Helena The Magazine, July 2022 by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.

JULY 2022

HELENA THE MAGAZINE

HANDS-ON APPROACH HILLSBORO MONTESSORI’S DOROTHY EWING WALKS THROUGH THE SCHOOL’S TEACHING METHODS

CHANGING HIS VIEW JAKE CROOKS FIGHTS THROUGH VISION IMPAIRMENT TO PITCH FOR HELENA

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION THIS YEAR’S FREE EVENT TO FEATURE VENDORS, LIVE MUSIC FROM TELLURIDE AND FIREWORKS CityOfHelena.org 1

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City Leadership

A letter from the mayor This month, let’s start with what is about to happen—the big Helena Independence Day Celebration. We will be bringing you the celebration you have waited for since last year on Sunday, July 3. This year’s event will start out at 5 p.m. with vendors and food trucks lining the streets of Old Town to give you and your family a chance to shop local artisans. New to this year’s event will be a concert at Helena’s Amphitheater Park from 6-9 p.m. Telluride will be playing, yes you saw that correct, for three hours leading up to the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Stay in your spot at the amphitheater or line the streets to view 21 minutes of continuous blasts of color all synced up to the official City of Helena fireworks soundtrack, which will be played on Talk 99.5 FM. Best of all, the live concert, festival and fireworks

show are all free to anyone from any community. Invite your family and friends to come hang out in Helena in July 3. There is also excitement happening at the Jane B. Holmes Library right now. Do not forget to finish out the summer reading program at the library in July. So far this summer, the program has been a great success and major hit for all ages. The library will be hosting an event every day, Monday through Friday, until July 15. One of the most important things for me and our City Council is the constant improvement of our city’s infrastructure as we move forward together. Over the last few months, I have given updates on

This is a great example to the true teamwork that happens every day in Helena from those that serve you no matter the department they work in. road, water and sewer projects underway within the in. The Bulk Trash Dropoff will only be available city. This month, I am excited to close the bidding to Helena residents and proof of residency will be process to repair stormwater inlets and sidewalk checked before being allowed to enter. A new notable ordinance was passed the other issues throughout the city. Both project’s bids will be opened on July 6 and night by the Council about on-street parking within Helena. The new ordinance helps better presented to the City Council on July 11. define where people are not able to park The stormwater inlet repair bid includes in residential areas from the ordinance it 62 sites throughout the city that need is replacing. repairing from small repairs to big ones. Finally, I want to wrap up this July The bid for repair of sidewalks includes edition with some congratulations. 52 locations throughout the city. Recently, an emergency call come in While we are talking about from a worksite injury that was grave in infrastructure and having plans to nature. do things the best way possible for Building Official Keith Martin maintenance and repair, rather than just and Building Inspector Dejay Jones blindly doing things, let me give a quick Mayor Brian happened to be in the neighborhood next update on the Pavement Management Puckett to where the accident occurred. They Plan that has been in the works. were some of the first to arrive at the An outside engineering firm came in and reviewed every section of every road we maintain scene along with Helena Police officer Richard Black as a city in the last few months. In their review, each and were able to stabilize the patient to be quickly transported to UAB. section of roadway was given a rating. This is a great example to the true teamwork that Hopefully everyone has started seeing the promotions for our annual “Bulk Trash Dropoff Day.” happens every day in Helena from those that serve This year’s event is Saturday morning, July 16. It’s a you no matter the department they work in. Until next month when we chat again, I hope that great time to get the garage cleaned out. Republic Services is partnering with us for this everyone has a safe and memorable Fourth of July in event because of the quantity of debris that is brought Helena.

Together As One,

-Brian Puckett, mayor of Helena

CityOfHelena.org 5

In this issue FEATURES

MEET TRENT POSEY Get to know Helena Middle School baseball coach Trent Posey

A DIFFERENT APPROACH Hillsboro Montessori’s Dorothy Ewing walks through the school’s teaching methods

CHANGING HIS VIEW Jake Crooks fights through vision loss to pitch for Helena 6 CityOfHelena.org

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THE MAGAZINE

CONTENT

A Letter from the Mayor

The Guide

HELENA Official Publication of the City of Helena

Greetings from the Jane B. Holmes Public Library

EDITORIAL Alec Etheredge Meg Herndon Michelle Love Anna Grace Moore

City Hall Faces

Helena Church Directory

Out & About

Christina Dennis

MARKETING

In the News

Meet Your neighbor

An update from the City Council

My Helena

Emily Sparacino

DESIGN Connor Martin-Lively Kimberly Myers

PHOTOGRAPHY Keith McCoy Daniel Dennis

Rhett McCreight Jessica Caudill Tori Montjoy Michaela Hancock

ADMINISTRATION

ON THE COVER Seeing what others can’t

Publisher Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. 115 North Main Street Columbiana AL 35051 205-669-3131 Daniel Holmes

Despite vision loss, Jake Crooks has a fresh perspective on life

General Manager

Photo by Keith McCoy Cover Design by Kimberly Myers

Customer Service

Need to rent a Pavilion for an upcoming Birthday or Family Reunion? Rent a City Park Pavilion: cityofhelena.org/parks-recreation/helena-parks/

Mary Jo Eskridge

Helena - The Magazine is the official publication for the City of Helena that is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. This publication replaces the weekly newspaper Helena Reporter that was produced specifically for the Helena community since 2015. The magazine is mailed to all households and businesses in the 35080 zip code and will be available year-round throughout the City of Helena. Additional copies may be available at Helena City Hall at 205-663-2161 or info@helenathemagazine.com. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Please email advertise@helenathemagazine.com for advertising inquiries.

