No Sleep in Helena Alabama : The Events of Helena Alabama

Papa Saia, Auction and the High School

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000Z

Papa's Coming

Papa Saia's from Alabaster is making plans to coming to the Old Incahoots location in Helena, AL by the end of March. It was confirmed by the Mayor's office that they are making plans to bring their very popular location to Helena. I remember when they were in their old location and their wing buffet was the hit of the town. I was told that Mr. Saia himself came by to sign some paperwork. They are also known for their live music and karaoke which they will be bringing to the deck that over looks the waterfalls. I really hope this happens. The March date seems a little soon but I am still very excited that we will have a sport grill by Summer for the community.

Lawyer Tuesday
I got so caught up that I forgot about posting Brian Davidson Lawyer Tuesday so I am going to get with him and make it Lawyer Question Thursday.

HMS Dinner and Auction

I will post again on Friday but I wanted everyone to remember that this Saturday, February 4th is the Fourth Annual Helena Middle School Band Dinner and Auction! You get a great meal, wonderful music and a chance to get some awesome deals. Come support the HMS Band!

High School Plans

The Mayor have me some updates about the new High School in Helena. Yesterday, the Shelby Board award a bid for the grading. What is even more exciting is that the Mayor showed me the most recent plans for the new High School. The next stage of work begin in two weeks so we should start seeing more progress. So far there have been no dealys so I am hoping things are going to be ahead of schedule. Thank you so much to the Mayor for sharing! Here are the pictures:

Tuesday and the Flowers of the Mine

2012-01-31T02:00:00.000Z

Students Tour Helena
The HMS 8th grade class got a special treat yesterday when they were able to get a tour of the Eureka mine area. They were standing several hundred feet above where they will be attending High School in a few years. A couple of them even found some old artifacts while walking around. Ken showed them the mine and the engine mount building. I stopped by for an hour and helped Ken collected the flower bulbs of the original miners. Speaking of which...

Helena Heritage Bulbs
There are a large numbers of double daffodil bulbs at the site. These rare Helena heritage bulbs were brought to the mining town over 100 years ago. Ken needs volunteers to help dig them up 369-1448 and plant them around so they will not be lost to the bulldozer. Call him up and give an hour of you time and your garden at home will thank you! I got a hundred of them and Ken asked me to give them away to people yesterday. So we will keep theses special flowers growing in Helena. Speaking of which....

Hope Sweet Cakes
While giving out the daffodil bulbs from Eureka, I met Hope. She makes really creative cakes and lives here. She has website and facebook page for her cakes. It is called Hope's Sweet Cakes and her facebook page is here. I mean, theses are really cool looking cakes!

Local Online Deals
A couple of businesses have online deals. The first one is Lucia Italian who have a Rapid Rewards program now and Rocking S Farm Riding Academy has a Groupon special for $40 lessons.

Miss PHS 2012
Yesterday, I forgot to mention the Helena Belles who participated in the Miss PHS Pageant 2012: Courtney Elise Wood, Hannah Hurst (Top 25), Maddie Crain (Top 25), Anderson Watts, Erin Michelle McDonald (Sophmore Elite and Miss Photogenic), Heather Boyle, Savanna Windham (3rd Runner-Up), and Emily Taylor. If I left anyone else from Helena who was in the pageant. Let me know.

Future Hewy
I won't be able do this forever so I should probably train a replacement. Amy sent me the picture of her son who actually looks like my profile picture from the Christmas Story. I bet he even has better writing skills than me.

Safety Course Offered
Helena Fire Department is offering an Advanced Cardiac life Support Provider course at Helena Fire Station #2. There are spots still available. Contact Daniel Mills 205-356-2861 with question or keep up will all the upcoming course at their facebook page: Helena Fire Department

Brooke, Case and Bell
Brooke Dodson has a fundraising page for The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs via the 2012 Mercedes Marathon in honor of his friend Case Nicolas Rush

Case was born early and was diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) which affects the white matter in his brain which has also led to Cerebral Palsy (CP) and other motor skill and developmental delays. Case Nicolas will be three years old in May, 2012 and has been attending The Bell Center for two years.

The Bell Center has been working with Case Nicolas to develop ways for him to communicate and to improve his motor skills, both of which can be obstacles for children with PVL and CP. They have had success with him drinking through a straw which his neurologist did not anticipate occurring until he is 4 or 5 years old. They have also fitted him with leg braces which will hopefully allow him to stand and walk on his own one day. If you would like help Brooke and Case, you can go to this page: Bell Runners

Found Dog
James found this dog in Hillsboro (pictured to the side). If this is yours then you can get ahold of James at crimsonengineer@gmail.com.

End of the Month
Since it is almost the end of the month, I used search insights to view the top search terms from web users in our area. I was find it interesting to see what everyone else was searching for on the web. You will see two list. One for the top search terms and the other for the terms that were trending higher. Did you search for any of these terms this month?

Top Searches
1. 2012
2. baby
3. bible
4. wedding
5. games
6. calendar
7. pregnancy
8. god
9. love
10. calendar 2012

Rising Searches
1. joe paterno
2. sopa
3. abc 33 40
4. irs
5. bjcc
6. beyonce
7. fox 6 news
8. birmingham weather
9. facebook login
10. weather channel

Monday around Helena

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000Z

Follow up
With the recent news of the Alabaster teacher being arrested for sexual abuse and the Calera man being arrest for the child material, I was asked by a reader for the follow up of the Helena man who was arrested for sexual abuse of a 9 year old girl back in October. From what I understand, he was indicted by a grand jury on Jan. 9th and he posted bond. A trial date has not been set.

Alabama Gives
Feb 2nd will be Alabama Gives Day. I went to their website and saw that one Helena charity was listed. It was Two By Two Animal Rescue

Fox Valley
The very famous Helena Fox Valley Restaurant has their own facebook page and are trying to get some "likes". Sometimes they are listing as Maylene and sometimes Helena but I know they have to get all theses licenses in Helena so that makes it official. Give them some click-love at Fox Valley Facebook

Miss PHS
Congrats to all the girls from Pelham and Helena who were in the Miss PHS competition. Bethay Woods won Miss PHS 2012!

Storm Shelter
Robin Demonia wrote an article about how people are becoming more aware of the threat that tornadoes pose to homes in Alabama. They have a picture of Susan Legate of Helena in a storm shelter she had installed. I really want one of theses in my home. I would one it downstairs in the house. The photo was by Linda Stelter and it shows her 4x6 safe room installed in her garage. Here's the part that mentions her in the article:

For Susan Legate of Helena, protecting her family meant an above-ground, 4-foot-by-6-foot shelter. It was installed this past Wednesday in her garage.
She'd begun researching her options more than a year ago, as she made plans to move from a home with a basement to a home with no basement. But the April 27 storms cemented her plans for a shelter.
"I knew after April I wouldn't go through another spring without one," she said. Her decision was reinforced by tornadoes that swept across Alabama on Monday. "Those things are dropping out the sky faster than we can clean up," she said.

Task Force Grant
The Shelby County Task Force which made up of several law enforcement departments including Helena received awarded a $220,000 grant from U.S. Justice Department. Full Article

Austin Squire Still Going
The Birmingham News gave a summary of the CMT show "Sweet Home Alabama". It discusses what has happen so far and how many guys from Alabama remain on the show. Here's the part about Austin:
"And then there were: 15 bachelors remain, including two from Alabama: Austin Squires, a Helena firefighter who now resides in the Mobile area, and Geneva cowboy Bubba Thompson". You can see Austin in the picture. He is standing to the right with the blue shirt.Full article

Lost Dog
Kim lost her dog Thursday night. She is a Feist with brown and black stripes and she has white on her paws and her chest. She is only 6mo old and we had only had her for about two weeks. If you know anything

This Date Really Blows
David has installed his new furnace at Buck Creek Stained glass in Old Town Helena and can now produce items as hot as volcanic lava! He can't really let the general public use it for insurance reasons but he can let one special person get one-on-one training. He decide to make an auction out of it and give the proceeds to Two By Two Animal rescue in Helena. No only that, he is getting businesses from all over Helena to donate something so it will be a very nice package before valentine's day! I am trying to get something for him to add to the package. Personally, I would pay just to have a t-shirt with this design. More details coming up!

Helena Weekend

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000Z

Weekend in Helena
After so much rain, I bet everyone is ready to get out and do something. Three things before we start.

Free Legal: If would like some free legal advice about anything. Brian Davidson in Old Town has volunteered to answer them once a week for blog readers. You email your question to cbdavidson@davidsonlawoffice.com and on Tuesday we will post the question and answer. You can stay anonymous. So get those dog pooing my yard, my spouse creit, and lawsuit question together and send them to him soon.

Helena Sports: If you have a youth who is interested in Helena Sports then you can register at: http://helenaparkandrec.org

Letters of Hope: Every since the tornadoes of last April, the group Letters of Hope, has been working to help those in need. If you want to help and are not sure how then you can join their facebook page here: Letters of Hope Helena, AL

Garage Sale
I had one people send me Helena garage sales for this Weekend:
Erin in Plantation South at 4450 Englewood Rd: Wii Games, DS games, Furniture, Outdoor Kids Toys, Electronics and more

Friday
11am Big Seed Trunk Show at Bead Biz 3745 Helena Road Helena, AL
ChaCha travelled to Hiroshima, Japan and Murano, Italy to find new and unusual beads in Fancy Finishes and Great Colors to spark your creative imagination! Japanese seed beads are precision cut to enable you to make precise designs in woven beadwork. The newest finishes are permanent metallic and anodized beads
7:30pm Team Trivia at La Reunion Coffee House in Old Town Helena

Saturday
Warehouse Hobby Racetrack course will be open and if you don't own a remote control race car then you can rent one. Warehouse Racing
6:30pm Family Bingo night at La Reunion Coffee House in Old Town then Thomas Trussell will be performing from 7:30-9:30.

If you have a Helena event then let me know and I will update the blog with it!

Next Week:
David from Buck Creek Stained Glass has something special coming up. I saw he posted a teaser for his special benefit for Two by Two Rescue!

Arrest, Mossboro, and Dogs

2012-01-26T01:31:00.000Z

Two Arrest for Thefts
Marienne Thomas-Ogle of the Birmingham News reported that two have been arrested in connection with the thefts from cars in the Helena neighborhood of Riverwoods.

"Helena Deputy Police Chief Tim Carter said the two Helena males, ages 14 and 15, were charged with several counts of unlawful breaking and entering motor vehicles today and are in the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Facility, Columbiana".According to Carter, the youths said they walked house to house, trying car doors to see if they were unlocked, only taking items from those they could open.
All the property stolen from the unlocked vehicles has been recovered, Carter said.
"This is typical of this type of crime," Carter said. "Very seldom do we see vehicles which are actually broken into. People are much less likely to be victimized by simply locking their doors."

Several residents emailed me about the incident and said that it occurred in an isolated section of Riverwoods. They also said that one of the reasons for quick arrest was that a resident had a security camera which caught their image. Great job to the Police and to the resident who invested in an camera for his driveway. I have a daughter that age in PHS and I know how hard it would be to have the police come to the house and say that your child have been involved in the thefts.
In the meanwhile, I think a security camera would be a good investment for me. Here is the Full Story. Also here is another news story on it News Story

Today in Helena:
11am Storytime at the Helena Library
6:30pm Zumba at Helena Community Center

Remembering Mossboro
On this day in 1926 Helena suffered a tragedy with the Mossboro mine Explosion. I am including the newspaper report from the time. It is kinda sad that the paper separate people by race but that was the way it was in those time. Here's is what you would have read on that sad day:

Coal Mine Explosion
Helena, AL Jan 1926 27
KNOWN DEAD, 26 SURVIVE IN NEW MINE BLAST. CAUSE OF ACCIDENT YET UNDETERMINED; GRAVE STORIES TOLD.
From News Report Birmingham, Ala., Jan. 29. -- (AP) -- Twenty-seven miners, eleven white and 16 negroes, were killed in an explosion late today at the Mossboro mine of the Premier Coal company near Helena. Fifty-three were in the mine at the time of the blast, 25 of them escaping uninjured. Birmingham, Ala., Jan. 29.

Sixty-three miners were trapped late today in Mossboro mine of the Premier Coal company near Helena, and it is feared 38 of that number are dead. Twenty-five men have been brought out alive. The known dead numbers ten, that many bodies having been recovered. Mine Is Located In An Isolated Section. The mine is in an isolated spot, difficult of access and cut off from wire communication. A relief train was en route to the scene from Birmingham carrying doctors, nurses andmine rescue crews. No local experienced nurses are available. Twelve men alive were brought out in one group to be followed by another squad of 13 workers, reports reaching here said. The cause of the accident is undetermined. Mining men familiar with the physical aspect of the property said they believed a pocket of gas had in some manner accumulated and exploded. The men were entombed just at quitting time. News of the disaster spread rapidly by means of the "communication of the hills," and within 30 minutes wives and children and other relatives were about the pit waiting and calling for loved ones. A biting cold wind added to the misery of those awaiting word from their relatives.

Grave Fears Felt For All Men In The Pit. The mine is on property belonging to the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway Company and is leased to the Premier Coal company. It is almost a new mine with a 1,000 foot slope. A telephone report from the neighborhood said that grave fears had been expressed that all men in the pit were dead. A large number of the miners lived in Helena. The road from that town to the mining camp, narrow and ill kept, was crowded with automobiles, wagons and pedestrians, all rushing to Mossboro. Four crews of expert workers were on their way to the mine tonight, including a unit of the United States mine bureau. Miners brought out alive told grave stories of a sudden roar, a flash of fire -- of men screaming and dying at their side. One man told of seeing his brother killed in the same entry in which he was working while others told of friends with whom they had worked and played for years being horribly burned and killed in the flash of flames.

Listing of Fatalities and Injured in the Helena Mine Explosion taken from The Shelby County Reporter -- 1926-02-04 White: JAMES ADAMS; ROBERT BALL; PAT BURKE; WILLIAM CARRICK; GLENN DUNCAN; HENRY GOLD; W. J. HARRISON; M. J. HOLLOWAY; DOYLE LAMBERT; JOE MAYNER; HENRY OAKES. Negroes: W. M. ODUM; HASSEY HARRIS; WILL JOHNSON; HENRY PETERSON; ENOCH WOODWON; W. H. SEGRESS. Those still in the mine, but who are believed to be dead are: Colored: AMBERSON GRIGLEY; MORE COILLINS; ELI TREADWELL; WILLIE TEMPLE; CLIFF GIBSON; WILLIE FITTS; PRIMUS HENDERSIB; RODGER WILLIAMS; SAM HAWKINS. Those who escaped: Whites: J. D. LOWERY; J. B. LOWERY, a son EDGAR LOWERY; ZACH CHAPMAN; LONNIE CHAPMAN; LLOYD ROBERTSON; B. D. GOLD; GEORGE ZIMMERMAN. Negroes: WILL SIMMONS; JESS CHESTNUT; STANLEY MADDOX; WALTER PEARCE; ARCHIE JACKSON; PERCY PEARCE; SCOTT SAULDERS; FLETCHER ANDERSON; WILL LAMBERT; MILLARD GARNER; G. G. GARNER.

Found Dog
Mark found a dog and wanted to know if anyone is missing him. Email me if it is yours and I will let Mark know.

Lost Dog
Kati and her family have lost their White lab mix yesterday in Plantation South.If you find him or know something then contact her at contact info is 205-834-1451.

Eggcellant in Helena

2012-01-25T03:53:00.000Z

Fresh Eggs
Laura Brookhart has a great article about Helena's Joyce Darby Farm. Joyce has chickens that produces certified organic eggs. She has an open farm days for visitors that are scheduled year round. I just emailed her to see if I can come by one day. It is funny because I was just at Loading Dock South talking about raising chickens. I know it is against the zoning of my house but I would love to have one chicken, just for eggs. Since I can't, I am going to visit and maybe do a post. Full article (Update: The article was listing under Helena in the newspaper but the reporter contacted me and said the farm is on Hwy 17 but down past Maylene)

Swimmer
Helena's Leah Thornton is making waves in the swimming world. She lead her team to a win with a victory in the 200 backstroke (2:04.80) in a recent competition

Race Rentals
Here's another one of those things I have wanted to do in Helena.Warehouse Hobby Raceway is now renting racecars. ‎It is 30.00 for an hour, 15 each additional hour and it includes track time. I figured I could go with my son or daughter and we could split up the time. Here's their info: http://www.facebook.com/WHRaceway

Found Dog
This dog was found near St. Charles and Publix. Is this your dog?

Council, Legal, Daisy Drive, and Riverwoods

2012-01-24T01:56:00.000Z

Helena Podcast #17
Last year when I suspended the podcast, I promised Helena Council member Jerry Pate that I would do one with him. He was the last member of the council we wanted to do an interview. So after the storms, I met with him on monday morning. There were two bits of information we were not sure about and that was the high school capacity size and the date for one of the schools but it is all good and interesting information from the most senior city council member. We talked about his background, the plans for a lodge in Joe Tucker and the history of schools in Helena. Here's the link or you can subscribe on Itunes: Helena Podcast #17

City Council Meeting
The Helena City Council meet on Monday evening. All council members were present. They approved the minutes. During the approval for bills, Jerry Pate asked a question about a McPherson Oil payment. It was approved and Leigh Hulsey abstained.There were two ordinances on the agenda:

Ordinance 813-12A Annexation- Leslie H and Forest L. Carter 5189 South Shades Crest Road
Katherine Ennis wanted to know the type of access on one piece of property. She said she could not vote for it unless she could be sure the property had access. Cris Nelson motion to table it and it was tabled.

Ordinance 814-12A Annexation- Nan R and William G Oliver 4448 South Shades Crest Road
It passed but Leigh Hulsey voted no.

That was it, but I did see Brian Davidson in the audience and he proposed an idea.

Legal Tuesdays
Brian, who has a law office in Old Town, said he would be willing to answer reader's legal questions. So this is how it will work. You would email a legal question to cbdavidson@davidsonlawoffice.com, he will pick one or two to answer but will not give out your name. We will post the answers.So don't email him something too personal or specific. If he gets some questions this week then we'll post next Tuesday.

Daisy vs Tornadoes
After the recent tornadoes, Helenites are again jumping into action. McKenzie told me that Helena's Daisy Troop 800 will be hosting a drive to raise supplies for those in need. They need "water, feminine hygiene products, canned food, can opener, dipers, wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, soap, hand sanitizer, heavy duty garbage bags, plastic totes, NEW panties, NEW underwear, tshirts (male and female), socks". If you want to help or drop something off then contact McKenzie Davis at pickle.2010@hotmail.com.

If anyone else in Helena is doing something for the storm, let me know I will help you get the word out.

Lost Dog
Courtney's dog escaped in Riverwoods last night. He is a "yellow lab/chow mix, very sweet, older male dog named JD". Unfortunately, he didn’t have his collar on and he is out roaming around. If you have seen him or can help you can email me at nosleepinhelena@gmail.com and I will give you her contact info. UPDATE: He is back home! Thanks!

Gadget Thefts
More people had something stolen from their car last night. This time in Riverwoods. They targeted unlocked cars near the street. Please remember to lock you cars and let's put theses guys out of business. One ring was busted a few months back but it looks like another one started. If you see anyone on the streets late at night, the Helena police do not mind you calling them and telling them. They are hard to catch because they are taking small items they can stick in their pocket. Also I'm sure they hide when they see headlines coming. You can call Helena dispatch directly at 205-663-6499

Update: I had several people email me to say that many people in a section of Riverwoods were affected on Sunday night. One person said it was 14 people and the thieves were letting the dogs out on purpose. I also heard they have a pretty good lead.

School, Students, Signings and Stained Silica

2012-01-23T19:56:00.000Z

High School Update
This is from the Mayor’s office. It is an update from Tom Ferguson the Assistant Superintendent for the Shelby County Schools:

"In the last up- date I gave you the Site Work Package Bid date (Tuesday Jan. 31, 2012). We had a target date of March 15th for the Building Bid. I can now confirm that the Building Bid date has been set for Thursday March 15th at 2:00 PM. After the Site Bid and the Building Bid I will provide an update on the Contractor selected".

