Helena - The Magazine June 2024

HE LEN A THE MAGAZINE

REFINED IN THE FIRE

CROSSLEY STARTS A POTTERY BUSINESS AFTER BATTLING CANCER

FAMILY-FOCUSED FITNESS

HELENA HEALTH CLUB’S BRANDON BOOTH SHARES HOW HE GOT IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS TO IMPROVE HELENA’S FITNESS

RAISING THE BAR

GYMNAST LILLY ANN GALLAVAN

TALKS RANKING TOP 100 IN THE U.S. FOR THE UNEVEN BARS

City Leadership

A letter from the mayor

It is with great pleasure and pride that I write to you all today, reflecting on recent happenings in our city that exemplify our commitment to progress, community and a bright future for all.

As your Mayor, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and achievements that highlight the spirit of unity and growth in our beloved city.

I am excited to congratulate the 2024 graduating class of Helena High School on their remarkable achievements. The dedication and hard work

demonstrated by these young individuals is a testament to the quality of education and support they receive in our city. As we celebrate their successes, we reaffirm our commitment to providing a nurturing and empowering educational environment for all our students. Through various

Together, we can build a brighter future for Helena, where every individual thrives and every dream finds realization

programs and initiatives, we continue to invest in the future leaders of our community. Helena will always be a place that they can call home.

The vibrant cultural scene in our city has been on full display at the “Old Town Live” summer concert series. Month after month, residents and visitors alike have gathered to enjoy live music performances in the heart of our historic downtown. The energy, enthusiasm and sense of community at these events are truly inspiring. I extend my gratitude to the organizers, artists and attendees for making this concert series a resounding success and for enriching our city with the gift of music and economic development.

made possible through a collaborative effort of private and public funds, symbolizes a new chapter in the development of our city.

The future City Hall will serve as a central hub for our community, housing essential facilities such as the Senior Center, City Council Chambers, City Administration, Building and Inspections and Utilities. With this visionary initiative, we are paving the way for a more connected, efficient and inclusive city administration that meets the evolving needs of our residents.

Brian Puckett

On Saturday, June 15, Amphitheater Park will open at 5 p.m. for everyone to come down and enjoy the pop country show of the season kicking off with Chase Wright. The headliner will be none other than CMA Award Winner Lauren Alaina performing all of her top hits.

A historic occasion took place recently as we gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for our new City Hall. This transformative project,

Together As One,

To wrap it up, as we look ahead to the exciting times awaiting our city, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the journey we are embarking on together. I invite each and every one of you to be actively involved, to share your ideas and to contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our community. Together, we can build a brighter future for Helena, where every individual thrives and every dream finds realization.

Together As One, Brian

- Brian Puckett, mayor of Helena

Mayor

In this issue

FEATURES

26 Hit the gym

Helena Health Club’s Brandon Booth discusses recent renovations and celebrating the gym’s tenth anniversary.

34 Unexpected Avenues

Leisa Crossley reflects on battling cancer, discovering a new passion and starting a business.

Meet each HHS senior from the graduating class of 2024

Donald

Sydney

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeremy

Dawn

Michaela

Rachel

Rhett McCreight

Viridiana Romero

ADMINISTRATION Publisher

Utilities and Services

Cable, Internet and Phone

uAT&T Uverse – 1-888-708-0934 att.com

uSpectrum – 1-855-707-7328 spectrum.com

uC-Spire, Fiber Internet – 1-855-277-4735 cspire.com

Gas

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

uAlabama Power Company – 1-800-245-2244 alabamapower.com

Trash Services

uRepublic Services – (205) 631-1313 republicservices.com

Water and Sewer

uHelena Utilities City Water Service (205) 663-1670

LOCAL SCHOOLS

uShelby County Board of Education – (205) 682-7000

shelbyed.k12.al.us/

uHelena Elementary School – (205) 682-5540 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hes/index.htm

uHelena Intermediate School – (205) 682-5520 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/his/index.htm

uHelena Middle School – (205) 682-5300 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hlms/index.htm

uHelena High School – (205) 682-3650 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/index.html

uHillsboro School - (205) 864-7330 thehillsboroschool.org

We want to hear from you!

Do you have an issue that City Hall needs to know about? Please use the City Action Center at cityofhelena.org to get a resolution to your neighborhood issue.

City Government

Brian Puckett

bpuckett@cityofhelena.org

alobell@cityofhelena.org

cwillis@ cityofhelena.org

cvancleave@ cityofhelena.org

ljoseph@cityofhelena.orghwoodman@ cityofhelena.org atraywick@ cityofhelena.org

Departments

City Hall (205) 663-2161

Fire Department (205) 663-5809

Sports Complex (205) 620-2877

Library (205) 664-8308

Police (205) 663-6499

Utilities (205) 663-1670

Chris Willis Christopher VanCleave Alice Lobell

Hewy Woodman

JUNE OLD TOWN LIVE

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

5 - 10 P.M.

The Helena Amphitheater

Featuring headliner Lauren Alaina and performer Chase Wright, the annual Old Town Live concert series will continue on Saturday, June 15 from 4:30-10 p.m. With food trucks and cold drinks provided by vendors, Helena residents are invited to kick back for an evening of exciting fun in the heart of the city

THE GUIDE

EVERY SATURDAY IN JUNE

Helena Market Days

8 A.M. TO NOON

The Helena Amphitheater

With the beginning of summer comes the return of Helena Market Days, featuring local farmers and producers boasting fresh vegetables, flowers, jams, soaps and more. Starting the first weekend in June, Helena Market Days will return to the Helena Amphitheater every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

MONDAY, JUNE 3 THROUGH SATURDAY, JULY 13

Summer Reading at the library

Jane B. Holmes Library

The theme for the library’s 2024 Summer Reading Program is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” By checking out books and keeping a reading log, anyone from preschoolers to adults can register to compete at the Jane B. Holmes Public Library to win a multitude of prizes. In addition, the library will host a variety of special events at Helena City Hall all summer long.

AROUND TOWN

JUNE 3-7 | 8 A.M. Helena Huskies Youth Soccer Camp

JUNE 3-6 | 9 A.M. Helena Youth Volleyball Camp

JUNE 4 | 9:45 A.M. Silver Sneakers and Yoga

JUNE 4 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

JUNE 5 | 10:30 A.M. AND 2:30 P.M. Magic Show at City Hall

JUNE 6 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

JUNE 7 | 4:30 P.M. Senior Activities: Potluck/ Cards

JUNE 10-13 | 9 A.M. Helena Youth Cheer Camp

JUNE 10 | 5 P.M. City Council Meeting

JUNE 10-12 | 11 A.M. Helena Baseball Camp

JUNE 10-13 | 5 P.M. HHS Kids Tennis Camp

JUNE 11 | 9:45 A.M. Silver Sneakers and Yoga

JUNE 11 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

JUNE 12-14 | 9:30 A.M. Helena Wrestling Camp

JUNE 13 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

JUNE 14 | 10:30 A.M. AND 2:30 P.M. McWane Science Center Presentation at City Hall

JUNE 14 | 4:30 P.M. Senior Activities: Potluck/ Cards

JUNE 15 | 8 A.M.

SCSSA 2024 Summer BB Camp

JUNE 15 | 4:30 P.M. Old Town Live

JUNE 18-21 | 9 A.M. Little Spinners/Color Guard Camp

JUNE 18 | 9:45 A.M. Silver Sneakers and Yoga

JUNE 18 | 11 A.M.

Storytime at the library

JUNE 19 City Hall Closed

JUNE 20 | 11 A.M.

Storytime at the library

JUNE 20 | 6 P.M. Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting

JUNE 21 | 4:30 P.M.

Senior Activities: Potluck/ Cards

JUNE 24 | 5 P.M. City Council Meeting

JUNE 25 | 9:45 A.M. Silver Sneakers and Yoga

JUNE 25 | 11 A.M. Storytime at the library

JUNE 25 | 4 P.M. Municipal Court

JUNE 26 | 2:30 P.M. Library visit with Helena Fire Department

JUNE 27 | 11 A.M.