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

City Government Brian Puckett Mayor bpuckett@cityofhelena.org

Alice Lobell

Leigh Hulsey

Christopher VanCleave

Place 3, Council President

Place 1

Place 2

auhulsey@gmail.com

cvancleave@ cityofhelena.org

Laura Joseph

Hewy Woodman

Amanda Traywick

Place 4

Place 5

ljoseph@cityofhelena.org

hwoodman@ cityofhelena.org

City Clerk and Treasurer

alobell@cityofhelena.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.

atraywick@ cityofhelena.org

Departments City Hall (205) 663-2161 Fire Department (205) 663-5809 Sports Complex (205) 620-2877 8 CityOfHelena.org

Library (205) 664-8308 Police (205) 663-6499 Utilities (205) 663-1670

THE GUIDE

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION JULY 3 5-9 P.M. Old Town Helena

One of the most popular annual events in Helena, the city’s Independence Day Celebration will take place on Sunday, July 3 from 5-9 p.m. in Old Town. It is being led by the Helena Business Association. The HOTBoard will host live music from Telluride from 7-9 p.m. The event will conclude with fireworks illuminating the sky over Old Town and Buck Creek at 9 p.m. coordinated to music broadcasted on local radio. CityOfHelena.org 9

AROUND TOWN JULY JULY 2 | 8 A.M. – NOON Helena Market Days JULY 2 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library JULY 3 | 5-9 P.M. Independence Day Celebrations in Old Town Helena JULY 6 | 2:30 P.M. Visit with the Helena Police Department at City Hall JULY 7 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library SATURDAY, JULY 2

JULY 9 | 8 A.M. – NOON Helena Market Days

Helena Market Days

JULY 9 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

8 A.M. - NOON Helena Amphitheater Park Helena Market Days will continue every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. Market Days are filled with local food vendors, artists, cooking demonstrations and other fantastic options to keep you entertained on Saturday mornings. Here, participants are able to see the varied and diverse creative minds that truly make Helena unique.

THURSDAY, JULY 21

Senior BINGO at the Helena Sports Complex 10 A.M. Helena Sports Complex If you’re a member of Helena’s senior community and are looking for a fun way to socialize, come to the Helena Sports Complex on July 21 for a rousing game of BINGO. Enjoy a fun game while making new friends or spending time with old ones. There is never a dull moment at BINGO.

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TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Storytime at the library 11 A.M. Jane B. Holmes Library Storytime at the library is a fun event meant to encourage young people to pick up a book and discover the joys of reading. Children are treated to books of different themes and authors that will enhance their love of reading and provide them with an up-close look at what makes books so special.

JULY 11 | 2:30 P.M. The Art of Origami at the library JULY 13 | 2:30 P.M. Teen Summer Reading Close-out Day at the library JULY 14 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library JULY 15 | 10:30 A.M. AND 2:30 P.M. Summer Reading Final Event at City Hall JULY 21 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library JULY 21 | 10 A.M. Senior BINGO at the Helena Sports Complex JULY 23 | 8 A.M. - NOON Helena Market Days JULY 23 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

THURSDAY, AUG. 11

First Day of School 8 A.M. August brings several exciting new events including the start of a new school year! Schools in Shelby County will start back on Aug. 11 with staggered start days.

CityOfHelena.org 11

In the News HELENA HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 2022 GRADUATING CLASS The 2022 seniors of Helena High School celebrated their graduation at Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center on Monday, May 23.

10TH ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS NAMES 5 AWARD RECIPIENTS Daysol Coffee Lab won the New Small Business of the Year Award for Category V, which goes to a local business that has been open less than a year with fewer than 25 employees.

LEIGH HULSEY WINS REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FOR DISTRICT 15 SEAT Helena City Council member and resident Leigh Hulsey won the Republican nomination for the District 15 seat for the Alabama House of Representatives in the May 24 Primary Election. The General Election is set for Nov. 8. If she wins, she will be the first Helena resident to serve in the State House.

HELENA CITY COUNCIL PRESENTS $25,000 TO HELENA SCHOOLS The Helena City Council presented $25,000 checks to Helena’s various schools as one last donation for the 2021-2022 school year. Mayor Brian Puckett said the city of Helena will always make supporting the city’s schools a top priority.

12 CityOfHelena.org

In the News HELENA CITY COUNCIL HONORS SENIOR MEMBERS OF TEEN COUNCIL The senior members of Helena’s Teen Council were presented with special certificates on behalf of the Helena City Council. The teens were praised for their hard work and dedication to the Helena community.

CITY CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF HELENA’S BUCK CREEK FESTIVAL Helena’s Buck Creek Festival made its return to the city Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14. The annual festival took place on the banks of Buck Creek at Helena Amphitheater Park and saw hundreds of residents and visitors come out to support local businesses and see the famous duck race.

CityOfHelena.org 13

In the News HELENA SOFTBALL TEAM FINISHES AS CLASS 6A RUNNER-UP The Helena High School softball team made a special run to the state championship in Class 6A this season, going 3-2 at the state tournament with wins against Robertsdale, Mortimer Jordan and Pell City. The Huskies fell to Athens 3-1 on the opening day of the tournament and again in the championship 4-2, losing both games by two runs. Helena finished the season 40-6-3 overall.

HELENA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE HOSTS SUCCESSFUL COKE OVENS TOUR The Helena Historic Preservation Committee held its annual guided hike through the Billy Gould Coke Ovens on Saturday, April 23. The ovens are an integral part of Helena’s long and intricate history.

HELENA’S MATTHEW BELL WINS FARMER’S COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP Helena High School’s Matthew Bell was awarded the Farmer’s Pest Control college scholarship. The scholarship is for $1,000 and is awarded annually to a student who exemplifies hard work and dedication to HHS and the Helena community.

HHS’S TREY LAMBERT SIGNS WITH WALLACE STATE FOR TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP Helena High School’s Trey Lambert signed a two-year commitment to play tennis for Wallace State on Thursday, May 12 at the Helena Sports Complex. Lambert has played tennis for Helena since he was in the seventh grade and contributed more than 125 court wins for the Huskies. 14 CityOfHelena.org

Meet Your Neighbor

Joy Childers Members of the Helena community are more than familiar with resident Joy Childers. She’s lived in Helena for 46 years and has kept herself busy building quite the resume in the city. She’s served as chairman of the Helena Christmas Parade for more than 20 years, served on the beautification board, was the mayoral assistant to Mayor Charles (Sonny) Penhale, is an inspector for Helena’s polling place, and part of the charter family responsible for building Gobblers Knob and the community center. She’s also on the board of directors for the Helena softball team and helped establish the first softball

team in the city. Of her many projects, Joy said her favorite is definitely the Helena Christmas Parade because it brings the city together to kick off the season. Joy’s favorite thing about Helena is the strength of community, a community she said she loves to give back to. In her spare time, she loves to walk around town and volunteer in places that may need her help. “I’m a pretty open book, who believes you give back to a community that gave to you, welcomed you and your family and learned to love you and let you love them back,” she said. CityOfHelena.org 15