Weekend Wins
Several Helena students were in competitions this weekend. Here are some results:

Ace Choctaws

The Helena Middle School cheerleaders won 1st place in the World Wide Spirit Association competition. The photo is courtesy of Leigh Bratina of Photographic Memories Photography.This was both 7th and 8th grade Helena Middle School squads competing together as a team. Also Christie has a link of the dance: HERE. Way to Go!

Ace Braves

Cade Scott came in 3rd at the 7th and 8th grade wrestling match at Mountain Brook

The 6th grade ACE Braves placed 2nd in the large junior level 2 category.The ACE Choctaws placed 3rd in the mini level 1 category. (Cameron and Cylie are in those) Thanks to Crystal for contributing the pictures!

The PHS Varsity Color guard won first place at their winter guard competition in Tennessee and the Junior Varsity came in 3rd.

HMS Dance Team placed 5th in Jazz dance and 5th in high kick dace

PHS Color Guard per Miller

Do You Zumba
Mandy has started Zumba back at the Helena Community Center on Ruffin road. It is Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm

Signings
Tyler Millsap and Tanner Jackson , have signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Central Alabama Community College on Thursday. Way to go Guys!

Happy Anniversary!
David Schlueter’s Buck Creek Stained Glass is celebrating his one year Anniversary. He also has a full set of classes if you want to train under a glass master and make your own art then check it out below:

Introduction to Copper Foil
Wednesday Day - 10AM to 12PM starting 01/25
Thursday Eve - 630PM to 830PM starting 01/26
Saturday Day - 9AM to 11AM starting 01/28

Intermediate Copper Foil
Tuesday Eve - 630PM to 830 PM starting 01/24
Saturday Day - 1130AM to 130PM starting 01/28

Introduction to Lead Came
Call for more information (205) 541-3322

Intermediate Lead Came
Call for more information (205) 541-3322

Introduction to Lampworking (Beadmaking)
Call for more information (205) 541-3322

Weekend in Helena

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000Z

Happening in Helena

Friday
9am Austin Squire, who is original from Helena and whose parents still live here, is on the CMT tv show Sweet Home Alabama. He will be on 96.5 The Magic in the morning at 9am. His show will also be on at 9pm on Friday. Hmm maybe we could get him on a podcast or at least a picture by a Helena Landmark ....?

7pm Team Trivia: On Friday night it is Team Trivia with Randy starting at 7pm sharp at La Reunion Coffee House in Old Town Helena. 4085 Helena Road, Helena, AL

Saturday

Happy Birthday to Hannah Marks who has been one of my loyal blog readers for awhile.

Running Force: Also good luck to the Helena HERG Brooke Dodson, David & Stefanie Phillips, Erica Bowen, Donnette Hulsey, Jennifer Crawford, Jason & Gretchen Hinton, Mark McTune and Cathy Patterson are part of the Helena delegation of Helena runners from the HERG that are going down to run in the Auburn Classic Half Marathon on Saturday morning. If you are going trying to get with them.

PineWood Derby: If you have a son who is interested in Cub Scouts then they are having their Pinewood Derby at Helena Elementary School. Not sure of the exact time but I know it will at least be from 9am to 2pm. They normally do it in the cafeteria. Packs 532 and 556 should be there. Update 532 9am-12 then pack 556 from 1-5pm

8am Warehouse Hobby Raceway has a race on Saturday, doors open at 8 am for practice. Races begin 12:30. Free to watch, 25 to race.

10am-1pm Paracord bracelet class this weekend at the Bead Biz. "Zombie survival" 3745 Helena Road Suite100

6pm Cheer Competition: The Helena Middle school cheerleaders will be competing at the BJCC

6:30pm Family Bingo at La Reunion Coffee house on Saturday night and afterward

7:30pm John Elrod, the winner of La Reunion Idol, will perform at the Coffee house from 7:30-9:30

Sunday
3pm Friends of Helena Schools Board Meet
7:30pm Helena Athletic Association Board meets at Senior Center

Found Cat
A reader wrote: Can you please see if anyone is missing a black cat in the Dearing Downs side of town? We found this older cat, that definitely is an indoor animal and have been trying to find its home. Right now, it is on the list for Save Our Strays, but we would really like to get him back home. I have attached a picture. When we found him/her, it was starving and not in good shape, but is getting better. If this is your little kitty then email me and I will give you her phone number.

HAA
The Helena Athletic Association has posted a letter to the community and a summary of their activities from 2011. He send me the letter. I know it is a little long but it good to share with the whole community:

HAA Members and Community,

2011 is behind us and the Helena Athletic Association wants to take a moment to say “Thank You” to all who have made the Helena Athletic Association what it is today. The support and encouragement that has been given to us has made all the hard work worthwhile. We would like to reflect on what has taken place since February 2010 and to share a vision for what is coming in 2012.

What has been accomplished?
• Structure:
- Regular published and open meetings
- By-Laws created
- Financial Accountability
- Regular Communication – published minutes
- Membership Structure – personal and corporate
- Built / filled a 9 member board – members are a cross section of the community.
• Completed and submitted 501c3 applications.
• Completed two major fund raisers generating over $11,000.
• Sponsored T-Shirt design contest for the Panther Prowl Run.
• Established a working relationship with our city and county leaders.
• Social media established – Website and Facebook page by Charnita Kirby
• Logo and Shirts designed – Binding Commitment
• Letterhead and Signs designed and created – Alpha Graphics
• Membership launch and growth
• Committees established – Partner Cultivation, Fund Raising, Technology

We approved funding to meet the following needs in 2011…
o 6 Dozen 12" Softballs
o 3 Dozen Personal Pitcher Pro Balls
o 1 Personal Pitcher Pro Pitching Machine
o 10 Volleyballs
o 1 Volleyball Sling-stlye Ball Cart
o 10 Basketballs - Wilson Wave 28.5
o 10 #5 Soccer Balls
o 1 Soccer Ball Bag
o 1 Plyometric Box
o 4 6 ft. Barbells
o 4 Renegades for 6' Barbells
o $2,800 for refinishing the gym floor
o $650 to finish the trophy case
o $1,200 to cover AD expenses.
o $2,800 to finish the floors.
o 2 Portable Tents
o 3 Hurdles

As exciting as 2011 was, this is no time for us to rest. The momentum is building, the high school is coming, and the needs are great. This year we will continue to lay the foundations for our student athletic programs. Our desire is to have two fund raisers (spring and fall) that will become traditions within the community and are so good that people outside our community will want to participate. We are looking to have a concert in the spring and a dinner in the fall. In between we will have the fund raisers such as the dance before the last basketball game. We will continue to have pancake breakfasts several times a year. We will support the Chick–fil-A coupon sales. We will also have another t-shirt design contest for next fall’s Panther Prowl.

We want to thank the HMS Administration – Coach Knight and Coach Brewer for their support. We are all taking a step of faith that this will all work out and that both organizations will be better off having moved to a 501c3 organization.

We need more members. Our membership is critical to our success. We still have a goal of reaching 300 members. We hope that everyone will take to time to consider joining the HAA. Without support from the community, we will never be able to accomplish all things that we need to in order to provide our athletes with the necessary tools to train, compete and be successful within an environment that promotes leadership, team spirit and sportsmanship, both in the classroom and at athletic events. Our ultimate goal is to build a stronger Helena community, where all of us (parents, friends, students, teachers and corporate citizens) work together as valued partners to keep Helena Schools the best in Shelby County. We have made it simple, all the forms are on our web site – www.helenaathleticassociation.org . You can make a pledge and pay for it over time, you can write a check, or you can even use Paypal.

We want to encourage you to support our corporate members. Their logos are on our website and there are hot links to their business website. They have been a huge help in getting us off the ground.

We are open to suggestions and ideas. Please send them to helenaathleticassociation@gmail.com

Helena Stats

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000Z

Cold
This is a photo that Blogger Leigh tagged me in from the snow last year and it was so cold today that I wanted to post it because it was awesome!

Kindle Giveaway
I saw a flyer where the Oak Mountain Orthodontics in Helena by Publix is having a giveaway for a Kindle. The form to register is here: http://drprisciladennyblog.com/promotion-2

Pirates in Helena
At the Helena Library at 11am and they will have Storytime with the theme being "Buccaneer Pirates". Tay be takin' your digital movie rights, matey... Arrrrr!

Here are the Stats from the Shelby County Reporter:

Health Inspector
-Pizza Hut #1123, 495 Helena Market Place, 01/04/12, 91
-Subway #41962, 205 Helena Market Place, 01/04/12, 97
-Kangaroo Express #3815, 7994 Helena Road, 01/06/12, 98

Helena Police Report
Holy Smokes, that is a big money order that was taken.

Jan. 1
-Domestic violence from Bridlewood Terrace (residence, home).
-Warrant arrest from the Shelby County Jail (government, public building).
-Domestic incident from the 2200 block of Pup Run (residence, home).
-Information only from the 800 block of County Road 52 East (residence, home).
-Criminal trespass from the 2000 block of Old Cahaba Place (residence, home).
-Information only from the 3500 block of Timber Lake Drive (residence, home).

Jan. 3
-Theft of property – by deception from the 1300 block of Whirlaway Circle. Stolen was a $10,000 money order and a $7,000 Western Union transaction.
-Warrant arrest from the Helena Police Department (government, public building).
-Harassment from the 100 block of Cedar Bend Drive (residence, home).
-Identity theft from an unknown location (other, unknown). Stolen were unauthorized transactions on HSBC Mastercard valued at $900.
-Damage to property from Highway 42 West at Riverside Baptist Church (highway, street). Damaged was a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT in the amount of $2,300.

Jan. 4
-Unattended vehicle in tow-away zone from Highway 52 East at Plantation Pipe (highway, street).
-Harassing communications from the 600 block of Parkside Circle (residence, home).
-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 1400 block of Secretariat Drive (residence, home). Stolen was a black leather wallet containing a driver’s license, a Social Security card an family photos valued at $30 and a ring of keys containing two house keys, two Chevrolet keys, a Chevrolet vehicle fob, a Rite Aid member’s card and a tops member’s card value at $20.

Jan. 5
-Warrant arrest from the CVS on Highway 119 (highway, street).
-Giving a false name or address to law enforcement from the Helena City Jail (jail, prison).
-Theft of property from the 100 block of Rock Valley Road (residence, home). Stolen was a vehicle year registration decal valued at $75.

Jan. 6
-Driving under the influence of alcohol and unlawful possession of a controlled substance from Highway 261 at King Street (highway, street). Confiscated was a small jewelry Ziplock bag containing less than a gram of methamphetamine valued at $20.
-Identity theft from the 500 block of Spencer Lane (residence, home). Forged was a credit card transaction for Camair valued at $1,330.65.
-Theft of property from Highway 91 (commercial). Stolen was a 40-horsepower motor valued at $1,300 and 50 feet of copper wire valued at $1,300.
-Warrant arrest from the Alabaster Police Department (government, public building).
-Warrant arrest from the 7100 block of Wyndham Parkway (parking lot, garage).
-Warrant arrest from Highway 52 West at Tocoa Drive (highway, street).

Jan. 7
-Unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle and theft of property from Stone Creek Drive (residence, home). Stolen was a black leather Levi wallet valued at $25, $100 in U.S. currency, a Regions debit card valued at $25 and a Chase debit card valued at $25.
-Warrant arrest from Highway 52 West at Hillsboro Parkway (highway, street).
-Theft of property from the 800 block of Old Cahaba Drive (residence, home). Stolen was a can of snuff valued at $3 and a wallet containing debit cards, Social Security cards and a license valued at $20.
-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 900 block of Old Cahaba Drive (residence, home). Stolen was a Coach purse valued at $300, a driver’s license valued at $25, a passport valued at $140 and a Social Security card valued at $20.

Jan. 8
-Criminal mischief from Townhouse Road (commercial). Damaged were windows in the amount of $400 and light fixtures in the amount of $100.
-Unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle from the 100 block of Park Lake Trace (residence, home). Stolen was a Garmin Nuvi 680 GPS valued at $300 and Ray Ban sunglasses valued at $80.
-Recovered property from Bridgewater Terrace (residence, home). Recovered was a Sony Erickson cell phone valued at $15.
-Theft of property from Park Lake Trace (residence, home). Stolen and recovered were a silver Mongoose XC-100 18-speed mountain bike valued at $169.

The Helena Podcast Returns

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000Z

Helena Podcast Returns
The Helena Podcast return where it left off. The last podcast was with Cam Ward and this one returns with Senator Cam Ward. You can subscribe to the podcast on Itunes or go to the podcast website and listen online on download the mp3. Here's the link:
http://helenapodcast.blogspot.com/2012/01/helena-podcast-16.html

Dubberly Honored
The University of Montevallo had honors bestowed upon four of their baseball players by the American Baseball Coaches Association and one of them is Helena's own Austin Dubberly. He was named to the ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II Pre-Season All-American Team! Also:

"Dubberly was named Second Team All-Region by the ABCA, Third Team All-Region by the NCBWA and First Team All-Peach Belt Conference at the end of the 2011 season. He hit .352 with 27 runs scored, nine doubles and 25 RBI. He had a .409 slugging percentage and a .401 on-base percentage. He was 5-of-7 in stolen bases and won the UM Gold Glove Award at the end of the season. He was one of the top hitting second baseman in the region and was also a standout in the field".

He also was a Bronze Scholar on the PBC Presidential Honor Roll last year so he is smart and talented. If he looks familiar that is because his Dad is the famous Mike Dubberly at Fox Sports. Way to go Austin! Full article

Flower Power
Beverly Taylor wrote an article that included a young Helenite (and took picture?). Here's what she said:

"Volunteers finished painting a mural on a building in North Birmingham in Birmingham, Ala., on Jan. 16, 2012. This was part of the National Day of Service to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Eight-year-old Kibryn Sawtelle of Helena works on flowers".

Also bonus points for Beverly for having a reporter's headshot of herself with a glass of libations. LINK

Relay Belles

Also, here is a picture of some of the Helena Belles helping the North Shelby Relay for Life fundraiser on Tuesday Evening

Helena Warehouse Racetrack

The Helena Warehouse racetrack for remote control racing has released their 2012 schedule. They also have Tuesday Night practice nights from 4-8pm. You can keep up with more info at : http://www.facebook.com/WHRaceway

January 6-8($10,000 Winter slam at Warehouse) Please try to support us. This will be a fun one!
January 14th(Saturday Club Race)
January 21st(Saturday Club Race)
January 27-28(1/10 Electric Showdown at the Warehouse)
----------------------------------
Feb. 4th(Club Race)
Feb. 11th(Club Race)
Feb. 15th(Electric only race night)
Feb. 18th(Club Race)
-----------------------------------
March 3rd(Club Race)
March 21st(Electric Only Race Night)
March 24th(Club Race)
March 31st(Club Race)
-------------------------------------
Apr. 7th(Club Race)
Apr. 11th(Electric Only Race Night)
Apr. 21st(Club Race)
Apr. 27-28th ( 2nd Annual Battle Of The Brands)
-------------------------------------
May 12th(Club Race)
May 16th(Electric Only Race Night)
May 26th(Club Race)
-------------------------------------
Jun. 23rd(Club Race)
Jun. 27th(Electric Only Race Night)
Jun. 30th(Club Race)
---------------------------------------
July 4th( Electric Only Race Night & Helena Fireworks)
July 14th(Club Race)
July 28th(Club Race)
-----------------------------------------
Aug. 10-12th(Alabama Indoor Super Nationals) Electric only
Aug. 25th(Club Race)
Aug. 29th(Electric Only Race Night)
---------------------------------------------
Sep. 15th(Club Race)
Sep. 19th(Electric Only Race Night)
Sep. 29th(Club Race)
-----------------------------------------------
Oct. 13th(Club Race)
Oct. 20th(Club Race)
Oct. 24th(Electric Only Race Night)
------------------------------------------------
Nov. 3rd(Non points race)
Nov. 10th(Club Race)
Nov. 23-25th(Alabama Indoor Shootout)
Nov. 28th(Electric Only Race Night)
-------------------------------------------------
Dec. 1st(Club Race)
Dec. 15th(Club Race)
Dec. 29th(Non Points Race)

*if you noticed a change in the theme for today it is in support of the national blackout on Jan 18th against the SOPA bills in the US House.

Art contest, Cam Ward, and I forgot something

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000Z

Festival Art Contest
The Buck Creek Festival Committee is launching a competition for the 2012 Buck Creek Festival cover art. Entries will be accepted until 6:00 P.M. February 15, 2012. The winning art work will be used to design the posters, Tshirts, and other items to publicize the 11th Annual Buck Creek Festival at the Helena Amphitheater Park May 11 & 12, 2012. The winning artist will receive a check for $100. To the right you can see last year's design:

Click here for the application.

Application must be mailed to:
2012 Buck Creek Festival
Post Office Box 23
Helena, AL 35080

Cam Ward

Senator Cam Ward will be in Helena today at 7am to speak to the Helena Kiwanis. I will also get a chance to sit down and talk to him later that day about the upcoming legislative session.

Save this Spot for?

Someone asked me to post something tonight but for the life of me I dont know what it was and who asked me. If you asked me to do then then please send it again.

I asked on facebook if anyone had anything and I had several people respond:

Cheer Competitions:

Laura told me that the Helena Middle School Cheer Squad will be competing in 2 competitions at the BJCC. One is this Saturday and the 2nd is Feb 4th. Last year the girls brought home 1st place!

Here's their pictures and we will be cheering for you:
Bottom Front (L-R):
Sydney Parks, Klaire Thomason, Sarah Higginbotham, Kenzie Handley,
Audrey Ballard, Katie Pace, Gabby Mauterer, Lindsey Masterson
Middle (L-R)
Elaina Bratina, Emily Hopton Jones, Sara Ellen Maddox, Hannah Marks,
Madeline Akins, Madison Roussell, Mallie Saville, Rainey Mozena, Carly
Stegall, Meg Griffith
Top (L-R)
Anna Marie Smith, Beth Rodgers, Bailey Everett, Madison Hollabaugh,
Quiana Moore, Maddy Rodriquez, Hannah Montalbono, Madison McAbee,
Maggie Lucas

Indoor Racetrack

Britt from Warehouse Racetrack said they will be open tomorrow for practice 1-5. Tuesday 4-8 and race saturday starts at 8 am.

Cam Ward

Cam Ward will be speaking at the

MLK Day, Dancing Champs, Caving and signs

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000Z

State Champs
On Saturday night the PHS Pantherettes Dance Team won the 2012 Alabama State Dance Championship at Samford University's Wright Center!!

The Pantherettes won first place in Jazz, Kick, and Prop categories making them the 2012 State Champs! Dancers include Abby Lindley, Presley Sherer, Kiera Hiatt, Karlie Lawson, Tristin Sharp, Katie Thomas, McKay Wilkins, Katie Belue, Megan Aenchbacher, Savanna Windham, MerryMichael Ramsey, Maddie Gathings, Shelby Bradford, Haley Barber, and Marissa Wilkins. Thank you so much to Maggie for sharing the picture. Congratulations Girls and Way to Go!

Signs on Signs

Officer Prince passed along a message about putting up signs for yard sales or missing pets. He wanted to let people know they shouldn't be taping theses posters to stop signs or any traffic control signs (yield, one way, no thru, etc). He wanted people know because it was becoming a problem.

Cave Men
Helena Boyscout Troop 532 had an adventure in caving this weekend. They learned about the cave environment and the techniques that are necessary to safely traverse the underground networks. I'm feeling claustrophobic just looking at Kim Davidson's photos. They were at Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN.

Tight Cuts
I had a reading send me a review of the new Tight Cuts in Helena:
"I stopped by Tight Cuts yesterday (I'm in no way affiliated) to grab a haircut. I haven't been there before and have floated from barber to barber randomly over the past years. I really haven't found anyone to give me a good 'guy's cut'. Big Mike's the guy. He did a really good job, didn't rush (I was in the chair about 45 minutes for a cut and hot shave) and I liked what I got at the end. I think the price was more than reasonable - $15 for the cut and $5 for the shave. I will definitely be going back!

I'm not sure if this is something you want in the blog but I thought I'd spread the word. I'd like to see these guys stick around".

Relay for Life
Bob passed along that the Relay For Life of North Shelby Kickoff will be Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Johnny Ray's BBQ in the Pelham Towne Center near Publix. You can drop by anytime from 4:30 to 8:30pm. This is the time to sign-up your Team for Relay, learn more and give 10% back when you eat!
Please contact Amy at 205-401-0817 or jtu3@aol.com for more information. We look forward to seeing you there! It's time to sign up for the fight against cancer!

