Police Wednesday

Police at Library
The Helena Police Department will be at a program today Wednesday, 6/19/2013 at 2:00 PM. It is a great opportunity to bring the children and let them leanr more about the police. They will speak about Public safety and what police work is all about in our community.

Don't forget the Summer Reading Program is in full swing! This year, we have a program with prizes for young people, and drawings for teens and Adults. You grown folks out there, visit soon to better yourself AND enter a drawing to win a $50.00 gift card to The Depot in Helena!

Also, on Thursday, 6/20/2013, at 6:00 PM, DON’T MISS IT! The Friends of the Jane B. Holmes Public Library Meeting! This group supports a treasured resource, our Public Library. The group will discuss new ways to support the library and upcoming events. Free Refreshments.Call 664-8308 and ask for Daniel Dearing for details. Hope all is well, and see you soon.

Blue Bloods
Explore the Ride for the Helena Explorers on July 20th is coming up. Everyone come out and support the young Police Explorers. They are an outstanding group that does so much for the city. I had a chance to speak to Steve Dickson who was putting up posters this weekned. He believe in the program so much that he is working hard to make sure the program will be a success. The event will start at Max motor sports in Pelham at 9:30am and end at Papa Saias where there will be music and food.

Post coming later

Running a little behind today. Will have it up soon. Before I forget the Helena Police will be at the Helena library at 2pm for the children to meet as part of the Library Summer program

Tuesday in Helena

Helena Happenings Today

Helena Sports Complex and Ruffin Park Closed: Today from 8:00am-12:00pm, the Helena Rec. Center at Ruffin Park will be closed to the public for multi agency law enforcement school security training.

Story Time: The Helena Library will have story time today at 11am:  "Digging Up Soup" (I hope that is the story name)

Trevor Fitts from Clarion Ledger

World Series
Congrats to Helena Native, Trevor Fitts, who was the starting pitcher for Mississippi State in the College World Series last night. They defeated Indiana 5-4.  Trevor Glen Fitts is the Son of Angie and Danny Fitts of Helena, Ala. Way to Go!

Dubberly Signs
Austin Dubberly of Helena who recently graduated from Montevallo after earning the University of Montevallo Athletic Department’s John Bennett Walters Award as the top male scholar-athlete during the 2012-2013 season, has signed a professional baseball contract with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League. Way to Go! LINK

Helena Boy Scouts Safe from Fire
Neal Wagner reported that Helena Troop 2 boy scouts had to be rerouted from the camping due to the wildfires in New Mexico. They are in New Mexico for Camp Philmont when lighting sparks a 1000 acre fire.  LINK

Russian Visit
Laura Brookhart wrote an article about the Helena Kiwanis Club hosting 10 Russia nationals who wanted were given a tour of City Hall and the local schools. The Photo is from Laura's Article. You can read the full article here: LINK

Fox Valley Changes
The award winning Fox Valley Restaurant has  a surprise coming up. The will be open Wednesday-Saturday  then they will be on a working holiday for 2 weeks. Here's what Sue says from their post, "We're retooling our menu. Our employee meals are so very good and less expensive, focus is on that. Overwhelmingly delicious menu items that don't call for a special occasion to come dine and won't harm your dining budget. Just a few gentle changes/additions that will please everyone. We're excited".

Helena Wifi
Neal Wagner wrote an article about the company, GK2 Inc, which is planning to bring wifi around Helena. They are expecting to start in 6 months and offer the services for $25 a month. Several areas in Helena do not have any Internet access and this service would make it available. LINK

Thigpen Trek
Scott Thigpen from Helena started his track across the Continental divide US last week. His goal is to ride his bike the entire length. His adventure has hi-tek twist with gps tracking and facebook video chronicling his trek. His website is Driven2divide and you can follow his gps here  The entire trek is expected to take 22 days and his major sponsor is Cahaba Cycle.