SPONSORED CONTENT

A PLACE TO CALL HOME Local realtor describes journey to Helena

It took one visit to a friend living in Helena at the time for Jana May to realize that she would soon call the town her home. “When I drove through Old Town, I thought I entered the Twilight Zone,” May said. “It was surreal. I could not get over the charm and I knew I had to live here. Helena stole my heart. Being a military brat and a child of parents with wanderlust, I have lived in some amazing places and as an adult, I continued that wanderlust which took me to New York City and Australia. Everywhere I lived was temporary until I moved to Helena. My heart chose Helena to be my hometown.” May also met her husband, Joe May, which prompted her to establish roots in Helena. She now spends most of her time helping others find their dream homes as a Realtor for Keller Williams Metro South. “When I show a home, buyers 16 CityOfHelena.org

spend the most time studying the kitchen then onto the backyard,” May said. “Some buyers are looking for a ‘turn-key’ home, and others want a ‘diamond in the rough’ to create the home they want.” May said within the last few years, home values have increased and continue to do so. “The reason is lower interest rates, so buyers are able to afford more, yet there is a low supply of houses,” May said. “Currently, home values are 12 percent higher than they were a year ago. We do not know how long this uptick will last with the interest rates increasing. If you thought about selling, now is the time.” May said for those interested in buying a home in today’s market, she suggests having financing in place before home shopping. “If you are paying cash, make sure that you have proof of funds to submit your offer,” May said. “If you are financing, then ask your

lender for a pre-qualification/preapproval letter to present with your offer.” The trend with buyers looking to purchase a home shows that most individuals are looking for a wellmaintained home in a familyoriented neighborhood and good schools, May said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, May was instrumental in beginning to live-stream the Helena City Council meetings on social media platforms. Something that she continues to do for the Helena Business Association Facebook page. “We were in the beginning of the pandemic during the 2020 Municipal Election and it was difficult to get to know the incumbents/candidates so I took it upon myself to call each one of them to invite them to share their platform with me on social media,” May said. “I was shocked that each of them said yes. The one common

SPONSORED CONTENT thread of each candidate was their love for Helena and they are all intelligent and good people. My admiration for the Municipal leaders of Helena is what led me to attend the city council meetings.” May said something that makes Helena unique and enjoyable are Helenians. “I believe the city cultivates this community with its amazing events from anything that is Husky to Buck Creek Festival to Old Town Live. There are many reasons that make Helena unique and enjoyable.” May said the hidden gem within the town is at the end of the Amphitheater park. “I find it to be very serene,” May said. “I love to grab a book and a chair to spend an afternoon right here.” As a Realtor, May said it is very important for her to help people find their dream home. “To use the old cliche, ‘Home is where the heart is,’ is so true,” May said. “What is most important to me as a Realtor is to bring people home; a home where the love and where memories are made.”

CityOfHelena.org 17

Sports

TRENT POSEY Baseball coach at Helena Middle School

18 CityOfHelena.org

How long have you been at Helena Middle School? I’m finishing up my fifth year at HMS. What made you want to become a coach? The love of the game of baseball and football. I just knew I couldn’t stay away from the game. My high school football coach was a big part of me becoming a coach. Your team won the Baseball Southern Conference this year! How does that make you feel to see your team succeed? I was extremely excited for them with all the hard work they put in throughout the offseason to conquer the goal they set. What do you love about coaching baseball? Baseball is a game that can compare to life. It will humble you in a second if you don’t work hard and keep your eyes on the goal. How would you describe your approach to coaching? Play with discipline, play fast and play aggressive. You have to have to have confidence in your ability and trust in your teammates around you. What makes Helena stand out from other sports programs at different schools? What’s there not to love about Helena? The community is wonderful and it’s an awesome place to raise your kids. This school is awesome and always has your back. What is a special moment that stands out to you in your coaching career? Winning the 2022 Southern Conference Tournament. Also, seeing my first group of players signing scholarships to play college baseball this year. Another one would be the 2020 baseball season. We were 11-0 when the season was cut short. We had a really good team that year. Why do you think sports are so integral in building character in young people’s lives? It’s very important with building character in young children. It gives them the opportunity to build good management skills, communication skills and deal with highs and lows. When things aren’t going your way, they have to learn to move on and get back to work. It also teaches them to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. CityOfHelena.org 19

Update from

20 CityOfHelena.org

THE COUNCIL

Laura Joseph PLACE 4 What a great time to be in Helena! This summer is absolutely jam-packed with fun and exciting things for individuals, families and groups to enjoy. I hope you’ll get out there and take advantage of the many opportunities to make some summer fun this month! Here are a few opportunities coming up in the next few weeks: Helena’s annual Independence Day Celebration in Old Town, featuring live music by Telluride, kicks off July 3 and ends with an exciting fireworks extravaganza. Pro tip: Grab dinner at The Depot or Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and sit on the deck to watch the fireworks show or grab some food from Refined To Go or one of the many food trucks that will be in attendance, while watching the show from “Helena Beach” near the waterfall. The Jane B. Holmes Summer Reading Program kicked off last month, and if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late. This month’s events include visits with Helena’s Police and Fire departments, afternoon board games, origami and an end-of-summer celebration with musician Jim Aycock. Helena Market Days are still going strong, as more fresh fruits and veggies come into season during the summer months. Each Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, come down to the amphitheater for fresh produce, homemade goodies, crafts, live music and lots of fun. Many of the events that we look forward to are organized solely by citizens, and when these dedicated volunteers relocate or retire, we need folks who are willing to step up and give back. Therefore, I encourage each of you to be “Hands On In Helena” this summer. Volunteering doesn’t have to be hard or long-term. Come out and weed flower beds at a clean-up day, help set up tents for an event, design a social media graphic for an upcoming event, or just reach out and say, “How can I help?” Any of your elected officials can help connect you, and you can always call City Hall for more information. I sincerely hope that each of you will attend at least three of our city’s events this summer and choose at least one group to get involved with, even if it’s just once or twice. We are #HelenaStrong, and we’re stronger TOGETHER! I hope you all have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you around town! Sincerely, Laura Joseph