Civil Rights
Today is the day to celebrate the concept of Civil Rights for all Americans. I have one story that relates to Helena. After the Civil War, the practice of convict leasing started in the South. People who committed crimes( usually no more than larceny) were forced to work at plantations and mines. One of the men who leased prisoners in Alabama was JW Comer who was the brother of future Alabama governor BB Comer. He leased to many mines including one of the early Eurekas. He was known for his severe punishments he inflicted and the poor living conditions of convicts It was big business. Here's a quote from the Digital history website:

"In 1883, about 10 percent of Alabama's total revenue was derived from convict leasing. In 1898, nearly 73 percent of total revenue came from this same source. Death rates among leased convicts were approximately 10 times higher than the death rates of prisoners in non-lease states. In 1873, for example, 25 percent of all black leased convicts died."

There were several protest from citizens for the treatment of the convicts and for the convicts taking jobs or forcing free miners to make lower pay. Alabama was one of the last states to end the practice. It is a reminder to all of us to be vigilant of the rights of our fellow citizens. You can google more about the practice of convict leasing in Alabama or read part of the Comer article on Wikipedia here:Article

Helena Weekend, and High School Update

2012-01-13T11:39:00.002Z

Weekend Events
Happy Friday the 13th! I hope you have a wonderful and lucky day!*

The Snowball Run at ECCS is on Saturday morning fior you runners. They also got a write up in the SCR from Neal: HERE

We have the family events at La Reunion coffee house in Old Town.
7pm on Friday night is Team Trivia and
Saturday night at 7pm there is Bingo at the Coffee House.

If you know of some other cool (freezing) events this weekend then message me and I'll get them up too!

High School Update
Doug Moore forwarded me an email from Tom Ferguson the Assistant Superintendent of the Shelby County School system with an update about the Helena High School:

"Progress on the new Helena High School as of January 12th, 2012:

· BIDS DUE: - New Helena HS - Site Mass Grading Package Tuesday, January 31, 2012 until 1:00 p.m. local time

· In addition to bidding the site-work, we will soon be running the ad for pre-qualifying building contractors / bid date.

· We are roughly targeting a bid date of March 15th to open bids for the building; which will coincide with the date the site-work contractor is to be complete with grading the building pad.

· This allows the building contractor to start immediately after the site-work contractor is complete with the building pad portion of the site.

Obviously, weather / permits / site and unforeseen conditions could possibly impact site-work schedule and therefore the building schedule. I will next provide an update on the Site Mass Grading Contractor low bidder and then a later update on the progress of the site work and the selection of a firm building bid date and building contractor in March".

Like Austin?
Austin will be on "Sweet Home Alabama" at 8pm on CMT. He messaged me back on facebook and so did his mom, Tammy, who lives in Helena, AL. Although he is from Helena originally, he is now in Mobile but he was also a fireman in Calera. Tammy said he is also a Paramedic and Smoke Diver (not sure what is a smoke diver). Go to the facebook page and find his photo and click "Like" to give him some more hometown support: Facebook page of contestants.

Update: The SCR did an article on him this morning: LINK

Found Dog
A small black and white shih tzu was found last night in the Chadwick neighborhood. They said, "We can tell he belongs to someone because he was recently groomed, but had no collar on.Could you post his picture to your website in case anyone is looking for him? We've posted to our neighborhood facebook page and put up signs in the neighborhood, but so far haven't heard from anyone.We can be reached at 865-607-2383". See the picture below if this is your dog.

*-unless you are a rabbit and today is a reminder about that missing left hind foot.

Haiku, Health, HES and HPD

2012-01-12T10:01:00.001Z

Girl Scout Cookies
In case you haven't already been asked to buy a box... The Helena Girl Scout cookie selling season is already underway. In honor of Girl Scouting’s 100th anniversary, they have a new cookie called the Savannah Smiles. All the cookies will be on sale until March 3rd.

The other cookies are: Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Savannah Smiles (100th anniversary cookie), Dulce de Leche and Thank U Berry Munch. Each box is $3.50.

The delivery of cookies will be around Feb 10th and they will also start their outside sales around town if you don't know any girl scouts.

Wolfe Orthodontics
Wolfe Orthodontics
A Haiku Writing contest
More info at link!

Health Inspector
The Shelby County Reporter list of Health Inspections in Helena:
-San Antonio Grill, 425 Helena Market Place, 12/21/11, 95
-La Reunion, 4085 Helena Road, 12/19/11, 97

Three generations of Soldiers
Laura Brookhart wrote a story about Helena’s Shirley Rigg’s and how she honored three soldiers in here family during the Wreaths Across America day. One for her son Major David Riggs, one in honor of her Uncle Lowell and one in honor of Uncle Pete. You can read the whole story about their service and the cruise she took to Pearl harbor: Full Article

Helena Elementary Plans
In case you are curious, Alan found a link that shows the plans for an addition, bricking up the old 1925 building and other exterior enhancements for HES: http://www.ldiline.com/select_files.cfm?proj=24431

Helenite Marriages
From December 27th to Jan 2nd
-Joseph Anthony May, 52, of Helena and Jana Lynn Wilson, 45, of Helena.
-Gary Joshua Jones, 18, of Helena and Cherish Michelle Massey, 16, of Childersburg

Helena Police Report
I didn’t know what suboxine was so I googled it.it is used to treat opiate addiction. The film strips mean that they can be placed under the tongue to dissolve like some of those cold treatments.

Dec. 27

-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and warrant arrest from the Cunningham Drive apartment parking lot (parking lot, garage). Recovered were two suboxine sublingual film strips, two metal drinking straws with residue, two metal cans with residue, an empty suboxone sublingual film strip and eight syringes.
-Criminal mischief from the 4700 block of Highway 17 (parking lot, garage). Damaged was a rear rubber brake line for a 1991 Toyota pickup in the amount of $20.
-Domestic violence, harassment from the 600 block of Elvira Road, Helena (Residence/Home) from the Shelby County Sheriff

Dec. 28
-Criminal mischief from Highway 261 at County Road 52 East (highway, street). Damaged was a vehicle windshield in the amount of $200.

Dec. 29

-Criminal mischief and criminal trespassing from the 1100 block of Townhouse Drive (commercial). Damaged were four windows in the amount of $800, copper in the amount of $1,000 and a fire extinguisher in the amount of $200.
-Criminal mischief from County Road 52, Helena (Construction) Damaged was one Thompson Caterpillar valued at $2,000 from the Shelby County Sheriff

Dec. 30

-Criminal mischief from the 6000 block of West Vale Circle (residence, home). Damaged was brick siding in the amount of $150.
-Leash law violation from Sunnybrook Lane (highway, street).
-Failure to appear from Highway 17 at Jet Pep (parking lot, garage).
-Identity theft from the 2200 block of Old Cahaba Place (residence, home). Stolen were credit card charges in the amount of $600.
-Domestic incident from Bowron Road (residence, home).
-Damage to property from the Depot on Highway 261 (parking lot, garage). Damaged was a passenger door, rear quarter panel and rear passenger rim in the amount of $3,000.

Dec. 31

-Recovered property from County Road 13 and County Road 93 (highway, street). Recovered was a Home Depot credit card.
-Theft of property first degree from the 8500 block of Shady Trail (residence, home). Stolen was a Ruger .270-caliber model 77 rifle with a Zeiss scope valued at $2,600, a Ruger 10/22 .22-caliber rifle with scope valued at $350 and a pair of earrings valued at $500.

Game Art, Runners, and don't trip carrying a rifle on a bridge

2012-01-11T16:16:00.000Z

Gameday Art
Local Helena artist Scott Thigpen created a hip piece of art for a the Alabama football team. You can see it up close at this link: Thigpen Designs

A city of runners
Below are the results of Helenites who were in the recent Red Nose Run in 5k & 10 Miles runs. In case you are in the mood for a run this weekend then check out the Snowball Run this Saturday at 8am at the Evangel Gym 423 Thompson Road Alabaster, AL. You can still register here at the active link: ECCS Snowball Run

Here is the Red Nose results:

Red Nose Run 5k Jan 7th 2012
Helenites and their rank in age group:

4th Alyssa Scott
5th Jordan Payne
1st Ryan Scott
10th Wyspr Black
24th Layla Varvoutis
2nd Andrew Varvoutis
7th Stephen Hill
20th Shannon Williamon
38th Heather Sharer
44th Melisaa Dunaway
45th Anegela Payne
7th Samuel Kent
16th Jamie Scott
16th Darren Payne
6th Karen Jambusarwalla
11th Lisa Sims

Red Nose Run 10 Mile Jan 7th 2012

13th Angel Tillman
50th Malerie Huguley
37th Lindy Tubbs
45th Jason McCormick
6th Brooke Dodson
27th Gabe Whited
36th Rebecca Clark
33rd Eddie Bauer
48th Robert Harrison

Helena History
Sorry for being late for this post. I have been under the weather (so to say). I didn't have much to write about so I started pulling up the historic records to find two articles

Accidental Death
Ala., Sept. 19 1896 — Richard Cobb, son of ex-Governor R. W. Cobb, was accidentally shot and probably fatally wounded this morning. He was walking across a bridge when he stumbled. The rifle he was carrying was discharged, the ball passiuß through his lungs.

Ok Encyclopedia Brown, this one seems to be a 116 year old puzzler. The only bridge that I know they had in Helena was the one by the waterfall. It could have been a railbridge which makes seems if you were hunting out there but they would have mentioned it being a railbridge. At this time his father, former Alabama Governor, had just finished up a stint as the president of the Central Iron Works at Helena and was serving as an attorney for the Louisville and Nashville Railway. No word if someone was with him who saw him stumble or if that rifle could have flipped and fired while pointed at his chest. I couldn't find anymore info about the the man or the incident.
To add to this mystery, in the History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume 3 by Thomas McAdory Owen, and Marie Bankhead Owen stated that Governor Cobb had only one son, "Richard C who went west several years ago Last residence Birmingham". So what really happened?

BOLL-WEEVIL DESTROYER
Everyone who has taken Alabama History knows about the Boll Weevil, and King Cotton. Samuel J. Patton from Helena submitted a patent because he had "invented certain new and useful Improvements in Boll Weevil Destroyers of which the following is a specification My invention relates to a device adapted for capturing and destroying boll weevils and like insects which injure or destroy plants".

It looks like a you would move this forerunner of lawnmower across the plants and it would shake the weevil off and capture them in a trap. Unfortunately it didn't happen, so I guess the Weevil wobbled but they didnt fall down.

Found Dog
Phillip found this dog off Roy Drive at Jenkins MH park (I am unfamiliar with the location, does anyone else know it?). If you are the owner then let me know and I will pass along Phillips email.

PS Jewelry Show
I was just about to click post but Karen messaged me and said, "local Park Lane Jewelry vendors at LaReunion this Thursday from 6-8. I suggested the location and need warm bodies to show her Helena was a better choice than her neighborhood clubhouse". Swing by Thursday and say Hi.

Ok, I know I kinda threw this post together, you can tell by the scattershot format but I was able to get it up before 10:30am at least. I should start writing tomorrow's post but it is almost time for the nyquil bottle...

Late post

2012-01-11T12:54:00.001Z

Coming late.

Thefts and Dogs (not related to each other as far as I know)

2012-01-09T20:46:00.000Z

I'm guessing everyone will be talking about the game today so this will be a short post...maybe

Car Breakins
There have been several car break-ins from the weekend in Riverwoods and Old Cahaba. Please make sure to secure your valuables and don't leave your car unlocked. One resident in Riverwoods said that small items were being taken.

Helena Bread
Bread lovers, don't forget that BB's Bread is open all year. Plain sourdough, cinnamon and sugar, cheddar cheese, chocolate chip...all are available for just $5 per loaf. Contact Brenda Scott with your order at 205-601-4618 or bbsbread@yahoo.com.

Home Needed
This is from Two by Two Rescue:
Meet "Britt" - She is a one-year old walker hound... looking for a forever home! I am currently fostering her... and she is the sweetest, most loving dog ever. She is currently working on putting on some weight... as her previous owner had her tied to a brick in their yard... and was left to die (along with the seven puppies she had.) The puppies were literally sucking her dry. She had ZERO meat on her bones... and everything she had was going into feeding the puppies.

If you are interested in adopting Britt, please contact me via fb message, or email Two by Two Rescue at itssonya@charter.net for more information!

Lost Dog
Christina has lost a white Jack Russell Terrier with light brown around his eyes in Old Cahaba.. If you have found him, please call 296-1024.

Hockey Champs in Helena (or Canada)

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000Z

Masters of the Ice
The Pelham Panthers Bantam team just won the 2012 international Silver Stick youth hockey tournament in Pelham Ontario Canada. Boys from Helena and Cities around the area are part of the team. It is amazing that some young men from southern climate of Alabama would go up and take the crown.

The team manager is managed by Greg Darnell and the coaches are Tony Harlow, Stephane Goyer and Randy Brown.

Our World champions are: Alec Slawinski, Caleb Norton, Reid Conner, Blake Harlow, Philip Parker, Chandler Brown, Tristin Klewsaat, Austin Weber, Sydnee Goyer, Peyton Harlow, Jakob Hornsby, Matthew Darnell, Brendan Mitchell-Fostyk, Austin Gleason, Damon DeLaRosa and Zachary Rodgers. The team is coached by Harlow, Stephane Goyer and Randy Brown. I don't know how many boys are from Helena but I know Phillip Parker is one of them. We are so proud of all of them. Way to Go!

Mine Tour
Ken Penhale lead brave souls around the Eureka mine area for a tour on Friday morning. This picture is from one of them, Linda W.

Relay Events
Also Helenite Bob from the Relay for Life group will be at Hooters in Pelham for the BCS Alabama v. LSU Championship game tonight and collection cans to support the fight against cancer. they also have a big event coming up on Tuesday Jan. 17th at 4:30-8pm at Johnny Tay BBQ in the Pelham Towne Center near Publix. Sign up for the Relay, learn more and give 10% back when you eat!

Weekend, Incahoots and Helena Stats

2012-01-05T01:09:00.000Z

Helena Weekend Events

Friday
8am-11am Eureka: Get a tour around the Eureka mine area with Ken Penhale. Go down Coalmount road and turn right at the Hillsboro Parkway . Before you get to the Middle school there should be an dirt area to park to the left. Walk to the Eureka mining around across the street.(scroll down and see map from yesterday's post). Make sure to wear appropriated shoes./boots. I won't be able to get off work by 8am but I will try to swing by later.

7pm Team Trivia: LaReunion Coffee House is hosting a team trivia game. You can come alone and play or bring a team so you can win the title of smartest of the smart in Helena (for a week at least)

Saturday
8am-8pm Warehouse Racing: Come check out the Warehouse Hobby Raceway, the largest indoor RC racetrack in Alabama. It is located in Helena, AL. It is a little tricky to find. It is in a warehouse at the end of Rolling Mill road. If you turn by the Helena Museum in Old Town and drive straight back. You will see the fence around the warehouse.

You can find them there as well as Loading Dock South home decor (open at 9am) which has their own warehouse of closeout items for home design. They have carpets, doors, paneling, lights. Anything you need to remodel a home or redecorate it. Believe me, if you haven't visited this corner of Helena then you are missing something.

7pm Bingo Night: La Reunion Coffee house in Old town Helena is adding another family fun event. This Saturday they are having a bingo night.

Incahoots Owner Update
After posting about Incahoots, I got an email about it.

"Hi , my name is Keith Mitchell. Our company BCR Holdings LLC is the new owner of the restaurant formally know as Incahoots on Buck Creek in Helena, Alabama. When we first looked at this building in June of 2011 we fell in love with the beautiful falls and the surrounding area. We are excited with our latest purchase and look forward to restoring this landmark business and being part of Helena's wonderful history. We are in the process cleaning and remolding this wonderful building to get ready for a new tenant. The city has been very outgoing and helpful in seeing this cornerstone property in Old Helena to reopen and serve the citizens of Helena and outlying areas. I will keep the you folks of Helena informed when there is more definitive information . We would love to hear from you about what you would like to have come to this classic spot.Thank you, Keith Mitchell"

HMS Collects
From Bham News classroom clips: "The Helena Middle School Student Council collected 1,548 canned food items to benefit Oak Mountain Mission Ministries.The students far exceeded their original goal of collecting 1,000 cans. Last year, they collected 900 cans in the food drive.All of the items donated will be given to needy families in Shelby County over holiday season".

Backpack Buddies
I saw this on facebook. Emily Arledge, owner of Helena Hometown Pharmacy is "allowing their family business to host a food drive for BackPack Buddies! Thomas Price is in the photo who is the Pharmacist in Charge. Consider switching to a pharmacy who helps the community"!

Helena Stats from the Shelby County Reporter

Marriages
-James O. Belew, 86, of Bessemer and Gladys W. Craig, 86, of Helena.

Helena Police Report
Once again because of corporate firewalls, I have changed the names of drug names so I won't get on a block list. I put them in quotes so you and I know.

Dec. 17
-Domestic incident from the 2000 block of Glengate Circle (residence, home).

Dec. 19
-Reckless driving and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia from County Road 52 West (highway, street). Recovered was a glass pipe with residue valued at $5 and two "mary jane" seeds valued at $5.
-Lost property from Roy Court (residence, home). Reported missing was a Samsung Galaxy X Droid valued at $500.
-Domestic violence from the 1300 block of Dearing Downs Circle (residence, home).

Dec. 20
-Damage to property from Highway 17 at Hillsboro Parkway (highway, street). Damaged was a 2010 Honda Accord in the amount of $2,500.

Dec. 21
-Lost property from the 1700 block of Native Dance Circle (residence, home). Reported missing was a Fuji S9000 Camera valued at $700.

Dec. 22
-Theft of property from the 100 block of Griffin Drive (residence, home). Stolen were two Blu Ray DVDs valued at $50, a book valued at $20 and a coffee grinder valued at $30.
-Warrant arrest from the 100 block of Sixth Avenue South (highway, street).

Dec. 23
-Public intoxication from Old Cahaba Trace (highway, street).

Dec. 24
-Vicious dog from Cahaba Club Drive (residence, home).
-Minor in consumption of alcohol from City Cafe (parking lot, garage).

Dec. 25
-Damaged property from Highway 52 West at the Cahaba River bridge (highway, street).
-Information only from County Road 52 West at the Church at Cahaba Bend (highway, street).

Dec. 26
-Driving under the influence of alcohol from County Road 52 West at Hillsboro Parkway (highway, street).
-Damaged property from the 4000 block of Falliston Drive (highway, street). Damaged was a 1995 Mercury Villager.
-City vehicle malfunction from Highway 17 (highway, street).

Elementary School Improvements
I saw there was an advertisement for bids from the Shelby County Board of Education for Classroom Addition and Renovations to Helena Elementary School. It looks like the bids must be received by Jan 24th. So it sounds like work will begin soon. When Helena Intermediate put their request for bids, the construction started several months later so it sounds like both schools should see improvements soon.

Congratulations
You are the 1 millionth view for the blog!
I guess in the big picture of things, views don't really count for much other than my wife realizing how much time I have wasted on the computer. I didn't start using a counter until middle of 2005 so technical it happened last year but still I feel like celebrating. For the monumental moment, I am going to take a longer than normal nap today.

If you are still looking for a prize then you will need credit card number, mom's maiden name, and all that other good stuff and click Here!

Mine, Love, Elvis, Racing, and a Cat

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000Z

Sweet Home Alabama
Bruce and Tammy Squire's son, Austin, will be on the CMT's "Sweet Home Alabama". Austin is from Helena originally but has moved. It is a bachelor style shows except the city boys try to whisk the woman away "while the cowboys try to keep her country, on the next season of CMT's reality dating series premiering Jan. 13". The young woman will be Paige Duke from NASCAR and former Miss Sprint Cup.
I messaged Austin and he said that they should have profile pictures up on the 9th on CMT. You can click the link below to see Austin Squire and the show at CMT and you can follow Austin on his tv facebook which he would appreciate it if you "like" him : Austin Squire

Tour Eureka
Ken has had some many people interested on visited the location of Eureka #4 that he has decided to give a tour on this Friday morning. Obviously you wont be able to go into the mine (too dangerous) but you will see it's entrance, the tower, and hear about the mining town that built up around it. Ken told me this Wednesday morning so plans may change before Friday but right now it will It will be from 8-11am. If you want to participate then you can park in the dirt lot across from the mine according to the map above. Since it is during a work day, I hope it doesnt get too crowded but I guess that would be a good thing if people are interested. If it changes then I will post tomorrow night.

