By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

The Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council held two separate events on Thursday, Nov. 16 that recognized the award of more than $37,000 in total grant funding and bolstered a variety of projects in the local community.

Cawaco RC&D’s grant announcement day for Shelby County organizations consisted of two events that celebrated its latest steps

During the first event of the day, which began at 10:45 a.m., State Rep. Corley Ellis, Cawaco RC&D Council representatives, Drayton Cosby of the Cosby Company, students and other guests toured Shelby County High School as they were presented displays of two separate projects that received grant funding.

The first of these two projects was an outdoor instructional garden, which received a grant in the amount $5,000 to aid in its further expansion, support and development.

“We try to make sure that we find projects that are vetted, strong and have good support,” Cosby said. “We also get projects that need seed funding in order to get started. This (garden) is just one example.”

Currently, the garden serves as an educational tool to teach gardening skills and agricultural lessons to students and also serves as a source of activities presented to the school’s special needs students. The garden’s initial development also holds its origins thanks largely to preceding grants from Cawaco.

Thanks to community support and these grants, it has now grown from a collection of garden beds to an established, fenced and landscaped area that sits adjacent to an included greenhouse.

“The fact that it has moved from where it was—from just little (garden) beds—to this is just amazing,” Ellis said. “We could not do it without the funding from Cuwaco. It speaks volumes to me on why they do what they do, it gives me chills just thinking about it. When you come out here and watch the students—its teaching them life skills. It’s an amazing thing to do”

Dustin Cleckler, who serves as an agriscience teacher at the high school, also thanked Ellis, members of the Cawaco RC&D Council and the Cosby company, which works closely with the council in their grant efforts on both the state and local level, for their continued support of the garden and the school’s program.

The second grant to go toward Shelby County High School, in the amount of $10,000, was directed toward the purchase and installation of the school’s new theater and stage sound equipment. According to Ashlyn Kuyrkendall, who serves as the school’s choir director, the previous system had been in place since the school’s construction and was partially inoperable and had long needed improvements.

“The new system is such a blessing,” said Kathryn Myrick, the school’s theatre teacher. “We’re so glad it is setup, and everyone can now see everything.”

Following the tour of the high school, Rep. Ellis, Cosby and Cawaco representatives reconvened at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum for the second event at 1:30 p.m. and were met by State Sens. Lance Bell and April Weaver. There, all attendants boarded one of the museum’s historical passenger railcars for presentations of four grants amounting to $22,198.47.

“To everyone at Cawaco RC&D, I want to thank you for being here today and helping us work with our community partners,” Weaver said. “A lot of times we do things in Montgomery that we don’t actually get to see what the end result is. (Cawaco) has always been great partners to us from a legislative standpoint and to be here today seeing all of these worthwhile projects here in our district and our county—I just want to thank you again for supporting all of these efforts, our county and our community.”

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum itself was one of the grant recipients, with a grant in the amount of $5,000 that will go toward the planned establishment of a Discovery Center which will house a miniature train display.

“We had a large model train collection donated to us from a family in South Carolina that encompassed 2,400 square feet of trains,” said Mark Walker, with the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. “It is currently in storage here in Calera and for the last two and a half years we’ve been working on how to get a building to house it as right now we just don’t have the space to put it in. We started out trying to raise money for a master site plan and learned about Cawaco through Jackie Batson with Calera Main Street. Cawaco has helped us do this master site plan and we’re most appreciative of them and of course our legislators.

In addition, John Vanderford, who serves as county extension coordinator with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, spoke on the many efforts the 4-H program undertakes to provide learning experiences to children in Shelby County. This included outdoor activities and the 4-H Clover classrooms, which were the focus of the received grant in the amount of $4,861.91.

“We are extremely blessed in Shelby County, in our office with the partners that we have,” Vanderford said. “We can show kids the impact that farmers have on all of us every single day. It’s very cool to see that lightbulb go off when they see that. They learn that they can make real money (with agriculture) too. They don’t have to have a thousand acres and a tractor, they can make real money doing it with no background, they just have to be exposed to it.”