Helena Hazard House
"Chief John Wilder is pleased to announce the Helena Fire Department has purchased a Hazard House made possible from a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter Grants program. According to the United Stated Fire Administration, between 2009 and 2011, an estimated 360,900 residential building fires were reported to U.S. fire departments each year and caused 2,495 deaths, 13,250 injuries and $7 billion in property losses. Cooking was the leading cause of these fires.
To assist in the awareness and prevention of these potential deadly fires, The Helena Fire Department debuted the use of the new Hazard House during a recent program for the Jane B. Holmes public library summer reading program.  For more information, or to schedule a demonstration for your group, contact Deputy Chief Peter Valenti at 205-663-5809.

Since 2005, the Helena Fire Department has received $1,328,980.00 in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter Grants program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and; Emergency Response Grants for the purchase of equipment and the hiring of personnel.
The Helena Fire Department would like to thank U.S. Representative Spencer Bachus for his support and assistance with this grant".

Pictures on Monday

Ok, normally this is reader submitted Monday but I am off a day so there will be more pictures

 Art Clas Today
Uptown Art will have a class today at Rio's Bar and Grill. It will start at 7:30pm and will have a patroic theme in honor of the upcoming Independence Day. It is $15 if you pay before 5pm today and $20 afterwards. If you prepay you are also elgible for prizes.

Volunteers from the Helena Market Days

City Council Tonight
PRE-COUNCIL: Work Session Agenda 3:00pm

1. Prioritize future capital projects
2. Marketing opportunity with Shelby County Reporter’s Economic Development Magazine
3. Feedback from Park Ordinance

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Agenda 6:00pm
1. Call To Order.
2. Prayer.
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Council Roll Call.
5 Presentation of Minutes from Council meeting 06/03/13.
6 Revenue Report - Bill payment.
7 City Operations, Department, and Mayoral Report: Mayor Mark Hall
• Police, Fire, Library, Streets, Sanitation, Utilities.
8. Health Insurance Premium Status for 2013/2014
9. Update from Beautification Board and discussion on amending ordinance

Father's Day brekafast by the children by Sherrie

Mayor Hall at Helena Community Garden Ground Breaking

Helena Belles help paint Helena Elementary

I did have a couple of things to post like Scott Thigpen crossing the continental divide, a student signs a professional sport contract and more but I will have to hold it so expect a very long Tuesday post.

Father's Day Weekend in Helena

Helena Happenings
First off ...Happy Flag Day!  This Father's day weekend will be amazing in Helena. I will give you a quick calendar but will provide more details belwo On top of all of this, the Helena 8U and 7U baseball all stars are playing. Also don't forget to read to the bottom if you missed the news report about why Helena High School will be one of a kind.

Friday 6/14
8pm Free movie at Helena Amphitheater "Rise of the Guardians"
8pm-12am James Miller performs at Papa Saia's
9pm-2pm DJ Dr Bay at Rio's Bar and Grill

Saturday 6/15
8am-12pm Helena Farmer Market opens at Helena Amphitheater
8am-Noon $5 Pony Rides at Helena Amphitheater
8am-Noon Volunteers painting at Helena Elementary School
9am- Chef Chris Hastings gives a demonstration at Helena Amphitheater
9:30am  "Miles Apart" performs at the Helena Amphitheater
10am Helena Community Garden Ground Breaking across from Helena Library
10am-3pm Helena Museum Opens with there new collection items. Say Hi to Ken
11am-1am Crawfish Boil celebration at Papa Saia's
1pm-5pm Chase Evans performs at Papa Saia's at Crawfish Boil
1pm-5pm Volunteers painting at Helena Elementaty School
8pm-12am Even Steven performs at Papa Saia's Crawfsih Boil
9pm-2am Wes Day and Greg perform at Rio's Bar and Grill $5 cover

Sunday 6/16 
Happy Father's Day

Crawfish Boil

Papa Saia will have their last Crawfish Boil of the season and are packing it with two musician performances as well as Shrimp, oysters and of course lots of crawfish. Come out and have ablast on Saturday from 11am-Midnight+. 

Yard Sales
2833 Bridlewood Terrace from 7 am - 2 pm Friday and Saturday, June 14th and 15th, 7am- 2pm. All proceeds go to help with the cost of those friends going on the mission trip to Swaziland, Africa.