Elvis in Helena
The Helena library will have a display of material having to do with Elvis Presley on Thursday, 1/5/2012 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is his Birthday, and we will show off his movies, music, etc.

Warehouse Racing

Britt Roshon wrote me to tell about the Huge race this weekend at the warehouse hobby raceway. It is at 203 rolling mill rd. in front of loading dock south. It will be Jan 6,7,8 from 8-8. Pro drivers will be displaying their skills in the competition. If you are looking for something cool to do with the children then this is it. I believe it is the largest indoor remote control track in Alabama.

Missing Cat
They have a large short haired orange cat missing from Falliston Subdivision. It has been missing for over 2 months. He has white on chest and paws, 10 years old, his name is Murray. His picture is to the right. If you know something or find him then please call 205/223-7767.

Read this while you are Commuting to Helena

2012-01-04T00:04:00.000Z

My new year's resolution was to lose weigh (I'm pretty jolly now) and try to get a decent amount of sleep). So I am going to post this early then go to sleep so I can show up bright and peppy when I show up for work tonight (I reserve the to come back and add to the post later if I wake up at 9pm and can't go back to sleep). So here is today's post...alot early.

Commuting Helena
The Birmingham Business Journal reported that the Business Journal "On Numbers" said that Helena Alabama (for it size) has the worst (longest) commute. Also to rank poorly in the study was Alabaster, Pleasant Grove, Center Point, Moody, Pelham, Trussville, Hueytown and Fairfield all ranked in the bottom 10 in Alabama".

The original article said their numbers were based on the "2009 American Community Survey, which was conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau". In case you are wondering which is the best city ...Altus Okla. I goggled Altus to find out why it has the shortest commute. "Altus is home to Altus Air Force Base and world class companies including Bar-S Foods Co., and Altus Athletic Manufacturing". Which means all their jobs are within 15 minutes of their homes (Unless you live on base then it is closer).

So it looks like most of us drive a decent distance to work. It would be nice to work in Helena instead of driving to Jefferson County. You could have lunch with your children or just run home to watch tv...sigh.

Here is the info from their website:

Place	State	Commuting index	Group rank	Population (2009 estimate)
Helena	Alabama	-18.885	2,901	15,713

Place	Helena
Type	city
State	Alabama
Commuting index	-18.885
Group rank	2,901
Population (2009 estimate)	15,713
Commuting time of 14 minutes or less	13.73%
Commuting time of 15-29 minutes	23.84%
Commuting time of 30-44 minutes	36.77%
Commuting time of 45 minutes or more 25.66%

PS Roads
Update: While I was sleeping I was thinking of possible short cuts in Helena if I could afford to build roads. I know we have that long term plan for the bypass but how about this one at 33.299556,-86.833691 on google maps . I wonder how hard it would be to connect those roads and would it make things better or worst? I bet Pelham would be against it just like Hoover is probably against the connecting of Co. Rd 269 (Elvira) and Stadium Trace Pkwy: Map

HES
I stopped by City Hall to see if there was anything going on (was curious if there was a second buyer for Incahoots). The only bit of news is that Helena Elementary will be rebricked on the old part soon. Also HES is the oldest school building in Shelby County and part of it was built in 1925.

Update:LC emailed me and found Incahoots on Craigslist of all places. It was posted 12/31/11. Here is the link: http://bham.craigslist.org/bfs/2777408880.html

Team Trent
April Riley's 16 year old nephew was in a car accident and received spinal cord injury. You can read the full story here. They will be having a prayer walk for him on January 7, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.-12:00a.m at Veterans Park off of 119 in Alating baster. You can Pre-order Team Trent-shirts ($8.00) by calling April @ 205-230-3271

New Crafty Me
Adding a new blog to the Helena Blog roll. Tara has the www.TheNewCraftyMe.com

Sugar Plums
Congrats to Local photographer Jenny Taylor who won the Brookwood Camera December Photo Competition with “Visions of Sugar Plums”. She also has a photography website: http://taylor2photography.com. Way to Go!

Saving Christmas
Speaking of Christmas stories, the story of everyone in Helena pulling together to help Shirley Garner was in the Shelby County Reporter. Laura Brookhart was there helping as well as reporting. You don't hear about people getting together and doing that nowadays (like Its a Wonderful Life). Updated: I forgot to add the link. The photo was taken by Laura Brookhart. Here's the full article.

Local Search Terms
I goggled the top search terms for our areas again and was surprised to seeing the rising terms that everyone is googling:

1. let it snow Breakout
2. 2012 calendar +110%
3. heisman +100%
4. kindle fire +90%
5. otterbox +60%
6. regions online +60%
7. chick fil a +50%
8. angry birds +40%
9. bbva compass +40%
10. birmingham craigslist +40%

I typed in "Let it Snow" on google and it is an easter egg from goggle that causes snowflakes to appear. The otterbox is a protector for a iphone (I thought it would be bad so I put all my filters up at first) and the rest are pretty straight forward.

Monday

2012-01-03T03:14:00.000Z

Monday after New Years was pretty mellow in Helena. Not much news so....

Cub Scouts Collect
The Pack 532 cub scouts were out and about collecting Christmas Trees for recycling.

Girl Scout Cookies
Also the Helena Girl Scouts have started selling cookies for their big year cookie sale.

Roxy
Roxy Rabb of Helena is having a facebook Contest for a giveaway. She creates jewelry and leather products. Here is here facebook page:
Rox and Babe Inc

Update

2012-01-02T08:34:00.000Z

I wanted to update because of the loss of Pastor Morrell Aldridge of Helena’s Crossbridge Church.He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2007 and in February he was told the cancer had returned to both lungs. He was a leader in the community, started two churches here and held the event for suicide awareness in Helena. He will be missed. Here is his obituary from the Birmingham News:

G. Morrell Aldridge

| Visit Guest Book

ALDRIDGE, G, MORRELL G. Morrell Aldridge, 60, resident of Alabaster, Alabama, and formerly of Greenville, Alabama, died on Thursday, December 29, 2011 after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. Morrell was born on January 31, 1951 in Opelika, Alabama to Gene and Elizabeth Aldridge. He was married to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Deanna Grayson Aldridge, for 41 years. They were the parents of one daughter, Jennifer Aldridge Macomb. Morrell was a graduate of Greenville High School. A gifted athlete, he attended Samford University on a football scholarship and received the Bachelor of Science in Religion Degree in 1973. He also received the Master of Divinity Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1984. Morrell served as a Southern Baptist pastor for the past 42 years in churches in Alabama and Mississippi. He dedicated the past 15 years to church planting, in which he had the privilege of starting two new church works in Helena, Alabama: Riverside Baptist Church and CrossBridge Community Church, where he was serving at the time of his death. Morrell was preceded in death by his brother, James Marion Aldridge. Survivors include Morrell's wife, Deanna Grayson Aldridge; parents, Gene and Elizabeth Spates Aldridge of Opelika; one daughter, Jennifer Aldridge Macomb; son-in-law, Mike Macomb; grandchildren, Janeth (Jenny) Macomb, Ellis (Lance) of Marion, Arkansas, Joseph Michael Macomb, 13, Gracie Elisabeth Macomb, 11, Grayson Matthew Macomb, 9, and Jenna Isabella Macomb, 6; one great-granddaughter, Briana Grace Ellis, 10 months; sister, Teresa Aldridge Carmichael of Opelika; nieces; nephews; and other relatives. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Monday, January 2, 2012 at Riverside Baptist Church, Helena, immediately followed by the 12 noon funeral service in the church's worship center. Burial will follow in Helena City Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Building Fund at CrossBridge Community Church, P.O. Box 304, Helena, AL 35080.

1022012

2012-01-02T00:42:00.000Z

The Future so Bright
Welcome to Helena in the Year 2012. It almost sounds like Science Fiction to say it out loud. I hope everyone who has resolution is a 100% successful and that this will be the best year ever!

Remember Monday Trash will be picked up on Tuesday.

January for Jamie!
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month and they made this video to bring awareness to a rare an aggressive form of cervical cancer called Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix or SCCC. Large Cell is a sister to this cancer and just as rare. The video shows women who are battling the cancer. You can see Helena's Jamie Layton Cagle at 2:17. She has been a Helena blogger since 2007. You can also see her Caring Bridge website Here!

A Letter from Shirley

2011-12-31T00:18:00.002Z

Ok, this will be my last post of the year. Mrs Shirley Garner came by the Police Department and gave them a note (In case you just got back in town and don't know who Shirley Garner is, then first scroll down to the bottom of the blog starting reading from 12/22 first). Detective Chris Rollan sent it me because she wanted it to be shared with everyone who had helped her after the break-in:

On December 20th my home was burglarized by a person or persons. They took some things including Christmas gifts for my grand children and Great grandchild. We may or may not know who you are but there is someone who does. On Judgment day when you stand before God, you will confess your sin and you will be punished.

To Chief Jones, Detective Sgt. Rollan, Helena Police Department, Hal Woodman, Helena residents, Helena Chevron and our friends and neighbors, just saying thank you is not enough to say to express my thanks. God Bless and protect each and every one of you.

Mrs. Shirley Garner

New Year's Weekend

2011-12-30T01:07:00.001Z

Helena Frost
This Helena picture of the day is from Scott Thipen's Iphone. It is a picture of the morning frost in Helena. It is like a surreal painting and if you look closely you can even catch a formation of migrating geese.

Found Lab
A black and very friend lab mix with a blue collar was found in Stonecreek Circle in Old Cahaba. If you are the owner then call 218-8230.

Rock and Roll Light Show
Don't forget the "Rock the Lights" version of our Helena Christmas Vacation light show is running each night through Saturday! Robbie has done a great job putting in the rock and dance music and even added Auld Lang Syne! Makes you want to get out of the car and bust a move-and some people have!

New Year's Eve
This Weekend will be New Year's eve and you are probably going to party. La Reunion will have Team Trivia Night on Friday at 7pm. You can have some coffee, sandwiches or sweets and answer trivia questions.

For those who are staying home we should have New Year celebration on day for everyone. I don't think any other city around here does it. We could have a big pole that drops a gnome or maybe a large piece of coal that turns into a diamond at the end and sparkles. Maybe one day...if there are any other public events in Helena this weekend then message, tweet, or email me so I add it.

Helena Top News (2011)
Helena appeared in several newspaper articles this week about top news of 2011. Veronica Kennedy at the Bham news article said that two of the top stories of 2011 was the Helena vote for a sales tax for the high school and the opening of the Helena Museum. Also the Helena High school vote made the top list for the Shelby County Reporter.

So I thought I would go back and look at the blog statistic and find out what Helena news was the most important to you. I did it differently this year. Instead of looking at the raw page views, I decided to look at the stories that were shared the most. When I rank by pageviews, the negative and sad stories always float to the top but the stories that are shared by you are different (kinda). Ok, so according to calculations of the gnomalator the most shared Helena stories of 2011 are:

10. Helena Post Office Changes: With the Government closing post offices left and right, this one caused some concern. Everyone was relived to find out they could still ship packages and buy stamps at their local office, even if mail delivery was handled someone else.

9. Helena Votes on Shelby Tax: I was a little surprised by this, I thought Helena City Council vote on the Sales tax would have had more shares but the vote brought out 2,000 residents with around 85% voting yes.

8. Tejano Grill Opens: Everyone wants to share a new place to eat.

7. New store in Winn Dixie?: A representative from a big box retailer (I think everyone knew it was Walmart but they wouldn't say) wanted to buy the lease of Winn Dixie. Two catches, Winn Dixie was willing to pay the lease on an empty building rather than give another business a discount and the new retailer wanted to split the sales tax with the City.

6. Incahoots Bought: Everyone was excited that a new owner was buying the Incahoots with a New Year's Eve opening, but the bank pulled the financing and it didn't happen. If it makes you feel better, another group (that I may or may not have mentioned) is close to coming to a deal with the bank for it.

5. City Approves Land for High School : A deal for the land is finally reached and the City Council approved it. We can look forward to the construction in 2012.

4. Saving Shirley's Christmas: A Christmas Miracle that happened just last week. In a flurry of Christmas spirit, the cause with viral in the Helena online community. In 18 hours the Helena Community and the Helena police had raised $1,600 dollars and brought her 3 police cars full of presents. I love this City!

3.Natalie Moon American Idol: Everyone shared the news when another person from Helena had made the cut and headed to Hollywood. She wasn't able to stay but I think that was due to the producers not wanting Alabama to own the whole series again because if she had made to the public voting round then we would have pushed her over the top.

2. April Fools 2011 Edition: This was another surprise. I did not expect this one to be shared that much. I don't know if it is because people thought it was real or if they wanted to prank their friends.

1. Suicides: Yep, I kinda guessed this would be up at the top. The Suicide rate rose all across the United States during the economic downturn. For years it had been a unspoken topic but Helena decided it was something that needed to be addressed as a community. A support group was formed, churches came together, counselors were trained. In the past, I wouldn't have posted about it but we needed to make everyone aware that the problem exist and couldn't be ignore. There were still several suicides but I hope that encourage people to talk with their children and neighbors that we may have prevented some.

I would like to mention a couple of blog post that were on the top on the number of visitors. The Eureka mine (#3), that big snow day where roads where closed through out the area (#7), and ways to help tornado victims (#12). They didn't make the most shared list but they stood out in my mind.

The most viewed post had 2,121 unique visitors which is a record for the blog, and so far for the year, we had almost a quarter of a million page views. Thanks for reading (and tolerating my lack of proof reading) and have a wonderful 2012!

2012 Predictions
I'm not really going to make any new years prediction like in year's past except:
1. The world will not end.
2. A new business will open in Incahoots.
3. In the 2012 City Council election, there will be two new council members.
4. Someone in Helena will make National News
5. Bad things will happen but people in Helena will come together and make good things happen
....and I start a new blog which will be short lived.

For those stuck at home (or work) this New Year's Eve, you can click below and we'll all sing along together at midnight.

Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !

and surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Outstanding Rep and 2012 Schedule

2011-12-29T04:16:00.001Z

Our Representative
Helena's State Representative April Weaver, was recently named Outstanding Alabama Legislator of the Year for 2011 by The Alabama State Nurses Association. The photo is from the Centreville Press Blog. You can read all the things she did in the Shelby County Reporter Link here: Full Article

Garbage Schedule
Kym from City Hall sent me the Helena Garbage schedule for 2012

CITY OF HELENA

2012 HOLIDAYGARBAGE PICK-UP SCHEDULE

New Year’s Day Monday,January 2, 2012 City Hall Closed

Monday and Tuesday’sroutes will be picked up on Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 16,2012 City Hall Closed

Monday and Tuesday’sroutes will be picked up on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Good Friday Friday, April 6, 2012 City Hall Closed

Thursday and Friday’sroutes will be picked up on Thursday, April 5, 2012

Memorial Day Monday, May 28, 2012 City Hall Closed

Monday and Tuesday’sroutes will be picked up on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Independence Day Wednesday, July 4, 2012 City Hall Closed

Tuesday andWednesday’s routes will be picked up on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2012 City Hall Closed

Monday and Tuesday’sroutes will be picked up on Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Veteran’s Day Monday, November 12, 2012 City Hall Closed

Monday and Tuesday’sroutes will be picked up on Tuesday November 13, 2012

Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 22, 2012 City Hall Closed November22 and 23, 2012

Wednesday andThursday’s routes will be picked up on Wednesday, November 21, 2012Friday’s route will be picked up on Friday, November 23, 2012

Christmas Eve Monday, December 24, 2012 City Hall Closed

Friday and Monday’sroutes to be picked up on Friday, December 21, 2012

Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25, 2012 City Hall closed

Tuesday andWednesday’s routes will be picked up on Wednesday, December 26, 2012

New Year’s Day Tuesday, January 1, 2013 City Hall Closed

Tuesday andWednesday’s routes to be picked up on Wednesday January 2, 2013

HAVE YOUR GARBAGE CURBSIDE BY 6:00A.M

If you have any questions regarding this schedule please contact CityHall at 663.2161

Wednesday in Helena

2011-12-28T00:28:00.000Z

Luker at Kennedy Center
Alec Harvey in the Bham news wrote that "Helena native and Tony nominee Rebecca Luker" performed at the Kennedy Center Honors concert."Luker is part of a tribute to singer Barbara Cook, one of this year’s five honorees. The others are Neil Diamond, Yo-Yo Ma, Sonny Rollins and Meryl Streep. Joining Luker in the tribute to Cook are Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, Sutton Foster, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald and more. Rebecca sang “Will I Ever Tell You” and “Will He Like Me” with O’Hara." Full Article

Hendersons:
The Helena family that was featured in the "Home for Christmas" special on TV last week, has an article by Neal Wagner at the Shelby County Reporter which covers their wonderful story of adopting a foster child in Helena, AL: Full Article

Blue Christmas
Laura Brookhart wrote an article about the 8th annual Blue Christmas Service at Helena United Methodist. The picture is from her article.They talk with Roxann Edsall who came up with the idea and then talk about the Hands Across Helena (HAH) which was created to deal with a growing problem of suicide across the Country. HAH is made up of Police Officers, concerned citizens. City and Church officials. Here's a clip from the story. You can click this link to read the Full Article.

“In 2010, there were around 25 suicides in Helena, and we had averaged 20 per year over the past five years,” said Detective Sgt. Chris Rollan. “In 2011, there were four.”Police officers and a pastor from each Helena church attended a 40-hour course in Law Enforcement Chaplain Training to develop their counseling skills and for the non-law enforcement participants to be trained on what to expect at the scene.

The two designated personnel on 24-hour call are Officer Kenneth Plemmons and HCPC senior pastor, Brother Tommy Johnson.Roxanne Edsall said, “Our approach is to validate the feelings people may be having, whether it is grieving the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, financial problems and to encourage them not to isolate themselves.

Alabama Genealogy
Randall sent me to his link about Christmas Smells and Memories but I did get it in before Christmas but I have added his blog: http://randalldickerson.wordpress.com/blog/ to the Helena Blogroll so check it out.

Found Dogs
Also a lot of dogs found after the Christmas Holiday. Two by Two Animal Rescue of Helena has posted several pictures of dogs that have been found. If you have come home and can't find your dog. Check this out real quick: FacebookTwo-by-Two-Animal-Rescue

also I had a severalpost on my Facebook Fan page here: http://www.facebook.com/NoSleepinHelena . Here are some of the pictures as a quick reference for those who can recognize theses animals:

If found call 205/223-7767

If found please email movingforwardtherapy@gmail.com or call 205 222 3347

Tree Recycling

2011-12-27T01:29:00.000Z

Tree Recycling
The Helena Cub Scouts of Pack 532 are offering a free service to pick up your Christmas Tree from the curb or porch and recycle it. They will do this on Sunday Jan 1st

To benefit from this free service, just send an e-mail to pack532treerecycle@yahoo.com
Donations will be accepted and can be left with the tree. All contributions will benefit our local Scouting program and will help us perform other great service projects for our wonderful Helena community.
-Please leave your tree out on your curb or porch by 12:00 for afternoon pick-up.
-Please include your home address and neighborhood in your e-mail.
-If you do not have e-mail, please call 566-0474 and leave a message.

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T20:49:00.001Z

Merry Christmas Everyone

Remember: Since City Hall is closed on Monday, Trash will be picked up on Tuesday.

Accident on Christmas Day: I heard that there were no fatalities but the wreck closed down part of 52 west on at least 2 hours. There were at least two vehicles involved. Keep the families in the prayers. It is a hard thing to happen on this holiday.

A short post because I am with my famiy (we had lunch at Zou's Kitchen). I passed out the awards for the winners of the Helena Christmas Contest. Here are the grand prize winners, the Howertons, from Fieldstone. Congrats on winning!