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the primary outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, which delivers research-based educational programs that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

In addition, The Shoal Creek Park Foundation was awarded a grant in the amount of $7,826.03 for their efforts in bettering and expanding the parks offerings including the emplacement of park benches along the trail.

The Shelby County Historical Society also received funding with a grant in the amount of $4,510.53 for their development of the Shelby Iron Works Park’s Historic Ruins Walking Trail.

Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development is a non-profit organization that supports educational and community development projects in Central Alabama throughout Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties.

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Sabah Angeles, a local resident, member of Helena’s Diversity & Inclusion board and a mental health nurse practitioner tells why she and her family love their hometown. 

Friendly Neighbors and Close-Knit Community:

The Genuine Camaraderie

Helena is more than just a town; it’s a place where neighbors become friends, and the community becomes an extended family.  The genuine camaraderie among residents is palpable as you walk through the town’s streets.  It’s true that you will often find impromptu gatherings on front porches, community events that bring everyone together, and a sense of belonging that truly sets Helena apart.  The bonds formed here make Helena a special place to live.

Love for Fall in Helena

The Picture-Perfect Halloween

Fall is a magical season in Helena, and my family and I wholeheartedly embrace its arrival. We eagerly anticipate the Sunbury Cemetery Haunted House, put together by local residents, which adds a spine-tingling experience and a thrilling twist to the season.  We also love Helena’s Hollow Pumpkin Patch, which offers endless fun with pumpkin picking, corn mazes and hayrides.  And let’s not forget the picture-perfect Halloween with brimming trick-or-treaters, cozy bonfires, sipping hot apple cider from friendly neighbors, and getting lost in the charm of the town’s autumn decorations.

Walking Trails and Parks

Breathtaking Views of the Surrounding Landscapes

Helena’s natural beauty shines through its well-maintained walking trails and scenic parks.  Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape, you’re in for a treat.  Helena offers a network of enchanting walking trails that wind through lush forests, meander along tranquil creeks, and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.  In Helena, spending time outdoors isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life.

Community Events and Festivals

Entertainment, Food, and Family-Friendly Activities

Helena embraces its community spirit through a series of delightful events and festivals throughout the year.  From the Helena Market Days, featuring local artisans and farmers, to the Unity festival, which is organized by the D&I board committee members, and, of course, the renowned Buck Creek festival.

Balance of Old-World-Charm and Modern Amenities

Seamlessly blending the best of both worlds. 

Stepping into this quintessential southern town feels like entering into a Hallmark movie or taking a journey back in time, thanks to its historic architecture and small, picturesque buildings lining the streets.  But, what sets Helena apart is that it manages to preserve its historic charm while offering the modern conveniences that enhance daily life.  I can enjoy the ease of access to grocery stores, restaurants and shops, ensuring that everything I may need is within reach.  Therefore, the unique balance of old-world charm and modern amenities is what makes Helena, Alabama, a truly special place and a place I’ve called home for over 8 years.

The post My Helena: Sabah Angeles and her family love the city of Helena appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.

Ian Johnigan, a Helena High School senior and basketball player, discusses his love of the sport of basketball and his plans for the future in this month’s sports Q&A.

How did you first get into basketball?

I first started playing basketball back in 3rd grade. Although it has been a part of my life since I can remember. I was always surrounded by it with my father and when he would coach men’s leagues

Who has been the most influential person to you in your journey with the sport?

The most influential person in my basketball has been Coach Keon Williams. He was my coach when I played at Hoover High School in 9th grade. He really showed me what it means for a coach to believe in you and push you. He would tell me “I know you can do better than that”, I didn’t understand it at the time but it showed me that he knew that I had something more in me but at the same time he encouraged me and let me play my game

What’s been your most memorable experience in basketball so far?

My most memorable experience would have to be the first game of my Helena High School career. I moved to Helena in 2021. The first game of the season I came out on fire and had over 20 points. It really boosted my confidence as a player overall

Do you believe that your playing style has evolved over your high school career?

I think that at the beginning of my high school career I was a definite catch and shoot type of player. I feel as though over the past few years I have moved my game to more of an overall type of player who can shoot high percentage from beyond the arch but can also create shots and get to the free throw line as well.