Storytime at the library

JUNE 28 | 4:30 P.M.

Senior Activities: Potluck/ Cards

Youth summer camps

Helena High School and beyond

Throughout summer break, different Helena High School athletic teams offer a variety of summer camps for children of all ages. These camps allow kids to improve skills, try new things, build relationships and have fun. June camp options include soccer, volleyball, cheer, tennis, wrestling, color guard and basketball. Learn more at Podcasts.shelbyed. k12.al.us/hlhs-athletics/summer-camps/

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Storytime at the library

11 A.M.

Jane B. Holmes Library

Join members of the Jane B. Holmes Public Library for Storytime hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays every month at 11 a.m. Storytime aims to encourage children’s love of reading and remind them that the library is a place for their imaginations to run wild.

Monday, June 10 and 24

PRE-COUNCIL AT 5 P.M.,

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 P.M.

CITY HALL

Helena’s City Council meetings take place the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Helena City Council meetings are open to the public and offer the chance for you to get involved in the planning of your community.

In the News

HHS STUDENT NAMED ACADEMIC LEADER AT STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Educators and students from across the county gathered in the Grande Hall of the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana for the 2023-2024 Student and Educator of the Year Awards on Wednesday, April 17. Here, Helena High School’s Tucker Bremer received the award for Academic Leader.

CITY COUNCIL VOWS TO IMPROVE TAG GRANT PROCESS

Two weeks after controversy arose surrounding the Teacher Assistance Grant program, the Helena City Council reconvened on Monday, April 23 and addressed comments from the community at a regularly scheduled council meeting, ultimately deciding to reassess the current TAG grant guidelines.

BEAUTIFICATION BOARD HOSTS SPRING PLANTING DAY

The Helena Beautification Board and volunteers congregated in Helena’s Old Town for the annual Spring Planting Day on the morning of Saturday, April 20. Together, they planted hanging baskets that adorn the streets of Old Town.

HELENA BELLES ANNOUNCE 2024-25 MEMBERS

As the 2023-24 school years comes to a close, the Helena Belles assembled at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Birmingham to bid farewell to their graduating seniors and welcomed the rising 2024-25 Helena Belles. Read about the Belles at Shelbycountyreporter.com

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL CROWNS

2024 MISS HHS

With glittering gowns and sparkling smiles, Helena High School hosted its 10th annual Miss HHS pageant on Saturday, April 27. After an evening of elegance and grace, Anna Beth Goodman was crowned as the 2024 Miss HHS.

The Helena Huskies shone at the golf sectional competitions and claimed the Class 6A, Section 2 championship on Monday, April 29 at the Ol’ Colony Golf Course in Tuscaloosa.

HUSKIES DOWN PELHAM TWICE TO CLAIM AREA CHAMPIONSHIP

The top-ranked Helena Huskies faced a one-run deficit twice in this year’s Class 6A, Area 7 tournament, but that adversity didn’t deter the Huskies on their home field as they swept their rival in two straight games to claim the area championship.

ANNUAL ADEM BURN BAN NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL OCTOBER

Local authorities and municipalities are currently working to remind county residents that the annual warm weather burn ban is once again in effect from May 1 through Oct. 31.

HHS GIRLS GOLF TEAM WINS SECTIONALS

In the News

RESIDENTS JAM AT MAY OLD TOWN LIVE

Featuring performances from The Allman Betts Band and Taylor Hunnicutt, the community brought picnic blankets and dancing shoes to enjoy an evening of music and soul for the second installment of the Old Town Live concert series on Saturday, May 18 from 5-10 p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater.

HHS TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES SHINE AT 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Helena athletes competed at the 6A track and field state championship in Gulf Shores from May 2-4. The team finished eighth in boys 4x800-meter relay, with Sesteli earning third in boys pole vault, Warren finishing sixth in boys 1600-meter and Kelley claiming third in girls shot put.

HHS CLASS OF 2024 MOVES THEIR TASSELS

Helena High School students walked across the stage of the Pete Hanna Center on Monday, May 20 from 2-4 p.m. to accept their diplomas. As they moved their tassels and tossed their caps, these students began a new chapter and enter the next phase of their life.

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS SPRING CONCERTS

HHS students displayed their talents in a week of spring concerts. The HHS band serenaded guests at their concert on Tuesday, May 7 with the Spring Choir Concert delighting the audience on Thursday, May 9.

GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY

TThe Library Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 3! Important aspects of the program are simple: It’s FREE! It’s Fun! All you have to do is stop by the library, sign up and start reading for prizes. The program is for everyone in the community, from ages 0 to 100 (or older!)

For teens and tweens looking for something to do, the library offers weekly programs beginning Monday, June 10. Programs include bingo, rock painting and much more!

As for grown-up readers, the library has you covered with a program featuring prize drawings, senior programs, and an end of summer celebration on Thursday, July 18 at 5:45 p.m.

Make sure to get a library card or have your card updated so that you will be ready. Remember: Adventure Begins at Your Library! For more information on everything going on at the library, please stop by to get a calendar, or check out the library Facebook page Facebook.com/Helena. Public.Library.Friends

Library Director Dan Dearing

In addition to encouraging citizens to enjoy reading, the library has a variety of programs guaranteed to help beat the legendary Alabama heat. The McWane Science Center, Cowboy Bruce Brannen and Magician Russell Davis will visit and entertain. The library will again partner with the Helena Police and Fire Departments to provide programs that give local kids an inside look at the important services they provide. We appreciate their time and dedication. Also, be on the lookout for a host of other programs, including storytimes, craft programs and board game days.

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

June’s Top Picks

SWAN SONG

By Elin Hilderbrand | Adult Fiction

When rich strangers move to the island, social mayhem and a possible murder follow. Can Nantucket’s best locals save the day, and their way of life?

THE SECRET LIVES OF BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS: THEIR STORIES ARE BETTER THAN THE BESTSELLERS

By James Patterson | Adult Nonfiction

Step inside The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians and enter a world where you can feed your curiosities, discover new voices, find whatever you want or require.

NEVER VACATION WITH YOUR EX

By Emily Wibberley | Young Adult

A breezy, beachy teen love story.

SIMON SAYS

By Cora Reef | Juvenile

Simon Seahorse embarks on an adventure to find his lost lucky pearl in this first book in The Not-So-Tiny Tales of Simon Seahorse chapter book series.

SCIENCE COMICS

By Macmillan Publishers | Juvenile Nonfiction

Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic--dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, flying machines and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects.

WHEN SUMMER COMES: EXPLORING NATURE IN OUR WARMEST SEASON

By Aimée M. Bissonette | Easy/Picture

Summer is the perfect season for families to embrace the outdoors, playing and exploring in the wilderness during the summer months.

LILLY ANN GALLAVAN

15 year old women’s artistic gymnast

At a recent city council meeting, you were recognized as one of the Top 100 gymnasts in America for the uneven bar. Can you tell me more about what that means?

The Top 100 Gymnast list is a list of top scores from USAG sanctioned events at each apparatus. The list is fluid and is constantly changing as new meets are held. Any time on the list is usually short lived. I was listed in the Top 100 for the uneven bars this year following the California Grand Invitational in January. I also made the list briefly in 2023 for both uneven bars and the vault.

You’ve recently started competing at a Level 9. What has that change been like?

The change from Level 8 to Level 9 was huge. I had to push myself harder to learn and compete the new skills required. It was very stressful, but I was fortunate to have coaches that understood and worked with me to improve.

What first inspired you to try gymnastics? How long have you been competing?

When I was around seven or eight years old, my older sister took a recreational gymnastics class. She got a gym mat for Christmas that year and I thought it was the coolest thing. I wanted to try it. I tried it and from that point that’s all I wanted to do. I started doing gymnastics competitively about six years ago.

What achievement are you the most proud of?