Update:

Christmas Eve in Helena

2011-12-23T07:53:00.001Z

Twas the Night..
It is Christmas Eve and I hope everyone is excited! If you are new to Helena there is a very important thing to know about Christmas Eve in Helena

Santa's Firetruck: Santa Claus will come to your neighborhood on top of a Helena Fire Truck on Christmas Eve to make sure you are getting ready. He won't throw coal (that could be a fire hazard) but if you wave from your front-yard...I hear he might throw candy (don't run in the streets).

It is also the last chance to yell up what you want for Christmas in case you forgot the tell him.Santa starts 3 different routes at 2pm so check your neighborhood on the bottom of the post..

Best of Helena
The Winner of the Best Decorated Christmas Home in Helena has been decided by the Helena Holiday Judges. Remember, to be nominated by your neighbors is an honor to itself. I will deliver their prizes tomorrow which was created by local ornament artist Katie Allen:

Grand Prize: 545 Fieldstone Drive
The grand prize winner is the Howerton's Helena Christmas Vacation house. It is an Animated Christmas Light Display with a 32 channel computer animated light show featuring a wide variety of Christmas music. You have to see this video to get a feel for it or better yet, swing by his house after 6pm and turn your FM radio to his channel and enjoy the show! Here's a video link: Winner

Also:
2nd Place: 1941 Riva Ridge Road
3rd Place: 240 Stonecreek Way
Congrats to everyone and if you think a house was missed then be sure to nominate them next year.

The Christmas Card for Shirley that everyone signed

A Visit from Helena's Christmas Spirit
If you have been following this story, then you know that the Helena Community pulled together when they found out that a longtime Helena school bus driver, Shirley Garner, had all her Christmas Present stolen. For 18 hours, everyone donation gifts and dollars to make sure that Christmas came to Shirley and her grandchildren.

At around 10am on Friday, three Helena police cars packed with presents arrived at Shirley's home. Raven Allen, who first put out the call to the community, arrived to help. I had spoken to Shirley yesterday, that we wanted to help, but she had no idea what was about to happen. Chief Jones had told Officer Rollan and the rest of the force to do whatever they can do to help Shirley. They didn't disappoint. Their cars were packed with presents that they had collected and ones brought in from the community. Armload after armload was brought into her home until almost half of the floor was covered. She was overwhelmed and the children, who were there, were excited.

When all the gifts were under her tree, the Helena Police brought in their big surprise. She had her tv stolen during the break-in and they had purchases a brand new one for her. She was so grateful. We then presented her with the jar which was in Jay's Chevron the day before. The final total was over $1,600 dollars.

We told her that the community had heard what happened and we had not forgotten that she had taken two generations of children to school. Everyone loved her and wanted to give something back. She was in tears. She wanted to thank everyone and said this meant so much to her. Thank all of you for making this Christmas miracle happening in Helena!

Also thanks to Jim Wathen, Laura Brookhart and Tina Folsom for taking the pictures!
Merry Christmas Every!

Helena Fire Department 2011 Santa Routes
Routes will start at 2:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Due to Santa’s busy schedule, he will not be able to go on every street. He will be on a major roadway in every part of the city. Listen for the siren that lets you know he is near. If there is an emergency, Santa and the Helena Fire Fighter will have to go take care of that and might have to miss some stops, but don't worry if Santa in the fire engine doesn't make it, then Santa in the Sleigh will still come.

Gold Route	Red Route:	Green Route :
Timber Lakes	Stonecreek	Chadwick	Braelin Village
Saddlewood	Cahaba Falls	Bearden Lane	Timber Park
Sterling Lakes	Riverwoods	Cunningham Drive	Laurel Woods
Long Leaf Lakes	Old Cahaba	Lake Davidson	Amberly Woods
Glen Gate	Hillsboro	Old Town	Cherokee Crest/Navajo Hills
Asbury Parc	Tocoa Park & Falliston	Second & Third Street	Village Parish
Laurel Lakes	Jackson Square & St. Charles	First Avenue West	Tradewinds Circle
Silver Lakes	Coalmont Road	First Avenue East	Dearing Downs
Glasgow Green	Shelena Estates	Rolling Mill	Woodvale/ Augusta Pointe
Country Side Lane	Wyndham	Helena Road to Hwy 17	Surrey Trail
Oak Park	Ashley Brook	Roy Drive	Sugar Creek
Chestnut Forest	Brandywine & Fieldstone	Parkside	Cottages of Dearing Downs
Quail Ridge	Breckenridge Park	Jenkins Circle	Bridlewood/Bridlewood Parc
Creekwater	Rocky Ridge	Shannon Glenn	Plantation South
Oak Brook	Scurlock Road	Cedar Bend
Hwy 13	Dunham Farm	Roy Court
Honeysuckle	Shamrock	Hickory Point
Prescott Place	Sunnybrook & Royal Pines	Harbor Town
Mossbend	Fox Valley Apartments	Fox Haven / Kingridge

Saving Christmas Part III

2011-12-23T04:34:00.000Z

Saving Grandma's Christmas
We all know that grandma's presents are the best! For years Shirley Garner safely delivered our children to their school in Helena. She has touched the lives of thousand whether she knew it or not. Then this week, thieves broke into her house and took her valuables, her tv and the presents under the tree for her family, but the people of Helena and the local community was not going to let this happen on Christmas.

I drove to her home off Hwy 13 on Thursday. It was way in the back and the road turned to dirt before I got to her home. The door was open to let in the breeze and I saw there were several cars parked out front. She came quietly to the door and I told her that one of her neighbors, Raven Allen, had told us what had happened and people wanted to try to help. I asked if we could come on Friday and she said morning would be best, so we are going at 10am (I will give you an update afterwards). I think she has no idea what will be coming from you!

Jay from Chevron has hosted our donation jar and people from all over are driving and putting what they can into it. The jar will be there until 8:30 or 9am on Friday Morning. Those small donations given through the day on Thursday has grown. At the end of Thursday night we had broken over $1,200.00!!

We also received donations from Ace Hardware, gifts from Judy's the Monkey basket and Helena Hometown pharmacy. Also Brian Davidson in Old Town was collecting goods.

I spoke to Chef Doug Jones and Detective Sergeant Chris Rollan on Thursday morning. They have put together a incredible collection of gifts for the children. Their heartfelt concern for the family was really moving. They have taken up a collection from all the officers and went out to buy her a TV to replace the one that was stolen. They will also be there with their sleigh of gifts at 10am.I will need one of you incredible photographers to come get some picture. I dont think I will be able to do both.

I am also suppose to pick up a Santa suit from McKay management in the morning so we can give the children a big surprise when we arrive. Their Christmas will not lost in Helena!

What a wonderful community! You stood up and made a Christmas miracle happen in less than 18 hours! I honestly have not seen anything like this. I will let you know what happens when we go to honeysuckle circle. Merry Christmas to you all!

Old Town Christmas Market
Today (Friday Dec.23rd) is the last day for the 2nd Annual Old Town Helena Christmas Market. Their hours will be from 9am-5pm. This is your last chance. You can get to it in Old Town because it is connect through a door from LaReunion Coffee house. It is at 4085 Helena Road Helena, AL 35080. Their phone is 205-358-3000!

More Christmas Services
I received some more church updates for the weekend.

Greg said that Grace Christain Church will have Christmas Eve Service with Communion at 5:30 pm and Christmas Day Service at 10 am
Also Sandra said that Kingwood Church will do one service Christmas day. 10:45.

Found Cat

Caroline found a cat her back yard last night. She is a Siamese mix older kitten (maybe 6-9 months). She is plump, so Caroline feels like she belongs to someone. She is worried that someone left town for the holidays and the kitten somehow snuck out. She is making flyers to pass around, but I didnt want to put them up in the rain. If anyone knows her, you can call Caroline at (205) 663-8129.

For You!

I wanted to send everyone, who has written me an email/message/tweet, a Christmas Card. I know all your emails but no one's home address. So I started checking the online white pages and got to around 75 cards before I realized that I wouldn't have time to find everyone and if I did, I would need 10 times the cards I had bought. So this card is for you, thank you so much for checking in every day, helping when you are needed, and being an all around awesome person. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Saving Grandma's Christmas

2011-12-22T16:55:00.005Z

A followup to the earlier post. Shirley was the woman who delivered our children safely to school every day and now we can deliver something back in her time of need.

Here's where we are at...

1. I drove to Shirley's house just now and she said we could come by at 10am tomorrow (Friday). Her house is on a dirt road so if you want to come bring a good vehicle. It might be a good idea to meet before we go to her house on Honeysuckle Circle off Hwy 13. I will post what we have raised today after 11pm.

2. I spoke to Chris and Doug at the Helena Police Department and they are going to collect toys to replace the ones lost for the children. Chris said he would contact her to find exactly what she lost in the way of Christmas gifts for the grandchildren. They will meet us there tomorrow at 10am. If you want to give a toy or gift you can drop it off at the Police Station or message me to meet you.

3. We have a collection jar at the Helena Chevron until 10:45pm today. If you can't donate, stop by and sign the card for her and thank Jay for letting us use his place for the jar.

4. Ace Hardware and Judy from Monkey Basket gave me some gifts also.

5. Anybody got a Santa suit?

Let make this the best Christmas ever for her. Pass it along. We need to do this today.

Save Christmas!

2011-12-22T05:07:00.003Z

Grinch Stole Christmas in Helena

Raven on facebook told me that Shirley Garner who is a widow and retired Helena Bus driver had her house broken into on Tuesday in Helena. The thieves stole ever gift underneath her Christmas Tree. She had gifts for her children, grand children and even great grand children (twins around 6yrs, and a 3yrs old) . They took it in the middle of the day and left a trail of bows and ribbons in her yard on Honeysuckle Circle off County Road 13.

I think we need to do something about this. No one should get Christmas stolen from them in Helena. I doubt theses grinches will show up Christmas Eve and return everything so it is up to us in Helena-ville to try to put something together to save Christmas. I spoke with Raven last night and will try to contact Shirley tomorrow. I have some money that my parents gave me for Christmas that I can give and maybe we can wrap up some small children presents and go over there and present to her with Raven. Come on’ everybody this is what it is all about. Let’s make it a special Christmas in Helena for her!

I have to work tonight but I will stay up tomorrow and try to collect things. Christmas Eve is coming up soon and she won't have time to get anything then so we need to act now. I can't call the Helena business to ask if people can drop things off but email and I can meet you (It would be great if a bunch of people can go with me). I know that around that today around 800-900 of you will be reading this in Helena so if just 1% of you are willing to help then we could make it the best Christmas Ever for her!!!

(Update: After brainstorming with the late night facebookers, we have a drop jar at the Helena Chevron for today. If we can get everyone to donate all day then we can take it to her on Friday and she'll have a day of shopping before Christmas Eve.

We also have a Christmas Card. Even if you can't contribute then go in to sign the card for her. Also thank Jay, the owner, who agreed to the request at 5 in the morning. I'll call Shirley today and see when we can stop by Friday)

Helena Police Report

Dec. 5

-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 3000 block of Bowron Road (residence, home). Stolen were a men’s billfold valued at $25 and $70 in U.S. currency.

-Domestic incident from the 1100 block of Amberley Woods Drive (residence, home).

-Narcotic investigation from the 1500 block of Cunningham Drive (government, public building). Recovered were alprazolam tablets valued at $10 and lorazepam tablets valued at $20.

-Domestic violence from the 100 block of Oxmoor Drive (restaurant).

Dec. 6

-Domestic incident from the 2700 block of Oakleaf Circle (residence, home).

-Failure to appear – traffic from Crosscreek Trail (residence, home).

-Death investigation from the 400 block of Laurel Woods Trace (residence, home). Destroyed were oxycodone tablets, lorazepam tablets and morphine sulphate.

Dec. 7

-Theft of property from 101 Ace Place (department store). Stolen were Carhart pants valued at $90 and Carhart shirts valued at $222.

Dec. 8

-Public intoxication from Townhouse Road (convenience store).

-Warrant arrest – failure to appear from the Helena Police Department (government, public building).

-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 7500 block of Spencer Lane (residence, home). Stolen were an 8-inch Hinkle knife valued at $120, a Gerber meat cleaver valued at $100, a white handle knife valued at $20 and a 2-inch paring knife.

Dec. 9

-Failure to appear – traffic from 816 Highway 52 East (government, public building).

-Accident investigation from the Helena Police Department (government, public building).

-Stolen vehicle recovery – information only from Old Cahaba Parkway at Old Cahaba Place (highway, street). Recovered was a Hyundai Elantra valued at $2,100.

Dec. 10

-Unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle from the 4000 block of Falliston Drive (residence, home). Stolen were an iPhone charger valued at $20, a cigarette plug adapter valued at $10 and an ashtray with an unknown amount of U.S. currency valued at $50.

-Failure to appear – traffic from Third Avenue West at Seventh Avenue Court (highway, street).

Helena's City, Students, and Family

2011-12-21T00:47:00.000Z

Home for the Holidays

Don't forget that Helena's Henderson Family will be featured tonight (Dec 21st) on CBS at 7pm on the Home for the Holiday Special. Here's the link to the preview which shows them for a second:

Home for the Holiday

Helena Students Helping

The Helena City News had a story about the students of Ms Washburn's 1st grade class at Helena Elementary whose students each sponsored another child at Safehouse for Christmas. LINK

261 Repaving

Neal Wagner wrote an article about the plans for 261: "Alabama Department of Transportation crews will begin repaving Shelby County 261 from its intersection with Shelby County 17 in Helena and U.S. 31 in Pelham in early 2012, but likely will not widen the road for 'several years'".LINK

Delvin heading to Paralympics
Woods sent me this today in the email and since Maylene and Helena are are virtual attached by the hip. I wanted to share. Delvin McMillian was selected by the Olympic Committee to be member of the 2011-2012 U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby National Team. Delvin lost his hands and feet while in the Military due to a hanta virus several years ago. Delvin has also participated on the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and the Pan American Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Bogota. We want him to know that we are cheering for him. LINK

Christmas Church Services
I saw that Jan Griffey wrote an article about what churches are doing around the area for Christmas. I also wanted to have a list for Helena. Contact me if you have a special event coming up. Here's what I got from her article:

Christ Community Church will hold Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. at Helena Elementary School. For more information, see Cccbham.org.
The Church of Cahaba Bend in Helena, a United Methodist congregation, located on Shelby County 52 across from Helena Intermediate School, plans a Christmas Eve services on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 4 and 6 p.m. Church members and guests gather for a time of worshipful celebration because Jesus, the light of the world, is come. With word, song, sacraments, and candlelight, all recall with gratitude God’s great gift of love and grace. The 4 p.m. service is for children of all ages, but particularly for those with small children who may need to get to bed early in anticipation of Christmas Day. Christmas Day service is Sunday, Dec. 25, at 10 a.m. Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Celebrate Christmas morning with us! This is a wonderful opportunity to begin your Christmas morning celebration by worshiping our Savior. New Year’s Day service on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, is at 10 a.m. Join the church on New Year’s Day as it begins at 2012 with Holy Communion and renew our covenant with Christ and His Church.
Helena United Methodist will have a Birthday for Jesus at 4pm, 5pm & 10pm they will have Carols and Christmas Eve Communion and 7pm a Contemporary Service. On Dec 25th they will have a traditional service at 10:30pm and on Jan 1st at 10:30am they will have a traditional service.
Kingwood Church will do one service Christmas day. 10:45.

If your church or organization is doing something special for Christmas or New Years in Helena then let me know and I will put it up here.

City Planning
The biggest thing I have learned while studying Planning and Zoning Law is that a business owner has the rights to use the land as they want, according to the city's ordinances, but the City has the responsibility to write good ordinance. We have some great ordinances (thanks to several of our city officials) and we can do more. Some developers (not all) are just trying to build things the cheapest and quickest way. They may not care what the city will look like in 25 years. Look at the two pictures of above, each city has made a decision on how they want to develop. Which one would you want?

An argument against planning and zoning ordinances is that if you don't let the business do what they want or incur additional construction cost then they won't come to your city. If you were business owner, which storefront in the picture would be more attractive? If the city elders had chosen way back to bulldoze Old Town and put up gas stations then what would Helena really be? They had the vision to preserve it and it has made Helena special. I wanted to put this out here to get people to think about it.

Tuesday in Helena, AL

2011-12-20T01:18:00.002Z

Santa Visits

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited the Helena library and gave out some surprises as well as stories. It was a really nice turn out for a Monday Night. Thank you for the Library staff for bringing him here. It was great!

Shelby County Board

The Shelby County Board of Education met and discuss what gifts teachers could receive. Also "Stephen Kearly was approved was the Helena Elementary School Assistant Principal. Kearly has more than 10 years experience and is currently the Library Media Specialist at Elvin Hill Elementary School". LINK

If you wanted an update about the Pelham High School Construction then : LINK

---Also the kids will be heading to school for a half day so watch out for them!

Human Light Show

An update on the Sapps house for their human light show at 6088 Hwy 17, the last one will be Thursday, December 22, from 7 to 9 p.m instead of Friday. Look at yesterday post to see the news report on them.

HAA Fundraiser
Here's an update in the pancake fundraiser from Saturday: "The Helena Athletic Association had our 1st Pancake Fund Raiser on Saturday and it was a big success. It was quite cold at 7am on Saturday but the kids and volunteer team showed up right on time. As Helena thawed out, participation increased tremendously. We serve 170 plates of Pancakes/Sausage/Bacon/Juice or Coffee. We raised over $650 (after expenses) and received 3 new members to the association. It is encouraging to see our community rally around our student athletes.

A big thanks goes to Matt Bishop for opening up the Depot for us to use. It worked out perfectly. We had a number of volunteers who showed up around 6:30 and they stayed until we finished at 10am. Everyone picked a place to serve and it operated like clockwork. I did notice that Ken People's makes a good maitre d' and we have some young chefs in the making. Kids were in the spirit - they fought the cold and waved our eaters on in.

On behalf of the Helena Athletic Association we want to thank everyone who served and all those who came to eat. Be on the look out for another one this spring.... when it is a little bit warmer. We have many more pictures on our facebook page. Check them out".

Gnome for Christmas

Jarvis Perry lives in Old Cahaba and two weeks ago their dog went missing. Her name is Chloe she is a black chihuahua with white tips on her paws.

She's been fixed and is a little timid. If found please contact him at 358-7998.

Reader Submitted
I had asked people on facebook to submit news and got this from BHJ:

Witnessed a high speed chase today going up 52 towards Shades Crest! A maniac in a red pick up passed me as I was just past Walgreens, then he passed a truck in front of me into head on traffic. A couple of folks had to leave the road to avoid a MAJOR accident. Then, within literally 3 seconds, the Helena Police were closing in fast... For some reason, I kinda guessed the guy would try and turn left on 13 by Riverside Baptist...he didnt make it. Ran of the road into a ditch, and when I finally caught up, the good guys in blue already had him face down and in cuffs. His truck was in the ditch! Thumbs up to Helena's Finest!

Also JT and MF said that the police were in force at the Kangeroo station and it was because two loads of kids were in trucks on a scavenger hunt but it was called in by citizens who were concerned.

Monday in Helena

2011-12-19T02:45:00.000Z

Santa at the Library
You still need to get a hold of Santa before Christmas. This might be you last chance before he packs up the sleigh. He will be at the Helena Library today at 6pm. Come visit that jolly old elf and bring a camera!

Honor Band
Congrats to all the guys and gals of Helena (and everyone) who made the Shelby County Honor Band. There were several from Helena Middle School and Pelham High School. Here's the list for you to the right.

Helena Budget
In case you missed it over the weekend. I posted the Helena Budget on Saturday here:LINK

Wreaths
The Helena Business and Professional Association has been hosting a wreath contest with Helena Businesses. Check out their facebook page to vote by liking the pictures.HBPA Link

Radio Show
Former Helena Resident Mark Harvard has his own radio show. HIs new show kicked off Saturday on 101.1 The Source. It is called "Saturday Morning with Mark Harvard" and airs 6-8 am on Saturdays.

Best Christmas Decorations in Helena
Before I give you the final list of nominees, I need to give you a few updates.

The Grinch: His appearances at 113 St. Charles Drive at the Roney house will Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Christmas Eve at 7pm.