What lessons have you learned from basketball that you’ll carry with you beyond high school?

I will definitely take with me that remaining positive and believing in yourself is the best thing that you can do. This is far beyond basektball because in regular, everyday life, if you do not believe in your own self, no one else can for you. Also remaining positive even when things are not going how you think they should or how you think they should. Remaining positive will trick your brain into thinking that you can do it even when odds are stacked against you

Do you have any professional players that you look up to or attempt to model your game after?

I definitely model my game after Klay Thompson. I have always watched him growing up. He was behind the spot light of Steph Curry but when you take a look at his job for the team and what he brings to the team its amazing. He is the best pure shooter that has played the game. He is not to fancy with what he does but he gets payed alot of money to make shots.

How do you manage your balance between academics and your commitment to the sport?

I really just have learned over the years how to manage time. I have a lot of things going on in my life and things that could get put off for other things but I try not to procrastinate with things that I need to do. School comes first because you cannot be a great athlete with poor grades

Both on and off the court, what are your goals for your senior year?

My main goal is to enjoy every moment of it. Even when its not going as I hope, still having fun is the biggest thing I look for. Points and highlights are cool and everything but if your not having fun then it’s not fun

Do you have any plans or desire moving forward to play college basketball?

I definitely do have desires of playing basketball in college. I am leaving that up to God to see what he wants me to do with my life and the plan he has for me. If I do not go the path of college basketball, I am planning to run my business full time while becoming a firefighter

What advice would you give to upcoming players and those joining the team next year?

It’s never as easy as it seems. All the glitz and glimmer of highlight tapes and cool dunks and everything don’t just come overnight. Also, what you think is “good”, maybe someone else’s “average”. Basketball is really competitive, especially in highschool and college. You have to find someone that you want to strive to be and research what they do for workouts and in their “free time”. You have to be obsessed with the grind, or you will never be the player you want to be

What has been the most challenging aspect of the game in your opinion? and what have you done to work toward overcoming it?

The most challenging part is definitely playing for coaches that do not think the same as me or are not open to change. When you think as a player that something should be changed to benefit you or your teammates and the coach is not open to that, its really hard to fight through. I have tried to just play my game, know what I can do to help the team and be successful

Outside of basketball, what are your main interests and hobbies?

I really enjoy landscaping. I own my own business for that and have a good clientele. I also enjoy photography and videography. I video for the football team when I can.

The post Sports Q&A: Ian Johnigan talks basketball and plans for the future appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

HELENA – Helena’s Boy Scout Troop 532 will host a special pancake breakfast with a special expected guest on Saturday, Dec. 2.

On the morning of the Helena Christmas Parade and before the event gets underway, Helena residents will have the opportunity to grab a pancake breakfast and have their pictures taken with Santa Claus before he makes his grand appearance atop Helena’s firetruck.

Scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and run until 11 a.m., the pancake breakfast will be held at the Helena Sports Complex and will seek to raise funds for the troop and to provide a fun and festive kick off for the holiday season.

This event will serve as a replacement for the Helena Boy Scout Troop’s Christmas tree sale, which was discontinued in 2021 after 15 years due to dwindling tree supplies and rising transportation costs brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are a boy-led troop,” Scoutmaster Michael O’Brien said. “Overwhelmingly, our scouts kept telling us that they wanted to figure out some other way for us to try and be a part of the holiday tradition. So, we came up with a pancake breakfast with Santa.”

With the goal of selling several hundred tickets to the event, the primary hope for Troop 532 is to raise money for their general fund, which will allow the troop to offset the costs of the program, purchase equipment and continue to promote scouting for future members.

This fundraising event comes at the cusp of a major change for Troop 532, which will be changing chartered organizations after the start of the new year. Since 1985, the troop has been chartered by the Helena Methodist Church but this will change on Jan. 1 due to the church’s disaffiliation with the United Methodist Church and their subsequent decision to discontinue their support of scouting.

After Jan. 1, the troop, which currently stands at over 60 scouts strong and which has produced 28 Eagle Scouts since 2020, will be chartered by the Church at Cahaba Bend.