CityOfHelena.org 21

Library Update

GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY

As you read this, the library Summer Reading Program is well underway, and hopefully everyone has been reading, earning prizes and attending great library programs! Happy Fourth of July to all Helena residents. We want to extend a special thanks to the Helena Fire Department for providing a fun and informative summer program. We look forward to a visit from the police department on Wednesday, July 6 at 2:30 p.m. These brave first responders help our Library Director library and the community Dan Dearing in so many ways, and we appreciate their service! The library recently received some new early reader kits from Alabama Public Library Service. These kits check out for two weeks and feature items that help children learn and explore. These activities are meant to help develop school readiness. Ask a library staff member about these kits today. As for the remainder of the 2022 Summer Reading Program, there is still time to sign up, read and attend some great free programs. In addition to Afternoon Crafts, Storytime and Board

Please visit the library soon,

Game Fun, the library has some great events scheduled in July. On Wednesday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. there is the Teen Close-Out with Book Bingo. On Friday, July 15 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., popular musician Jim Aycock will sing some children’s favorites! Finally, on Thursday, July 21 at 5:45 p.m., there is the always-anticipated event with the long name—The End of Summer Reading Celebration for Grown Up Readers. Please check the library website, Facebook page, or call 205-664-8308 for times and locations. In August, watch for a library appearance at the outstanding Helena Farmers Market and a book display for the popular Dogman series, among other programs. If you have not visited the library lately, stop by soon to see what is new and check out the summer decorations compliments of library staff members. There are oceans of possibilities when it comes to your reading opportunities!

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

-Daniel Dearing, library director

22 CityOfHelena.org

July’s Top Picks SPARRING PARTNERS By John Grisham | Adult Fiction #1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham is the acknowledged master of the legal thriller. In his first collection of novellas, law is a common thread, but America’s favorite storyteller has several surprises in store.

THE DISASTER-READY HOME: A STEPBY-STEP EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MANUAL FOR SHELTERING IN PLACE By Creek Stewart | Adult Nonfiction A complete, step-by-step manual for safely sheltering-in-place at home so you are prepared for any disaster or disease. FAMILY OF LIARS By E. Lockhart | Young Adult The thrilling prequel to the bestseller We Were Liars takes readers back to the story of another summer, another generation and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

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OCEAN! OUR WATERY WORLD AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE By DK Smithsonian | Juvenile Nonfiction Explore the deep blue as you’ve never known before! Jam-packed with fun facts about sea creatures and ocean environments, you can explore sharks, jellyfish and an array of other animals that call the ocean their home.

THE SCHOOL FOR WHATNOTS By Margaret Peterson Haddix | Juvenile Fiction This middle grade thriller from Margaret Peterson Haddix delves into the power of privilege, the importance of true friendship and the question of humanity and identity.

KNIGHT OWL By Christopher Denise | Easy Picture Book A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor and heart. CityOfHelena.org 23

City Hall Faces

Meet Jason Poe

Head of the Public Works Department Jason Poe is definitely a familiar face around the city. He has worked with the city for seven years now and serves as the head of the Public Works Department. As head of the department, Poe’s job involves governing all issues related to street maintenance, mowing of all right of ways throughout the city, flood and storm debris cleanup, sanitation and yard debris pickup, storm drain maintenance and maintaining all public works equipment in addition other projects around the city. Poe also oversees the hanging of Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city for the holiday season. Though he isn’t a resident of Helena, Poe loves the small-town atmosphere and all of the delicious food the city has to offer. In his spare time, he enjoys taking his family to Freezy’s Creamery for ice cream and hanging out at Buck Creek and Helena Amphitheater Park. 24 CityOfHelena.org

Church At Cahaba Bend

Gospel Light Baptist Church

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST: Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 (205) 620-4575 Helenachurch.com

New Vision Christian Church Senior Pastor: Van C. Houser 2383 Highway 95 (205) 919-6678 Nvcc4god.org

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST: Grace Christian Church Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson 869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233 Gracechristianchurch.org

The Rock Church Head Pastor: Bryan Van Gieson 501 2nd Avenue West (205) 358-7625 Rockofbirmingham.org

Gospel Light Baptist Church Lead Pastor: Gary Bohman 5781 Roy Drive (205) 685-0772 Glbcbham.com

METHODIST: Helena United Methodist Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenaumc.org

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkles 5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323 Mpbchelena.com

Church at Cahaba Bend Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday 3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060 Cahababend.org

Riverside Baptist Church Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910 Rbchelena.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Open Door Independent Church 120 Laurel Woods Drive (205) 482-5963 Opendooral.com

Crossbridge Community Church Lead Pastor: Cody Brister 1455 Starkey Street (205) 358-3500 Crossbridgehelena.com

Cornerstone Church Life Christian Fellowship Lead Pastor: Rev. Tim Trimble 2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332 Cornerstonechurchhelena.org

The Voice of Faith International Ministries Head Pastor: Franklin Kirksey 1560 Cunningham Drive (205) 663-7396 PENTECOSTAL Helena Pentecostal Worship Center Head Pastor: Rev. Joel Wayne Pate 2nd Ave. & Branch St. (205) 663-1697 PRESBYTERIAN Harmony Church of Helena Head Pastor: Mike Ensminger 3396 Helena Road (205) 663-2174 Helenacpchurch.com Christ Community Church Head Pastor: Phil Chambers 2222 Highway 52 (205) 881-4222 Cccbham.org

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Education

MICHELLE EVANS Seventh grade special education teacher at Helena Middle School 26 CityOfHelena.org

