19 minute read
An Answered Prayer
AN ANSWERED
PRAYER
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FOR MANY PEOPLE, LUCINDA THOMAS IS THE HELPER THEY DESPERATELY NEED—AND SHE EMBRACES THAT ROLE. The darkest parts of the coronavirus pandemic have shown some of the brightest parts of humanity. Acts of kindness have run the gamut in form, from adult volunteers cooking and delivering meals to the elderly and immunocompromised, to teenagers delivering cleaning supplies to soft voice. “A kind word, a smile, a hello will help people.” And she stands by her words as truth, knowing she can back them up with evidence from her life—conversations she has had with strangers and friends, moments she has made an effort to truly change someone’s day through her actions. Lucinda makes sure he is ready to be transported to his dialysis treatments. She remains unofficially on-call in case he needs anything on other days. “I have a very good support system,” she says of her sisters and other family members who pitch in with Anthony’s care. “It was a life change for all T BY EMILY SPARACINO | PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY families unable to go to the store. Such There’s a good chance Lucinda doesn’t even of us. There’s nothing you can do; you can’t selfless gestures are also ones you would know the full extent of her generosity; after be mad.” expect from someone like Lucinda all, she doesn’t dwell on how it affects her. Friend Gwendolyn Brown says she met Thomas—but not just during a pandemic. That’s not her mission. Lucinda when Gwendolyn worked for a For Lucinda, giving is as second nature to Lucinda’s compassion starts with her disability rights group. “She amazed me her as breathing, and she has a knack for family. She takes care of her brother, when she came in looking for more finding new avenues for it. Anthony, who became paralyzed about four resources for not just her brother, but for “It’s not about me,” she says, an years ago after an abscess on his spinal cord many others,” Gwendolyn says. “I was able unmistakable note of compassion in her went undetected. Three days a week, to realize that she actually knew a bit more
than I could possibly provide her to be of help. She is always giving of her time and lending a helping hand when needed. She goes above and beyond the call of duty for her family, community and customers.”
Lucinda’s compassion flows into her professional life, too. She has worked at Walmart in Alabaster for the last 23 years, most recently as a switchboard operator. She answers phone calls and directs callers to the correct person or department—a job rooted in customer service, an arena in which she shines. “I’m a people person,” she says. “I never meet a stranger. I can walk into a room and have a conversation with people.”
Lucinda has worked in other roles at the store over the years, but no matter where she finds herself any given day, she is connecting with her coworkers and customers, either through conversations or simply a warm smile in passing. “I look at it as a courtesy,” she says. “It doesn’t cost anything to say hello.”
Outside of work, Lucinda attends church at Bethesda Apostolic Worship Center in Montevallo, where she says she loves to help in the kitchen when she has time. “I can’t cook—cooking is not my calling—but I love to serve. You learn a lot about people when you’re talking to them back there.”
Lucinda says she is thankful for the foundation her parents, Pastor PJ Thomas Sr. and the late Mary Q. Thomas, set for her, and she looks at her church pastor, Gerry Bivins, and longtime friends like the late Vera Mae McCarter and Dilcey Daniels as mentors and sources of wisdom when she needs guidance. “You need people who
When Lucinda Thomas isn’t working or caring for her brother, she often makes “wellness visits” to those she knows to check in on them and deliver food and supplies.
are going to tell you the truth,” she says. Other prominent people in her life include Rick Mercer, Arthurie Luster and Scott Newell, all of whom she credits with pushing her to finish school at Jefferson State and get her degree years ago. And her brother’s good spirits despite his condition are contagious. “He keeps me going,” she says.
In moments of solitude, Lucinda often turns to music to carry her through challenging times. She recalls lying on the floor of her brother’s hospital room during a five-month stay for his spinal cord abscess, exhausted and unsure of what the future would hold for him. “I would work from 2-11 and go to the hospital and sleep there every night. I would just turn on the music and lay on the floor, and listen to ‘A Song of Strength’ by Fred Hammond.”