230 1st Ave East multifamily yard sale on Saturday. It is located pass the Helena museum.Will have clothes, household items, and children items, and some furniture

177 St Charles Dr in Jackson Square. Toddler girl clothes and shoes,Baby bedding,Toddler toys
A few pieces of furniture etc...Starts at 6:30 a.m.

 113 Bentmoor Circle in Old Cahaba. Lots of kids clothes and toys plus some some household items.  7am-12:00pm

1415 Belmont Ln Helena / Dearing Downs subdivision. Clothes, ties, toys, electronics, & a PS3

Helena Community Garden
The Helena Community Garden is official coming to life. A great shout out the Kristi, and everyone who worked so hard to make this happen. Helena is amazing in the sense that a group of volunteers can come together in such a short time and make something wonderful for the community as a whole. Instead of being hindered, people get helped when they want to make something happen in Helena. Here is an article by Clarke about it: Full Article

Friday Free Movies
Every Friday night the Helena Business Association will show a free movie outdoors at the Helena Amphitheater as the sun sets (8pm). Come early and bring chairs. The concession stand opens at 7pm so get a good spot. This movie is Rise of the Guardians is rated PG and is 97 minutes long.

Scott Thigpen Divide
Scott Thigpen, of Helena,  will be starting his crossing of the Contitential Divide on his bicycle. You can follow his progress here:  http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide13i.php?name=Scott_Thigpen&point=11

 Helena Market Days
There will be a lots of farmers and special events at the Helena Market Day at the Helena Ampitheater this Saturday from 8am-Noon including a knife sharping vendor, chef demonstration, music and a pony ride.

We are truly honored to have award winning Chris Hastings from Hot and Hot Fish Club come to Helena to give a Chef demonstration at 9am the Helena Market. He is the 2012 James Beard "Best Chef in the South" award winner. He has gained popular fame when he defeated Chef Bobby Flay in Iron Chef America which aired on Food Network. Come meet this famous chef and receive a personal cooking demonstration this Saturday. He will be creating the Hot and Hot Tomato Salad and giving out samples afterwards.

Musical Guest
It has been almost a year since we were entertained by "Miles Apart", and people are still buzzing about the show they put on. "Miles Apart" is comprised of La Reunion Idol winner (and U of A PhD. candidate!) Ashley Partridge and singer/songwriter/jack of all musical trades Thomas Trussell. Though no longer performing regularly as a duo, they had such a great time at the market last year that they have reunited for one last performance for us. If you can only make one musical event in Helena this summer, this should be the one! Ashley Partridge and Thomas Trussell of Miles Apart

Special Event: Pony Rides
Saddle up! Rocking S Farms of Helena will be giving pony rides in the park for a $5 donation this Saturday. All proceeds go to support American Horse Adoption operated by Saddlebred Rescue, Inc. (www.saddlebredrescue.com). Rocking S will also provide information on riding lessons and summer camp opportunities. Bring the kids for an experience they will love and to help save the great American horse. The pony who will be giving rides is all white and is named "Cloud 9"

Rose at the Market
Everything will be coming up roses this Saturday at Helena Market Days. For Chris VanCleave aka "The Redneck Rosarian" growing roses has become a passion. Mr. VanCleave currently serves as the President of the Birmingham Rose Society and is an active member of the American Rose Society. His writing appears at About.com, ShelbyCo Magazine and on his popular blog RedneckRosarian.com. Creator and host of Rose Chat Radio, the only radio broadcast dedicated to growing roses, Chris a tireless advocate of our national floral emblem; the rose. He and his wife tend a rose garden of over 125 roses in Helena.

Join Chris this weekend for advise about anything roses. He will be conducting seminars throughout the day, and there will likely be drawings for shrubs and tools.

MOPS
Also the local chapter of Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) International will be on hand this weekend to let young mothers know what their organization can do for them, and to ask for your support for their mission.  MOPS group will have face painting and coloring pages for kids, and will be selling muffins, and elastic hair ties for $1 each.

For the Puppies
A "Way to Go" to 8 year old Harper Miller who set up a lemonade stand and raised $36.00 for Two by Two Rescue in Helena.!