How long have you worked in special education? I have been teaching special education for 12 years. What made you realize this was what you wanted to do as a career? I went to college to become an elementary teacher, but I ended up becoming a special education para for a middle school in Houston, Texas for some years. I eventually got a job teaching second and then third grad, but I missed my students at the middle school. I felt like they had taught me so much. We needed each other. They made me love teaching. So, when I was contacted by the middle school about a position in special education, I applied and have been in special education ever since. What have you learned working with students with special needs? I have learned every student does not learn the same. I’m always reminded of one of my favorite quotes: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”-Albert Einstein. Sometimes, students with a history of behavioral issues just want someone to give them encouraging words and believe in them. My goal is to constantly instill in them that every day is another chance to start over and try again. What do you love about working in Helena schools? What I love about working in Helena Middle School is that we have the best administrators, staff, faculty and students in Shelby County. HMS is family. If I ever need something, HMS will be there for me. What is something you wish people knew or understood about what you do? I wish people understood that teaching is hard work, and that I enjoy working with students and their success is also my success. I would never cheat them out of learning. When I feel like I can no longer do my best as a teacher, I will gracefully bow out of this profession. I don’t plan on that happening anytime soon. What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job? There are honestly so many rewards with being an educator. I’d have to say my favorite is witnessing the “aha” moment from the students eyes when they understand a concept that was previously difficult for them. CityOfHelena.org 27

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HANDS-ON APPROACH How the Hillsboro School is molding its students BY MICHELLE LOVE PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA DENNIS

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It’s relatively quiet along the school grounds of Hillsboro Montessori School on this particular Tuesday. Some of the students have gone off to a cooking demonstration, while others are on a guided hike. Dorothy Ewing, the school’s director of operations, says it usually isn’t this quiet when the students are out working in the garden or playing on the playground, but that doesn’t mean the quiet isn’t welcome. Ewing is giving a tour of the school’s garden and the resident chickens that live in a coup next to it. “They love all the greens,” Ewing says of the chickens, feeding bits of greenery to the hungry birds. “The kids really get a kick out of how much they love the greens.” For those unfamiliar with Hillsboro, the idea of chickens on the property may be surprising, but they, like everything on the property, serve Hillsboro’s hands-on learning style. The school values teaching students through experience and letting them learn the importance of things around them as opposed to being restrained to a traditional classroom with desks and a chalkboard for seven hours out of the day. The nonprofit school was established in 2017 with the goal of filling the void for a private, comprehensive Montessori primary and secondary school that did not follow a religious program. The school property spans more than 30 acres and includes a facility for preschool through sixth grade and a separate facility for high school students. Hillsboro is the only Montessori school in the Birmingham area that teaches preschool through high school. The classrooms are built to engage students in different age groups, for example, kindergarten through third grade in one classroom and fourth through sixth in another. Montessori schools, as a whole, differ from your usual public school in that the teaching style is more catered to the individual child with oneon-one lessons and a more self-paced curriculum. Through its lessons, Hillsboro’s top priority is to always encourage curiosity, creativity and compassion. “The main goal is to get them excited about learning and to learn how they learn,” Ewing says. “It’s not like we graduate and go, ‘Well, I’m CityOfHelena.org 31

done.’ So for them to learn now at such an early age how they learn best and what they need to do to focus and concentrate, those are skills they can use for college and beyond. They’re really driving their own learning, and we want to keep them excited and not bored with school.” Ewing said the goal of Montessori teaching practices is to help students understand the “how and why” of mathematics, science and other subjects as opposed to “regurgitating information” that they’ve memorized. One such material is the bead cabinet with various lengths of bead counters designed to teach the children how to add and multiply. “It’s really cool because the kids can see the difference and feel the difference in, say, five squared and five cubed because it gives them a physical quantity to look at, as opposed to just memorizing five times five times five,” Ewing says. There are hundreds of other learning tools the school utilizes to teach the students the how’s and why’s. Binomial and trinomial puzzles that may seem fun are simultaneously teaching children algebra, while organization activities teach students the order of life forms throughout history. 32 CityOfHelena.org

“They think they’re playing, but they’re actually learning along the way,” Ewing says, smiling. Ewing said children learn practical life skills at Montessori that they can practice and take out into the real world, making them self-sustaining functioning teenagers and eventually adults. “This approach, we feel, is better because they’re learning why the solution to an equation is what it is versus just, ‘I’ve done it so much and that just is what it is,’” she said. “We’ve found, especially with Montessori kids, their question is, ‘Why?’ So, we found that teaching them the answer to that why teaches them how to ask questions and problem solve later in life.” Ewing syas the Montessori approach is also beneficial because it removes from students the need to compete with each other to be “best in the class.” Because students are learning at their own pace and at different levels, there is no feeling instilled in the students that they are ahead or behind. If the hands-on approach isn’t working, other methods of teaching are explored, and teachers are always trying to incorporate student interests into their learning process. “Say we have a child that hates math and thinks

he’s bad at math, but we also know he loves cars,” Ewing says. “We will use the cars in our math discussions so it engages him and makes him feel like it’s something he can relate to. It’s a common misconception that here at Montessori schools the kids run the show and the teachers have no real say, but that’s not true. We’re teaching these kids in a way that is tailored to their specific learning needs.” The teachers will walk around and facilitate to the students as they go through their lessons so each child receives individual attention and help with anything they may be struggling with. Struggling, however, is not necessarily a bad thing, according to Ewing. “We never help them with something they can do on their own,” she says. “We want them to struggle at times, we want them to be the superhero in their own story. Whenever an adult steps in to do a problem for them, that tells the child, ‘Oh, she does it better than me, she doesn’t think I can do it.’ So, I always tell the parents, let them struggle, let them go through it, and then ask them, ‘Do you want help or do you want to keep trying yourself?’ It gives them ownership to their own decisions.” A lot of the education at Hillsboro takes place outside of the classroom, or even outside of the building. Students are encouraged to go on hikes, explore nature and to work with the outside environment so they can learn along the way. At Hillsboro, adventures are more than encouraged; they’re part of the curriculum. It’s these outdoor experiences that add to the students’ practical life skills, as well. Working in the garden and working at the chicken coup, for example, teaches the children not only about the environment and science, but how to tend to living creatures and to take on responsibilities. The students not only take care of the chickens, they sell the eggs at local farmers markets. Ewing says all of the school’s activities teach responsibility and allow the students the opportunity to apply their classroom skills to the real world. “We not only want to instill in the kids to take care of themselves, we want them to take care of the environment,” she says. “Teaching them to take care of the animals teaches them compassion. The thing with farming is you can do everything exactly right by the book, but the world isn’t necessarily going to cooperate with you. It teaches them to take those failures and learn from them and go with the flow.” Making sure all students at Hillsboro feel comfortable with the Montessori way is a must CityOfHelena.org 33