I am most proud of finishing 1st on the uneven bars at the Level 8 Regional Championship last year. I am also proud of qualifying for the Level 9 Eastern National Championship this year.

What is your favorite skill? What is your least favorite skill?

I would have to say that my favorite skill is my uneven bars dismount. It is a double tuck.

My least favorite skill is my aerial series on the balance beam.

When you’re not practicing gymnastics, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I am home schooled through Connections Academy. I train 30 hours a week, so traditional school really doesn’t work with my training schedule. When I’m not doing gymnastics, I like to rest and spend time with my family. I also tend to my dog, Tua.

And finally, do you have any advice for those just starting gymnastics?

I struggled with confidence early on. I learned through practice and competition that repetition was important. Repetition also taught me patience, so I would say, don’t get frustrated. Failure comes in any sport, but it’s okay. Use it and learn from it. Also, just have fun!

Education

SARAH HOPPER

HIS student council advisor and fifth grade teacher

When was the last time HIS had a student council?

The Student Council was active up until COVID, so the school year of 2019-2020 was the last year they had it. After that, no one sponsored it for three years.

What inspired you to restart the HIS Student Council?

Each year, many kids asked about student council. Our principal asked three of us to start one from scratch and incorporate any ideas we wanted. We were thrilled to help offer 3rd through 5th grade students a leadership role.

Can you tell me about the team of teachers that collaborated on this project?

There are three classroom teachers that are the new sponsors. Renee Scott, who teaches third grade, Bridgett Cox teaches fourth grade and Sarah Hopper teaches fifth grade. We are all talented in different ways and work together very well to pool our strengths and make it a fun, yet rewarding leadership experience for our students.

What was the process behind restarting the student council?

The three of us met together and decided to incorporate some of the old traditions of Student Council such as a classroom election to decide one representative per class. But, we decided to begin new traditions as well such as our service project called “Pack the Principal’s Office” where we brought in canned goods. We kept old traditions like a Christmas party, end of the year party and a thank you to the staff for Teacher Appreciation Week.

What did student elections look like?

We had each homeroom elect one classroom representative. Students were able to speak to their classrooms as to why they wanted to be chosen to represent their class in the Student Council.

What has been your favorite part of advising the HIS Student Council this year?

The kids! Seeing these students step up and be leaders in their classrooms, our school, and even our community has been so special and very rewarding.

What is next for the HIS Student Council?

We are hoping to make next year even better! We plan to start elections earlier next year, probably in August. We will still have some of the same service projects and fundraisers, but we are hoping to add to them.

City Hall Faces

Brent Langley

Helena Utilities

From running equipment to fix water leaks to overlooking the wells that pump water into the city, Brent Langley never has the same day twice at Helena Utilities and recently passed his grade two certification testing.

“At the utilities (department), we’re responsible to do whatever’s necessary to ensure customers have available water at their house that varies from working on meters and water mains, day or night,” Brent said.

Brent Langley grew up in a small town on the edge of Demopolis, Alabama. Graduating from Demopolis High School, he started working for the Demopolis Water Department as a 17-year-old co-op student.

In his early 20’s, Brent met his future wife, Payton, and followed her when she got a job as a nurse in Helena. The couple were

married in 2022 and Brent started working at Helena Utilities that August.

“I actually filled out my job application at our wedding for the Helena Utilities and got a call from Brian Hinds about a job on our way home from our honeymoon,” Brent said.

Having grown up with cow pastures, catfish ponds and no neighbors for miles, Brent shared that the suburbs of Helena required an adjustment period.

“The small home town feel is what’s helped me the most,” Brent said. “Generally, everyone we meet is super nice and thankful for what we do at our job.”

Outside of work, you can find Brent fishing, hunting, enjoying the outdoors or spending time with his and Payton’s four dogs.

Helena Church Directory

ANGLICAN

Lamb of God Church

Head pastor: Caron Glenn Davis 5140 Hwy 17 (205) 919-7932 Lambofgodcec.org

BAPTIST

The Church at Old Town

Head Pastor: Josh Knierim 815 Highway 52 E (205) 663-7879 Thechurchatoldtown.org

Gospel Light Baptist Church

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

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkins 5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323 Mpbchelena.com

Riverside Baptist Church

Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson

Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910 Rbchelena.org

Crossbridge Community Church

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 (205) 620-4575

Helenachurch.com

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST:

Grace Christian Church

Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson 869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233

Gracechristianchurch.org

METHODIST

Helena Methodist Church

Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenamethodist.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

The Cornerstone Church

Lead Pastor: Timothy Trimble 2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332 Cornerstonechurchhelena.org

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

Meet Your Neighbor

The Quinn Family

Both Jesslyn and Jerry Quinn grew up a stones throw away from Helena in Hoover, Alabama with Jerry riding his childhood fourwheeler from the Hoover Metropolitan Complex down to Helena in what is now the Riverwoods neighborhood.

The couple met when Jerry was attending Auburn University at the same time as Jesslyn’s sister. Jesslyn drove down one weekend to visit the campus, and according to Jerry, the rest was history. Twenty three years later, the couple is still happily together.

Together, the two moved to Helena after watching the city grow.

“We loved the small town atmosphere of Helena and the historic Old Town,” Jerry said. “We started an electrical contractors

business three years ago and the community has supported us from the beginning.”

In Helena, the couple had three children: Brooks (10), William (8) and Maggie (6). In addition to being involved in their church, the Church at Old Town, and all three children are involved in Helena sports. You can find the Quinn family attending Brooks’ baseball or football games, cheering for William at the soccer pitch and encouraging Maggie in ballet and cheer.

Together, the Quinn family and their two dogs, Peaches and Georgie, enjoy going to the lake, the pool, or the hunting club.

“We love all types of adventures and do a lot of them,” Jerry said. “We are a close little family of five and do a lot together!”

FAMILY-FOCUSED FITNESS

Helena Health Club’s Brandon Booth discusses recent renovations and celebrating the gym’s 10th anniversary

BY MACKENZEE SIMMS

PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

CCo-owner of the Helena Health Club Brandon Booth practically grew up in a gym.

His uncle, Terry Brasseale, ran a gym called Iron Works Fitness in Hueytown, Alabama for nearly 30 years, while Booth’s mother ran a woman’s only gym in Pleasant Grove called Lady Works. With so many positive influences in his life involved in the fitness industry, it’s no surprise that Booth would want to follow in their footsteps, but his uncle always had reservations.

“I always tried to get in the gym business with Terry, but he wouldn’t let me do it,” Booth said. He was kind of protecting me. He would always ask me, ‘Are you sure you know what you’re getting into?’ because it’s long hours. It is a very tough industry.”

When Booth was in high school, he discovered an aspect of fitness that he had never explored before. A conversation with his uncle about nutritionists sparked an interested for Booth.

“At that time, I was going through my own fitness and health journey in high school,” Booth said. “I understood the exercise piece, but I didn’t really understand the nutrition piece of what I was doing, so that led my interest in nutrition.”

Booth ultimately decided to study food and nutrition in college, graduating with his bachelors from the University of Alabama in 2006. During this time, he worked as a personal trainer at NorthRidge Fitness.

After earning his masters in sports/clinic

nutrition from Florida State University in 2008, his former colleagues at NorthRidge Fitness contacted him about starting a nutrition program at their gym.

This job brought him back to Alabama where he eventually established his own private nutrition practice called Benchmark Nutrition in 2009. Since then, he has consulted with multiple organizations like UAB Athletics and the Alabama football team.

Meanwhile, his uncle had sold his fitness club in Hueytown and was looking to start a new gym elsewhere. Brasseale started the process of establishing the Helena Health Club in 2014. When Booth heard the news, he reached out to his uncle.

“I called him again just saying ‘hey, even if you won’t let me work with you at the health club, maybe I can set up my nutrition practice at the health club, and I’ll just buy in that way,’ and he finally agreed to it,” Booth said.

Booth, his mother and his uncle all worked together to open the Helena Health Club in 2014.

“I am very fortunate that—and as you get older,

you recognize that—I have an amazing family,” Booth said. “We all get along. We all have fun together and I know that’s very rare.”