“We are looking forward to becoming another part of their growing family and outreach starting Jan. 1,” O’Brien said. “The troop is excited about the future and is looking forward to continuing to serve the Helena community.

Troops leaders always encourage the growth of the troop and want the community to know that spots are always available. Boys who are interested in joining the troop can contact Scoutmaster O’Brien at obrie007@bellsouth.net.

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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer 

CALERA – Calera Main Street will offer festive features as part of the city’s Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25.

From 8:30 a.m. to noon, Downtown Calera will welcome a visit from Santa Claus that marks his fourth annual visit to the city. The visit and tour serve to encourage everyone to shop small after Black Friday and to bring more holiday shopping and traffic to small and locally owned businesses.

Santa’s visit this year is sponsored by local Realtors Alicia Anderson and Lisa Guarino from ERA King Real Estate.

“This event is very important to me as a small business myself,” Lisa Guarino said. “Our tagline is ‘Your Neighbor, Your Realtor!’ and we try to practice what we preach. Having lived in Calera for more than 15 years, I believe in supporting our fellow small businesses. We are excited about what’s ahead for our historic district and jumped at the opportunity to help out by sponsoring Santa. We have goodie bags planned, festive attire, and bells ready, it’s going to be a fun day for our community.”

The event will officially kick off at Calera’s new courtyard pavilion located at 1120 17th Avenue, Calera, AL 35040, behind the shops in historic downtown.

“Our pavilion is the first new structure of Phase One of the Downtown Development Plan,” Executive Director of Calera Main Street Jackie Batson said. “There is still some finishing work to be done, but we are thrilled that we will be able to use it for this event. We are having one of our Calera High School musical groups performing their unique style of music with Christmas carols mixed in. They will kick off the morning under the pavilion where families will gather. Children will receive sleigh bells to welcome Santa’s arrival at 9:00.”

Santa’s visit will involve multiple stops throughout town, with the first being at Creations Galore and Moore. There, Santa will introduce the Sing Cordelia Sing Vocal Studio as they present “Cookies and Carols.” He will then swing in for a visit at Adventurer’s Coffee Co. and enjoy hot cocoa and listen to and receive letters addressed to him from local children. Before departing, he will then make one last stop at Plant, Gifts and Décor for another photo opportunity.

The full schedule for the day is as follows:

• 8:30 a.m. – The band Flat Cap Boggins performs
• 9:00 a.m. – Santa arrives at the new pavilion
• 9:30 a.m. – Santa at Creations Galore and Moore for “Cookies & Carols”
• 10:45 a.m. – Santa at Adventurer’s Coffee Co. for “Letters to Santa”
• 11:15 a.m. – Santa at plant for “Pictures with Santa”
• Noon – Santa heads back to North Pole

The post Calera announces Small Business Saturday appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

CALERA – The city of Calera announced that they have finished the installation of new security cameras in all of its major parks in an official press release on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 16.

In that announcement, the city cited recent statistics that show a rise in property crimes across the nation, especially in public and parks and recreation areas, as the primary cause for the new installations.

The cameras, which were put in place by the Calera IT Department and with collaboration from the Calera Police Department, were placed strategically throughout every park in the city and now provide clear and live coverage that will serve to safeguard not only the properties but the residents that use them.

“Our department has been transitioning our communication center into a Real Time Crime center to enhance our ability to prevent crime, solve crime and interrupt crimes in progress,” Calera Chief of Police David Hyche said. “The national trend has been to disband department dispatch centers but I believe that enhancing our internal capabilities and expanding the scope of our training is much more effective.”

Unlike older model cameras, the ones now in place provide real-time monitoring and constantly transmit live feeds directly to the CPD’s dispatch center. In that capacity, officers will also be able to view these feeds directly from their patrol and response vehicles through their in-car computers.

“This technological advancement ensures that our law enforcement is not only present on-site but also has a bird’s-eye view of the entire park network, enhancing their ability to respond swiftly and effectively,” read the release from the city.