Lucinda stays busy, seemingly defying the laws of sleep and sanity. It’s hard to think she would have any spare time left to dedicate to anything or anyone besides her brother, work and church, but she manages to find snatches of time to conduct what she calls “wellness checks,” or quick visits to people’s houses to make sure they are OK or to drop off food and supplies they need. She calls her drive-by checks and
Lucinda Thomas makes sure her brother Anthony, who is now paralyzed and pictured with family members on the right page, is transported to his dialysis treatments and supports him however else she can.
delivery services Queen Pantry —and she does it all free of charge, in case that wasn’t already clear. “My mom would do that,” Lucinda says, recalling memories of watching her mother fill a brown paper bag with food for someone who needed a boost. “You wouldn’t leave the Thomas house without a bag.” It’s yet another example of Lucinda’s generosity that impresses Gwendolyn. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused uncertainty for the elderly, persons with disabilities and many others in various ways,” she says. “People would call the store in search of supplies. Some would not have transportation to the store to pick them up. On her off days, Lucinda would go to deliver items to people in need, making sure the elderly and persons with disabilities have the basic necessities they need to stay safe during this pandemic.”
And yet, Lucinda claims she’s just using the time and opportunities God has given her to make a difference. “It doesn’t matter what gift you have,” she says. “You don’t have to have a whole celebrity platform; you have to use what you’ve got. If we all do a little bit, it adds up. That’s what I try to get people to see. You just work every day and try to do good.”
People like Gwendolyn see how much Lucinda does. How does she fit it all in? That’s a question for the ages. “I would always tease her and say, ‘Lucinda, when I win the lottery, I am sending you on a vacation. Girl! You do so much and never have time to rest,’” Gwendolyn says. “Lucinda (is) a life changer, a door to being a way-maker and to so many, an answered prayer.”
PELHAM
A L A B A M A
Pelham ' s scenic neighborhoods offer a retreat from the busy world. It’ s a wonderful place to call home and an equally great place to visit. From our entertainment venues to our sports facilities and our recreational opportunities, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy in Pelham.
RANKINGS THAT COUNT
2020 Best Places to Live in Alabama | #10 2020 Best Places to Raise a Family in Alabama | #10 2020 Best Places to Buy a House in Alabama | #5 2020 Safest Cities in Alabama | #10 2021 Best School Districts in Alabama | #12
Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena
We are the home of Birmingham Bulls Hockey. We offer public skate times, youth & adult hockey leagues and skating lessons.
Our banquet hall can be reserved for your next corporate or private event. Our catering options fit every palette and budget.
Phone: 205.620.6448
Ballantrae Golf Club
A favorite for both residents and visitors amongst public golf courses in Birmingham, this semiprivate course is conveniently located just four miles east of I-65.
Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,310
Phone: 205.620.4653
Pelham Parks & Recreation
Pelham has six parks to enjoy, along with the Greenway Trail that will eventually connect to the beautiful Oak Mountain State Park.
We offer fitness classes at our Recreation Center, as well as many programs and activities for people of all ages.
205.620.6426
Pelham Racquet Club & Tennis Center
The Pelham Racquet Club is the largest public clay court facility in the state. Membership includes league fees and use of the hard courts at the Pelham Tennis Center.
Clay courts: 20 | Hard courts: 5
HEROES AMONG US
WHO IS HEROIC IN YOUR LIFE? HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS TO THAT QUESTION FOR OUR READERS.
PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY | TEXT BY SELAH VETTER & CONTRIBUTED
DANA RHODES
HELENA SCHOOL SECRETARY
Affectionately known around town as “Ms. Dana,” Dana Rhodes is the secretary at Helena Middle School. Greeting students, parents, administrators and guests with a radiant smile and a cheerful attitude, Ms. Dana provides an important bridge between school administration and parents and is perhaps the best unpaid spokesperson on staff!
- Laura Joseph
BRIAN BINZER
ALABASTER CIVIL SERVANT
Brian Binzer has a servant heart and understands his role is to help make the goals and dreams of elected officials and citizens come to life. As the city administrator in Alabaster, he puts in countless long hours and late nights to ensure the city stays on track and serves its citizens. At nearly any moment you can find him behind the scenes facilitating, coaching and encouraging his colleagues to serve others well. Even when he was in the hospital in 2019 after a serious car accident, Brian still worked with Alabaster’s City Council—always willing to help out his community members and listen to their ideas and concerns.
FRANK ANDREWS
HELENA CHOIR DIRECTOR
Frank Andrews is the Helena Middle School choir and show choir teacher, and he is my hero. He is the reason I fell in love with the arts and went to college for it. I wouldn’t have the passion without him. He protected me against bullies and helped me when I was at my lowest in middle school. He was an inspiration, and that’s why even after I left the middle school, I came back to help with backdrops and choreography.