Because of their strong connection to family, Booth shared that Brasseale’s number one goal in establishing Helena Health Club was that he wanted a place that felt like home.

“Helena just felt like home—that’s kind of what led us to opening up here,” Booth said. “It just reminded us of community, family and fun. That’s kind of what we wanted this place to be.”

Since its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on June 19, 2014, the Helena Health Club has undergone many changes. While the core mission has stayed the same, the gym has made several changes to the facility itself from new equipment, to new paint, to pushing the front of the building out to overtake the sidewalk.

“Over time, we started seeing things that we either needed or that were being requested that we couldn’t make fit in the space that we have,” Booth said. “We’re constantly trying to add value to the

gym.”

Booth shared that it isn’t uncommon to him wandering the gym with a tape measure, considering a possible layout change. In addition to layout changes to maximize the available space, the Helena Health Club also replaced all its cardio equipment in 2021 and redid the locker rooms in 2022.

“Whatever it may be, we’re always constantly trying to enhance either our equipment or services, whatever it may be,” Booth said.

This constant innovation has culminated in a complete remodel of the gym this year, just in time to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Helena Health Club. With all new equipment and a new layout, Booth is excited about the results.

“It’s essentially like we are starting over,” Booth said. “With those changes, I think it offers people more versatility to do different things. I think it allowed us to open up the space that we have.”

One of these changes included expanding the free weights section. Booth shared that he noticed a trend of increased popularity for weightlifting

around 2019, which was the smallest section at the Helena Health Club at the time.

Due to their constant dedication to improvement, the family-owned gym is able to compete against other much larger facilities.

“I’m always excited when when people visit from facilities that 30,000 square feet and they say ‘yeah, you’ve got just about everything they do,’” Booth said. “We’ve got everything that you need. We offer classes. We offer childcare. We have a similar amount of equipment relative to our size.”

At the Helena Health Club, there is a separate playroom for kids with childcare available. Booth shared that offering childcare was something they viewed as a necessity because of how familyoriented the community of Helena is.

“This is a great place to get fit to get healthy, to de-stress and just have fun. That’s the kind of environment we want,” Booth said. “We want mom and dad to have that one hour, two hours, 90 minutes or whatever it is to themselves, to know that their kids are being taken care of and that they

can just go and do their thing.”

While their children are being cared for, adults can enjoy one of the many classes offered at Helena Health Club including Zumba, Pilates, yoga, spin, barre, power pump, high-intensity interval training, Silver Sneakers and Sunrise Circuits.

Sunrise Circuits are small, 30 minute classes at 5:30 a.m. designed to give people plenty of time to exercise before going into work.

“Most of our classes are at that 45 to 55 minute range,” Booth said. “(The Sunrise Circuit) one is intended to be 30 minutes only. Slam bam, Thank you, ma’am. Get you in, get you out, get you showered, get you to work.”

While the Sunrise Circuits are intended for the working citizen, the Silver Sneakers classes are geared toward senior adults.

“We went through a couple iterations of our Silver Sneakers classes to where we’ve now developed a version of it that is pretty unique to us,” Booth said. “The classes I grew up seeing have (the seniors) sitting in chairs and doing some light band work and stuff like that. That’s not how we operate.”

To start, there are several different Silver Sneakers classes available from Silver Sneakers yoga for stretching and flexibility, to SS Dance, a

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special seniors dance class that developed from a Christmas parade float routine into a weekly class.

In addition, there are various levels of Silver Sneakers from a beginner introduction class to a more advanced version.

“This isn’t your traditional Silver Sneakers, so when you come in, there’s a base level of fitness that we need to try to get you to before you jump into those classes,” Booth said.

In addition to a full range of classes, Helena Health Club also offers personalized nutrition coaching, harkening back to Booth’s passion for nutrition.

The Helena Health Club has a few templated nutrition plans for people that need to jumpstart their nutrition journey, but Booth prefers to work with people individually. He believes that meal plans can be discouraging when they’re broken and would rather teach people how to change daily habits.

“For some there’s no nutrition education, so they don’t learn anything. They don’t learn how to

change their behavior or their systems within their day to day structure to meet their goals,” Booth said. “I try to teach people how to change their habits within their normal life structure.”

For Booth, helping people reach their fitness and nutrition goals is the reason he comes to work every day.

“I could do this for free and still pay my bills, I would,” Booth said. “I love seeing someone reach their goals by doing something that they’ve never done before. I love that we are a family focused gym. We’ve got so many people that do so many different things. It’s very rewarding.”

As the Helena Health Club celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, Booth shared that he finds himself grateful for the members, the staff and the entire Helena community.

“I love the people here like the staff because they’re all genuine and care about what they do,” Booth said. “Our members are just fantastic. In Helena itself, the community is amazing. It’s very rewarding.”

Email: tim@shelbylands.com Phone: (205) 789-3301

abby.webster@shelbylands.com

REFINED IN THE FIRE

Leisa Crossley starts a pottery business after battling cancer

BY MACKENZEE SIMMS

PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES

IIt’s a Thursday afternoon in the newly annexed Forest Lake neighborhood. Verdant branches sway overhead as cars amble down the one lane road, pulling in to the looping driveway.

One by one, women emerge from their cars, smocks thrown over their shoulders, as they push open the screen door at the side of the house. Inside, they are greeted by some familiar faces.

Sandra Williamson sits at the table, staring down at an unmolded slab of clay, pondering the best way to attach handles to a tray. Rita Wright crafts teeny tiny cross charms for her niece and says something that makes Darlene Robins laugh as she cranks the slab roller.

Shelves surround them, displaying the various stages of the pottery process from damp bowls fresh off the wheel to glazed and fired works of art. Sponges and carving tools litter the table, while every imaginable kind of stencil hangs on the wall.

And, at the center of it all, sits potter Leisa

Crossley.

DIAGNOSES AND DISCOVERY

Pottery is a recent passion of Leisa’s.

Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in January of 2020, Leisa underwent the first rounds of radiation during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Cooped up at home and unable to return to her sales job because of quarantine, Leisa battled the uncertainty of cancer in unprecedented times.

“Once you have cancer, there’s always that voice in the back of your head. Is it going to come back? Is it going to be something else?” Leisa said. “And COVID was something we had never gone through before. All of us went through it, and we’d never experienced anything like that.”

During the empty days of quarantine, Leisa found herself thinking about a friend that taught pottery classes. A quick phone call and a short drive later,

she showed up at her friend’s door for pottery sessions lasting from 9 a.m. to noon.

“When I would go to pottery, pottery was my refuge,” Leisa said. “It was the place that I could walk in, and for three hours, I thought about nothing but that piece of clay that was in front of me.”

Soon, 9 a.m. to noon classes weren’t enough. Around the end of the sessions, the instructor would approach Leisa, who was engrossed in her work, and inform her that she could stay for a second class if she wanted. With a phone call to her husband,

Donald, telling him not to wait up, Leisa would dedicate entire days to pottery.

“I would sit there from nine o’clock in the morning to four in the afternoon, except for 10 minutes for a sandwich at lunchtime,” Leisa said. “I would do pottery all day long and it just kept me sane.”

BUILDING A STUDIO

Leisa had discovered a new passion and wanted to pursue it wholeheartedly, so she went to her husband to discuss building a pottery studio in the

garage. According to her, Donald can do everything he puts his mind to including woodworking, maintenance and even constructing their home.

“He can do anything. His dad had all boys and taught them how to do everything,” Leisa said. “I tell my children, if something happens to me, Daddy will be married again in six months. If something happens to Daddy, I guess I’m gonna have to get married because I won’t have anybody to do things.”

The couple agreed to pray about the pottery studio project. In the meantime, Leisa cleared a side of the garage in hopes that her pottery studio dream would be fulfilled, while Donald constructed a wall separating the space from the rest of the garage.

The first item on the wish list was a pottery wheel, which Leisa bought used from a retiring teacher that didn’t want it anymore.