What this means for the capabilities and reaction times to officers responding to incidents that occur on these properties is multi-faceted. Not only will CPD officers no longer have to wait for incidents to be reported, they will be able to react as the event unfolds. Strategically placed camera coverage will also allow for the quick identification of suspect vehicles and potentially the suspects themselves.

“Having the capability to monitor cameras, directly communicate with our citizens and officers and conduct real time analytics for our officers in the field is vital in today’s evolving high-tech world,” Hyche said. “These enhancements will further assure us that if anyone ever creates a list of the least hospitable US cities for criminals, Calera will be on it”

The post Calera installs new cameras in all city parks appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

CALERA – The Calera City Council voted unanimously to approve a feasibility study that will investigate the city’s potential separation from Shelby County Schools during a regularly scheduled city council session on Monday, Nov. 20.

A public hearing was held during the session on the topic of the feasibility study and members of the audience were allowed to speak openly on the subject.

At the beginning of the session, and prior to public comments, Calera Major Jon Graham spoke in length regarding the potential vote and what it would mean for the city going forward in the event of its passage.

“This is an opportunity for us, the city, to afford a study that would indicate whether or not—and also to help formulate a plan—to move forward with forming a city of Calera school system,” Graham said. “If the city of Calera were to move forward beyond this study, we would incorporate all of our school facilities in the city that are (at this time) operated by the Shelby County Board of Education. At this time, the only thing we are talking about is a feasibility study.”

Graham went on to clarify that in its current state, the study is expected to take at least four months of in-depth work to complete, but in his own estimation stated it could possibly take six months at the longest provided unforeseen circumstances. Graham was also straightforward in his assessment of what the potential outcomes of the study might be in the event that it were to move forward.

“If the feasibility study comes back and says, ‘You don’t have the funds,’ it’s a no brainer, we go back and try to deal with what funds we have available,” Graham said. “If the feasibility study comes back and says, ‘Yes, you can afford this.’ Then we bring that back to the public and the council gets to make that decision. All of this takes time.”

Once the floor was open to public comment, a number of individuals approached the center of the room to have their voices heard. While several voiced their hesitancy to support a separation from Shelby County Schools and a select few expressed their strong doubts that the city had the economic base with which to support such a separation, a strong majority were in favor of at least pursuing the feasibility study to find what options were available to the community.

Ashley Burks, a mother of three children who attend Calera schools, was one community member in favor of the feasibility study.

“I think the finance director spoke many times on where those funds would come from,” Burks said. “I think that if we’ve trusted the finance director all this time, and she has stated where those funds are going to come from, I don’t understand the issue of not giving citizens the options. It’s a feasibility study, we’re just trying to see what it is that we need to do.”

Burks went on to say that even if the study comes back with information that suggests Calera should not move forward with its own school system, it will be worthwhile to know the answers and information moving forward and to discover what aspects might need to be improved in the city if they ever wish to do so in the future.

“I have a senior, I have a ninth grader and I also have a second grader,” Burks said. “Whatever your decision is, it is going impact me and my family. We’re just asking for the option.”

During the meeting, council members made critiques and brought up several questions regarding the move.

Councilmember Turner asked why the committee had only presented the city with one quote and potential study, rather than a multitude of choices. It was a question that received a number of responses from committee members and other city officials.

“When you look at Dr. Ira Harvey’s resume it is extensive,” Calera Parks and Rec Director Seth Gandy said. “He blew us away with his knowledge (on the subject) and he came highly recommended by multiple sources, including Satsuma.”

Gandy went on to detail the long list of sources that recommended the services of Dr. Harvey, which included Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield, and several school systems that have utilized his services in the past. As a result of these recommendations, and from meetings with Harvey, the committee determined he was the best choice.

“I believe when you’re doing something of this nature, that you get what you pay for,” Gandy said. “I personally don’t feel like we should go with the cheaper or lesser person if we’re not getting the same level of expertise.”

Kelly Ellison, Calera’s finance director, echoed this sentiment and further established that the decision to go with Harvey’s study was backed by his already extensive coverage and study of Shelby County.

“It’s very important to use someone that’s done a study in Shelby County,” Ellison said. “There’s only been three studies done in Shelby County and we’ve diligently looked through all three studies and came to the conclusion on Ira Harvey (due to) studies that he did at Pelham and Alabaster—because he already has knowledge of Shelby County.”