HETTIE WAGNER
MONTEVALLO SOCIAL WORKER
Seeking to right wrongs and value the worth and dignity of each person, Hettie Wagner works as a social worker at Shelby Emergency Assistance. She listens to folks in tough spots without the means to meet even the most basic of needs, whether it is food or medicine, utilities or housing, and then she helps them find ways to have those needs met. In all she does, Hettie helps problem solve and link people with resources when life seems overwhelming.
JENNIFER BULGER
COLUMBIANA TEACHER
Big hugs and wiping tears are part of Jennifer’s everyday life as teacher at Elvin Hill Elementary for 31 years. She has loved so many students in our community. She is an unsung hero in my eyes because I know when I drop my daughter off at school that Mrs. Bulger is going to be her “school mom,” making sure she is taken care of academically but also emotionally. - Aubri McClendon
JOE HUTTO
SHELBY RESTAURANT MANAGER
Joe is manager of VJ’s Restaurant and Bar in Shelby, and is a Shelby resident. Last year he approached me about providing supplies for our monthly pancake breakfast at the Shelby Iron Works Park. He also arranged for two other companies to be monthly sponsors of the event to help offset our costs. We never solicited his help; he just saw a need and came to us. He feels very passionately about helping others, and he has never asked to be acknowledged for his good work. He’s a wonderful asset to our community and a blessing to the park.
-Jennifer Maier
JOHN ELLISON
ALABASTER COMMUNITY GIVE BAKERS FOUNDER
As founder of the Alabaster Community Give Backers, John Ellison is a neighbor you can count on. When he saw members in his community in need, he decided to form a non-profit to donate goods, from clothes to food. The Alabaster Community Give Backers focuses on helping people who were impacted by fires, hurricanes or other natural disasters. When he hears of a loss in the community from a natural disaster or other tragedy, John organizes donations to deliver both supplies and hope.
JOY CHILDERS
HELENA COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER/ORGANIZER
When anything needs to be done in Helena, everyone knows to ask Joy Childers for her assistance. For 50 years, she has spearheaded the Helena Christmas Parade as its chairwoman. The parade began when her kids and neighborhood rode their bicycles around Joe Tucker Park, and she packed little ones in her station wagon to be a part of it too. In the past, she organized the Helena Easter Egg Hunt and had local high schoolers help her with an army of volunteers. When Bo Bice was a contestant for American Idol, she organized TV viewing parties supporting him at the old Incahoots restaurant. Joy’s heart and love for her hometown also has her being the Poll Inspector for Helena. In addition, she raised six children, was a homemaker and then served as the assistant to the Mayor Sonny Penhale for years. -Penny Weldon
KATHYRN CARY
WILSONVILLE VOLUNTEER
Ninety-eight-year-old Kathyrn Cary is still finding ways to give back to the community. As an avid reader, she loves to help the Wilsonville Library, which has lent her many books over the years, by serving on the board. Kathyrn says she also feels blessed to be able to teach a Sunday School class for women 80-years-old and older at her church, Wilsonville Baptist. She’s passionate about building relationships with these women and spending time learning more about Biblical scripture as she teaches lessons.
KIM & GLENDA BRADLEY
CHELSEA VOLUNTEERS
This mother-daughter duo understand what even a simple gesture can do during a season of hardship. They are heavily involved in the community from food giveaways to jail ministry to volunteering at local churches, spreading joy in all that they do. Kim and Glenda founded their non-profit, Heavenly Smile Inc., to help offer food and financial support to people in the community. As a part of it, Kim teaches and encourages female inmates alongside a wonderful group of committed volunteers.
LEIGHANN THOMAS
WILSONVILLE NURSE
LeighAnn has always had a heart for senior adults. She has not only made that her career as a nurse, but she cares for people in her local community. She has “adopted” several seniors throughout her 24+ years in Wilsonville. During the quarantine last year, she cared for a special friend by checking on her, helping her with chores around the house, buying groceries, taking her a plate when fixing dinner and just stopping in for a quick visit. LeighAnn’s devotion to the seniors in her community is a true inspiration. - Payton Thomas
MIKE PRICE
MONTEVALLO PANDEMIC INNOVATOR
When University of Montevallo alumnus and faculty member Mike Price saw a need for face shields during the COVID-19 pandemic, he did something to help. In mid-March 2020, he spearheaded a project to create 3D printed face shields for staff at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. As the digital media and emerging technologies librarian at Carmichael Library, he partnered with University of Montevallo theatre faculty Kyle Moore and Emily Gill to produce the shields.