Second, the studio needed a slab roller, a piece of pottery equipment that rolls even sheets of clay. The resulting slabs are perfect for hand building pottery. The problem? Studio slab rollers can cost nearly $1,000.

“When I told (Donald) how expensive slab rollers were, he said, ‘Can I make it?’” Leisa shared. “And I was like, ‘I don’t know. Let me show you what I need.’”

With planks of wood and an ingenious cable pully

system, Donald was able to create a homemade slab roller, perfect for Leisa’s growing studio. The thickness of the clay slab can be adjusted by adding or removing wood planks from the table. And if the cables ever need tightening, Donald is just up the stairs.

“It’s so simple and quick,” Leisa said. “Again, I’d say I wouldn’t have this if it wasn’t for him. Because he just went ‘Okay, here’s what I’m going to do.’ And he made it.”

After the pottery wheel and the slab roller, the studio just kept growing. Leisa needed shelves to dry the wet clay once it had been molded. Next, she needed a sink to wash her hands that had a system to collect the clay sediment which would otherwise clog the pipes. Bit by bit, the two found solutions to these problems.

“Everything just kind of fell into place,” Leisa said. “And it felt right. You know what I mean? When you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing, you can just feel it and you know it’s right.”

The last piece they needed to complete the studio was the biggest and most expensive of all: the kiln.

TRIAL BY FIRE

A kiln is the pottery equivalent of an oven. Pottery

is loaded inside and heated. Through the firing process, the clay pieces transform into ceramics. Humans have been using kilns for thousands of years, but the modern equivalents found in pottery studios like Leisa’s can cost upwards of $4,000.

“I didn’t have $4,000, so we kept looking.” Leisa said.

Donald and Leisa began to scour the internet and Facebook Marketplace for affordable used kilns. And while there were listings, none of them fit the Crossley’s needs.

“This was the only thing that we hadn’t prayed about. We needed to pray over this again, so we did,” Leisa said. “In about two or three weeks, one popped up on Marketplace. It was brand new. She had never used it and she wanted less than half price for it.”

Even at half-price, the kiln was outside of their budget. Leisa made an even lower offer to the seller and was shocked when she agreed on one condition; Leisa had to pick up the kiln from Lynn Haven, Florida, north of Panama City.

Leisa called Donald at work and told him to get home immediately.

“He flew home he didn’t know what was wrong,” Leisa said. “ I told (him we had) to go pick this kiln up and it’s nearly in Panama City. And he went, ‘Are

you serious?’”

The couple arrived in Lynn Haven that night around 7 p.m. and loaded the kiln into the car. As they were loading it, Leisa noticed a quirk about the piece of equipment.

There are two main types of kilns, one phase and three phase. One phase kilns are for home and personal use, while three phase kilns are used in commercial businesses and universities. Three phase kilns require so much voltage that most home circuits simply can’t support them.

As the Crossley’s loaded the kiln they drove all the way to Florida to pick up, Leisa looked at it and noticed the problem—it was a three phase kiln.

Leisa knew she had to tell Donald, but decided to wait until they were about 25 miles into the return trip before she mentioned anything.

“I waited until we got far enough away and said, ‘I need to tell you something. It’s a three phase.’”

Leisa said. “’ Now, calm down. You know how to do electrical (work). You can convert it to a single phase.’”

According to Leisa, Donald spent the rest of the ride home convincing himself that he could convert the kiln from a three phase to a single phase. And after contacting a few people in the industry, Donald did exactly that.

“He converted the kiln, he hardwired into my box, and I had a brand new kiln for a fraction of the cost,” Leisa said. “If that’s not a God thing, I don’t know what it is.”

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

When Leisa and Donald originally built the studio, she never imagined her personal project growing to what it is today—weekly classes and a fully-fledged pottery business called A Bit of Honey.

“I didn’t have any intention of starting a business,” Leisa said. “At 62, I was ready to gear down and spend time more time with the grandkids. God just laid it in my lap.”

Leisa starting making pottery and selling her pieces at local craft fairs such as the Helena High School Spring Market and Buck Creek Festival. As she worked, Leisa would invite her friend, Darlene, over to “play” in the studio.

It was Darlene that first suggested that Leisa start teaching classes. Leisa—who claims she always wanted to be a school teacher growing up, but missed that calling—was unsure at first. What if she couldn’t do it? What if no one came?

To gauge interest in potential classes, Leisa threw out the idea during a bible study at church. Of the 16

women that were there, three of them immediately asked when she was going to start

CANCER VISITS AGAIN

With people interested in classes, Leisa began to seriously consider the idea, but the plan was upended when Leisa was diagnosed with cancer for a second time.

In 2020, Leisa’s dermatologist was only taking emergency visits in compliance with quarantine restrictions. Because of this, Leisa was unable to attend her skin check appointment. When she was finally able to be seen in August of 2021, a routine appointment revealed melanoma on her scalp.

At 65 years old, Leisa had two different kinds of cancer in two years. This time, Leisa was determined to not let cancer keep her from living her life.

“Every morning, I wake up and think cancer may take my life, Lord, but it is not today, so I just go about my business and do what I need to do,” Leisa said.

Despite her second diagnosis, Leisa decided to continue to move forward with teaching classes as she had planned.

“I have a personal thing that comes from my dad,” Leisa said. “My dad was not a perfect man

because none of us are perfect, but he said that if you say you are going to do something, you should do it.”

CLASS IS IN SESSION

Leisa began to host classes in her basement studio with sessions every Thursday 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. For people that cannot attend during weekdays, there are classes in the same time frame two Saturdays each month.

Some students, such as Rita Wright, enjoy the ambiance of the classes.

“It’s like being around your mother, your sister and your friend,” Wright said. “She’s just the kind of person that you want to be around.”

While other students, like Sandra Williamson, view pottery as the perfect place to relax under Leisa’s tutelage.

“She’s just a great teacher,” Williamson said. “She’s knowledgeable in what she does. You feel relaxed doing it.”

Student Darlene Robins also loves Leisa as a teacher. Darlene shared that she tried other pottery classes, but none really worked for her and she felt defeated until she came to Leisa.

“I like it because I never thought I could do anything or make anything like this,” Robins said. “I’m not creative. I’m not artsy. I’ve gotten more out of (Leisa’s) classes than a year anywhere else.”

ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN

Leisa’s classes can vary wildly in attendance.

Some Saturday classes so packed that Leisa has to bring in extra chairs. Some Thursday classes are completely empty and she sits and works alone in her studio. But no matter how many people show up, Leisa always sticks to her schedule.

“If I say I’m going to be here, I’m going to be here because people ought to be able to be depend on (others),” Leisa said. “I teach pottery. People depend on me to be there. I’m going to be there.”

This dependability has also resulted in several unexpected days. Leisa shared a story of a woman who arrived to class to discover that she was the only student that day. Her husband had recently recovered from an illness that could have become very serious.

“She unpacked all that yesterday while we sat here and talked. It was just her yesterday, but there was a reason for her to be here. She needed that,” Leisa said. “You never know when that’s going to happen.”

On another day, a class of around five students were engaged in their work when one woman randomly burst into tears. As a group, they class gathered around her to offer support.

“You’ve got four or five women standing over them, praying,” Leisa said. “They don’t even know what’s wrong, but they don’t ask. They don’t have to.”

Leisa believes that special moments like these are proof the God makes everything happen for a reason.

“I could have died from cancer years ago,” Leisa said. “I wouldn’t be here if He didn’t have a purpose for us, and maybe that purpose is just to be right here. You’re the most refined in the fire.”

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024

Dear class of 2024,

To the graduating class of 2024, I wish you the very best in any and all of your future endeavors. I hope that your experience at Helena High School has been as memorable for you as it has been for me.