As members of the public continued to speak, there appeared to be a clear line of support for the feasibility study, albeit not as universal as the public turnout during the Nov. 6 session.

“The main concern for us is education,” Shamel Young said. “Our kids are failing so much in school, you’d be surprised how much they are failing at school. We need this study done.”

Other speakers expressed similar concerns, with another voicing that while he did not believe Calera’s schools were terrible in relation to the schooling he had received growing up in southern Alabama, they could easily be better and that the community wanted them to be better. Another speaker voiced her opinion that regardless of the study, the community should take more upon themselves to support and volunteer as a community in the schools to pick up slack wherever it exists, especially in the time between the vote and the potential study’s conclusion.

However, while every other comment of the night came from adult members of the community, which included local residents, business owners, volunteers and parents of students, the standout comment came from the sole student of a Calera school who elected to speak.

Aubrey Stewart, who is a senior at Calera High School, vocally lent her support to the feasibility study as other students cheered her on from the back of the audience.

“I know that I’ve heard multiple times that we need to email the board as a community and the school to try and make a difference for our community, but as a student—and all of us in the back two rows there, we’re all students—we email, we’ve sent our concerns and no one responds,” Stewart said. “We sit there and we need a change because there is nothing happening. Nobody is listening to us, nobody is doing anything.”

Stewart went on to cite her feelings that Calera’s students were being ignored in the current situation and that quick and urgent change is needed moving forward.

“This study needs to happen for us to have a change because there is nothing happening,” Stewart said. “There’s no difference and it’s hard for us to be in this school. As a senior, I’ve been in Calera since I was born, I was raised here and been in school here since kindergarten. There’s no difference, there’s nothing happening when we email. I just think this study needs to happen.”

Stewart’s words were met with loud applause from her classmates and members of the audience, and served as a natural conclusion to the public hearing which was ended following her statement.

Following Stewart’s comments, the Council voted unanimously to approve the funding for the feasibility study, which amounted to $85,000.

In other news the City Council also approved the following:

• A resolution awarding engineering services for State Road 25 Railway Highway Grade Separation Project FY22RCE
• Authorized the acceptance of a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to construct sewer improvements in the city limits.
• A proposal for streetscape improvements in downtown Calera.
• Authorized the application and acceptance of the Shelby County Commission Department of Development Services Park and Recreation grant.
• Appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustments

The post Calera City Council unanimously approves feasibility study to leave SCS appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

HELENA – Mayor Brian Puckett and the Helena City Council centered a spotlight on the city’s educators during a regularly scheduled city council meeting on the evening of Monday, Nov. 13.

For the second time this year, the city supported its educators by publicly presenting 41 teachers with Teacher Assistance Grants (TAG) that totaled more than $64,500.

Prior to the main focus of the night’s meeting, the City Council also issued a proclamation that named Saturday, Nov. 25 as Small Business Saturday.

“This is a proclamation we like to do every year,” Puckett said. “It’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We really have so many great small businesses here in town and we encourage everyone to go shopping local and to shop small on Saturday, Nov. 25.”

Following the proclamation, Puckett led the grant awards ceremony and announced that for this iteration of the TAG grants, 63 teachers across the five schools in the Helena area applied for grant money in requests that totaled $228,231.56. Of those teachers, Puckett proudly announced that 41 of them had been awarded their requested funds at a total of $64,772.67.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the committee who helps with the selection,” Puckett said. “It’s never fun to have to turn anyone away for these grants, but it’s a good problem to have because we have so many great ideas coming in from teachers. It also couldn’t be done without the funding that gets approved in the budget by the council.”

The fall 2023 iteration of the awards is the sixth time that Helena has awarded its teachers money through the TAG grants, and it has served as a special area of focus for Puckett, who started the grants in the first quarter after his taking office.

“We’ve had 217 teachers apply in the six times we’ve offered these grants,” Puckett said. “Out of that, 174 teachers have been awarded (so far). That totals right under half a million dollars that has gone directly into the teacher’s classrooms. It’s always a wonderful thing.”