Dancing Lights: Our nominee on Hwy 17 was on the news this weekend with their dancing light show. Al Ratcliffe wrote that, "Drivers on Highway 17 in Helena got a special show Friday night. Dancing Christmas trees. The four teens wrapped themselves in strings of colored lights and danced to Christmas songs for about two hours. This is the second year for the seasonal extravaganza. Pam Sapp came up with the idea last year after seeing something similar. When she asked her daughters about doing it they literally jumped at the chance". Here the link to the video: News Link

Finally it is a honor just to be nominate. Your neighbors think you are awesome and wanted to share your Christmas spirit with the rest of the readers. I have two Helena female bloggers, two readers and myself as judges but we always welcome more who are willing to create a fair ranking. If you want to be a judge then drive by theses homes and email your ranking by midnight on Dec. 23rd. I will then award the top winners with a bit of Christmas art by Helena artist Katie Allen. Here they are in no particular order:

220 Appleford Rd
2818 St Patrick's Place
240 Stonecreek Way
6088 Hwy 17
1419 Secretariat Drive
Penhale Lane
1941 Riva Ridge Road (first one on left)
545 Fieldstone Drive
246 Chadwick lane.

I'll be home for Christmas
Let drive to get all the lost pets home for Christmas:

Jeremy and Haley Snyder said that both of my dogs dug out of his fence in laurel woods about a month ago and they want to help get them home. The female is a year old black lab with a skinny face and really dark brown eyes and the male is 8 months black lab mix, and he has a got a white chest and white toes. Their names are Cammie and Taz, if you seen them or know where they are please message me.

Someone said they may have seen them in Old Cahaba,

Helena Budget Post

2011-12-17T13:02:00.000Z

Helena Budget
I suppose this could wait until Monday but I got it late Friday and figured I would forget unless I posted this now. It wasn't very hard to get, I had to fill at a form at the front desk and they had it ready the next day. This also shows the 2011 as well as the projected 2012.

Budget Link

and here is the projected budget for the bond money:
Bond Money Budget

don't forget to look at Friday's post and see all the cool events this Saturday.

-----Updated: some people may have trouble viewing it in Google Docs so here is an alt link: http://www.archive.org/details/HelenaProposed2011-2012Budget

Saturday Update

2011-12-17T02:01:00.002Z

Sunday is the Deadline for the Helena Home Christmas Decorating Contest and more nominees are starting to roll into my inbox. Please get anymore to me as soon as possible and email me if you want to be a judge next week.

220 Appleford Rd

2818 St Patrick's Place

The Weekend Before Christmas and all through Helena

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000Z

Pancakes!
The Helena Athletic Association will be serving a Pancake Breakfast this Saturday (2.17) at the Depot by the Waterfalls. It is only $5 and they will be serving from 7am-10am. Please come and support your Student Athletes and all the good works of the Helena Athletic Association.

Old Town Christmas Market
We are getting close to the end of the Old Town Christmas Market is occupying a space adjoining La Reunion Coffee Cafe. The Market will take place 9am to 5pm. Free Admission. Facebook Page

The Grinch
The Grinch will make his first appearance at 113C Saint Charles Dr Helena, AL this Saturday evening at 7pm. He will be be waving to driver's by and invites you to feel free to stop for a photo in the sleigh. They are also a nominee for this year's Best Christmas Decorating but I wanted to wait until the Grinch Roney was out there before I take a photo.

Warehouse Hobby Racing
They will have races this Friday and Saturdays.Tthey also host Birthday parties for small groups. If you are looking for something to do or just want to see something different. They have TV's, sound system, restrooms, and plenty of parking.The Address is 202 Rolling Mill Street, Helena, AL 35080. Phone 205.601.5578. You get to it by turning where the Helena Museum is located in Old Town (Which should also be open this Saturday). ---Update: The Hours for Saturday are 12:30-6pm

Sunday Cantata
Christmas Cantata at Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 10:00 Sunday Morning.
Christmas Trees
The clock is ticking away and you still dont have that Christmas tree or the wonderful smell in the home with garlands or trimmings. You are in luck since they start slashing the prices the week so you can pick up one dirt cheap. Also Amy told me that boy scout troop 2 tree lot will closes at 9 pm Sunday. People can come make an offer because it is clearance time.

Christmas Tree Pick-Up
I just added an event on the calendar. It is for after Christmas but I'm going to put it up early so you can make plans. David sent me this from Cub Scout tropp 532: "When you are all done with your live Christmas tree, don’t let it sit around and become a nuisance or a fire hazard. Let the local Cub Scouts of Pack 532 collect it for you! We will be driving through Helena on Sunday, January 1st, collecting trees left for us on curbs and porches. To benefit from this free service, just send an e-mail to pack532treerecycle@yahoo.com and let us know that you wish to have your tree picked up and where it will be left. Donations will be accepted and can be left with the tree. All contributions will benefit our local Scouting program and will help us perform other great service projects for our wonderful Helena community.Thank You and Merry Christmas"!

-Please leave your tree out on your curb or porch by 12:00 for afternoon pick-up.
-Please include your home address and neighborhood in your e-mail.
-If you do not have e-mail, please call 566-0474 and leave a message.

Coming to Town
Since I am mentioning Christmas things, On Christmas Eve, Santa drives through all the neighborhoods on top of the fire truck to make sure everyone is getting ready. You can view his routes at the post of my Dec 1st post: Here. It is a big treat for the children since he throws candy.

Found Dog, Lost Owner
Stephanie found dog in the back of Old Cahaba. Black female lab. No tags. Let me know if you are missing one and I will pass her info to you.

Goodbye to D over Chili
David Black wrote a blog post about the passing of his friend, George Dennis Yawn, in Helena: Link

Sunday Hiking Tour
I saw this online about a guided Hiking tour of Helena. It isn't with anyone from the city but with South Eastern Outings. I think I saw them last year and it doesn't cost anything (i think) but you have to fill out a waiver or something.

DECEMBER 18, SUNDAY, 2:00 p.m.
Moderate dayhike Along Buck Creek in Helena, AL

Details: Come explore the wilder side of Helena. Hike with SEO to a fairly new (for us) location on a lovely creekside trail in Helena in Shelby County. We should see some spring wildflowers on this trip. Total hiking distance is less than four miles. Hike rated moderate because we anticipate traipsing through the woods off trail (bushwhacking), and walking up some hills when the trail routes us away from the creek.

Optional dinner afterwards. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age eight and up welcome.

Depart 2:00 p.m. from the parking lot for the Helena City Park on AL Highway 261 in Helena. Take I-65 to Exit #247, the Shelby County Route 17, Valleydale Road exit. Go to end of ramp and turn right regardless of whether you come from the south or the north. Take Co. 17, which changes from Co. Route 17 to AL 261, all the way into Helena. You will cross one railroad and then drive over a bridge with a dam and waterfall on the left. Immediately past the bridge, turn sharply back to the right just before you cross a second railroad and drive into the parking lot for a city park.
Info: Mike Walker, 205/665-4639
http://www.alabamahomeschooling.com/2011/11/dec-18-helena-free-southeastern-outings.html

Water, Books and Police Reports in Helena

2011-12-14T20:46:00.000Z

Water Main
I asked Barbara Hyche about what happened last night. "There was a water main break on Hwy 58 last night. The water was only off for a short period of time until the water could be rerouted. The repairs were made today". She explained that they have the able to reroute water from different directions to prevent any long outages. This, of course, is not a picture of the water break but from the Stick around blog post.

Book Sale
The Helena library has a great Book Sale scheduled for tomorrow.The sale is from 10:00 AM until we close at 7:00 PM. All proceeds to benefit the Jane B. Holmes Public Library.Please help us to get the word out about our Sale, and to visit us in general.Hope all is well, and that you are having a great Holiday. Also at 11am there is the Storytime for the little ones. Say Hi to Helena Library Director Dan when you are there.

Lost Pets

Kasey Price wants to know if anybody in the last couple of months seen an all black male cat. "His name is Choco and he went missing in Cedar Bend.. He is fixed and very friendly. He has a unique face, strong nose and is also a short haired cat. Please contact me at 422 3217". Now I have seen a black cat in Old Cahaba in the past but I don't know if it is hers so may try to lure it into a carrier if possible. If you see it do the same.

Helena Police Report
Here is the Helena Police Report from the Shelby County Reporter Newspaper

Nov. 27
-Domestic violence – physical harassment from the 100 block of Roy Court (residence, home).

Nov. 28
-Unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle and theft of property from 500 Baronne St. (highway, street). Stolen was a Dell laptop valued at $1,000 and a DC/AC power inverter valued at $50.
-Vicious dog from the 1200 block of Old Cahaba Trace (residence, home).
-Damaged property from the 8000 block of Rockhamptop Circle (residence, home). Damaged was a residential door in the amount of $100.

Nov. 29
-Failure to appear from 816 Highway 52 East (government, public building).
-Criminal trespassing warning from the 1200 block of Johnson Street (residence, home).
-Outside law enforcement agency assist from Highway 261 and Walgreens (drug store).
-Identity theft from the 1800 block of Sunnybrook Lane (residence, home). Stolen was $394 in U.S. currency.
-Domestic incident from the 4400 block of Englewood Road (residence, home).
-Damage to property from Highway 91 near Fieldstone Drive (highway, street). Damaged was a Mazda CX-9 in the amount of $3,000.

Nov. 30
-Hazardously parked vehicle from County Road 95 at Riva Ridge Road (highway, street).
-Burglary from the 400 block of Old Cahaba Way (residence, home).
-Warrant arrest failure to appear traffic from the Leeds Police Department (government, public building).-Harassing communications from the 100 block of Chadwick Drive (residence, home).

Dec. 1
-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 100 block of Squire Drive (school, college). Stolen were $27 in U.S. currency, an Alabama Telco Credit Union Bank Card, a Chevron gas card, an Alabama driver’s license and a brown leather money clip valued at $10.
-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 100 block of St. Charles Drive (residence, home). Stolen were three Glock 23 magazines valued at $100.
-Warrant arrest from the Alabama driver’s license office in Bessemer (government, public building).-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 1200 block of Old Cahaba Trace (residence, home). Stolen was an HP Pavillion laptop valued at $500.
-Identity theft from the 100 block of Appleford Road (residence, home).

Dec. 2
-Incident report from the 100 block of Cahaba Club Drive (residence, home).
-Death investigation from the 200 block of Jenkins Circle (residence, home).
-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 200 block of Rocky Ridge Drive (residence, home). Stolen was $240 in U.S. currency.

Dec. 3
-Harassment from the Publix supermarket (supermarket). Dec. 4-Theft of property from the CVS on Highway 17 (drug store).
-Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and criminal mischief from Riva Ridge Road (residence, home). Stolen were Oakley sunglasses valued at $220, Under Armour gloves valued at $50 and damaged was a Toyota Tundra in the amount of $500.
-Theft of property from Tocoa Road (residence, home). Stolen was a ladies wallet valued at $25, an unknown number of credit cards, a checkbook with an unknown number of checks inside and $51 in U.S. currency.

Dec 5th from Shelby Sheriff Report: -Domestic violence – harassment from the 800 block of County Road 52 (residence, home), Helena.

Water Out

2011-12-14T10:51:00.002Z

Several people are out of water in Helena tonight. So far it looks like it is behind Publix (Fieldstone) and from Hwy 17 from the BP down towards Fox Valley. Several people have called the Water Department hotline
-----Update Fieldstone Water was back at 5:15am
Several people have reported that everything is back to normal

Eureka, Fieldstone Dog, and follow a Helena Teacher

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000Z

Picture by Laura Brookhart

More Eureka
More media coverage on the Eureka Mines. Laura Brookhart at the removal that day and has a great story about it with interviews of everyone. I think I even get mentioned. You can read the full story here: Full Article

Fieldstone Dog
This from Fieldstone Neighborhood:
"A dog has been hanging around the Fieldstone neighborhood for almost 3 weeks now (pictures attached). A few of the neighbors have taken pity on him and fed him or let him sleep inside for warmth. And he has even been playing with some of the neighborhood kids in the afternoon. He seems to be a VERY sweet dog.
If anyone knows who his owner is OR if anyone would like to ADOPT him… please let us know. I am afraid that he may get hit by a car if we can't find a home for him soon".
Anyone willing to adopt him or who may know who his owner is, can contact let me know I will give you the email and phone number contact (I didn't want to post theirs without permission)

Following Helena Teacher
A news channel is following a first year teacher in Helena. Laura Beth Barnett is teaching Kindergarten at Helena Elementary. They plan on following her for the ful school year as she teaches a new crop of Helena students. You can go to this link or view the video below:

Christmas Nominee, Snowballs, and Helena Council Meeting and Hwy 261

2011-12-13T03:34:00.000Z

Helena Christmas Home Nominee
Here's the next nominee, it is located on 240 Stonecreek Way which is located in Old Cahaba Helena,AL. Look next to the mailbox, there is a countdown clock until Christmas. To the right is a Christmas Merry go around and a Santa on a train track. The road may be a little tricky to find so check google maps before you head out. I am really happy that so many people are getting into the Christmas spirit. Please remember we have until the 18th for any new nominees so get clicking and email me your nominees.

Snow Ball Run
ECCS will be having a fun run, 5k and 10k on Saturday Jan 14th. The money will go to their scholarship fund. It will be located at Evangel Church Gym – 423 Thompson Road, Alabaster, AL.They will have Cool Tee Shirts, Great Door Prizes and Awesome Food. The cost is 5K & 10K - $25 / Fun Run - $15 if registered by Jan. 10th.To register, visit http://EvangelClassical.org/snowball or complete form below and mail with payment to: ECCS Snowball Run, 423 Thompson Road, Alabaster, AL 35007. For more information or sponsorship details contact Lee Russell leeamyrussell@bellsouth.net. Also here are the Flyer, and registration form in ppt form. I think I should get some shaved ice and start a snowball fight during the race. My wife said I have to run with her (I dont really run, my belly jiggles like a bowl full of jelly).

Follow-ups

Repairs: I was told the street work in Cedar Bend was due to utilities repair. It was also causing trouble in Woodvale.

Music Video: Music Industry Network posted a link about John Maison music video which was filmed in Helena, AL: LINK. The video is called "Are You Fast Enough". When they posted the music video I sat around with my wife and tried to count all the landmarks in the video. I think Incahoots parking lot, I-65, Old Town, Co Rd 52?, Hwy 31, Behind LaReunion, Roy Drive?, Co-58, Co-17 or is that Co-13.

Helena City Council
An exciting City Council meeting. There was a lot on the agenda. All the council members were there except one and they unanimously passed the minutes and bills.

The first item of business was "Cynthia Page-Sellers, Richardson, Holman & West LLP-City of Helena and Utilities Board of the City of Helena Financial Audits FYE 09/30/2011". Mr. Richardson gave the presentation to the council about the audit. He explained to the City Council what was in the report. Since I didnt have a copy, I will tell what I heard. He said that this audit used general accepted auditing methods. He said that it was an independent audit and that there were no unrecorded audit adjustment. He said they there was no disagreement with the finding. He said that there was no findings of fraud. He did say the City needed to improve its recording method but he said the internal controls were adequate for a city of our size. He said that the journal entries needed to be improved. Council woman, Cris Nelson (with a background in auditing/accounting), asked a few questions and said she may have more later. She was asking if a software would improve the areas that needed improving. The council unanimously approved to adopt.

812-11A-Annexation-T.W. Horn-7345 Hwy 13-Parcel ID-12.7.26.0.000.007.000: George Pickle gave this presentation. He said the property to be annexed was owned by Mr. Horn (who was in the meeting) and that he had part of his property already annexed. It is located on Hwy 13 as you head toward Green Pond. It was just after Hicks drive on the right. The voted unanimously to approve.

Resolution 12122011-ALDOT Standard Project Resolution and Plans concerning project No STPAA-0261: George Pickle presented this and I found it to be very interesting since it will impact the traffic on Hwy 261. The ALDOT plans on repaving / resurfacing / patch and even widening parts of Hwy 261 (Helena Road) from Crow Corner's red light (Helena Tire, Walgreens) to Hwy 31. Some of this work needed to be down ahead of the planned bypass...speaking of which...

He also said there will be a delay on the Hwy 261 bypass. Apparently there was problems with roads with a "One to One Slope" and the State of Alabama has put a hold on all projects that have this type of slope. Each project will be evaluated to see if they needed adjustments. It may require a change in some rights of way or require retaining walls. He would know more in two weeks. They were told that the construction on the bypass was planned for the start of 2012 but I don't know how this would impact it. Mr. Pickle said that the sooner they can resolve the issues the faster we can get back on the list to get the bypass started.

Helena Budget 2011-2012: I didn't get a copy of the budget and will have to apply to the City Clerk this week to get a copy, but if I do I will post. There was two things that were talked about Cris Nelson asked if the budget would be adjusted for the increase in the contract for US Tech which is the Administrator for the Helena City Hall, Fire Department and Police department. It would include unlimited services calls, virus, repairs, installs, etc. If I heard them correctly it sounded like the contract was around $42,000. (I was interested because I work in technology). Also the Mayor mentioned that the employees had not received a raise in a while so he had put in a one time payout in the budget of $200. The budget was approved unanimously.

The next regular scheduled City Council Meeting will be next week Monday, December 19, 2011 at 6pm.

Acts, Wreaths, Mockingbirds and Disney from Helena, Ala

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000Z

Acts of Congress photo from Bham News Ryan Russell

Comfort and Joy Concert
Mary Colurso wrote an article in the Birmingham News about Helena's Act of Congress who put on an incredible concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for Christmas. The Act of Congress is made up of "mandolinist Adam Wright, guitarist Chris Griffin, bassist Tim Carroll and fiddler Connie Skellie". They are like a better version of Nickle Creek. The event was the Alabama Symphony presents "An Alabama Christmas With Act of Congress." I wish Helena could provide a Venue for theses types of events. I would love to get dressed up and go to this. Here is the full article: Link

Wreaths for Soldiers
Five year old Zoe Whatley from Helena was in the Birmingham News this weekend. She is putting wreaths on the graves at the Alabama National Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America day Sat., Dec 10, 2011 in Montevallo, Ala. The photo is from the Bham news.

To Kill a Mockingbird
Jamie told me about the PHS students in their winter play "To Kill A Mockingbird"! The dates are December 15, 16 and 17th at 7pm. The tickets are $5 presale and $8 at the door. The kids have been working really hard to produce a wonderful adaptation of Harper Lee's southern classic. It is a great way to support the Arts at PHS. PHS has incredibly strong Arts programs that include students from across the spectrum of the population. Another event I need to stick on my calendar to attend.

Centsible Couponing
The Centsible Couponing are going to stop their group meetings. They are continuing to post coupon special on their facebook page but with the holidays, it is getting harder and harder for everyone to get together. Here's is there page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/177897448931892/

Helena Christmas Lights Contest
The next nominee is the Sapps at 6088 Hwy 17 for the Helena Christmas Light Contest. Not only is the house decorated so classically with each bush that lines the wrap around porch covered with red, white and green lights, there are matching balls in the trees, and they also have HUMAN LIGHTS. For the next two Friday nights, December 16 and December 23, 7-9pm they will have a human light show in their yard with dance routines to music. It's quite an entertaining event and attracts many to stop and video or take pictures. Also I picked up the prizes from Katie Allen which are pictured below. If you want to devote a night, I need unbias judges to run around and rank the house. We have prizes for the top 4. Let me know if you are interest. We are taking nominees until Sunday Dec. 18th.

Toys for Tots in Helena
Roderick White, the Clinic Director for Cahaba Wellness, is helping raise money and toys for Toys for Tots. They will be accepting dropoffs at Cahaba Wellness 263 Village Parkway Helena, AL 35080 Phone 205.664.8881 www.cahabawellness.com. So while you are shopping, get your children to pick something out for those children who are in need. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts. Here's the link to the pdf flyer: Cahaba Wellness pdf

Helena Fire Department
Daniel on the Helena Fire deptartment's facebook page post that would also like to "congratulate Helena Fire dept Paramedics of the year Fire/Medics Chris Miller & Chase Laney for there Heroic actions on a medical call earlier in the year. Also, we are recognizing Helena Fire dept Volunteer of the Year Clint Carlisle for countless hours he devoted the the city and fire department". Thanks for all you do guys!