Helena High
In case you missed it, Helena was featured in a news story by Ashley Brand about how the school is being built to resist tornadoes. It is a great feature but it is also cool because she shows us the inside of the school. Here is the link in case you firewall is block the video below: Direct Link

ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports Happy Father's Day!

Wifi, Belles, and Police

Wifi Service in Helena
Martin J Reed wrote an article about the new wifi services that will be in Helena. Birmingham-based GK2 Inc is starting to install equipment on poles that will allow wifi for $25 a month from www.got-wifi.com. They are hoping to be ready in a month or so. If successful it will be a neat service to have in Helena and it will give another option to those who can't get DSL or cable.You can read the full story here: Full Article

Helena Belles News
I spoke with Amy Bolt this evening and they have several updates for the Helena Belles. The organization isn't just pretty dresses. The young women services as student ambassadors and volunteers for the City of Helena.

2nd Annual Belles and Beaus:  July 10, 8-11pm at Magnolia Springs Manor (open to past and present Belles, guy friends, friends and prospective Belles), Attire: Homecoming/semi-formal, tickets $15 at HelenaBelles.com or mail check to Helena Belles, 430 River Oaks Ln, Helena, AL 35080. Chaperones will be present.

2013-2014 Helena Belle Applications: Is your daughter interested in joining? Forms can be found at Native Beach Tan, Helena Merchantile, Le Cachet Salon and completed forms are due July 15, 2013. All the forms including present Belle re-commitment forms, found at HelenaBelles.com are due July 8, 2013

Farmer's Market: Helena Belles will have a booth at Helena Market Days on June 29th from 8am-12pm

School Painting: Also as part of their service, young ladies will be helping to paint the Helena Elementary School this Saturday and I would like to encourage everyone who has a couple of hours to swing by the School and give some time to help.

Helena man pleads not guilty
Martin J Reed wrote an article about a Helena man who has pleaded not guilty to charges that steemed from for a three county car chase from July of last year. He "faces two charges of attempted murder and another count of attempting to elude". One of the charges of attempted murder is for attempting to hit two Helena police officers. Full Article

Helena Police Program
The Helena Police program to provide assistant to citizens with special needs was covered in a report by  Christy Hutchings: Full Article

Coming Up Events
Tomorrow I will post the weekend events and it will be long because the Helena Market Days has so many cool events. So email, message, tweet and tag me if you know of some Helena events so I can write it early and finally in case you haven't heard, below is the fireworks schedule...

Paint, Pugs and Pics in Helena

Helena Picture of the Day
The Helena Picture of the Day is from Michael Johnson who took a moment to rest above Old Town Helena. I love this photo.

Help with Alzheimer
The Helena Police Department issue a message on facebook about how  sometimes they need to assist someone who is an Alzheimer’s patient or someone who has a mental condition and has wandered away from his or her residence. They know it is a difficult challenge to be a caregiver under those circumstances. When the police arrive to help the confused person, they have no way of knowing who they are or where they live. The Helena police want to help. Here's what they said

 "That is why we are asking that if you are tasked with the responsibility for caring for a person or Loved one that may "wander off", that you please notify us so that we can enter the information, pictures, emergency contact, etc. in our database. By doing this, we can know who we are dealing with and who we should contact in the event we come across him/her. It will also help us have the basic information in the event that he/she wanders off and it becomes a missing person’s case. If interested, please come by Helena Police Dept. and fill out the appropriate paperwork. We would also like to have the most updated photograph of the individual. You can bring this photograph in on a cd or you can email it after completing the form. As always, please call 205-663-6499 if you need us. Thank you".

It is a good way to to get peace of mind in case they has wandered off and don't know where they are. The police will be able to help them. Also you should consider getting a bracelet or some non-removable identification for them.

Painting Volunteers
Robin shared this great photo of students returning to Helena Elementary School to volunteer. They also need your help as well. This month, people are joining together to prep and paint HES classrooms for the children so they can come back this fall to clean and neat classrooms. For more info and times on volunteering to help paint HES classrooms this summer vcontact Mark Warner 205-492-5904. HES volunteers pictured are: Steven Williams, Michael Ingram, Chandler Hare, Bradon Hulsey, Landon Genry, and Trevor Wasden.