The grants awarded during the ceremony were primarily for physical items that will be used in classrooms, such as books, boards, technologies and lab equipment. However, other teachers were also awarded funds to attend additional trainings and conferences that will serve to further educate and broaden their teaching capabilities.

“Not only are we providing ‘stuff’ in people’s classrooms,” Puckett said. “We are also getting people to different kinds of conferences for professional development to be able to make sure that our teachers are the best they can be now and down the road.”

In total, 10 teachers from Helena Elementary School, seven from Helena Intermediate, seven from Helena Middle, 11 from Helena High and six from the Hillsboro School were awarded grants.

The Following TAG grants were awarded to teachers:

Helena Elementary School: $11,840.27 total

• Leah Jordan with $1,924.03 for five round and one rectangular tables; two sets of drawer storage.
• Brandi Abernathy with $1,417.51 for fees to attend the Blue Ribbon School Conference.
• Allie Clement with $1,417.51 for fees to attend the Blue Ribbon School Conference.
• Julie Stephens with $1,417.51 for fees to attend the Blue Ribbon School Conference.
• Jan Hughey with $1,189.46 for fees to attend the Blue Ribbon School Conference.
• Allison Festavan with $1,189.46 for fees to attend the Blue Ribbon School Conference.
• Amy Rooker with $871.51 for fees to attend the Blue Ribbon School Conference.
• Jennifer Newhouse with $1,226.31 for three standing desks and three tilt stools.
• Lillian Brewer with $955.16 for 24 starter set of SPIRE decodable readers.
• Amy Anderson with of $231.81 for five various STEM kits.

Helena Intermediate School: $7,151.09 total

• Jill Davis with $1,730.57 for a Caris Snider author visit and 42 books.
• Sierra Cutts with $1,495.00 for five iPad sets.
• Ashleigh Marshall with $1,010.52 for three iPad sets.
• Alicia Smith with $920.00 for 240 Gizmo subscriptions.
• Sarah Hopper with $860.00 for Creality 3D printer and filament, Keva planks building blocks set with storage and Legos with storage.
• Amanda Miller with $720.00 for three rugs, 15 poof chairs with additional fill and an activity table.
• Kathryn Harrison with $415.00 for admission fee for the SHAA conference.

Helena Middle School: $10,449.20 total

• Lori Walley with $2,000.00 for sensory items for the classroom including handheld tools.
• Olivia Snyder with $2,000.00 for 47 life skills lab items.
• Lena Kilgore with $2,000.00 for 26 items including furniture and supplies for the Huskey Pride winners.
• Cheryl Godsey with $1,500.00 for sets of the High Noon book series.
• Michelle Evans with $1,500.00 for assistant technology, educational supplies, sensory tools, books, classroom. organization and storage and professional development.
• JaNae Bozeman, Crystal Chiles-Benton and Christine Hoffman with $1,198.68 for 12 magnetic mobile white boards.
• Jessica Garcia with $250.52 for 28 books for their classroom.

Helena High School: $24,187.84 total

• Mark Hendren with $6,500.00 for cameras, microphones and tripods for digital media.
• Brandon McCabe with $4,880.00 for two tennis ball machines, four tennis carts, six cases of balls, 30 flags for football, 10 footballs, two sets of cones and yard markers.
• Lindsey Watson with $3,900.00 for 6×12 enclosed utility trailer for color guard.
• Jordan Smith with $1,703.00 for classroom furniture and sensory items.
• Spring McKinney with $1,000.00 for funds for the Peer Helpers program.
• Michelle Branson with $1,398.00 for supplies for cake decorating.
• Sommer Simpson with $1,248.00 for gardening education supplies.
• Tracy Williams with $1,053.00 for an iPad bundle.
• Erika Burns with$1,000.00 for city collaborative project supplies.
• Ryan Dudchock with $894.00 for Vitruve linear encoder.
• Jonathan Mincey with $611.84 for iPad and case.