Live Disney Show
Mike Miller of Helena has a new LIVE Disney show with his friend Justin Poe that will happen on Sunday nights at 7pm Central? It's called MouseGearsLIVE and can be heard at www.mousegears.com. They would love to have fellow Helena-ians/ites to tune in if their Disney fans too! They stream it live via ustream off the facebook page. You click "Mouse Gears Live" link on the left. Next Sunday they plan on having special guest Stacey Aswad (picture to the left) who does the Top 7 Must Sees on the Disney Channel. In the future, they will have other famous Disney talent appearing in their shows.

Christmas Home nominee, $10,000, and the Weekend

2011-12-09T01:29:00.000Z

Helena Christmas Nominee
Nominee #3 for the Helena Home Decorating contest is located in Dearing Downs on 1419 Secretariat Drive. You can't miss this home as you drive past it. If you go there, check out their porch, it has as many decorations as their yard. So far I have had only three nominees, so let me know if you find a good one. We will close the nomination period in less than two weeks.

Followups
Here are some followups to past stories.

-Creekview at Incahoots: Paul posted this announcement regarding plans to open Creekview in Incahoots:"Well, after all of the work and time and money we have spent to make this dream happen, the bank has decided to pull out of the deal. they say that since we are not already restaurant people we shouldn't be in the business. They came up with a last minute change that would have required us to give part of the cafe to a partner in the business but only a week to make that happen. We are crushed that this didn't work out. I understand that since all of the exposure they have another buyer standing by. I hope it works for all of you. Thanks for the support".
-Bow-less: A neighbor emailed me to say that she found the bow in the back corner of her front yard. She dropped it off at Ester's home. Ester messaged me back and said that she got it, so everything is good.

$10k Warehouse Raceway
I saw where Alan Burton of the indoor remote control racetrack is having a $10,000 Guaranteed purse event next month at the Warehouse Raceway. I was blown away when I saw that because that sounds like a purse for full size race cars. This might be the biggest indoor remote control car race in the State...maybe the Southeast. The event will occur next month in January. There will be around 200 competitors. Here's what he said in his email

We have payout classes that will be racing for the $10,000. We also have regular classes that will not be racing for the payout. These are just for bragging rights. The payout classes are $60 each and the non-payout classes are $25 each. You can run both. Make sure to register at the link below. You can go direct to paypal and pay amount for your classes without going through site. Please make sure to include your racing information.To view event/class information go to: link.

HeartSaver Course Offered
Heartsaver Cpr and AED will be at Helena fire station number 2 at 9 am Saturday morning. Cost will be 25 dollars. Heath Bartlett's contact information is cell number is 205 212-8186 or email hbartlett@helenafire.com .

Helena Happenings the Weekend
We are counting down for Christmas. I think I may ask for a outdoor coal oven because of all the coal chucks I have and for the stocking (full of it) that I am expecting from Santa. Speaking of which, yesterday some gnomes put a Santa hat on the jockey in Old Town. Bad Gnomes!

Today forget there are plenty of Christmas trees around so this would be a good weekend to stop by and get one. Also if you are wanting to get your children's picture with Santa Claus then he will be at the Helena Hometown pharmacy and taking pictures. Here are the rest of the Weekend events:

Friday 9th
7pm La Reunion Team Trivia

Saturday 10th
7am-10:30am All you can eat pancakes at La Reunion
9am-5pm Old Town Christmas Market in the place adjoining La Reunion 4085 Helena Road Helena, AL
9am-1pm Pictures with Santa at Helena Hometown Pharmacy at 5129 Highway 17
9am Heartsaver CPR course at Fire Station #2
9:30am The Cub Scouts #532 will be in charge of a Salvation Army Kettle in front of Walgreens in Helena. Go say Hi to them
7:30pm The band Upper Air with Laine Whittaker will perform at La Reunion. Free Admission

If you have an event in Helena this weekend that is open to the public, email me at nosleepinhelena at gmail and I will get it up here.

In Memory of Harold Deason
I was shocked this afternoon to hear about Harold's passing. He was the owner of Incahoots and a founding member of the Helena Kiwanis. I just saw him just last week at the Kiwanis party. He was great as always. I remember when I first came to Helena, I didnt know anyone but was trying to connect to something. The talk of the locals at the Incahoots' Saloon was the source for all my earliest post. I still worked at night, so I would come sit in Incahoots right when they opened. He would come out and watch the news channel. He would tell me his thought after every news story. He had opinions on every topic in the world and the world will be a little less brighter without him in it. I will miss you Harold!

I realized I didnt really have any photos of him from the blog. Before he closed Incahoots, I made a video and was able to grab a picture of him in the kitchen for the very end of the video that I made three years ago. Here it is:

Short Thursday Update

2011-12-08T06:51:00.000Z

This is going to be a short post. I'm a little backed up on emails and news right now.

Helena Newsletter
I saw on Dave Smith's facebook page that they are sending out the Helena newsletter tomorrow. You can see a sneak preview at: here.

Bow-less
Also Ester Morrison makes and sells bows for Christmas but someone took one right off here mailbox around 1:30-2:30pm yesterday. She said she would have gladly made one for them. Hopefully by posting this the person will not put it up on their mailbox without drawing attention.

Events in Helena
11am Storytime at the Helena Library and...

Christmas Comedy Night at the Church at Cahaba Bend
Today Thursday (Dec 8) at 7pm and Childcare will be provided

"Join us night of comedy for the whole family with L.A.-based sketch comedy group Call-Sign Vesper led by communicator Travis Crim. Expect a Christmas-themed, Christ-centered, Saturday Night Live-style comedy one-hour comedy show with crowd interaction. For more information on Call-Sign Vesper, visit TravisCrim.com"

*For tickets, please contact Zack Nichols to arrange ticket purchase.
Tickets are just $6. They will also be available at the door.

Be sure to check out http://www.cahababend.org for more details

Parade results, More Eureka and Police Reports

2011-12-07T02:00:00.000Z

Christmas Parade Results
The Helena 41st Christmas Parade may have ended but Greg asked for the complete list of winners so I figured there would be a few more people interested. Thank you Penny for sending them to me. The photo above is from the Helena Belles facebook page.

Performers
1. HMS Cheerleaders
2. Cahaba Cuties
3. HMS Dance Team

Float
1. 4th Grade Cheerleaders
2. 1st Grade Cheerleaders
3. Boy Scout Troop 532

Comedy Tomorrow
The Helena Church at Cahaba Bend will have a Christmas Comedy Night tomorrow (Dec 8th) at 7pm with L.A.-based sketch comedy group Call-Sign Vesper led by communicator Travis Crim. Expect a Christmas-themed, Christ-centered, Saturday Night Live-style comedy one-hour comedy show with crowd interaction. For more information on Call-Sign Vesper, visit TravisCrim.com.Tickets are just $6. They will also be available at the door. Be sure to check out http://www.cahababend.org for more details
*For tickets, please contact Zack Nichols to arrange ticket purchase.

Katie's Ornaments
Katie Allen was featured in the Shelby County Reporter article by Laura Brookhart about her talent in making ornaments. You will recall she is the one whose ornament went to the White House and whose ornaments will be the prize for this years Best Decorated Christmas House in Helena. You can read all about here her: Full article

Eureka
ABC 3340 did a newscast on the Eureka Mine in Helena. Here is the Direct Link to the story and and the video. They interviewed Brian Wallis and Ken Penhale. You can see pictures of the miner tags and some of the items that they have found.This is only the tip of the iceberg of Alabama history that is waiting to be discovered (or re-found).Though Shelby County School system has priority on the site where the High School will be built (we wouldnt want to hold it up), there is a vast area where the mining community existed that will not have construction so there is still a lot to be found. Also they are asking people to stay off the property because it is a construction site and there are unsafe areas. Hopefully they will have work that will be open to the entire community so stay tuned. Also thanks to Mark Hendren who is an awesome videographer Depending on your firewall settings, you can see the video below or just a blank spot:

Here's the stats that relate to people in Helena from the Shelby County Reporter

Helenite Marriages
-Justin Tyler Roberts, 26, of Helena and Rachel Nichole Lange, 22, of Helena.
and no divorces during this period

Helena Police Report

Nov. 21
-Information only from the 4400 block of Englewood Road (residence, home).

Nov. 22
-Theft of property from McDonald’s on Highway 17 (residence, home). Stolen was U.S. currency.
-Driving under the influence – combined from Highway 261 at USA Concrete (highway, street).
-Warrant arrest from the Shelby County Jail (jail, prison).

Nov. 23
-Death investigation from the 2600 block of Jasmine Lane (residence, home).

Nov. 24
-Domestic incident from the 1500 block of Oak Park Drive (residence, home).
-Damage to city property from Bearden Lane (highway, street). Damaged was the left tail light of a 2006 Chevrolet Impala in the amount of $65.

Nov. 25
-Theft of property from Fox Valley Self Storage on Highway 17 (storage facility). Stolen was a padlock valued at $10, a microwave oven valued at $200, a Poulan string trimmer valued at $250, a leather jacket valued at $300 and two camouflage boots valued at $40.
-Warrant arrest – failure to appear – traffic from the Hoover Municipal Complex.

Nov. 26
-Driving under the influence from Highway 261 at Highway 105 (highway, street). Confiscated was a Kel Tec P3AT .380-caliber pistol valued at $100.
-Criminal mischief from the 2000 block of Stonecreek Court (residence, home). Damaged were tire air valves valued at $100.
-Warrant arrest from Plantation Place at Plantation Circle (highway, street).
-Domestic incident from Virginia Lane (residence, home).

Nov. 27
-Death investigation from 2035 Highway 58 (church).
-Death investigation – hospice from the 100 block of St. Charles Drive (residence, home).
-Harassing communications from the 2100 block of First Avenue West (residence, home).

Tuesday in Helena

2011-12-06T02:17:00.000Z

Helena Christmas Contest
This is 1945 Riva Ridge Road in Sugar Creek next to Gobbler's Knob and it is Nominee #2 for the 2011 Best Decoration Home in Helena!

Helena Happenings
7am Kiwanis Meet at the Senior Centre
8pm HPBA meet at La Reunion
11am Storytime at the Helena Library
5pm-9pm HMS Baseball fundraiser night at Pelham Zaxby Dine in or drive thru. 10% of proceed will go to the HMS baseball team

Missing Anything?
The Helena Police are still needing people in Falliston, Jackson, Square and Old Cahaba to check to see if they are missing anything. The Helena police have 22-year-old Bryce Jamarr O’Neal of Gardendale and 19-year-old William Reid McDonald with unlawfully entering unlocked vehicles and removing items. So they have a bunch of items that they need to return to the owners. So if you are missing that gameboy, psp, gps, cell phone, chargers, johnny cash cd collection, etc you may want to check with the Helena police because it could have been slipped out in the middle of the night.

Flagged
The 6th Grade Helena Flag Football team coached by Jarrod Rose and Scott Hassler won their Championship this weekend. They had a perfect season 10-0. The weather was perfect and the kids were ready for Saturday's Championship game, played at UAB. This team has played together for 4 years. The last three year the championship has eluded them but not this year They won their game convincingly 35-21 over the Buccaneers who were the spoilers of years past. Congratulations to a wonderful season and for bringing the Championship Trophy to Helena. Top Left to Right: Coaches: Scott Hassler; Jarrod Rose Middle Left to Right: Kenais Sullivan, Ben Rose, Josh Daugherty, Dustin Sackreiter, Ben Ratley Bottom Left to Right: Jacob Graydon, Jacob Hillman, Cole Hassler, Tristin Waters, Daniel Moore

Pumping Iron
There is some new weight equipment for the Helena Middle School for the Athletes program. Coach Brewer, HMS AD andHead Football Coach, has put together an off season workout schedule for the football and baseball team. The Helena Athletic Association volunteers helped prep the floor for the equipment arrival.

News bits

I have heard from several officials that the opening of Creekview in the Incahoot location has hit a snag. I've heard this from several people but need to confirm what the actual challenge that is being faced.
Brent Byars, a University of Montevallo graduate, and who has been the assistant principal for the past two-and-a-half years at Helena Elementary School has been hired at the New Creek View Elementary School Principal in the Alabaster School System. Link
Reverend Van C. Houser, pastor of New Vision Christian Church in Helena, presented the sermon and the benediction at the 100th year anniversary of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Wilton over the holiday Link

Christmas, Helping, and Teachers in Helena

2011-12-05T02:16:00.000Z

Helena Happenings
Events for todayToday is Read to Succeed Display at the Helena Library 4:00 PMAlso, check out 10 books, get a prize on this day.
Helena Middle School Bands- Christmas Concert TONIGHT at 7 PM, PHS Auditorium. FREE ADMISSION!

Helena Christmas Parade
Tom Daspit of Studio D Photography sent me a link of all the photos he took at the Helena Christmas Parade: Tom Daspit Photos. Also Ramona Rice has a great video on facebook of the event: link

Helping the Bryans
If you were moved my the Bryan family and would like to help them cover the funeral expense for their daughter. Here's were you can send you help:For anyone who is able to and would like to make a private donation to the family please contact Helena United Methodist Church Contact Information for donations:Helena United Methodist Church2035 Cty Rd 58Helena AL 35080(205) 663-0111

New Family Member
I have a new member of the NoSleep family. It is Logan "Scruffy". He is a rescue puppy from Two by Two rescue in Helena. He was rescued in the warehouse district in Birmingham by Jennifer Nolan. I brought him home today. He is a little unsteady on his feet and whimpers at night but short of a allergy I think we are keep him. He will be part of the family this Christmas. Speaking of which...

Helena Christmas Decoration Contest
We have officially started the Best Decorated Home in Helena contest. Here is the first nominee. Number #1 is the Howerton house on 545 Fieldstone Drive.They are up and running in Fieldstone Park with "Helena Christmas Vacation" light show with 10,000 lights, 32 channels of computer animation and a low power FM transmitter broadcasting the soundtrack on 91.3. Robbie Howerton told me that a professional DJ cut some of the intros along with a few other surprises. They even have a virtual Grinch. It gives the effect that he is walking around in our house. They have the music broadcast on channel 91.3 fm so you can listen to it in your car. They run the show nightly from 6:30 to 9:30 weather permitting .

So start sending in those nominees. Send send me the addresses of Helena homes that you think are awesome, also if you have a picture of them. We will make a list of nominees and send out the judges and make a list of the best homes in Helena to see this Christmas Season. I need all the Nominees by Dec 18th so get decorating and get griswolding.

Teacher of the Year
Several teachers in Helena were honored for winning Teacher of the Year for their schools at a ceremony on Dec. 1st by the Shelby County Board of Education.
Melanie Henderson, Helena Elementary
April Atkins, Helena Intermediate
Deborah Newman, Helena Middle

Helena Hollars

Taylor Davidson won the Fire Prevention poster contest for the 8th Grade! Way to Go, Taylor!

Lisa Nicols of Helena was award a scholarship from the "Same Sweet Girls" scholarship full article. Congrats Lisa!

Rare Sat Post Eureka Mine 4

2011-12-03T01:58:00.001Z

Eureka! We have it!
I had around30 people show an interest in helping search for historic items in the dirt being removed from Eureka #4. That won't happen for a few months according to Brian Wallis.

I thought you would excited to know that we were able to remove the Eureka #4 title. It will be placed behind to the Helena Museum along with other stones. You can check it out if they get it moved there by Christmas parade time (or you can go to the Helena Museum in Old Town and chat with Ken). In the meanwhile, I made a video of the removal, complete with dramatic music to memorialize the special historic event. We arrived at 7am to see the hilltop covered in a fog. When we approached the mine, it was bellowing out a hot air that covered the area in a mist that fogged up the cameras. I tried to capture that in the opening of the video. It was surreal. It weighted so much you could see the cabling stretching. It wasn't on the flat bed truck until just before 3pm. As of 6pm they had not moved it to the museum but hopefully it will be there by tomorrow. Scroll down to see the Weekend events include the parade. I post those yesterday. Here's the video on Vimeo and Youtube so you can view them at work and home.

The Youtube Version
(They may block it because of the music)

Eureka Coal Mine #4 from hewy nosleep on Vimeo.

Here's the weekend calendar again because I don't want you to miss again this weekend. Go to yesterday 's post for details about the events:

Helena Weekend Calendar

Fri Dec 2
Forecast for 35080 (63° | 36°)
4-8pm Practice Racing at the Warehouse Racetrack
7pm Team Trivia at La Reunion Coffee House 4085 Helena Road, Helena, AL

Sat Dec 3
Forecast for 35080 (65° | 43°)
8am-Noon Warehouse Racetrack Club Race
9am-1pm Helena Museum Open
9:00am – 11:00am Breakfast with Santa at La Reunion 4085 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080
9:00am – 5:00pm Old Town Christmas Market in the Space adjoining La Reunion in Old Town
1:30pm-3:30pm Santa Pictures at the Gazebo in Old Town 3853 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080
1:30pm – 2:30pm Helena Christmas Parade - Helena Road from Crow Corner to Old Town

Sun Dec 4
Forecast for 35080 (65° | 52°)
12:00pm – 4:00pm Brownie Charity Fundraiser - Top it Off 4746 Highway 52, Helena, AL 35080
7:00pm – 8:00pm Helena Athletic Association at Helena Senior Center - Helena Senior Center

Hey, if you have a Helena event and I missed it, please email me and I will get it up here ASAP.

This Weekend in Helena

2011-12-02T00:25:00.000Z

Helena Car Theft Recovery
The Helena Police are currently investigation a large number of thefts from vehicles in the Falliston, Jackson Square and Old Cahaba subdivision. They currently have suspects in custody but have only identified a small number of victims. They have a large number of unclaimed items which were in the possession of the suspects. They are asking the media to help in getting these items returned to their rightful owners. Anyone who believes they have had items stolen from their vehicle, please report it!!
If those items are among the ones we have recovered, they will be returned to the victim. They are also asking everyone to keep their vehicles locked. Most thieves are looking for an easy mark. As far as they know, these suspects did not “force entry” in to any vehicles. All of the items were taken from vehicles that were unlocked. By simply locking your vehicle you are much less likely to be a victim. From the Helena Criminal Investigations Division (205)663-6499 Fax: (205)664-9208 or tcarter@helenapd.com

Old Cahaba Update
This is an update on the Old Cahaba incident from 11/30/2011. Deputy Chief Tim Carter released the name of the subject.Ty Jerry Rogers, White male. 30 years old From Eastaboga, AL. He is still in intensive care at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. No other information is available for release at this time.

Helena Teachers Honored
The Shelby County School system honored the several teacher from HIS for their National Board Certification: Michelle Saindon, April Atkins, Tami Genry, and Amber Howard of Helena Intermediate.
Also congrats on Helena Intermediate getting the grading started for their expansion. I'm sure the students are excited about having more room.

For Brittney
I know everyone was touched by the lost of Brittney Bryan last Sunday. Her was in the obituary was in the paper today and services will be Friday Dec 2nd at 3:30pm at Helena United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Two by Two Rescue, P. O. Box 708, Helena, AL 35080, www.twobytworescue.com
Everyone keep her family in their thoughts and let us know if there is anything we can do.

Helena Weekend Calendar
This is a quick list and I will have more details about the events below for Helena Big Christmas Weekend

Fri Dec 2
Forecast for 35080 (63° | 36°)
4-8pm Practice Racing at the Warehouse Racetrack
7pm Team Trivia at La Reunion Coffee House 4085 Helena Road, Helena, AL

Sat Dec 3
Forecast for 35080 (65° | 43°)
8am-Noon Warehouse Racetrack Club Race
9am-1pm Helena Museum Open
9:00am – 11:00am Breakfast with Santa at La Reunion 4085 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080
9:00am – 5:00pm Old Town Christmas Market in the Space adjoining La Reunion in Old Town
1:30pm-3:30pm Santa Pictures at the Gazebo in Old Town 3853 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080
1:30pm – 2:30pm Helena Christmas Parade - Helena Road from Crow Corner to Old Town

Sun Dec 4
Forecast for 35080 (65° | 52°)
12:00pm – 4:00pm Brownie Charity Fundraiser - Top it Off 4746 Highway 52, Helena, AL 35080
7:00pm – 8:00pm Helena Athletic Association at Helena Senior Center - Helena Senior Center

Hey, if you have a Helena event and I missed it, please email me and I will get it up here ASAP.