In the years to come, I hope you can look back at your time at Helena High School and have fond memories, but remember

Carson Thomas Acker

Carter Collins Adair

Cristofer Aguirre-Jacuinde

Alhanna Grace Allen

Ayden Luke Allen

Emmie Grace Allison

Martin Alvarez Corona

Gunnar Scott Anderson

Luke Jordan Anderson

Gavin Blake Anderton

Charles Scott Bailey

Mallory Brighton Bailey

Samuel Ray Bainter

Logan Scott Barber

these are not your best years, the best is yet to come. Enjoy the years you have ahead. As you start the next chapter of your life, step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and explore different opportunities. There are a variety of learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

I encourage you to keep kindness, empathy, and compassion at the forefront of your mind as you interact with others in your life. Make a positive impact on

BREMER

Valedictorian

Thomas Robert Barberini III

Audrey Grace Barbier

the world by lifting others up and fostering the same sense of community that you have worked so hard on here.

Whether you are going to college, planning to travel, or heading to work, find your place in this world. Stay true to yourself and do what makes you happy while contributing to the betterment of society. I hope that you learned valuable skills and lessons here at Helena High School that help you with the next chapter of your life.

Eva Lilian Leigh Barrett

William Michael Beagle

Emory Reaghan Beane

Caroline Rea Beck

Abbey Kate Bedsole

Carter Henry Beech

Ashlynn Marie Beery

Amelia Jane Beland

Jacob Lane Bell

Hayden Lane Berry

Emery Rees Bishop

Jackson Brandon Bivins

Davis Craig Bjornstad

Linda Estelle Black

You are at a point where you get to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life, so choose wisely.

“Follow your passion, stay true to yourself, never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means you should follow that.” - Ellen DeGeneres

Ashley Bahr, Principal, Helena High School

Abigail Blair Blevins

David Eric Bouler III

Ethan Riley Boyd

Hannah Claire Bradford

Ava Renee Brasfield

Tucker Andrew Bremer

Rian Tomlin Broderway

Katie Wynne Brooks

Tremaine Maurice Brooks

Jakkob Jonathon-Wesley Brown

Anthony Braden Browne

Andrew Thomas Brunson

Ashlyn Brooke Bullock

Kaleb David Burke

TUCKER

Tripper Kaley Burnette-Brown

Ryan Christopher Burton

Elizabeth Kate Busby

Kelia Faith Butler

Madeline Elise Calma

Ethan Keith Campbell

Charlotte Rose Carroll

Robert Joseph Carter

Ava Paige Casey

Diana Castelan

Rafael Castellon Jr.

Abigail Marie Cerwick

Jordan Phillip Chapman

Isaac Samer Charif

Nicolas Patrick Cisneros

Aubrey Noel Clark

Janelle Simone Clark

Kya Teresa Clements

Madison Elizabeth Click

Ethan William Coker

James Andrew Comer

Oscar Contreras Martinez

Addisyn Renee Cook

Andrew Walker Cook

Grayson Bradley Cook

Caitlyn Ashley Copeland

Connor Timothy Copeland

Parker Ryan Copeland

Jocelyn Nicole Cortez Venegas

Dominick Abel Cortez

Abigail Brook Cory

Zorriana Janay Cosby

Tyler Louis Cotney

Abigail Elizabeth Cowan

Kyle Kingsley Craig

Brady William Cummins

Jenna Claire Curtis

Holden Roy Cutchin

Kellen Chase Daniel

Abigail Jane Darden

Carli Delane Darden

Haylie Elizabeth Deifenderfer

Aiden Dakari Demouchette

Owen Andrew Dickerson

Jessie Dimas Martinez

Ledare Cameron Dodson

Carson Dylan Doss

Kimberly Lynette Duenas

Ameliah Hope Dunavant

Joseph Aiden Earley

Jordan Alexander Edwards

Joseph Dudley Ellis VI

Hannah Lee Espinoza

Samantha Ann Ezekiel

Jackson Reed Fancher

Kristopher Hayden Farish

Grayson Patrick Farr

Elizabeth Anne Fitts

Jack Robert Fitts

Princess Denise Fluker

Grace Aundreanna Freeman

Alwaleed Mohamed Gad

Anna Marie Gassner

Lily Cathryn Gentry

Jackson Paul Gibson

De’Antraniece Monique Gilbert

Joseph Anthony Gilbert

Christian Jacob Gilmore

Myles Christopher Gladden

Anna Beth Goodman

Skylar Perry Goodwin

Nicholas Kayden Gossett

Madelyn Belle Gray

Lauryn Madison Green

Jakob Colin Greer

Leiloni Ja’El Greer

Nicholas Ryan Griffin

Andrew Anthony Griswold

Jeremy Gudino

Hunter Marion Hale

Kodi Edward Hall

Lilly Elizabeth Hall

Stephanie Analin Hall

Tucker Anderson Hamilton

Caleb Ryan Haney

Hutson Dean Harper

Tamira Layne Harris

Sean Alexander Harrison

Noah Jackson Hart

Charles Andrew Hayes

James Ethan Hayes

Kyler Lee Heberling

Jordan Tiona Maliah Henderson

Jack Christopher Hendrix

Brianna Marie Henry

Kassandra Hernandez

Caleb Joshua Hewlett

Caleb Daniel Higgins

Addison Shelby Hines

Jorden Tyler Holifield

Riley Katherine Hollabaugh

David Mason Honeycutt

Hannah Lian Hooven

James Timothy Horn

Makenzie Alexis Horn

Austin Taylor Horne

Lillian Danielle Howell

Morgan Taylor Howland

Riley Talese Hudson

Samuel James Huff

Andrew Julius Huffman

Madison Elizabeth Ingber

Anna Grace Ingram

Reese Tremayne Ingram

Desmon Alex James

Addison Marie Jett

Ian Fredrick Johnigan

Caleb Daniel Johnson

Damere Lamar Johnson

Faith Michelle Johnson

Jacob Allan Johnson

Caleb Michael Jones

Dillon Benedict Jones

Henderson Tucker Jones

Wilik Martez Jordan

Sophie Isabella Danielle Karczewski

Brooklyn Marie Kelley

Isabel Reese Kennah

Auria Nicole Kennedy

Mackenzie Kayleigh Kinsella

Noah Riley Kissinger

Riley Grace Kitchens

John Gabriel Knight

Daniel ONeal Knighten

Aiden Lee Kohler

Matthew Branton Laird

Ranea Edith Lambright

Clayton Breland Lancaster

Harold Payne Landrum

Parker James Latham

Lila Cadence Latimer

Chloe Madison Lawrence

Lily Grace Leake

Noah Ryan Lewis

Eoin Edward Lindsey

Presley Elizabeth Lively

Harrison Gray Long

Joseph Michael Lott

Jaden Marie Lowery

TiAnna Reese Markham

Christopher Brian Marroquin-Mojica

Jackson Tyler Martin

Madison Anne Massone

Austin Cole Mathis

Ethan Tyler Mathis

Akila Nuru Maxwell

Jacob Lee Mayfield

Kendrick DeWayne Mays

Aylsha Nicole McCall

Emma Ryan McCann

Melik Leon McCord

Laci Kate McCugh

Jeslyn Ann McDaniel

Travis Walker McDaniel

Alexander Cole McGriff

Gabrielle Grace McKenzie

Isaac Sawyer Meinberg

Arianna Mendoza-Corona

Mackenzie Noel Meyers

Julian Meza Medina

Ava Bree Middlebrooks

Emma Kathryn Miller

Reece Thomas Mims

Tristan Xavier Mitchell

Henley Kate Montalbano

Cailyn RaShonne Moor

Alexandria Grace Moore

Justin Tyler Moore

Trey Joseph Moore

Sharon Beatriz Morales

Logan Robert Moran

Troy Samuel Morris

Harley Kate Morrison

Bryleigh Fahy Morton

Arin Outoun Movsesyan

Madeleine Wanjiru Muhindi

Trinity Alyse Murdock

Gabe Gentry Murphy

Addison Leigh Nahrgang

Derricka Lasha Nelson

Kaden Alexander O’Neal

Ethan James Odom

Emma Elizabeth Olive

Mardel Fernanda Orozco Abarca

Olivia Grace Orton

Ashleigh Makenzie Otis

Macy Emma Ozley

Brady Ryan Parker

Laylah Ayliunna Patterson

William Allen Pattillo

Marvis Denielle Payne II

Hudson Ryan Pennington

Gianna Rose Pepe

Austin David Peterson

Landon Trent Pharo

Ethan Scott Phillips

Ethan Taylor Pierson

Bennett Wiley Plowden

Alfonso Ernesto Polanco-Salguero

Caleb Dale Pounds

Haley Ann Pourciau

Amber Nicole Powell

Kaylee Petal Pruitt

Cammi Grace Pugh

Jake Thomas Quick

Rory Ashton Randazzo

Eli Jalen Ray

Jonathan Manuel Rector

Haley Elizabeth Reynolds

Adrianna Nicole Rice

Joshua Christian Ritondo

Jackson Allen Roberson

Joseph Phillip Roberto

Molly Graham Robinson

While Helena High School senior Ryan Wellman has spent his four years in high school studying and preparing for his college career, he attributes his growth to his time in the Helena Huskies Band.