The Hillsboro School: $11,144.27 total

• Shamima Hassan with $3,087.98 for outdoor instructional equipment.
• Hannah Alexander with $2,559.12 for language arts and math curriculum tools.
• Lydia Edwards with $2,154.17 for language arts and reading materials.
• Britney Doe with $1,743.00 for gardening education equipment.
• Patrick Schrader with $1,000.00 for materials to build a chicken coop.
• Taylor Steele with $600.00 for a garden weather station.

In other news the City Council also approved the following:

• An amendment to the General Fund Budget for the Farmers Market in the amount of $5,615
• A resolution approving an ALDOT agreement for the installation, operation and maintenance of a traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 261 and Sarah Lane.
• Annexation ordinances for 4510, 4518, 4500 and 4515 Eaglewood Drive

The post Helena awards TAG grants at city council meeting appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

ALABASTER – With the Christmas season quickly approaching, local residents and visitors to Alabaster are preparing for the return of the city’s Christmas parade.

The parade, which has long served as the pinnacle of the city’s holiday celebrations, will return on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. and will see residents, local businesses and students representing a wide variety of class organizations all march together along Highway 31. The event is organized and directed by Alabaster city personnel.

“The Christmas parade goes back multiple decades, and we’ll easily have several thousand spectators lined up along the parade route on U.S. 31 the day of the event,” said Neal Wagner, public relations manager for the city of Alabaster. “We’ll have dozens of floats participating in the parade, with our fire department escorting Santa Claus at the end of the route.”

In years past, the parade has begun at Long Lewis Ford and proceeded south to the now former Alabaster Police Station. It then turns and goes over the train tracks, past Alabaster Auto and past the Thrift Store shopping center. The parade traditionally ends at the stop sign in front of Southbrook Village on 1st Street Southwest.

“Next to the Alabaster Arts Council’s CityFest event, I believe the Christmas parade is the most well-attended event in Alabaster each year,” Wagner said.

The parade will occur rain or shine unless the conditions become unsafe for participants and spectators. There are no fees to register for the parade and anyone can apply, however, the city of Alabaster reserves the right to refuse any person or organization.

“We’re really looking forward to kicking off the Christmas season in a few weeks,” Wagner said.

This year’s theme for the Christmas parade will be “Christmas at the movies.”

The post Alabaster Christmas parade readies for annual march appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

ALABASTER – The city of Alabaster is gearing up for a return to the Christmas holiday season as it prepares to present the annual lighting of the historic water tower and Festival of Trees on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m.

One of the city’s newest traditions, Alabaster’s annual water tower lighting was first displayed in 2020 and it now returns for its third iteration. The event will see the tower illuminated from below in alternating red and green lighting as city residents and visitors congregate on the greenspace.

“It’s quickly become one of our most popular and well-attended events each year, and we expect to have several hundred visitors in attendance again this year,” said Neal Wagner, public relations manager for the city of Alabaster.

The event will also feature a trackless train ride, vendors, food trucks and a stage for live musical performances. Children at the event will also have the opportunity to have their pictures taken Santa Claus.

This year will also mark the second time that Alabaster will host the Festival of Trees next to city hall at the water tower’s greenspace.

“We started hosting the Festival of Trees next to city hall last year, and have made it a part of the city’s Christmas celebration as well,” Wagner said. “We’re very thankful to our Parks and Recreation and facilities departments for all the hard work they put in to make these events possible.”

Alabaster’s Festival of Trees, although starting the same night as the water tower lighting celebration, will run through the remainder of December and conclude on Jan. 2 after the new year begins.

Those who registered for the event and paid the $250 entry fee will have the ability to decorate a single 7-8-foot live tree and showcase printed signage identifying themselves as the tree’s sponsor. Local businesses, organizations and individuals will also have the ability to advertise on the city’s website and Facebook page as part of their event registration.

On Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., registrants will have the opportunity to choose a tree on a first come first serve basis and begin their decorations. Participants will then have their trees take part in a judging and tree lighting ceremony that will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30 before their official unveiling during the celebration on Dec. 1.

A portion of each entry fee will go toward the provision of Christmas gifts for local families and children in need via Shelby County Emergency Services.

The post Alabaster readies for annual water tower lighting and Festival of Trees appeared first on Shelby County Reporter.