineup. We hope to crack a cold one with you soon!

Helena

Helena | Special Advertising Section

5361 US-280 • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242

Your ultimate destination for an authentic Mexican fiesta! Our two locally owned locations take immense pride in offering a vibrant and flavorful culinary experience that captures the heart of Mexico. Our extensive menu is a journey through traditional Mexican cuisine, from sizzling fajitas and mouthwatering enchiladas to zesty street tacos bursting with authentic flavors. Join us for lunch every day until 3pm, and save room for our delectable desserts, featuring classic Mexican treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth! Pair your dinner with an imported beer or one of our handcrafted cocktails! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a lively night out with friends, Mama Coco’s festive ambiance will immerse you in the true spirit of Mexico. Don’t forget to visit our second location in Vestavia Hills!

Mama Coco Cantina

Creations Galore and Moore Satisfy your cravings with a delectable assortment of desserts, cookies, and brownies that will enchant your taste buds. Beyond our delightful treats, we specialize in crafting custom cakes and cookies for your special moments. Elevate your gatherings with our decorating classes, perfect for a girls’ night out or unique dates. Our charming event space sets the stage for unforgettable parties, where sweet delights take center stage. And now, introducing chicken salad lunches to our menu! Located in downtown Calera, we provide all the sweets you need, and Moore!

Bellinis Ristorante & Bar

Great ideas often occur in the most comfortable of settings, and Bellini’s is no exception. With that in mind, in 2008, after discussing ideas over a bottle (or 2) of wine, the concept of Bellinis was formed. Come relax, enjoy your own glass of wine among friends, and see where your discussions take you. Bellinis is Birmingham’s only Italian Infused Steakhouse featuring the highest quality steaks hand-cut for perfection and grilled over our wood burning grill, house made pastas, seafood, and classic Italian dishes.

Smiley Brothers Smiley Brothers in Pelham, Alabama, epitomizes the essence of a high-end butcher shop and restaurant. Renowned for its exceptional quality and personalized service, they present a meticulously curated assortment of premium meats, wines, prepared foods, charcuterie, artisan cheese, and made-to-order sandwiches and burgers. Upholding an unwavering commitment to excellence, their adept butchers and chefs provide tailored cuts along with expert recommendations. The establishment’s rustic yet elegant ambiance creates a unique shopping experience that captivates all culinary enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking top-tier steaks, a fine bottle of wine, or a delightful lunch, Smiley Brothers consistently exceeds expectations.

6801 CAHABA VALLEY RD • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242 OURBELLINIS.COM • (205) 981-5380

8261 US-31 • CALERA, AL 35040 CREATIONSGALOREANDMOORE.COM • (205) 690-8399

214 HUNTLEY PKWY • PELHAM, AL 35124 SMILEYBROTHERSFOODS.COM • (205) 406-8421

8176 US-31 • CALERA, AL 35040 (205) 690-8994

GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY

TThe dog days of summer have wound down, and school is back in session. The library appreciates the local education community very much, and we want to thank them for all they do.

Don’t forget the public library can be an important part of your education. Examples include utilizing the many digital resources the library offers, checking out early readers for younger students, or simply looking for a book to read for fun. Reading can improve your academics overall, and the library has great resources that are easy to access.

Library Director

Dan Dearing

For parents out there, make sure your child has a library card! A parent must sign for a minor to have a library card, but the process only takes about 10 minutes, and the price is very reasonable—FREE!

For those of you with younger children, remember our weekly Storytime! Erin and Lisa work to provide a FUN event, with stories, singalongs and music that will keep young people moving. Storytime is every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and is a fun way for your preschooler to learn and also meet others in your community.