when it comes to new students. Ewing says they allow kids to have a test run, referred to as a “shadow day,” with the school to make sure they enjoy the environment and that it fits for everyone in the family, adding that they would rather the child decide they don’t like it on shadow day versus three or four months into their time there. The students also need to be able to work independently, and Ewing says they try and work with parents and encourage them to help the child become more independent. “There’s this thing we call ‘snow-plow parenting,’ where the parents remove any and all obstacles for their children, and that just results in the students not wanting to solve problems on their own which is a huge hindrance as they get older,” Ewing says. The parents also have to decide if their style of parenting coincides with the Hillsboro methods. “We have to ask the question, ‘Is this family a good fit for our method of teaching,’” Ewing explains. “A lot of times it is, but sometimes it isn’t, because we’re not going to snow plow the children. We’re going to teach them to be ready for those obstacles and to learn how to solve them on their own. Sometimes the parents love it, sometimes they don’t get it.” Ewing adds from day one she and the Hillsboro teachers try to always keep an open line of communication between them and the parents so they can make sure the children are getting the most out of their education. Ewing will sit down with parents and discuss concerns the parents have, why they’re seeking out Montessori education and what the child’s home-life is like. These are all factors that play into how a child learns and they are always important to the Hillsboro staff. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure the children are safe and learning. Any misconceptions people may have about Montessori, Ewing said they are welcome to come find out for themselves. “I always see Hillsboro as kind of the school next door,” she says. “We’re not trying to be the most prestigious or hoity-toity school. We just want our kids to love to learn and be confident in who they are and go on to live happy lives in whatever they want to do. We are trying to raise curious, compassionate and creative kids who are going to contribute to the world. That is our focus. Everyone who is here really cares.” For more information about The Hillsboro School, visit Thehillsboroschool.org. 34 CityOfHelena.org

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Changing his

view

Jake Crooks fights through vision loss to pitch for Helena BY ALEC ETHEREDGE PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY

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With a whiffle bat in hand and his dad tossing him pitches, Jake Crooks was unaware of the path of perseverance he was creating through baseball at the age of 3. Now a junior on the Helena High School baseball team, Crooks fell in love with the sport at the age of 8 and poured hours of work into becoming the best. Crooks, however, isn’t your normal baseball player. Since the age of 7, he has persevered through a rare vision condition that led to the loss of the majority of his vision in his right eye and the loss of some vision in his left eye. “It has made me a lot stronger,” Crooks said. “I have gifts that I didn’t think I would have when I was younger because of the condition. I didn’t know if I would make this team or be able to do

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other things, and I’ve been through trials and tribulations, but I’ve made it through.” CHANGING HIS VIEW When he was 5 years old, Crooks was diagnosed with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, which is a condition that impairs vision beginning in childhood and can worsen through physical contact to the head. In more severe cases, there is a separation of the retinal layers or leakage of blood vessels in the retina, which led to severe impairment of vision, which is what Crooks has had to deal with in his right eye. After his diagnosis, however, he was fine for the next two years until he hit his head on the monkey

red, white & blue summer fun! bars one day at recess. “I was fine,” Crooks said. “I just had a big goose egg on my head.” But three days later, in the middle of a baseball game, Crooks found himself on third when all of a sudden, his vision went blurry. “Everything went black,” he said. “I couldn’t see anything. It was like I had big clouds following my vision around.” The next day, his parents took him to a few different doctors to get to the bottom of what was happening. Crooks was eventually diagnosed with a detached retina, which is where the back of the eye pulls away from the layer of blood vessels. The condition itself is rare and the detachment even more rare. That, however, was just the start for Crooks. He has had six detached retinas in his right eye and four additional surgeries on the same eye,

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which eventually led to the loss of most vision out of his right eye. “In those surgeries, I forget which one it was, we think it was nine or 10, my optic nerve grew pale. Ever since then, I only have light perception in my right eye now. Basically, that’s just like I cover up my left eye and I can only tell where a light is coming from. I can’t make out an object or really anything. I can tell you when something is lit up, but nothing else.” FINDING HIS PATH With the loss of vision in his right eye, playing the sport he loves has presented its share of challenges the last several years from the main aspects of the game, such as hitting a baseball and playing catch. From third through sixth grade, Crooks said his vision wasn’t as bad. He played outfield during those years, and he struggled to find the ball off the bat at times, but it wasn’t until seventh grade when he had that 10th surgery and his optic nerve went bad that he really felt the impact. “Nowadays, if I’m playing catch with people, if I’m playing catch with someone who throws hard, I 40 CityOfHelena.org

can’t see it,” Crooks said. He recalled moments as an eighth grader and a freshman when he busted his lip throwing with someone and broke his nose another time while warming up in the bullpen because he never saw the ball coming. The time he broke his nose, he failed to see two in a row before the third one popped him in the face. Through that, Crooks had to make adjustments. He knew giving up on playing his favorite sport wasn’t an option, so he worked to adapt. “It has definitely caused my depth perception to get really bad, but it has also presented a neat challenge,” Crooks said. “With it, I’ve learned how to adapt to it. I’ve found out when I tell people to throw it to my right side with my left eye facing that way, I see it a lot better. Or with me being a pitcher only, we do touches instead of number signals. It has been really neat to adapt to those changes.” He also credited former teammate Brooks Tolbert, who dealt with slight vision impairments as well, but continued working to play baseball. “It was inspiring to know he was on a team that was really good and he contributed to that team,” Crooks said. “It inspired me a lot to want to be that

type of player and not feel sorry for myself in the game in a sense of ‘Woe is me.’ I didn’t want to make excuses, I wanted to push through the adversity of being prohibited with what I could do in certain aspects of the game.” He did, however, have another scare and test of faith in February when he was sitting in class and his left eye started causing him issues. “I couldn’t even read the big E on the chart,” Crooks said. “It happened so sporadically too. I was just sitting in class and all of sudden couldn’t see the board.” He said it was a terrifying moment and the doctor appointments that followed didn’t make it any easier. “It was scary because some of the doctors we talked with thought it was a detached retina in my good eye,” Crooks said. “We were very concerned about that. I was texting everybody and letting them know how unsure I was.” Crooks said that by the grace of God it was just a hemorrhage and he missed a few days of school, but can now ultimately see well enough again to do what he was doing before. He currently has 20-40 vision in his left eye, but if he gets hit, there is a risk of the retina detaching