La Reunion 2nd Christmas Market
La Reunion has several events on Saturday. They have Breakfast with Santa next Saturday, Dec. 3rd. from 9-11. No reservations needed. $10.00 per child and they receive pancakes and milk and a sit with Santa. Gretchen B will be present taking professional photographs. They will be available to see at her studio that afternoon. The photo packages start around $25 per the LaReunion Facebook page.

Also on Saturday start the 2nd Annual Old Town Christmas Market. It will start this Saturday and run every Saturday until 12/17 but then they the last one on a Friday 12/23 for those last minute gifts.

You can get a special local gifts for friends and relatives instead of settling for something boring like a gift card. Two by Two Animal Rescue will have a Doggie Wish Tree up. Also the Helena Belles will be in full dress so you can get your picture made with them as well. 4085 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080

Gazebo Santa
The Gazebo in Old Town will have Santa Claus for pictures in their store in Old Town on Saturday Dec. 3rd from 1:30pm-3:30pm at 3853 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080. They are also open from 10am-5pm that day.

Helena Christmas Parade

The biggest event on Saturday is the Helena Christmas Parade!

A few pieces of advice. The parade starts at 1:30pm and most floats leave from the Winn Dixie Parking lot and stop at the railroad tracks in Old Town. The parade platform is normally in front of Helena 1st Baptist Church (but they could move it). Mayor Penhale will be the Grand Marshall of the parade and I hear he will have a very special mode of transportation. It is also a special event for the Helena Girl Scouts. In 2012 they will be celebrating their 100th anniversary so it will be a special parade for them. Also the Helena belles will be marching for the first time in the parade.

Most people's favorite viewing location is in Old Town because there is also food, drinks, and bathrooms nearby so if you are going there then come early. I put some red car icons on the map to show you some parking spaces.Many people chose their viewing spot depending on where they live so they can escape the traffic afterwards. For example, I have parked in Walgreens and Publix during past parades and was able to escape to Old Cahaba pretty quickly while others in Dearing Downs will park in the First Baptist parking lot so they can slip out too. Another big parking lot is the Elementary School and the lots behind Old Town. I know several people line up around Publix and McDonalds but the City tries to encourage people to view on the main parade road (but still people show up there because of the bathrooms and McDonald happy meals & playground). The parade last around 90 minutes so everyone have a wonderful time time, watch out for the children and spend some time shopping locally.

Brownies & Yogurt

On Sunday, Helena Brownie Troop 843 will be collecting donations for the Community Food Bank from Noon-4pm at Top it Off Yogurt in Helena, AL. If you buy yogurt then Top it Off will give 10% of the sales to the Brownie Troop as well. Come on, you are in the mood for Chocolate and mint, and this gives you an excuse to indulge for a good cause!

Out of Town?

If you are going to miss the Helena Christmas Parade then I have included a video of last year's parade. It is 90 minutes boiled down to 2 minutes. Enjoy!

Helena Christmas Parade 2010 from hewy nosleep on Vimeo.

Bead Biz Classes
Lora at Bead Biz has released her art class schedule for December. Here it is:

Leather Wrap Class
Dec. 7th 9am-1
Dec.9th 9am-1
Dec, 14th 9am-1
Dec.16th 9am-1
Dec. 20th 9am-1
Dec. 22nd 9am-1
Dec. 28th 9am-1
Dec.29th 9am-1
Includes leather and fireline and use of a store project board with the option to purchase after the class. This is our most popular class. It is all the rage in fashion. We do a 3 strap wrap in the class and I explain how to use multi strands of leather for wider wraps. Call to sign up

Tree of Life Pendant
Dec. 8th 3pm-6
Dec10th 1pm-4pm
Dec. 16th 1pm-4pm
$30.00 instruction fee. Beginner to Intermediate class. Taught by Lisa Dunn. Learn how to make this popular design using craft wire. Craft wire included bring chips or stone not included. If you want Sterling wire that would be extra. Bring your wire working tools with you.

Coiling Gizmo Play with Lisa
Dec. 15th 2pm-5pm
Dec, 15th 6:30pm-9:30pm
Dec.17th 1pm-4pm
Class instruction fee $30.00 Taught by Lisa Dunn. Colored craft wire included. Learn to use this fun wire working tool and make coiled beads, earrings, bracelets and more.

Beginning Wire Work 101
Dec.10th 10-1pm
Dec.14th 6:30pm-9:30pm
Beginner class Taught by Judi Wilde
All created with about 4" of WIRE!
You will make 3 different sets of earrings and learn to make your own ear wires. Learn to make a clasp or two and Headpins. Also learn how to make the perfect loop and wire-wrap basic beads.
Craft wire is included in the class just need some beads for your earrings or to wrap. Stop by and look at the examples and we can give you a handout. Bring your wire working tools or Lora will have some for purchase. This class fee is $25.00 .

Beginner Wire Bangle class with Judi Wild
Dec. 10th 10-1pm
2 cool bracelet designs.
Beginner Wire Wrap Bracelet using square, half round and regular craft wire. Learn how to bind three wires together with half round wire. Learn to twist square wire and make a clasp for the end. You can add beads or not to this bangle type bracelet.
Judi is an excellent teacher. Wire work and chain maile are her specialties. This Class has a minimum of 2 students and a maximum for 4 students. So sign up early this is expected to be a very popular class.
Class fee is $40 plus supplies

Classes with Marsha on Demand
Marsha is our expert in many seed bead techniques, Kumihumo, Viking weave and others. She makes learning fun and simple. She is available this month by appointment. Her classes are $30.00 instruction fee plus supplies. Please call or stop by to check out her samples and designs that are taught.

Lora Lunsford
The Bead Biz
205-621-2426
3745 Helena Road Suite100
Helena, Al 35080
lora@thebeadbiz.com

Police, Blue Christmas, and Student Appreciation

2011-12-01T02:00:00.000Z

Police Wrap Up
It was a hard day yesterday. A 8am, a police car's windshield was hit by a deer on Hwy 52 and then that afternoon the police responded to a Burglary on Old Cahaba Way in which ended with the suspect having a self inflicted gun shot to the head. The man is not dead but in the hospital at this time. There are some complex details behind the story so it wasn't a simple burglary where the person did not know who lived in the house. He did not have permission to be in the house at that time. It is rough time for everyone and we all need to look out for each other.

HUMC Blue Christmas
This Thursday (Dec 1st) Helena United Methodist will have a special service at 7pm in the Church's Sanctuary . Helping Hurting People Cope with the Holiday - for anyone who has experienced a loss... the loss of joy and meaning of life, the loss of a family member, the loss of a broken relationship, the loss of a job. With everything that has been happening, this a great service to help people.

Also the Brittney Bryan Funeral will be at 3:30pm in the sanctuary of Helena UMC on Friday.

Student Appreciation Prizes
It is Student Appreciation Day at the Helena Library The first 50 students who stop by get a free grab bag. So take your child by the Library today

Business Christmas Decoration
The Helena Business and Professional Association will be having a Christmas decoration contest. So if you have a storefront in Helena then you can participate. Here's the link to the form from the Helena City Newsletter

Helena Home Decoration contest
Also it is time for the Best Helena Home Decorations contest. You can nominate homes that you see in Helena and we'll send a team of judges around. The awards will be special creation by local artist Katie Allen. Please give me their address and even better if you give me a picture. Here's a photo from one of the Helena nominees last year.

Helena Police Reports

The following are incident and offense reports from the Helena Police Department from Nov. 14-20. This is from the SCR and a swapped out drug names with another so it doesnt get blocked by corporate filters but there were several incidents of  "mary jane" in traffic stops.

Nov. 14
-No parking zone from Highway 95 at Highway 52 East (supermarket).

Nov. 15
-Theft of property from the 1000 block of Chateau Drive (residence, home). Stolen was a catalytic converter valued at $400.
-Attempted suicide from Timber Drive (residence, home).

Nov. 16
-Domestic violence – harassment from the 2000 block of Laurel Lakes Lane (residence, home).

Nov. 17
-Unlawful possession of  "mary jane" from County Road 17 (highway, street). Recovered were 4 grams of "mary jane"
-Identity theft from the 500 block of Fieldstone Drive (residence, home).
-Negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument from Publix at 4730 Highway 17 (supermarket). Stolen was a Wachovia check in the amount of $317.51.
-Unlawful possession of  "mary jane" and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia from County Road 91 at the Shelby Cleaners lot (parking lot, garage). Recovered were 9 grams of  "mary jane" valued at $65 and a metal pipe valued at $5.

Nov. 18
-Criminal mischief from the 100 block of Cedar Bend Drive (residence, home). Damaged was a glass door in the amount of $500, kitchen cabinets in the amount of $1,500, drywall in the amount of $500 and light fixtures in the amount of $500.
-Hospice death from the 900 block of Old Cahaba Drive (residence, home). Destroyed was percocet valued at $15 and morphine sulphate valued at $25.
-Warrant arrest – failure to appear – traffic from Hoover City Jail (government, public building).

Nov. 19

-Unlawful possession of "mary jane" from County Road 17 at Rocky Ridge Drive (highway, street). Recovered was a clear plastic bag containing 10 grams of  "mary jane" valued at $40.

Nov. 20

-Theft of property from the 100 block of Chandawick Drive (highway, street). Stolen was an iPhone 4 valued at $400.
-Domestic incident from the 500 block of Park Lane (residence, home).
-Probation violation from the 1600 block of Cunningham Drive (highway, street).
-Domestic incident from the 100 block of Cedar Bend Drive (residence, home).
-Criminal trespass third degree from the 200 block of Rocky Ridge Drive (residence, home).

Helena Fire Department 2011 Santa Routes
Routes will start at 2:00 PM. Due to Santa’s busy schedule, he will not be able to go on every street. He will be on a major roadway in every part of the city. Listen for the siren that lets you know he is near.

Gold Route:
Timber Lakes
Saddlewood
Sterling Lakes
Long Leaf Lakes
Glen Gate
Asbury Parc
Laurel Lakes
Silver Lakes
Glasgow Green
Country Side Lane
Oak Park
Chestnut Forest
Quail Ridge
Creekwater
Oak Brook
Hwy 13
Honeysuckle
Prescott Place
Mossbend

Red Route:
Stonecreek
Cahaba Falls
Riverwoods
Old Cahaba
Hillsboro
Tocoa Park & Falliston
Jackson Square & St. Charles
Coalmont Road
Shelena Estates
Wyndham
Ashley Brook
Brandywine & Fieldstone
Breckenridge Park
Rocky Ridge
Scurlock Road
Dunham Farm
Shamrock
Sunnybrook & Royal Pines
Fox Valley Apartments

Green Route:
Chadwick
Bearden Lane
Cunningham Drive
Lake Davidson
Old Town
Second & Third Street
First Avenue West
First Avenue East
Rolling Mill
Helena Road to Hwy 17
Roy Drive
Parkside
Jenkins Circle
Shannon Glenn
Cedar Bend
Roy Court
Hickory Point
Harbor Town
Fox Haven & Kingridge
Braelin Village
Timber Park
Laurel Woods
Amberly Woods
Cherokee Crest/Navajo Hills
Village Parish
Tradewinds Circle
Dearing Downs
Woodvale & Augusta Pointe
Surrey Trail
Sugar Creek
Cottages of Dearing Downs
Bridlewood/Bridlewood Parc
Plantation South

This is only a guide and is subject to change or cancellation should an emergency arise or inclement weather occur. Happy Holidays from the Helena Fire Department

Police Update

2011-11-30T18:47:00.001Z

Police in Old Cahaba
As soon I completed the post NS messaged me to let me know the Police and SWAT was on Old Cahaba. I think the road is Old Cahaba Way at or near the home on 430. The area is roped off and Deputy Chief Carter is preparing a press relase. I will update this post when it comes out.

Ok Here is the release from Jeremy Gray at the Bham News

HELENA, Alabama -- A burglary suspect confronted this morning by a Helena police officer shot himself in the head and was flown by helicopter to a hospital, according to Helena police.

Deputy Chief Tim Carter gave this account:

A neighbor called police shortly before noon to report a burglary at a home in the 400 block of Old Cahaba Way in the Old Cahaba subdivision.

Officers found the front door of the house open, found a man inside and ordered him to come out.

Carter said the man ran upstairs and the officers heard a single gunshot. The officers left the house and called for back up.

When more officers arrived, they went back into the house and found the man with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Carter said he did not know which hospital the man was flown to and did not release his nam

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/11/burglary_suspect_shoots_himsel.html

Updated Again: The man is not dead but at the hospital. It is more accurate to say that the man did not have permission to be in the house at the time and the man knew the homeowner.

Art, Massages, Flood and Honors in Helena

2011-11-30T16:42:00.001Z

Flood Update

Sorry for the late post. I had problems with the computer and wifi network.

I stopped by the second meeting and receivedsome more information of the flood zone changes in Helena by FEMA. There willbe 48 structures added to the “Special Flood Hazard Area”. 173 Structures willbe removed. 119 Structures will sptill be in the SFHA. Also 6,597 will remainout of the SFHA. George Pickle, the Helena City Engineer, said he will besending out letters to the owners of the 48 structures to let them know of thepossible change. You can also call Helena City Hall and request to meet withGeorge to go over the maps.

George is doing this before the 90 day publicappeal period starts in January 2012. The period will end in April 2012. Aletter of final determination will be issued July 2012 and the new flood mapswith flood insurance requirement will become effective Jan. 2012.

Kiwanis Honored

The Kiwanis Club of Helena celebrated the 10^thAnniversary. In the picture above, you can see current President Barry Ellislisten to the Charter President Gerald Waldrop. Interesting facts about theHelena Kiwanis, it is the only club with 3 past Kiwanis governors, it hassponsor 3 youth key clubs and it has been visit by 3 Kiwanis InternationalPresidents. Pretty impressive for a club with only 34 members in Helena.

Helena Athletics Volunteers

Last weekend the Helena Athletics Associationdid work at the Helena Middle School. Here’s a picture of Jeff Byers, Lee Wheelerand Stand Cordrey. These three guys worked like crazy for several hours tocomplete 3 additional shelves for the students. All PE and Sports equipment is off the floor and in its rightplace. They have two more shelves tobuild and we will do that in a couple of weeks. Thanks to them for their hardwork.

Lost Dog

Jeannine Jersey from the Magic Morning show on Magic 96lost her dog in Helena last night. The dog’s name is Chelsea and she is a 12year old Sheltie (like a miniature Lassie). She's deaf - but very friendly and will come to you if you get down onher level and motion to her. If anyonehas any information about her, please have them call or email her at 205-789-9992or jeanninejersey@gmail.com.

Adoption Needs

You may have read the story of the Helena finallywho is raising funds for an adoption. They recently sold shirts. You can readtheir story at their Compton Family Blog Here:http://touch1life.blogspot.com/

Joy and Doctors

Helena’s Joy Morris was part of product study and will be on theshow called “The Doctors” today. She said the Executive producer asked her tobe part of the show. She said she will be near the end. Here’s the link to theshow’s website. http://www.thedoctorstv.com

Artist in Focus

Michael Johnson of Cosmic Folklore whoserecently renovated studio is located in Helena Old Town in Bead Biz wasfeatured in a story on local artists. In Shelby Co Magazine, “Michael Johnsonprefers to be called a maker of wearable art—his creations just happen mostoften to fall into the category of jewelry. The son of a master jeweler, hecreates concept pieces, bridal jewelry and what he refers to as ‘conversationstarters’”. You can read the full article here: LINK

Free massage

Nancy Hudspeth, the new licensed massagetherapist at Cahaba Wellness in Dearing Downs Commerce Center is giving away afree hour long massage if you come in and fill out

your name and telephone number at CahabaWellness (Dr. Roderick White, Chiropractor). Also in December, Nancy isoffering a discount, two ONE HOUR massages for just $110.

($55 each, normal cost is $70 each). You canstop by their office or call Nancy Hudspeth at

205-531-2151

Sips and Snips Classes

Helena Florist has posted their new Sips andSnips classes. Here is the link to the dates:

http://sipsandsnips.com/December_Calendar.html

Snowlinks, Snoopy, Scouts, and Flood Zones

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000Z

Snow?
I think the weather event is dying down but if you want to check the status of schools and roads closings then here are some the quick links:
Shelby Co Schools
Shelby County Road Closings
AL DOT Road Closings

Charlie Brown
A Salute to Charles Schultz will be at the Helena Library today (Tues) from 4- 5:00 PM. Check out this fun program featuring neat facts about this great Author!

Follow-ups:
A follow-up to stories I posted earlier:
All-American Parade: Ryan Kailey from Helena also marched in the Thanksgiving Macy's Day parade last to week. Way to go Ryan!
Sunday Death: Here's a story by Neal at the SCR: Article

City Council Meeting
The Helena City Council met on a cold and windy Monday night. All members of the City Council were present. The main thing on the agenda was a discussion about the FEMA proposed changes to the Flood Zone in Helena. It will impact citizens in two ways. If you are taken out of a flood zone you could save money, by not paying the higher rates and if you are put in the flood zone then you will have to buy expensive flood insurance. Members of the Council asked George Pickle several questions about the changes. George said there are several places that needed to be reviewed. He saw areas that were labeled as a flood plain but those areas have been significant changed and he believes the errors are due to the use of older maps. An example was in the neighborhood of Pup Run where a pond used to exist but the water was diverted. The new map was still showing that it existed. George Pickle really wants the public to come in and look at the maps. They will be on display again tomorrow at City Hall from 10am-2pm. I know, I know, everyone is at work then but he is willing to set up other meetings to get the word out.

He especially needs residents of Creekwater, Chestnut Forest or any other neighborhood that has experienced flooding to come in and view the map. If you know the HOA of those neighborhoods then past the word on to them. I also heard them mention Laurel Woods, Quail Ridge, Old Kendrick, Rocky Ridge Drive, and areas near Pinehurst. There was an error relating to lake in Old Cahaba but it would not put any OC house in a flood zone.

I took pictures of several maps but it may be worth your time to swing by City Hall and view it. If they are going to put you in a flood zone then you want to buy flood insurance before it goes into effect so you can get a cheaper rate. Here's some of the map photos : Map 1 Map 2 Map 3 Map 4 Map 5 Map 6 and Map 7

Citizen Scouts
A surprise at end of the City Council Meeting. The members were asked questions by some of the most astute citizens I have ever seen, the Helena Webelos Scouts. Any citizen can ask a questions at the end of the meeting but few do and it was great to see these young men get up there and speak. Here are the ones I remember:

How much will the new Helena High School cost: $26 Million
Will there be a public pool at the Helena Community Center: No
How do you pass laws in Helena: You first bring up an ordinance and they have two readings before there is a vote.
Can they work at the excavation of the Eureka Mine: There may be something in the later on and the archaeologist will be having a class in the future to help scouts get their merit badge.
How old do you have to be Mayor: 18 years old

What is the Mayor biggest accomplishment in office: Mayor Penhale said bringing three new schools to Helena (after the High School is built)
Have any members been a scout: Jerry was a boy scout, Catherine was a girl scout, I think Cris said she was brownie. I didn't hear the rest so I might have missed someone.
Do people return to raise their children in Helena: Yes
Ways to improve neighborhood traffic safety: Encouraged children to ride buses.

Cheesecakes
The HMS baseball team are selling cheesecakes. If you are interested, stop by the school today and ask about it: Cookies n Cream, Reese's PB, or Strawberry $20; original $20. Delivery in Dec.

Helena Business

Essential Solutions: Helena's Cris Nelson was featured in the Shelby Co Magazine article by Carolyn Walsh. It discusses her accounting business and her service as a community leader. I have been to Cris' office but not for financial reasons (since I am broke) but her basement is the official Buck Creek Duck Cleaning site. You can read the full article here: article. Also Cris' website is located here: Essential Solutions

Helena's SnapFitness has a deal that until December 3rd. They are waiving their enrollment fee to help with your health and Christmas gifting per their fbp. For their members, if you share with your friends and they sign up, after they pay 2 months dues, your account will be credited with a $35.00 Referral reward.

Zumba Mandy Calvert is starting a Zumba class for the next couple of weeks at the Helena Community Center. It is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm. Just show up and each class is $5. They are meeting upstairs. She will also be at Dance-a-Weigh in Pelham on Wednesday at 9am!Since it is unlikely we will see a real snow today. Here is a blast from the past video of a Helena Snow:
Snow in Alabama from Woodman on Vimeo.