UPCOMING LIBRARY EVENTS INCLUDE:

uFriends of the Library Meeting: Check out this great group of civic volunteers who support the library with various projects. Also includes great fellowship time. Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5:45 p.m.

uLibrary Book Sale: Find some treasures at great prices and support the library! Thursday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 16.

uLego Fun – Calling All Inventors! Join us for a fun time of building LEGO creations & friendships at the library. Parents must accompany children under 12

Dream, Imagine, Build on Monday, Sept. 25 from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m.

uPlant Swap – Bring your excess plants, cuttings, or seeds to exchange with others or give away. You can also take home something new for your garden and share plant/garden tips and ideas with your neighbors in Helena. Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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

September’s Top Picks

AFTER DEATH

By Dean Koontz | Adult Fiction

A modern-day Lazarus is humanity’s last hope in a breathtaking novel about the absolute powers of good and evil.

TRULY SIMPLE: 140 HEALTHY RECIPES FOR WEEKDAY COOKING

By Kristin Cavallari | Adult Nonfiction

More than 140 delicious and accessible recipes for super-easy, family-friendly, mostly gluten-free weekday meals.

THE NIGHT IN QUESTION

By Kathleen Glasgow | Young Adult

Castle Cove is full of secrets, and Alice and Iris are about to uncover one of its biggest—and most dangerous—secrets of all.

THE SUPERTEACHER PROJECT

By Gordon Korman | Juvenile

A hilarious new story about a mysterious new teacher who turns out to be an AI robot from a secret experimental program.

ENGINEERING FOR CURIOUS KIDS: AN ILLUSTRATED INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN, BUILDING, PROBLEM SOLVING, MATERIALS – AND MORE!

By Chris Oxlade | Juvenile Nonfiction

From spectacular skyscrapers to microchips, young readers can discover the miracles of engineering with this vibrantly illustrated, inspirational and accessible hardback.

HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL

By Becky Scarnhorst | Easy/Picture

Learn how to get your octopus to school in this hilarious and endearing back-toschool story!

Sports

MAKENZIE HORN

Helena High School senior cheerleader

What are you looking forward to this year at Helena High School?

This year at Helena High School I am looking forward to my Senior year. I am also looking forward to all the upcoming events I will attend.

What do you enjoy most about cheerleading?

What I enjoy most about cheerleading is being part of the Friday night environment. I also enjoy competitions that we participate in.

Being a student at Helena, what is it  that you enjoy most about the school?

I love the school spirit at Helena High School.

Who is your biggest role model or influence in life and what makes them that person for you?

My mom is my biggest influence in my life. No matter what I am going through she is always there for me looking for the good in every situation.

What age did you start cheering and what made you fall in love with it?

I started cheering when I was six years old. I loved all of the skills I learned to become a good cheerleader. I also enjoyed doing competition cheer.

The cheer team is coming off a successful year last year, what is that makes the Helena cheer program so special?

Coach Swinsick is an amazing cheer coach and leader . No matter what goes on outside of cheer, we all come together as one when we practice and compete .

What mark do you hope to leave on the cheer squad before you graduate from high school?

That they always remember to laugh and have fun. Even though practice and competition is hard, we always make sure to laugh and have fun.

For those not clear on what all goes into cheer, what kind of work ethic does it take to be successful?

Hard working, dedicated, focused

What would make this year a successful year in your eyes?

That we come together as a team and do amazing at Nationals.

What are your goals in life?

To go to college and get a degree.

Living in Helena, what do you enjoy most about the city?

I enjoy that it is a small town.

Education

JEFF BURNSIDE

Helena High School Band Director

For those who don’t know you, how long have you been at Helena and what is your background in band?

I am starting my 36th year as a band director.......I spent two years in Mobile County (1988-1989), nine years in the Homewood City School System (1989-1998), and have been in Shelby County since then (1998-present). I was at Pelham for 15 years and moved to Helena when the school opened in the fall of 2014.

What do you enjoy most about being the band director at Helena High School?

The ultimate in job satisfaction is the look on the faces of the students during a performance when they realize what they have accomplished and what they did to get to that point.

Heading into a new year, what has the preparation been like this summer during band camp?