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and his left eye also losing vision. Still, he fights on for his love of the game, and he doesn’t let anyone know he’s dealing with any more than the rest of the team. “We take for granted what we have and don’t really fathom the amount of courage it takes to do what he does every day,” head coach PJ Guy said. “Everyday life for us, during the season, you go out there and you really don’t realize there is anything wrong with him because he doesn’t give you any signs or attitude that he is dealing with anything different, even though he is. To see the struggles that he does go through and the way he does handle it, it’s inspiring to his coaches and his teammates.” Crooks has taken that approach throughout his journey, as he continues to progress as a baseball player, even changing his mechanics from an overthe-top motion by dropping it down to be a lower release. He has been working closely with former Helena pitcher Robbie Lively, who also used a dropped arm slot to pitch and had success in doing so for the Huskies. Crooks said he hopes that translates to success on the field going into his senior season so he can make a big impact for the Huskies.

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SEEING WHAT OTHERS CAN’T Despite visual impairments, Crooks does see other aspects of the sport and life more clearly than many his age might because of his adversity. It’s one of the reasons the coaches and players look up to him as a leader of the Huskies, who are in the midst of the playoffs. “Jake contributes in so many ways to this team,” Guy said. “He contributes through his work ethic day-in and day-out. Regardless of if they are an everyday player or not, I think he is the most wellrespected player on our baseball team. He has earned that because of the type of player and teammate he is. The guys also know that he deals with something that the rest of them don’t have to deal with. They respect him for how he carries it by not acting any different. He is a teammate first.” Known as “Pastor Jake” to much of the team, he also doesn’t shy away from his faith, which is another key in him having the respect of his teammates, according to Guy. “He really affects all of us and inspires me with how bold he is with his faith,” Guy said. “He’s

everything we could ever ask for in a Helena baseball player, and we’re the lucky ones who get to be a part of his life.” Perhaps most impressive, however, is the ability of Crooks to have a realistic outlook on what playing high school baseball can do for him in learning about life more so than the stats that come along with the game. Guy said his response to difficult situations, including his visual impairments, is something that separates him from most teenagers. “This is a game of failure,” Crooks said. “You’re going to fail regardless, and you have to make the adjustment to improve on it. That’s also how life is. When you fail in life, you have to pick yourself up. You can’t just have a standstill. You can’t dwell on it. It happened for a reason, now let’s move forward and find out why it happened.” That outlook is one major reason Crooks said he doesn’t fear what’s ahead when it comes to his vision. He said he realizes how blessed he is to play the game for the time being and do other activities such as simply drive a car. It’s that faith and outlook that has been infectious to the entire team, as they prepare for life on the baseball field and beyond.

Jake Crooks stands with his mom at the Helena High School baseball field. Family and faith are important to both, which is what Jake takes to the baseball field with him throughout the season.

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OUT & ABOUT

CITY OF HELENA EASTER HUNT

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LOVE

The city of Helena held its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Joe Tucker Park on Saturday, April 9. Families came out in droves to take part in the event that was hosted by the Church at Old Town, whose members stuffed more than 8,000 eggs for the event. 1.

Adriana and Isabel Miller

Trey, Jennifer and Henley Rushen

Jesse, Derek and Charlie

Amber Powell and Katie Brooks

Ben and Leah Taylor with their kids

Michael and Mikayla Stanaland with Eli and dog Taco

Lauren and Lily Davis

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OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

HELENA TEEN COUNCIL SENIORS NIGHT

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LOVE

The Helena Teen Council held a special dinner for members of Helena’s senior citizen community on Sunday, April 3. Members of the Teen Council and seniors sat and had a three-course dinner served with help from City Council members and the mayor. Following the dinner, everyone played a game of Bingo! 1.

Mallory Hamilton, Lauren Scarborough and Charlotte Carroll

Linda Duke, Ken and Mary Penhale, Karen Jenkins and Madelyn Hughley

Wanda Ritchey, Janet Danel and Linda Terry

Lauren Scarborough, Bradey Wagar and Brooklynn Kirksey

Foster Johnson, Leigh Hulsey and Bob and Diane VanLoan

Robert Radice, Ronda Carter, Joy Childers, Glynn Howard and Sue McGlawn

Laura Joseph, Jean Painter and Peggy Chapel

Matt McDonald, Woods Merdy, Jenny Woods and Jerry Jackson

Debbie and Frankie Fulgham, Marge Collier, Andrew Burch and Abigail Berish

10. Bradey Wagar, Lauren Scarborough and Rep. Kenneth Paschal

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OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

HELENA FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE

PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

Helena’s annual Father Daughter Dance had local fathers and their daughters dress up for a familybonding event at Helena High School. Daughters danced with their fathers and laughed the night away. 1.

Antonio and Baylee Gamble

Carlos and Ari Gonzalez

Cedric and Rosaria Sanders

Hector and Rayne Rios

Kenneth and Payton Parker

Kody and Chandlar Vanover

Laney and Shane Sanders

Matt and Livie Tilley

Matt, Caroline and Taylor Kahalley

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Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquiries only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com LAND FOR SALE 180 acres, located on Walnut Creek. Will not divide property. Call for more information: 205-369-5641 Come visit us at Riverside Baptist Church this Sunday for Bible Study at 9:15 or worship at 10:30! 1919 Highway 52, Helena. More info at rbchelena. org South Haven Health & Rehab NOW HIRING!!! •LPN’s & RN’s -$5,000 Sign-on Bonus for Full-Time shift •CNA’s Apply in person: 3141 Old Columbiana Rd Birmingham,AL-35266 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started! Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors. Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required. Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter.net or call 205-369-6250. Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Now hiring RN’s and LPN’s throughout Alabama! $250 community referral bonus for RN’s and LPN’s. Sign-on Bonuses available at select locations! For more information please contact: Paige Gandolfi Call/ text: 724-691-7474 pgandolfi@wexfordhealth.com

HIRING EXPERIENCED PIPE LAYERS & CDL DRIVERS REV Construction seeking Experienced Pipe Layers CDL Drivers Class A or B 2yrs dump truck exp. preferred Benefits include: BCBS Medical Insurance, 401k Paid holidays & vacation time. Email resume: mtucker@revconstructioninc.com Fax: 205-349-1862 Call: 205-349-1860 NOW HIRING FT/PT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed. Drug and Background Check Required. COMPETITIVE PAY. Call 205-688-0258 to set up an interview.