PAT & BILL WYATT
WESTOVER VOLUNTEERS
Pat and Bill Wyatt believe it’s their duty to serve and love their neighbors. Even though these two are retired, you will still find them busy working in the Westover community. They volunteer and serve as leaders in RVSP, American Legion, Blue Star Salute and Shelby County Homemakers. In particular, Bill has battled six major cancers, inspiring him to want to support others with cancer by volunteering with the Cancer Support Group in Birmingham.
REBECCA MACKE
CHELSEA NURSE
Rebecca Macke is an RN who works on the medical intensive care unit at St Vincent’s Birmingham. She has been caring for COVID 19 positive patients since it started here in Birmingham. She is the most selfless and caring individual. She always puts others’ needs first and quick to offer comfort and prayer to any patient or family member without request. She is heroic.
STAN & JO DAWSON
MONTEVALLO CITGO OWNERS
For over 30 years, Stan and Jo Dawson have had a big presence in Montevallo. Perhaps most notably, their full-service gas station harkens to the good ole days. Stan still loves to pump gas for others and is always willing to help out when he can, chatting with drivers as he pumps their gas. On Sundays, though, Stan and Jo can be found at Marvel Baptist Church where Stan serves as pastor.
PEGGY SIMS
ALABASTER VOLUNTEER & BLOGGER
Peggy Sims is devoted to the lost. She consistently goes to find those who are lost or forgotten. Lifts them up from despair and leads them into a place where they can find hope, strength and comfort. She is a mom to the motherless, a light in the darkness and the love of Christ moves through her, to the broken hearted. Peggy has worked with Kingwood Church and Birmingham Metro Master’s Commission for many years now, and her blog can be found at peggysims.com.
-Tamara Harrelson
RHONDA MACK
SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM AREA SPECIALIST
Mrs. Mack has been a consistent leader and encourager during these tough times as we started a school year that none of us recognized. She has worked tirelessly to communicate with us during the ever-changing situations, and she has gone above and beyond for the middle school teachers ensuring we have as much access to resources and trainings as possible. This transition into the 2020-2021 school year was a bumpy road, but was is not at all as overwhelming and scary as it could have been because of her guidance. She is BEYOND patient as we ask questions, many of which she has probably answered many times before. Her main priority is her teachers, and we feel that she is always in our corner so that we can be the best we can be for our kids.
RUSSELL & HEATHER BICISTE
PELHAM VOLUNTEERS
Heather Biciste has helped coordinate The Festival of 3 Kings for the foster kids in Shelby County, she has been to Kenya to work with Challenge Farm, and she has also served endless hours helping with Helena United Methodist Church’s consignment sale, Chic Repeats. Russell is very active with our youth program at HUMC and also organizes our church sports ministry, mainly our softball league. He and Heather have both served as youth mentors during Confirmation and they are greeters in our church, and they taught the Pathfinders Sunday school class for over 10 years. They’ve both been very involved with The Miracle League and both served on the committee for the new Pelham Library. They are both wonderful people and deeply committed to their communities. -Jennifer Whatley
SHERRIE JORDAN
CHELSEA CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM MANAGER
Sherrie Jordan has worked in the Shelby County Child Nutrition Program serving the Chelsea schools for almost 30 years and has been a manager for over 15 years. She has been at Chelsea High since opening day and worked a year prior at Chelsea. She always gives everyone a smile and offers encouragement to the faculty and students at Chelsea High. Sherrie is a person you can count on to help wherever needed. During the recent pandemic this past spring, she quickly volunteered and called others to help organize the food distribution for students.
- Nathan Hayes
TERRELL LYKES
CALERA HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Terrell Lykes volunteered to become president of our homeowner’s association at Waterford when our community was in absolute shambles. He has saved the community thousands of dollars by cutting the grass and planting flowers HIMSELF and with a few volunteers, and by saving that money, he was able to get some of our roads repaired, throw community parties, keep the pool open longer, repair our water fountains and get street lights installed. He also coordinated police and firefighter presence for quarantine birthday parades for children in the neighborhood, arranged for the fishery department to improve our lake’s habitat and collected old Christmas trees to provide hiding places within the lake for the baby fish, and so much more. He is also a cancer-survivor and, along with his wife, takes care of his daughter who has a rare chronic autoimmune disorder, all while owning a lawn care business.