Preparations this summer have been similar to those in previous years. Lots of work goes into the field show before students arrive, and a lot of work is put into preparations by our student leadership team. Likewise, many groups spent time during the summer preparing, learning choreography, etc. to be ready when the full band arrives for camp.

What can people expect from the halftime show this season?

This year’s show is proving to be an exciting show. We have added a few musical ideas and props that we don’t normally do, so I think the crowd will really enjoy it. The tunes in the show are very recognizable and will be fun for all those in the crowd, whether they are big band buffs or not.

How much joy do you get out of watching your band students perform, whether it’s during football games or during concerts and competitions?

Like I said before, the ultimate job satisfaction comes from watching the students when they perform. There is no substitute for the sense of satisfaction when you see the look on their faces as they perform what they have worked so hard to prepare—whether outside in a field show, or on stage in a concert. People who have not experienced band sometimes don’t understand the work that goes into preparing a band performance, and the amount of teamwork and unity that it takes to pull it off the way it is supposed to be. That is where the job satisfaction comes in, and in most careers, you just don’t get the chance to experience that.

What makes  Helena High School a special place to be in education?

Helena High School is all about the students, which is what all schools should be about. What experience can we provide for them, what lessons can they learn, what doors can we open for them? High school is about preparing for what’s next.

City Hall Faces

Kym Rollan

Building Inspections Clerk and Court Clerk for the city of Helena

For the last 19 years, Kym Rollan has given back to the city she has called home since 1976 by serving in multiple roles within City Hall. She currently serves as the city’s Building Inspections Clerk and Court Clerk.

“We at the city many times are asked to wear more than one hat to get the jobs completed for our residents,” she said. “So, depending on why you are coming to city hall to see me will depend on which hat I have on.”

A resident of the city for nearly 50 years, Rollan has witnessed ample change within the city limits, including a lot of growth and development, but one thing she has seen remain the same is the type of city Helena remains to this day.

“We have always had a great sense of community in this city and our volunteers are amazing,” Rollan said. “This is what makes our city such an amazing place to live and work.”

Rollan actually moved away from Helena after receiving her master’s in communication science and disorders when she took a corporate job, but she returned home quickly to raise her children in the same place she was raised.

In addition to her work in the city, Rollan loves to volunteer and has worked as a cheerleading coach, spring fling coordinator and Christmas Parade committee member as she continues to give back to her hometown.

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 Dinkles

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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL:

Open Door Independent Church

120 Laurel Woods Drive (205) 482-5963

Opendooral.com

Cornerstone Church Life Christian Fellowship

Lead Pastor: Rev. Tim Trimble

2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332

Cornerstonechurchhelena.org

Church at Cahaba Bend

Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday

3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060

Cahababend.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

Brandon and Laura Mayer

Brandon and Laura Mayer moved to Helena in 2005 when Laura took a job at Helena Intermediate School as a special education teacher, and the two quickly fell in love.

“We fell in love with the people and the area immediately,” Laura said. “We are both from out of state, and even though we miss our family and friends back home, we can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

The two had their first child in 2007, and even though Laura loved everything about her job and HIS, she decided to transition of a life of staying home to take care of what became the first of three kids.

Two years later, they had their second child with Brandon taking on a role as an insurance agent in Helena. Attending Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster, the kids started going to The Day School at Cahaba Bend when they turned 2 with the family being a part of that program for

the next 10 years.

That provided Laura with the ability of helping Brandon part time, while she also worked with her best friend. It led to the perfect balance of a Helena life for the family. Their boys also started playing sports in Helena at 3 years old and they both loved every minute of playing baseball, flag football, tackle football and basketball in the parks and rec system. Brandon coached the boys for years and he loved every minute of spending that time with them. The couple had their lone daughter in August of 2013 to complete their family.

The kids are now all in the process of working their way through Helena schools, which the family raves about.

“Over the past 18 years, our love for Helena has continued to grow,” Laura said. “We can’t think of one negative thing about this beautiful little city where we’ve raised our kids. It’s been perfect for our family.”