“The band has taught me that putting in hard work pays off,” Wellman said.

Wellman picked up the alto saxophone in the sixth grade while playing in the middle school band. Now, Wellman sits fourth chair in the concert band and served as the section leader for the marching band during the previous season.

Wellman expressed his gratitude for band directors Jeff Burnside and Brent Traylor, as they have been two of his greatest influences, setting him up for success and encouraging him along the way.

Ryan Wellman

“Both of them have shown what a good leader looks like,” Wellman said. “They’ve been great mentors through high school, showing (the band) how to balance work and life.”

Reflecting on experiences at Helena High School, Wellman recalls silly memories of marching band camp. As one camp day was coming to an end, him and his friends decided to see how many people could sleep in one tent.

“We ended up with almost

Adrian Rodriguez

Molly Marie Rollan

Nathaniel James Romans

Miah Guinn Rosener

Joseph Taylor Sanders

Reese Austin Sanders

RoNiya Simone Savage-Holmes

Madison Katherine Grace Saville

Lauren Cate Sawyer

William Harrison Saylor

Benjamin Finley Schultz

Eden Leigh Schwartz

Joseph Anthony Sciarrotta

Destiny Gabriel Scruggs

William Lane Seefeld

Shannon Renee Shaffer

Darion Jamal Shamburger

Caleb Andrew Shell

Ivy Amara-Leigh Shepherd

Jefferson Lee Shuford

Ethan Craig Simmons

John Robert Sipes

Shepherd Stokes Skellie

Karley Grace Smelser

Brigham Oliver Smith

Emma Jane Scott Smith

Graysen Claire Smith

Jackson Riggs Smith

Katelyn Elaine Smith

Laila Gabrielle Smith

Torii Janai Smith

Riley Alyse Souers

Preston Scott Srygley

Leland Waylon Stacey

William Brayden Stacey

Nicholas James Stasiak

Charles Calvin Steel

Hannah Grace Steele

Jacob Michael Stevenson

Kaleigh Marie Stokes

Piper Anne Stovall

Jacqueline Reese Strickland

40 in one small tent,” Wellman said. “It’s one of my favorite memories from that camp.”

Wellman is also a member of numerous honor societies including Mu Alpha Theta,

the National English Honor Society, the TRIN Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

In the fall, Wellman plans on continuing his education and music career at Auburn University. His interest in cyber security led him to major in software engineering.

Wellman said he discovered his admiration for software engineering through computer science classes throughout high school.

“Being able to participate in these higher-lever classes has prepared me for how rigorous my college courses will be,” Wellman said. “The classes they offer at my school have directly prepared me for what I wish to do in college, which I am grateful for.”

Headed into college, Wellman is eager to embrace his independence in the next chapter of life as well as the opportunities to try new things while meeting new people.

“I am excited about the quality of the education I’ll be getting, but I’m so interested in the atmosphere at Auburn,” Wellman said.

Ty McRae Stricklin

Tyvan Wayne Dakota Thomas

Nathan Wade Thomason

Hayden Benjamin Thompson

Ethan Nicholas Tinney

Michael Brandt Tolbert

Peyton Lee Traywick

Gael Andres Trevino

Cooper Lee Tucker

Fin Mouser Unnoppet

Michael Jordan Varela

Melanie Araceli Velazquez

Jacob Lee Viola

Kaitlyn Mariah Waller

Aspen Dakota Warren

Jordan Leonard Washington

Kade Michael Watkins

Taylor Simone Watkins

Gabriel Alexander Watts

Caleb Shane Weeks

Ryan Edward Wellman

Ashlyn Brooke West

Tulley James Weston

Victoria Suzanne Whisenant Robert White

Kathryn Elizabeth Whited

Austin Cole Wienand

Lily Anne Wiggins

Grace Kelli Wilkins

Grant Richard Wilkins

Joshua DaVon Williams

Ke’Shon Dewayne Williams

John Martin Williamson

Olivia Renee Winston

Ashley Lena Wojcik

David Edward Wojcik

Kayla Alexis Woods

Reed Parker Woods

Alex Michael Wright

OLD TOWN LIVE APRIL

PHOTOS BY MACKENZEE SIMMS

With food trucks and live music, the community packed into the Helena Amphitheater on Saturday, April 20 for the kick-off of Old Town Live. Featuring performances from Galactic, Robert Randolph Band and Rollin’ n the Hay, Old Town live invited guests to lay out picnic blankets and dance the night away.

1. Amy Hester and Katherine Pitts.

2. Michelle Puckett, Wade and Jax Roley.

3. Sue Putley-Bohli, John Bohli, Savannah Pendergrass and Zoe, the dog.

4. The Kaluga Family.

5. Ron and Rachel Holt.

6. Lauren Gorden and Ryan White.

7. Jordan Watson and Steven McCartie.

8. Kim Parrish and Kari Anverhofer.

9. Jeremey and Angela Smyly

10. Brandon and Lizzie Henderson.

11. Jacob and Laura Langston.

12. Tarah Binford and Jonathan Lind, who got engaged that day and celebrated at Old Town Live.

TEEN COUNCIL SENIOR DINNER

PHOTOS BY MACKENZEE SIMMS

On Sunday, April 21, people from multiple generations joined in conversation and community as they broke bread and shared a meal. The Helena Teen Council held its third annual senior citizens dinner as the Teen Council served older residents of the community.

1. Carolyn Woodie, Cindy Brooks and Marilyn Schultz.

2. Doug and Celia Ingram with Peggy Carol.

3. Lindsay and Kathy Handley with Mark and Diane Snow.

4. Joy Childers, Miah Rosner, Mike and Kim Brashier

5. Addi Cook, Chris Willis, Kathy and Len Hawkins.

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Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

B&B FARM/FLEA MARKET

$5 Set Up Fee 7am-3pm 41981 HWY 25 Vincent, AL 35178 FIRST & THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

Animals, baked goods, food trucks, boiled peanuts, and more!! Bring whatever you want to sale and come hang out!!

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay $15.14/ hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com

BRIAN’S TREE SERVICE•TREES CUT FROM THE TOP DOWN!•SAFE TREE REMOVAL IN CONFINED AREAS!•STUMP GRINDING!•GENERAL LIABILITY•WORKERS COMP WWW.BRIANSTREE.COM 205281-2427

Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-6510077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbamawellness. org

$$$ WANTED $$$ PRIVATE COLLECTOR Buying Watchmaker Items! Buying Parts, Tools, Broken Watches and All Related Items! 30 Yr Member NAWCC Please

Call Dave 314-779-7380 References Available Upon Request

DONAVAN LAKES FISHING CLUB & INN Marion, Perry Co. AL 2131 Eagle Grove Church Rd. Marion, Alabama 36756 •8 Lakes •17 Piers •Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish. •Camping, Nature Trails, Birding. Membership $1000 for 2024 Contact Thomas Wilson 334-247-2101 wils5789@bellsouth.net www.donavanlakes.org

Outstanding adventure for the entire family!