H&H Enterprises, Inc Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Portable Building Delivery Driver. Delivery Driver will be primarily be responsible for loading, delivering, blocking and leveling portable storage buildings. The delivery driver will also be responsible for completing other tasks associated with our business. All delivery driver applicants must be customer service driven and represent our company in the upmost way. We are an established 33 year old company with 19 retail locations. We look forward to adding to our team to continue working toward future success. Portable Building Delivery Drivers job duties: • drives a company vehicle in a safe, courteous and responsible manner • load portable buildings at the store and verifies the condition of the truck, the manifest and other paperwork associated with the deliveries to be made • drives to the delivery destination, confirms order with customer, unloads, blocks, levels and obtains confirmation signature Delivery Driver job requirements: • Applicants will need a valid Class D driver license. No CDL is required • Pass DOT driving physical Delivery Driver Salary starting at $600.00 + per week based on experience. To Apply: Send Resumes to tracy.thomas@hhenterprises.com or Call 205.664.9191 ext 125. H&H Enterprises, Inc. Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Delivery Driver. Delivery Drivers will be primarily responsible for the delivery and

set up of portable buildings. All applicants must be customer service driven and represent our company in the upmost way. We are an established 35 year old company with 18 retail locations. We look forward to adding to our team to continue working toward future success. Delivery Drivers: • must have a good driving record • must have a Class A CDL license • must be able to deliver wide load buildings Salary is $900.00 plus per week depending on experience Direct Deposit is available Health/ Dental and Vision Insurance To Apply: Send Resumes to tracy.thomas@hhenterprises.com or Call 205.664.9191 ext 125. We’re Hiring -All Positions www.altogethergreat.com OR www.compassgroupcareers.com Morrison’s Healthcare Food Service 1000 1st Street N. Alabaster, Alabama 35007 205.620.8107 O-Flex Metal Finishing Electrical Maintenance Technician $22.00-$25.00/hour REQUIREMENTS: •Knowledge of electrical work, American Electricians’ Handbook, Local/National Electrical Codes •Read mechanical drawings •Recognize safety hazards •Lift/move heavy objects •Work in tight spaces •Mechanical diagnostic skills •Basic computer & math skills EXPERIENCE: •Electrical-5 years •Plant/facilities maintenance •Forklift/hand truck •Boiler •Allen-Bradley PLC •Eurodrive VFD •Computer work order system Apply in person: O-Flex Metal Finishing 725 Keystone Drive, Clanton Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in route-service work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/ equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/pass background/ drug test. Training provided. Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter.net LOOK TO THE STARS & FIND YOUR DESTINY! Improve your love life! Find success & happiness! •Spiritual Meditation •Chakra Therapy • Energy Restoration •Psychic Readings • Advice. Find out what the

new year holds! One visit will convince you. $5 OFF YOUR FIRST READING! Personal readings from your trusted local psychic, available in-person or by phone. Call Mrs. StarL 205-560-0490 www. AlabamaPsychic.com For All Your Masonry Repair Needs Brick & Block Repair •Columns •Steps •Retaining Walls Call 205-643-0729 or email srichardson642@gmail.com to get your free estimate! For All Your Handyman Needs Total Remodeling! •Framing •Painting •Sheet Rock Call 205-643-0729 or email srichardson642@gmail.com to get your free estimate! Boothe’s Siding & Remodeling •Vinyl Siding •Doors •Windows •Remodeling 55 Maylene Drive (205)948-5649 BIRMINGHAM AREA INSULATORS LOCAL 78 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee Accepting applications for 4-year Apprenticeship Program. Applications will be accepted July 1, 2022- July 31, 2022 in person at 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, Al 35210 205-956-2866, 205-956-8101 etx.3 c raig@insulators78.org Check us out at www.insulators.org. Applicants must be 18+, drug free, have dependable transportation, ID & proof of age, high school diploma/ GED. Applicants will be required to take math test & English comprehension test. The Asbestos Workers Local 78 Apprenticeship Training Trust will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER. The Asbestos Workers Local 78 Apprenticeship Training Trust will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

CityOfHelena.org 49

MY HELENA BRAD RADICE Samford University Executive Director of Broadcast Media

Take me out to the ball game

The ballparks The buzz at the ball parks, whether it’s at the Helena Sports Complex or Penhale Park, is truly something to feel and see up close and personal. The roars from the crowd, the anxiety of the coaches and the smiles on the faces of the boys and girls is electric and contagious.

Sweet treats from Mr. Larry and his ice cream truck

Mr. Larry and his ice cream truck If there has been a constant in our time, over two houses, in Helena, it has been Mr. Larry showing up at just the right time in his ice cream truck. You can hear the music from neighborhoods away. Nothing sends our family into a frenzy to find cash and quickly make it to the driveway like Mr. Larry’s ice cream.

A visit from Mr. Claus

Santa riding on his fire engine sleigh It is THE night of the Christmas season in Helena. When you hear the roar of the fire engine turning onto your street and sense the excitement from the kids (and adults too), and see that Santa is visiting your house at Christmas, it gives you chills. It’s a night when you can be a kid again, while feeling the Christmas joy.

The best of the best with Helena Schools

Helena schools Helena schools through its principals, teachers, office aides, support staff and fellow parents have been amazing through the years. The community built through our city’s schools is unique.

It’s always a good day for a festival

Helena’s Buck Creek Festival Helena’s Buck Creek Festival is fun enough, but I see it as the coming together of my previous ‘Top Things’ in Helena. At the festival, you bump into teachers, classroom parents, ballpark parents, your children’s classmates and neighbors. It brings the community together, and it’s a reminder of just how tight of a Helena family we all are. You’re never a stranger at the Buck Creek Festival.

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HELENA

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