FINISHING STRONG

Helena’s Tucker Bremer starts senior year with perfect ACT score

BY EMILY SPARACINO SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

WWhen Helena High School senior Tucker Bremer sets a goal for himself, he is nearly relentless in his efforts to reach it.

Take the ACT, for example. The first time Bremer, 17, scored a 35 on the test, he decided to take it again to try to earn a perfect score of 36.

“When I made my first 35, I was so excited and felt like, ‘Wow, I can really get a 36,’” Bremer said. “The next two times I took the ACT, I was a little disappointed that I hadn’t improved. But I really felt like I could get the 36 and wanted to try one more time.”

After earning three consecutive scores of 35, Bremer decided that, if his fourth attempt yielded another 35, he would accept it and move on.

“I felt like if I got another 35, then that’s just it and I’d be done,” he said. “I studied a lot harder

knowing this was the last chance to get the 36, and I got it!”

Bremer credits his early AP classes during freshman and sophomore year with helping to prepare him for the ACT by providing challenges that he learned how to navigate.

“They taught me how to learn, how to study, and how to do well on tests,” he said. “My calculus summer work helped me because I did it the two weeks preceding the ACT, and that helped me do better on the math section, which is one of the sections I needed improvement on.”

But, according to Bremer, math and science are his favorite subjects in school.

“Math comes easy to me and makes sense; it’s a language of logic, and I like that there’s a definite answer,” Bremer said. “I also liked chemistry a lot.

It’s so closely tied with math that it also came easy to me as well. I find the mechanisms of how chemistry works fascinating because basically everything is chemistry.”

Knowing this, it’s not surprising that Bremer is involved with his school’s math team and is a member of math and science honor societies, along with the National Honor Society.

As strong as Bremer is in the classroom, however, academics are only one part of his high school achievements.

Bremer plays the flute and piccolo in the HHS marching band and wind ensemble. He also serves as the flute section leader.

This marks his seventh year playing flute, his first year playing piccolo and his fourth year in Helena’s marching band.

“My parents made me take band, but I grew to love it,” Bremer admitted. “I remember trying out all the instruments and choosing flute because it seemed

easy, like blowing into a Coke bottle. Now, I know that flute is not easy and requires a lot of multitasking like listening to pitch, articulating properly, paying attention to intonation, and reading the music.”

Bremer and his bandmates spent two weeks in band camp, working on their show for the new season.

“This year’s band is strong fundamentally, and we finished putting the show together and are now refining it for the season,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing the music. The show’s theme is about space, which is already an interest of mine. I feel like with a bit of practice, we can make a huge impact on the crowd.”

If the band’s impact is anything like Tucker’s has been throughout his high school career, the future is certainly bright.

Tara Bremer, Tucker’s mother, has had a frontrow seat for his many accomplishments academically, musically and in other areas, such as

community service. (As a member of Boy Scout Troop 532, Tucker is working toward earning his Eagle Scout rank.)

“Tucker is kind and mature, principled and slow to anger,” Tara said. “He rarely complains, to the point where my husband, Dave, and I have had to get after him to tell us when he doesn’t feel well. He is disciplined in many areas of his life and is a joy to talk to.”

When Tucker finally scored a 36 on the ACT, Tara was elated for him.

“Dave and I were over the moon,” she said, “Mostly because it was an important goal for Tucker. Certainly, we are proud that he’s academically gifted, but it was a thrill to witness

him set a demanding goal, work really hard for it and get it. We took the family out to dinner to celebrate and surprised him with the news there.”

Tara said Tucker’s and his siblings’ music education is a priority for them, too.

“Tucker plays flute, and Calvin is a percussionist at school and is teaching himself trumpet, piano and clarinet at home,” she said. “Our daughter Gigi will start band this fall in sixth grade and wants to learn the trumpet. Dave and I were both heavily involved in high school and college band and, in fact, we met in the Purdue University All-American Marching Band, where Dave was a percussionist and I was on the color guard.”

Tara noted Tucker’s love of music and breadth of

musical knowledge, which he expanded during the pandemic.