Lost Pug
Kym and Sarah shared this, please be on the look out for Andrea's 9 month old black pug, named Winston. He went missing in Helena on Saturday. If you find him please contact Andrea at 205.915.9003. Thanks!

Post Script
Okay, right after I saw Michael's picture then I saw Lora's so I am split about which one is better so I decide to add hers as well because both are beautiful photos

Russians, Dogs Barber and Firemen in Helena

Russia comes to Helena
This morning we will have Russian guests  in Helena, Alabama. As part of the Russian Open World Program, sponsored by the Library of Congress and funded by the Congress of the United States to promote good will and understanding between the two countries, they will be the guests of the Kiwanis Club of Helena.  The Russian guests will consist of eight males, four females and two interpreters. The theme of their program is to learn about how business and government works in Alabama, and they are visiting Helena! After the Kiwanis meeting, Mayor Hall will give them a tour of City Hall, fire and police departments as well as some of the schools.

Huskies in Helena
The Helena Middle School has some new additions. Principal Scott Knight shared photos of Husky signs being added to the school walls. I also love the new video he has on the HMS website which is made for new students. For those students coming from the Intermediate school, this will make them feel better about the big change. Helena Middle School Website

New Barber
KP's Cuts and More on 4094 Helena Road has a new barber joining. It is Big Mike who is back in town from NYC. They are located in the Old City Hall building in Old Town

Firemen at the Library
If you need something to do with the children this Summer, the Helena Fire Department will be sharing with the children tomorrow on Wednesday, June 12 at 2:00 PM, at the Helena Library. Also don’t forget the Summer Reading program has started with some great prizes and even adults can join and earn a $50 gift certificate and a cool bag for signing up.

BBQ Cookoff
Calling all Backyard BBQ'ers, this year we are having our 2nd Annual Best Boston Butt Cookoff. It will be during the Helena Market Days on August 3rd. You can be a pro, an amateur, or you just want to try it out once. This is a fun event to raise money for the Friends of Helena Schools and it will be the perfect time to use all those grilling tools that you have laying around. You also will get bragging rights to say you have the Best Butt in Helena 2013. If you want to get on the signup list then email me at nosleepinhelena at gmail. I need to get shirts printed up this year for the event.

Alterations by George
This reminded me that Alterations by George on 52w is moving across the street behind Frankie's Market. I need to swing by there and see them to get a price on those BBQ shirts.(Do you think people are going to get offended by the Best Butt in Helena Cookoff or will they get it?)

Dog Sitting
I met Kasey Mclain at Walgreens last week and she said she told me she had a job doing dog sitting for the Summer with Red Dog Sitting (www.reddogsitting.com). She said they had  won a Super Service Award from Angie's List for 2012. They do not charge per pet or for specialized services including medication administration. I told her I would share in case anyone needed the serve. If you want to contact her, their number is 205-358-7387

VBS
Philicia wrote in with information about Cumberland Presbyterian VBS:
“So, are you looking for a night out by yourself or with that special someone...KID FREE...let us watch your kid and teach them about the love of Jesus Christ at the same time. Starting next week June 17 - June 20 we will have Vacation Bible School at Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church from 5:30 - 8:00, with a closing program on the 21st at 7:00. Did I mention that is it FREE and we will PROVIDE DINNER. No excuses, kids who have been to a VBS already, send them to us, I promise it will be like no other they have been to”. For ages 3 - finished 5th grade. For more information call (205) 663-2174 or contact Philica Danner on facebook.

Laura Brookhart's photo of Ken Penhale in front of Museum

Helena Museum
The Shelby County Reporter covered the Helena Museum in an article. It talks about the newest edition which is a restored mining cart as well as other artifacts from Helena past. There are plans to expand the downstairs section which includes a tornado section as well as Helena Veterans of foreign wars. Also the museum planted day lilies at the museum. Full Article

School Security
In a Shelby County Reporter article the SCBOE approved a portion to help fund security in the public schools. The board will give $350,000 in which $25,000 will be given to Helena. During the Summer they also plan on having an “active shooter training” to help security officer practice plans. Full Article

Go Huskies