SENIOR L2/L3

AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsbl for anlzng user needs & sftwr reqs. to dtrmne fsibilty of dsgn w/ in time & cost constraints, dscssng & evltng potential situations that can arise insde the plant & correlating them w/fnctnlts of the MES or flat prdct cntrl app. to produce fnctnl reqs. for each prjct, obtnng & evltng info on factors such as rprting frmts req., costs, or secrity needs to dtrmne hrdwr cnfgrtn. HS diploma w/3 yrs of prior work exp. in the pos. off. or rel. dvlpng, tstng & comsng Lvl 2 Automation Systms & Lvl 3 MES Syst. Send resumes to r.woods@danieli.com

Property Real Estate Manager (live out). Sought by commercial real estate company. Worksite: Birmingham, AL. 36 months exp. req. in same job or, Private Household Management or, any other closely related. Supervise other service workers $28.82 per. hour. 40 hrs. weekly. No walk in’s. Mail resume with cover letter to: The Founder. The Hazelrig Companies. 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite # 315, Birmingham, AL 34243.

AUTOMATION L1 PLC DEVELOPER

Danieli Taranis (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dvlpng sftwr prjct for autmtn sys.; intnl tstng of sftwr app on autmtn sys; drawing up ad prep. of oprtr manuals; field check, assurance that all field elctrcl eqpmnt is cnctd to autmtn sys; motor mvments accrdng to data sheet; mach. automatic

mvmnts according to cycle diagram; monitor plant prdctvt. Bachelor’s in Cmptr Scnce or IT w/5 yrs of progress resp. prior wrk exp in the pstn offrd. or reltd. Mst knw (thru acad training or wrk exp) dvlpng MES autmtn sftwre using DELPHI XE2 & SQL ORACLE PL/SQL for bcknd dvlpmnt; dvlpng autmtn sftwre for steel indstry; SQL dtbse, Vsl Stdio Cde, Delphi 2005, Orcle dtbse, incl. Orcle ADF, Orcle SOA, & Orcle BPM. Resumes to r.woods@danieli. com.

Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500

•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Production Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00/ year 10hr shifts Mon-Thurs Oversees production operations. Sets objectives, organizes workflow, prepares schedules, assigns responsibilities, trains employees, ensures safety, schedules maintenance, submits performance reports. Skills:-Automotive Plant Experience -Experience as Production Supervisor or similar role -Experience with manufacturing machinery and tools -Advanced skills in MS Office -High School Diploma; Degree in a technical, engineering or relevant field will be an advantage Benefits: PTO, 401k w/match, Health/ Dental/Vision insurance, employee assistance, referral program, tuition reimbursement 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

2nd Shift Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00 2nd shift 2:30p.m.1:00a.m. Monday–Thursday Responsibilities: •Be an effective Supervisor in a participative work environment •Ensure all Finishing Dept. goals and improvement objectives are accomplished per our commitments •Ability to optimize utilization of personnel, equipment, material, and space to meet OMF’s daily, monthly

and annual targets. Will be evaluated regularly on ability to continuously improve in all areas of responsibility. 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Maintenance Technicians: Friday–Sunday 12 hour shifts 6:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Responsible for maintenance of O-Flex facilities & equipment across all lines & departments. Oversight of preventative maintenance programs. Coordinates continuous improvement activities with Maintenance Team Leader. Starting pay $19-$28 BOE 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

Quantum Logistics Hiring

Class A Driver. Montgomery, AL. Full or part time. $.48-$.55 per mile. Paid weekly. BCBS Insurance. Home weekend EZ Pass and prepass. Safety & Fuel Bonus. Apply online www.qtmlog.com Call (334)2888106.

Nursing Assistant to help care for an elderly gentleman in Jemison requiring total assistance. PT-FT. To apply, call Ms. Peoples (205)688-1992 or (205)447-3005

Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

Tax Advisor, International Tax and Transaction Tax Services (International Corporate Tax Advisory) (Senior) (Multiple Positions), Ernst & Young U.S. LLP, Birmingham, AL. Apply online, go to:ey.com/ en_us/careers and click on “Careers - Job Search”, then “SearchJobs”(Job Number1472113).

Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing seeks a Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham, AL to contribute to the company’s core product platforms, building APIs and systems. Req. MS + 2 yrs exp or BS + 5 yrs exp. Salary range for

position:

$170,000.00 - $200,000.00. 100% telecommuting role. Reports to company headquarters in Birmingham, AL. Can work remotely or telecommute. To apply, mail resume to:Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing, Attn: HR, 17 20TH Street North, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35203. Must Reference Job Title: & Code: 000012. EOE.

LEAD ELECTRICAL

ENGINEER Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dsgng, dvlpng, & tsting automtn sys for y steel mnfctrng eqpmnt & mchnry, Q-HEAT, Q-DRIVE, & Q-ONE tech, & dvlpng logic & parmetrs; inspctng exstng hrdwre w/in the plnt to prpre for installtn of drives & automtn sftwre; creatng elctrcl diagrms of autmtn sys, motor/ sensr lsts for plnts, autmtn blck diagrms of plnt ntwrks, motor wrkng cycls sensr or transltr data sheets, plnt lyout & dtails of areas in AutoCAD frmt; creatng I/O lst for hrdwre dsgn & dvlpng autmtn sftwre; creatng opertor mnuals. Master’s in Elctrcl Engnrng or rel field w/2 yrs prev wrk exp in pos off or rel. Mst know (thru acdmc trainng or wrk exp) Ethrnet Confgurator & Profibus/Profinet; Codesys; Target Monitor; Q-Drive Configurator parmtrztion; & indction heatng & Q-One tech. Wrks at clients’ manfctrng wrksites acrss contnntl U.S. Resumes to C.Hegarty@ danieli.com

South Pointe Development 203 Shiloh Creek Drive Calera, AL 35040Updating Waiting List:3 BDR 2 Bath Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30 Multi-Family No Pets Allowed 205-6681196.

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

MY HELENA

ASHLEY BELEW

Happy Helena resident

On the trail

The great outdoors offer plenty of beautiful spots

Helena has no shortage of things to do outdoors. The trail system from the middle school to Hillsboro has been fun for us to be able to walk to friends’ homes in different neighborhoods. We enjoy picnicking at the waterfall and traveling down the river to see the Cahaba lilies.

All-star educators

Excellent teachers to help students grow

Helena has the most loving and supportive teachers that dedicate themselves to helping children grow. The teachers we have been blessed with have poured themselves into the classroom and want to see each child reach their full potential. They eagerly partner with parents to support the children’s needs and foster a love of learning. Just can’t say enough how much our teachers have meant to my family and how grateful we are for them!

To love and to serve

Residents of Helena that volunteer their time Helena has many citizens who share a love for our city, are willing to serve our city and are striving to help us become the best city we can be. From those who volunteer and serve on the Helena Beautification Board, to those who work behind the scenes at all those events we all love, to the council and committees, we certainly have a wealth of people who truly love this city and it shows!

Child’s play

Helena’s ample opportunities for kids to get out and play

Our Park and Recreation department provides, organizes and supports so many activities for our children. My daughter, Anna Brooks, loves cheering on the football team each fall and I’ve been able to volunteer and assist with her team which we both enjoy. When we aren’t involved in one of the awesome activities they offer, we love to go watch our friends in whichever activity they are participating in.

Fun for the whole family

The city has no shortage of excellent family friendly events

Helena is always planning great, family friendly events. The Old Town Live Concert series, the summer farmers market, the plant swaps at the library, the Arbor Day tree event where we got three new trees to plant, the Christmas tree lighting and everyone’s favorites, Buck Creek Festival and the Christmas Parade, are just some of the things that we love to do here in Helena!

The sense of community as well as the joy and excitement these events bring is something we appreciate and look forward to every year!

P.O. Box 947 • 115 North Main Street

Columbiana, Alabama 35051

Phone: 205-669-3131