“During the Covid shutdown, Dave created a Spotify playlist called ‘Kids’ Music Appreciation,’ and he made it essentially a class period that the kids had to listen to for 45 minutes a day,” Tara

said. “Every genre you can think of, with composers and musicians from Tchaikovsky to Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross to John Mellencamp, Genesis to John Williams. Tucker grew to love many of those pieces, and it added a lot of color to his repertoire.”

Tucker said he is sad his last season in the HHS

band has arrived, but he will take many good memories from it and hopes to continue with marching band in college.

“It’s hard to see something so important to me come to an end,” he said. “I have loved my time in the band. I also have a lot of good memories of the halftime field shows; I loved coming off the field after the show and talking about it with my bandmates. It felt amazing to be a part of such a large group of people who just pulled off something significant like a field show.”

Tucker is taking multiple AP classes this year and “would like to finish high school with a strong GPA,” he said, adding, “An intangible accomplishment is that I want to continue to get to know my friends better and make new friends before I go off to college.”

Every spectrum of eye care.

“Tucker has a big year ahead with six AP classes, as well as being on the Student Leadership Team in the band,” Tara said. “He will earn his Eagle Scout soon, which will be a meaningful way to wrap up his involvement with Scouting in September when he turns 18.”

According to Tucker, his post-high school goals include studying aerospace engineering in college and becoming a field engineer, “working on rockets and taking ideas from theory to reality.”

“Dave and I know he will do the school year well, and we will equip and guide him in every way we can,” Tara said. “We have a village around us in Helena – Dave’s parents, two uncles and their families, plus a network of dear friends, and they are all a part of who Tucker and our other children are becoming. We are so thankful.”

“Dave and I know he will do the school year well, and we will equip and guide him in every way we can”

- TARA BREMER

TAGGING SUCCESS

Helena’s Teacher Assistance Grants make a genuine difference in the classroom

BY DONALD MOTTERN

PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES AND CONTRIBUTED

WWhen Mayor Brian Puckett took office as Mayor of Helena, there was already a one-cent sales tax in effect for the purposes of funding education. First implemented in April of 2011, and first effective in July of that year, the tax was initially imposed as a way to raise funding for the construction of Helena High School.

Cent-by-cent, this fund quietly grew and grew and was utilized by the city of Helena to pay bond debts for school athletics, to make large donations to the city’s schools as well as a way to afford a host of other meritorious matters dealing with education as the needs arose. The tax proved itself to be a necessary and effective tax that has allowed the city of Helena to build a bedrock of education, one that other municipalities can, and have, use as an example.

Upon taking office in November 2020, Mayor Puckett realized that despite all of the expenses,

money remained in the fund at the end of each year and with it, a great opportunity patiently waited to present itself.

“I looked at it as an opportunity to be able to use some of that funding, instead of just letting it sit here (in the fund), (and) get it directly into the classrooms,” Puckett said.

Puckett began the Teacher Assistance Grants (TAG) with the earnest goal of doing something somewhat rare in the governmental sphere, which was getting money and funding directly into the hands of the teachers. This move quickly allowed for the ones in the classrooms, the ones who are with the students each and every day, the ones who know most about what is needed, the opportunity to make headway.

“It’s things that, a lot of times, that specific teacher wants because they know that it’ll be a good educational tool for the classroom,” he said. “This

was a simple way to be able to reward those teachers that are always giving back to our community, who are pouring (their support) into our students each and every day.”

The first awards of the TAG grant took place in April 2021 and since, the grant has placed nearly $320,000 dispersed through more than 130 grant awards for teachers in Helena schools.

In doing so, the TAG grant has made an immediate impact on Helena’s schools, which have seen an immense benefit come from the additional funds.

From Helena Elementary, Intermediate, Middle and High schools, teachers are finding themselves feeling fortunate and thankful for the extra support. Support that is allowing the teachers themselves to find and select items that can truly make Helena’s schools the cathedrals of learning they set them out to be. It is making it possible for schools in Helena

to better connect and serve their most valuable export, their students, and the TAG grant generates pathways for teachers to personally adapt and update their classrooms so that they can better fit it to the students and their technology-savvy generation.

In Helena Elementary School, where the educational journey of every child in Helena begins, 28 awards have been given to teachers so far that have made possible the procurement of a long list of

items, including desktop computers, replacement books, desks and chairs, reading and math kits, smart panels, teaching and manipulative sets, adaptive seating arrangements and toys for special needs classrooms. Of all of these awards, there is one that stood out as being one of the cheapest, but one that might prove to be among the most impactful. A set of Bee-Bots, totaling in the amount of $319.80, was purchased by kindergarten teacher Jessica Cummings when she received money from the TAG grant in 2021.

“It really is neat to see the students use these and to think that some of them are going to go into a field that they will have to code,” Cummings said. “And to think that maybe a Bee-Bot gave them that spark is really an awesome thing!”

A Bee-Bot is a small robot, roughly six inches

long and across and standing four inches high. When used by themselves, they are intended to educate young students on the basics of coding and directional movement, however teachers like Cummings find their uses to be nearly as limitless as the imagination of their young students.

“With Bee-Bots they are not afraid to fail when putting the code in and they quickly learn to fix their mistakes. Being able to incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) into my ELA (english language arts) and math standards is such a must for me.”

Cummings also utilizes the Bee-Bots to take part in lessons that involve numbers, math problems, letters, CVC (consonant, vowel and consonant sound) word construction and also simply for fun as the children code the robot to navigate mazes.

“I know those students are engaged in what they are doing and are practicing many standards at the same time, while growing confidence in something that might not come as easy (to them),” Cummings said. “I am so thankful for the city of Helena investing in our classrooms the way they have.”

At Helena Intermediate and Middle schools, the two schools have seen teachers receive 39 and 30 awards, respectively, which have been used to purchase things such as laptops, white boards, sensory items, adaptive seating and playground equipment, musical instruments, science and sporting equipment, program subscriptions and renovations to classroom libraries, labs and gyms.

“The Helena TAG Team grants offer an incredible opportunity for teachers at each of the Helena schools,” said Jessie Tisdale, a fine arts teacher at Helena Middle School. “Over these past years, these grants have allowed me to purchase 20 iPads and 20 Apple pencils for the Helena Middle School art program.”

The middle school’s art program incorporates the new technology to aid students in their research and photography and also allows for topics such as

animation and even augmented reality to be introduced through programs that would otherwise be unavailable.

This is also the case in Helena High School, which has seen similar items procured for their arts program. Through a total of 36 awards, teachers at the high school have also purchased items such as sets of graphing calculators, new radio systems, 3D printers, digital cameras and lenses, computer upgrades and science and dance equipment.

Sommer Simpson, a fine arts teacher for Helena High School, has also used grant funding to procure iPads for the students for use in art activities, with their funding secured this past school year. In the high school program, these iPads are now shared between three visual arts teachers and serve more than 450 students.

“It is going to be a game changer for us and our students,” Simpson said. “We will teach students how to use software to create digital works of art including photography, animations, gifs, digital drawings/paintings, collages, pixel art, 3d models, films and new media.”

Students at Helena High School are also

introduced to the processes related to editing photos, preparing images for printing, entering online art competitions, and website showcasing. All of which are modern elements whose presence in Helena’s classrooms have been made possible, or greatly expanded in scope, thanks to the funding and items procured from the TAG grant.

Simpson is also one of many teachers who have applied for, and received, more than one TAG grant award since its inception. In 2022, she was also able to purchase 55-inch televisions for use as digital frames, which in effect has allowed her, and the other teachers, to transform the hall into a professional gallery-like setting to showcase student artwork.

“The TVs have motivated and challenged our students to prepare their best work for presentation,” Simpson said. “We believe the displays are enhancing our school culture as they provide students with a sense of ownership of their school.”

It is evident, through near universal appreciation from the teachers, that the TAG grant program set

forth by Mayor Puckett has greatly aided Helena’s schools in their furthered modernization and continued adaptability where education is concerned.

“The TAG grant has made a huge impact on our visual arts program and so many other programs in our school,” Simpson said. “I love that our city makes it a top priority to invest in our future through our kids and our schools.”

Applications for the TAG grant are open to each and every single teacher within Helena’s schools. Once each application period ends, a committee review then determines which applications are approved for each iteration of the grant.

The grant exists in two iterations each year, with awards of the TAG grant occurring each April and November. It is a design that allows teachers two opportunities to receive funding per school year.

“I’m just extremely thankful for our schools and the teachers within the schools,” Mayor Puckett said. “This is just a tiny way that we can give back to them, to make their jobs the easiest it can possibly be.”

TEEN MOVIE NIGHT

A movie was shown on the Helena High school football field for the community to enjoy on July 13.

1. Maddie White, Kaden Ce, Emery Sanchez and Eiyanna Anderson

2. Izzy Nichols and Anna Abston

3. Cameron Clay, Kensen Dewey and Regan Landry

4. Andrew Ezekiel and Logan Mineweaser

5. Elise Anderson and Abby Berish

6. Addisyn Cook Anna Beth Goodman

7. Alexa Holloman, Evie Anderson, Isabell Mann, Zoey Berdette and Savannah Mancalli

PHOTOS BY LIZZIE BOWEN

Karlyn Tarbert and Maddie Vincent

is fun, it lasts a lifetime.

HELENA SOFTBALL CAMP

The Helena High School softball team held its annual softball camp, as young players got a chance to learn from members of one of the state’s top softball programs.

1. Maddie White, Kaden Ce, Emery Sanchez and Eiyanna Anderson

2. Izzy Nichols and Anna Abston

3. Cameron Clay, Kensen Dewey and Regan Landry

4. Andrew Ezekiel and Logan Mineweaser

5. Elise Anderson and Abby Berish

6. Addisyn Cook Anna Beth Goodman

7. Alexa Holloman, Evie Anderson, Isabell Mann, Zoey Berdette and Savannah Mancalli

PHOTOS BY JASON HOMAN

HELENA MARKET DAYS

Helena residents continued to enjoy Helena Market Days during the month of August, as the event neared an end for the 2023 season.

1. Kenadie Fuller

2. Brian and Sarah Evans

3. Mildred Watson

4. Alex, Michelle, Hamilton and Rosemary Lawley

5. Susan Swindal

6. Jamie Reid and Katelyn Bottlieb

7. Teresa and Bobby Hayward

PHOTOS BY BARTON PERKINS

Marketplace

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Helena the Magazine • 205.669.3131

MY HELENA

KEN GRIFFIN

Helena resident and retired educator

Nature at its best

The terrain of Helena

The terrain of Alabama is so beautiful. I love the hills and the mountain views. Living in South Georgia, everything was flat and the roads were straight, but here in Helena, you got rolling hills and great views.

Welcome to Helena

The Helena Welcome Center and Red Caboose

I love going to the red caboose and having my daily coffee. I have made friends and learned a lot about the city in my time visiting. One of my favorites is going for donut Friday. Everyone should visit the caboose.

Location, location, location

Sitting in the perfect spot

Helena’s location is such a great asset. Even with continued growth and the train tracks, Helena has the small town living feel with easy access to our grandchildren in Vestavia Hills and other areas we want to visit in the Birmingham area.

A place to settle Making Helena my retirement spot

After living in Georgia for 63 years, I retired to Helena and the Amberley Woods neighborhood to make Helena my permanent home. For 39 years, I worked in the education field and officially retired after a long career, moving to Helena where it is great to see a strong education system on a daily basis

Teacher support

A city that backs education

The support Helena’s schools and teachers get from the Helena City Council is outstanding. Allowing teachers to present grant requests and then funding the requests speaks so much about the city council and their support of education.